THERE was disappointment expressed over the small turnout at a meet the candidates forum in Tuncurry last week.
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It was estimated that only 70 to 80 people attended the forum at Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club last Wednesday (March 4).
Organiser Ted Bickford said he had anticipated a much larger audience but said a diverse range of questions had been put to the candidates which made for an interesting forum.
Residents heard from all four candidates: current Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead; Greens candidate Stephen Ballantine; Independent Steve Attkins and Labor candidate David Keegan.
Each candidate was given a five minute opening address to detail their key policies. The meeting was chaired by Great Lakes Library manager Chris Jones.
The first candidate to speak was Independent Steve Attkins who also expressed disappointment over the small attendance.
“I am disappointed that the room is so small. It is a privilege to vote. Nevertheless it is an absolute privilege to be here tonight,” he said.
Attkins said the Myall Lakes was a socio-economically disadvantaged region and believes more funding needs to be allocated towards economic development as well as policing and infrastructure.
“I put my hand up because I’m passionate. I work in economic development for Taree council and it’s something that we are still working on here in the Great Lakes. I think it’s a major part of growing a region,” he said.
As a local doctor, Labor candidate, David Keegan’s passions lie with health and disability services but said he is particularly concerned about the high costs of living, the sell off of poles and wires, coal seam gas (CSG) mining and the Going Home, Staying Home reforms. He also spoke of the need for more funding for Manning Hospital.
Greens candidate Stephen Ballantine said one of the biggest issues facing the electorate is whether our water supply is going be permanently poisoned by CSG operations in Gloucester.
“One decision we all have to make is whether or not we want that to continue,” Mr Ballantine said.
“What is it going to be like if we can’t drink our water at all?”
The current member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead said since being in office he has helped deliver positive change for the electorate. He pointed to a boost in health services at Manning Hospital as an example.
“When we came in, our hospital was in jeopardy. We now have a new general surgeon, an oncologist, six more nurses and a midwife.”
Mr Bromhead said if re-elected, he promised to fight for more police and funding for education.
The forum acted as a fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service with volunteers collecting donations on the night.
