Top party pledges

By Jonathon Howard

IT’S THE final week of campaigning for the state election with residents set to cast their votes on Saturday, March 25, at polling sites across the Northern Rivers.

Our incumbents for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, and Tweed, Geoff Provest, have kindly compiled a list of respective pledges for the two electorates should their party secure leadership.

A Minns Labor government has pledged almost a dozen offers on the table for Murwillumbah alone.

First and foremost, a Minns government will keep Murwillumbah’s four public schools open and commence consultation with all school communities on infrastructure upgrades, including the continuation of Murwillumbah High’s current capital works.

A Minns government will provide additional policing resources for Murwillumbah Police Station, starting with $3.7 million for recruitment of additional officers, provision of other services and upgrades, and an implementation plan to make Murwillumbah Police Station 24/7.

Labor has promised to invest $30 million for a Build-to-Rent pilot program in Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, Lismore and Ballina, delivering more long-term affordable rental housing for the Northern Rivers region.

Hub 2484 Murwillumbah would be provided with $40,000 for much-needed flood preparation and flood recovery projects.

Labor has promised $30,000 to RiverTracks, Murwillumbah towards running trade skills youth workshops designed to educate and empower youth at risk of disengaging from education.

A total of $10,000 would be provided to Murwillumbah Croquet Club Incorporated for repairing, prepping and painting the exterior of its historic clubhouse.

On the flipside, a re-elected Coalition Per- rottet government has pledged 14 items that will benefit the Tweed Shire.

Among them is a pledge to have free parking at all regional public hospitals.

A total of $1 billion has been promised to upgrade local roads and rail infrastructure, and $1.2 billion for new and upgraded public schools.

Households will receive a $250 off household power bills under the Coalition, if consumers compare their energy deal with Service NSW.

A Perrottet government would allow firsthome buyers to choose between stamp duty and an annual land tax.

The Coalition will also provide an additional $23 million to Surf Life Saving NSW for new equipment and vehicles.

In a move designed to fix our waterways, the Coalition is offering $33 million for a long-term state-wide approach to dredging our waterways.

A re-elected Coalition government would provide small businesses with up to $1000 over two years towards licences and government fees and charges.

Under the Coalition, pharmacy regulations would be reformed to allow access to more health services without having to see a GP including enabling pharmacists to prescribe medication to treat urinary tract infections and to renew prescriptions for the contraceptive pill.