Port Stephens has a new state representative in Labor’s Kate Washington, while the Myall Lakes seat was retained by Stephens Bromhead for the Nationals.

With an unprecedented swing of 21 percent, Kate swept Liberal candidate Ken Jordan aside as she stepped in with a new broom.

Speaking with Kate, she said, “I would like to send a heartfelt thankyou to the people of Port Stephens.”

“The people have shown their trust in me and I will endeavour “to return that trust through hard work. The result reflects the fact that the people of Port Stephens feel they have not been respected for a long time. I will show my respect for them by ‘going back to the basics’ and returning respect to the community.” Kate said.

Kate she will advocate vigorously for our area with her first priority “ensuring the delivery of promises made to the people of Port Stephens.”

“I have had several conversations with the Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens progress Association recently and I want the people of the area to know that I have listened and will push hard to ensure that you are not ignored.”

“Right now I want to make sure the promised work on the wharves in Tea Gardens is carried out and that the dredging of the Short Cut and re-nourishment of Jimmy’s Beach go to schedule.”

In the middle of a tight media schedule, Kate once more wished to thank the people for their “trust and votes.”

Stephen Bromhead, from the Nationals party has kept his seat for the Myall Lakes area.
Myall Coast News contacted Stephen and he said he was happy that the people of the Myall Lakes electorate put their trust in him.

“It is a honour and privilege to work for this community and I will be addressing the concerns of the community.”
When the question was put to him about what the priorities of the Myall Lakes area were, Stephen Bromhead replied:
“$19 million will go towards water security.
This will include works on the Nabiac borefield and the Manning River.
The effect will be to help the dairy farmers and work towards making the area drought proof.
In Nerong and Coomba Park there will be funding for water and sewerage services.”
Stephen Bromhead also spoke about the building of a one stop NSW Service shop at Taree/Forster where all government transactions like obtaining driver’s license or marriage certificates will take place.
In Taree there will funding for seven more police, bringing the total force up to sixteen.
When asked specifically about the Bulahdelah area, Stephen Bromhead spoke about $20 million going towards hospital services.
This will go towards Stages 2 and 3 of the Bulahdelah Hospital.
“It was under my leadership that the Bulahdelah Hospital remained open.
The Nationals provided one extra paramedic which means there is a 24 hour emergency service for the Bulahdelah area.
Extra services like the physiotherapist and hospital-in-the-home have been provided.”
Stephen Bromhead concluded by saying that he is looking forward to talking to people about their concerns and thanks them for their support.