True to her word that the Labor Party would not be slowing down in the lead up to Saturday's election, incumbent MP Meryl Swanson was juggling funding announcements and media engagements with pre-polling during the last week of campaigning.
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On Monday the Paterson candidate frontrunner, who many are predicting will win the seat in a canter, made a series of promises in the Port Stephens LGA, including $16,000 for Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre and $30,000 for Raymond Terrace-based Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services.
Ms Swanson attended the Monday evening Candidate's Forum in WIlliamtown, pledging $10 million to complete the remediation of drains in Williamtown, doubling the total funding to $20 million.
This was followed on Tuesday with a $1.4 million commitment - on the condition Labor wins power - to extend and upgrade Little Beach boat ramp to prevent the build-up of sand that has left motorists bogged and boats and trailers damaged.
"We will invest to make the ramp higher to allow sand to go under the ramp, and longer so boats are able to safely access deep water in low tide. The four lane ramp will not be widened to prevent any impact on the nearby marine park," Ms Swanson said.
"The regular build-up of sand from nearby Shoal Bay has left Port Stephens Council to remove around 6000 tonnes of sand a year at a cost of around $50,000."
Ms Swanson said that the Paterson electorate could look forward to the delivery of new and improved services and projects under a newly elected Shorten Labor Government.
They include across Paterson 50 full time jobs for Centrelink across and $23.6 million in additional funding for all schools.
Schools have fared well with $20,000 for Bobs Farm Public interactive whiteboards, $46,431 for STEM equipment at Tomaree High and $55,000 for outdoor areas at Irrawang Public.
Medowie Palygroup gets $5000.
Labor has also matched the Liberal's $1.6 billion to fund the M1 extension from Black Hill to Raymond Terrace and will invest over $1 billion to drive vital mental health and suicide prevention reform.
"We will invest $197 million to trial four Headspace plus community-based hubs for youth mental health and will improve services and support for carers, as well as invest in making Australia more accessible and inclusive when it comes to disability services," Ms Swanson said.
A Shorten government will also invest $160 million to upgrade and expand emergency departments and slash ED waiting times.
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