It should not be difficult to limit misuse of the area by requiring that a person remains in the vehicle (gathering of number plate data of unoccupied cars should allow penalties for misuse to be imposed). I understand the airport at Tullamarine in Victoria has such a waiting area.

Also read: Letters to the editor, June 20

I totally agree with Chris Miles, (Examiner, Letters, June 13) regarding the very ugly crane that has been allowed to remain on a building site that has not progressed in any fashion for two years now.

Surely there is a time limit as to how long it can remain on the Nelson Bay skyline?

I urge Port Stephens Council to initiate steps to remove this ugly eyesore ASAP.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, June 13

It is often easier for some to criticise what is lacking than praise what is done right.

Therefore, I am writing this to commend the terrific job the Berejiklian Government has done in balancing investment across all aspects of good 'Australian-lifestyle' in the NSW budget; including infrastructure, health, education, environment, age care, sports and recreation, agriculture and security - with a focus to grow healthier, thriving and safer regional communities in NSW.

I highly encourage people to download NSW budget papers which are presented in an easy to understand format.

Some of budget promises worth highlighting are: 250,000 new jobs over next four years, $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, $1.8 billion drought assistance, 8,300 frontline health staff over four years with 45 per cent located in regional NSW; 4,600 extra teachers, 40 new and upgraded schools, $70 million over four years for free mobile dental clinics for children, $23.5 million to expand Lifeline & Kids Helpline, $65 million for new and upgraded police stations, $149.5 million to improve NSW National Parks' access and 100,000 fee-free TAFE and VET courses.

Locally, there is a further $205 million to duplicate Nelson Bay Road between Williamtown and Bobs Farm - in addition to $70 million previously allocated.

An immediate review of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, $20 million to investigate Special Activation Precincts in Parkes, Wagga Wagga and Williamtown is also included.

If that's not worth the praise, I am not sure what is.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, June 6

Recently I ran as an Independent for the seat of Port Stephens at the March state election.

Since then I have been approached on numerous occasions by members of the pubic asking how I fared and if I intend to run again.

Let me start with the words of that great mind of last century, Maxwell Smart; "missed it by that much".

My final results are as follows: I gained 1,756 votes and I thank each and everyone of those individuals. This equates to 3.5 per cent of the overall votes cast which placed me fourth behind the Greens by 129 votes. Now, if I use the same spin that the major parties would use, I gained the largest positive swing of all the candidates in the seat of Port Stephens at +3.5 per cent. This however, was not difficult as I had never run before.

As for the question regarding 'would I run again?' I'm thinking of having a tilt at council elections next year as I believe this would provide me with the fundamentals and experience necessary to be a true community representative.

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