A modified Mercedes passenger bus will be the driving force behind one MP’s campaign trail.
Independent Member for Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, has launched his election campaign aboard his well known blue bus, with a pledge: while-ever he is a Member of Parliament, party politics will never get in the way of genuine community representation.
“Our community can’t afford to lose its voice in Parliament, or have it usurped by political party interests,” Mr Besseling warned.
“We need a fearless voice to stand up to government when they get it wrong; one that’s free to speak on behalf of the community without the threat of party expulsion; a voice that can support government initiatives without being told they must.
“I stand by my track record and the significant wins our community has had in the past two-and-a-half years — record State Government investment in our electorate and an unprecedented record of delivering better laws for our community and for our State.
“I’m determined to see mental health services upgraded at our base hospital, and I’ll pursue the incoming government for funding for a multi-level carpark at the hospital. Technically, there should be a spare $75 million once the Federal Health and Hospitals Board announces funding for the 4th Pod.
“Other priorities include the re-location of the NSW Fire and Rescue Service from Hay Street to Central Road, a review of State funding for basic infrastructure such as footpaths and cycleways, and I’ll support the incoming government’s proposed inquiry into the sale of the State’s electricity assets. Furthermore, I will push for the terms of inquiry to be broadened to investigate sustainable and affordable energy supplies for householders and small business.
“Both highway upgrades, Pacific and Oxley, through our electorate are almost complete, however, I will push the incoming government to fast-track the flyover for the Harrington/Coopernook/Pacific Highway intersections.”
Mr Besseling will be highly visible throughout the electorate over the next two weeks, as he has been for the past two years, with his trademark blue bus coming out of retirement as a mobile electorate office.
