STEPHEN Bromhead has retained the seat of Myall Lakes despite a two-party preferred swing to Labor of more than 20 per cent.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After preferences on Sunday, Mr Bromhead had 58.2 per cent of the count and Labor’s David Keegan had 41.8 per cent – a 20.4 per cent swing to Labor – the most significant swing on the Mid North Coast.
Mr Bromhead didn’t seem too phased when asked if he was surprised by the close margin.
“We’ve had swings like this in the past. In 2003, John Turner had a bigger swing,” Mr Bromhead said.
“It was a strong campaign by Labor and I commend them for that.”
Mr Bromhead went on to thank his loyal supporters for giving him another four years in office.
“It is a tremendous honour to be the local member and I appreciate the fact that people have put their trust in me again. I’m looking forward to the future and leading this electorate.”
Mr Bromhead said he was happy with the way he campaigned despite being criticised by members of the community for not turning up to a meet the candidates meeting in the Great Lakes.
“I’m very happy with how the campaign went,” he said.
“Four years ago I went to 13 meet the candidates meeting which was just ridiculous.
“I’m still a working member I’ve still got meetings with community groups to go to I can’t be everywhere at once.
“I decided very early on that I would go to one meeting in Taree and one in Tuncurry. I don’t think that decision affected anything.”
Mr Bromhead said his focus was still very much on the redevelopment of Manning Hospital as well as the multi-million dollar redevelopment of Taree Police Station.
“The money is already allocated. There is $20 million for stage one. The redevelopment involves stages one, two and three. It is estimated to cost around $120 million and the minister has confirmed that there will be funding for all three stages,” Mr Bromhead said about the hospital.
“There is also $19 million for water security and the delivery of a multi-million dollar police station at Taree. We have already delivered nine police officers and will have another seven in May.”
Six candidates contested the seat of Myall Lakes in Saturday’s state election.
Source: The Geat Lakes Advocate.
