Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie is hoping for a second term in federal parliament so he can continue to improve critical infrastructure, public transport and communications in the electorate.
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He said there was still work to do to improve the local economy and create more jobs and over his first term he and the Coalition government have made a big impact on the area.
“Over this term of government we’ve had record funding in roads to recovery across Dungog Shire, Maitland and Port Stephens and federal financial assistance grants totally $86 billion … that’s actually what’s being spent,” Dr Gillespie said. “Every road could do with more work, the demands are endless but we’re doing our record best in helping councils with the burden they’ve got.”
Among Dr Gillespie’s achievements in the past three years include securing $16 million for the Bucketts Way, funding for roads and bridges, basketball courts, record infrastructure spending and the accelerated rollout of the National Broadband Network.
“All of this infrastructure is critical to getting the economy going,” he said. “I’ve got a proven record over my first term, the best predictor of future performance is past performance.” Dr Gillespie said the Coalition was making life easier for small businesses in Lyne and across the country and these businesses were the key to getting the economy rolling.
“There’s a 27.5 per cent tax cut for small businesses with a less than a $10 million turnover … We’ve got red tape reduction, asset write offs - fodder storage, sheds, fencing - … and we’ve also got our jobs path package to encourage employers to take on youth,” he said. “Rather than sitting at home on Newstart they’re intensively trained in three weeks and then they go into a 12 to 25 week internship in a real job where the employer can see their capability.
“At the end of it if the employer likes what they see from their intern there’s a wage subsidy of up to $10,000 at the end of it to take them on. “All the small businesses around Dungog, Gresford, Vacy, Clarence Town will benefit.”
Dr Gillespie said a range of industries and tourists would benefit from the Coalition’s election promise to allocate a further $1 million for Park Street in Gresford. That promise is on top of $923,000 that has already been allocated. “It is such a critical infrastructure route for freight, beef, dairy products, tourists, and it’s home to the Billy Cart Derby which is a great tourism magnet,” he said.
If re-elected Dr Gillespie would work on improving mobile phone and television reception.