What Labor's Janelle Saffin promises to deliver and fight for when it comes to local community & telecommunication infrastructure in Page

Labor Candidate For Page Janelle Saffin, media release, 18 June 2016:

SAFFIN ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM FOR PAGE

Janelle Saffin, Labor candidate for Page, today announced a Labor Government would provide a $2.9 million Community Infrastructure Program to build and upgrade sport and recreational facilities for local families on the North Coast and Northern Rivers.

Ms Saffin said the program was designed to allow more people to enjoy healthy, active lifestyles, and to build more connected communities.

“Modern technology means that people are spending more time on computers and electronic devices – and less time being physically or socially active – than ever before.

“This is having a pronounced impact on the way our communities function – with fewer people getting involved in local organisations such as sporting clubs or community groups.

“It’s also having an impact on our health, with the alarming rise of chronic conditions such as diabetes.

“That’s why it’s so important that we invest in facilities that encourage people to get out of their lounge rooms, being active and social, and participating in community life.

“The Community Infrastructure Program will not only improve regional sporting facilities, it will ensure local families have access to playgrounds, parks and trails.”

Page Community Infrastructure Program

o   Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club - $1.2 million

o   Rushworth Park soccer complex upgrade - $1 million

o   Broadwater Skate Park - $210,000

o   Casino to Lismore Rail Trail feasibility study – $65,000

o   Woodburn Riverside Adventure Playground - $250,00

o   Casino Showgrounds Canteen Facility - $180,000

o   Woodburn Riverside Pontoon - $110,000

o   Colley Park Sports Centre - $150,000

Ms Saffin said a Labor Government would continue investing in local infrastructure as a priority.

“Unlike the Nationals, Labor believes that investing in local communities is more important that giving tax cuts to multinationals.

“I will always advocate for our local needs, because modest investments can make a major difference to community life.

“Labor is delivering on health, education, skills, training, and jobs. Labor has announced important programs like Work Futures to tackle youth unemployment, and renewable energy hubs that will have a significant impact on our local economy.”

Ms Saffin said she would also fight to deliver funding support for a range of other important local projects, including:

o Alstonville Swimming Pool upgrade - $4m
o Albert Park Baseball Complex upgrade - $4m
o Oakes Oval upgrade (1.4m)
o Replacing wooden bridges in Kyogle - $5m
o Woolgoolga Multi-Purpose Centre - $2.5m
o Sustainable Economy Jobs Officers - to be employed within local councils $3m
o Small Towns & Villages scheme to upgrade local community facilities and encourage       use of solar energy - $3m
o Grafton Men’s shed - $350,000

Shadow Minister for Regional Communications Stephen Jones and Labor Candidate For Page Janelle Saffin, joint media release, 28 June 2016:

Shadow Minister for Regional Communications, Stephen Jones, and Labor candidate for Page, Janelle Saffin, today announced that a Shorten Labor Government will provide funding to fix mobile blackspots in the Northern Rivers and North Coast region of NSW.

Fixing mobile black spots by building critical infrastructure will save lives and improve mobile communications for residents and businesses in regional NSW.

Stephen Jones said that only Labor was committed to improving the administration of the Mobile Black Spot program across Australia.

“Labor will not only match the Turnbull Government’s promises on mobile black spot funding, we will actually improve the administration of the Mobile Black Spot program and give priority to regional areas of Northern NSW prone to natural disasters, like bushfires and floods,” Mr Jones said.

“Mr Turnbull’s Mobile Black Spot program just isn’t up to scratch. There are some locations, such as Maclean, Wooli, Summerland Way and Woodenbong, that should have been funded but were not.

“We must do more to help regional communities when it comes to mobile black spots. This is vital infrastructure that people rely on,” Mr Jones said.

Labor candidate for Page, Janelle Saffin, said local communities have waited too long to have better or any mobile phone coverage.

“Mobile phone coverage saves lives in an emergency and is central to the daily life of our region,” Ms Saffin said.

“Many parts of our region are vulnerable to flood and bushfire, so these services are very important to the community.

“The lack of coverage is particularly problematic for the elderly members of our community who rely on these connections to stay in touch with family and friends.

“Of the 499 mobile towers funded in Round One of the Mobile Black Spot program, as of 4 May 2016 only 21 had been switched on.

“A Shorten Labor Government will ensure that the roll out continues and is focused on the getting better coverage for Northern NSW," Ms Saffin said.