THE PACIFIC Highway remains the number one infrastructure priority for the local area, according to a community survey of the Cowper electorate by Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker.
“I received more than 4100 responses and they detailed their view on a range of subjects,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
“As I have previously noted the Pacific Highway was clearly the number one infrastructure priority with 76 per cent of respondents saying they believe it should be the funding priority. Local roads came in second with 12 per cent.
“Only two per cent of respondents said the National Broadband Network should be the priority. And 79 per cent said that funds be spent on the Pacific Highway rather than the NBN.”
Mr Hartsuyker said there was also some other telling statistics including:
Carbon Tax: 64 per cent are completely opposed to the carbon tax and another 13 per cent said it should be delayed. 90 per cent expressed concern about the increased cost of electricity.
Cost of living: 93 per cent said it is costing them more to live than 12 months ago. 70 per cent said it is costing them more than $20 per week compared to 2011. 37.3 per cent blamed the Federal Government for the rise in the cost of living, with 21.7 per cent blaming the State Government and 14.4 per cent local government.
Health: 48 per cent said they were satisfied with the service they received from their local hospital. 82 per cent said they were able to access a doctor. 59 per cent said they opposed the Government’s cut to the private health care rebate.
Broadband: 21 per cent said their broadband speeds don’t meet their needs, while 65 per cent said they would not be willing to pay more for increased speeds.
Education: 75 per cent said that school principals should have more control over their schools, including recruitment and retention of staff. 71 per cent said more funding should be provided to young people who have to move away from home to study.
Border Protection: 73 per cent believe the Labor Government was wrong to change the law on asylum seekers.
Economic management: 75 per cent felt the economy was not being well managed by the Gillard Government. 80 per cent expressed concern about rising Federal Government debt while 74 per cent said the Government should not continue to borrow more funds. 83 per cent said they were ‘worried’ or ‘very worried’ about the current economic circumstances
Local Government: 54 per cent opposed the removal of rate pegging to allow councils to provide better services. 18 per cent supported the idea.
“What is very pleasing is that the key issues identified by constituents are the same issues which I am focussed on,” Mr Hartsuyker said.