Labor delivers on key North Coast pledges

PLENTY of promises are made at election time, but not all survive the ballot box.

With the next federal poll looming, four key commitments made by Labor’s 2022 winner in Richmond have either been delivered or are underway.

Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said more than $3 billion had been delivered to the region under the Albanese Government, including projects in Lennox Head, Bangalow, South Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads.

In Lennox Head, $1.5 million helped complete the village upgrade, funding stormwater and pavement reconstruction, landscaping and improvements to Ballina Street and Ross Park.

The not-for-profit Beacon Laundry in Bangalow was launched with a $750,000 federal investment.

The social enterprise, run by White Box Enterprises, now employs more than 100 people and supports those experiencing unemployment, homelessness or mental illness.

“The Beacon Laundry provides vital job opportunities for long-term unemployed locals where they gain work experience and receive ongoing training in a fully supported environment,” Ms Elliot said.

“The laundry is also of huge benefit to our local tourism industry, as we didn’t have a large-scale commercial laundry on the North Coast.”

In South Murwillumbah, construction is underway on a new animal rehoming centre.

The project received $1 million in 2022, on top of earlier federal funding of $1.76 million.

The new facility, being delivered by Tweed Shire Council and Friends of the Pound, will replace the former pound at Stotts Creek and include kennels, catteries and holding areas for livestock.

Work is also progressing on a $5 million veterans’ and families’ hub in Tweed Heads. A temporary facility will open soon at Wharf Street, with a permanent centre scheduled for 2026.

“The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $5 million to deliver a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub here in the Tweed, working in close partnership with RSL Lifecare Veteran Services and RSL NSW,” Ms Elliot said.

“Having tailored veteran support and services accessible locally is so important to improving the health, wellbeing, and economic outcomes of those who bravely served our nation.”

Looking ahead, Ms Elliot said a re-elected Albanese Government would commit to further local funding, including a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic for the North Coast, $3 million for a Crime Action Plan and $2 million for the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital.

“The choice is clear,” she said. “You can always count on me, and now I’m asking for your vote to keep delivering for our community and to build Australia’s future.”