Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Chris Hartcher, has today criticised the Premier for failing to recognise the Central Coast’s contribution to the arts and culture. Marie Andrews appeared in today’s Central Coast Express Advocate, spruiking the Premier’s ‘Adventure Passport’ which encourages school age children to visit cultural institutions.

“Unfortunately the Premier’s list of cultural institutions does not include even one Central Coast destination. Essentially the Premier’s ‘Adventure Passport’ is an exercise in promoting Sydney and the rest of NSW to the detriment of the Central Coast,” Mr Hartcher said.

“The Premier is the Minister for the Arts and the Minister for the Central Coast but can’t seem to find a single cultural institution worthy of visiting on the Central Coast.

“It’s a terrible indictment of the Premier’s attitude towards the Central Coast.

“This week the Central Coast arm of the NSW Business Chamber launched the ‘I love the Central Coast’ campaign and local businesses continue to spend collective millions encouraging tourism on the Central Coast and the only person standing in their way, supported by Marie Andrews, is the self appointed Minister for the Central Coast and Premier, Nathan Rees.

“John Della Bosca, when Minister for the Central Coast, described the role as being a ‘champion of the Central Coast’. The Premier doesn’t seem to see the role the same way: he is only interested in championing the cause when he can appear, present a cheque and disappear.

“Marie Andrews, blindly follows the Premiers line and instead of encouraging people to visit her electorate and the Central Coast, she too, is encouraging to leave the Coast and spend their holidays elsewhere.

“The Central Coast has many wonderful galleries and museums but none of them appear on the Premier’s list. The Premier’s own Parliamentary Secretary, David Harris, has made several comments about the lack of recognition the Central Coast receives from Government – he should start by addressing this issue.

“I would strongly urge the Premier, the Minister for the Arts and Minister for the Central Coast, Nathan Rees, to give local cultural institutions the recognition they deserve amongst local residents and visitors, by adding the following, if not more, to his list;

Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical Museum – West Gosford

Wyong Museum and Historical Society – ‘Alison Homestead’

Gosford/Edogawa Commemorative Garden – East Gosford

The Central Coast Steam Model Co-Op - Narara

Gosford Regional Art Gallery – East Gosford

Ken Duncan Gallery – Erina Heights

Toowoon Bay Gallery – Toowoon Bay

Point Frederick Pioneer Cemetery

Australian Rainforest Sanctuary - Ourimbah

Australian Reptile Park - Somersby  

Borg Galleries Green Point - Gosford  

Darrangabumarri  - The Entrance  

Feeding The Pelicans  - The Entrance  

Laycock Street Theatre - Gosford

Moochinside Gallery – Killcare

Mt Penang Gardens - Kariong  

Norah Head Lighthouse - Norah Head

The Wildflower Place - Erina Heights  

Toukley and Districts Art Society - Gorokan

“And there are many other cultural centres and activities for kids on the Central Coast, it just requires the Premier to take his role as Minister for the Central Coast seriously,” Mr Hartcher said.