After the cheering

FAMILIES in the Illawarra will see continued improvements in healthcare, additional resources for police, and a continued focus on delivering new jobs under a re-elected Iemma Government, the Minister for the Illawarra David Campbell said today.

Mr Campbell and the Illawarra Labor team Wollongong MP Noreen Hay, Heathcote MP Paul McLeay, Kiama MP Matt Brown and Shellharbour candidate Lylea McMahon outlined the Government's election commitments for the region with the release of the Illawarra Policy.

"Illawarra families have sent Premier Iemma and your local MPs a very direct message - that they want Government to improve delivery of services," Mr Campbell said.

"We have heard that message loud and clear. Illawarra residents want better services, not cuts.

Highlights of the Iemma Government's Illawarra Plan include:

"? Establish a GP Clinic at Wollongong Hospital to give residents greater access to after-hours health care;

"? Boost policing in the Illawarra with $17 million for a new police station for Lake Illawarra Area Command and continue work on an upgrade to Corrimal Police Station;

"? Provide a mobile police van to the Lake Illawarra Area Command to assist local police in their efforts to curb crime; and

"? Two new trade schools for Wollongong and Shellharbour TAFE Colleges as part of our commitment to guarantee a training place for every young person in NSW.

Member for Heathcote Paul McLeay said planning for the future was well underway, with the release of the Government's Illawarra Regional Strategy, the 10-year State Infrastructure Strategy, and the NSW State Plan.

Member for Wollongong Noreen Hay said the Iemma Government had made significant progress on delivering improved health services including $2.3 million to expand cardiac services in the Illawarra.

"The credentialing of our local doctors marks the completion of a successful process to provide new and improved cardiology services here in Wollongong.

"The Illawarra now has its own, fully-fledged, home grown IC service meaning local patients no longer need to travel to Sydney for stents."

Member for Kiama Matt Brown said transport continued to be a focus of the Iemma Government with considerable investment over coming years.

"I am pleased the construction of new ramps to the Kiama Bypass to improve access to the upgraded Princes Highway will be completed," Mr Brown said.

"This coupled with the work on the $130 million dual carriageway deviation of the Princes Highway between Oak Flats and Dunmore are major projects for people in the south of the Illawarra.

"And I am pleased that Premier Iemma has adopted a mandate of 2 per cent of all petrol sold in NSW being ethanol as the first step in considering a 10 per cent mandate by 2011."

Member for Shellharbour Lylea McMahon said she was keen to work with the other Illawarra MPs to continue to boost services for families in her area.

"One of the things people have told me as I've been doorknocking is that they want improved educational opportunities for their kids," she said.

"I was particularly pleased to be able to advise residents of Morris Iemma's plans for a new trade school at Shellharbour TAFE which will specialise in health and automotive training.

"There are also a number of excellent education upgrades planned including science labs at eight local schools and security fences at five others."

Other highlights of the Iemma Government's election commitments for the Illawarra include:

Delivering higher quality transport system:

"? Complete work on the $130 million dual carriageway deviation of the Princes Highway upgrade between Oak Flats and Dunmore as part of the Princes Highway upgrade;

"? Upgrade the intersection of the Princes Highway at the intersection of the Princes Highway and Lawrence Hargrave Drive at the foot of Bulli Pass; and

"? Spend $1.5 million upgrading buildings at Unanderra Station and commence planning for an easy access upgrade of Dapto Railway Station.

Continue keeping people safe

"? Lake Illawarra and Wollongong Local Area Commands will be given priority in the deployment of officers to crack down harder on street crime and anti-social behaviour; and

"? Every local area command will receive extra police officers, specialist commands will be boosted and additional police vehicles will be on the road.

Deliver enhanced health services

"? Deliver a $5 million project to expand renal and dialysis services in the Illawarra;

"? Open the 20-bed Older Persons Mental Health Unit at a cost of about $4 million; and

"? Establish a new $1.5 million Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre in the Emergency Department at Wollongong Hospital to treat people with a mental illness.

Supporting the Illawarra regional economy

"? Continue the $140 million expansion of Port Kembla, building new facilities for the car trade to move from Sydney next year, securing more than 1000 jobs for the Illawarra;

"? Hold a Port of Port Kembla Showcase to promote the Port Expansion and subsequent investment opportunities that will exist once Port Kembla is established as Australia's leading car import centre; and

"? Employ an investment attraction specialist for the Wollongong CBD and hold three industry sector forums to raise awareness of and promote investment in the Illawarra.

Deliver Better Education Services

"? Establish new Trade Schools at Wollongong and Shellharbour TAFEs, as part of the Iemma Government's commitment to guarantee a training place for every young person in NSW;

"? Upgrade science laboratories at eight schools and install security fencing at five others; and

"? Construct a new gymnasium at Bulli High School, performing arts facilities at Wollongong Performing Arts High School and build a permanent library at Figtree Public School.

Support families

"? Establish a new Community Services Centre at Coniston with more than 100 staff, including 18 additional caseworkers, a 50 per cent increase in frontline staff; and

"? Roll-out $6.6 million in early intervention services over three years in the Illawarra.