BEGA Labor candidate Leanne Atkinson says she is unable to match a $1.5 million funding commitment for Muddy Puddles.
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The recently-formed Muddy Puddles group has been lobbying for an education therapy centre in the shire for children with disabilities.
On Sunday, March 8, NSW Disability Services Minister John Ajaka joined Bega MP Andrew Constance in Batehaven to announce the Coalition would commit $1.5 million to the project if re-elected on March 28.
It is understood the move followed a commitment from Eurobodalla Shire Council to provide land for the centre.
Ms Atkinson said while she could not commit funding, she would fight for improved services across the board.
“I think it’s inappropriate to make any commitment on the hop – I’m not going to do what my opponent is doing and that is sprinkle fairy dust around at the time of an election without thinking (it) through,” she said.
Ms Atkinson said she needed to talk to representatives from Muddy Puddles, but admitted she had not yet sought a meeting with them.
She said she would be more than happy to meet with the group this week.
“These people require a proper sit down conversation with me, I need to fully understand what they need,” Ms Atkinson said.
“I absolutely support more money into community, disability and social services, not less, but it’s unfair on them for me to make some sort of election promise like everyone else does.
“At the end of the day they need to know that people are committed.”
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