It was originally planned to be walkabout along Merimbula’s Market Street for the Prime Minister and NSW Premier which had council pushing to getting the roadworks on the Merimbula Causeway finished as soon as possible.
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Crews worked solidly on Sunday with a view to finishing and moving on to Beach Street.
Then there was a change of plan and the Prime Ministerial cavalcade switched to a visit to the Waterfront Cafe and hasty arrangements were made to secure some car parking spaces.
At the Waterfront Cafe, there were some surprised faces as the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the NSW Premier Mike Baird, sitting member for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy, member for Bega Andrew Constance and a large media pack, flown in for the occasion, descended on morning coffee drinkers.
Inside the cafe, Jenny Coleman, of Melbourne and Merimbula and Carol Climo, of Tura Beach were enjoying their coffee when a huge crowd suddenly swarmed around them as the Prime Minister sat down.
Mrs Coleman said he was “very personable”.
Asked about the airport announcement, Mrs Coleman said: “I think it’s a wonderful asset for the region but if flights were more affordable it would be great.”
Outside the cafe, Mr Turnbull met with Diane Lang, a hospital worker and aged care teacher who is concerned about aged care funding.
“I think it’s important that they (politicians) talk to people in the workforce,” Ms Lang said.
Mr Turnbull said that the demands on the health budget were enormous and while they “hoped for better outcomes, we have to live within our means”.
Thelma Went had just finished a stint on the Salvos Red Shield Appeal outside the newsagents when she went across the road for some refreshment. She said that locals had been very generous but when met by Mr Turnbull had to make her excuses and leave as she was holding a couple of hot coffees.
Kirrilly Janhsen and her 3-year-old daughter Sass Winslow were talking along Beach Street when they were met by the Prime Minister.
Ms Janhsen said he was “very friendly”.
“I’m a huge supporter; it was a great day for me when he became Prime Minister; it was great to meet him especially as I didn’t even know he was here,” Ms Janhsen said.
After a tight squeeze in the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre, manager Nat Kirby said she was glad to see the money being spent on the towns.
During a discussion with Mr Turnbull and Mr Baird, Ms Kirby said that more volunteers were desperately needed for the MVIC at which point Mr Baird jokingly offered Andrew Constance’s services. Mr Baird later said he was very pleased to have Mr Constance working for the electorate.
And suddenly, as quickly as it started, it was over with the Prime Minister in his car and the media in a bus, all heading for the next photo opportunity at Eden Wharf and the announcement of money for the wharf extension.
