The Nationals Cowper candidate Pat Conaghan announced the $1.5 million election promise for the Port Macquarie Town Green west upgrade on April 16 with Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader Michael McCormack by his side.

The project would raise the rock revetment wall, level the lawn area and provide a redeveloped and bigger playground including water play feature.

Sydneysider Ash Tozer was on the Town Green with his children 10-year-old Chase and Bella, seven, on April 16.

He said the Town Green playground could do with an upgrade.

"The last few times we've been here, there's a lot of children here and not that much equipment for them to play on," Mr Tozer said.

"It's a great spot here for families, so if there's more equipment to play on, it would be great for the kids."

The Coalition government, if re-elected, would partner with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to deliver the project.

Mr Conaghan said the Town Green east upgrade provided a huge improvement and it was important to continue with the western upgrade.

"I think it will bring more tourism and it will bring more people down here to go to the cafes and go to the restaurants and simply make the place even more beautiful," he said.

"Not only will it be good for tourism, it will be good for the locals and local businesses."

Mayor Peta Pinson welcomed the election funding promise.

"Not only is it great news for our residents, it's wonderful news for our visitors," she said.

United Australia Party candidate Alexander Stewart said voters wanted decent forward policies and vision rather than short-term promises.

He said the election funding promise could backfire with voters.

Independent candidate Rob Oakeshott said he welcomed the money for the Town Green and it aligned well with the footbridge money previously allocated and aligned with the overall strategy to improve the foreshore.

"Congratulations to council and the Town Green Masterplan Committee, and I look forward to the Greens, the Nationals and Labor, all agreeing on this important allocation of money," he said.

Labor candidate Andrew Woodward said any granting of funds for community projects was good.

"I just wish the Nationals spread the spending out over three years rather than dropping it all five minutes before an election," he said.

Independent candidate Allan Green said most of the government funding announcements were very short-term.

"If it's going to benefit the community in any way, I would be all for it," he said.

The Greens candidate Lauren Edwards was contacted for comment.

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