YOUR GUIDE TO THE NSW ELECTION 2023

Read Time:33 Minute, 41 Second

We asked every candidate standing in the electoral districts of Wyong, The Entrance, Terrigal, Swansea and Gosford to answer five simple questions. Here’s what they did (and didn’t) tell us.

By Jacquelene Pearson

The Point randomly selected a subscriber to our weekly e-newsletter to come up with five questions to ask every candidate running in the five state electoral districts that make up the Central Coast. The subscriber gave us five questions, right off the top of their head. They were:

If elected, what will you do to identify and recognise the Traditional Custodians of the Central Coast and give them a voice to the NSW parliament?
If elected, what will you do to review the merger of the former Wyong and Gosford Councils and to ensure this region cannot lose its democratically elected local government representatives again?
If elected, what will you do to monitor and improve the Central Coast’s waterways, including our beaches, lagoons, rivers, creeks, lakes and wetlands. What is your position on pollution and shark nets?
If elected, what will you do to balance any further development on the Central Coast with the need to protect natural areas and habitat?
If elected, what will you do to develop and support fine arts in your electorate?

Sitting MPs were given a supplementary question – what are your top three achievements from your latest term as a parliamentarian?

We’ve used their answers, along with information about each electoral district from the NSW Electoral Commission and other comments we have noted from candidates, to put together this guide to the NSW State Election. Pre-polling is open for the remainder of the week and then election day is this coming Saturday, 25 March 2023.

Happy voting!

WYONG

This is your electoral district if you live in: Alison, Blue Haven, Bushells Ridge, Canton Beach, Cedar Brush Creek, Charmhaven, Chittaway Bay, Chittaway Point, Dooralong, Doyalson, Durren Durren, Gorokan, Halloran, Hamlyn Terrace, Jilliby, Kangy Angy, Kanwal, Kiar, Kulnura, Lake Haven, Lemon Tree, Little Jilliby, Mardi, Norah Head, Noraville, Ourimbah, Palm Grove, Palmdale, Ravensdale, Rocky Point, Tacoma, Tacoma South, Toukley, Tuggerah, Tuggerawong, Wadalba, Wallarah, Warnervale, Watanobbi, Woongarrah, Wyong, Wyong Creek, Wyongah, Yarramalong

Postcodes: 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, 2263

Current MP: David Harris (Labor) won 52.11% of the first preference votes in the 2019 election, ahead of the Liberal Party candidate on 31.87%.

Candidates’ statements in alphabetical order

HARRIS, David, Labor, Member for Wyong

These issues are complex and it is impossible to comment on a case by case basis because of the complexity involved with determining continuity and connection to particular country. The Australian Law Reform Commission were asked to consider the meaning of ‘traditional’ to allow for the evolution and adaptation of culture and recognition of ‘native title rights and interests’. The meaning of ‘traditional’ | ALRC
NSW Labor has a policy to allow any Council to consult with ratepayers in regards to voluntary merger or demerger. NSW Labor always opposed the merger of Gosford and Wyong Councils because we felt It was not in the best interest of ratepayers. If there were to be a question put to the ratepayers of the Central Coast then there would have to be a detailed description of the case for and against a demerger so that ratepayers would be able to make an educated decision. This will be a matter for Councillors who are elected at the next local government elections. NSW Labor’s policy is to enable the wishes of the ratepayers who are the stakeholders in any such decision.
Central Coast Council is responsible to develop Coastal Zone Management Plans for our local waterways our beaches, lagoons, rivers, creeks, lakes and wetlands. An elected NSW Labor Government will work with Council and other relevant agencies to ensure the delivery of the Coastal Zone Management Plans and look after our important coast and waterways. We will also look at ensuring community engagement and input through advisory panels. One of the most significant projects needed is to build, maintain and monitor gross pollutant traps and storm water outlets to ensure water quality and pollution control. The EPA has statutory role in monitoring and intervening where pollution controls are ineffective or where individuals or companies break the law. NSW Labor will implement stringent coastal management requirements to protect our beaches, lagoons, rivers, creeks, lakes and wetlands. Labor has committed to invest a record $59 million in Landcare, which will also benefit Bushcare, Rivercare, and Dunecare groups across NSW over the next four years.
The 60,000 volunteers that make up 3,000 NSW Landcare groups do a fantastic job in caring for our country – from rehabilitation and addressing salinity and soil erosion, to weed control. Their work covers over 60% of the land mass of NSW. In recent years, this work has included restoring landscapes after unprecedented fire and flood. This has been essential to protect threatened species and defend against pests, while at the same time building strong and lasting community connections. Labor supports the development of new shark deterrent technologies to reduce our reliance on traditional means of protecting swimmers from shark attack. Any future changes to shark net regulation across NSW will need to be evidence-based and ensure that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy our beautiful beaches across New South Wales.
There needs to be a balance between providing much needed housing stock (because of growing homelessness, rental and mortgage stress) and protecting our amazing local environment. NSW Labor is committed to getting the balance right and will bring in stronger laws to protect the environment. New South Wales Labor has committed to fix the state’s “broken” environmental offsets system if it wins government in March, saying current policies are causing decline of endangered ecosystems instead of avoiding more damage. NSW Labor will convene a round table discussion with Council and environmental stakeholders to investigate the feasibility of creating a Regional Park System to protect and manage key environmentally sensitive land across the Central Coast. The Central Coast will benefit from a range of other policies including our commitment to legislate Net-Zero which includes establishing a Net-Zero Commission.
Labor will shift the focus away from a traditional arts policy towards a whole-of-government approach to the new and exciting opportunities emerging across the arts, cultural and creative sectors. Key elements of the strategy include: Shifting focus beyond the narrow arts sector to include broader cultural and creative sectors, including screen, music, architecture and design, fashion and tech; moving focus beyond the major cultural institutions in the city’s east to the broader creative businesses right across the city. This is an economic story that is consistent with NSW Labor’s focus on supporting arts and cultural spaces, including by reducing regulation of grassroots music and arts spaces; charting a path to growth for the sector which does not rely solely on public sector funding and support; making culture central to the story that NSW tells about itself, including as a part of the Destination NSW pitch for visitation, especially repeat visitation; Widespread consultation about a new NSW arts, culture and creative industries policy should Labor win Government. Labor will continue to back the traditional institutions and fiercely defend art for art’s sake while also expanding our focus to concentrate on investing in creative people, the grassroots and innovation, rather than just bricks and mortar. NSW is the dominant state when it comes the creative sector workforce. This is especially the case in screen, recorded music, fashion and technology. Creative sector jobs are growing more rapidly than other sectors of the economy and are more likely to be resistant to automation. That makes them very important when it comes to thinking about future jobs and industries that will be important to the NSW economy.

Top 3 achievements as Member for Wyong:

1. Health – The non-privatisation of Wyong Hospital and the $200 million upgrade just completed. Funding for improved Cancer services at Wyong Hospital. Funding announced for palliative care services at Wyong Hospital. A new ambulance station at Hamlyn Terrace and Toukley ambulance station rebuilt

2. Transport – Funding for the upgrade of Tuggerah station including lifts. Funding announced for the widening of the Pacific Highway through Wyong. The completion of safety upgrades to the Pacific Highway at Charmhaven which had the worst crash data on the Central Coast.

3. Community – Over $5 million in grants to local community organisations, sporting groups and charities. Porters Creek Public School constructed and opened.

NEWBURY, Susan, Sustainable Australia Party

No response.

SQUIRES, Matthew, Independent

No response. Squires was disendorsed as the Liberal candidate and has continued to campaign as an independent

STEVENSON, Martin, One Nation

No response.

WILLIAMSON, Doug, The Greens

The Greens will establish a Truth and Justice Commission led by First Nations peoples, to map out pathways for trust and healing. We recognise this process must be culturally appropriate and resourced to ensure the full participation of First Nations people across NSW. The Commission will address systemic and institutionalised racism and ensure governments are committed to redress, reparations and reconciliation. The Truth and Justice Commission will have power to investigate all matters relevant to First Nations justice including: the Stolen Generations, ongoing child removals, Aboriginal deaths in custody, land theft, destruction of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and the denial of cultural rights and practices. The Commission will have the power to hold public hearings, call witnesses under oath and compel evidence. Government will be bound to implement recommendations made by the Commission and report to the public. The Greens will also establish an independent Treaty Commission, designed by First Nations people, to develop the terms of a Treaty or treaties between Aboriginal people in NSW and the NSW Government. The framework for Treaty will be based upon the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Dedicated seats for First Nations people in both houses of the NSW Parliament will enshrine First Nations rights to elect their own representatives. The number of seats, electorates, model for the election will be recommended by the Treaty Commission and subject to a referendum.
Assuming that Greens hold the balance of power in a minority government after the election, we will work with the Minister for Local Government and the Boundaries Commission to deamalgamate Central Coast Council prior to holding new Council elections in September 2023 along electoral boundaries used prior to 2016. This will also require the passing of new legislation to allow these two (2) democratically elected councils to sit for a single extended term of five (5) years to enable the following LGA election to slot back into the statewide council election timetable.
Working with the Ministers for Environment and Heritage; Emergency Services and Resilience; Land and Water and Local Government, we will prevent clearing of, rehabilitate and replace riparian, lacustrine and lagoonal boundary vegetation and implement planned retreat of building footprints over the next 30 years from residential coastal zones; reinstating of notification of flood risk onto all property deeds. The number of Environmental Protection Authority air quality monitoring stations will be increased, provided for community groups and reported virtually in real time. We will end all single – use plastics and plastic waste by 2025. We will improve water security by investing in alternative water infrastructure like purified water recycling, storm water recycling and desalination programmes. We will work with the Minister for Environment and Heritage department to remove all shark nets and invest in a non-lethal shark management program and education.
Deamalgamation of Central Coast Council and reelection of two (2) new councils using pre-2016 electoral boundaries and processes in September 2023. Provision of funding from the NSW Government to repair all the damage done by the catastrophic forced amalgamation of Wyong and Gosford councils. Reinstating local planning powers to these two (2) new councils. Abolishing compulsory Planning Panels and Ministerial interventions through repealing the ability to introduce spot rezonings, Gateway Developments and State Significant Developments currently overriding local planning controls, LEPs and DCPs. Avoiding future construction disasters by abolishing the private certification system and reinstating publicly accountable building certifiers employed by local councils. Giving LGAs financial security through equitable state government funding and ending cost shifting. Reinstating documentation of flood risk on property deeds. Implementation of planned retreat of building footprints in the coastal zone. Reintroduction of distribution and debate of all council Advisory Committee minutes and recommendations into council’s standing orders. Reinstating maintenance and growth of the Coastal Open Space System (COSS) into the both new council General Manager’s KPIs. Unfreezing dedicated funds for the acquisition of new properties onto the COSS estate.

5. Art makes life better – it gives us a sense of voice, place, collective identity and culture. It makes sense of the chaos. We need to support our artists to do this important work.

Most artists in NSW lost the majority of their income during Covid lockdowns, with many unable to access Jobkeeper and other Federal Government support packages. We understand that many artists work in the gig economy and in the retail and hospitality sector to supplement their income. We will introduce a living wage for artists – with sick pay – providing them with the income and stability they need to create.

The construction of the Central Coast Performing Arts centre at the end of Mann St and Poppy Park, Gosford will revitalise the Arts community throughout the region. Increased funding for the Art House and Red Tree Theatres in Wyong will provide additional support, mentoring, exposure and experience for local artists, performers, technicians, support staff, textile and hospitality workers.

THE ENTRANCE

This is your electoral district if you live in: Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Blue Bay, Fountaindale, Glenning Valley, Kangy Angy, Killarney Vale, Lisarow, Long Jetty, Magenta, Mount Elliot, Narara, Niagara Park, Ourimbah, Shelly Beach, Somersby, The Entrance, The Entrance North, Toowoon Bay, Tuggerah, Tumbi Umbi, Wyoming

Postcodes: 2250, 2258, 2259, 2261

Current MP: David Mehan, Labor, won 43.1% of first preference votes in the 2019 election ahead of Brian Perram for the Liberal Party with 37.73%

Candidates’ statements in alphabetical order

BRACKEN, Nathan, Liberal Party

No response.

LAMB, Georgia, Sustainable Australia Party

No response.

LOGAN, Bentley, Liberal Democrats

No response.

MEHAN, David, Labor, Member for The Entrance

Traditional Owners rights are regulated under the NSW Aboriginal Rights Act, a pioneering piece of legislation enacted by the Wran Government.
Demerger is a matter for the Council. Labor will support any Council resolution on merger/demerger.
The Tuggerah Lakes Estaury Management Plan has improved the water quality of Tuggerah Lakes. More needs to be done per the recommendations of the Tuggerah Lakes Expert Panel Report. The current government has failed to respond to this report. I would advocate for implementation of report recommendations.
Labor supports the establishment of a regional park protecting and expanding COSS lands. I have worked with my community to protect local built and natural environment as I did with the development of the Ourimbah Master Plan and will continue to do so.
I support local artists at The Entrance (the Artspace a council owned premises run by local artists who sell and display works there) and the annual IWD art exhibition. I support the Wyong Arthouse and Laycock Strret and their continued ownership by the community.
Top three achievements as Member for The Entrance: Lifts at Tuggerah Station, Improvements to local flood risk, Protection of Local heritage at Ourimbah

PELAREK, Fardin, Animal Justice Party

No response.

STEVENSON, Ralph, The Greens

No response.

TERRIGAL

This is your electoral district if you live in: Avoca Beach, Bensville, Copacabana, Daleys Point, Davistown, Empire Bay, Erina, Erina Heights, Forresters Beach, Green Point, Hardys Bay, Holgate, Killcare, Killcare Heights, Kincumber, Kincumber South, Lisarow, Macmasters Beach, Matcham, Mount Elliot, North Avoca, Picketts Valley, Pretty Beach, Saratoga, Springfield, St Huberts Island, Terrigal, Wagstaffe, Wamberal, Yattalunga

Postcodes: 2250, 2251, 2257, 2260

Current MP: Adam Crouch, Liberal Party, won 52.86% of the first preference vote in the 2019 election ahead of Jeff Sundstrom for Labor with 26.12%

Candidates’ statements in alphabetical order

BOUGHTON, Sam, Labor

No response.

CROUCH, Adam, Liberal

No response.

DA SILVA, Imogen, The Greens

The Greens will establish a Truth and Justice Commission led by First Nations peoples, to map out pathways for trust and healing. We recognise this process must be culturally appropriate and resourced to ensure the full participation of First Nations people across NSW. The Commission will address systemic and institutionalised racism and ensure governments are committed to redress, reparations and reconciliation. The Truth and Justice Commission will have power to investigate all matters relevant to First Nations justice including: the Stolen Generations, ongoing child removals, Aboriginal deaths in custody, land theft, destruction of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and the denial of cultural rights and practices. The Commission will have the power to hold public hearings, call witnesses under oath and compel evidence. Government will be bound to implement recommendations made by the Commission and report to the public. The Greens will also establish an independent Treaty Commission, designed by First Nations people, to develop the terms of a Treaty or treaties between Aboriginal people in NSW and the NSW Government. The framework for Treaty will be based upon the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Dedicated seats for First Nations people in both houses of the NSW Parliament will enshrine First Nations rights to elect their own representatives. The number of seats, electorates, model for the election will be recommended by the Treaty Commission and subject to a referendum.

2. Local government is an essential component of democracy as it is closest to the community and is in the best position to identify and respond to their needs. The Greens would legislate to allow for residents of any former council area that has been forcibly amalgamated by the state government to have a binding referendum on de-amalgamation that, together with any implementation, is fully funded by the state government.

The Greens would legislate for reform to provide a referendum in any affected area to approve any council amalgamations, to have full public hearing before any dismissal of councils and to require elections are held within six months of dismissals. The Greens would establish a binding memorandum of understanding between NSW local and state government setting out responsibilities, appropriate financing and a commitment to cooperation and consultation.

3. I will undertake to liaise with the expert Council ecologists and staff, the staff at CEN and, for a broader view, keep in contact with the Nature Conservation Council in order to ensure that the state government and local council are doing their best, based on good quality scientific evidence, to preserve our natural waterways. I will also apply the principles of our policies, Growing the Protected Area, Ending Native Forest Logging and ensuring that biodiversity is protected by ensuring that no development can occur unless there is a suitable offset that can be guaranteed under a permanent protection plan. It’s time to end the short-sighted destruction of the environment for developer profits.

4. The Greens believe the state planning process is too heavily weighted in favour of large property developers. We will work to ensure that community based Local Environment Plans (LEP) and other planning instruments reflect the wishes of local communities. We remain committed to not allowing housing developments west of the freeway. There is room for new exciting innovative development on the Central Coast, but infrastructure support must come first.

5. Fine arts along with all other creative industries – such as music whether classical or garage band, dance, performance, animal free circuses, design, animation, the Five Lands Walk and other festivals – are key to a vibrant community. The cultural industry sector is one of the fastest growing employment sectors in NSW and we should be aiming to be above average in creative industry jobs on the Central Coast. That means we need to support the creation of more film and music studios, encourage more training institutions like NAISDA, foster new festivals until they are self-sustaining, get high speed internet across the coast, and have a creative-focussed attitude from all levels of government and civil society.

RIGG, Wayne, Sustainable Australia Party

No response.

SWANSEA

This is your electoral district if you live in: Belmont, Belmont North, Belmont South, Blacksmiths, Budgewoi, Buff Point, Cams Wharf, Catherine Hill Bay, Caves Beach, Chain Valley Bay, Colongra, Crangan Bay, Croudace Bay, Doyalson, Doyalson North, Floraville, Gwandalan, Halekulani, Jewells, Kingfisher Shores, Lake Munmorah, Little Pelican, Mannering Park, Marks Point, Murrays Beach, Nords Wharf, Pelican, Pinny Beach, Point Wolstoncroft, Redhead, San Remo, Summerland Point, Swansea, Swansea Heads, Valentine

Postcodes: 2259, 2262, 2280, 2281, 2290

Current MP: Yasmin Catley, Labor, won 49.54% of the first preference vote in the 2019 election ahead of Dean Bowman for the Liberals on 32.78%

Candidate statements in alphabetical order

ANDERSON, Megan, Liberal Party

No response.

ELLIS, Alan, Sustainable Australia Party

No response

CATLEY, Yasmin, Labor, Member for Swansea

I have always been a strong supporter for local jobs and manufacturing. That is why I introduced the NSW Jobs First Bill 2020 to the Parliament. It is in Labor’s DNA to champion workers and that is exactly why we are backing in workers to build local infrastructure projects.

I was extremely proud to stand beside my Central Coast Labor colleagues to champion Labor’s amendments to the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 to establish the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). We have seen the results too, more than $100 billion of projects have been put forward to the NSW Government. That is more than any other renewable energy zone in the state.

Not only have I delivered investment on the Coast through the REZ, but I stood shoulder to shoulder with the Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change to campaign for the 700MW Waratah Super Battery to be located at the old Munmorah Power Station site. We were successful in this campaign, delivering over 100 jobs and turning the old power station into a renewable energy and manufacturing hub right here on the Coast, ensuring good paying, highly skilled jobs for the local community well into the future.

Over the last 4 years, I have fought hard to improve local connectivity, securing funding to build the Lake Munmorah shared pathway, which runs along the Pacific Highway. A Labor government will provide $2 million a year to build new pathways, and I am committed to securing the Coast’s fair share of funding, to extend the shared pathway at Mannering Park. I have also secured $2 million for the construction of the coastal walk between Caves Beach and Budgewoi. Not only will this walkway enable the community to make the most of our local environment whilst exercising, but it will also allow the community to safely travel between Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.

FOORD, Heather, The Greens

No response

JACKSON, Paul, Liberal Democrats

No response.

GOSFORD

This is your electoral district if you live in: Bar Point, Blackwall, Booker Bay, Calga, Central Mangrove, Cheero Point, Cogra Bay, East Gosford, Ettalong Beach, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Gunderman, Horsfield Bay, Kariong, Koolewong, Kulnura, Little Wobby, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Marlow, Mooney Mooney, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, North Gosford, Patonga, Pearl Beach, Peats Ridge, Phegans Bay, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Spencer, Springfield, Tascott, Umina Beach, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wondabyne, Woy Woy, Woy Woy Bay, Wyong Creek

Postcodes: 2083, 2250, 2256, 2257, 2259, 2775

Current MP: Liesl Tesch, Labor won 44.22% of the first preference vote in 2019 ahead of Susan Dengate for the Liberal Party on 36.04%

Candidates’ statements in alphabetical order

BELLAMY, Lisa, Independent

If elected (and even if I am not), I will lobby for an independent inquiry into Land Councils and other Aboriginal organisations and service providers. Many Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALC), including Central Coast’s Land Council, are not representing the local Traditional Custodians in their areas. For example, the situation with the proposed development, by our LALC on Kariong Sacred Lands. I would ensure there was (an independent body to authenticate Aboriginal identity and not rely on Local Aboriginal Land Councils to provide Confirmation, especially as it’s in the Land Councils pecuniary interest to disempower Traditional Owners.)

I will lobby for a repeal to the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act. The framework of giving unused Crown Land to Land Councils to develop is problematic as the land is often unsuitable for clearing and developing.

The current legislation which will allow a Local Aboriginal Land Council to have land rezoned from the highest environmental protection (besides a National Park) to being suitable for cut and fill housing developments needs to be thrown out.

The Voice we need in Parliament is one of a true grass roots Indigenous voice, representing Individuals and communities, from the bush and the cities.

The only way to get that is to empower and vote more Indigenous persons into government. We need dedicated positions in the senate for Indigenous representation. These individuals should be voted in by their communities with regular review.

We need a Minister for Aboriginal Affairs who is totally independent of ideology.

2. I will lobby for a repeal to the Local Government Act giving the State Government the right to dismiss Councils. I will insert safeguards and clauses into the Act which give local people the say in their own affairs and not the State Government.

We also need to legislate a councillor/people ratio.

Legislate to forbid any person who might have a pecuniary interest in council affairs barred from being a councillor.

We need independent audits regularly, that are published, for the Central Coast public to see what’s going on and how their money is being spent. I would legislate that every council is to have an independent finance audit committee to oversee all council financial transactions and who would have sole responsibility for the sound financial management of the council and could not have its decisions overruled.

I would like to see the Central Coast Council de-merged. The merger was supposed to save us money. There are so many reasons why this merger was a failure.

I would also ensure the elections for councillors is bought forward to September 2023. By September 2024 the Administrator will have sold off all our community land, in one case for only a single dollar.

3. I am very committed to saving the hanging swamp in Kariong from the developers. All wetlands and waterways need to be protected.

Polluters should be punished by confiscation of assets; this includes pollution by individuals as well as companies.

I would make it illegal to use pesticides and herbicides like Round Up etc on the Central Coast. No snail pellets! I would turn our region into a show case of what can be done with Traditional land management and natural alternatives.

I would ban the use of fertilisers on lawns and encourage residents to grow native grasses for bird, insect, and lizard habitat. No more weedkiller down the drain.

I would launch an education program in schools on the uses and benefits of so-called weeds, for example dandelions.

Shark nets were introduced in the 1930 when little was understood about shark behaviourand their importance in the ecosystem. For over eighty years tens of thousands of non-targeted marine lives have died in the shark nets.

All shark nets must be taken down and people advised they are responsible for their own safety.

4. I would restrict all development which does not have existing infrastructure in place.

I would ensure land already zoned for environmental protection is never allowed to be downgraded to allow for development, regardless of the developer.

All new properties are to have a landscape plan which adheres to strict guidelines. This includes designing developments around large old trees on the block. No large tree removal.

I would make sure that any potential development, maintained, or planted, wide green corridors and riparian zones throughout the Central Coast, right down to the beaches. No exceptions.

I would educate residents and support gradual change of grass verges to self-supporting vegetation, suited to our local climate, including native shade trees.

The days of bulldozing our precious bushland for housing would be over. Failure to properly manage expanding land area not only exacerbates urban inequality, but it also contributes to greater economic and environmental risk for the entire city

5. We have a wonderfully diverse and talented arts presence on the Central Coast, who unfortunately are often the last community considered when policy and plans for communities are being discussed. And yet, individuals and groups from the arts community can provide a new and interesting perspectives on common issues.

I would get in touch with as many groups as possible to find out what their needs are and to ensure they are aware that I was prepared to develop and support fine arts in the Gosford area.

We already have a fantastic art gallery in East Gosford, with beautiful surrounds, that celebrates local artists. However, we need a larger space to attract out of town and international artists and exhibitions to bring Fine Art to the Coast.

We could set apart a proportion of council rates to spend on Arts and Culture.

At one point my father, a long-time resident of the Central Coast wrote letters to the paper and our then MP to extend the idea of turning the old Market Place in Gosford, the old shopping centre, into an entertainment centre. Plenty of parking, huge area inside that could be repurposed for events, concerts, and art gallery space. And yet, in 2013 Gosford Council chose to sell the property for $13million to a private developer.

I strongly believe in local people finding local solutions for local issues. We have the expertise and the wisdom here on the Central Coast. Our aging population can be our strongest advantage, let’s celebrate our locals and keep the Central Coast the beautiful place it is, while coming up with solutions to our growing population that doesn’t require destroying what makes this area so desirable to live in.

BOCKING, Dee, Liberal Party

No response.

FREEMAN, Larry, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers

No response.

McCALLUM, Emily, Animal Justice Party

I am currently supporting the local Traditional Bloodline Custodians, to protect Kariong Sacred Lands, and to ensure that their voice is heard by those in power. So far, my experience is that even with strong community support, they’ve been completely ignored by our current state member for Gosford and our Shadow Aboriginal affairs minister.
After attending a recent rally and hearing Traditional Custodians speak, I felt the need to make a stand to support the First Nations people of the Central Coast. If elected, I am committed to working with the Traditional Custodians of the land, to gain valuable insight and perspectives as key stakeholders for decision making processes.
With the Central Coast often missing out on State and Federal funding, it’s incredibly important that we have local representation. If elected I will advocate for a de-merger of Gosford and Wyong Councils. Each community has its own set of demographics, issues and areas in need of attention.
I would also push for elections to be held as soon as possible, to ensure that both Gosford and Wyong have elected local representatives. Moving forward, I would advocate for a stronger monitoring system of the council’s budget and unrestricted cash flow, to ensure our community does not end up in debt and without local government representatives again.
I’ve been very active within Animal Justice Party to rally against shark nets, as they are ineffective and killing non-targeted, endangered species. If elected, I will push to have these removed and more effective methods implemented like drones to better protect our beach-goers. I aim ensure our beaches, lagoons, rivers, creeks, lakes and wetlands are monitored and protected by creating more transparent monitoring systems, containing information on cleaning invasive plants, water sample testing and monitoring wildlife and marine ecosystems. Providing more education and information on pollution, while being tougher on littering laws, especially fishing litter that ends up in waterways killing our marine life.
Whether I am elected or not, I will continue to support conservation on the Central Coast. Our Coast is the perfect place for world class sustainable development that not only protects our beautiful environment but makes it the centrepiece of our region. Sustainable eco-tourism, cultural tourism, agricultural (farm stay) tourism would not only contribute to our economy, but ensure that our amazing wild places and watercourses are protected.
There is plenty of room for development around Wyong and Gosford, but our elected leaders are pushing for some of our most vulnerable bushland and watercourses currently zoned E2, to be bulldozed for housing.
I will remain strongly opposed to the Central Coast environment being exploited for short term profit over long term economic security and environmental protection.
Arts, culture and entertainment play such an important role in the wellbeing of our community. If I am elected, I aim to provide funding for these classes, so that more of the community can afford to be participants, as there is a strong link between fine arts and mental health. I will meet with members of the Central Coast fine arts community to host a forum on how we can best promote fine arts in our region.

SOETENS, Ineka, Sustainable Australia Party

No response.

TESCH, Liesl, Labor, Member for Gosford

As your local Member I have fought hard for our fair share during a difficult period.

I have worked tirelessly to deliver community information, especially during the covid lockdown, provide support letters and get people off the streets and into homes.

During the 2019/20 Bushfires our community suffered $163.3 million in damage. We received $0 in the first round of funding. Instead, millions of dollars in bushfire relief was directed towards Liberal-Nationals seats including locations that weren’t affected. I was kicked out of the NSW Parliament in February 2021 after questioning the Government on their blatant pork-barrelling of the scheme. I was pleased to see Central Coast projects included in the second round of funding. I will always fight hard to ensure that projects in our community are given financial support.

I have liaised and listened to our tireless health workers and know that a Labor government will resuscitate our health and hospital systems by employing more nurses, end the wage cap and provide study subsidies for people entering the healthcare profession. I am also proud to say NSW Labor will legislate emissions reduction targets and establish an independent Net Zero Commission which will support our emissions reduction targets of 50% on 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

I am urging you to vote Labor to give NSW a fresh start and our community a government which delivers for us.”

VAN HAREN. Hilary, The Greens

The Greens will establish Truth and Justice Commission led by First Nations peoples, to map out pathways for trust and healing. We recognise this process must be culturally appropriate and resourced to ensure the full participation of First Nations people across NSW.

The Commission will address systemic and institutionalised racism and ensure governments are committed to redress, reparations and reconciliation. The Truth and Justice Commission will have power to investigate all matters relevant to First Nations justice including: the Stolen Generations, ongoing child removals, Aboriginal deaths in custody, land theft, destruction of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and the denial of cultural rights and practices.

The Commission will have the power to hold public hearings, call witnesses under oath and compel evidence. Government will be bound to implement recommendations made by the Commission and report to the public.

The Greens will also establish an independent Treaty Commission, designed by First Nations people, to develop the terms of a Treaty or treaties between Aboriginal people in NSW and the NSW Government. The framework for Treaty will be based upon the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Dedicated seats for First Nations people in both houses of the NSW Parliament will enshrine First Nations rights to elect their own representatives. The number of seats, electorates, model for the election will be recommended by the Treaty Commission and subject to a referendum.

2. The Central Coast Greens have been vocal on the failure of the amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong Councils and the extraordinary lack of democracy on the Central Coast. We support Local Government elections and a public vote on de-amalgamation before the end of 2023.

We call for review and reform of the Local Government Act 1993 to require a public hearing before dismissal of a council and elections within 6 months. Communities should not be subject to long-term, undemocratic administration again.

3. The Greens want to see 30% of the State included in the protected area network by 2030, which includes National Parks and marine parks/sanctuaries. Presently only 7% of NSW oceans are protected and the Liberal-National Government has removed protections in some areas to permit fishing.

We want to see greater ocean protections, along with expansion of the COSS and similar initiatives to protect the health of creeks, rivers and estuaries.

The Greens are strongly opposed to shark nets. Shark nets indiscriminately kill turtles, dolphins, rays, threatened and harmless sharks and even baby whales. They have no place in our oceans in 2023. Non-lethal alternatives have been proven to be more effective at reducing shark attacks and community education around shark behaviour has the potential to reduce injuries even further. The Gosford electorate has one shark net left, and it’s time for it to go.

4. We are in the midst of a housing crisis, and the Greens commit to a massive investment in social and affordable housing. At the same time, we recognise that good housing needs to be planned and delivered sensitively and in a way that benefits communities.

There needs to be a full review of the Local Environment Plan (with robust consultation), to make sure development approaches are planned, clear, consulted, and meet community expectations. This includes consideration of a diverse mix of housing types to meet community need, while ensuring that development is sustainable and not carried out at the expense of public green spaces, significant shade trees and critical habitat.

5. Most artists in NSW lost the majority of their income during Covid lockdowns, with many unable to access Jobkeeper and other Federal Government support packages. We know that many artists work in the gig economy and in the retail and hospitality sector to supplement their income. We will introduce a living wage for artists – with sick pay – providing them with the income and stability they need to create.

Further, we’ll support venues, musicians and promoters to keep doors open and to keep showcasing home-grown talent to audiences on the Central Coast and in all parts of NSW. We’ll also support them through the hard times by establishing a government-run insurance scheme to cover artists, venues and promoters for cancellations due to extreme weather or (heaven forbid) another pandemic.

By embracing the range of arts and culture organisations in the Region, we can showcase the creativity and diversity of the area.