The battle for Wollondilly is well and truly on with independent candidate Judy Hannan promising to campaign for the return of planning powers to local councils.
The former mayor will be up against Labor candidate Jo-Ann Davidson and the Liberal Party’s Nathaniel Smith in a three way fight for the seat at the state election on March 23, 2019.
“The future of our shire is at risk and I will be agitating on the many local issues that matter to the people of Wollondilly and Wingecaribee,’’ says Ms Hannan.
“Families which have lived here for decades and even generations deserve a real representative that will fight for them – that is why I have decided to step up.’’
Wollondilly has been held by the Liberal Party’s Jai Rowell since the 2011 landslide election, when he defeated Labor’s Phil Costa.
Ms Hannan, who has just stepped down as mayor of Wollondilly to concentrate on the state election, is a strong chance to win the seat.
If elected she promises to get to the bottom of the Warragamba Dam wall raising issue and work to overturn it.
The state government has legislated plans to raise the dam wall by 14 metres to reduce the risk of flooding in downstream parts of the Hawkesbury Nepean region.
“I also intend to find out why our 13,000 signatures and a South West Sydney Koala Strategy were not properly debated,’’ says Ms Hannan.
“I will push the government toward a holistic solution as demanded by 13,000 in and around the electorate.
“The same goes for train timetables, electrification and public transport as a whole, which are the foundation of sustaining and building our region and bringing the right investment and local jobs.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I will have an open door policy at my electoral office and plan to run six community forums per year, to ensure each and every one of you are heard and your issues addressed as effectively as possible.’’[/social_quote]
Ms Hannan stepped down as mayor earlier this month after a little over two years in the role.
Deputy mayor Matt Deeth has now stepped up to the top job at Wollondilly Shire Council.
Cr Deeth’s deputy will be Cr Matt Gould.
“Wollondilly Shire Council will continue to be in great hands,’’ Ms Hannan said.
“I have immense confidence in each of these young men whom have shown genuine dedication and heart for the shire.
“They will have my strong support as a councillor, while I focus on the upcoming state election.’’
