Labor MP Anoulack Chanthivong’s annual Christmas wish list is becoming a tradition in South West Sydney.
The list highlights some of the important areas of need in his electorate of Macquarie Fields.
This year’s list is probably the most significant, with the state election a little over three months away.
Mr Chanthivong himself says he has given up on the Liberal Government listening to his community’s concerns so he has taken this year’s Christmas wish list straight to the top and delivered a copy to Santa.
“After nearly eight years under the Liberal Government, the list is longer than ever,’’ he says.
“Our community is frustrated and tired of being short-changed and ignored,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“From blatant overdevelopment to selling off school land, our community has had enough of this Liberal Government’s inaction and unfairness.
“I don’t expect Gladys to respond but Santa sure knows how to grant wishes.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“He doesn’t disappoint, and I just want my electorate of Macquarie Fields to receive its fair share.”[/social_quote]
Top of this year’s wish list is a strong message to the Liberal Government to “top the squeeze’’ after the overwhelming response to a community survey in which 98 percent of respondents said they have had enough of development in their suburb.
“Our community is fed up with the Liberal Government’s unfair planning agenda that threatens us with high rise monstrosities, destroys our green open space and suburban character, and fails to deliver the infrastructure we need,’’ says the MP.
“Residents feel our area is bearing the brunt of overdevelopment – it’s unfair and they want it to stop,” Mr Chanthivong said.
Transport woes feature yet again on the list, with local commuters angry and frustrated at the Liberal Government’s unfair train timetable, overcrowded carriages and non air conditioned trains.
The list also includes putting a stop to the Liberal Government’s extension of the M5 tolls and a continued plea for a lift at Macquarie Fields Station to make it accessible to all.
Other priorities include more commuter car parking and a commitment from the Liberal Government to increase the number of paramedics at Macquarie Fields ambulance station after more than 10 years of a staffing freeze.
Issues which have consistently featured on the wish list include a call to stop the Liberal Government’s Hurlstone Farm sell-off for more tar and concrete, and an urgent need to protect the region’s much loved and iconic Scenic Hills from development.
Mr Chanthivong said the list continued to grow, demonstrating the Liberal Government’s abysmal failure to stand up for the local community.
“My final request for Santa is that Labor wins the 2019 election so we can deliver a fairer NSW for all,” he said.
