Chamber disappointed with Liberal selection

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has expressed its disappointment that the Liberal Party has not pre-selected a local resident for the Gosford by-election.

Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales said: "We are disappointed with the pre-selection of Ms Jill Pilon for the up-coming by-election in Gosford.

"We understand that Ms Pilon does not live in the electorate and does not have any long-standing ties with our local community," Mr Wales said.

With over 50,000 registered voters in Gosford, Mr Wales said he believed it was disappointing to think that the NSW Liberal Party could not find a local candidate and instead had to resort to recruiting from outside the electorate.

"Now more than ever, it is important to ensure that both major parties nominate local candidates especially ones that fully understand local issues," he said.

"With less than four weeks until the by-election, there is no time to waste on candidates trying to learn local issues and earn the trust of the local community.

"The business community is looking to the NSW Government to re-commit funds to the Woy Woy Rail Underpass and ensure that the project is completed as promised at the last State election."

He said the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce was looking for long-term commitments on roads funding and other infrastructure projects such as the new Ettalong Wharf beyond this by-election.

"If the Liberals are unsuccessful at the April 8 poll, then we would expect that any promises made during the election campaign be honoured regardless."

Media release, 12 Mar 2017

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce