Mark Latham launches One Nation’s Central Coast six-point plan

Lightning rod politician Mark Latham visited the Central Coast yesterday promising a local “population freeze” - and that’s just the start.

Mark Latham and Pauline Hanson announce he will run as leader of the NSW state One Nation Party in the upcoming election. Picture: John Feder

Lightning rod politician Mark Latham swung through the Central Coast yesterday to reveal One Nation’s “six-point plan” for the region — and its content may surprise voters.

Mr Latham, a former federal opposition leader, is now running for a seat in the NSW Upper House to represent Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party.

The former Labor leader, and former Liberal Democrat, has been dogged by outrage since he started his post-political career.

NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham. Picture: Joel Carrett

He lost work as a pundit on Sky News Australia after a series of controversies, and resigned his position as columnist for the Australian Financial Review following an outcry over his sustained criticism of domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty.

He has since re-emerged as a key pillar of the NSW arm of One Nation and said if elected to the NSW parliament, the party would throw its support behind the controversial Wallarah 2 mine project.

Warnervale Aerodrome sign at Warnervale Airport.

The mine has approval from both the state government and the federal environment minister but its fate remains tied up in the NSW Land and Environment Court as the Australian Coal Alliance, backed by Central Coast Council, fights to deny the project.

One Nation would also advocate for expansion of Warnervale airport — a project that has never had support from the state government.

The former Wyong Shire advocated for airport expansion but that movement has since been squashed by the amalgamated Central Coast Council.

The Wallarah 2 mine will be built at Wyong.

Mr Latham also spruiked a “regional population freeze”.

“The Central Coast cannot cope with its projected 80,000 population increase,” Mr Latham said.

“Growth should not recommence in the region until the jobs and services deficit has been cleared.

“New planning controls are needed to avoid further overdevelopment and congestion.”

He said One Nation would also support the construction of more commuter parking at Woy Woy, Gosford and Tuggerah.

An increase in commuter carparking spaces has also been at the centre of announcements from both the Liberal Party and the ALP.

The remaining three points include supporting policies that reduced electricity bills, increased police presence and bringing the NSW education system “back to basics”.

While One Nation has little chance of securing a lower house seat in the March election, votes to the party’s candidates will help Mr Latham enter the Upper House.