Labor and Liberal candidates contest Hills Shire West Ward by-election
CAMPAIGNING is in full swing as West Ward residents prepare to go to the polls this week to elect a new Hills Shire councillor.
Hills Shire
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CAMPAIGNING is in full swing as West Ward residents prepare to go to the polls this week to elect a new Hills Shire councillor.
Liberal candidate Jacob Jackson and Labor candidate Immanuel Selvaraj will go head-to-head for the seat, which was made vacant when former Labor councillor Raymond Harty resigned before pleading guilty to fraud charges earlier this year.
This will be the second time Mr Selvaraj runs for the council, after an unsuccessful bid for a seat as a North Ward councillor in the September 2017 election.
For Mr Jackson, this is his first attempt at a local government election.
Both candidates told the Times their mantra would be ensuring only appropriate development would occur while they represent residents, and championed the need for more local infrastructure to meet the growing demand for housing in The Hills.
Mr Jackson said his focus as a councillor would be to “provide more playgrounds and community facilities, as well as improved amenities at Bella Vista Farm”.
He said he would also advocate for upgrades to Baulkham Hills Junction on Old Northern Rd.
Mr Selvaraj said he would rally for a new bus shelter at Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills, opposite the Bull and Bush Hotel, following petitions from residents.
“Council needs to react more swiftly to such issues,” he said.
A council spokeswoman said residents who failed to vote in the by-election would be fined, and encouraged residents to check which ward they lived in.
“All West Ward residents will be required to vote in the upcoming by-election on July 28,” she said.
West Ward makes up part of Baulkham Hills, Bella Vista and Kellyville west of Windsor Rd.
Several polling places will be open from 8am to 6pm on Saturday. Pre-polling is available at 15 Conie Ave, Baulkham Hills, until Friday.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
JACOB JACKSON
Liberal Party
I WILL use my position, if privileged to be elected, to advocate for development to be in the right place and for the roads, open spaces and community facilities to support it.
Having lived in Bella Vista for nine years, I have also experienced the many traffic challenges, particularly at peak hour.
I will advocate for the upgrade of arterial roads such as Norwest Blvd and the enhancement of council roads to support the network so that more time is spent with those we love rather than more time getting to and from work, school or play.
I am committed to maintaining the unique character of our area, so that all residents continue to have a great place to live, work and play.
I want to preserve the community spirit our area is renowned for by supporting more local events and initiatives, while supporting causes like fighting cancer and the promotion of better mental health.
IMMANUEL SELVARAJ
Australian Labor Party
AFTER completing an MBA and Master of Information Systems from Central Queensland University, I have worked around the globe with start-up companies in the IT sector. I also operate an education technology company.
I live with my family in the West Ward and play an active role on the Balcombe Heights Estate Committee. I advocate for improved services for small business and hope to be a conduit between small business and council if elected.
We need a bus shelter at Windsor Rd opposite the Bull and Bush Hotel.
Rapid growth and overdevelopment is decreasing the quality of life in The Hills and this area is my main focus. I also believe councillors need to be accountable and I promise to hold a bimonthly mobile office to be accessible to all residents.
I’m passionate about The Hills and as a candidate I have represented the residents advocating for more recreational areas, better roads and road safety.