NSW Election 2023: Illawarra and south coast head to ballot box
The seat of Kiama hangs in the balance as others on the south coast have been claimed. Here’s what we know so far.
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After a long campaign in both the Bega and South Coast electorates, Labor have declared victory.
Meanwhile, it will go down to the wire in Kiama, where Gareth Ward is fighting to retain the seat with the Liberal-turned-independent warning a result “could take weeks”.
Mr Ward has declared he is “not conceding an inch” as the key south coast seat sits on a knife-edge after a huge state-wide swing to Labor.
Mr Ward leads Labor challenger Katelin McInerney on first preferences with about a third of the vote counted, however, Ms McInerney holds a slim margin after preference flows.
Speaking to his supporters at Bomaderry Bowling Club, Mr Ward said the result would not be sorted on election night, adding “the people have spoken and now we just need to work out what they said”.
“More people voted one for us than they did for the other teams,” Mr Ward said to the cheers of his following.
“The only reason there is any doubt is because of Greens preferences and two a Liberal candidate.
“I am not conceding a single inch tonight and I still think we can win it.
“Would I have liked to be in a better position - absolutely - but is it something that isn’t salvageable - no.”
Mr Ward won the electorate by 12 per cent as a Liberal in 2019 before being kicked out of the party after he was charged with historical sexual assault charges in 2022.
"More people voted one for us than they did the other teams" Kiama MP @garethjward tells his supporters at Bomaderry Bowling Club. Ward "not conceding a single inch" and "optimistic" pre-poll and postal votes will get him over the line. BUT no result tonight. #nswpolpic.twitter.com/DUjsSczCqK
— Dylan Arvela (@dylanarvela) March 25, 2023
Mr Ward has strongly denied the allegations and reaffirmed they are “politically motivated”.
“Being a Member of Parliament isn’t an easy job and for me over the last couple of years for obvious reasons it’s been particularly tough,” he said.
“I look forward to dealing with those matters when I am given the opportunity, but don’t think they weren’t politically motivated because they are and there are some people who might be enjoying themselves tonight, but I have one message for them, we are not done yet.
“They would have thought we would have been wiped off the political map. They would have thought they would be wiping their feet on me.”
Ms McInerney, who spent election night at Kiama Bowling Club, said she was in it for the long game.
“It’s too close to call,” she said.
“We probably won’t know for a few days or weeks, but what we can see is that the community wants change.”
Ousted Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons has failed to make an impact after parachuting into the seat for the Liberals earlier this month.
Mr Gibbons is just behind Greens pick Tonia Gray, whose preferences could prove pivotal in the final outcome.
The Bega electorate saw current Labor member, Michael Holland re-elected, currently sitting ahead of Liberal candidate, Russell Fitzpatrick by 3716 votes, as of 10pm.
Mr Fitzpatrick has not yet conceded defeat.
In his victory speech, Dr Holland said he was proud to be elected into a NSW Labor Government.
“With my Labor counterparts, we are going to be able to get a lot done,” he said.
“This was such a grassroots Labor movement and it was done with such elbow grease.”
News Local contacted Mr Fitzpatrick for comment.
Meanwhile, in the South Coast electorate, Labor candidate Liza Butler declared victory early on in the night, defying all polling and odds.
“I always knew we had a huge mountain to climb in this election,” she said.
“But I believed it was time for change on the South Coast.
“I am honoured the voters have entrusted me with this massive responsibility.”
Inside South Coast Liberal sources said Mr Sikora gave an “emotional” concession speech.
The inside source also said Mr Sikora had not yet conceded as he is waiting for pre poll votes to be counted.
Mrs Butler currently holds a lead of only 200 votes.
Mr Sikora was contacted for comment.
EARLIER
One of the most tightly-contested NSW elections in years has reached the business end.
The Illawarra and south coast feature a handful of seats which could prove pivotal in determining who governs in the 58th NSW parliament.
The key battleground seats in the state’s south east include Heathcote, Kiama, South Coast and Bega.
Labor are chasing incumbent members in Heathcote (Lee Evans) and Kiama (Gareth Ward), while in South Coast, the retirement of long-serving Liberal MP Shelley Hancock has opened the door for a push from Labor’s Liza Butler.
In the seat of Bega, Labor’s Michael Holland came into office after a heavily scrutinised by-election in 2021, after the seat had been held by the Liberals for more than 30 years.
Dr Holland holds a 5.1 per cent grip on the electorate, however, Bega Valley Shire mayor Russell Fitzpatrick has thrown his hat in the ring for the Liberal Party.
Wollongong and Keira, held by Labor Shadow Ministers Paul Scully and Ryan Park respectively, are safe seats for the reds.
The same can usually be said for Shellharbour, but MP Anna Watson is going up against Shellharbour mayor Chris Homer who has history on upsetting Labor incumbents.
Follow along for all the results.
Update: Sikora gives “speech of a lifetime” after South Coast loss
Sources inside the South Coast Liberal Party have confirmed Liberal candidate Luke Sikora has given his concession speech.
The speech was described as the “speech of a lifetime”, as Mr Sikora spoke to a room full of disappointed supporters.
It is yet to be confirmed whether Mr Sikora has called his Labor opponent, Liza Butler to concede defeat.
Mr Sikora has been approached for comment.
The speech comes as a red wave hit NSW, with Bega, South Coast, Shellharbour, Wollongong and more being called for Labor.
Mrs Butler previously said before the election that the race would be tight.
Despite Mrs Butler’s victory, her assumption was correct, with current results having her only a few hundred votes ahead of Mr Sikora.
Sikora gives “speech of a lifetime” after South Coast loss - 9.20pm
Sources inside the South Coast Liberal Party have confirmed Liberal candidate Luke Sikora has given his concession speech.
The speech was described as the “speech of a lifetime”, as Mr Sikora spoke to a room full of disappointed supporters.
It is yet to be confirmed whether Mr Sikora has called his Labor opponent, Liza Butler to concede defeat.
Mr Sikora has been approached for comment.
The speech comes as a red wave hit NSW, with Bega, South Coast, Shellharbour, Wollongong and more being called for Labor.
Mrs Butler previously said before the election that the race would be tight.
Despite Mrs Butler’s victory, her assumption was correct, with current results having her only a few hundred votes ahead of Mr Sikora.
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‘We’re not done yet’: Kiama going down to the wire - 9pm:
Kiama is on a knife-edge as outspoken MP Gareth Ward battles to defy a state-wide swing towards Labor.
Mr Ward trails Labor challenger Katelin McInerney by the slimmest of margins with about a quarter of votes counted; however, he has told his following “we’re not done yet”.
“There is certainly a strong Green vote, which I am worried about,” Mr Ward said at Bomaderry Bowling Club on Saturday evening.
“But when some of the bigger booths like Bomaderry, Berry come in it’s going to look a bit better.
“So can I thank you all, sit tight and have a drink - it’s on me.”
Mr Ward said he “would not be conceding tonight”.
“I may not be in front as much as I like, but we ran a strong postal vote program and the Labor Party didn’t,” Mr Ward said.
“Also pre-poll will favour us so I am not making any concessions this evening because half my electorate pre-polled.
“We will wait and see what the electorate says.”
Mr Ward and his Labor rival began the day at Mt Terry in the electorates north where Ms McInerney cast her vote alongside her partner Brian and their son William.
“There’s a real sense that change is in the hearts and minds of voters,” she said.
Mr Ward left it late to cast his vote at Bomaderry Public School where he laughed “I am voting for the time for the independents”.
“Let’s hope this is independent’s day for Kiama,” Mr Ward exclaimed.
Mr Ward won the electorate by 12 per cent as a Liberal in 2019 before being kicked out of the party after he was charged with historical sexual assault charges in 2022.
Mr Ward has strongly denied the allegations.
Ousted Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons has failed to make an impact after parachuting into the seat for the Liberals earlier this month.
Mr Gibbons is just behind Greens pick Tonia Gray, whose preferences could prove pivotal in the final outcome.
Massive upset in South Coast as Labor declares victory 8.19pm
Labor candidate for South Coast, Liza Butler has defeated Liberal candidate, Luke Sikora.
Mrs Butler’s win is a huge swing to Labor for the South Coast seat, which has been held by the Liberals since 2003.
Mrs Butler said she was honoured to have won.
“I worked really hard and listened to the people of the South Coast,” she said.
“I look forward to continuing to work for the people of our region as their local state member.”
Mrs Butler said the election result showed “people want change”.
“We have just won a seat that the Liberal party has held for 20 years,” she said.
The swing to Labor comes as NSW as a whole was called for the party.
Mr Sikora was approached for comment.
Further south in Bega, Michael Holland was re-elected as the Labor member.
Labor member Michael Holland re-elected for Bega - 8.22
Labor member Michael Holland has been re-elected, beating Liberal candidate Russell Fitzpatrick.
Speaking to an ecstatic crowd of supporters, Dr Holland declared his victory.
“I am so honoured to declare that I have been re-elected as the New South Wales Labor member for Bega,” he said.
While not all votes have been counted, early results have Dr Holland in a large enough lead to call the election for him.
“I would like to thank my other opponents,” Dr Holland said.
“I also believe I am the first Labor member to be re-elected in Bega.”
Mr Fitzpatrick was approached for comment.
Early projections see Ward in front in Kiama - 8pm
Less than two hours after voting closed early projections have incumbent Kiama MP Gareth Ward holding onto the key south coast seat.
Sky News experts have called the election in Mr Ward’s favour with just shy of 10 per cent of the vote counted.
Mr Ward has recorded strong early numbers at voting stations, particularly in the south of the electorate, including Gerringong Town Hall, Berry Public School and Bomaderry Public School.
Liberal candidate Melanie Gibbons trails across all booths while Labor’s Katelin McInerney is in front at Minnamurra Public School - her home suburb - and Mt Terry Public School where both Mr Ward and Ms McInerney began election day.
Heathcote called for Labor as South Coast seats start falling - 7.49pm
Labor has taken a commanding lead in Heathcote, with Maryanne Stuart recording 44 per cent of the vote, compared to 34 per cent for incumbent Lee Evans.
As the first 9000 votes were counted, Ms Stuart had gained 4297 of the votes and Mr Evans had received 3247 votes.
It comes after a boundary change in the electorate, which was considered a marginal seat.
Meanwhile, the red wave has swept across the rest of the south coast, with Bega, South Coast, Keira, Wollongong and Shellharbour all called for Labor.
South Coast is the shock, as Labor’s Liza Butler is expected to take the traditionally Liberal seat with a whopping 16.4 per cent swing.
‘Concerning’: Labor takes early lead in South Coast - 7.32pm
In an upset, Labor‘s candidate for South Coast has taken an early lead against Liberal candidate Luke Sikora.
Polls indicated Mr Sikora would win the seat, however early results have Mrs Butler ahead by a few hundred votes.
While it is early days, a source inside the south coast Liberal party told News Local these early results were ‘concerning’.
Both Mr Sikora and Mrs Butler have been approached for comment.
‘Looking good’ for Holland as results begin in Bega - 6.55pm
Labor member for Bega, Michael Holland‘s Moruya is watching results as they come in at his medical practice.
The first results are trickling into the computers of Dr Holland workers, with his media PA, Sarah Kerkham saying it is “looking good”.
While numbers are yet to be confirmed, results from some booths have worked their way to the office where Dr Holland is ahead.
Dr Holland said he was “relaxed” and ”feeling good”.
“We‘re at the end of it now, so I am feeling alright and just waiting to see results,” he said.
“The feeling was really positive in all the booths up here [Batemans Bay and Moruya] and we were getting a lot of good feedback.”
Liberal candidate, Russell Fitzpatrick is attending his result party in Pambula, having voted in the Bega Valley Shire town at 4.00pm.
Mr Fitzpatrick said he was “relieved” the campaign was over.
“The results are now up to the people, there‘s nothing else we can do.”
Final ballots cast as Gareth Ward “hopes for independence day” - 6.30pm
The polls have closed after a frantic day across NSW, including in the seat of Kiama where incumbent MP Gareth Ward left it late to cast his vote in at Bomaderry Public School.
“I am voting for the first time for independents,” Mr Ward said.
“Let's hope this is independent’s day for Kiama.”
NewsLocal grabbed the opinion of a handful of voters in the heart of the electorate outside the polling centre at the Kiama Uniting Church.
Long-time Kiama resident David Andriske believes Mr Ward will be returned despite his ongoing court matters.
“I think Gareth Ward will be re-elected,” he said.
“He has a fairly good history in the area apart from his side issue that he has to deal with because that‘s a part of the legal process. You have to assume someone is innocent until they’re proven otherwise.
“Maybe it will matter for some younger people who are probably more reactive, but I don‘t think most people will worry about it. People are more worried about the bigger issues around health and the general cost of living.”
Kiama MP @garethjward casts his vote in the final hour of election day at Bomaderry Public School. The Liberal-turned-independent is “hoping for independence day in Kiamaâ€. #nswpol pic.twitter.com/IoIBsAIwil
— Dylan Arvela (@dylanarvela) March 25, 2023
A Kiama woman, who asked not to be named, said Mr Ward‘s legal situation may “unfortunately” affect his vote, but still believes he will get over the line.
“I know Gareth Ward very well and I think he has been a very good member,” the woman said.
“I see him at so many functions and he is supporting so many things. His heart is in the right place.”
A male voter, who also wished to go unnamed, commended Mr Ward for his work on securing funding for road infrastructure and “attending everything”.
“He‘s a hard-working member,” he said.
“Everyone is innocent till proven guilty and he‘s been a good member.
James, who voted for Mr Ward in 2019, said he would not comment on him because he “didn‘t know him personally”, but said he was hoping the Liberals maintained the status.
The incumbent does not have the support of couple Brendon and Karen, who said they “didn‘t have any respect for the man”.
Safe Illawarra Labor seat MPs say still a “mountain to climb” across NSW - 3.21pm
Shadow Health Minister Ryan Park has told NewsLocal it would be an “honour” to be the state‘s next Health Minister while handing out how-to-votes in his safe red seat of Keira.
Mr Park, who was joined by his energetic son Oliver outside Farmborough Road Public School, said it was an “important role”, but knew there was still a battle to be won across NSW.
“What an honour (being the Health Minister) it would be,” he said.
“I think there‘s only been 43 Health Ministers in our state’s history. It’s a big role, it’s a really important role and it’s one that I would certainly be excited to get the opportunity to undertake.
“The mood (in Labor ) is that what‘s it’s been consistently, we’re hungry, but humble and we know there’s a big mountain to climb.
“We think every vote is going to be needed. We think it‘s really, really tight.”
Mr Park, who holds Keira by 18.2 per cent, said he would “love to say tonight” when asked when the election would be called, however, he anticipated it could be a waiting game.
“I would love to say tonight,” Mr Park said.
“But if it‘s as close as what they’re predicting I’m not sure we will be able to get a result tonight.”
Member for Wollongong @paulscullymp is all smiles on election day outside Smith’s Hill High. Mr Scully said “with a bit of luck†we will know who will be in government for the next four years this evening. #nswpol pic.twitter.com/tLeeOIhECf
— Dylan Arvela (@dylanarvela) March 25, 2023
Mr Park‘s colleague in the neighbouring electorate of Wollongong, Paul Scully, said “with a bit of luck” the state would have a ”clear and decisive outcome” tonight.
Mr Scully, who is the Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, boasts a 22.9 per cent grip in Wollongong.
Liza Butler casts vote in “tight” South Coast electorate - 2.36pm
South Coast Labor candidate Liza Butler has cast her vote in Nowra.
Voting at East Nowra Public School at midday, Mrs Butler said she knew the result would be “tight”.
“I‘m aware this is going to come down to the absolute wire,” she said.
Mrs Butler said she was aware the South Coast seat had been held by the Liberals since 2003.
“Shelley Hancock has held this seat for a long time, so I know it‘s going to be a tough race,” she said.
“But I don‘t think this is a safe Liberal seat anymore.
“People want change and I think we are going to see that tonight.”
Mrs Butler has spent the day in Nowra, where she said the vibes had been great for Labor.
“It‘s all been so positive,” she said.
“I‘m feeling less nervous than I was coming into the election.”
Mrs Butler will now spend the afternoon in Ulladulla, before heading to her result party in Milton when polls close at 6.00pm.
Greens preferences in Heathcote “deciding factor” - 1.40pm
The preference flow from the Greens’ Cooper Riach to Labor’s Maryanne Stuart could be the “deciding factor” in swinging marginal Heathcote to the red zone.
Mr Riach, who was at Engadine Public School polling station, said both Greens rusted-ons and disenfranchised Labor stalwarts voting for him were being encouraged to “not waste their preferences”.
“I think it will be the deciding factor”, he said.
“Otherwise it could be very close, but I think with our voters preferencing Labor it could get Maryanne over the line.
“I’ve been telling people: ‘use your preferences, get the most out of your vote’.”
Mr Riach, however, said an ideal realistic scenario would be a Labor minority with the Greens as king- or queen-makers.
“It would be the best possible outcome,” he said.
“That’s where we can really shine and have a lot of say on the decisions that get passed in parliament, and we’ve seen that in the upper house – pushing the major parties to do better.”
Ms Stuart and Labor are hoping the preferences of the Greens’ Mr Riach flow steadily to their camp, to help tip the result over the line.
Ms Stuart – the favourite, if the latest polling is to be believed – said the message to her during pre-poll and at the Endagine polling station today was clear: “people want a change”.
“Pre-poll was busy across the electorate, north and south, and people have said they want a change,” she said, while casting her own vote at Engadine Public School.
“Cost of living, teachers and train timetables, these are the concerns I’m hearing at the booths.”
A third-time challenger, Ms Stuart could be waiting for days until a result comes in – given how close the seat is and the huge pre-poll voting figures – but said if she awoke a victor she’d most likely “go on a bushwalk or hit the beach, my two favourite things,” she said.
Teachers Federation “target” Heathcote, 150 members out at booths – 1.10pm
In Heathcote — notionally Labor on little over a one per cent margin after a redistribution — over 150 NSW Teachers Federation members will be at polling stations across the seat to help ensure a Labor victory, in what an organiser said was a “targeted‘ campaign.
Organiser Guy McDermott said the federation had decided it was a “targeted seat” in their campaign to oust the Coalition government.
“There’s a lot of anger in the teacher community in the Heathcote area,“ Mr McDermott said.
Mr McDermott said incumbent MP Lee Evans had failed to meet with teachers three times recently and members were at booths to convince swing voters to turn away from the Liberals.
“There’s over 150 members and teachers out across the Heathcote electorate telling the community we’ve got shortages and the only way to fix it is a change of government.,“ he said.
“I think it’ll be a key factor in Heathcote, the teacher vote, and the influence they have in the community.“
Shellharbour candidates ‘fight’ for votes in Dapto – 12.35pm
Labor MP Anna Watson said she will be “fighting till six o‘clock” despite the Member for Shellharbour holding the Illawarra seat by a commanding 18.4 per cent.
“I love election day, it's exciting you go through a lot of highs and lows, but it’s a great day for democracy,” Ms Watson said outside the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre.
“I am a fighter and I'll fight until six o’clock tonight.”
“You can't have any regrets, you do what you can on a day-by-day basis and hope it resonates with voters. But what I do know is that the Liberal’s privatisation is really hitting the people in the electorate of Shellharbour very, very hard.”
The Opposition Whip, who has held the electorate since 2011, is being challenged by Shellharbour mayor Chris Homer who is running as an independent.
Mr Homer rose to prominence by upsetting longtime Labor politician Marianne Saliba in the 2021 mayoral race.
The independent has spent all of the pre poll in the Shellharbour LGA, however, he opted to man booths in Dapto on election day.
“It‘s been a really, really tough six days,” Mr Homer said.
“I‘m feeling really confident. I’ve given 100 per cent and my team has given me 100 per cent. Once it’s all done, I’ll sit back and just watch it all unfold, just like I did at the local government election.
“It's a big day with well over half of the constituencies going to vote today so I wanted to come into the heartland of Dapto, especially in the schools as well, because this is a sector that’s doing it really tough.
“It will be an upset, but at the end of the day, the local government election was a major upset and the margin might have been even bigger there.”
The Liberals polled 27.2 per cent at the last election and are facing an uphill battle to improve their position given a prominent independent entering the field, however, their candidate Mikayla Barnes maintained it was important to “fly the banner” for the party.
“I think it's all about the next generation,” Ms Barnes said.
“Although it's a safe Labor seat it’s important that we have representation for the party and we’re able to fly the Liberal banner high.
Among all of those things it's important for young women to give it a crack and put themselves forward.“
Ms Barnes said two issues which resonated with voters were the Kanahooka on-and-off ramp as well as the need to have more schools in the electorate.
Residents line up in droves to vote – 12.25pm
Residents from the Bega electorate have lined up in droves at both Batemans Bay and Moruya voting booths to cast their ballot.
More than 40 per cent of the electorate have already voted in pre poll, according to the NSW electoral commission.
However, the majority of residents have waited to election day to have their say on the future of their community.
Resident Michael Trent, who was voting at the Batemans Bay museum voting centre said his vote was influenced by the “lack of work from the major parties”.
“For the first time ever, I‘m voting for an independent,” he said.
“The major parties have shown time and time again that they are incapable of achieving the most basic things.”
Rosie Anderson, another resident who was voting at Moruya Public School, said health was a major factor in her voting decision.
“Health is so important around here considering our ageing population,” she said.
“And with the new hospital being built, it‘s more important than ever.”
For resident Daniel Ploom, infrastructure was at the top of his list.
“We need better roads and facilities in Batemans Bay,” he said.
Volunteers handing out at Batemans Bay said, while standing around could be tedious, there was nowhere else they would rather be.
“Russell is such a good, hard working man,” Sue Kristie, Liberal volunteer said.
“He's the best Bega candidate we’ve had for a long time.”
Labor volunteer Geoff Patrick said it was “time for change”.
“After 12 years and multiple failed premiers, we need a NSW government who are going to get things done,” he said.
Voting booths along the south coast will remain open until polls close at 6.00pm.
Animal Justice Party banking on preference run-off to Labor – 12.14pm
High-profile Animal Justice Party NSW MP Emma Hurst was in Engadine with candidate Arielle Perkett, and the party has put Labor third on its how-to-vote, but encouraged its voters to ensure they preference challenger Maryanne Stuart.
The party gained just under four per cent of the vote in 2019 – Mr Evan’s margin was about 5 per cent – and its preferences, alongside that of the Greens, could be crucial in electing Labor’s Ms Stuart.
Ms Hurst called Ms Perkett a “star candidate”.
“We’re all smiles and happy here, but she’s here for some very serious issues,” Ms Hurst said.
In Engadine, however, the Animal Justice Party are hoping their preferences may win the seat for Labor’s Maryanne Stuart. The party’s upper house MP Emma Hurst was out in support for candidate Arielle Perkett. pic.twitter.com/DVDRJMVYjQ
— Alexi Demetriadi (@ADemetriadi) March 25, 2023
“The reason why the party is standing is to advocate for some major changes in NSW, including standing up to shut down the puppy farming industry.
“These are the things people are interested in and I’ve seen voters switch their votes based on this information.”
Heathcote incumbent casts ballot, says postal votes could be “crucial” – 11.57am
Longstanding Heathcote Liberal incumbent Lee Evans cast his vote at his local polling station in Loftus, calling the campaign “tough but enjoyable”.
“Everyone’s been cordial and we’re looking forward to finishing on a high,” Mr Evans said.
The seat is now notionally Labor – redistribution sees the party holding an estimated 1.6 per cent margin – but Mr Evans was robust in his belief he could be returned to parliament for a 12th year.
“I’m very aware of it (the boundary changes),” he said.
“But we’ve worked very, very hard and I’m pleased with the response we’ve had, so it will tell tonight how we’ve gone.”
Liberal incumbent Lee Evans cast his vote at Loftus, he said it’s been a tough but enjoyable campaign. pic.twitter.com/sXGvnXhAsa
— Alexi Demetriadi (@ADemetriadi) March 25, 2023
The MP said, given the huge pre-poll turnout and large local postal vote, it could be “XX” since a final result was announced.
“I’m not expecting a result tonight or even tomorrow,” Mr Evans said.
“I suspect we’ll find out in the middle of next week, we’ve had a huge postal vote in the area, which may be crucial for the result – so it could take weeks.”
Voters at the same Loftus polling booth, however, were thinking outside the electorate boundaries.
“I look at everything when deciding to vote, mortgages, the cost of living,” Meagan Taylor, who voted alongside Alexis Barnes, said.
“I’m not looking locally at this election, but who will be best for the state.”
South Coast candidates campaigning hard ‘until the end’ – 11.47am
The Labor and Liberal South Coast candidates said they were “campaigning hard until the end”, as they come into a rainy NSW election day.
Labor candidate, Liza Butler has previously predicted the South Coast seat to be tight race. Her opinion coming into election day has not changed.
“I'm not taking any vote for granted and will be speaking to voters down to the last minute,” she said.
However, Mrs Butler said she was ready to be the “change the south coast needs”.
“I do think there is a desire for change in the air,” she said.
“Whether that shows in the polls is a matter for the voters.”
Liberal candidate, Luke Sikora said he was proud of the work he and his team had completed the past five months.
“We've worked tirelessly to ensure we speak to as many residents as possible about our positive plan for the South Coast,” he said.
“I‘m optimistic about our future and want to ensure we continue to see investment in services and infrastructure right here in the South Coast.”
Mr Sikora said he believed he had done everything he possibly can to win the election and take over from his Liberal counterpart, Shelley Hancock.
“I've left no stone unturned, taken no voter for granted, and will work hard right to the end,” he said.
“Hopefully I will get to work hard on Monday as the next member for the South Coast.”
Mrs Butler will spend today in Nowra, before moving to Ulladulla in the afternoon to vote, while Mr Sikora has already voted in pre-poll. However, he will spend the day travelling the electorate.
South Coast triathlon shouldn’t ‘pose an issue’ – 11.33am
Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Matthew Hatcher has commented on the decision to close roads for a triathlon on election day.
George Bass Dr and Tomakin Rd which link coastal villages to Batemans Bay and Moruya are currently closed in order to run a triathlon.
However, Mr Hatcher said this wouldn‘t affect people’s ability to vote.
“I think the amount of polling booths open in Tomakin, Broulee and surrounds, the marathon will not pose an issue,” he said.
Mr Hatcher said the roads would only be closed for half the day.
“Announcement boards have been up for weeks,” he said.
“Not forgetting pre polling has also been going for a week.”
Mr Hatcher cast his vote this morning and has wished luck to all Bega candidates.
“Steely” Ward confident as Labor rival casts her vote – 10.45am
Kiama MP Gareth Ward has declared he is confident the electorate will vote in his favour as his political future goes on the line in the key south coast seat today.
Mr Ward and his Labor rival Katelin McInerney started election day at Mt Terry Public School – one of the largest polling sites in the electorate – with the incumbent lambasting his opponent‘s campaign.
“I‘ve been through this plenty of times,” Mr Ward said.
“I have steely resolve and I am looking forward to tonight.
“I think people want a local member who knows how to get things done and I think you can see that Labor are relying very much on brand Labor.
“They're not actually relying on local plans or local promises. They’ve just lied throughout this campaign. They’re offered pay rises to everybody and they’ve proposed things that haven’t been budgeted for.
Mr Ward won the seat by 12 per cent as a Liberal in 2019 before being kicked out of the party after he was charged with historical sexual assault charges in 2022.
Labor Kiama candidate Katelin McInerney passing incumbent independent Gareth Ward on her way to vote. Both targeting last-minute votes at Mt Terry PS - one of the seat’s largest polling stations. #nswpol pic.twitter.com/ySBeWgWwuj
— Dylan Arvela (@dylanarvela) March 24, 2023
The now independent, who strongly denies the allegations which remain before the court, told NewsLocal he is “hopeful” an outcome will be clear tonight.
“I‘m a local, I’ve lived here my entire life and I want to continue to serve the local area,” he said.
“We may know (the outcome) at 9.30 or 10pm, but who knows. There are a lot of pre-polls, but I am hopeful for a result tonight.”
“9.30 10 who knows, who knows, there are a lot of pre polls and I am hopeful for a result tonight.”
Ms McInerney said she was “feeling good” about her prospects as she cast her ballot alongside her partner Brian and their son William.
“We‘ve had a lovely reception from folks and there’s a real sense that change is in the hearts and minds of voters,” she exclaimed.
“We are very pleased that people are responding to our calls to fix our hospital, rebuild our education system and ensure that local infrastructure and local roads are funded properly.
“We've left nothing on the field, we’ve put it all out there. The reason we got started (campaigning) so early is because we knew there was so much to fix.”
Liberal candidate and ousted Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons opted to spend Saturday morning in Gerringong in the heart of the electorate.
Holland casts his vote – 10.29am
Incumbent Bega Labor MP Dr Michael Holland has cast his vote alongside his wife Lyn at the Moruya Public School.
“Election day is always a great relief, it’s always good to have the campaign over,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to a good result and hopefully I’m the first Labor member for Bega to be re-elected and hopefully I’m the first Labor member to be elected to a Labor Government.”
‘Unity’ as voters flock to Batemans Bay – 9.52am
Bega Liberal candidate Russell Fitzpatrick was spotted handing out election material at the Batemans Bay Community Centre this morning, a more than two-hour drive from where he plans to vote in Pambula.
Meanwhile, the friendly volunteers showed there’s no real animosity between the parties in the Bega electorate as long lines begin to form at polling booths.
Liberal-held marginal on a knife-edge as candidates prepare to vote – 8.42am
In the seat of Heathcote, in the Illawarra’s north, Labor’s path to electoral victory could rely on three-time challenger Maryanne Stuart disposing of sitting Liberal incumbent Lee Evans.
The electorate, held by Mr Evans with a margin of 1.9 per cent, although redistribution has made it a notionally Labor seat, encompasses swathes of Sutherland and the Illawarra, while two national parks on its doorstep have heightened voter concerns around the environment and bushfire risk.
Mr Evans will vote at 10am in Loftus while Maryanne will cast her ballot in Sutherland around midday.
The preferences of Greens candidate Cooper Riach and the Animal Justice Party’s Arielle Perkett – the party’s high-profile upper house MP Emma Hurst will be in the electorate supporting Ms Perkett – could be significant in who comes out as victor.
Both Labor and Liberal know, however, their respective paths to victory at a state level could be impacted if they fail to win, or hold, Heathcote.
Bega candidates showing no nerves as Election Day begins – 8.21am
Both the Liberal and Labor candidates for Bega are coming into election day showing no nerves.
Liberal candidate Russell Fitzpatrick said he was excited to have his name on the ballot today.
“It‘s an honour to be the Liberal candidate for Bega and as people are voting today, I hope they put a one next to my name,” he said.
“It‘s the endgame now, most people voting have made up their minds, but that’s what a democracy is.”
Labor candidate Michael Holland said this election felt different to his by-election in early 2022.
“This one does feel different, there feels like there is more at stake,” he said.
“I‘m not nervous, in the last one I was.
“In the by-election, I thought I had no chance, so winning was a bit of a surprise.”
Dr Holland, who has held the seat for Labor since the by-election, beating then Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs by 4568 votes, said the electorates long history of Liberal MPs was not lost on him.
“I think the winds are changing and I‘m feeling pretty confident coming into this election,” he said.
Dr Holland plans on voting this morning in Moruya, while Russell Fitzpatrick will vote later this afternoon in Pambula.
‘No baggage’: Highlands voters reject controversial former councillors
Controversial former councillors have been rejected at the ballot box in the Southern Highlands, receiving some of the lowest vote numbers among candidates as Wingecarribee Shire Council transitions out of administration.
Illawarra sale and auction results, week ending October 6
Illawarra recorded 23 property sales over a million dollars last week, the latest auction and sales results reveal.