NSW Election: Picton’s business leaders call out state candidates

Picton Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called out the seven candidates vying for Wollondilly in the NSW Election, suggesting none have promised a single dollar to improve the lives of residents.

Picton Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called out the seven candidates vying for Wollondilly in the NSW Election.

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Picton Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called out the seven candidates vying for Wollondilly in the NSW Election, suggesting none have promised a single dollar to improve the lives of residents.

In an open letter, chamber president Kyle Chamberlain criticised the lack of “serious” election commitments.

He said he was “completely bemused” by the candidates’ election campaigns so far.

The Picton Chamber of Commerce and Industry president has said he was so far “completely bemused” by the candidates’ election campaigns.

Mr Chamberlain suggested to candidates and Wollondilly Council the electorate could be the deciding factor in forming government.

“There has not been one serious commitment to the Wollondilly electorate by any of

the candidates and not a single dollar promised to improve the lives of residents of

one of the fastest growing areas in the state of NSW,” Mr Chamberlain wrote.

“With the obvious opportunities here in the southwest, I would have thought items like roads, rail, education and health — along with employment — would be high on the list of priorities for the State Government.”

Chamber president Kyle Chamberlain.

The only current financial commitment has been $5.5 million from Liberal Party candidate Nathaniel Smith to reopen the 152-year-old Picton Loop Line.

Mr Chamberlain said the electorate deserved more than generic statewide commitments.

He highlighted how the regional Queanbayean electorate has received $3 billion of election promises.

Mr Chamberlain has suggested candidates should commit to funding the Picton Bypass project.

He suggested election commitments should be made such as $100 million for flood mitigation in Picton, funding to acquire employment land in Maldon and a financial commitment for the Picton Bypass.

“Our electorate could be the deciding factor in forming a government as we don’t see a landslide victory for either major party,” Mr Chamberlain said.

“We encourage the candidates and parties to respond and make some solid commitments.”

The seven candidates for the Wollondilly electorate: are Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party Jason Bolwell, Country Labor Party’s Jo-Ann Davidson, Animal Justice Party’s Heather Edwards, One Nation’s Charles Fenton, Independent Judith Hannan, The Greens’ David Powell and Liberal Party’s Nathaniel Smith.

The State Election will take place on Saturday March 23.