Tim James, Larissa Penn: election challenge looms in Willoughby state electorate

He narrowly claimed victory in a seat once held by Gladys Berejiklian. Now a north shore Liberal is vowing to supercharge his campaign as he faces a challenge from a prominent rival.

A north shore Liberal MP is vowing to rewrite his campaign tactics at the upcoming State Election in the wake of the Federal poll that had prominent ‘teal’ independent elected to Canberra.

New school announcements and a potential backflip on the contentious Beaches Link tunnel project are among the items Willoughby State MP Tim James is hoping to take to voters at the next state election in March.

Mr James was elected in February after a narrow by-election victory against independent Larissa Penn – who has not ruled out a second tilt in the seat once held by Gladys Berejiklian.

The by-election election results showed north shore residents were not afraid to back independents with Ms Penn pulling 46.7 per cent of the two party preferred vote while the Liberal’s margin dropped 20 per cent to 53.3 per cent.

Speaking after Saturday’s Federal Election that saw independent candidate Kylea Tink clinch victory in North Sydney, Mr James said he was working hard to deliver key projects to take to voters.

He also gave the clearest indication to date that the State Government is set to rethink the contentious Beaches Link Tunnel project.

A photo of Tim James pictured during the Willoughby bi-election.

“I think if you’re a politician you’ve got to be able to state your case and to say this is what I’ve delivered,” he said.

“I do say there needs to be two new schools in this electorate including St Leonards Primary School and a new primary school at the Chatswood Metro dive site – it’s a tough ask particularly in the present budgetary climate but it’s one of the discussions I’ve been having.

“I think there’s a very high chance the Beaches Link will be put on hold (when the budget is announced) for a host of reasons, one of which being is we need to listen and consult more – and if it is to proceed we need to get it right.”

“I will have much more to say on that before the general election in March.

Larissa Penn, pictured at Flat Rock Gully, has not ruled out challenging the seat.

Mr James is also planning to campaign harder on State Government projects already underway in the electorate which largely failed to rate a mention in the lead up to the by-election.

“There is a lot this government is doing in the electorate – the Sydney Metro for example is a massive multibillion-dollar development that will transform Crows Nest and also Chatswood. That’s a big deal and brings enormous opportunities and benefits to the people in this community and I don’t think it was raised at all during the by-election,” he said.

Larissa Penn, who’s last campaign was focused heavily on opposing the Beaches Link, remains to be convinced the State Government will permanently pull the plug on the project.

Tim James, pictured during the last election campaign.

It is also unclear whether the incoming Labor government would provide federal funding to bankroll construction, which is estimated to cost $14 billion.

Ms Penn said impacts on public open space including Flat Rock Gully and dredging works across Middle Harbour were among the key concerns for residents.

“The business case for the project still hasn’t been released and there’s frustration that the thousands of pieces of feedback and valid concerns about the environment aren’t being listened to,” she said.

Larissa Penn, pictured reading planning documents for the Beaches Link.

“A lot of the feedback was provided by P & Cs and mothers who are concerned about their children, the proximity of the tunnels to schools and the environment and are feeling very ignored.

“We keep hearing we’re being listened to but we haven’t seen any change yet. There’s a difference between being listened to and being heard.”

Results from Saturday’s election have meanwhile been met with caution from NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, who described it as a “reminder for both major parties (to be) focused on our people”.

Tim James was elected during the February by-election.

Mr James believes the teal independent movement would be less of a threat at the state level, due in part to optional preferential voting. It is also unlikely independents would amass the same level of funding generated by independents in the lead-up to the Federal poll.

“Trent was up against a rich and resourced campaign like nothing we’ve seen before in North Sydney – that’s changing the game and not in a positive way,” he said.

“That sort of exercise isn’t going to be repeated at a State level because we have spending caps for every campaign designed to ensure there’s a level playing field.

“At a State level, this government in my view has also done a lot more to be ambitious, to fulfil its promises, to be focused on the future and to deliver on the commitments we’ve made.

“I don't take any vote for granted or any outcome for granted. There’s no such thing as a safe seat anymore.”