Candidates in Saturday's State election should be supporting the issues of most importance to the local community - transport, health, the economy, decentralisation, and local jobs - Cowra Mayor, Councillor Bill West has said.
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The seat of Cootamundra, which covers Cowra Shire, is a rural-based area and local electors desperately need a strong voice in Sydney, Cr West said in a letter recently forwarded to all candidates.
"The continuing delays in announcing a decision on the future of the Blayney-Demondrille rail corridor; lack of daily air services to Cowra; and the need for a dedicated renal unit for Cowra Hospital, are all issues that I'm asking the candidates to support," Cr West said.
"Other vital local issues that need to be addressed include funding for a Cowra bypass to reduce the 12,000 vehicle movements per day congesting our main street; decentralisation of government services and agencies to country areas; and industry support for development of a 'food processing cluster' in the region," Cr West added.
Continued commitment to retention of Cowra Agricultural Research Station and the Cowra TAFE as well as upgrading of Cowra Police to a 24-hour station are Government services that must be top priorities for all candidates.
"In State issues, we're asking candidates to support the abolition of payroll tax for communities under 15,000 to encourage and grow businesses and improve employment prospects and service delivery for regional NSW," Cr West said.
"Ours is an area of great need and issues such as support for aged services in the district; investment in Wyangala State recreation area; and improved library funding; are all of first rank importance to our local community."
Cr West said that not having access to the influence and proximity to metropolitan media and the decision-makers that urban areas enjoy means that country localities - more than ever - require a strong voice in Parliament to fight for their communities.
"I'll be interested to see how the five declared candidates for Cootamundra respond to these issues and whether the needs of the local community come first in their priorities," Cr West said.
