Plenty of locals have already voted before election day Early voting a hit

EMILY FESZCZUK

Asteady stream of people have made their way to the Penrith Paceway pre-poll to cast their votes ahead of this weekend’s NSW Election to help decide who will represent the area and lead the state.

Both sitting MP Stuart Ayres and Labor candidate for Penrith Karen McKeown said they were feeling confident, but the Weekender spoke to some locals to hear their opinions first hand.

After speaking with McKeown, Robert Clarke from Penrith said that he hopes a change occurs on the weekend.

“We need somebody who is honest, and the current government promises they won’t do things when they know very well that they will, like selling assets,” Clarke said.

“You have to tell it like it is and not be afraid. The government have built their own coffins with all the lies which I am sick of.”

Younger voter April Leighton from Penrith believes there can be improvements and is voting for a party over an individual person.

“I think there could be better assistance in the community from the State Government on issues such as cost of living and housing affordability,” Leighton said.

“Promises such as accounts for children to buy their own home in the future isn’t really that helpful for everyone who is alive now and I think that we currently need more houses to be accessible for more people.”

Cambridge Park resident Philip Wilkson said that Ayres has his vote, with the new stadium in Penrith a key factor in his decision.

“Penrith needs a decent stadium. The whole community will benefit, and the Paceway had planned to have villas go here which

Cemetery review promised by Davies

The fate of Wallacia Golf Course is still up in the air with a renewed fight to prevent it from being developed into a cemetery.

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies has revealed to the Weekender that the State Government will review the appropriateness of Wallacia Golf Course as a location for a new cemetery if re-elected.

“Protecting Wallacia Golf Course is my number one priority for the community,” Davies said.

“I have fought against this development tirelessly for the last four years, working with the NSW Government, council and local community to ensure it doesn’t go ahead.” wasn’t divulged and is hypocritical as they say it will be destroying a piece of history,” Wilkinson said.

Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (CMCT) was granted approval in 2021 to go ahead with reconfiguring the golf course to nine holes to make way for a contentious cemetery despite a fight from community members.

With work yet to commence and the club still operating, discussion has continued about the future of the site.

“We need infrastructure, but Labor has been caught short with expenditure. The same applies for the Liberals but it seems Labor’s facts aren’t there when it comes to where money is coming from.”

The State Election will take place on Saturday, March 25.

Stating that the proposal is flawed, Davies said the review will consider different factors and make sure that the community is heard, given its genuine concerns about developing a cemetery.

Labor Candidate for Badgerys Creek (formerly Mulgoa) Garion Thain raised questions regarding Davies’ announcement.

“This doesn’t really stack up when you consider how long they’ve had control of the government, and how long this has been an issue for Wallacia Village,” he said.

– Emily Feszczuk

Cast your vote on Saturday from 8am

Polling places will open from 8am on Saturday, March 25 for voting at the State Election and will close at 6pm.

“Voting is compulsory for all enrolled electors in NSW and there are penalties for failing to vote,” said NSW Electoral Commissioner John Schmidt.

“One of the best ways to plan your vote is by using the Find my Electorate tool on the NSW Electoral Commission website.”

Last week, the Weekender featured profiles of every single candidate across the Penrith, Londonderry and Badgerys Creek electorates. Those profiles, as well as a list of polling places, are now available on the Weekender website at www.westernweekender.com.au.