Libs will focus on getting back to basics

The NSW Liberal Party says its candidates in the September 14 election include experienced professionals committed to fighting for a back-to-basics approach to help get the Central Coast back on track.

Gosford East ward will be led by Jared Wright, an Avoca Beach local and financial services consultant at Australian based firm Honner.

He works with a diverse range of corporate clients including asset managers, major banks, financial advice practices and hedge funds, as well as government bodies.

Wright is a staunch advocate for budget repair and housing reform, noting that Council debt remains too high and is hamstrung by prolonged development approval timelines.

“Repairing the debt must be the number one priority of the next Council,” he said.

“We must also look at how we can unlock our region’s housing market and generate additional revenue, so that we can stimulate our local economy to fund the infrastructure, services and facilities we desperately need.”

He will be joined by former Gosford councillor Dee Bocking, with a third candidate not accepted by the Electoral Commission.

Leading The Entrance ward is Rachel Stanton, a Berkeley Vale local and major projects and construction lawyer at Clayton Utz.

She has extensive experience delivering significant transport, commercial and residential infrastructure projects in the public and private sectors.

Stanton said she would bring an informed perspective to the decision-making process.

“We need to deliver the essential infrastructure that our local residents deserve and expect, starting with fixing our roads,” she said.

“With sound decision making, we can reduce the debt and provide for our community.”

She will be joined by Stephen Hood and Tracey Perrem.

Prominent small business owner and East Gosford resident Trent McWaide will lead the team in Gosford West ward.

He operates three commercial and retail automotive businesses across the region, employing more than 20 local residents.

He is also a former NSW police officer within the State Crime Command, with a focus on intelligence and investigations.

McWaide said he was committed to delivering value to ratepayers by delivering real leadership and strong ethical governance.

“I am committed to making a positive impact on our community, by ensuring that Council operates with efficiency and integrity and it all starts with leadership,” he said.

He will be joined by Alan Pappas and Kylie Lowbridge.

John McNamara will lead the team in Wyong ward.

He has strong local government experience as a former deputy mayor of Wyong council between 2008 and 2012, prior to amalgamation.

He has also served as Global Telecommunications Director at AT&T, with a focus on business growth and expansion.

He said he was seeking to shape the future of the Central Coast through experience, integrity, accountability and ethical representation, and will fight to ensure the region gets its fair share.

“Council must stop doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome,” he said.

“We will examine the Operational Plan line by line and make changes where necessary, while also maximising funding and grant opportunities from the state and federal governments.”

Joining him on the ticket are Wade Russell and Jennifer Ferguson.

The team says its priority will be on getting the council focused on residents’ needs – road repairs, stemming rate increases, repairing the council debt, revitalising community spaces and ensuring responsible development.