All Elections are Critical

The forthcoming State election is generally being viewed as the end of the road for a government that has been around too long. This is hardly an issue worthy of voters in NSW and indeed in Sydney's West.

Voters increasingly need to scrutinise the offerings, visions and directions of each party (or independent) to assess if those on offer really do understand the needs of communities throughout the State.

In the sprawling powerhouse that is Western Sydney, transport is a critical issue. Not belated patchwork solutions or pie in the sky election promises; transport that makes movement around the major employment nodes effective and affordable. Time effective commuting for the West's labour force will increase employment opportunities and provide the economic stimulus to underpin major developments and the vital Western Sydney economy.

Certainly there are other major issues such as health, education and the social disorder caused by unemployment and the insidious social cancer known simply as "drugs". But mobility is the key issue from which solutions for most ills will come.

Throughout this region every local government and business association needs to be concerted in their lobbying of candidates and parties to free up the arteries of Sydney's heart.

The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce has met with opposition leader Barry O'Farrell to put the case for Western Sydney in front of him and continues to talk with candidates to clarify the issues and to assist in providing solutions.

These are not times for an adversarial approach, it is the time for positive proposals and the clear demonstration of who best understands the issues; they are the ones most likely to deliver solutions. The Chamber will continue to listen carefully and speak forthrightly over the next few weeks.