LABOR Party candidate for the seat of Bathurst Cassandra Coleman was in Oberon last week door knocking to meet the residents and to hear the concerns of the community.
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Ms Coleman’s enthusiasm is high as she prepares to take on Member for Bathurst Paul Toole at March’s state election.
She said she was looking forward to the campaign for Bathurst moving into full swing.
Ms Coleman is taking extended leave from her public service job to devote all her energy to her bid for election.
“I will be working seven days a week – 24 hours a day,” she said.
“What drives me is knowing that Mr Toole has not represented this electorate the way he should be.
“My job is to highlight the current government’s cut to education, TAFE and school funding.
“There are tough times ahead for the local community following the announcement that Wallerawang power station will be demolished in the near – future after 57 years of operation,” Ms Coleman said.
“The decision by the NSW government to privatise has cost our community hundreds of jobs due to a disastrous domino effect flowing on from the power station’s closure. This closure has affected many in the Oberon area.
“Oberon Council should have major concerns in regards to LGA’s proposed amalgamations.
This will be devastating for Oberon. It will mean job losses and lack of services for Oberon.”
Last Wednesday, Ms Coleman was meeting with residents from Black Springs in regards to security issues at Oberon Correctional Centre after several break-outs in December 2014.
“I can’t believe neighbours were not informed of the break outs. These escapees are desperate – it’s not acceptable,” she said.
Ms Coleman expressed her bewilderment to learn of Paul Toole’s admission that he found out about his government’s bizarre solution for prison overcrowding through media reports.
The solution involves housing the state’s exploding prison population in demountable buildings.
“Prison capacity across NSW will be at overflowing proportions in the coming weeks,” she said. “My focus in this election is to fight and stand up for working families.
“I will be in Oberon at least once a week and I would like to hear of any concerns residents may have.”
Ms Coleman faces a tough battle to unseat National’s MP Paul Toole at the March 28 election.
Mr Toole won in a landslide over Labor’s Dale Turner at the 2011 election, securing a record 36 per cent swing.
Former deputy mayor of Bathurst, Tracey Carpenter will run as the Green’s candidate for the election.