ON Saturday 7 May Voices of South West Rocks Incorporated (VOSWRC Inc) is hosting a Cowper Candidates Forum for the upcoming Federal Election, to be held on Saturday 21 May.

Early voting begins on Monday 9 May.

Candidates invitees to the Forum are: Caz Heise (Independent), Faye Aspiotis (One Nation), Keith McMullen (Labor), Pat Conaghan (Nationals), Simon Chaseling (Liberal Democrats), Joshua Fairhill (United Australia Party) and Timothy Nott (Greens).

Each candidate has been invited to speak at the Forum, to share their motivations for running and their key goals if elected.

Larah Kennedy, VOSWRC Inc, said the community event is a great way for residents to hear how candidates will address their concerns if elected.

Attendees to the forum will be able to ask questions on key issues that impact on the community.

Ms Kennedy said, “South West Rocks is experiencing rapid development and land clearing, which is impacting coastal bushland and native wildlife and still does not address the housing crisis.

“In South West Rocks, there are over 1000 new lots currently in development, or approved but not commenced.

“This rapid growth is reducing the habitat of endangered species, like the koala, impacting delicate waterways and putting strain on already limited town infrastructure.”

“As residents, we know how bad it is.

“And we’re not alone.

“This is happening to many coastal towns along the Mid North Coast and the East Coast of Australia.”

There will be a Welcome to Country to open the event at 1pm.

The Cowper Candidates Forum will take place on Saturday 7 May, from 1-4pm at the CWA Hall, 47 Landsborough St, South West Rocks.

Food will be available to purchase.

 

By Rachel MCGREGOR-ALLEN