Elect an independent

The Central Coast is far from an independent region at present.

Some would say it is a forgotten region by State and Federal Governments, or a dormitory region.

An exaggeration perhaps, but in state planning policies, it is treated often like a handy spillway for the growing population surplus of the Sydney metropolis.

There is a lot more to come of that given current Sydney growth forecasts.

Here is a question that Central Coast voters could ask themselves, especially now that the sitting federal MP Belinda Neal will not stand for re-election.

Do they really want to continue to be represented by a major party MP?

The Rudd Government looks likely to be re-elected with a reduced majority and the very marginal Robertson seat may well return to the Liberal Party.

It seems to me that Robertson would be better served by an effective Independent MP or a Green who, in a closely balanced federal Parliament would have clout.

This would open the way for the airing of a range of major regional concerns not dependent on policy platforms of either major party.

The advantages of such a situation for the Central Coast could be enormous with national consequences to follow.

Email, 15 Mar 2010 Klaas Woldring, Pearl Beach