Name Will Landers
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Age 45
Family Married with four boys
Where do you live? Coonamble
What do you do for a living? Tyre repair and retail business
How long have you lived in the Parkes electorate? I have lived in the Parkes electorate all my life
What is the best part of living in the Parkes electorate? The people and the lifestyle
Why are you running for the seat of Parkes? The electorate needs a credible alternative to vote for.
What is your political experience? I have no political experience although I have a understanding of everyday people and common sense which both parties lack.
The crippling effects of the drought continue to be felt by the electorate's farmers. What kinds of measures would you fight to install to drought-proof the region? Is the creation of more dams part of the solution, and if so, where should they be located?
I do agree in new generation dams or upgrading existing ones. We need a Federal Royal Commission first otherwise we will have the same water issues. Major infrastructure needs to be built. Whether it be in rivers, such as gated weirs to help rivers cope in all conditions or supporting storage systems for agriculture or businesses to access global markets in poor times. On top of this full support from government.
Do you support the proposal to relocate immigrants to regional centres as a means of relieving pressure on metropolitan infrastructure and increasing the population of and diversity in country towns and cities?
I think before immigrants are placed into our region we need a complete overhaul of all essential services and must only be placed where they will not put pressure on employment or have a skill that is lacking for the area. At the moment most areas in the region are struggling and under pressure.
Many primary producers in the region lament the lack of seasonal workers to pick their crops because of restrictions with the current visas system. If elected, what changes would you push to make to alleviate this concern?
I am a believer we have enough workforce in a lot of the regions and that we must work out a way to get people working. This should be an ongoing project to get our electorate working for itself. Until we do this we have to allow overseas workers easier visa requirements to fulfill these rolls.
How should the federal government increase the export potential of Parkes' primary producers and manufacturers?
By building infrastructure and supporting these producers and manufacturers. The government need to stand up for any producer or manufacturer in this country.
Do you agree with the idea of decentralising government departments to regional areas, and, if so, which departments would you like to see be relocated to the Parkes electorate?
I do believe in decentralisation, but we need better infrastructure and communications before we move anything. These departments must be able to operate at full capacity otherwise it will be detrimental to the department and the country.
What's your vision for our region and how will you encourage more people to live here?
My vision is that the electorate is being listened too, supported and getting its fair share. With that comes essential services, which are fully restored. Confidence in the region will grow and attract businesses and families.
What is the best way to improve links between Sydney and the Central West? Do you support a Bells Line Express Way? Do you support upgrading the Great Western Highway including tunneling through the Blue Mountains? Should the federal government favour (and fund) one approach over the other? If so which approach should be the priority?
I would support either way. We just have to get it done so the are can grow.
What are you plans with the Inland Rail? Do the concerns of some residents who are impacted by the potential train track concern you?What infrastructure do you want to see built or fixed in the electorate over the next three years?
Inland Rail needs an inquiry into route selection, costings and why it was not tendered out to private Australian companies and contractors. Everyone is in favour of this major infrastructure, but it cannot be rushed through impacting hundreds of people and communities. Questions have been asked of the local member with no response. We also need communications both mobile and internet improved. Businesses need these essential tools to be competitive. Roads, health and education all needs funding increases.
What is your stance on the future of coal mining for the region?
Until we can come up with a better base power solution it will have to stay. In saying that, the mines must not be allowed to impact agricultural land or water resources.
Do you support renewable energy? If so how do you believe Parkes is positioned to take advantage of the renewables market?
I do support renewable energy and the Parkes electorate has nearly an unlimited supply of sunlight. We need access to higher capacity lines to be able to take advantage of this. However these projects must not be on prime agricultural land.
What policy do you have to reduce power bills?
Until we can find a base power better than coal we must not shut down stations. People cannot afford electricity now. They must be kept open.
What policy do you have to deal with climate change?
I do support renewable energy and the Parkes electorate has nearly an unlimited supply of sunlight. We need access to higher capacity lines to be able to take advantage of this. However these projects must not be on prime agricultural land.
What are your plans to improve mental health services for the Parkes electorate?
Mental health needs all the funding and support it can get. The decisions for mental health must be left with local health and not run from regional or major cities.
What do you think needs to be done to improve youth employment in the region?
TAFEs must be funded in all areas and more incentives given to employers and trades to take youth on.
What will you do to help reduce crime in the electorate? How are you proposing to curb the rates of drug use, particularly ice?
Not enough is being done to target ice dealers in these regions. This is because police are understaffed and overworked and the judicial system does not back them up. I would work with my state counterpart to encourage action on dealing.
This drug is the scourge of our communities and dealers need to be taken off the streets and removed from society. It must be a zero tolerance on dealers.