VOTERS in the Inner West Council elections on 9 September overwhelmingly supported candidates strongly opposed to WestConnex, including Pauline Lockie, one of WestCONnex Action Group (WAG)’s founders, elected as an independent in the Stanmore Ward.

“WestCONnex Action Group is thrilled to have Pauline as a strong, progressive representative on the Council. Since she and her family learned they would lose their home in St Peters to the tollway, she has campaigned tirelessly and stood up for residents treated so appallingly by the NSW Government. We have no doubt she will be a strong advocate for residents not just on WestConnex but more broadly across community issues”, said Janet Dandy-Ward, a WAG co-founder.

The Greens, who have consistently campaigned against WestConnex since 2013, had candidates elected in four Wards, including Colin Hesse in Marrickville and Marghanita Da Cruz in Leichhardt, both seasoned campaigners against WestConnex. In Balmain, former Greens Mayor of Leichhardt Council, Rochelle Porteous, and in Marrickville, anti-WestConnex independent candidate, Victoria Pye, are in close contests.

During the campaign, Local Labor candidates, five of whom have been elected, also distanced themselves from the current NSW ALP policy of supporting parts of WestConnex and promised residents to fight the proposed plans. 

"These results clearly show that opposition to WestCONnex was a key election issue, and WAG welcomes progressive, strong councilors who will forcefully oppose WestCONnex and lobby the NSW Government to call a halt to current plans", said Rhea Liebmann, WAG spokesperson.

Contacts: Janet Dandy-Ward 0411 633 676; Rhea Liebmann 0410 517 343