THE electoral district of Willoughby is a key seat in the upcoming NSW State election.
The Willoughby electorate is currently represented by Liberal member Tim James, after he was successfully elected in February 2022.
Previously classified as a safe Liberal seat, the 2022 by-election proved a close race for James against Independent Larissa Penn, with the Liberal’s safe margin dropping from 21% to 3.3.%.
Independent candidate Larissa Penn will again contest the current Liberal occupation in this upcoming March election.
‘At the by-election last year, I achieved a 19% swing away from the State Government,’ says Independent Larissa Penn. ‘This puts the margin at just under 4%, which I believe is achievable if we campaign hard and keep connecting with the community on matters that are important to them.’]
Candidate Larissa Penn’s experience ranges across multiple sectors – including food, medical, retail, export, public service, primary production, pharmaceutical – having graduated with a degree in Technology Management.
Larissa has for the past five years been leading the ‘Stop the Tunnels’ initiative, voicing the concerns of residents about the Western Harbour and Northern Beaches tunnels. ‘I started Stop the Tunnel to provide a platform so that information could be shared about the impact to families, our community, our homes and our environment,’ explains Larissa.
Independent Larissa Penn’s campaign stipulates that she will focus on integrity, transparency, climate, and environmental sustainability, stating, ‘In Willoughby, there are significant issues around the lack of transparency and costings for the major infrastructure projects decimating our parks and green space.’
Larissa will additionally focus on safeguarding heritage sites, addressing the cost of living, improving health and education, supporting local businesses as well as prioritising public transport, among other pressing issues in the community.
‘My campaign is old-school, grass roots, on the ground and supported by volunteers,’ says Larissa Penn. ‘I simply want our community to be heard and respected.’
