Dr Ursula Stephens (pictured with Yass pre-selection candidate Anna Ritson) will be a force to be reckoned with in the lead up to next year’s State election.

Hers and her party’s efforts in slashing sitting Liberal MP Pru Goward’s margin by 20 per cent at the the 2015 poll were the most significant in years.

She has political nous and years of experience on her side, along with a highly organised union movement. It was this clout that stopped Goulburn Base Hospital’s privatisation in 2016, despite government denials this was the case. 

Whereas once Goulburn was hardly looked at, all of a sudden it has scored vital infrastructure funding. Politicians are beating a path at Ms Goward’s invitation, either at Community Cabinet meetings or State Liberal Party meetings.

Expect this type of attention to go up a notch over the next year. 

Opportunities abound, with the council keenly awaiting a $4.5 million funding announcement for the performing arts centre. It is also applying to various State programs for significant funds for the aquatic centre ($10m), Wollondilly Walking Track ($835,000) and infrastructure at north and south Goulburn to service growth.

The State is in a strong financial position, a fact Ms Goward will talk up in the campaign ahead. Despite stadium back flips and claims of mismanagement and rushing of big projects, the Coalition has political capital on its side. 

Labor needs to win 13 seats to take government, and that’s a tough ask. Voters in this electorate will have to decide whether it wants a voice in that government, or one in opposition.  

They will also need to weigh up what’s in it for Goulburn. Woeful train services and TAFE cuts have been ongoing and unresolved issues. The Goulburn campus has been plundered of courses and teachers. It has oodles of space to spare, just waiting for the government to use its imagination.  

Jail staffing is also shaping up as a key battle ground. Though preliminary work is underway on the hospital, funding for future stages is still up in the air.

Goulburn’s growth demands greater government attention and a strong advocate.

The next 12 months should indeed be interesting. Regardless of who emerges the winner, competition may just deliver this city some real gains.