FORMER state government minister Chris Downy could make a surprise comeback as the Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Miranda.
If would be a ‘‘back to the future’’ battle between Mr Downy, 59, and Labor’s Barry Collier, who returned to politics last year at the age of 63.
Mr Downy, a Como resident and gambling industry lobbyist, is president of the NSW Liberal Party.
The electorate he represented from 1988 to 1997 covered much of the area that falls within Miranda electorate, which, after an electoral redistribution, will extend across the Woronora River to Alfords Point and Illawong.
It is understood an automated telephone survey, known as robocall, was conducted in the Miranda electorate late last week.
Residents were asked about their voting intentions and given the names of Chris Downy and Barry Collier.
Responses could be given by pressing keys on the phone.
While the Liberal Party is considered most likely to have commissioned the survey, a party source said such exercises were relatively inexpensive and could be paid for by an individual.
A Liberal Party spokeswoman said the party never commented on speculation about research it may or may not be conducting.
‘‘Mr Downy did not pay for any polling,’’ she said.
The spokeswoman said pre-selection for Miranda remained open.
Mr Downy did not return calls by deadline yesterday.
Several senior Liberals in Sutherland Shire, contacted by the Leader, were not aware of the survey, but said Mr Downy’s name had been discussed.
The Liberals are desperate to win back the seat following last year’s by-election drubbing.
Labor holds a notional margin of 3.1 per cent after the redistribution.
Mr Downy, a schoolteacher, served two terms on Sutherland Shire Council before becoming MP for Sutherland, including two years as Minister for Sport and Recreation.
He resigned mid-term, causing a by-election, and took a corporate and community affairs executive role with Sydney Airport Corporation.
Mr Downy moved on to become executive director of the Australasian Casino Association and, in 2012, chief executive of the Australian Wagering Council, which represents the online wagering and sports betting industry.
It is understood former mayor Carol Provan, who recently joined the Liberal Party, has nominated for preselection, along with police sergeant Glenn Gorick and, possibly, Menai MP Melanie Gibbons, whose seat was abolished.
Mayor Steve Simpson also could be interested, but his unwillingness to align himself with a faction has cost him preselection in the past.
Would you like to see Chris Downy make a comeback?
STATION UPGRADE
More than $30 million was being spent on improvements at Sutherland railway station, Premier Mike Baird and Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian said during a visit yesterday.
Mr Baird said construction of the car park, behind Sutherland United Services Club, would start next month.
It would provide at least 340 free and untimed commuter parking spaces within a short walk of the station.
Mr Baird said a new lift being installed at the station would be operating by the end of the year.
Ms Berejiklian said a new bus interchange, which opened earlier this year, completed the investment package.
