A disability support worker has put her hand up to stand as an independent candidate for the seat of Hawkesbury next year after becoming frustrated with what she says is the “systematic destruction” of the area.
Grose Wold Rural Fire Service Brigade member Marie-Jeanne (MJ) Bowyer announced she would run as an independent at the 2019 state election after becoming frustrated by inappropriate development decisions, lack of community consultation and “no local knowledge by the sitting state member for the Hawkesbury”.
I do not have to toe the party line and my only master is the Hawkesbury community.
- MJ Bowyer
“What motivated me to run in the Hawkesbury seat is my anger at the systematic destruction of our beautiful district by the current State Government,” she stated. “It is further compounded by our sitting member having no idea about community priorities, due to never having lived here.
“I am angry at the endless inappropriate development foisted upon us, along with the lack of any genuine community consultation.
“I do not have to toe the party line and my only master is the Hawkesbury community.
“Traditionally the parliamentary balance of power is held by the minor parties and independents, which lends itself to a strong bargaining position for the people of the Hawkesbury.
“With a local perspective and local priorities, I feel I am in a very strong position to deliver positive outcomes for the area.”
Ms Bowyer said she believed the community was “heartily sick” of party politics and political game-playing at the expense of genuine community interests.
When asked how she rated her chances in light of the weekend’s state by-election result in Wagga Wagga – which saw a massive swing against the Liberal Party to deliver the seat to an independent – Ms Bowyer said she could “provide what the voters are looking for”.
“I believe the Hawkesbury is ready for a major change,” she said. “Anger at the way the State Government is decimating our beautiful district and frustration at not having a committed, local MP makes it attractive to look at unencumbered alternatives.”
Ms Bowyer has also been active in recent months with Bells Line of Road Community Action Group (BLORCAG), protesting against the NSW Government’s proposed road corridors.
