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A Liberal seat might come into play for the primary time in 35 years after a long-time mayor launched his marketing campaign to enter NSW parliament.
Michael Regan says 14 years as a mayor on Sydney’s northern seashores meant he had the expertise, relationships and native data “to get issues carried out” within the citizens of Wakehurst.
The citizens has been house to present well being minister Brad Hazzard for 32 years, with the retiring MP constructing a 21 per cent margin over Labor.
Whereas his Northern Seashores Council space covers 4 state electorates, Mr Regan mentioned tossing his hat into the ring for Wakehurst wasn’t prompted by strategic considering or polling.
“I am unable to afford to do polling. For those who’ve received cash to burn, let me know,” he instructed AAP on Friday.
“It was simply the place I reside … I moved to Forestville, I raised my youngsters, taught them to experience their bikes there after which moved to Dee Why.
“It is my group.”
Whereas different unbiased candidates within the space and native federal member Zali Steggall use the color teal of their campaigns, Mr Regan won’t.
He credited the teals for doing nice work partaking their communities however felt the 57,000 voters in Wakehurst already knew him and his orange branding nicely sufficient.
“They belief me, I’ve delivered for them, I’ve carried out what I’ve mentioned,” he mentioned.
Premier Dominic Perrottet on Friday batted away claims the Liberals are apprehensive in regards to the seat.
Candidate Toby Williams will win in Wakehurst and “proceed our observe document in that space”, he mentioned.
“We have made vital investments within the northern seashores and that may solely occur due to the Liberals and Nationals and our long-term financial plan for our state,” Mr Perrottet mentioned.
Mr Regan mentioned he would not look to voting patterns for Ms Steggall within the space, given these polls concerned Tony Abbott, Scott Morrison and federal points.
His marketing campaign might be centred round a “secure fingers, sensible options” slogan with insurance policies together with higher city planning, elevated public transport, extra on-demand transport and inexpensive housing.
Native environmental points get a run too, with Mr Regan vital of the clearing of bushland for houses at native landmark Lizard Rock and Labor’s want to extend housing growth.
“(It is) proof that the two-party system doesn’t serve our group,” he mentioned.
Mr Regan dismissed a revived 2014 information story about his mayoral automobile being a second-hand Jaguar, saying the automobile ran on biodiesel and was offered by the council for revenue.
He is since gotten round in his personal second-hand Tesla.
It comes as teal candidates Joeline Hackman and Jacqui Scruby attempt to wrest the northern seashores seats of Manly and Pittwater from the Liberals’ grasp.
Liberal Pittwater candidate Rory Amon on Friday mentioned folks had been involved about the price of residing, the setting and bettering their lifestyle.
“The Liberal authorities not solely has a powerful document on delivering on main infrastructure, which improves the on a regular basis lives of individuals in Pittwater, however they’ve a powerful document on local weather and different points our group cares about.”
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