Kogarah Bay Progress Association clarifies its status as a registered political party

"We are Local Government Registered Political Party, formed to endorse and promote suitable candidates for Local Government elections to the Georges River Council Local Government Area," Georges River Residents and Ratepayers Party candidate Bob Jones said.

"Details are on the NSW Electoral Commission Public Register and Lists of Local government register of political parties."

Local Government Political Parties must have a minimum of 100 members and be registered with the electoral commission 12 months before the election.

Lead candidates for the Georges River Residents and Ratepayers Party are: Peter Mahoney, Peakhurst Ward; Bob Jones, Hurstville Ward; Elise Borg, Kogarah Bay Ward; Natalie Mort, Blakehurst Ward; and Christina Jamieson, Mortdale Ward.

"When the local government elections were postponed for 12 months due to COVID, we took this opportunity to formally register as a Local Government Political Party," Mr Jones said.

"We are formed by a group of community-minded candidates who have actively been advocating for the community on many issues.

"None of our 15 candidates have ever been politicians or worked for politicians. We are not backed, aligned, funded, or controlled by any major party of outside influence.

"Our candidates, if elected, will be free to vote according to their own conscience.

"All of our candidates have been disappointed with many of the decisions of the current Georges River Council, and one of the things our candidates all have in common is a desire for the Council to listen to the wishes of the community and for there to be transparency in decision-making.

"Our objective is to have fresh faces and fresh ideas on Council who will work for the community. We believe we need a team of like-minded people who will work together to achieve this and change the direction of the Council. That is the reason we formally registered as a local government political party."