Freewater quits Greens

Cr Peter Freewater, of Horsfield Bay, has quit the Central Coast Greens and has declared his intention to run as an Independent candidate in the upcoming local government election in September.

"My years of work to fight for the community against a questionable Gosford Council have not been supported by certain other local Greens," he said.

"I feel that I can serve the community better as an independent."

Cr Freewater said relationships with fellow Greens had soured in recent months over issues such as the compulsory acquisition of Bambara, the use of Coastal Open Space System (COSS) funds to buy a quarry, Gosford Public School and the Gosford Landing.

Cr Freewater stated that while NSW Greens have supported him, local Greens have not.

"Lee Rhiannon helped me fight against sand mining operations, John Kaye has joined the fight against the removal of Gosford Public School and David Shoebridge has slammed Council over their ridiculous Code of Conduct charges," said Cr Freewater.

"It's the lack of support from members of the Central Coast Greens that has disappointed me and led to my decision to stand as an independent."

Cr Freewater said: "It will be very difficult to get elected without the support of the Central Coast Greens and the many volunteers that assist the campaign."

"However, I am hopeful that others in the community will support me just as I have supported them and that with this support I can run a successful campaign and be re-elected to Council in September.

"There are a lot of people in the community that are sick of Gosford Council and appreciate the fact I have the guts to stand up to them and speak the truth.

"The community want a strong leader and they deserve an honest and transparent government.

"I will be looking for others to join me in my fight to clean up Gosford Council."

Media Release, 16 Mar 2012 Peter Freewater, Horsfield Bay