Action group co-founder nominates for state election

More than 300 days after the announcement of the Outer Sydney Orbital draft corridor triggered angst throughout the community, a new candidate for the March state election has emerged for Camden.

Cobbitty resident Andrew Simpson has announced his nomination for the upcoming state election.

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More than 300 days after the announcement of the Outer Sydney Orbital draft corridor triggered angst throughout the community, a new candidate born has emerged for the March state election.

Members of the community meet with government leaders to discuss the M9 Outer Sydney Orbital. Picture: Carmela Roche

Cobbitty father-of-three and Outer Sydney Orbital Macarthur Action Group co-founder Andrew Simpson, 41, announced on Sunday he would run as an independent candidate to contest the seat of Camden at the upcoming election.

Other nominees include Labor candidate Sally Quinnell and Liberal Peter Sidgreaves.

Mr Simpson said he had never harboured the desire to enter politics until the furore of the Outer Sydney Orbital, in which he was encouraged by members of the community to lead the campaign.​

“I’ve been watching and waiting over the last four to five months for somebody from the community to take that great step forward and stand up as an advocate for the community,” Mr Simpson said.

“With significant issues and challenges facing Camden right now — and in the future — I am eager to be an authentic advocate for the community without having to toe the line of a party.”

When asked on the fate of the Outer Sydney Orbital if elected, the small business owner said he would represent the community’s wishes.

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“As a community advocate it would be my position, or my role, to understand what the community wants (with the M9) and to try and make that happen,” he said.

“I certainly don’t believe we want an M9 per se.”

Camden Liberal MP Chris Patterson, who announced his retirement from politics last year, has represented the Camden electorate since 2011.