NSW election: Ryde independent councillor Roy Maggio eyes crack at blue-ribbon seat

Ryde independent councillor and former mayor Roy Maggio predicts voters will desert the major parties at next year’s NSW election as he sets his sights on unseating a senior minister.

Independent Ryde councillor Roy Maggio reckons it’ll be “Independence Day” on Sydney’s north shore at the 2019 state election. Picture: Jordan Shields

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Ryde councillor and former mayor Roy Maggio predicts voters will desert the major parties at next year’s NSW election as he prepares for an “independence revolution” in a blue-ribbon seat.

Mr Maggio, who quit the Liberal Party in 2016 after growing “disillusioned” with the faction fighting, is weighing up whether to tackle Planning Minister Anthony Roberts in Lane Cove or spark a family feud by running as an independent candidate against his cousin, Finance Minister Victor Dominello, in Ryde.

The colourful 54-year-old — who had a high personal vote running as an independent at last year’s local government election — is “testing the waters” in both electorates. But it’s increasingly likely he will have a crack at unseating Mr Roberts, who holds a whopping 27 per cent margin, at the March 23 poll.

Up for the challenge: Roy Maggio.

In a safe Liberal seat: Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts.

Mr Maggio is not dissuaded by the electoral Everest he’ll have to climb to beat Mr Roberts or Mr Dominello, who has a 12 per cent margin.

He’s pointed to the latest polls, which show a big dip in support for the Coalition, and the rise of independents such as Kerryn Phelps, who was sworn in last week as the federal Member for Wentworth.

“I think you’ll see an independence revolution at the state election,” said the east ward councillor, who was Ryde mayor back in 2013.

“People are sick of the major parties. They’ve been taking the electorate for granted for too long. Both the Liberal and Labor parties are a disgrace.

“I’ve been in the party machine and I saw the disdain first-hand. They have lost sight of the needs of the community.

“I knew 15 years ago what was needed in Ryde, yet here we are today having all the transport and development problems, due to poor planning. It’s unacceptable.”

Cousins: Roy Maggio and Victor Dominello back in 2013 when Mr Maggio was Ryde Mayor.

The father-of-four said he had secured the financial backing to run a “serious six-week campaign”, where his key policy will be reforming the state’s planning system.

“Planning instruments need to be changed to ensure the needs of the community are met,” Mr Maggio said.

“Gladesville is an old heritage area that is being destroyed because of overdevelopment.

“Infrastructure needs to be in place before all the big apartment buildings are put in place. Meadowbank is a perfect example. There’s nowhere to have a coffee.

“We need to be bringing communities together, not destroying suburbs.

“I’m not opposing development, but it must fit the streetscape, retain the heritage value of suburbs, and the needs of the community.”

Politicians of all stripes are running a virtual unity ticket on overdevelopment in the Ryde LGA. The biggest source of concern is Meriton’s proposed 60-storey towers at Macquarie Park, for which Ryde Council will make a recommendation at an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday night.

Strongly opposed: Meriton’s proposed towers at Macquarie Park.

Mayor Jerome Laxale says he will be calling on councillors to oppose it, “in line with the community’s feedback”, but Mr Maggio remains undecided on which way he’ll vote.

“I was in favour of the community benefits that could come with it … but I won’t be making my decision until I’ve read all the briefing notes,” Mr Maggio said.

‘Independence Day’: Roy Maggio at Monash Park, Gladesville, last week.

“What Ryde really needs is for the council and NSW Planning Department to be working together more effectively, instead of legal fights, to make sure we get the full benefits of any new development.

“It’s about having a balance of development and making sure there’s enough open space for recreation and family activities.”