The group is led by Port Stephens Mayoral and East Ward candidate Mark Watson, who claimed 12.9 percent of first preference votes for the seat of Port Stephens in the 2023 state election.

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Joining Mr Watson in contesting the September local government elections is Neil Turner in West Ward and Scott Leech in Central Ward.

“There is no room for big party politics in council,” said Mr Watson.

“We need a true independent movement in council asking the right questions and not being influenced by party politics.”

Ahead of the campaign launch, Mr Watson called for a “thorough independent investigation into funding from unions like the CFMEU into Labor campaigns”.

“You only have to look at the role in which unions are playing in the Hunter offshore wind farm and how they are trying to influence decisions.

“The biggest question I put forward is: can Labor be trusted?”

Mr Watson has a history of engaging in spats with Labor representatives, clashing publicly with Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington during last year’s NSW election.

While Mr Watson’s campaign has featured discussion on union funding and offshore wind projects, he stressed the importance of council getting its key responsibilities correct.

“We need to return to the basics within council, the ‘Three Rs’ – rates, roads and rubbish.

“This should be the main focus before feel-good projects.

“I find it no coincidence that the outgoing council have voted for doubling the expenditure on road repairs and upgrades for the next budget, the year they are up for election.

“Where was the focus every other budget?”