PETER Mailler was tired on Monday after being on his tractor all night dealing with weeds in fallow land on his property which sits between Boggabilla and Boomi.
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But he was excited to confirm another independent candidate in the upcoming state election would be unofficially aligned with the Country Party, which Mr Mailler co-founded at the end of last year.
Though the party is not yet officially registered – it requires 500 members to do so – it had already endorsed Mr Mailler’s elder brother David is an independent candidate for the Northern Tablelands, which will encompass Moree.
On Monday afternoon Mr Mailler was able to confirm with the Moree Champion that Robert Pike of Coffs Harbour will head a list of candidates for the NSW Upper House aligned with the newly formed party.
Mr Mailler also said he expected the party to make another big announcement before the end of the week.
Up until this week Mr Pike was a member of the central council of the National Party and chair of the Coffs Harbour electoral district. A retired irrigator, he has been a long time advocate for the water rights of farmers, with a particular interest in the Murray-Darling system, Mr Mailler said.
It is an issue close to Mr Mailler’s heart, and one he said was central to the newly formed Country Party.
“The distinguishing thing between us and the National Party is that we are actually committed to rural and regional people,” he said.
“The Nationals say that they are, but how do you support a coal seam gas venture if you’re truly committed to agriculture? How do you support taking 20 per cent of Murray darling agricultural water on bad science and emotive politics?
“Water is a big issue for me, I am environmentally responsible, and the best people for it are viable farmers, families who want to pass their land on to their kids.”
Peter and David Mailler will be in Moree for a meet and greet this Thursday with another founding member, Pallamallawa farmer Oscar Pearse.
David Mailler, a cattle and sheep farmer from Uralla, said the idea was to listen to locals about issues they faced and solutions they might have.
“It’s about trying to provide a different kind of representation, one that is about representing the electorate, not representing parties.”
Peter, David and Oscar will be at Cafe Gali from 11am on Thursday. To arrange a meet call David on 0487 765 229.
