After much toing and froing, Kiama Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters has opted against contesting the upcoming by-election but she will be keeping a close eye on whoever wins before deciding whether she will throw her hat into the ring next time around.

The independent Councillor seriously considered standing in the by-election and would have been a formidable opponent for Labor’s Katelin McInerney, Serena Copley (Liberals), Dr Tonia Gray (Greens) and Kate Dezarnaulds (Community Independent).

But she told The Bugle that she was not quite ready to commit herself to a crack at a seat in state government.

She will be closely monitoring whoever emerges triumphant on 13 September over the next 18 months to see if they deliver on their promises for the electorate.

And if Cr Matters feels the residents of Kiama are still being treated like second-class citizens in NSW Parliament, she is likely to nominate for the full state election in early 2027.

Her interest in potentially running for Kiama this time around was triggered by a recent phone poll of the electorate which mentioned her name among a list of local politicians to see who had name recognition among the constituents.

“After that, I had phone calls saying ‘oh, you're running’ and ‘you should be running’, and I'm going hold on,” she explained.

“The only reason I thought about running was I thought what is the best for the Kiama seat?

“And ultimately because I'm only new to Kiama Council, my commitment is solely focused there for now.”

Cr Matters is apolitical but wants to ensure that whoever is elected is not just part of a party machine but dedicated to what the region needs.

“I think it's best that we, as Council, work with a really good, strong candidate,” she added.

“Council is, I think, just turning the corner a little bit. And I think that our efforts should remain focused there. But we definitely need someone strong that's going to advocate for us in State Parliament to help us get the area where we need it to be.

“So I'm placing great faith in the electorate that they will choose the person who will deliver for us.

The NSW Labor Government had a frosty relationship with disgraced independent Gareth Ward over the past few years.

“I just don't think we've had the representation we deserve. I'd like to see that change,” Cr Matters added.

“It's a bit of an 18-month window into what's going to happen to see if we’ve voted for the right person. Are they delivering for our area? And if they don't, then maybe I need to step up.

“But I have confidence that we have got strong women there that will step up. But let's wait and see. You never say never.

“I don't mind who is in government, but I do care about our area and I will fight for what we deserve and what we need to do.”