Shoalhaven City Councillor and former Greens candidate for Kiama, Nina Digiglio, has announced her departure from the party.
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"I signed on for a 4-year term with the Shoalhaven Greens, which came to term in September 2020," she said in a release.
"This extra year to 2021 is a result of COVID 19. I have made the important decision to move forward as an Independent in my final term with council and into the next election period."
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She clarified that she will run independently of any party, and is not in any way affiliated with the Shoalhaven Independents.
Cr Digiglio said the decision was about "personal integrity".
"I need to have freedom with my decision making process," she said.
"I want to be an honest, compassionate representative for my community.
"There are no hard feelings towards the Greens' team."
The decision has been months in the making - Cr Digiglio said she began considering it in March, when it was announced that 2020 council elections would be postponed for 12 months due to COVID-19.
"The [additional] COVID year [of council] was a surprise," she said.
"This has not been an overnight decision, and I have more decisions to make about my preferences.
"I've got mixed emotions - there's definitely a fear factor to be out on my own, but also a lot of excitement."
