The Blue Mountains Greens has announced Alandra Tasire, an archaeologist and former national parks guide, as their candidate for the state election next year.
Ms Tasire, who has lived in the Mountains since 1996, said she stood as a strong alternative to the candidates of the older parties.
"I have a passion for the history and integrity of the Blue Mountains and its people. I am committed to my community and to living responsibly in a World Heritage Area," she said.
Ms Tasire, with her dog Jessi, is a participant in the campaign to save the local RSPCA.
"Living responsibly in our unique environment includes ensuring that unwanted pets are not forced to become predators of our native fauna," she said.
Ms Tasire said her campaign will focus on important issues for the Blue Mountains, particularly those she feels both Coalition and Labor state governments have failed at.
"Keeping our local TAFE servicing the Blue Mountains community with a wide range of education options and affordable fees is a high priority for me.
"Like many Mountains residents, I was a student of the Wentworth Falls TAFE. That is where I did my outdoor guide training which led to work with National Parks.
"We have youth unemployment approaching 13 per cent in the Mountains, yet courses and teaching staff at our TAFE campus continue to be cut. Most fees will double next year.
"What we are witnessing is the decimation of public technical education in favour of private providers for whom profit, not quality education, is the driver."
Ms Tasire is also committed to opposing the privatisation of water and electricity services.
"These are essential utilities, not cash cows. I will always fight to keep these resources in public hands."
Energy will be the key to her campaign.
"As an archaeologist, I have seen the destruction of our environment and heritage by coal seam gas activities. I am a dedicated advocate of the sustainable transition to renewable energy. The benefits will be enormous for the Mountains."
Last week, Ms Tasire attended a public forum in Springwood led by Greens MP John Kaye.
"I am inspired by John and all the Greens in the NSW parliament," she said. "We bring something to the election that the old parties do not - transparency, integrity and truly representative governance.
"My candidacy is an opportunity to help clean up the toxic culture of corrupt politics in our state."