APPROACHABLE: Troy Sweeting is the latest candidate to announce his intentions for the Orange City Council election saying he hopes to create links between the community and the council. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0720troy4
Honesty, integrity and transparency will be Troy Sweeting’s focus if he is elected to Orange City Council in September.
The 29-year-old is the latest candidate to announce his intentions for the election saying he hopes to create links between the community and the council.
“I’ve always had strong interest in the community and local government and there’s no better time than the moment,” he said.
“I want to provide that voice and link for the community.
“I’m not here to represent business or with any hidden agendas.”
Mr Sweeting describes himself as a “man of action” through his community and volunteer work, including membership of the Aboriginal men’s group, Huntley Spring Hill Rural Fire Service and Barbarians rugby league club.
The main areas he would focus on if elected are Orange’s health and well-being, water supply, roads, affordable housing, youth, families, the aged and the local Aboriginal community.
“I want to make sure everyone in Orange has all the facts to make the right decision,” he said.
“I’m very approachable, very open and up front.
Mr Sweeting said the environmental factors and ongoing costs of the Macquarie pipeline needed to be considered and he would like to know more about the project before supporting it.
“We really need to secure the water not just for us but for our children’s future,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity given by the state and federal government for the pipeline, however we need to table all ideas.”
Mr Sweeting said services for children and young people were his passion, developed through his work as a team leader with Carewest’s foster care program, but he also hopes to increase support for the aged and frail in the community.
“Coming from a different age bracket I know about different issues more relevant to my life,” he said.
Mr Sweeting said he would like to see council research way the roads in the city continue to fail.
“It’s important to invest in community services but I also acknowledge we need to look after infrastructure like roads,” he said.
While he intends to run as an independent in the election, he may run on a ticket with other candidates.
“I don’t have any political ties, I don’t belong to any party,” he said.
“My primary focus is community.
“If the Labor government is bringing more funds into Orange I’d support that and if the Liberal party was bringing more funds into Orange I’d support that.”
clare.colley@ruralpress.com.au