Russell Turner
Group F: The Russell Turner team
Russell Turner
Former State Member for Orange – 15 years
Scott Munro
Owner – Scott Munro’s Farm Fresh Meats, North Orange.
Ash Brown
Owner – HardBack Café, Orange (formerly Angus & Robertsons)
Dave Shearing JP
Owner – Amber Tiles, Orange (formerly Orange Tile Market)
Councillor for Orange City Council from 1996-2004.
Dick Niven
Solicitor – Baldock Stacy & Niven Councillor for 23 years, including eight years as mayor.
Paul Blunden
Owner – News Xpress, Orange.
Where do you stand on:
Rates: I acknowledge that the overall rates paid by landholders in Orange are among the highest in the State but also acknowledge that we have some of the best facilities in our City as a result.
However, I am fully aware that for many of our low to middle income families, Council rates are an increasing burden.
Would you ever vote for a special rate increase above the cap set by the state government?
Only under extraordinary circumstances should Council go outside the cap set by the State Government.
l Conservation versus development: We need to acknowledge that council’s development policy is partly set by State Government guidelines. Generally speaking, I believe council is interpreting these guidelines fairly well. However, councillors need to make some stronger decisions at times that are more reflective of ratepayers’ concerns.
Macquarie Pipeline: Would you vote to halt the pipeline project? (yes or no) No.
Bathurst and Dubbo both use the Macquarie River to give them water security. Why shouldn’t Orange? If a major industry that requires water expresses an interest in locating to the Central West guess which city they will choose – one that can guarantee water security. At the moment Orange cannot do that.
What major capital works do you think Orange needs?
Roads. A decision on the future of the showground which currently is an embarrassment.
First stage of the Southern Distributor.
Woolworths car park redevelopment.
What projects or facilities would you forego to fund them if necessary?
Council has already announced these projects and moneys are already allocated in some circumstances.
Assets such as the old sale yards, careful management of funds along with State and Federal subsidies should see these projects proceed without any cuts to other programs.
Successes of the previous council? (List up to four.)
Anzac Park development.
North Orange by-pass – despite the failure of the surface.
Stormwater harvesting scheme.
Failures of the previous council? (List up to four.)
City’s roads, city’s roads, city’s roads and city’s roads.
What are your policy priorities?
Water Security, Woolworths car park – Anson Street upgrade. Stage 1 – Southern Distributor
Renewed energy towards the Bells Line Expressway.
Are you in favour of (yes or no):
Full-time mayor: No
Direct election of the mayor be voters: No
