Candidates and the issues.
Independent
Troy Sweeting
Team leader
(foster care program)
Where do you stand on:
Rates:
My main concern is currently we are paying for the green waste disposal service and continuing to pay for green waste collection. This for me is an issue as I feel the ratepayers of Orange should not have to pay twice for a service.
Would you ever vote for a special rate increase above the cap set by the state government?
I am also for capping the annual increases and I would not support the planned cap increases outside of the NSW government standards. I would also like to see an incentive scheme for residents who pay their rates on time.
Conservation versus development:
I would like to see Orange continue to grow, however we need to consider the environment on any future developments for our town.
Macquarie pipeline: Would you vote to halt the pipeline project (yes or no)
My current stance is in support of the pipeline, however I still need to familiarise myself further with the alternatives before I can make a concrete decision.
What major capital works do you think Orange needs? Roads are a key concern and we need to invest further. Parking around the CBD and hospital need to be revisited also. Possible redevelopment of the skate park and increase pathways for bike riders etc. to be able to safely explore our great city.
What projects or facilities would you forego to fund them if necessary?
I would need to look at the budget and consider existing projects before I could commit to others. I would like to know the amount we spend on essential needs of our town and see if we can further support their developments before I could look into locking in ratepayers’ money to other projects.
Successes of the previous council? (list no more than four)
The community and welfare programs have been a great success assisting those families and minority groups that need extra support. The bypass road has been a great development and you can already see the benefits it has on our main street lowering traffic congestion since operation.
Failures of the previous council? (list no more than four)
The roads are a major issue for me and I feel we need to be spending more time and resources in ensuring they are fixed adequately using products that will last.
What are your policy priorities?
Better roads
Ensuring pensioner discounts continue to apply
More opportunities for our youth and children
24-hour medical retrieval service
Are you in favour of: (yes or no)
A full-time mayor: (Not addressed)
Direct election of the mayor by voters:
I think the concept around direct election of a major is a good idea, however there can be a downside to this as you want someone that has the ability and skills necessary to govern the council. I am fearful if someone was directly elected without the necessary skills we may have a council without direction.