Candidates and the issues.
Brian Wood, John Da Rin, Dean Turner, Adam Reilly, Darren Johnson, Bev Alexander-Fisher
Where do you stand on:
Rates:
Orange rates are too high; second highest in NSW. Across the board council expenditure, including executive staff employment packages, needs to be reviewed. We need to investigate the current rating system and find out how it and rate increases are determined. Currently the only explanation given to ratepayers is the rates are based on land value and state government agreed percentage increase.
Would you ever vote for special rate increase above the cap set by the state government?
No. We would not vote for rate increases above the recommended cap. In fact, we believe over the last 20-plus years the maximum percentage increase allowed by the State government has been implemented in Orange.
Conservation versus development:
Generally, yes, we would like to see sustainable growth while ensuring we do not lose the ambience of the city with its parks, treescapes and heritage buildings.
Macquarie River pipeline: Would you vote to halt the pipeline project? (yes or no)
Yes. Give time to the new council to investigate and evaluate all economically viable, environmentally sound alternatives such as increasing stormwater harvesting and strengthening and raising the wall of Suma Park Dam.
What major capital works do you think Orange needs?
Roads and footpaths are a priority as they have been talked about for so long; now is the time to act. There are an increasing number of elderly residents reliant on motorised mobility aids and they are at risk when having to use roadways. Upgrade and maintain the showground as per the existing agreement and also a second skate park for the youth. That would depend on the perceived priority of the projects and the impact on the community by not implementing them. Some reserve funds (currently $105 million) would easily complete the other projects.
Successes of previous council? (list up to four)
The great exercise stations at Moulder Park.
Ploughmans Lane wetland.
Promotion of the Orange region - even though this has been contracted out.
The general maintenance of Cook Park, Orange Botanic Gardens and Adventure Playground.
Failures of the previous council? (list up to four)
Budget blow-outs on projects such as the aquatic centre. Constant repairs to roads both existing and newly constructed such as the distributor.
The introduction of the green waste charges at a time when families and seniors are contending with increased power charges.
Cessation of the public forums.
What are your policy priorities?
Roads and footpaths.
Water security.
Public forums to ensure the community is informed and have their concerns heard.
Ensure pensioners receive promised rate concessions but not the current 5 per cent but 10 per cent as was the case in 2006.
Are you in favour of: (yes or no)
A full-time mayor: Yes
Direct election of mayor by voters: No
