Name: Chris Gryllis.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Name of ticket or independent: Independent.
Are you a mayoral candidate? Yes.
Are you currently an Orange councillor? Yes.
Age: 73 years young.
Family: Married with one daughter.
What do you do for a living? I am a real estate agent.
How long have you lived in Orange? I arrived in Orange in 1962 and since then I have worked in the bottom precinct of Summer Street.
What is the best part of living in Orange? I love Orange for its four seasons and its wonderful community that I’m lucky enough to be part of.
Why are you running for Orange City Council? I am running again as I wish to pursue the construction of the planetarium/conservatorium and the opening of Suma Park and Spring Creek reservoirs to the public for recreational purposes.
How would you assess the performance of the current council? As a long-standing councillor I believe the last five-year term has been very productive and a rewarding experience, with the completion of the Macquarie River pipeline, extension of the runway and new terminal at the airport, and also the expansion of air services to Brisbane and now Melbourne. Considering the interruption caused by the proposed amalgamation, which I was very much in favour of, council has achieved many other goals.
If elected, would you lobby to reduce, maintain or raise rates? If you would reduce them, which services or council undertakings would you eliminate to do so? I am very mindful of the current rates and I will continue, as I have done in the past, to control rate increases responsibly.
Council has budgeted $17 million for roadworks in the next road-building season. Is this enough? Which roads should get priority? I would like to focus on the development of the Southern Feeder Road.
As a real estate agent myself and other real estate agents serving on the council before me, I cannot see any reason to discriminate against any profession or trades from their right to serve their community.
- Councillor Chris Gryllis
What is your plan for the Northern Distributor Road? The Northern Distributor Road maintenance programme is almost completed.
Do you agree with the industrial re-zoning at Orange airport? What should the space be used for in the future? I am very pleased that council purchased adjoining land at the airport for safety and management purposes, for which I was a very strong advocate. Regarding the industrial aspect, I would like to see a small scale of industrial development with very stringent conditions on any development applications.
What specific uses for the former Electrolux factory will you pursue or support? I am declaring an interest as I am among one of the selling agents and as it is private land its future will be up to the private sector.
Do you agree with real estate agents and property developers being on council? Why or why not? As a real estate agent myself and other real estate agents serving on the council before me, I cannot see any reason to discriminate against any profession or trades from their right to serve their community.
What are the best ways council can help businesses prosper in the city? Council over the years has promoted Orange and its businesses widely and with our current infrastructure, services and a wide variety of amenities, including health, we are attracting many professional families and retirees alike.
Is there enough parking in Orange? If not, where should additional car parks be constructed? There will never seem to be enough parking facilities, but over the years council has been very proactive in increasing the car-parking capacity around the CBD, wherever possible.
Do you support the proposed purpose-built sporting complex council has acquired land for to the north of the city? As council projects are a journey, not a destination, some of its big ticket projects may have to wait a little longer, but if nothing else we have made a substantial start in buying the land.
Are there any major projects you would champion if you elected? Major projects that I would champion include opening to the public of Suma Park and Spring Creek reservoirs for recreational purposes and allowing Gosling Creek Park to be able to be used for swimming.