Name of ticket or independent: Hamling ticket.

Are you a mayoral candidate? No.

Are you currently an Orange councillor? No.

Age: 34.

Family: Married with three children aged nine, six and four.

What do you do for a living? Solicitor.

How long have you lived in Orange? All of my life.

What is the best part of living in Orange? Being able to access great schools, health services and career opportunities without the hassle and expense of living in a capital city.

Why are you running for Orange City Council? I believe that strong, diverse representation is needed to focus on building a positive future for Orange.

How would you assess the performance of the current council? ​Our team wishes to build on the work of previous councils. It is important that the new council is one which is able to function cohesively, and also work in partnership with state and federal governments.

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? Our response is to hold rates at the same level at this stage. Without access to council budgets and the expert advice of council staff, it would be irresponsible to commit to a reduction in rates which may come at the expense of essential services.

Council has budgeted $17 million for roadworks in the next road-building season. Is this enough? Which roads should get priority? We understand that the current roads program has been prepared on the advice of council staff, and we also welcome input from ratepayers as to the areas which they believe should be prioritised. There is not an unlimited budget for roadworks.

What is your plan for the Northern Distributor Road? There are areas of intersection safety which could be improved on the Northern Distributor Road. Our team would continue to lobby for the NSW Government to commit to funding the Northern Distributor Road.

Do you agree with the industrial re-zoning at Orange airport? What should the space be used for in the future? The re-zoning is only a preliminary step in any future development at Orange airport, which would need to be considered in terms of its environmental, economic and social impact on the surrounding area. Being so close to the airport, this could be a valuable location to attract new industry.

What specific uses for the former Electrolux factory will you pursue or support? The former Electrolux site may be a valuable site for future local manufacturing and should be promoted as such. Again, environmental and social impact would need to be considered given its proximity to residential areas.

Do you agree with real estate agents and property developers being on council? Why or why not? It is really up to ratepayers to decide who they believe should represent them in local government. There are laws governing conflict of interest issues and it is not particularly democratic to preclude people from standing for public office on the basis of their occupation alone.

What are the best ways council can help businesses prosper in the city? This is an area where council must be proactive in terms of promoting Orange within wider business and industry circles as a great place to set up business, and there are already some good initiatives in place. Collaboration with state and federal governments is also essential, with a view to attracting not only private business but also seeing further decentralisation of the public service.

Is there enough parking in Orange? If not, where should additional car parks be constructed? There is a lack of all-day parking in the CBD. We would work with the business community to look at extending current facilities.

Do you support the proposed purpose-built sporting complex council has acquired land for to the north of the city? Young children are the biggest growth demographic in Orange and those children will need quality sports grounds to play on, whether that involves a new complex or the upgrading of existing facilities.

Are there any major projects you would champion if you elected? Team Hamling has a focus on building a healthy, active community backed up by a strong economy. Some of the projects we would champion include subsidised learn-to-swim lessons for every child in Orange. We would also look at expanding Orange’s food and wine market with the introduction of a culinary school to train young chefs and hospitality staff. There is also the mountain bike track on Mount Canobolas, which should be an international-standard track with the potential to attract significant events to the city.