Name of ticket or independent: Team Hamling ticket.

Are you a mayoral candidate? No.

Are you currently an Orange councillor? No.

Age: 40.

Family: Married with a son.

What do you do for a living? Communications manager.

How long have you lived in Orange? I moved to Orange in 1998.

What is the best part of living in Orange? The distinct four seasons. The people.The country lifestyle combined with fabulous access to medical and educational resources.

Why are you running for Orange City Council? I believe my experience covering three tiers of government as a television and radio journalist, combined with my genuine passion about the future of our city, ensures I can be a strong voice on the Orange City Council. I believe the council and Orange community could benefit from having a better representation of females on local government.

How would you assess the performance of the current council? I believe the current councillors have worked hard to develop the city and I’m keen to build on the good work undertaken by them. I believe the newly elected councilors need to form a cohesive and cooperative local government body, and work collaboratively with both State and Federal Governments, to take Orange to the next level.

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? It is impossible to make an informed decision about rate changes without access to confidential council budgets.

Council has budgeted $17 million for roadworks in the next road-building season. Is this enough? Which roads should get priority? I believe Forest Road to the Orange Health Service, the Northern Distributor Road, as well as Cargo Road within the Orange council boundary need to be given priority. As visitor numbers to the city increase, so too should the budget for entry roads to Orange.

What is your plan for the Northern Distributor Road? According to council figures, more than 72-thousand vehicles use the Northern Distributor Road each week. There’s no denying the road is in need of repair, however I believe the Orange City Council needs to continue lobbying the State Government to take over responsibility of the Northern Distributor Road. In addition, I support joining the NDR to the proposed Southern Distributor to limit heavy vehicle movements in the city’s CBD.

Do you agree with the industrial re-zoning at Orange airport? What should the space be used for in the future? I believe the rezoning will pave the way for vital industrial developments to bring jobs and opportunities to the city.  As with all development proposals, the correct approval procedures must be adhered to, ensuring that any future use of the land meets all regulations.

What specific uses for the former Electrolux factory will you pursue or support? Council does not own the Electrolux site. However, I think the council can play a proactive role in working to promote the site to Australian manufacturing businesses keen to relocate to a thriving regional city. The prime site close to rail and road transport links affords itself to exciting prospects.

Do you agree with real estate agents and property developers being on council? Why or why not? I believe that everyone who wishes to nominate to represent their community on local government should be afforded the opportunity to stand for election. I also believe it is vital that if elected, regardless of your role within the community, conflicts of interest are always declared.

What are the best ways council can help businesses prosper in the city? By working collaboratively and ensuring open communication, council can help existing and new businesses prosper. As far as attracting new businesses to the city, I think adopting a similar initiative to the Evocities residential campaign would be successful in enticing businesses to relocate to the Orange district.

Is there enough parking in Orange? If not, where should additional car parks be constructed? I believe there’s a distinct lack of all day car parking in the CBD. I think there’s scope, and warranted need, for the council to work to establish additional car parking. Of course, community consultation and thorough investigation are paramount to determine the best location for any additional car park/s.  

Do you support the proposed purpose-built sporting complex council has acquired land for to the north of the city? I support the concept of establishing a new purpose built complex, but I believe there may be a better location for the development.

Are there any major projects you would champion if you elected? I’d like to see the council revisit the development of a pedestrian mall in the CBD that could house a joint community garden and farmers market initiative to showcase the wonderful produce grown and produced in the Orange region. In addition, I support the establishment of a regional culinary school and a council-subsidised learn to swim program.