Councillors voted on policy committee chairs at last Tuesday’s meeting.

Councillor Russell Turner retained the planning and development committee unopposed, while councillor Jeff Whitton retained the employment and economic development committee, beating councillor Scott Munro 10 votes to two. 

He said infrastructure would be key to Orange’s economic development. 

“That’s how you attract other investors,” he said.

Cr Whitton said he would also start pursuing his election policy of a hotmix asphalt plant in Orange to create jobs, as well as pharmaceutical businesses and telecommunications innovation, although the final one would be at arms’ length because he was in the industry. 

Councillor Jason Hamling won another term in sport and recreation, also beating Cr Munro nine votes to three. 

Cr Hamling said he wanted to see upgrades to Wade Park and Sir Jack Brabham Park and progress on the rectangular sporting complex.

He said the land purchased for the Northern Distributor Road would require major earthworks.

“I would like to see us doing studies on where we can build it, because we’ve bought the land, but other pieces of land might come up,” he said. 

Councillor Kevin Duffy lost the finance committee position to deputy mayor Joanne McRae, five votes to seven, but was given the services committee instead. 

“For me, the role is about really all the processes and ensuring we meet all the governance requirements, it’s finding out more about the nitty-gritty,” Cr McRae said.

Councillor Sam Romano beat fellow newcomer Tony Mileto for the infrastructure committee position, seven votes to five, and said roads would continue to be the top priority.

He also wanted to see fishing and camping introduced at Suma Park Dam. 

For the environmental sustainability committee, councillor Stephen Nugent beat Mario Previtera eight votes to four.

He wanted to focus on energy consumption and LED street lighting given lighting was one of the council’s big consumption items.

“I would like to progress that and get a pilot and subject to the pilot, look at LED lighting across the board.”