The Refresh Orange team, led by Dr Steve Peterson, is made up of candidates with young families.

Dr Peterson said the cost of Orange's rates, getting snow access to Mount Canobolas, improving facilities for young families, providing more council-led indoor activities during winter, improving Orange's water security and town planning were among the issues the group would be campaigning on.

He said they wanted to be diverse and if elected as councillors be able to look at a broad range of subjects.

"Other issues are going to come up," he said.

"No one four years ago was talking about coronavirus."

He said it was important for councillors to be open-minded and be team players to work together to sort out problems in Orange.

Dr Peterson said having a younger team than some other tickets gave them a different view on the city's needs.

"We have a different perspective on things," he said.

"We are probably more keen and alert to them than other people."

Dr Peterson said with the closure of private concerns including Flip Out and the Pee Wees Play Centre in Orange there was a shortage of indoor venues in winter for families to take their children.

He said council could look at how to encourage such activities to open.

Dr Peterson said there was a need for child care facilities and staff.

"The child care ratio is not good," he said.

Dr Peterson said Orange's snow dump last month highlighted a need to provide access to Mount Canobolas for families and other residents.

"The best part of Orange for it was locked away," he said.

He said he was also concerned about the relatively-high cost of rates in Orange compared to some other councils.

Dr Peterson said he would be 'suspicious' of any candidate claiming they could lower the rates but said the cost should be examined.

Pre-polling ahead of the September 4 election day opens in Orange on Monday August 23.

"I hope to be at pre-polling everyday," he said.

"If nothing else I'm very noticeable. I'm easy to spot in a crowd."

He said he wanted to be in contact with many residents to hear their concerns and explain the group's plans.

"I'm hoping we will be able to spread the word," he said.

Currently 14 people have registered to stand for the 11 councillors positions available.

Two of them are also standing for the separate mayoral election.

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