Name: Kevin Beatty.

Affiliation: Independent.

Occupation: Stock transporter and hobby farmer.

What is your family situation: I reside with my partner Sharon in Molong.

How long have you lived in the Cabonne area: I have lived in Cabonne for 25 years.

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Most important issues: Roads, health care, aged living and renewable energy, however, all issues involving Cabonne are important to me. Ensuring that Cabonne is economically stable and prosperous for the future is a key. Cabonne is a large area and it is important that services and infrastructure are spread across the entire Cabonne region, which has been my focus.

Why should you vote for me: I love working with and for the community. I am very proud and passionate about Cabonne and its people, and I enjoy the challenge of assisting with problem solving and resolving issues. I have completed the last four and a bit years as mayor of Cabonne, and the role has given me in-depth knowledge of the workings of local government; something that has been an honour and a privilege. I have advocated for Cabonne with politicians, securing a number of grant funding opportunities for key infrastructure across the entire Cabonne area. I am a proven performer for Cabonne.

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Roads and infrastructure: Cabonne has just on 2000 kilometres of roads in its road network; a network equivalent to driving from here to Cairns. Cabonne roads connect our villages and our communities, so this connection is important. Council transferred a further half a million dollars into the road maintenance budget last month due to the ongoing damage by weather. Council has also committed to culvert and drainage program on our roads to improve road quality. I am keen to continue quality road maintenance and improvements, because connectivity is extremely important for the economy of Cabonne.

Housing availability: Housing availability in the last two years had been quite scarce across the Cabonne Region and a number of factors have created this. More affordable housing, the shift from city to country living and value for dollar. Housing development opportunities certainly exist within the Cabonne region.

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The redevelopment of Mount Canobolas: Mount Canobolas is one of Cabonne's landmarks. It is important to protect its beauty and heritage. The redevelopment of Mount Canobolas is in its early investigation stage and there are a number of issues that need to be considered. Economic benefit, environmental impacts, culture and heritage. All of these issue are still under investigation and it would be irresponsible of me to form an opinion at this point in time without the full facts.

Water security: Water security is extremely crucial. The recent drought identified water securities issues for Cabonne, and I have worked with Central Tablelands Water, Orange City Council and the state government in securing better water alternatives for Cabonne. I engaged with the Minister for Resources and Water and secured funding for the Molong Bore and pipeline project; improving the security of Molong, Cumnock and Yeoval water supply. I will continue to work on a regional approach regarding water security for Cabonne and the entire region.

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