NEW RUNNER: First-time candidate for Cabonne Council, Aaron Pearson is eager to be elected and "fight on until the finish." Photo: JUDE KEOGH
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The Central Western Daily features Aaron Pearson in our Cabonne candidate profile for the December 4 local government elections.
Name: Aaron Pearson.
Affiliation: Independent.
Occupation: Part-time admin/reception at Wangarang Industries.
What is your family situation: Single, mother, father, stepmother, four sisters, three nieces and one nephew.
How long have you lived in the Cabonne area: 19 years.
Most important issues: Water security, roads and infrastructure, local business/employment, phone/internet reception, passenger travel (bus, train, car), aged and disabled accessibility, local government transparency, shire-wide representation, crime prevention, community sustainability and affordable housing.
Why should you vote for me: I have been very active in the Molong/Cabonne community for some time now. I have taken part in and instigated a number of local campaigns such as 24-hour policing in Cabonne, restoration of rail passenger services to Molong, petition to prevent the closure of Molong Commbank and assisting in the campaign in achieving sufficient mobile/Wi-Fi service in East Cabonne. I have been very passionate and fought hard on each of these issues, even if the odds are against me. I fight on until the finish and I hope to take this approach into the chamber. I will fight hard, not just for my hometown of Molong, but for every single village in this shire; no matter how large or small they are. Every village deserves the best representation possible and to receive the services they deserve as ratepayers of Cabonne. I will have ample availability for residents to approach me to raise their issues/suggestions and they can be sure that it won't be taken lightly. I will push my hardest to receive the best outcome for them as possible.
Roads and infrastructure: I believe that roads and infrastructure needs to be among council's top priorities. On many occasions, people have come to me about the condition of some of the shire's roads and I have observed them myself particularly the roads connecting some of the shire's villages cracks, potholes and roads that can barely stand the elements of strong weather, which includes dirt roads. Roads are a common issue that has been raised by many communities to their councils since the beginning, but many of these concerns are not without foundation; there is a great risk of serious accidents when not maintaining and upgrading roads regularly. Road upgrades and maintenance is a part of my platform, as I am sure it is other candidates and for very good reason. As well as safety, there are also local economic benefits making it easier for inter-village travel and spending.
Housing availability: Given the number of people moving to the Central West from large areas like Sydney, housing availability is now more important than ever, particularly when families look to villages in Cabonne as their new place to call home. I believe we must be prepared for a residential boom in the near and distant future and I feel that the 2021-2041 draft settlement strategy covers those bases. I feel that the incoming council should be proactive in putting the draft settlement strategy into full effect to include the expansion of residential areas etc. to comfortably accommodate and sustain growth in population over the next 20 years.
The redevelopment of Mount Canobolas: This issue is a somewhat sensitive issue and must be treated with the utmost delicacy. I can see some real positives and potential in redeveloping Mount Canobolas in terms of tourism and fitness (bush walking and bike riding), however, there needs to be a great deal of consultation and collaboration between Cabonne Council, Orange City Council and the Wiradjuri people of the area to strike the right balance before putting the project into action.
Water security: Being a largely agricultural area, water security is an issue of the utmost gravity in Cabonne. Recently we experienced one of the most devastating droughts in modern memory and the farms and Agribusinesses of Cabonne felt the brunt of it; which is why water security should be at the top of the priorities list. We must take advantage of the rainfalls we have been enjoying lately and we must preserve as much of the water as we can, instead of letting it flow out to sea. I would like to see more water catchments constructed within Cabonne so our communities, our farmers, and businesses are prepared to better cope with droughts in the future.
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