The Central Western Daily features Kathryn O'Ryan in our Cabonne candidate profiles for the December 4 local government elections.

Name: Kathryn O'Ryan.

Affiliation: Independent.

Occupation: Practice manager.

What is your connection to Cabonne: I moved to Canowindra over 35 years ago, on the day after my wedding. My husband, Nicholas, had bought a medical practice three weeks earlier and he had house calls to make in Cargo on the way back. We arrived at the house we were renting in town to discover that we had been given kilograms of tomatoes by kindly locals.

We had originally planned on staying for seven years, but in that time we had five children, bought a farm, and built our home. The children grew up on our lucerne farm and attended primary school here in Canowindra, commuting to Orange for high school.

READ MORE: READ MORE: COVID case numbers climb again; more students in isolation

Most important issues: I believe the most important issues facing Cabonne are the health and sustainability of the economy, the environment and our community.

Cabonne needs to develop an economy for the future. Much of what is produced in our shire leaves the area for market and processing. It is my view that attracting and growing local manufacturers and industry will add value to our local produce and increase the financial stability of our communities.

The sustainability of Cabonne Shire is directly linked to the environment. Protecting the health of our rivers and conservation areas, the soil, planting trees - and actively contributing to measures to combat climate change - will ensure the continued success of our region. I will support council in implementing The 2020 Renewable Energy Action Plan, which has the potential to provide massive benefits for the community of Cabonne.

READ MORE: Signs of new beginnings for Orange wine region

The maintenance of existing infrastructure, roads and bridges are a priority for both our farmers and our citizens. I also believe that council needs to find creative ways to invest in tourism to get better returns on those investments.

My overriding concern for all citizens of Cabonne will ensure their quality of life will have improved at the end of the next council term. To make that happen, I will listen to what people are asking.

Roads and infrastructure: The individuality of the 11 villages of Cabonne make the Shire unique. However, council faces unusual challenges due to the need for duplication of services.

Each village also faces the challenge of housing availability and affordability, as well as access to services, which is often hindered by poor internet and mobile service, bad roads and little to no public transport or community transport.

The recent collapse of the Nyrang Creek Bridge is a prime example of the need for ongoing maintenance of infrastructure. Harvest is about to begin and farmers will have difficulty accessing the silos. I will bring a local small business owner's perspective to dealing with these issues.

READ MORE: Yirigaa cyber security scholarships on offer to Orange indigenous students

Housing availability: The recent surge in new residents has been a welcome change to the trend in my time living in Cabonne, but the boom has led to its own set of challenges. Housing is hard to come by, and what is available is often of lower quality.

As a councillor, I would support the identification of underutilised public lands suitable for release and zoning for new housing. I would also encourage council to be more involved in the state government programs that increase the diversity of housing available in our communities.

Why you should vote for me: My overriding concern for all citizens of Cabonne will ensure their quality of life will have improved at the end of the next council term. To make that happen, I will listen to what people are asking.

I will find out as much as I can about an issue to make transparent and informed decisions and I will then be an advocate on behalf of the citizens to council; and, if necessary, other levels of government. I have had a lot of experience in dealing with council over the years and look forward to working within council to achieve the goals of our community.