Name: Dr Andrew Rawson.

Affiliation: Independent.

What is your family situation: Married to Cardiologist, Dr Ruth Arnold. Daughter Amelia (21) is studying Law and Asian Studies at ANU. Son William (18) has just completed HSC and has been accepted into pre-Med at ANU next year.

How long have you lived in the Cabonne area: 17 years in Nashdale, but my extended family have been in the Central West for four generations. My Dad was born in Orange and I have relatives in most towns in the region.

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Most important issues: Securing improved funding and resources for road and bridge maintenance; protection of our key heritage locations, which form a large part of our attraction for tourists and locals alike; building resilience to impending climate change and variability; balanced and equitable resource allocation across the Cabonne Region.

I bring extensive scientific and government policy experience to ensure the best future for Cabonne; resilient farms, healthy environment and security for our communities.

Why should you vote for me: I have 35 years experience across state government, academia and science specific to land management. I have a long history and knowledge of the Central Western Region and I bring a fresh perspective and a balanced approach to all council activities. I believe that our scarce resources must go to where they are needed most.

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Roads and infrastructure: Many of our roads are in dire need of maintenance and especially so after recent rains. This will be a significant drain on council resources for some time and we need to secure a better funding solution for the future. All infrastructure should be assessed for long term resilience to climate change and variability. We need permanent solutions to both drought and flood responses.

Housing availability: Affordable housing is just as important for Cabonne as it is for Orange. I would support a focus on affordable housing in the shire's villages, where services and a welcoming community already exist.

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The redevelopment of Mt Canobolas: Gaanha-bula Mount Canobolas is the most significant ecological reserve and Wiradjuri cultural centre in the Central West. The State Conservation Area is not the place for any further development. The proposed mountain bike park is best located in adjoining State Forests where there is ample vertical relief and a huge terrain area to explore.

Water security: Climates are becoming more variable and warmer. There should be a greater focus on building resilient landscapes which capture and store water in soils, aquifers and creeks. We are getting better at utilising water more efficiently but there is still more that we can do.