My Vision for Our Community: A Focus on Core Local Government Priorities
I am running as an independent candidate for Mayor and seeking re-election as councillor because I deeply understand the significant challenges that the Council and the Orange community will face in the future.
I believe I am the best candidate for Mayor as I am committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of our city while ensuring that the Council meets community expectations, particularly in delivering essential services such as good roads and solid infrastructure. I am extremely passionate about Orange and aim to ensure that councilors are open, honest, and transparent with the community, always meeting stakeholder expectations.
I am committed to returning Orange City Council to our core Local Government priorities, which I believe are:
- Roads
- Rubbish
- Footpaths
- Planning
- Aged Care
- Parks and Gardens
- Play Spaces
- Rates and Rate Capping
The community of Orange expects Councils and Councillors to focus on local issues and stay out of political and contentious social matters. I believe these broader issues can be addressed by establishing community committees.
During this term, much of our time has been spent discussing state, federal, and other social issues. While important and interesting, these are not the tasks we were elected to handle, nor are they what the community expects from us.
My priorities for the next term will be to focus on our local government responsibilities:
- Sound and Responsible Financial Management
- Infrastructure
- Economic Development
- Affordable Housing
- Sustainable Growth
Our plans and priorities need to reflect what our community wants to see in terms of development and infrastructure.
Financial Management:
One of my key priorities will be to review our financial management to ensure we are in the best financial position. Strong financial management enables the council to deliver and upgrade crucial parks, playgrounds, footpaths, and community facilities over the long term.
Infrastructure:
Key areas include water security, roads, footpaths, playgrounds and parklands. I proposed establishing a ‘Pump Track’ in Orange, which is a project which is getting traction. I also fully support and am excited about the delivery of the Jack Brabham Sporting Precinct, and creating a Mountain Bike Track in Orange.
Housing:
We need to develop working relationships with the State Government, Planning Minister, and relevant stakeholders to deliver good quality, affordable housing. This is fundamental to our community's wellbeing as it can help reduce poverty and enhance equality of opportunity, social inclusion, and mobility.
Economic Development:
We should promote our region towards a prosperous future through actions such as tourism to ensure a vibrant, growing economy. Our community wants our region to thrive, with existing businesses growing and creating new job opportunities, and new ventures attracted to invest and establish here.
Sustainable Growth
Sustainable growth is crucial for Orange’s future, balancing current needs with long-term benefits. Our expansion and infrastructure plans must reflect residents' desires while embracing innovation. I will prioritise sustainable growth by ensuring that development and projects are carefully planned to enhance our city’s character and resources, benefiting both today’s community and future generations.