Mr Packham has lived in Bathurst all of his life.

He has two children with wife Belinda and is a NSW public servant who has 25 years experience working in the community in the areas of disability, child protection and management.

“I believe that my education and professional background has equipped me with the skills to be an effective member of council,” he said.

Mr Packham said he believes that people in Bathurst deserve better representation than they currently receive.

“If elected, I am interested in representing the views of the people in the region by ensuring a greater level of access to council and an increased level of consultation,” he said.

“I am particularly interested in ensuring better services for those who are most vulnerable in the community including the aged, people with disability and those on low incomes. I understand the financial strain on many in our community and I am concerned about proposals to increase land and water rates.

“The key to a healthy economic environment is ensuring that Bathurst attracts industry, development projects and innovative tourism that provide employment opportunities and economic benefits to the region.”

Mr Packham said he is interested in ensuring continued activity in the building industry in Bathurst, which provides a major employment source for the region.

“It is important that Bathurst is maintained as an investment hub. Sustained activity in the housing market will enable us to fully realise the growth and investment potential for the Bathurst region.

“I am interested in improving our local roads, footpath upgrades and looking more closely at traffic flow in the city centre. I would also like to address the issue of increasing numbers of derelict buildings which ruin our streetscape. I understand the importance of our rural sector and believe that our local primary producers have not been well represented on council.”