Fairfax Digital Media Central West has given Calare’s Federal Election candidates the opportunity to answer the questions our readers posed to them via our social media sites.
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In the lead up to the election we will run a question each day, with the responses we received from candidates.
Each candidate was contacted via phone and email. Their responses are below.
What will do you for individual towns in this electorate. (Blayney, Lithgow, Orange, Bathurst, Forbes, Oberon and Parkes)
John Cobb (Nationals)
No response
Billie Kirkland (Katter’s Australian Party)
Blayney: One key issue for Blayney is for 90,000 mega litre dam on the Belubula River near Canowindra to go ahead and this should have the support of Federal Government. I would be lobbying for this project to finally go ahead. I also believe that water licences should be restricted so not only can industry benefit from the water supply but also the people who populate the region. Permanent crops such as orchards and other agricultural needs should be maintained and water licences to be shared proportionately. I support controlled mining in the area but however I strongly believe that the mining company that is given the privilege of moving into the area that local people are given priority to jobs, and training to provide to these locals, I would be strongly lobbying for mines to be made accountable to up skilling the locals so that their employment is possible.
Lithgow: As with Blayney support mining while also working with the developers to employ locals and train if required. Promote tourism by way of support for Bells Line Road. I would work if elected to have a presence in the community I represent not just in an election year but for the full term. They need to work with welfare and community groups as well as key agencies to investigate issues, and together come up with solutions for the betterment of the peoples they represent. In all towns work with Council to grow industry and support existing business.
Orange: Promote Tourism in the region maximising current promotions already in place while also working with Council to grow tourism with new innovative ideas. Support local manufacturing such as Electrolux. Lobby for Government Departments to be relocated where possible to build employment opportunities, this would count for all our regional areas. Support local farmers in getting the best price for produce and work with key stake holders such as the Dept. of Agriculture to stop the big retail chains taking advantage of growers and their families. This would be for all areas in Calare.
Bathurst: Put in place some long term plans to help local manufacturing such as Simplot to be sustainable not just with funding but also with lobbying to put Australian made products at the forefront over imported goods. Promote Tourism in the region maximising current promotions already in place while also working with Council to grow tourism with new innovative ideas.
Forbes: Working with council and health professionals to lobby for funding where required. Forbes is a beautiful town and it is an ideal tourist area which if elected would do my utmost to promote the whole region. In all towns work with Council to grow industry and support existing business. Support local farmers in getting the best price for produce and work with key stake holders such as the Dept. of Agriculture to stop the big retail chains taking advantage of growers and their families. This would be for all areas in Calare.
Oberon: Work with local timber industry to build and promote growth and employment. Work with the unemployed to build esteem with alternatives to build their future, such as volunteering for community groups. ‘Offering a hand up not a hand out.’ I would lobby and work with the Regional institute of Australia for government agencies to locate to our region to promote growth and employment. Where a call centre is required for example this is an ideal opportunity, this type of agency can be placed in Oberon or in a smaller town where location does not affect efficiency. “Logically, decentralisation will distribute some direct economic benefits and provide opportunities for people who will never live in Canberra to contribute to the public service.”
Parkes: As with Forbes work with council and health professionals to lobby for funding where required. Support local business and Farmers as they are the backbone of regional Australia and they are the supporters of local community groups when needed. The current Government have stated they will abolish the 3 month bass statement to a yearly one, I agree with this but why haven’t they done this while in government, I worry it is another grab for the vote. If elected I would strongly lobby for this to come to fruition so that small business can do what they do and that’s run the business and not let Government micro manage them.
Ian Lyons (Christian Democratic Party – Fred Nile Group)
Blayney Shire: I will push for a Doctor to be appointed. Persistant lobbying to relevant Ministers to show them the need for a Doctor at Blayney Hospital Medical care is crucial for any area, so that it is readily available without having to travel, particularly in emergencies. Time is every thing in these conditions.Also increase in road and bridge funding.
Lithgow: Seek as much Government support as possible to maintain employment. Ask Government to seek new industries. I would be open to supporting any worth while needs the area might have.
Orange: Try to increase tourism opportunities. Try to get funding to up grade the Mount Canobolas Road to an all weather road. Mount Canobolas is a potential tourist area.
Forbes: Try to get more Government Departments situated in Forbes as it is a gate way to the far west. It is a central location servicing both the north and the south.
Parkes: Again to see what could be done in the Medical field to improve services. This would apply to all areas where Medical Services are below par.
Jess Jennings (Labor)
Blayney: I will look to develop tourism opportunities with local tourism operators and Blayney Council, for, example I would like to know more about how events like the Blayney2Bathurst bike ride can be more beneficial to Blayney. Further investigate water security issues, including regional water solutions for urban and irrigation use and ensure no unsafe CSG is able to be developed in the region.
Lithgow: Lithgow is an economy and community in transition. A traditional blue collar working class community, the most important issue facing the Lithgow community is education and training. I welcome the University if Western Sydney opening a campus in Lithgow and will work to secure recurrent funding for the same. I believe that clean coal technology is essential for Lithgow's future and will campaign to further research and development in this area.
Orange: The major funding issues I intend to investigate and support in Orange are:
1. Southern Distributor Road
2. CSU Medical School
3. National Broadband Network for Orange region
4. Planetarium
5. Sporting StadiumSupport
In addition, local jobs are a a concern and I support Electrolux and Australian based manufacturing to keep jobs in our region, and make the sector viable in the future particularly through operational efficiency gains such as improved energy use. I support the local community with no forced council amalgamations, no job losses, no outsourcing of jobs. The local economy needs local businesses and contractors to have the ability to compete for major Federal Government tenders, thus creating local viable businesses, contractors and jobs in the future. I also believe in devolving federal govt departments to regional areas like Calare – it would help our local economy and keep federal government departments more connected to the real world Australians like us live in.
Bathurst: Better promote Bathurst's tourism sector to the world, and particularly promote the Bathurst 2015 year when it becomes the first inland town in Australia to turn 200. Continuing Labor support for Simplot is critical to keeping jobs locally, so I will further grow the existing lines of communication with Simplot management and staff. Supporting Bathurst region's local farmers is important and can be done through the development of a Regional Food & Fibre Plan, plus ensuring no unsafe CSG is permitted. Continue to lobby on the Bell's Line Expressway, which is a NSW state government road and it must have the corridor preserved in the short term by the state government if its to have a future. Once the corridor is secured and the project is costed, the federal government can be lobbied for extra funds to make it happen. Ensure Medicare Local services are preserved and delivered in Bathurst.
Forbes: Ensure Medicare Local services are being effective as a compliment to Forbes hospital services, promote local tourism on a national and international scale to increase visitation and ensure agriculture is supported by a Regional Food & Fibre plan for Calare, including ensuring no unsafe CSG is permissible. Investigate solar energy generation options for the Forbes region.
Oberon: Support Oberon's tourism operators and Council to better promote tourism sector and local attractions both nationally and internationally. Support no forced council amalgamations, and ensure no unsafe CSG activities are permitted.
Parkes: Work with Blayney Council and local stakeholders to support the Elvis festival and other local tourism attractions by establishing tourism marketing to both the rest of Australia and the world. Investigate and promote the development of solar energy to be delivered further, and ensure no unsafe CSG activities are permitted.
Macgregor Ross (Independent)
These are some of the things I would work on if elected:
Major development of national road infrastructure (inc road/ rail tunnel under Blue Mnts (Hartley – Emu Plains) & transport Hub (Int. Airport - high-speed train links: All Capitals) in Parkes) – & major investment in general road safety • Establish a University Dept & Research Institute in Blayney, Parkes, Forbes & Oberon
Explore the possibility of HECS-free study in Regional Australia
Create local (relative to the place of extraction) manufacturing industry by mandating the processing of minerals (eg 5% of total minerals exported should be processed by 2015, 12% by 2018, 25% by 2020 & 50% by 2030 - Control the price of minerals – adopt a hoarding mentality toward them – we’re not in a hurry
Develop mineral retention program (lease - not sell) maintain through recycling (develop technology) & large govt owned industrial heavy-weight Corp• Create local Future Funds based on a % of the minerals exported from that area• Develop Eco-Event Tourism by accessing Federal funding – Resource & support Regional marketing plan - create new tourism products eg festivals, walking tracks etc• Develop Food & Water security plans & oversee implementation• Support Food Production over Mining
Realise: Universal 1 Gig per sec Download speeds
Explore the possibility of creating tax incentives for businesses to base in Regional Australia• Provide sanctuary to refugees within our community by establishing a refugee camp for 2000 people in the Portland cement works (8000 asylum seekers cost $1.86 billion paid: Serco (At present this site is a liability, give it to a community of refugees (plus a small piece of that profit going off-shore to Serco) & within 10 years they would turn it into a cultural tourism asset that would transform Portland into one of the most prosperous towns in regional Australia)• Stimulate economy to benefit small business
Full employment - (we either work or train) – quality jobs – universal voluntary community & environmental work (must work to receive $30K per annum)• Develop Indigenous & non Indigenous Cultural enterprise in the Region (eg increase access to art markets in Sydney/ Melbourne)
Brian Cain (Palmer United Party)
I answer this question by conglomerating the seven towns mentioned into one statement of seven hundred words. The real focus of federal politics sits with the front bench in Canberra, inevitably whoever takes up office in Canberra from Calare will be burdened by the major issues confronting the country on such things as I mention below and the more wealth that can be generated by improved financial management will benefit all in Calare. The pledging of substantial amounts of money prior to elections is Santa Claus politics and little is achieved as witnessed by the constituents of Calare over the past decades. Need I mention the inland rail, Bells Line of Road and the promises by the current incumbent regarding small business prior to the last election.
People in Calare need no encouragement when it comes to picking things up and running with them, as the demographics change and population grew mining has taken a place along side agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. I had the pleasure of working at the Browns Creek gold mine in 1985/6 when BHP purchased the operation from Hickey mines, as site manager for the contractor conducting the open cut operations, Girilambone copper mine west of Nyngan as superintendent in the 90s, and Cadia hill gold mine as training coordinator in the early years of the operation.
The mining industry in Calare is under pressure especially in the Lithgow area where some coal mines are in caretaker mode that supplies Wallerawang and Mt Piper power stations with fuel. Some two hundred jobs are at stake with the mines reduced to 8 personnel while the current state government dither with decision. The equilibrium of Lithgow's mining industry and the expansion of gold mining are of utmost importance to the towns of Calare.
Free trade is affecting every Australian and the farming industry are one of the most affected as they receive little help to battle heavily subsidised produce from US and Europe. I am for free trade if indeed it operated as such but it must be questioned under the current federal treasures business model and small business is suffering badly with the uneven uphill push of free trade. This point a federal issue affects everyone that lives in the Cabonne shire and the Palmer Party will redefine the treasures business model without political influence from paid lobbyist and bureaucrats, they will be exempt from holding political office.
Our oil, gas, gold, iron in fact every natural commodity including that within the shire of Cabonne, plus our manufacturing, agriculture and tourism are under threat of foreign ownership. The Overseas Investment Review Board is a rubber stamp for foreign ownership of Australian agriculture, mining resources, real estate and manufacturing and tourism. After reviewing over 7,000 applications the board has rejected 1. This must be questioned as part of the redefinition of the federal treasurer's business model, a job for the like minded of Clive Palmer and his team experts in business dealings and long term strategy.
The high dollar as if falls puts pressure on the price of imported fuel, yet we are closing Australian oil refineries. There are reserves of capped oil wells dotted around the country currently unused. There are alternative fuels such as bio diesel and ethanol that would contribute to Australia's self sufficiently in fuel requirements. To develop these mechanisms would deflate the influence of overseas fuel prices, but we have no action on this or any other point I have mentioned, they affect the people of the Cabonne shire and are federal issues. We need a national energy policy again redefined by the federal treasures business model with the courage of engineers, workers, agriculturalists, small business operators, people whom have operated at the coal face on the ground in Australia. As we are a rural electorate this is a major factor as our fuel costs more at the pump than in metro areas and fuel prices inflate the costs of mining, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
Coal Seam Gas extraction or CSG, I refuse to call it mining, it is an operation parallel to offshore oil and gas extraction, has been badly managed by not only the gas industry but federal and state politicians, they did not inform the public, they didn't even inform the open cut and underground mining industry. People's health and safety must come first and the CSG industry needs to take a breather when it comes to uncontrolled expansion, we will halt the CSG industry. No gas or mining company should have the right to walk onto someone's property and forever change their lives without proper consultation.
The federal political fact remains that most people's lives are affected by the business model followed by the federal treasurer. Without skilled and courageous control of federal purse strings, the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker will struggle to survive. My attention is on federal issues that affect these terms of reference to allow Farmers, Miners, Manufactures, Small business and tourism to flourish, expand the rural Australia and maintain our standard of living in Calare.
We cannot change what we constantly tolerate, vote for Palmer United and sweep the mono minded two faced cartel fromCanberra.
David Mallard (The Greens)
Blayney: Building on Blayney’s existing strengths as a transport hub and a heartland for wind power, I’ll push for investment in clean renewable energy, freight rail infrastructure, and new technology to make processing and other industries more efficient. Promoting small business and making sure they have a level playing field, allowing local businesses to thrive and employ locals. Make sure mining doesn’t have environmental, economic or social impacts that affect the wellbeing of the region.
Lithgow: The transition to address climate change and use renewables instead of fossil fuels has huge implications for Lithgow. We have to acknowledge that and plan the transition, with support for clean energy investment in the region, fair transition support for people working in the energy and mining sectors, and training for the jobs of the future. We need to protect farming land and the iconic Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area from mining and polluting industries.
Orange: Investment in our food future to support growers in selling direct to consumers, getting a fair price for their produce, and reduce energy costs. Investment in R&D and new technology to support local industry and drive innovation. A boost to regional arts funding for a vibrant cultural and tourism sector. The Greens’ rural health policy includes targeted funding to increase clinical training placements in regional areas, providing more training opportunities to bring professionals to the region and potentially strengthening the case for a rural medical school.
Bathurst: Reverse Labor’s budget cuts to university funding and increase base funding by 10%, strengthening education and training in the region. A strong CSU campus and TAFE ensure that we can train new professionals here, attract people to the region and have the diversity to secure the city’s future. A boost to regional arts funding for a vibrant cultural and tourism sector. Support for small business through a company tax cut, competition law reforms and a strong Small Business Commissioner.
Forbes: Support for farmers to get a fair price for what they grow, including tackling the supermarket duopoly through stronger competition and consumer laws. An Energy Savings Agency to support people and businesses in reducing their energy costs and get a fair price for power they generate. Doubled funding to homelessness services as part of a plan to help young people and others sleeping rough. Maintaining funding to clean energy finance and technology, supporting local solar projects. Support for small business through a company tax cut and increased opportunities for innovation and investment in new projects.
Oberon: Invest in road safety works and other infrastructure to encourage tourism to the town, Jenolan Caves and the region. Support the sustainable plantation timber sector, but ensure diversity in the town’s economy as over-reliance on any single industry can leave a region at risk. This diversity will be secured by supporting small business through a company tax rate cut, reforms to competition laws and assistance with lowering energy use, along with investment in R&D to allow innovation in industry. Investment in our food future to help farmers get a fair price and reduce their energy costs.
Parkes: Support for freight rail as a way of making our roads safer and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which could consolidate Parkes’s position as a freight transport hub. Investment in technology and innovation, including supporting the NBN and clean energy programs to allow diversity of small business opportunities, create new jobs and reduce energy costs.
Anthony Craig (Democratic Labour Party)
Listen to concerns and not dictate like the major parties do promise the world and deliver nothing for the central west
Peter Schultze (Australia First Party)
Blayney: I will work closely with Blayney Council who support the Needles Dam project which is necessary for Industry, Agriculture and the cities and towns of Calare. I support consultation with landholders.
Lithgow: I support transport needs, and the need for industry. I support a study for a tunnel through the Blue Mountains to reduce travel times, costs, and to aid efficiency.
Orange: I support the University to graduate more medical and dental practitioners and nurses.
I support protection of All agricultural, orchard and other production against dumping of Agricultural produce in Australia – especially where Australian producers do not receive the subsidies that importers into Australia enjoy. I strongly support Australian grown first.
Bathurst:
Support Charles Sturt University to graduate more medical and dental practitioners and nurses. I support more industry for Bathurst.
Forbes: With the entire Central West – the Calare electorate will benefit from the Inland Rail which can be easily implemented with the necessary political will. It will be on the vital trade route between Victoria and Queensland, providing a vital and most efficient means of transport of agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and mining materials.
Oberon: I strongly support Oberon as a tourist destination.
Parkes: I strongly support the Inland Rail proposal which will bring industry and employment, and make Parkes the most important rail transport hub in Australia.
I strongly the best facilities for Parkes Hospital – and also for the other hospitals in Calare electorate.
TOMORROW: How are you intending to work towards restoring local television coverage to areas such as Hartley that lost reception when digital television was introduced to the region?