AT just 19 years old, Zac Belmonte is making the commitment to serve as a Bathurst Regional councillor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Kelso High School graduate has registered as an independent ungrouped candidate for the 2021 local government election, running on a platform of four key issues: water security, roads development, a post-COVID economic plan, and strategic growth and development.
He will turn 20 years old just weeks before the September 4 election, making him one of the youngest candidates to run for council.
Mr Belmonte believes council needs some younger voices to better represent the community it serves, and he assures he has the motivation, interest and experience to deliver as a councillor.
"I'd like to see this town thrive. I do, despite my young age, have a proven record of leadership," he said.
"I represented Bathurst at the NSW Constitutional Convention, I served as president of Young Australia for one year and last year, I represented the Central West at the United Nations Young Leaders Summit."
Mr Belmonte is one of three fresh faces to come forward for the 2021 election.
The others, Stuart Pearson and Bob Singleton, have nominated the go-kart track as a key election issue, but you won't find the newest candidate doing the same.
"I don't see that issue relevant to the 2021 council. I find it baffling the other two candidates have made is such a big issue," Mr Belmonte said.
"It has been democratically approved. The only concern I do have is that I don't believe $750,000 should be allocated from the Roads and Infrastructure Fund.
"I believe a portion of it should be spent, maybe $500,000; that would leave almost $1 million for other infrastructure projects."
An issue that will remain part of council discussions into the future is water.
Mr Belmonte said it is a key issue for him and he is in favour of permanent water conserving measures being imposed, raising the Chifley Dam wall and introducing water tank subsidies for all eligible residential and commercial developments.
He has information on this and his other policy ideas on his new campaign website, zacbelmonte.com.
He is encouraging residents to connect with him via his website or Facebook page, and hopes his polices will give people the confidence to vote for him.
"I believe I bring the vision and ideas that has often lacked in the chambers of Bathurst [council]," he said.
"When you look at my policies for water, roads and strategic development, they're all universal and they'll all make Bathurst a better place, they will facilitate future growth and ensure that our resources are met in the future."
