Across  the entire electorate I am keen to look at what we can do in our community that will make a difference here.  I am also keen to engage and respond to the diversity in the electorate rather than just dictate what my agenda might be.

That said, I do see a great need to engage young people and work to ensure that we do not repeat or escalate social problems.  Education and vocational training are key aspects for engaging and preparing our young people for a rapidly changing future.

The road traffic volumes on the New England Highway present a significant burden and genuine safety concern for Scone town centre.  Similarly the volumes of rail traffic present a significant imposition and risk to road traffic flows through Scone. 

It is essential that local business does not suffer from the loss of through traffic, but it is important for locals and tourists to slow down the through traffic. 

I would expect New England Highway upgrade schedules to prioritise works to separate the road and rail routes in Scone.  It is also a priority that local business is given a priority consideration in services to any major works to benefit the local community and economy.  I would make representation to this effect. 

Renewables have been dishonestly maligned by many politicians with vested interests.  Renewables must and will form an increasing proportion of our energy matrix.  New England has a terrific opportunity to be at the forefront of this to bring down energy costs and create new industrial opportunities.  I will facilitate a coordinated approach between all three levels of Government and the private sector to streamline and integrate public and private sector processes, efforts and investment to bring down risk and cost.  This will demonstrate leadership in the sector and provide a working template for regional energy generation nationally.

Mining and agriculture are both legitimate industries and we have resources for both in and around the New England.  However, agriculture must be given precedence when the two industries are competing for the same landscape.

Agricultural land is a perpetual asset of the nation and we have a responsibility to pass it on to the next and future generations as good as if not better than we found it. 

Mining is a legitimate industry, but it is a finite industry with a demonstrable record of severe negative impacts on groundwater and agricultural landscapes.  Mines must operate with a guarantee of “no harm” to agricultural land and water to proceed. 

Historically mining has been given precedence and has not had to comply with the same environmental compliance as agriculture.  This must stop.  The same rules must be applied to all industries competing for access to our agricultural landscapes.

Jobs, particularly for the next generation.  This is best resolved by developing new industries and increasing resilience in existing industries, especially small business.

Education cuts under the coalition have stripped over $26M out of school budgets over the next two years.  It is vital that we resecure school funding and there is a real opportunity to leverage a balance of power scenario right now.

Protection of agricultural landscapes particularly from mining developments, based on a no harm caveat to any proposed development.

I am just an ordinary bloke and I am running because I know safe seats don’t get good political service.  If we want a better deal from Canberra, then they need to know  that they can’t take it for granted.  I know that the best political representation an electorate can get is delivered by a politician who knows their only chance of getting re-elected depends on doing a good job rather then which political party they belong to. 

I am part of a political team created to provide a credible, progressive and conservative political alternative.  Our commitment is to our community.

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