With the next state election fast approaching – due in fewer than seven months – Orange City Life has spoken to six Orange City councillors about the issues they believe should define the campaign ahead of the poll, to be held on Saturday, March 13, 2027.

Before each state campaign, councils across NSW outline key policies they believe should be prioritised by political parties’ state-level branches.

Councillor Steve Peterson told Orange City Life the main objective for Orange-based candidates should be securing a daily Orange to Sydney train service.

“The bullet train starting in Orange rather than Bathurst. It seems to be more of a state government issue but one that would be very beneficial for Orange, particularly with the closure of Victoria Pass,” Cr Peterson said.

“If we could get major party support, that could hopefully swing some votes.”

Councillor Jeff Whitton outlined to Orange City Life three issues he believed the campaign in the Orange electorate should address.

“The main priority at the moment, as it is for many locations, is affordable housing. Affordable housing is probably priority one.”

“Decentralisation and the opportunity to grow jobs in Orange, that’s another priority.”

Similar to Cr Peterson, Cr Whitton believed better rail access to Sydney was an important issue.

“We’ve got the XPT, but to have a good passenger rail system between Orange and Sydney would also be a priority. There has been lobbying through our local member, Phil Donato, to have a system similar to what Bathurst has. That would be great.”

Councillor Kevin Duffy believed the council should prioritise other issues ahead of the statewide vote.

“The number one priority should be the Southern Feeder Road,” Cr Duffy told Orange City Life.

“Irrespective of what people say, you only have to drive around Orange – out Burrendong Way, out Cadia Road, out Woodward Street, up Churchill Avenue – to see the roads are starting to become absolutely pathetic. The Southern Feeder Road would relieve some of those roads.”

Another issue raised by Cr Duffy was the Gnoo Blas Museum.

“We should also be supporting our local member in getting the money for the Gnoo Blas Museum; I think that’s a fantastic idea.”

Orange Mayor Tony Mileto told Orange City Life the council should approach the state election with priorities that support Orange’s long-term growth, instead of listing individual projects.

“The strongest advocacy will be that which demonstrates the broader regional economic and community benefits of investment in Orange, rather than simply seeking funding for individual projects,” Cr Mileto said.

Cr Mileto outlined infrastructure, housing and economic development as the key priorities for Orange.

“Orange is well positioned to become an even stronger regional economic hub, but that requires government, industry and council to work together and to advocate with a united and evidence-based voice,” Cr Mileto said.

“Housing will also be a major priority. Orange needs a greater diversity of housing options to support young people, families, retirees and our growing workforce,” he continued.

“Finally, I think we need to recognise that liveability is an economic asset. The objective should be to grow Orange while ensuring that we remain recognisably Orange and retain the character and qualities that make our city successful.”

Since a referendum in 1995, NSW elections have conventionally been held on the last Saturday of March. The 2027 state election has been brought forward two weeks to March 13 to avoid a scheduling clash with Easter.

Deputy Mayor Tammy Greenhalgh and Cr David Mallard were contacted by Orange City Life for this story but did not respond to requests for comment. Cr Marea Ruddy was also contacted but declined to be interviewed.