1. What is a reasonable amount of funding the federal and state governments (combined) should contribute towards construction of the preferred future aquatics option of a $50 million indoor pool complex at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and shut Lavington Swim Centre?

$40 MILLION Such a facility would have significant health benefits and this should fit well with the member for Farrer’s portfolio responsibilities in sport, aged care and health. At the moment these are only options and need not be the final solution if such a decision is required.  Securing funding is essential before the project proceeds.

2. Does Albury get its fair share of funding from the NSW Government for major infrastructure projects?

NO Comparison with other regional cities shows that Albury has received significantly less for infrastructure projects in recent years.  This is a growing city and investment here reduces the pressure for major infrastructure costs in Sydney for example.  It makes good economic sense for the state government to invest here.

3. Do you support the re-introduction of a weekly red bin rubbish collection in Albury?

NO I understand that it is difficult for some members of the community but there are a range of options available including different bin sizes for example. Under the Halve Waste campaign, staff are available to assist people to properly manage their household waste.  The three-bin system is a response to a requirement to limit the amount of waste generated and to prolong the life of the landfill.

4. Would you support Albury Council agreeing to another special rate variation in the next four years to build major infrastructure projects?

NO As a general principle, my preference is to limit rate rises to that allowed by IPART. But if there was major infrastructure project that had community support I would give consideration to a special variation but it would need to be a strong case.

5. Has Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) been a success in its first year of operation?

YES There have been about 90,000 visitors in the first 10 months of operation and about a quarter of these have come from out of the region.  This provides income for our hotels and motels, restaurants, cafes and clubs and employment for our city.

GROUP B (Darren Cameron, Country Labor)

1. What is a reasonable amount of funding the federal and state governments (combined) should contribute towards construction of the preferred future aquatics option of a $50 million indoor pool complex at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and shut Lavington Swim Centre?

NONE OF THE ABOVE Any construction at the Lauren Jackson centre will see the closure of the Lavington pool. Our position on this has been consistent. We will keep the existing pools and maintain and upgrade them as and when the City can afford it. There will be no support for a Chlorinated Palace of Versailles from Group B country Labor.

2. Does Albury gets its fair share of funding from the NSW Government for major infrastructure projects?

NO The failures at Lavington Oval, Davey Street ramps and MAMA, which should not have gone ahead without State funding, are indicative of the failures of Greg Aplin and his government.

3. Do you support the introduction of a weekly red bin collection in Albury?

YES Absolutely , it is a priority for us along with hard waste collection.

4. Would you support Albury Council agreeing to another special rate variation in the next four years to build major infrastructure projects?

NO We are pledged to no rate rises above CPI. Council must learn to live within it’s means.

5. Has Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) been a success in its first year of operation?

NO If success is judged by the numbers of visitors who pay no contribution to the ratepayers of Albury then perhaps. There is a reason I refused to have my name on the plaque at this facility. It should never had been built without equal funding from the state government and has added to Albury’s debt which now must be serviced by the many for the pleasure of the few.

GROUP C (Emily Lightfoot, ACRM)

1. What is a reasonable amount of funding the federal and state governments (combined) should contribute towards construction of the preferred future aquatics option of a $50 million indoor pool complex at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and shut Lavington Swim Centre?

NONE OF THE ABOVE ACRM opposes the closure of the Lavington pool.

2. Does Albury get its fair share of funding from the NSW Government for major infrastructure projects?

NO Albury is largely ignored by both the state & federal governments due to the fact that Farrer is not a marginal seat, so we miss out on most of the “pork barrelling”.

3. Do you support the re-introduction of a weekly red bin rubbish collection in Albury?

YES Green waste bin should be collected fortnightly & red rubbish bin should be collected weekly, as it was under the old green waste collection system, before everyone was given green bins. This way no additional bin collections will be needed – still the same number of bin collections, just organised more efficiently per the residents’ needs for the type of bins that need collecting.

4. Would you support Albury Council agreeing to another special rate variation in the next four years to build major infrastructure projects?

-NO ACRM would not support a special rate variation as ratepayers are currently very concerned about and sensitive to any increase in rates. ACRM advocates deferring any major infrastructure projects that would require a special rate variation until funding can be found from the existing budget, raised by community fundraising and / or or sourced from the state government.

5. Has Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) been a success in its first year of operation?

NO Many ratepayers were opposed to the cost of this project, are unhappy with the architectural outcomes and view the facility as “elitist” and not relevant to many demographics.

GROUP D (Alice Glachan)

1. What is a reasonable amount of funding the federal and state governments (combined) should contribute towards construction of the preferred future aquatics option of a $50 million indoor pool complex at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and shut Lavington Swim Centre?

NONE OF THE ABOVE Albury has very high competitive and healthy lifestyle pool utilisation rates. Council has commenced an Aquatic Strategy which is only part way through. Once the master plan is agreed with the community council will then be able to determine if, and how much, funding will be sought and via what mechanisms.

2. Does Albury get its fair share of funding from the NSW Government for major infrastructure projects?

NO State funding comes to our community via many routes and not just directly to Council. Significant infrastructure projects require state and or federal funding and we need to continue to seek that funding with good quality applications.

3. Do you support the re-introduction of a weekly red bin rubbish collection in Albury?

NO Only if it would not cost more, and not contribute to the landfill. However the re-introduction of a weekly red bin collection would absolutely increase waste charges to all residents. Anyone who needs assistance with any of their bins should contact council as options on an individual basis are available.

4. Would you support Albury Council agreeing to another special rate variation in the next four years to build major infrastructure projects?

YES Special variations to rates are only possible for specific projects, and if the community supports them. Our support for a special variation to rates would be dependent on the project and the commitment of the community to it.

5. Has Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) been a success in its first year of operation?

YES MAMA has been more successful than anticipated with stronger than expected visitations as well as national and international recognition. The building looks fantastic, is a great asset to Albury and has had a great impact on QEII square. The success of the philanthropic contribution is testament to the community’s commitment to the project.

GROUP E (Amanda Cohn, Greens)

1. What is a reasonable amount of funding the federal and state governments (combined) should contribute towards construction of the preferred future aquatics option of a $50 million indoor pool complex at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and shut Lavington Swim Centre?

NONE OF THE ABOVE Of course we need significant funding from higher levels of government if the new pool complex is to be built, but my bigger concern is how Lavington residents will be impacted if their pool is closed. Council should re-evaluate the viability of the Lavington pool after the new centre is built, and if it must close, then public transport must be provided so that Lavington residents can access the new facility.

2. Does Albury get its fair share of funding from the NSW Government for major infrastructure projects?

NO It's the unfortunate reality of living in a "safe seat". Council should continue to hold our state and federal representatives accountable to their community.

3. Do you support the re-introduction of a weekly red bin rubbish collection in Albury?

NO It would be far too expensive for ratepayers, and we need to minimise the amount of waste we send to landfill before our tip is full and we have to build another one. Most residents have no problem with the new system, but some are struggling (like families with nappies).  Rather than change the whole system again, individual solutions can be organised to help those residents.

4. Would you support Albury Council agreeing to another special rate variation in the next four years to build major infrastructure projects?

FAILED TO ANSWER YES OR NO  It would be irresponsible to answer this question without context. It depends on which projects, requiring how much variation. Each issue should be considered on its merits.

5. Has Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) been a success in its first year of operation?

YES  MAMA not only supports local artists including Wiradjuri artists, and attracting fantastic exhibitions, but also brings in tourists. Iit has boosted our local economy by about $20 million!

GROUP F (Kevin Mack)

1. What is a reasonable amount of funding the federal and state governments (combined) should contribute towards construction of the preferred future aquatics option of a $50 million indoor pool complex at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and shut Lavington Swim Centre?

$30 MILLION We believe that the governments should be involved in a tripartite agreement for funding of the facility. If the money is not forthcoming this piece of infrastructure should not become a burden for ratepayers.

2. Does Albury get its fair share of funding from the NSW Government for major infrastructure projects?

NO With all due respect to the media circus surrounding the visit by the NSW Treasurer, there is evidence that indicates that the NSW Government does not support Albury and funding seems to stop at Wagga. Our local member (Greg Aplin) is complicit in this issue and needs to address it as a matter of urgency.

3. Do you support the re-introduction of a weekly red bin rubbish collection in Albury?

NO We believe the system needs a council review, however there are alternative service pick ups available as well as a larger bin services. Ratepayers are leading the way in our recycling journey and statistics support this with only a one per cent of contamination in the organics service.

4. Would you support Albury Council agreeing to another special rate variation in the next four years to build major infrastructure projects?

NO We would not see any reason for this to occur. Council is running in surplus with funds available for quality infrastructure and services.  Any special rate variations would need to be communicated to our ratepayers and justified for future development.

5. Has Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) been a success in its first year of operation?

YES It has created a cultural and tourism opportunity for our city. Whilst two of our candidates voted against its development on the basis of lack of state funding,  we believe it has been a success and will continue to be so.

GROUP G (Henk van de Ven)

1. What is a reasonable amount of funding the federal and state governments (combined) should contribute towards construction of the preferred future aquatics option of a $50 million indoor pool complex at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and shut Lavington Swim Centre?

NONE OF THE ABOVE Whilst the current council has distilled the options to two, the new council might choose neither of those, so I will not try to pre-empt either the final aquatics strategy nor the funding strategy that would need to accompany that.

2. Does Albury get its fair share of funding from the NSW Government for major infrastructure projects?

NO From my experience it doesn’t, but it appears that council’s research and information gathering gets different results to what the government says it has spent. We are awaiting the details around their assertions.

3. Do you support the re-introduction of a weekly red bin rubbish collection in Albury?

NO The silent majority of people are happy with the service. If you go to council's website there are heaps of options for people to change the size and frequency of their service but obviously at a cost. There is the average price everyone pays for their bin sizes, if you change bin size and frequency you will have an extra cost.

4. Would you support Albury Council agreeing to another special rate variation in the next four years to build major infrastructure projects?

FAILED TO ANSWER YES OR NO I will not rule anything in our out. I believe the last special rate variation was a huge success. We are still spending the money on projects identified as the justification for it and still reaping the benefit of that decision that was supported by the vast majority of the residents and businesses.

5. Has Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) been a success in its first year of operation?

YES With over 90,000 visitors in the first 11 months of operation, the ability to have access to the whole of MAMA for the disabled, the quality of the exhibitions that have been on and the number of visitors to town, this has to say this has been an unqualified success for Albury and the greater region.

GROUP H (Bert Eastoe)

1. What is a reasonable amount of funding the federal and state governments (combined) should contribute towards construction of the preferred future aquatics option of a $50 million indoor pool complex at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and shut Lavington Swim Centre?

$40 MILLION The capital and recurrent costs for a regional sport facility should not be a significant burden for the Albury ratepayer. The “catchment of Albury-Wodonga region is about 120,000 and co-funding is an imperative. State and federal governments have to be convinced of the strategic location of Albury and the need to provide support for infrastructure that maintains growth in the region.

2. Does Albury get its fair share of funding from the NSW Government for major infrastructure projects?

NO It is understood that all projects are assessed against a program framework with each project to meet benchmark criteria and achieve further merit to gain support. Next year marks a decade since the Hume Freeway was opened and Albury Council will require a sound strategy and experienced input to attract funding to improve access upgrades and other projects.

3 Do you support the re-introduction of a weekly red bin rubbish collection in Albury?

YES Subject to a better understanding of the cost benefit and understanding the “carbon impact” of this initiative.  The recent statements indicate that the merits of this are still subject to conjecture and we look forward to understanding the system of collection, contract costs and benefits.

4. Would you support Albury Council agreeing to another special rate variation in the next four years to build major infrastructure projects?

NO It is our view that current rates are at a level that should not be subject to special variation. If elected scrutiny of the budget will be a top priority.

5. Has Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) been a success in its first year of operation?

YES The building is a substantial city landmark, built with some government, ratepayer and generous local benefactor input. It is a concern the change in key staff however I am sure MAMA will offer an exciting, affordable program of events and programs that residents will be proud of.

RUTH DAVYS (Independent)

1. What is a reasonable amount of funding the federal and state governments (combined) should contribute towards construction of the preferred future aquatics option of a $50 million indoor pool complex at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and shut Lavington Swim Centre?

NONE OF THE ABOVE I am learning about how the community feels about the existing swim centres and the construction of a future aquatics centre. There are many mixed feelings out there I need more information before making a decision.

2. Does Albury get its fair share of funding from the NSW Government for major infrastructure projects?

YES I believe Albury has received its fair share of funding from the NSW major infrastructure projects. NSW is a considerable sized state. Albury gets attention in the areas of education and transport. There is more that could be done, but this is our share this time round.

3. Do you support the re-introduction of a weekly red bin rubbish collection in Albury?

YES The three bin system works but we have many large families here who require weekly red bin collection.

4. Would you support Albury Council agreeing to another special rate variation in the next four years to build major infrastructure projects?

NO I believe I pay enough in rates as it is. If there was a mutual benefit I may think differently. For instance if hard rubbish collection was brought back, I’d be happy to talk about a special rate variance.

5. Has Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) been a success in its first year of operation?

YES I believe MAMA has been a success. It has received over 90,000 visitors in its first year. Its diverse range of exhibitions opens itself up to audiences who may not have visited their local Art spaces. This is a great tourist attraction for Albury, bringing money into our region.

GERARD VAN EMMERIK (Independent)

1. What is a reasonable amount of funding the federal and state governments (combined) should contribute towards construction of the preferred future aquatics option of a $50 million indoor pool complex at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and shut Lavington Swim Centre?

$30 MILLION  As someone who works to provide state government funding to local government infrastructure projects, I know that government funding partners would expect upwards of a 30 per cent contribution from council before even considering funding.

Given this is the case I would like to see a public private partnership (PPP) funding approach investigated to enable private contributions to the project.

2. Does Albury get its fair share of funding from the NSW Government for major infrastructure projects?

NO Whilst state government funding may come into the area, only a small portion of it is for Council related capital works or infrastructure projects.

3. Do you support the re-introduction of a weekly red bin rubbish collection in Albury?

YES But only if it remains cost effective and still allows Council to meet legislated waste reduction targets. The targets set by the EPA by 2020-21 are municipal solid waste from 52% (in 2010–11) to 70%, commercial and industrial waste from 57% (in 2010–11) to 70% and construction and demolition waste from 75% (in 2010–11) to 80%. If we can still meet these targets by increasing services then yes.

4. Would you support Albury Council agreeing to another special rate variation in the next four years to build major infrastructure projects?

NO Council has reserve funding it can draw upon for significant priority projects.

5. Has Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) been a success in its first year of operation?

YES In the first five months from opening, MAMA attracted 55,000 visitor with a predicted 80,000 annually. The direct economic impact of MAMA’s construction and operation is estimated at $27.6 million and there is a projected $9.66 million boost to the visitor economy following its first year of operation.