Orange councillors disclose links to school tree vote, 8 Connemara Drive application

Six Orange councillors disclosed personal or community connections to matters involving Orange Anglican Grammar School, 8 Connemara Drive and small-donation requests before the items were considered.

Cr S Peterson and Cr M Ruddy declared non-significant non-pecuniary interests in the school tree-removal request because they each have a child attending Orange Anglican Grammar School. Cr M McDonell made the same declaration because she lives nearby and has extended family attending the school.

The council approved the removal of an 18-metre mature Southern Blue Gum from a children’s play area because of safety concerns. The decision passed seven votes to four, with Cr T Mileto, Cr D Mallard, Cr M McDonell and Cr G Power voting against.

The school must plant six replacement trees within its grounds. It must also arrange for the timber to be harvested and appropriately treated for reuse, with the wood made available free of charge to the community. A replacement tree of at least 100-litre advanced stock must be sourced within the Orange region in consultation with Council’s Manager City Presentation.

Cr M McDonell also declared a non-significant non-pecuniary interest in development application DA 152/2026(1) for 8 Connemara Drive because she lives nearby. The application was considered by the Planning and Development Policy Committee.

Small-donation requests prompted three further declarations. Cr M McDonell disclosed a non-significant non-pecuniary interest because she had previously performed in the orchestra associated with one request.

Cr G Judge declared a significant non-pecuniary interest in another request because he is president of Orange Centrals Cricket Club, whose players are involved in the event.

Cr G Power and Mayor T Mileto each declared non-significant non-pecuniary interests in a request involving the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club because they are members.

The disclosures identify councillors’ personal, neighbourhood and community links to decisions affecting a school, a development site and local organisations.