Energy costs, protecting heritage and the demerge of local councils were the hot topics discussed by state election candidates at Wednesday night's forum in Young.
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The public gallery erupted in applause when one resident asked the candidates what they'd do about "choking" energy prices.
Country Labor's Mark Douglass said power should never have been privitised.
"The first thing we'll do is re-regulate, and push for renewable energy in homes," Mr Douglass said.
Australia First's candidate Jim Saleam said all power should be "nationalised into one single authority".
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Greens candidate Jeffrey Passlow said there's ways to generate power "far more efficiently" than it is now, while Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Matt Stadtmiller stuck to his party's policy to support the use of coal-fired power.
Sitting Member for Cootamundra Nationals candidate Steph Cooke identified the issue as one that requires Federal leadership.
"It's hard as a state government to do anything other than to provide cost relief for people," she said.
One resident of Young asked for candidates' opinions on preserving heritage in the Cherry Capital, noting Carrington Park and the construction of a proposed joint-use library.
Ms Cooke identified heritage projects in the area that the state government has funded under the Heritage Near Me Program.
"I certainly hope that, should we retain government, that the Heritage Near Me program continues and that way we will see even more heritage across the electorate conserved," she said.
Mr Stadtmiller said he backed the Young Community and Residents Association in their fight against the joint-use library, and that he understands the "rich history" at the location.
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Each candidate responded to a question regarding demerging of local councils.
Mr Douglass, Mr Stadtmiller and Mr Passlow clearly stated that they are against the merging of councils.
"I think people want their council's back, they want local representation and local mayors," Mr Stadtmiller said.
Ms Cooke acknowledged that some people are against amalgamated councils, and also questioned the process of demerging.
"These were the cards I was dealt," she said.
"When it comes to a discussion, by contrast, about demerging, the problem we have is that we haven't seen from any other candidate what that process looks like."
Mr Saleam also opposed council amalgamation.
Each candidate was given 10 minutes to speak before questions were open to the public gallery.
About 50 people attended.