Orange City Council

Orange Rising

How a Thriving Regional City Is Investing in Infrastructure, Innovation and Community to Create One of New South Wales’ Most Compelling Places to Live, Work and Invest.

Known for its award-winning food and wine, spectacular four-season climate, and enviable lifestyle, Orange has quietly evolved into one of regional New South Wales’ most dynamic economic hubs. Yet behind its growing reputation is a deliberate strategy led by Orange City Council that balances rapid growth with careful planning, significant infrastructure investment and an unwavering commitment to preserving the qualities that make the city unique.

From major sporting facilities and cultural infrastructure to affordable housing initiatives and workforce development, Orange is preparing for a future that extends well beyond population growth. The Council’s vision is not simply to become larger, but to become stronger, more connected and increasingly resilient while ensuring residents continue to enjoy the exceptional lifestyle that has become synonymous with the region.

At the heart of that vision are the people who shape it every day. Orange Mayor Tony Mileto, Chief Executive Officer Scott Maunder and Economic Development Manager Jessica Wilkinson share a common belief that Orange’s greatest strength has always been its forward-thinking community and that every decision made today is about protecting and enhancing that strength for generations to come.

Built Around People

For Orange City Council, strategic planning begins with a remarkably simple principle: people come first. Rather than viewing infrastructure, investment and economic development as isolated objectives, Council sees each initiative as part of a broader commitment to improving everyday life for residents.

“Everything we do starts and ends with people, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of,” Cr Mileto says.

Nestled on Wiradjuri Country at the base of Gaanha-bula (Mount Canobolas), Orange holds a deep respect for culture, history and connection to place, a connection that shapes the way Council leads and plans for the future.  That sense of place influences not only how the city is presented to visitors, but also how it prepares for future growth.”That connection shapes the way we lead and plan for the future,” Cr Mileto says.

Orange City Council’s Community Strategic Plan serves as the city’s long-term roadmap, developed through extensive consultation with residents to understand what matters most. Housing, roads, inclusion, diversity, health services and community connection all emerge as priorities, giving Council a clear mandate to guide investment over the coming decade.

Rather than simply delivering services, Council sees itself as a custodian of the community’s shared vision.

“As a council, our role is to listen first through our Community Strategic Plan,” Cr Mileto says. “We have asked the community what matters most… and that becomes our shared roadmap for the next decade.”

A Lifestyle That Drives Growth

Orange’s appeal has long been associated with its vineyards, acclaimed restaurants and picturesque landscapes. Today, however, those qualities represent only part of a much broader value proposition.

“We have a combination of lifestyle, opportunity and connectivity that you don’t always find in a regional city,” Mr Maunder says.

The city’s healthcare network provides the highest level of medical services in western New South Wales, supported by comprehensive aged care and social assistance services. Educational opportunities span every stage of learning, from early childhood through to tertiary education, providing families with confidence that they can build long-term futures without sacrificing access to quality services.

That combination of lifestyle and essential services has proven to be attractive as more Australians seek alternatives to metropolitan living.

“We do believe that this depth in services gives people the confidence they need to build a future here in Orange,” Mr Maunder says.

The city’s parks, reserves, lakes and surrounding natural environment further reinforce its reputation for livability, while efficient road, rail and air connections ensure businesses remain closely connected to major domestic markets.

This momentum is helping reposition Orange from a well-kept regional secret into a recognised economic destination.

Investing in Tomorrow

Growth on this scale requires careful planning, particularly when it comes to infrastructure capable of supporting both residents and the city’s growing visitor economy.

Council has therefore adopted a dual approach, investing simultaneously in essential enabling infrastructure while delivering landmark community projects that will define Orange’s future identity.

The priority centres on strengthening the systems that support daily life. Upgrades to the city’s sewage treatment facilities, expanded stormwater harvesting, and planning for purified recycled water ensure Orange can continue accommodating population growth while maintaining environmental sustainability.

“We have enabling infrastructure,” Mr Maunder explains. “That’s infrastructure that supports the growth of our city and the continued attraction that we have to the city.”

Alongside these essential projects are two transformative developments that promise to reshape Orange’s cultural and recreational landscape.

The $37 million Orange Regional Conservatorium and Planetarium will create one of regional Australia’s most advanced educational and cultural facilities. Designed to complement Orange’s museum, gallery, library, and theatre, the development will include a 275-seat auditorium alongside a sophisticated planetarium capable of delivering immersive educational experiences.

Serving more than 100 schools located within a 100-kilometre radius, the facility will introduce students to astronomy, science and advanced audiovisual technologies while also providing a versatile venue for broader educational programming and community events.

“It will facilitate education of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) subjects to school children predominantly,” Mr Maunder says. “It integrates well with our other existing cultural facilities.”

The project reflects Council’s broader philosophy that investment in education and culture is every bit as important as investment in traditional infrastructure. By creating facilities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning, Orange is strengthening the intellectual foundations of its future workforce while enriching the quality of life for residents across the region.

Creating Destinations That Deliver Economic Value

Perhaps no project better illustrates Orange’s confidence in its future than the $75 million Orange Regional Sporting Precinct. Designed as one of the most significant regional sporting hubs in New South Wales, the precinct represents far more than a collection of playing fields. It is a strategic investment intended to generate economic activity, encourage healthy lifestyles, and further elevate Orange’s profile as a destination for major events.

The precinct will feature eight new sand-based multipurpose fields designed for year-round use, three turf cricket wickets and a world-class athletics facility, including a new amenities block, canteen, storage and grandstand. John Davis OAM Stadium will also include the largest grandstand in the Central West, with seating for 1,350 spectators and space for a further 8,500 people on the surrounding grass hills. Together, these facilities will position Orange to host major state and national sporting competitions while providing local clubs and schools with high-quality facilities comparable to those in larger metropolitan centres. Ms Wilkinson believes the impact will extend well beyond the sporting community.

“We do see it as being a transformative project,” Ms Wilkinson says.

Interest has already been shown by sporting organisations representing rugby, football, athletics and cricket, while opportunities linked to international competitions, including the Rugby World Cup, continue to emerge. Yet flexibility has remained central to the precinct’s design. Concerts, festivals and community celebrations will sit comfortably alongside elite sporting events, ensuring the facility remains active throughout the year.

Building a Diverse Economy

Orange’s economic resilience stems from diversity. Healthcare, education, government services, mining, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and emerging industries all contribute to an economy capable of weathering changing market conditions while creating varied career opportunities.

Council’s role extends beyond traditional local government responsibilities to become both advocate and facilitator for business investment.

“We see ourselves as both a facilitator and an advocate,” Cr Mileto says.

Current investment priorities include health and medical research, health technology, advanced manufacturing, renewable industries, tourism, and value-added agriculture. Council is also ensuring an ongoing supply of employment land, supported by enabling infrastructure that allows businesses to establish and expand with confidence.

Equally important is supporting businesses that already call Orange home.

“It’s not just about bringing new businesses in,” Cr Mileto says. ” We’re focused on helping our existing businesses grow, expand and build on what we already have in Orange”

That collaborative philosophy extends across every level of government and industry. Orange City Council maintains close relationships with the chamber of commerce, Business Orange, local education providers and New South Wales Government agencies, ensuring investment attraction, advocacy and workforce planning remain closely aligned.

Ms Wilkinson says maintaining regular dialogue with the business community ensures Council remains responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges.

“We find that this two-way communication is critical,” Ms Wilkinson says.

Collaborative initiatives such as retail masterclasses, business workshops and coordinated advocacy campaigns help strengthen local enterprises while building long-term economic resilience.

Investing in People for the Long Term

As Orange continues to grow, attracting skilled workers remains essential. Rather than viewing workforce development as a recruitment exercise alone, Council is investing in long-term partnerships that encourage people to study, build careers and establish families within the region.

Engineering has emerged as a particular priority for regional NSW, with Charles Sturt University addressing this by expanding its engineering programs to include electrical and mechanical disciplines alongside civil engineering at the nearby Bathurst campus.

“We’re more likely to retain that skilled engineering workforce when they study locally,” Mr Maunder says.

Council also supports vocational education, university pathway programs and relocation initiatives that help essential workers settle successfully into the community. Programs such as the Welcome Experience recognise that retaining skilled professionals depends not only on employment opportunities but also on helping new residents build meaningful social connections.

A Vision That Looks Beyond Growth

For Cr Mileto, success cannot be measured simply through rising population figures or increasing investment.

Instead, Orange’s future will be judged by whether growth strengthens the qualities that have always made the city special.

“Success for us is measured not just by growth, but by the quality of that growth,” Cr Mileto says.

Council’s priorities over the next two years remain clear. Continued investment in infrastructure, housing, and essential services will support a growing population while preserving the city’s distinctive character.

Economic diversification will create new employment pathways, workforce initiatives will strengthen critical industries, and carefully planned development will ensure Orange remains both prosperous and highly livable.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Orange City Council

What: Focused on a long-term strategy based on sustainable growth, major infrastructure investment, and economic diversification, this city is positioned as one of regional New South Wales’ leading places to live, work, and invest.

Where: Orange, New South Wales, Australia.

Website: www.orange.nsw.gov.au

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