Robert Taylor

Bio

Former publican and businessman Robert Taylor is a familiar face within the Bathurst community. Having been the publican of the Dudley Hotel from 1993-2016, “Stumpy” has a special and deep connection with Bathurst and its people.

In 2017, Taylor was a popular candidate on Councillor Warren Aubin’s ticket. His 421 first preference votes and 11th position finish saw him only narrowly miss out on securing one of the nine spots in the chamber. Now, Taylor vows to “get things done” for his beloved town as he leads a five-member ticket into the upcoming council election.

His “Back Bathurst” team includes Andrew Smith, Natalie Moase, James Connors and Scott Macallister. The ticket is focused on the needs of the community with a specific aim to improve the region’s water security by further raising the Ben Chifley Dam wall. Additional objectives include establishing another Macquarie River crossing linking Rankin Street with a new flood-proof road to run parallel with Hereford Street, a heavy haulage bypass of the CBD, and making use of empty shopfronts. 

“It’s time to have people on the council who want to get things done for Bathurst rather than being hell-bent on holding it back,” Taylor told the Western Advocate. The ticket identifies Bathurst as the hub of the Central West and therefore sees tourism as a crucial factor in aiding growth and development. Taylor’s “Back Bathurst” ticket seeks to continue investing in and promoting key community attractions, such as Mount Panorama, in order to increase local revenue and tourism prospects.