Mayor's News & Views June 2009
By Mayor Kevin Duffy
2009/2010 Management Plan
Council adopted its 2009/2010 Management Plan and Budget at its June meeting. The preparation of this year's Management Plan was one of the most difficult and challenging for staff and Councillors and I congratulate all concerned for their diligence and ongoing efforts. While facing a reduction in reserves and compounded by the financial downturn we have managed to increase funding for community areas such as our cemeteries, town and village maintenance and mowing, community halls and emergency services. We shall also maintain our commitment to the Ten Year Capital Development Community Enhancement and Infrastructure Program, Transport and Roads expenditure, the Four Towns Sewer Scheme and the Waluwin Centre.
I urge all ratepayers to inspect the document which outlines income and expenditure for the coming year.
Orange Council Waste Management Facility
Cabonne Council is no longer part of Orange City Council's plan to build the Waste Management Facility in Molong. Council has terminated the Joint Venture Agreement because of major changes to the scope and therefore potential cost of the project. We believe that there are better ways to dispose of our waste. We have implemented a successful recycling program and have access to abundant landfill space. In the longer term however we need a true regional solution to waste management and we are open to working with our neighbouring councils to find this solution.
Cabonne will implement sustainable cost-effective waste solutions to service our ratepayers into the future.
Shires Association Annual Conference
The Annual Conference of the Shires Association of NSW was held in Sydney from 1-3 June 2009. I was pleased to once again attend this important event with Clrs Culverson and Bleakley and our General Manager. A range of guest speakers were at the conference including Premier Nathan Rees and ICAC Commissioner Hon Gerald Cripps. Other presenters included the Minister for Water, Rural Affairs and Regional Development, Minister for Planning, Minister for Roads and Leader of the Opposition, Barry O'Farrell.
Three of Council's Motions were carried at the conference as follows:
- 1. That the Shires Association lobby the State Government to provide funding for Councils to carry out Strategic Reviews of options available for Regional Solutions to Waste Management.
- 2. That the Shires Association continue its objection to the closure of rural railway branch lines and seek a commitment from both sides of politics that no further branch lines will be closed without a socio-economic study and input from local communities.
- 3. That the Shires Association in consultation with the State Government investigates models for hospital boards involving local people in order to develop financing and service delivery for all local health services and hospitals.
Overall the conference was very successful and provides good opportunity for information gathering and networking.
WBC Strategic Alliance Update
Council received an update on the WBC Strategic Alliance by Project Officer Donna Galvin at the June meeting. Donna has been in the position for 12 months now and has implemented many projects and brought stability and future direction to the Alliance. One great achievement is the WBC Alliance recently being selected as a Category Winner in the 2009 National Awards for Local Government as the small Council winner of the "Improving Service Delivery through Collaborations" category. These Category Winners will now go on to the national judging round to determine the overall National Winners.
2009/2010 Rates Incentive Scheme
The Rates Incentive Scheme will run again this year with cash and fuel vouchers up for grabs for any ratepayer who pays their rates (plus arrears) in full by 31 August 2009.
A big thank you to our sponsors Canobolas Holden, Downer EDI Works and Oilsplus.
Waluwin Health & Community Centre
As some of you may have seen already, the construction of the Waluwin Health and Community Centre is taking shape with the roofing and external cladding complete. The construction of the Centre is on schedule and Council will extend an invitation to Minister John Della Bosca to officially open the building later this year.
Wine of the Month
This month's Wine of the Month is Prince of Orange Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. After 18 months in selected French oak, this ruby red cabernet has blackcurrant, peppermint, chocolate and spicy cinnamon oak aromas and flavours supported by dense tannins and good length. Ideal for modern Australian cuisine. Special Offer - 13 to the dozen or 10% off single bottle sales at cellar door until August.
Items discussed at June Council Meeting
- Council to make representations to Orange City Council on behalf of the Icely Road Users Group regarding the planned intersection on the Northern Distributor.
- RTA to add the Escort Rock Rest Area at Eugowra under its rest area maintenance for mowing and litter collection.
- Council to apply for a 6 month extension for review of its B-Double Routes.
- Donations of $250 to Canowindra Hospital towards a heart monitor and $2483 to Cancer Care Western NSW.
- Development Applications with $2.2M approved with a median processing time of 24.5 days.
Contact details
Kevin Duffy
Tel: 02 63923200
Fax: 02 63923260
council@cabonne.nsw.gov.au
