The debate is on now for whether Cabonne Council should merge with Orange City Council or stay as a stand alone Council. Both Councils are undertaking an investigation into the business case for a merger. The Councils want the best for their communities and the work being undertaken in the investigation will provide some guidance on what is the best path. The business case study is being conducted by an independent firm, Morrison Low and the preliminary findings should be available at the two local meetings the Council is holding both in Molong and Canowindra.
Cabonne Council’s Communications and Media Officer Dale Jones said all Councils must lodge a submission by 30 June 2015 to show how they will be Fit For the Future.
“Cabonne’s present position is to continue as a stand-alone council into the future and to prepare a submission on that basis,” he said.
“However a final decision will not be made until Council analyses the findings of the merger business case study and consultation with the community next month.
“Council’s submission will emphasise Cabonne’s strong financial sustainability, scale and capacity and the fact that it will be able to meet the government’s key criteria to be Fit for the Future.”
Marj Bollinger, Vice Chairman of the Molong Advancement Group, who wish to save Cabonne as a standalone council are holding a meeting at the Community Hall in Molong on Thursday 21st May. Marj said, “by attending this meeting it is your opportunity as a ratepayer, for you to be seen and your voice heard to prove that you, as one person, can contribute to making the difference between Cabonne standing along or being eaten up by the State Government to become part of Orange.”
Prior to this meeting, there will be an information session held at the Canowindra High School Hall, Canowindra on Thursday 14th May starting at 7 pm. All interested parties and Councillors are invited to attend.