The Council is currently preparing its 2017- 18 Budget and the removal of the merger proposal restrictions will enable us to plan with certainty to ensure that Cabonne continues to grow and prosper.
Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton has announced that Council elections will be held on 9 September 2017. I am sure voters will have a number of talented candidates to choose from and I urge anyone considering standing for Council to do so.
The NSW Electoral Commission and Cabonne Council are expected to conduct fo- rums and workshops for prospective councillors prior to the September 9 poll and Council will keep you informed when the dates for these forums are confirmed.
One of the most exciting projects we will be working on is formulating a public-private partnership to build retirement accommodation in Canowindra.
After several years of working with the Canowindra Retirement Village Project Association Inc, Council has sought expressions of interest from not-for-profit community housing providers to develop accommodation under the Retirement Villages Act on land in Mill Street. Expressions of Interest closed on February 15 and Council is now seeking authority from the Office of Local Government to enter into the partnership with a community care provider to get the project underway.
I am proud to welcome Canowindra councillor Kevin Walker to the position of Dep- uty Mayor after Lachie MacSmith stepped down from the role.
As many of you would know, Kevin has been a passionate supporter and worker for Canowindra and Cabonne Shire for many years and he will do a great job.
I thank Cr MacSmith for his hard work representing the people of Cabonne over the past four and a half years.
Cr Ian Gosper Mayor of Cabonne