Do you want to have your say on how your Council should look in the future?
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) will begin to assess whether Cabonne Council is “fit for the future” next month and right now they are seeking public comments before beginning the process.
Ratepayers, community organisations and individuals have been invited to voice their opinion on the Council’s submission before Friday the 31st July. “Public submissions can be lodged online for each Council proposal once they have been published on the tribunal’s website.”
By lodging an “Improvement Proposal” to seek to continue as a standalone Council, Cabonne has officially rejected the option to merge with Orange City Council. Cabonne Council General Manager Andrew Hopkins said their preference to stand alone reflected community feedback after extensive consultation.
In May, Cabonne Council voted unanimously to remain a standalone Council, agreeing that alone the Council could potentially make far greater long-term improvements than what could be achieved as a result of merging.
According to IPART Chairman Dr Peter Boxall, the tribunal would be considering any relevant issues raised by the public when assessing the Council’s status as either “fit” or “not fit”.
Voice your opinion online at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au and don’t forget to check out the Amalgamation – No Thank You petition available at the Canowindra Bowling Club, Canowindra Golf Club, Canowindra Pharmacy, Canowindra Newsagency and other businesses across Cabonne.
By Rosi Broom