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AMALGAMATION: 06 FEBRUARY 2016

Concerned Cabonne residents speak out against amalgamation proposals

Cabonne’s Amalgamation No Thank You (ANTY) group estimates that well over 300 people attended the public hearing at the Molong RSL Club yesterday morning to state their case to the Boundaries Commission Delegate Richard Pearson regarding council amalgamations.

Of these, more than 110 people had registered to speak, with only 59 being given the opportunity to state their case due to time constraints.

“It was so encouraging to see the number of concerned residents who were able to make it along despite the inconvenient timing of the meeting during working hours,” said Jock Haynes, President of ANTY.

“It was even more heartening to see the numbers who felt passionately enough to speak against the proposed Orange/Blayney/Cabonne merger.

“Given the numbers and set time frame, everyone was very limited in what they could say, but all speeches were thoughtful and intelligent and sent a strong message that Cabonne does not want to be amalgamated.”

The number of speakers in Molong against the merger contrasted with the Orange hearing, said Jock, with not one resident of Orange City (other than Councillors and the General Manager) prepared to speak in favour of the proposal.

“The high quality of the speeches addressing the issues in Molong was in stark contrast to Member for Dubbo Troy Grant’s recent comments comparing anti-amalgamation groups to The Simpsons, saying they had a mob mentality about them,” said Jock.

“We expect our politicians to speak to us intelligently. We don’t expect them to mock those who disagree with them, particularly when they are unwilling to listen.

“Sadly Mr Grant is not listening, nor is he willing to front his constituents and answer questions directly.”

Based on media release issue by ANTY (Amalgamation No Thank You).