AMALGAMATION: 06 DECEMBER 2016

Why merge when there is an easier way?

On behalf of Cabonne's Amalgamation No Thank You (ANTY) group, spokesperson Marj Bollinger has written to Orange Mayor John Davis seeking clarity in regard to statements attributed to him in The Daily Telegraph of 1 December where he was quoted a saying: “That projects were on hold because of delays — and that the mountain bike centre at Mount Canobolas is among the projects under threat unless Orange, Cabonne and Blayney pooled resources.”

Cr Davis concluded by saying: “I don’t think there’s a need to backflip but if they’re going to, let’s do it and let’s move on.”

Marj Bollinger had this to say: “By failing to recognise the outcome of the Orange by-election, where the people of Cabonne and Orange resoundingly rejected the forced amalgamation of Blayney, Cabonne and Orange Councils, Orange Mayor Davis has denied the three autonomous councils the opportunity to work together to develop the Mountain Bike Centre that he is so keen to pursue.

“The people of Cabonne share his frustration in their council not having the ability to work for them to the extent that they are used to.

“If these projects could be achieved under a merged council, why couldn’t the same outcome be achieved through mutual cooperation where the three councils work together and pool resources whilst retaining their own identity?

“The need for a government ‘back flip’ is irrelevant. Let’s just do it and move on by working together for the good of all communities concerned.

“ANTY has also been contacting Cabonne and Blayney Mayors whilst waiting for Cr Davis’s reply.”

Based on media release issued by ANTY.