AMALGAMATION: 12 DECEMBER 2016

ANTY continues to have faith in John Barilaro's ability to deliver

Cabonne’s Amalgamation No Thank You (ANTY) group is yet to hear from Deputy Premier and new NSW Nationals leader, John Barilaro, regarding his promised discussion with the Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole, in relation to ANTY’s desire to see Cabonne Council dropped from their proposed forced merger with Orange City and Blayney Councils.

ANTY Chairman Jock Haynes said: “On 25 November we had a productive meeting with Mr Barilaro and his chief of staff, Fiona Dewar, and were heartened that he actually listened to what we had to say and clearly understood why Cabonne should not become part of a larger Orange City Council.

“Following that meeting, Ms Dewar promised that the Deputy Premier’s meeting with Mr Toole would take place in the ‘coming weeks’ and that she would provide updates.

“Ms Dewar has advised that this meeting has not yet taken place and that, as she told, that is a general rule not to publicise when ministers will be meeting. Hence she has provided no advice as to when they would be meeting, or even if it has actually been scheduled.

“Given the timeframe Ms Dewar provided for the meeting to occur, we expect it will take place this coming week at the latest and we have great faith in Mr Barilaro to be to able provide an outcome consistent with the desire of the majority of the residents of Cabonne, which was clearly demonstrated at the recent Orange by-election.”

Based on media release issued by ANTY.