BOUNDARY CHANGES: 28 FEBRUARY 2017

Amalgamation by stealth?

Jock Haynes, the Chairman of Cabonne’s Amalgamation No Thank You group has stressed again his organisation’s belief in the rights of all residents to assert their views and also recognized that there are a proportion of residents who were in favour of the suggested forced merger of Cabonne, Orange and Blayney Councils.

The statement did, however, come with a big BUT in relation to suggested boundary changes:

“The best interests for all of our communities must be considered when looking into the issues of boundary changes to ensure that this current push for change isn’t just a case of forced amalgamation by stealth under another name, as significant boundary changes might very well render Cabonne unsustainable.

“Our concern is that these significant boundary changes will cause the death of Cabonne Council and then make a merger inevitable.

“We at ANTY have always maintained and believed that we represent the majority of Cabonne residents and this is supported by the swing at Cabonne polling booths (and others) in the Orange by-election.

“No matter where the boundary lines are drawn, some of those favouring a forced merger will remain on the fringes of their preferred council — Orange City Council.

“These residents no doubt have and will have some legitimate grievances, as many residents in any council area usually do. However, we hope that many of these issues can addressed through consultation with respective Council representatives.”

Jock cited the following examples regarding the conduct of Orange City Council in relation to rural ratepayers, as a warning to those wishing for boundary changes:

— The imposition of the Hub waste facility, where Orange City (and the NSW Government) rode roughshod over the concerns of nearby farmers.

— The rezoning of industrial land for residential development, where this land is adjacent to orchards, and will significantly impact those farmers’ ability to conduct their operations.

— The complete lack of consultation in relation to the proposed Orange Airport industrial zone.

“Bruce Reynolds, who has been vocal in his call for boundary changes, congratulated Cabonne Council above Orange City when he said at the Boundaries Commission inquiry that Cabonne Council responded to his request to repair pot holes in one day, whilst it took Orange City two days,” said Jock.

“He made the point that Cabonne and Blayney made significant repairs to that road after Orange City had effectively destroyed it by accessing a gravel quarry for the airport upgrade and notes that ‘Orange City didn’t put in a cent towards fixing it’.

“Given this we question why a move from his current Blayney Shire to Cabonne, rather than Orange City, would not be his preferred option.

“Those calling for boundary changes are also quoting one farmer as paying $22,000 in rates. This is a significant financial burden, based on the fact that, in this case, farm land values are driven by factors other than agricultural returns. But many farmers in other parts of Cabonne also pay significant amounts of rates — and probably more than most of those who are supporting boundary changes — and see similar service levels.

“We agree that there needs to be a better solution, but also acknowledge that rates are actually a form of land tax, the outcome of which is that all farmers in Cabonne, not just those adjacent to Orange City, pay over the odds for services received. Those with farms crossing both Cabonne and the former Wellington Council will note that farm rates in the now Dubbo Regional Council are around two thirds higher than those in Cabonne, so the issue of different ratings is not unique to those farmers adjoining Orange City.

“Cabonne should be looking to resolve any reasonable grievances with those pushing for boundary changes if they are to ensure their ongoing existence, but those wanting change need to be very wary of the motives and past actions of Orange City Council.”

Based on media release issued by ANTY