RESIGNATIONS: 29 MARCH 2017

Mayor rejects notion that Cabonne Council is dysfunctional

Mayor Ian Gosper has rejected a suggestion by some East Cabonne residents that Cabonne Council is dysfunctional following the resignation of three councillors on Tuesday.

Cr Gosper said it was a personal decision by the three councillors to resign and he respects their decision.

“Democracy is an important part of local government and councillors have the right to their own opinions,” he said.

But the Mayor said that while the resignations were regretful and represented a sorry day for Cabonne, the council would continue to function efficiently and provide the best services possible to ratepayers and residents.

“With eight councillors, Cabonne is still well above the minimum number of five prescribed in the Local Government Act,” he said.

Cr Gosper said he also respected the opinions of some East Cabonne residents who want a boundary adjustment with Orange City Council, but added that the group’s media conference on Wednesday was a case of opportunism.

“This group has used the situation to push its cause, but there is no basis for its claims,” he said.

Cr Gosper said it was unlikely there would be a by-election to replace the three councillors.

When a vacancy occurs within 18 months of the next ordinary election, a council can request the Local Government Minister not to require a by-election. Cabonne Council elections are scheduled for September this year.

Cr Gosper said there would be a report to Council’s Extraordinary Meeting on April 11 recommending a formal request on that matter be forwarded to the Minister.

Based on media release issued by Cabonne Council.