Council - 26 May 2026 2:00 PM

Topics

• Council approves $636k Eugowra Memorial Park restoration tender
  Major park restoration contract awarded to Proxy Civil after closed-session consideration.
  A significant local works contract is now locked in, with direct benefits for Eugowra residents and park users.
• FOGO rollout locked in for January 2028
  Council endorsed NSW Go FOGO funding and set a timeline for bin rollout starting January 2028.
  Residents will eventually face a change to waste sorting and kerbside collection services.
• Canowindra road extension to be investigated after community concerns
  Council will investigate extending Browns Avenue to Hospital Lane after concerns about communication and planning around the proposal.
  The outcome could affect local traffic access, safety and nearby land use in Canowindra.

Decisions

• Emergency Services Levy budget adjustment
  Council noted the report and authorised a $13,713 amendment to the 2026/27 budget to fund the Emergency Services Levy.
  May affect Council’s budget position and the cost of providing emergency services-related obligations.
• Event Sponsorship Program funding
  Council approved $26,000 in event sponsorship funding across three events: Baroquefest 2026 in Canowindra, Australia National Field Days, and the 12-hour dance.
  Supports local events and community activity, with direct benefit to participating towns and groups.
• Cabonne Community Grant Funding
  Council approved $38,230.87 in community and village enhancement funding for projects including public toilet upgrades, showground fencing, clubhouse security, hall furnishings, preschool window upgrades, blind installation and garden improvements.
  Funds local facilities and volunteer-led improvements across multiple towns and villages.
• Molong raw water main replacement easement acquisition
  Council accepted valuation reports, authorised the General Manager to negotiate easement acquisition terms, and allowed execution of the documentation needed to progress the Molong Creek Dam to Molong raw water replacement project.
  Advances a key water infrastructure project that may affect landowners and long-term water reliability.
• FOGO rollout timeline endorsed
  Council endorsed acceptance of NSW Government Go FOGO grant funding and a proposed bin rollout timeline beginning in January 2028.
  Sets the direction for future household waste collection changes and organic waste diversion.
• Voluntary Planning Agreements Policy to go on exhibition
  Council endorsed the draft Voluntary Planning Agreements Policy for 28 days of public exhibition and will consider submissions before possible adoption.
  Public consultation may affect future development contributions and planning negotiations.
• Asset Management Plans adopted
  Council adopted the Community, Amenity, Recreation Facilities; Flooding and Drainage; Plant and Depots; and Transport Asset Management Plans.
  Shapes future infrastructure maintenance and replacement priorities across Council services.
• Eugowra Memorial Park restoration tender awarded
  In closed session, Council awarded the Restoration of Eugowra Memorial Park tender to Proxy Civil for $636,439.50 excluding GST and authorised the General Manager to execute the contract.
  Delivers major works to a local park and follows through on restoration investment in Eugowra.

Discussion

• Councillor fees determination
  Council debated the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal determination and resolved that from 1 July 2026 councillor fees increase to $19,590, with the Mayor’s additional annual fee set at $42,030.
  Relevant to governance costs and public interest in elected representatives’ remuneration.
• Quarterly budget review adopted
  Council adopted the changes detailed in the Quarterly Budget Review Final Statement.
  Signals budget reallocations that may affect service delivery and financial management.
• Browns Avenue road extension in Canowindra
  Council agreed to investigate the proposed extension of Browns Avenue to Hospital Lane and report back after consultation with NSW Health.
  Could affect local access, traffic patterns and nearby land use in Canowindra.

Impacts

• Local community groups and event organisers received targeted funding.
• Several towns will benefit from grants for toilets, halls, showgrounds, schools and community facilities.
• Household waste services are moving toward a FOGO rollout from January 2028.
• Water infrastructure negotiations are advancing for the Molong raw water main replacement project.
• Canowindra residents may see further investigation into the Browns Avenue road extension.
• Eugowra is set to receive a substantial park restoration project.

Places

• Molong (town)
  Council meeting location and water infrastructure project area.
• Canowindra (town)
  Browns Avenue extension investigation and Baroquefest sponsorship.
• Eugowra (town)
  Grant funding, clubhouse security support and Memorial Park restoration.
• Cudal (town)
  Landauer Park toilet upgrade funding and Pools Advisory Committee matters.
• Cumnock (town)
  Show fencing improvements and progress association activity.
• Mitchell Highway (road)
  Traffic safety concerns at Crockett’s Lane intersection.
• Browns Avenue (road)
  Proposed road extension to Hospital Lane in Canowindra.
• Molong Creek Dam (facility)
  Starting point of the raw water replacement project.

Next

• Implement the approved event sponsorship and community grant funding decisions.
  2025/26 financial year
• Progress easement negotiations for the Molong raw water main replacement project.
  As soon as practicable
• Prepare and exhibit the draft Voluntary Planning Agreements Policy for 28 days.
  Immediately following council resolution
• Bring back a further report on the Browns Avenue to Hospital Lane investigation after NSW Health consultation.
  Future council meeting
• Advance planning and implementation work for the Go FOGO rollout beginning in January 2028.
  Before January 2028
• Execute the Eugowra Memorial Park restoration contract with Proxy Civil.
  Following resolution

Extract

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS MOLONG ON TUESDAY 26 MAY, 2026 COMMENCING AT 2:00 PM OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF CABONNE COUNCIL HELD ON 26 MAY, 2026 TABLE OF CONTENTS ITEMS FOR DETERMINATION ...................................................................... 1 ITEM - 1 APPLICATIONS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE .............................. 1 ITEM - 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST .................................................. 1 ITEM - 3 DECLARATIONS OF POLITICAL DONATIONS .......................... 1 ITEM - 4 MAYORAL MINUTE - APPOINTMENTS ....................................... 1 ITEM - 5 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ...................................................