Cabonne pushes back against proposed disaster funding cuts

Cabonne Council will take a motion to the 2026 Local Government NSW Conference opposing proposed reductions in disaster recovery funding arrangements under reforms to Australia’s national disaster management system.

The motion, moved by Mayor K Beatty, was carried at the council’s ordinary meeting on 25 August. It calls for continued advocacy to prevent reductions in recovery funding and backs further work by the Central NSW Joint Organisation.

Cabonne also noted the Central NSW Joint Organisation’s submission on Disaster Recovery Funding Framework reform.

The issue affects communities across the Cabonne local government area after floods, fires and other disasters. The council’s resolution concerns future funding arrangements, rather than a specific disaster, grant or payment for a named town.

The motion will put Cabonne’s position before the 2026 Local Government NSW Conference, while the Central NSW Joint Organisation continues its advocacy on the proposed reforms.

The council also adopted its Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026 - 2030 at the meeting. No formal written submissions were received during the plan’s public exhibition, although the Molong Advancement Group made a late submission.

Patto’s Building and Construction Pty Ltd was awarded a $540,419.78 contract, excluding GST, for amenities and hockey dugouts at Molong Showground.

Councillors unanimously refused an application to demolish former stables at 44 Riddell Street, Molong. They approved, subject to conditions, a modification to a function centre at 296 Favell Road, Byng, and residential alterations and ancillary development at 59 Gidley Street, Molong.

Council declined an offer to buy Lot 12 DP10595 on Tilga Street, Canowindra. It instead authorised a five-year lease, with a possible five-year extension, for specified unused road reserves in the Anson and Byng parishes. The lease must prevent vegetation removal unless needed because of a hazard or biosecurity concern, and council can end it at its discretion.

The Molong Show Society was approved for $2,217.50 in general-rates relief and donation of its $636 Crown Land Licence fee for 2026/2027. No ordinary council meeting will be held in January 2027.