governance · Cabonne Council
Cabonne Council backs fee rise, grants and FOGO rollout plan
Cabonne Council adopted the remuneration determination, lifting councillor fees to $19,590 from 1 July 2026, while also approving grants, budget changes and a January 2028 FOGO rollout.
Cabonne Council has adopted the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal determination that lifts councillor fees to $19,590 a year from 1 July 2026, after Cr Batten’s attempt to freeze the allowance at $18,890 was lost at Tuesday’s ordinary meeting in Molong. The additional annual fee for the mayor was set at $42,030.
The council also adopted its quarterly budget review and authorised a $13,713 amendment to the 2026/27 budget to fund the Emergency Services Levy. It approved $26,000 in event sponsorship funding across Baroquefest 2026, the 2026 Australia National Field Days and the 2026 12-hour dance.
A further $38,230.87 was approved under the Cabonne Community Grant Funding program and village enhancement funding. The money is going to projects in Cudal, Cumnock, Eugowra, Molong, Nashdale and Yeoval, including toilet upgrades at Landauer Park, Cumnock Show fencing, Eugowra clubhouse security, furniture for the Eugowra show hall office, window upgrades at Molong District Pre School Inc, roller blinds at Nashdale Lidster Public Hall and garden improvements at Yeoval’s Buckinbah Park.
Council also endorsed acceptance of NSW Government Go FOGO grant funding and a bin rollout timeline beginning in January 2028. The food organics and garden organics program is still years away, but the rollout date is now on the books.
Water and road matters were also before the chamber at the Council Chambers in Molong. Council noted progress on the Molong Creek Dam to Molong raw water replacement project and authorised the mayor and general manager to negotiate and finalise easement acquisition documents.
In Canowindra, councillors voted to investigate the proposed extension of Browns Avenue to Hospital Lane and to bring back a report after consultation with NSW Health.
A separate Committee of the Whole session awarded Tender 1941552 for the restoration of Eugowra Memorial Park to Proxy Civil for $636,439.50 excluding GST. Council also endorsed a draft Voluntary Planning Agreements Policy for 28 days of public exhibition and adopted asset management plans for community and recreation facilities, flooding and drainage, plant and depots, and transport.
Reference minutes
Source: Cabonne Council ordinary meeting minutes, 26 May 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Councillor fees rise to $19,590 from 1 July 2026, with the mayoral fee set at $42,030.
- Cr Batten moved an amendment to keep councillor fees at $18,890, but it was lost.
- Council approved $26,000 in event sponsorship funding.
- Council approved $38,230.87 in community grant and village enhancement funding.
- FOGO bin rollout is endorsed for January 2028 under NSW Government Go FOGO funding.
- Proxy Civil won Tender 1941552 for the Eugowra Memorial Park restoration at $636,439.50 excluding GST.
- Council will investigate the Browns Avenue to Hospital Lane extension in Canowindra and report back after consultation with NSW Health.
Why it matters
- The meeting fixed councillor pay, directed money into local grants and events, and advanced infrastructure and service changes affecting residents across Cabonne.