Cabonne Recovery Plan: Council voted to adopt the updated Cabonne Recovery Plan, which outlines progress across five key recovery themes, including community infrastructure, economic recovery, environmental rehabilitation, community support, and organisational planning. The latest six‑month report shows strong momentum, with 85% of the plan’s 101 identified actions either completed, underway, or incorporated into council’s ongoing operations. Now three years on from the 2022 flood event, many initiatives have transitioned into routine council activities, reflecting steady long‑term recovery and rebuilding efforts across the Cabonne region.
Sustainable Collections Program - Council was divided on the issue, with a motion proposed to amend the report and approve funding for the Sustainable Collections Program; however, the amendment was defeated. As a result, the original recommendation was carried, meaning Council will not provide the requested $10,000 per year for 2026–2027 and 2027–2028, though it continues to recognise the program’s value and encourages alternative funding avenues to support its ongoing delivery.
Events sponsorship - Council carried the recommendation to provide $5,000 from the 2025–2026 Event Sponsorship Budget to support the Long White Lunch Committee’s 2026 event. The well‑established community fundraiser, held in Cumnock and attracting around 500 attendees, has a strong history of delivering economic and social benefits, including raising $100,000 in 2023 for the community buy‑back of the Cumnock General Store. With the 2026 event set to return to the Cumnock Showgrounds on Saturday, 28 March with food, entertainment and fundraising activities, Council recognised its value and approved the funding request to assist with essential event hire costs.
Demolition of rotary park toilets - Council approved the demolition of the Rotary Park toilet block in Molong, noting that the ageing facility which was damaged during the 2022 flood event and rated in poor condition, was no longer suitable for refurbishment and sits close to the creek, where councillors prefer not to encourage increased use. With alternative public toilets available nearby and limited community reliance on the site, the decision supports removing the outdated amenities, with demolition costs estimated at $15,000 and work to be carried out under existing maintenance budgets.
National General Assembly in Canberra - Council approved the attendance of the Mayor and General Manager at the 2026 National General Assembly in Canberra, recognising the event as an important opportunity for local government to engage directly with the Federal Government on national policy and community priorities. The Assembly’s theme, Stronger Together: Resilient. Productive. United., highlights the vital role councils play in national resilience and localised solutions, and Council will now begin identifying motions for submission that align with key priority areas such as financial sustainability, emergency management, housing, infrastructure, environment and climate action.