Maybe next year’s reshuffle?

NSW Government’s Deputy Premier and Nationals leader, John Barilaro came to Molong and talked with Cabonne Council and ANTY regarding the reasons why ‘forced amalgamation’ of Cabonne with Orange City Council and Blayney Council is not the preferred option.

Apparently, John Barilaro was not aware that Cabonne has two major towns, Molong and Canowindra.

One of the reasons given for Council amalgamation was to create satellite towns around a large populated centre. It was thought that Orange would provide this reason for both Cabonne and Blayney. Well, it could – and could be good – but Cabonne residents say that they want to remain the same.

Now it’s time for JB to talk with Premier Mike Baird and Minister Paul Toole about the issue. If Cabonne is to remain the same, the decision may not come until the proposed Baird Government’s Ministerial reshuffle occurs which is thought will happen in January 2017.

What we do know is that Baird will be looking ‘to save face’ if he lets Cabonne Council off the hook. A reshuffle moving the talented Minister Paul Toole to another portfolio might be the way out.

Then again, whilst political parties and governments play their games – Cabonne residents and Cabonne Council staff – will be very grateful. No need to ‘save face’ in Cabonne Country.