Mayor confident Council Recovery Plan reflects aims of flood communities
Cabonne Council has released its flood recovery plan for the region following the devastating floods last year - and it is now on display for public comment. Council has been working with impacted communities throughout the region on the development of a Cabonne Recovery Plan - ‘Building Back a Better Cabonne’ (the Plan). Mayor Kevin Beatty has expressed his confidence in the Plan and its ability to deliver positive and lasting changes across the Cabonne Local Government Area. “We know there will many challenges as we recover from the events of November 2022, however the Cabonne Recovery Plan is our opportunity to leave a positive legacy for the future. Together we will build back a better Cabonne,” he said. “I want to acknowledge all community members who have taken time to participate in the development of the Plan, through conversations, submissions, workshops and surveys. The Mayor said he was confident that Council had been able to build a plan that reflected the community priorities of the five flood-affected townships of Canowindra, Cudal, Eugowra, Manildra and Molong. The Plan outlines the measures that both council and the community are taking in response to the flood event and breaks down estimated costs to repair critical infrastructure throughout the Cabonne Shire.
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The plan also breaks down estimated costs for repairs to local homeowners, businesses, the natural environment, and the wellbeing of local communities. In consideration of the future of Cabonne economy, the Plan also outlines a plan of action to ‘build back better’ to ensure the community is more resilient when faced with potential future natural disasters. The projects and activities that are outlined in the Plan are designed to enable the future development of more detailed designs, advocacy Work is to begin on Lake proposals and action plans. Canobolas upgrade this In developing the Plan Council month as part of a major undertook a number of different upgrade of one of the region’s engagement processes in the most popular recreation spot, development of the Plan, including Lake Canobolas. conversations, workshops and a The $1.3 million upgrade, by the NSW community survey sent throughout funded Government, Orange Council April and May 2023. The Draft Plan was placed on and Cadia Valley Operations, Public Exhibition for 28 days and includes nine projects all was adopted by Council at the June aimed at increasing access Ordinary Council Meeting. The Plan to the water and recreation will be incorporated into Council’s areas for the community. Orange Mayor Jason Delivery and Operational Plan. Hamling said the upgrade Council will monitor and report on outcomes from the Plan, including would happen gradually over the next 12 months. 6-month progress reports as part of “Orange residents love its council’s Operational Plan, which spending time at the Lake will outline council’s progress against and this upgrade will make the activities of the plan. Indicators that precinct even more will also be developed to measure attractive and accessible for progress in the recovery. all residents,” Cr Hamling The Plan can be viewed at the said. Cabonne Council Website, or visiting “We’re aiming to get the Council offices. first stages completed before
MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 6 July 2023
Better access to recreation and water for Lake Canobolas summer.” “This work will make it easier for everyone to get onto the beach and into the water. There’s a great network of walking paths already but soon we’ll have new paths and the walking trails around the southern side of the lake will be resurfaced.” “The first of the new shade structures have already been built alongside the café, but there are more to come.” The range of upgrade projects include: Retaining walls with builtin paths designed to make the lake’s two beaches more accessible A wheelchair accessible (2.5 metre wide) floaƟng boardwalk on the western shore, alongside a floaƟng deck Replacing the playground
on the eastern side of the lake with more modern accessible play equipment A new ameniƟes block alongside the new playground An upgrade to the visitor walkway in the historic pump house Re-aligning internal roads between the lake and the café, including a new pedestrian crossing Re-surfacing the walking path around the southern side of the lake New line-making in parking areas A new location to launch canoes and dragon boats New shade structures The list of the projects was developed after community engagement around the recently drafted LakeCanobolas Masterplan.
