Mayor confident Council Recovery Plan reflects aims of flood communities

Cabonne Council has released its flood recovery plan for the regionfollowing 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.

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 proposals and action plans.

In developing the Plan Council undertook a number of different engagement processes in the development of the Plan, including conversations, workshops and a community survey sent throughout April and May 2023.

The Draft Plan was placed on Public Exhibition for 28 days and was adopted by Council at the June Ordinary Council Meeting. The Plan will be incorporated into Council’s Delivery and Operational Plan.

Council will monitor and report on outcomes from the Plan, including 6-month progress reports as part of its council’s Operational Plan, which will outline council’s progress against the activities of the plan. Indicators will also be developed to measure progress in the recovery.

The Plan can be viewed at the Cabonne Council Website, or visiting Council offices.