CABONNE Council mayor Ian Gosper is concerned Orange City Council will leave Cabonne to pick up the pieces when erosion and noxious weeds follow the construction of the pipeline.
He said council can’t do anything to stop the construction but will fight to make sure their rate payers are not left high and dry. He said landholders concerns were legitimate and shared by council.
“It’s a big concern of ours for sure because of the terrain out there, there is bound to be erosion,” he said.
He said Cabonne would hold the state planning authorities to their word that council will not be left to maintain the land surrounding the pipeline.
Cabonne Council deputy mayor Lachie MacSmith is cynical.
“Look at the track record [of Orange City Council], Northern Distributor, a mess, Wade Park, a mess, the pool, a mess,” he said.
“There is a better way to do this but they have this pigheaded attitude.
“Most of them have not got a clue about the pipeline.”
Cr MacSmith said he would like to see Orange City Council work with Blayney and Cabonne to secure the region’s water, not just their own. Cumnock and Yeoval have no potable water. Out of the 37 kilometre pipeline, 31 kilometres are in Cabonne.
“We’re not against it but they need to look at the big picture,” he said.
“We want a regional solution not just an Orange solution.”
nicole.kuter@ruralpress.com
