PEOPLE power has won out for the residents of Wentworth Estate, with a playground added to Orange City Council's budget for this financial year.
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Several residents asked for the facility to serve the growing number of young families in the area at $30,000 was allocated.
The council adopted the budget on Tuesday after considering 61 submissions and 92 survey results via its YourSay Orange website, as well as four written submissions.
Mayor Reg Kidd said the playground submissions detailed why the area would benefit.
"I'm really pleased we were able to deliver on that request," he said.
"It won't always be the case and not everyone can have what they'd like but in this particular example I think we've been able to strike a good balance.
"This result shows why it is important to put your hand up and have your say. You just might be able to make a difference."
Business group Put Orange First was not as successful - it wrote to the council asking for a dedicated business directory and app, upgrades to the CBD and a closer working relationship between the council and businesses to better connect tourists and residents with the retail sector.
However, the staff report recommended no further action.
We'll be lobbying hard for grant funding for a major CBD upgrade throughout the year.
- Councillor Joanne McRae.
Daniel McGregor addressed the meeting and found the comment "alarming".
"We appreciate that council has plans to rejuvenate the CBD, however without retailers to fill it, it will continue to be a place with many empty shopfronts and new businesses priced out of being able to start businesses in the CBD," he said.
Councillor Joanne McRae encouraged those who did not get what they wanted to keep trying.
"There will be reviews, don't give up yet," she said.
"We'll be lobbying hard for grant funding for a major CBD upgrade throughout the year," she said.
Overall, residential rates will increase by an average of $1.34 a week, or $69.62 for the year, including water and sewer.
Business rates will increase by an average of $253.71, or $4.88 per week.
Meanwhile, Cabonne Council also adopted its budget, which will include a $21.9 million capital works program, including almost $14 million in roadworks and $2.6 million to replace the St Germains Bridge near Manildra and the Barangaroo Bridge near Canowindra.
Cabonne Mayor Kevin Beatty said improving the safety of all road users was the council's highest priority.
"In framing this budget, the council has ensured that all existing services will be maintained at existing levels and no services are discontinued," he said.
Upgrades will include Packham Way between Manildra and Molong, Cargo Road, Davys Plain Road between Cudal and Cargo and Vittoria Road.
More than $1 million will be spent on resealing rural roads, almost $1 million will go towards heavy patching and $900,000 will be spent on re-sheeting gravel roads.
Almost $500,000 will be spent on footpaths and a further $144,000 on swimming pool upgrades across the villages.
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