I attended the bush drought forum in Dubbo which was attended by the Prime Minister and opposition leader as well as members from both sides of parliament at a state and federal level.

There was rigorous discussion on the current situation. It did highlight that communities need to have water management plans in place and be continually researching new water efficiency technology.

Orange has its storm water harvesting, river pipeline, dual systems in some subdivisions all the while encouraging the use of rain water tanks, bores and engagement with the community in water efficiency. With all of those plans Orange has perhaps one of the lowest per-person consumptive use of potable water per day in NSW.

This sees our combined storage capacity, combined with our present restrictions Orange having sufficient water for towards 18 months (modeled on no rain whatsoever).

In fact the State Minister responsible for water, Melinda Pavey was very interested in Orange's water management strategies when I meet with her last week in Sydney.

I am sure what we have done in Orange will be used as a blueprint by the Government to encourage other communities towards sustainable water use.

Last Thursday I meet with Minister for Environment and Resources Mathew Keen, arranged by our local member Phil Donato.

The purpose was to show him and senior staff Mount Canobolas and Lake Canobolas. The mayor and senior staff from Cabonne Council were in attendance and we had frank and informed discussion and inspection of some of the mountain trails, the damage caused by the fire, some of the unique areas and the threats, such as weeds and invasive pests.

We had an agreement the region presents a unique opportunity for a range of passive and active pursuits which will need to be actively managed.

Sunday was our annual National Tree Planting Day, this year at the reserve beside Lake Canobolas. Over 180 volunteers turned up to plant a variety of native trees in record time - a big, big thanks to council staff involved and the children, parents, grandparents and individuals who did a great service for our local environment.

The heritage review that is currently underway has been extended for comment until the beginning of the second week of August, so if you would like to have input into the draft please contact Andrew Crump at Orange City Council.

Deputy Premier and Minter for Regional Development Hon John Barilaro was in Orange last weekend it was a great opportunity to discuss our major projects and to receive required co-funding for road upgrade on a section of Forest Road past the hospital to near the Rural Fire Services.

This is part of our push to see Orange become a major health precinct. The Charles Sturt University medical school is an integral part of this.

Council has its first electric car and I look forward to following its triple bottom line cost effectiveness.

Orange's current flood study is out for comment and a number of residents have been forwarded letters from council.

This government requirement looks at both riparian and overland flooding possibilities. This helps future planning for development and mitigation planning.