Council rejects State’s proposed ‘joint organisation’ concept
communities are being penalised because of government cut backs. The indigenous communities don’t even have computers,” he said.
“We’re sticking up for OROC,” Cr Mohr said. “Western NSW is not getting represented in the current form. Ultimately those people come and shop in Dubbo, for medical issues, Dubbo is the first port of call. Without them being included in a joint organisation with us, they’re disadvantaged to the point they’re not event included in a government.”
OROC is the Orana Regional Organisation of Councils comprising 12 member councils, including Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonamble, Dubbo Regional, Gilgandra, Mid-western Regional, Narromine, Walgett, Warren, and Warrumbungle.
“If they try to put us with Bathurst or Orange, and put us with a financial council and set fees high, the little councils can’t afford the fees. The fees are set in a JO, and it scares me that a joint organisation can borrow money – why?
“Basically it’s set up to give advice to government and as a resource. We’re hoping now that we’ve said ‘no thank you’, they’ll come back and ask us why, what are our concerns,” Cr Mohr said.
“I think they’ll use it as a form of amalgamation of councils in the long run,” he said. The following questions are currently with council.
On the Qantas flight academy
While it is “Time for everyone to dream big” about a $20 million Qantas flight academy in Dubbo [reported in Dubbo
March 15], what has happened to the RFDS $18 million simulator proposed for Dubbo to train RFDS pilots and others? The ABC reported the project on April 4, 2016. Then, ABC reported on October 12, 2017, that it would not go ahead.
The simulator was to be supplied by an Isreali-based company. The Palestine Support Network Australia had objected to the purchase. RFDS said the decision “to pull out” was a business decision, not a political one. The RDFS said it was looking for another company to provide the equipment.
What is the status know? If Dubbo can’t get one pilot academy, it may “dream” on to get another.
Where will swimmers go... to the river?
Two thousand people use the Dubbo RSL indoor pool every week (which has been closed while roof repair work is being done): Dubbo Ducks, kids doing swimming lessons, geriatrics, swimming club and the aerobics classes. When the Dubbo Aquatic and Leisure centre closes for the Winter, Dubbo will be without a pool. What is council doing to provide Dubbo with a year-round pool?
•••
Do you have a question for Dubbo Regional Council? Send it to
and we will put your question to council then publish their response here. Email feedback@dubbophotonews.com.au, post to our office, or phone Dubbo Photo News on 6885 4433
“Mayors and councillors across NSW know funds allocated to elite stadiums would be better invested in local community infrastructure across NSW – such as local sporting fields, bridges, footpaths, libraries, community facilities and services,” Cr Scott said.
“We call on the NSW Government to use funding saved from this single project – and funds committed to the demolition and rebuild of Allianz Stadium in Moore Park – to instead support councils to replace and grow essential community infrastructure across NSW.
“Funding alone from the Government’s announcement would fix council’s infrastructure backlog, allowing community roads and bridges to be maintained at appropriate standards.
“If the Government put less than five per cent – or just $22 million – of the funds saved towards local libraries – it would benefit the 34 million people who visit libraries each year, compared to only 1.6 million visitors to ANZ stadium.
“Council-run libraries are open to everyone and they’re free, offering a wide range of services including children’s story time, homework help for students, and activities for seniors – no entry ticket required.
“Yet the NSW Government contributes $3.76 per capita; well under the next lowest government contribution of $6.07 provided in Queensland.
“The Government’s forecasts for dramatic population growth in NSW make it even more important to boost funding for underlying community infrastructure now,” Cr Scott said.