The 32 page annual guide, which will be produced by Brand Orange, is aimed at providing visitors to the three regions with comprehensive information relating to tourism.

At its March council meeting on Monday, Council voted to contribute $12,000 to the making of the guide on the conditions that:

* Council be included in the layout and design

* The guide meets equally all tourism segments including history, heritage, locality and Cabonne events

* All operators in Cabonne be given the opportunity to advertise in the guide.

However, councilor Wendy Pankhurst described the guide as a waste of time.

“I’ve got real reservations about the whole situation,” she said.

“The recommendation clearly states that council should be involved in the layout and design of the guide. Council hasn’t been involved in anything to date.

“There are only five months of this council left [before the September elections]. I’d rather see us put our money into a guide that helps Cabonne.

“I can’t see this getting up. It’s a waste of time. We should do something for ourselves.”

Cr Noel Bleakley disagreed with the former deputy mayor, insisting Cabonne would not have the resources to produce its own guide.

“The marketing for this is very complex but I think we need to stay with the strength [Orange City Council] and be with them. We can’t do this on our own,” he said.

Cr Pankhurst was the only councilor to vote against contributing money to the joint guide.