General Manager Andrew Hopkins said Cabonne’s audited financial statements showed a net surplus of almost $7.3million in 2013-14 and an operating surplus of $814,000 before capital grants.

“This further franks Cabonne’s position as one of the most financially sound and sustainable councils in NSW,” Mr Hopkins said.

Mr Hopkins said balancing community needs and expectations with sound and responsible fiscal management was the cornerstone of successive Council budgets.

“Councillors and staff have developed operational plans which have upgraded and maintained our 2100km roads network, provided new community facilities, maintained existing assets and continued a range of services without living beyond our means,” he said.

In the past financial year, Cabonne spent almost $12 million on roads and completed a number of major projects, including the $2m redevelopment of Canowindra Pool. The pool was funded entirely by Council without relying on Government grants.

Announcing the latest local government reform proposals this month, NSW Premier Mike Baird said a third of the State’s councils were facing major financial problems, collectively losing up to $400 million a year.

"The NSW Government wants communities to have confidence their Council is financially sound, operating efficiently and in a strong position to guide community growth and deliver quality services," Mr Baird said.

Mr Hopkins said the latest audited financial statements showed Cabonne Council was more than meeting all of the Premier’s objectives.