Cabonne Council is seeking public comments and submissions on a proposal to provide funding of $60,000 to pay creditors of Canowindra Challenge Inc to ensure an annual hot air ballooning festival can continue to inject an estimated $1.3 million into the local economy.
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Council, on Tuesday 25 February 2020, resolved to place on public exhibition for 28 days a proposal to provide $60,000 from its Canowindra Town Improvement Reserve to pay the creditors.
Public comment and submissions are invited until 5pm on Tuesday 24 March 2020 and written submissions should be addressed to the General Manager, PO Box 17 Molong NSW 2866 or can be emailed to council@cabonne.nsw.gov.au
Council also resolved to provide $30,000 from its Events Assistance Program to this year's event, which will be held from 15-19 April 2020.
Cabonne Council has operated its Events Assistance Program for many years, distributing about $58,000 a year to events across the Shire. The main criteria is to increase the number of visitors to Cabonne, extend visitors' length of stay and attract visitors during off-peak or shoulder periods.
The Canowindra International Balloon Challenge meets the Events Assistance Program criteria as a flagship event that attracts a large number of visitors to the Cabonne Local Government Area and makes a significant contribution to the Shire's economy.
Since its inception nine years ago, the Canowindra Challenge has grown to attract between 6,000-8,000 visitors to Canowindra, as well as about 200 competitors, crew and officials. A further 200 volunteers come into town to be involved in the ballooning activities.
The event contributes an estimated $1.3m to the regional economy and raises funds for many Canowindra community groups and charities, including the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, CWA, St John Ambulance, schools and sporting clubs.
