It may no longer be required under the Local Government Act to advertise in local media but one central west council has voted to continue supporting its local newspapers with advertising.
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At its meeting held in Molong today, Cabonne Council voted to continue to support local media in Cabonne through advertising of public notices despite the Office of Local Government recently removing requirements for newspaper advertising.
"This amendment is not temporary and will continue to apply after the COVID-19 pandemic passes," Cabonne mayor Kevin Beatty said of the changes.
Cabonne Shire covers Canowindra, Molong, Eugowra, Yeoval, Cudal and areas to the east of Orange City Council.
"Councils are now only required to publish notices such as tenders, development approvals and other information on their websites," Cr Beatty said.
"This is a concern for media outlets throughout the state with councils usually being one of the main advertisers for local and regional newspapers.
"The potential loss of advertising revenue at a time when they are already struggling would be a major impact on their business.
"Our small communities rely on their local newspaper, be it weekly or monthly, to get information.
"These publications are an important tool for Council to communicate and engage with the community on matters affecting them and relying on providing information online only would disadvantage some residents, particularly the elderly and those are who are not technically adept or who have unreliable connections.
"Council should commit to communicating and engaging with the community by continuing to advertise in local and regional newspapers within the Shire," Cr Beatty said.
Cr Beatty pointed out that not everyone in the community had access to the internet or computers to see notices published on the council website.
