In past years, Council’s contributions to Woolfest have been used to fund traffic control and to assist organisers setting up the event on Woolfest weekend.

Mayor Wendy Tuckerman said the decision to reduce budgeted contributions was “difficult” for Council, but says there are more urgent projects in the local district that require additional Council resources.

“This has been a difficult decision for Council, but Council is acutely aware of the state of local roads and believes such funds would be better spent on local roads,” Cr Tuckerman said.

“The decision has enabled the Woolfest committee to review all expenditure and processes associated with the event to pull back expenditure without diminishing the final product,” she said.

“In that regard the process has been healthy and I congratulate the Committee on their understanding and commitment.

“Council continues to value what the Woolfest event provides – not only to Boorowa but to the region.”

Irish Woolfest event manager Barbara Manion said the quality of Woolfest will not be jeopardised despite Council’s reduced funding.

“We understand that Council is trying to find efficiencies in their operations,” Ms Manion said.

“In response to that the Committee has assessed their operations with a view to reducing Council expenditure.

“We welcome any extra assistance that we can get from the community,” she added.

Woolfest has been running since 1997 and is one of Boorowa’s major tourist and social events of the year.

The event attracts thousands of people from around the region into town and this has a positive flow-on effect for local business houses.

Former Woolfest committee member Milton Reid says Council’s contribution reduction is disappointing and says he hopes Council will consider re-budgeting Woolfest funding in the future.

“It is disappointing that Council can’t support Woolfest any longer,” Mr Reid said.

“As a business owner, I support Woolfest because I think it is great for the town.

“A lot of people who have family in Boorowa do come back to town for that weekend.”

During the last Boorowa Shire Council meeting it was revealed Council’s bike path project – which went $152,364 over budget – will now require funding from the savings in the road maintenance Fag component budget.

Cr Tuckerman said Council is in the process of re-evaluating all areas of Council’s business operations.

“This will better position Council to improve core services to our ratepayers” Cr Tuckerman said.