Council vacancy

February 13, 2025

On January 30 Oberon Council issued the following media release:

On Friday, 24th of January 2025, Councillor Jill O'Grady resigned from her position on Oberon Council.

Although her tenure was brief, Jill was an active delegate on several Council committees, including the Joint Regional Planning Panel, Rural Fire Service Chiﬂey Zone Liaison Committee, Black Springs Hall Committee, Finance Committee, Oberon Council Works Working Party as well as the delegate to the Central Tablelands Weeds Authority.

In considering her resignation, Jill stated:

"I have recently become aware that the promotion and advertising of my business, RedGround Truffles, by the Oberon Visitor information Centre could be perceived as a conflict of interest under the guidelines set by the Office of Local Government. Our business relies heavily on the support of the Oberon Visitor information Centre to promote our Agri-tourism and Farm Stay accommodation. As such, I have made the extremely difficult decision to resign as an Oberon Councillor. The position of a Councillor, representing the interests of the community and town, is both a privilege and a role that must be upheld to the highest standards. I therefore cannot jeopardise those standards, albeit perceived or otherwise. However, I remain committed to supporting Oberon's success and look forward to contributing in other capacities."

As a result of Jill's resignation, Council will fill the vacant position through the Countback Election method, as resolved at its October 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting. This process will be conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission. For more information on this process, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website: Countback elections — NSW Electoral Commission

Council thanks Jill for her contribution to Oberon Council and wishes her every success in the future.

Andrew McKibbin, Mayor

There has been some misinformed comment about this, and these issues are addressed below.

Nobody on Council, either staff or Councillors, forced this issue. It is a policy of the Office of Local Government that Councillors must avoid any perception of impropriety. Having the products manufactured or sold by a Councillor (or staff member) on sale at a Council owned and operated outlet can clearly be seen as as conflict of interest. Perception is what matters, not the intent of any of the parties.
Jill stood as part of the Oberon Against Wind Towers ticket at the election in September. Any accusation that she is being driven from Council to reduce or limit the voice of OAWT is the sort of conspiracy nonsense that should require the accuser to wear a tinfoil hat to warn everyone else.
People have asked why the casual vacancy wasn't filled immediately. This is because the OLG has a procedure for filling vacancies which can be seen here. The timetable for the process can be seen here.

Monday, February 17 - Candidate applications open
Thursday, February 27 - 12 noon: Candidate applications close and roll closes
Monday, March 3 - 10am: Eligible candidates declared
Tuesday, March 4 - Results published

Oberon Matters wishes Jill well in her return to "civilian" life and we look forward to finding out who will replace her on Council.

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