Local news for local people
This week's Minute with Mayor McKibbin
July 3, 2025
3
July 2025
Oberon Council held its ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 17 June 2025. Council deferred a decision on approval under the Roads ACT for GPG to make alterations to O'Connell Road in order to accommodate the multi articulated vehicles carrying blades, turbines and towers to reach the destination at Paling Yards. Council has asked for a briefing with GPG to obtain further and better information and this briefing is scheduled for Thursday 3 July 25.
The Council meeting in May 2025 gave Development Approval for the erection of Three Anemometer Towers by Stromlo/Tag to gauge wind velocity and frequency in the vicinity of the three Forestry Corporation Pine forests where it is proposed to erect 250 wind towers. At the June 2025 meeting, a rescission Motion to overturn the approval for the 3 Anemometer Towers was tabled but withdrawn as legal advice was provided by the movers of the rescission motion, as well as Stromlo/Tag. In these circumstances Council sought its own legal advice due to the conflicting legal advice provided by both parties. The rescission motion was deferred to an Extraordinary Meeting held on 30 June 2025, where it was debated and ultimately supported - triggering a fresh consideration of the Development Application for the Anemometer Towers, which was subsequently approved.
Council in 2025-26 has reduced its Section 356 grants to Community groups and is looking at savings in other operational areas, noting the substantial reduction in capital and operational grants from Federal and State Governments. Council at the June 25 Meeting resolved not to increase Councillor or Mayoral allowances for 2025-26.
The Rotary Club of Oberon held its change over lunch on Saturday 28 June. Federal Member Andrew Gee and I attended. Sue Yates handed the Presidential Baton to Neville Ross. The importance of the work of Rotary International was detailed by Former District Governor Irene Jones and she described how Rotary partnered with a number on United Nations organisations to assist in areas of mutual interest throughout the world. The reduction on government funding to the United Nations and aid organisations, together with the increased prevalence of nation wars and internal civil wars meant the role of Rotary and similar organisations was becoming far more significant. Rotary, as with several voluntary organisations, needs to encourage younger members to join and contribute to the organisation for its future survival.
Thursday 3 July at 10 am will be the Official Opening of the O'Connell Recreation Ground. The facility, featuring an oval, iron bark post and rail fence, amenities block and landscaping, has been a major project that has been fully supported by the local community, Federal and State Governments and Oberon Council. This facility is a magnificent adjunct to O'Connell and is already being used the O'Connell Cricket Club, The O'Connell school, the community and visitors.
Andrew McKibbin
Mayor
