This week's Minute with Mayor McKibbin

October 10, 2025

October 9, 2025

The Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust and the NSW State Government commissioned report on the most economically feasible, sustainable and practical solution for accessing Jenolan Caves has recommended a $44million gondola. Oberon Deputy Mayor Katie Graham, when interviewed last week, said the recommendation reflected a large sentiment within the community to consider a gondola option. Clr Graham also highlighted the benefits to Oberon with the Caves' full capacity for tourists being able to be met with a gondola option whereas any of more expensive road option would significantly limit tourist numbers. There are significant benefits to Oberon and the wider community which Clr Graham indicated when stating "Jenolan Caves provides a lot of employment for locals, caves tours, Caves House, all the kitchens and construction work. It has been a very good employer".

Oberon Council will be considering the changes to the Model Code of Meeting Practice made by The Local Government Minister, Minister Hoenig, in the next week. There are many mandatory clauses that must be adopted but there are also optional clauses.

The State Government has announced it has received a $100 million grant from the Federal Government for safety improvements on the Bells Line of Road between Bell and Richmond. The State government will prepare a short list of projects in October and November and commence community consultation. The final list will be submitted to the Federal Government and reviewed by the
Federal Government in mid 2026. Once Federal approval is received work can commence.

At the end of September, the State Government announced reforms to planning laws that are designed to make it simpler and faster for all those involved in the planning and development process. The Country Mayors Association is investigating the reforms to ascertain whether the new standardised, centralised approach will have the capacity to accommodate development in remote, rural and regional NSW.

A reminder that Nominations are open for Australia Day Awards on Council's website.
https://www.oberon.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events-directory/Australia-Day

Nominations must be submitted by 5pm on 31 October 2025. Categories include:

• Citizen of the Year,
• Young Citizen of the Year (persons up to and including 25 years),
• Sportsperson of the Year,
• Young Sportsperson of the Year (persons up to and including 25 years)
• Sports Team of the Year
• Community Event of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Volunteer Group of the Year
• Environmental Champion of the Year

I hope that everyone had a safe and enjoyable long weekend.

Clr Andrew McKibbin

Oberon Mayor

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