This week's Minute with Mayor McKibbin

October 23, 2025

Oberon Council engaged Currajong Planning Group during 2024 and 2025 to undertake a comprehensive investigation of the planning requirements for all landuse types in the Oberon LGA. The study has involved extensive community consultation on three speciﬁc areas: Housing, Employment Land and Open Space strategies. There are 370 pages ﬁlled with local data, framework plans, masterplans and recommendations.

The draft Oberon Housing Strategy aims to guide future housing growth in Oberon LGA to ensure there is an adequate supply and diversity of housing in the main towns and villages, with Oberon and O'Connell being key focus areas.

The draft Oberon Employment Lands Strategy aims to guide future growth in employment lands in the Oberon LGA, with Oberon and Jenolan being key focus area

The draft Oberon Open Spaces Strategy undertakes a comprehensive investigation of open spaces owned / managed by Oberon Council using a hierarchy to maximise the appeal of regional scale open spaces and to minimise duplication of redundant open space.

Land-use Strategy recommendations will inform the review of the Oberon Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP), lnfrastructure Servicing Plans, Contributions Plans, Plan of Management (POM) Framework for Council Community land/ Crown land managed by Council and other documents.

The Land-use Strategies for housing, employment lands and open spaces are being reviewed by Council prior to being placed on public exhibition for comment and further community consultation on 7 November 2025 for approximately 7 weeks. These are important documents for all Oberon residents as the aim of the Land-use Strategies Project is to align the delivery of new growth, infrastructure and servicing plans to settlements experiencing demand, and in a manner that best suits communities.

A ﬁnal reminder that Nominations are open for Oberon’s 2026 Australia Day Awards. Forms are available in hardcopy via the administration centre, or can be found on Council's website: https://www.oberon.nsw.gov.au/Community/Australia-Day

Residents are reminded that the Pool opened its doors for use on Monday 20 October and that Aqua Programs commence on Monday 27th October. There are new Kindy Gym Programs at the Gym Fitness Centre every Friday, with 3-5 year olds being able to attend unaccompanied whilst 3 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year's theme is "Proud in Pin" and residents and visitors are encouraged to embrace the Pink Up theme to help raise funds for the McGrath Foundation. A Proud in Pink Photo Competition is being held so submit your photos of individuals or groups proudly wearing pink. Shop local vouchers will be awarded to First Second and Third. Submissions close 25 October. Winners will be announced at the Pink Morning Tea on 29 Oct at the Oberon Library & Community Centre, 10 am to 2pm. Gold Coin Donation is requested for the Morning Tea.

The Oberon Outdoor Festival commences l November 2025. Major events include Fossicking Frenzy on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November which is a fun weekend for all the family learning the unique skills of fossicking, and the Oberon Redﬁn Round-up Fishing Competition on 29 and 30 November. The event welcomes anglers of all ages and skill levels to Lake Oberon. Expect an array of prizes for the largest catch, biggest bag, age categories, and lucky door prizes. Demonstrations from participating sponsors, BBQ and refreshments wil be available all weekend. Camping is Free. See What's On for Outdoor Festival events.

Residents are reminded that temperatures are increasing as we approach the summer ﬁre danger period. Now is the time to ensure pumps, hoses, tanks and other ﬁreﬁghting gear is maintained, repaired and ready for use. Fire permits are required, and applications are made online through the Rural Fire Services website.

Clr Andrew McKibbin

Oberon Mayor