This week's Minute with Mayor McKibbin

November 6, 2025

Oberon Council at its 21 October Meeting determined to enter into a contract for the construction of a new Sewerage Treatment plant with Precision Civil Infrastructure Pty Ltd and Pro Engineering Pty Ltd for $17.1 million, subject to Council satisfying all preconditions conditions required by the NSW Government and obtaining a further loan for up to $5 million. This plant is crucial for Oberon’s continued sustainability and development. The current plant is around 65 years old and moving forward will have significant maintenance and repair issues, together with issues over regulatory compliance.

Many towns in a similar position to Oberon have obtained significant grant funding from NSW and Commonwealth Governments. Oberon over the last 7 years has sought several grants for this project and has only been successful with one grant for $4.9 million. The $17.1 million does not recognise funds already spent on design, approvals, geotechnical investigations and project management together with allowing contingency and project management for the construction. Hence in Oberon’s case the ratepayers through loans and internal Sewer Fund reserves will finance 75% of this plant. Council has reduced the scope of work from the full scope originally proposed but this additional work will need to occur in about 10 years time.

Council has deliberated long and hard over this project due to the financial strictures it will place on Council. Council believes the financial position is manageable with prudent oversight. The alternative is to defer the project which will mean it will become ever costlier. In addition, the old plant will require more funding for repairs and there appear to be no foreseeable grant opportunities. Hence Council has taken the difficult decision to proceed, subject to it being able to obtain further loan funds and satisfy the Governments requirements.

Council at its October meeting also determined that it accept, subject to entering a satisfactory contract with performance requirements, the Expression of Interest from Oberon Leagues Club to manage the Oberon Sports Complex Clubhouse facilities. This is a major step forward for Oberon with this new sporting facility Stage 1 completed and able to be utilised. It is anticipated that subject to finalising contractual requirements the restaurant, canteen and bar facilities with Oberon Leagues Club should be operational in January 2026.

The October Meeting also considered the Model Code of Conduct which is to be introduced in January 2026.The new Code issued by the NSW Government contains mandatory and optional clauses. Council made decisions on the optional clauses at the meeting including the Agenda. The issue of whether to include the Prayer at the commencement of the meeting as an Agenda item was discussed noting that there was a large representation in the gallery of the Council Chamber in support of maintaining the prayer. Council determined to preserve the prayer as an Agenda item.

The Oberon Outdoor Festival continues throughout November 2025. Major events include Fossicking Frenzy 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 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 available all weekend. Camping is Free.

Clr Andrew McKibbin

Oberon Mayor