This week's Minute with Mayor McKibbin

March 5, 2026

The ﬁrst Ordinary Meeting of Council for 2026 was held on Tuesday 17 February,. where Council considered and resolved several important strategic matters for the year ahead. A key focus was adopting a more forward-thinking approach to road maintenance and scheduling. Given the limited construction window available for certain works in our region, it is essential that we plan carefully and prioritise effectively. This revised approach will ensure that conﬁrmed funding is directed toward our highest priority road needs across our extensive trafﬁcable network, while also scheduling key maintenance activities outside the restricted construction period wherever possible.

Council also resolved to implement the IPART-determined rate peg of 3.3% for the 2026/27 ﬁnancial year. Rate pegging continues to present challenges for local government, and we remain mindful of the need to balance ﬁnancial sustainability with delivering essential services and infrastructure for our community. For the past six years, Council has consistently applied the rate peg as determined by IPART, and we will continue to seek efﬁciencies and opportunities to ensure we deliver value for ratepayers, while maintaining service levels.

Council has recently identiﬁed through routine testing an increase in geosmin levels within the Oberon dam water supply. Geosmin is a naturally occurring organic compound produced by algae and soil-based microorganisms. During certain environmental conditions, particularly warmer weather, these organisms can increase in number, resulting in an earthy or musty taste and odour in treated water. Oberon Council monitors water quality closely, and while geosmin may be noticeable from time to time, it poses no risk to public health and-does not affect the safety of drinking water. While some residents may notice a temporary change in taste or smell, the water continues to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Diversity Day will be held in the Oberon Common on Saturday 28th February, in celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures in our community. Cultural Diversity Day is an opportunity to share, learn and celebrate the many traditions, stories, heritage and ﬂavours that make Oberon so vibrant. There will be live entertainment, food stalls, local arts, crafts and produce from 11.00am to 3.00pm.

I am also pleased to invite the community to join me for this year's International Women's Day celebration on Sunday, 8 March 2026 at the Oberon Library and Community Centre. This annual event has become a valued opportunity to come together and recognise and celebrate the women of our community. The afternoon will feature a delicious high tea, lucky door prizes and an engaging author panel discussion, providing a relaxed and welcoming space for connection and conversation. International Women's Day is an important occasion to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of women across all areas of life, in our families, workplaces and community organisations. It is also a time to reﬂect on progress made and the work still to be done. This year we are embracing a light-hearted dress theme "Worthy of Today" encouraging attendees to wear that special outﬁt they have been saving for the right occasion.

I look forward to celebrating with you all.

Andrew McKibbin
Mayor