March 2026 Oberon Council Meeting

Public Forum 5:00pm:
Mrs Kathy Manton, Spokesperson for the O'Connell Valley Community Group, acknowledged the strong collaboration between Council and the local community in delivering the 100 Year Celebration, thanking Oberon Council for its support and recognising the General Manager for facilitating the road closure, as well as the Parks and Gardens team for their hard work in preparing the Recreation Ground and Avenue for the event.

Council Meeting:
The meeting was opened in prayer at 5:30pm by our Anglican Minister, Jonny Lush.

Two Notices of Motion submitted by Councillor McCarthy were unsuccessful. The first proposed using Tip Fund (scrap metal income) funds to install swings at Armstrong Place Park, Glyndwr Avenue Park and the Oberon Sports Complex. However, Council determined that Waste Fund monies should be retained to support implementation of the new Waste Strategy. Council also reaffirmed its December 2024 resolution to replace play equipment across several parks through a staged approach as funding becomes available, noting a current $156,000 Veolia Mulwaree Trust Grant application (approximately 50 per cent of project costs to replace playground equipment removed due to safety) and a current community survey underway which will identify residents' key concerns, including feedback on recreation facilities such as parks, playgrounds and sports grounds, and it is appropriate to consider the outcomes of this consultation before progressing further.

The second motion proposed the installation of a footpath at the corner of Dart and Fleming Streets to improve pedestrian safety, address poor lighting conditions and provide accessibility for mobility scooter users, with funding to be sourced from either the TI Legacy Fund or the Footpath Fund. Council resolved that the Director of Technical Services prepare a report for the April meeting, including a full assessment, detailed costings and consideration of alternative options for improving pedestrian connectivity and safety, including addressing the parking bays in Fleming Street.

The third motion, submitted by Councillor O'Connor, proposed that Council develop a local preference purchasing policy. The motion was not supported, as the Office of Local Government is currently reviewing and will shortly release updated Procurement Guidelines, and it was considered more appropriate to incorporate a 'buy local' approach within Council's updated Procurement Policy once these guidelines are finalised.

Reports for Decision:
DA 2026.008 for the demolition of an existing garage and carport and the erection of a new garage storage shed was endorsed.

Social Media Policy 2130 will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days. Council adopted its current social media Policy in May 2024 to support effective community engagement, promote Council activities and manage risks associated with social media use. The policy is based on the Office of Local Government's Model social media Policy and advice from relevant NSW Government agencies and is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains fit for purpose and reflects contemporary governance and communication practices.

The 2025/26 Plant Replacement Program variations were adopted following a review undertaken in response to the Internal Plant Audit and associated recommendations. Council staff assessed plant utilisation, charge out rates and optimal replacement methodologies, resulting in the retention of Plant 30 (Toro mower) and the purchase of an additional like for like mower to support open space maintenance, and the discontinuation and sale of Plant 45 (Isuzu 5 tonne tipper) due to under utilisation.

The review of the Morrison Low Report to the Oberon Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC), for consideration as a potential internal audit for inclusion in the FY26/27 and FY27/28 Internal Audit Plans, was amended to reflect additional areas raised by Councillors, including IT controls and financial sustainability. Councillors will now provide feedback on the amended Terms of Reference via email by 30 April 2026, prior to a final decision being made.

Black Springs Community Association Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was endorsed by Council for a period of 2 years.

Council had received correspondence from the Black Springs Community Association Incorporated (BSCA) requesting a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support ongoing cooperation regarding facilities, activities and community initiatives within the Black Springs village. The revised MoU provides a non binding, high level framework for collaboration with a broader village wide focus, encompassing the Black Springs Hall, the Black Springs Recreation Ground and associated community facilities, and does not create any lease, licence or delegation of Council functions. The report also addresses BSCA's request to explore alternative management arrangements for the Black Springs Hall, noting the current status of the Section 355 committee, and sought Council approval to register this interest with NSW Crown Lands and obtain preliminary advice on transition processes and governance considerations.

In Confidential Council moved the motion to note the Forced Sale of Land Debt Recovery process and financial proceeds and a request for a report to be provided on the financial cost to undertake the debt recovery.

The Meeting closed at 8:51pm