This week's Minute with Mayor McKibbin

October 29, 2026

Published on 22 October 2026

Destination NSW Central West Chief Executive, staff and three Directors held a day at Oberon on Tuesday 13th October. The group met with a cross section of Oberon tourism businesses with the prevailing message being the combined impact of the closures of the Great Western Highway and Jenolan Caves on Oberon business; tourist and high street businesses. Council’s Tourism and Economic Development Manager, Deb Keane, gave an overview with statistics on the effect on the Oberon economy and employment. Councillors were also given the opportunity to present the Chairman Craig Chung and board with their perspective. The day concluded with a networking event at Club Oberon in the new Oberon Sports Complex. Club Oberon was a terrific location with the view over the League grounds and town. The Club Oberon staff provided excellent catering. Our new hospitality venue is off to a cracking start.

Mayors from around the Central west travelled to Blayney on Wednesday 14th October for a strategy session organised by the Central NSW Joint Organisation for advocacy to the various political parties in the NSW election in 2027. The major themes were based on Connectivity to Sydney (road and rail) for freight and passengers, water security, health and impacts of energy transition.

Oberon has been fortunate to have such a magnificent start to Spring with green grass everywhere and the district blooming with spring colours. We all hope the rain continues and our lamb and beef thrives in the conditions.

Andrew McKibbin
Mayor

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