A Minute with Mayor McKibbin - 31 July 2025
Published on 31 July 2025
Renewable Energy projects and the impact on communities during the construction period and during their operational life is of immediate concern to all regional councils not least Oberon with the Paling Yards and The Pines proposed projects. The Local Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, convened a meeting of the Mayors, Deputy Mayors and General Managers from Bathurst, Blayney, Lithgow and Mid-Western Regional Councils on Friday 25 July together with some concerned resident Groups. Issues of noise, visual amenity, detrimental effects to human and livestock health were discussed. There were presentations from Oberon Against Windfarms, Mt Lambie No Turbines Group and Sunny corner Action Group.
Brad Cam, the General Manager of Mid-Western Regional Council provided a valuable insight into the significant issues that Mid-Western Regional council had experienced with Windfarm and solar renewable energy projects in his Council area based around Mudgee and Gulgong. The influx of construction workers had initially caused availability and affordability issues with housing, The Council had then allowed construction camps, but this came with the overstretching the capabilities of utility services such as garbage, sewerage and water (potable and non-potable). Gravel and water for concrete was utilised in vast quantities for the concrete required for the renewable projects, markedly affecting availability and cost of these resources for construction activities within the Council area. Limited Medical and health resources already affected by a lack of doctors and medical; staff were overstretched with the increased population. The restoration of roads following construction remained a matter of concern.
On the issue of decommissioning renewable projects at the end of their life, there was no firm commitment by renewable companies to put in place irrevocable financial bonds/bank guarantees to secure the commitment to remove infrastructure and restore the land at the end of the life of these projects. This was despite the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner proposing bonds/bank guarantees be put in place by renewable companies similar to the obligations placed on mining companies to rehabilitate sites.
The presentations at the meeting meant that Oberon, Bathurst, and Lithgow have greater knowledge of the opposition to these projects and the potential issues that need to be addressed with these projects.
The Central Tablelands Weeds Authority Members attended a Field Day north of Bathurst to consider strategies to prevent the continued spread of serrated Tussock in these areas which have been traditionally fine wool production areas. The depressed wool market over a significant number of years has left producers with limited resources to tackle the ongoing weed problem.
Council held an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday 23 July 2025 to address an issue with the adopted ad valorem rate. At the meeting Council resolved the following:
That Council:
- Adopt the revised 2025-26 Operational Plan, noting the corrective adjustments, and
- Adopt the revised 2025-26 Statement of Revenue Policy.
This resolution was made in response to a miscalculation identified in Councils permissible rate income, which resulted in discrepancies in the ad valorem amounts applied across rating categories. The resolved corrective adjustments will result in a minor reduction to rates for all rateable assessments within the Oberon Local Government Area for the 2025/26 financial year.
On 31st July the Central NSW Joint Organisation will hold its Board Meeting in Parkes. Deputy Mayor Katie Graham will attend the meeting on behalf of Council. There will be a number of presentations planned for the meeting. The Board will receive a presentation from Simon Bourke of the Australasian Railway Association. Mr Bourke will provide an overview of the ARA and its strategic priorities and key activities. Ms Julia Andrews will provide an update from Charles Sturt University (CSU) including discussing the challenging disparities facing regional universities. Ms Andrews is the Director of External Engagement, Orange and Bathurst Office of CSU.
In the week commencing 4 August 2025 Public Schools across NSW will celebrate Education Week. Education Week provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements of public schools, teachers and students across the state. The Oberon Public School and Oberon High School will both hold special Assemblies next week to mark this important event.
Oberon Council will be holding its second annual Community Services Expo on Thursday 14 August 2024 from 4pm to 7pm at the Oberon Library and Community Centre. The Expo will include a presentation to the community groups and organisations who have received Section 356 donations this year. The expo brings together local organisations and service providers, sporting and special interest groups and community members to showcase the wide range of support and resources available in our region.
Upcoming events
Andrew McKibbin
Mayor