A Minute with Mayor McKibbin - 31 October 2024

Published on 31 October 2024

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Oberon Tourist and Business Association (OBTA) hosted a forum titled Our Town, Our Future Business Forum at the RSL Club at 6pm on Thursday 24th October. There were five presentations.

 Zac Rowlandson of Oberon Earthmoving provided a presentation on his various businesses including Oberon Earthmoving, Oberon Concrete and Middle Creek Quarries   all of which he owns with the Brien family. He indicated over 30 local staff were engaged in the businesses and in the farming operation at Forbes. The philosophy is to employ local and develop those people in the business.

Andrew Le Lievre, the Manager of Jenolan Caves, provided a presentation on the access issues to Jenolan Caves. He stated that access issues would not be resolved until March 2026 and then only via Edith Road and the 2-mile road. There was no plan to repair the 5 mile (Jenolan Caves Rd) direct from Hampton to the caves.  Jenolan caves was taking the opportunity to carry out repairs and upgrades to Jenolan Caves House and the caves infrastructure. There would be 33 rooms with ensuites in caves house for accommodation. The capacity of the carparks and road would be an ongoing issue even after 2026 as the capacity of the caves for tours daily far exceeded the capacity of the carpark and available accommodation within Jenolan Caves and its environs. Alternate visitor transport options were being looked at but no decisions had been made. Importantly the Jenolan Caves trust would be employing up to 50 people commencing in June 2025. Locals were encouraged to apply for positions.

Matt Armstrong from NBN Co presented on the upgrades in the roll out of fibre to business premises in the central Oberon area at NBN cost. Businesses on fixed line internet could request direct connection to fibre which would significantly improve performance.  This was about to be rolled out in Oberon, and he encouraged businesses with significant internet requirements to apply. Matt provided a map of Oberon of those businesses with fixed line internet and those with wireless. Approximately 40% of Oberon council area residents and businesses were connected via fixed line, 40% by wireless and 20% by NBN satellite. The figure for satellite was understated as a large number were on low orbiting satellite internet such as Starlink. NBNs Skymuster had been upgraded in 2023 and was improved but still had latency issues. It is still considerably cheaper through satellite internet retailers than Starlink.

Trent Geddes from the Regional Tech Hub provided an overview of the Regional Tech Hub’s charter to help those in regional Australia with phone or internet connectivity. It is funded by the Australian Government and is run by the National Farmers Federation. Trent encouraged those with connectivity issues to make contact and the Hub may be able to suggest a solution.

Alex Muldoon provided an overview of Mayfield Garden and its evolution to the garden it is today. Since last year the whole garden is open every day of the year except Christmas Day and New Years Day. This has occurred to allow a more constant flow of visitors throughout the year not just the peaks in spring and autumn. A proposed new luxury accommodation facility is being considered at Mayfield to accommodate some visitors at the Garden. Alex stated if wind turbines are erected in the Oberon area this project would not proceed.

Oberon has been bathed in Pink Events to raise money for Breast Cancer.

  • Last Week both St Josephs and Oberon Public School hosted a Pink Up day, and it was amazing to see both schools support the initiative.
  • St Joseph’s, Oberon Public, and Black Springs Public have now finished their respective lolly guessing competitions. Winners will be announced by Friday of this week.
  • Last Friday (25th October) Photo entries for the “Pink Skies of Oberon” competition closed. Winners have been chosen and announced – Congratulations to all.
  • On Saturday 26th October – Oberon Fitness and Leisure Centre hosted a Women’s Wellbeing Workshop. Feedback from the event was positive with all participants enjoying themselves.
  • On Wednesday 30th October a Paint it Pink for Breast Cancer Session will be held between 4-6pm.  local artist Madyson Ryan will lead the painting session afternoon tea will be provided.

 

The Oberon Community is reminded again that the Oberon Outdoor Festival will commence on 2nd November and extend through to the beginning of December with many proposed activities. The festival is a collaboration between Oberon Council and local stakeholders, featuring a variety of experiences for both visitors and locals. From family-friendly events like fishing competitions and outdoor movie nights, to more intimate activities such as historical tours, there's something for everyone to enjoy. For full details, head to the website: visitoberon.com

 The Oberon Outdoor Festival activities occurring in the first half of November include:

  • 2 Nov - FREE Movie at Black Springs Community Hall- Despicable Me 4.
  • 2 Nov - Oberon Markets, Rover Car Club display, Sourdough Workshop at Essington Park
  • 3 Nov - O’Connell Artisan Market
  • 7 Nov - Botanical Printing Workshop at Essington Park
  • 9 Nov - Guided Hike to Box Creek Falls in Kanangra Boyd National Park Sat
  • 16 Nov - Villages Historic Tour of Black Springs, Burraga and Mount David region
  • 17 Nov - Teddy Bear’s Picnic 10am-2pm

 Spring is in full bloom and Oberon has had plenty of rain so now is the right time for residents to enjoy the Common, our parks, the lake, our gardens and our villages, together with our fantastic countryside and to introduce others to the Oberon district.

Andrew McKibbin

Mayor

 

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