Published on 22 May 2023
The May 2023 Council Meeting opened at 5:30pm and was standing room only with 40+ community in attendance after a notice advising Council had requested a presentation from Forestry Corporation NSW regarding their planned wind turbine power projects in the softwood plantations of Oberon, Sunny Corner, Orange and Bondo.
Mr Gavin Jeffries, Manager Strategy & Risk, Forestry Corporation NSW presented an overview and project timeline and answered questions from Councillors. The Council Meeting and presentation can be viewed here
The following summarises the many areas of concern raised in the pages of questions received in advance for Councillors to ask. Time was restricted so Councillors focussed on an area of concern but could not cover all the questions.
· Community
· Economic
· Landscape & Environment
· Transmission Lines
· Buffer Zones
· Fire
· Ownership
· Turbine Size & Number & Compensation
· Decommissioning & Removal
· Logistics
· Further Development
There were further questions from the gallery to Council regarding community consultation, purchase of land in the LGA in advance of the project, environmental impacts, the Oberon Council CSP, production of turbines in China and potential visual impact to tourist locations and how that could impact business decisions for growth. It came through loud and clear the community would like a community town hall and do not feel that waiting for a renewable energy provider to be selected is an option. Council will work with the Forestry Corporation NSW to provide the community with this forum.
The meeting continued rather sedately after this with the following discussed.
There was one notice of motion requesting a report on the allocation of $100,000 in the 2023/24 Operational Plan for the upgrade of the Albion Street Pump station. The motion was amended to note the comments by the General Manager in relation to the Albion Street Pumping Station and for the General Manager to provide a price for a new pump station in a revised location suitable for future development. The upgrade requirement was the result of an independent assessment of the Sewer Pump Stations, Pump Performance and asset condition that highlighted the risk to the system and recommended works to be completed immediately to provide a safe and reliable asset that will also not lead to an environmental incident.
The updated Uniform Policy 2107 was adopted. This policy is updated regularly and ensures Council’s authorised corporate uniform needs are aligned with all legislated requirements.
Council endorsed re-advertising for contracted services for Oberon Kerbside Garbage Collection as the current contract is set to expire on 29 July 2023 and the Open Tendering method will be used. The new contract will be for three years with an option for a further extension of two years and being considered in this tender is a request for interest to provide and manage the garbage collections from Black Springs and Burraga transfer stations.
Council received an invitation to join the Mining & Energy Related Councils (MERC) and it was resolved to accept the invitation as it was considered very important to have a seat at the table with the growing number of renewable projects in planning for our LGA. MERC are the peak body in NSW empowering, resourcing, and advocating on behalf of local council impacted by mining and energy production and Oberon would be joining other members in our surrounding local Councils such as Dubbo, Orange, Blayney and Cabonne.
In Confidential the Council considered and the following resolutions were made:-
Bailey’s Lane Causeway Replacement. Council resolved to proceed with the supply and construction of a new single lane bridge structure including fitting of safety rails by Contractor Murray Valley Piling to replace the existing low-level causeway on Bailey’s Lane.
Late Applications – Section 356 Funding.
Council places the additional Section 356 Application List on Public Exhibition for 28 days.
Oberon Pool and Fitness Centre Operations. Council notes the report and the recommendations within.
Land Matter. Council indicated support for sale of land outlined in the report and to undertake a review of Stage 2 of the Industrial Estate.
The meeting closed at 8:53pm
Councillor Lauren Trembath