Strong support has been obtained from the Federal Member for Macquarie, Bob Debus MP, and the following strategy is in place.

1. The proposed developer has applied for a zero real interest loan from the Commonwealth Government. There are 115 applications submitted and an announcement of the successful applicants is to be made in August 2008.

2. The issue of bed licences from the Commonwealth Government will take place shortly thereafter and it stands to reason that who ever receives the zero real interest loans will also receive bed licences.

3. A designer has been engaged by the applicant to design the facility and a concept plan will be submitted to the Council for a Development approval. Subject to the Development Application receiving an approval then the developer will complete negotiations with the property owner for the acquisition of the site.

4. It should be noted that the property owners are only interested in undertaking the development if it is for an aged care facility for Oberon.

5. The developer has engaged a major construction company to carry out the building works and a Construction Certificate will be sought from the Council to carry out the works in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and other related planning laws.

6. The designer, the builder and the operator have all visited the site and have satisfied themselves that the facility will be a sustainable economic asset for many years to come.

7. Subject to the above steps being successfully completed then within two years the Oberon community should have a very important infrastructure facility available for its residents, which will create employment opportunities, thereby helping to promote a steady growth of population in the years ahead.

More information will be provided as it comes to hand.