The meeting was held in the Oberon Council Chambers where Oberon mayor John McMahon welcomed mayors, deputy mayors and general managers from the councils present.

The reform program is the State Government’s response to the final reports from the Independent Local Government Review Panel and the Local Government Acts Taskforce announced last September.

One of the recommendations was for a potential merger of Bathurst Regional Council with Oberon Council.

Bathurst mayor Gary Rush said at this time Bathurst Regional Council has not made a decision about this proposal, however would only consider a merger if there was a neighbouring council interested in entering into discussions.

Blayney mayor Scott Ferguson said that Blayney Council has been approached by Orange Council about developing a merger business case proposal involving Cabonne and Blayney Shire Councils.

Blayney Council has not reached a decision about this proposal, however representatives said all options need to be considered for the best possible outcome for the Blayney region.

Lithgow mayor Maree Statham advised that the Lithgow City Council are opposed to forced amalgamations and are not in favour of any boundary adjustments.

Lithgow City Council aims to increase its population to 25,000 residents in order to attract new business and provide an economic stimulus for the Lithgow area.

Oberon mayor John McMahon reaffirmed Oberon Council’s position that it is opposed to forced amalgamations but would have liked to consider boundary adjustments with the two neighbouring councils in order to deliver more effective services to adjacent rural communities.

Mayor  Maree Statham rejected the request by Oberon Council for boundary changes. 

Bathurst, Blayney, Lithgow and Oberon are all members of the current Central West Regional Organisation of Councils (Centroc) and have confirmed their participation in the Central West Joint Organisation Pilot.

This regional collaboration has for many years delivered cost savings and regional initiatives which member councils have benefited from. The group is looking forward to increased opportunities available through the Pilot Joint Organisation Program.

It was agreed to make approaches to the Upper Macquarie County Council about the lack of response to a previous request for an effective Strategic Plan to address weed control in the four Local Government Areas.