High level talks were held in the council chambers on Monday between the state Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, Oberon mayor Kathy Sajowitz and general manager Gary Wallace.

While not being specific on which initiatives may get the green light, Mr Toole told the Oberon Review the meeting was an ideal chance to talk about the Regional Growth Fund which will result in $1.3 billion being invested into rural and regional communities across the state.

“Discussions focused on the Stronger Country Communities fund where a number of projects have been put forward by the Oberon Council on behalf of its community, with announcements expected to be made around January of 2018,” Mr Toole said.

“I will say that a diverse range of projects were put forward by council for the State Government’s consideration.

“These include funding to support Oberon’s youth, the elderly and villages right across the Oberon local government area.”

Mr Toole said it was good to sit down with Cr Sajowitz and the general manager and described the talks as being “very productive”.

“There are a number of possible funding streams available from the State Government to help regional communities such as Oberon,” he said.

“In recent times we have partnered with council to get major upgrades completed on Beaconsfield Road and Sewells Creek road. The Government provided $890,000 under the Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads program, while council’s contribution was $200,000.”

Cr Sajowitz said it was a pleasure to welcome Mr Toole to Oberon to catch up on the continuing opportunities available through the Stronger Country Communities funding steam.

“Oberon has submitted a diverse range of projects for consideration in the current funding round,” she said.

“With regional tourism high on the agenda, a conversation around progressing initiatives such as the Tablelands Way and Lake Oberon projects was most beneficial.”