Member for Bathurst Paul Toole travelled to Oberon with more than $1 million worth of good news for six projects.

A new skate park at the Oberon Common – which has been long talked about – has received $500,000 in funding, while money will also go towards covered grandstands for the Oberon Recreation Ground and barbecues along the Fish River.

The funding is from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

“The skate park precinct has been in the pipeline for quite some time after being tabled to council by the Oberon Youth Council as a priority project for them,” Oberon mayor Kathy Sajowitz said.

“The Youth Council sourced concept designs and has been fundraising for several years to support the project, which has been identified as a pathway to engaging with the young people in our community.”

Mr Toole said the funding announcement was “fantastic news for the Oberon community, which has been calling out for upgrades to local facilities”.

“I am thrilled these can be now carried out,” he said.

“A skate park was the number one priority identified by Oberon Council and this can now become a reality thanks to the Stronger Country Communities Fund [SCC].

“However, the skate park is just one of six projects to receive major funding from the first round of the SCC Fund.

“I am pleased that much of this funding will support communities across the Oberon local government area, including some of our smaller villages.”

The other projects to be funded are:

Mr Toole said a total of $1,095,000 would be invested in Oberon by the NSW Government in these projects.

“The SCC Fund is an investment in local infrastructure to improve the lives of residents and enhance the attractiveness of the region. This funding will help us do exactly that,” he said.

Mr Toole said the NSW Government is “committed to supporting the people of regional NSW by investing in the facilities, parks, halls and playgrounds they need, want and deserve”.

“The Stronger Country Communities Fund is a once-in-a-generation investment and I’m excited for the people of Oberon to start seeing projects like these being able to become a reality,” he said.

Cr Sajowitz said she was pleased the NSW Government had recognised the needs of rural NSW residents with this funding stream.

“Often overlooked, regional NSW contributes hugely to the economy of the state and it is good to see that acknowledged,” she said.

“This funding will be an amazing boost for the Oberon community.”

Cr Sajowitz said “BBQs on the Fish” will not only be good for the community, but also for the visitor economy.

“What nicer way is there to spend a Sunday than a barbecue overlooking the Fish River at Flat Rock?” she said.

“Black Springs, Burraga and O’Connell will be very pleased to be the recipients of funding to upgrade the parks and playgrounds in their villages.

“With Oberon growing at the rapid rate it is, there is more demand for facilities for our young people to enjoy.

“I often hear of the great tennis afternoons enjoyed at Black Springs and this upgrade will hopefully enable that experience again.

“Oberon soccer and Little Athletics will be delighted to see covered grandstands on their playing field – something on the wish-list for a long time.”

Cr Sajowitz said the benefits of the funding would be felt right across the community.

“I take this opportunity to thank Minister Toole for his ongoing support of Oberon’s funding opportunities,” she said.