OBERON Youth Council mayor Luke McFarlane says all the hard work has been worth it after the announcement last week of funding for a new skate park in Oberon.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“It is delightful to see that our efforts have paid off,” he said this week.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole was in Oberon last week to make the announcement that more than $1 million in funds had been allocated to six projects in the Oberon region – including $500,000 for a new skate park at the Oberon Common.
“The skate park has always been seen as an important place for youth to gather whether they're looking to socialise, skate or escape,” Luke said.
“With concrete ramps, unlike the previous metal ramps, users are provided with a safer and more professional area to practice their skills.
“I'd like to thank our local member Paul Toole and the Oberon Council for following up and financing this project. Without you, this would have not been possible.”
Oberon mayor Kathy Sajowitz said the skate park had been in the pipeline for several years “and to see the idea move from paper to infrastructure is exciting”.
“Located close to the adventure playground, it will create a recreational precinct for our young people,” she said.
Cr Sajowitz said youth activities and services were identified in Oberon’s Community Strategic Plan as a priority.
“Council is currently in the process of employing a Community and Youth Services Co-ordinator who will take ownership of promoting youth issues within the community,” she said.
“The project is shovel ready and it is envisioned that work will begin on the project in the near future.”
Alongside the new skate park, funding will go towards Footpaths to Fitness ($150,000), covered grandstands for the Oberon Recreation Ground ($130,000), major upgrades at the Oberon Golf Club ($110,000), barbecues on the Fish River ($105,000) and village park and playground renewal ($100,000).
The money is coming from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Mr Toole said the funding announcement was “fantastic news for the Oberon community, which has been calling out for upgrades to local facilities”.
“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,” he said last Friday.
“I am pleased that much of this funding will support communities across the Oberon area.”
