A NEW community hub for Oberon has been fast-tracked with the announcement of $3 million in funding from the NSW Government.
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Member for Bathurst Paul Toole was in Oberon yesterday morning to commit the money to expand the Oberon Library and redevelop the precinct, adding function, meeting and exhibition spaces as well as an area dedicated to youth.
The money has come from the NSW Government's $170 million Drought Stimulus Package.
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Mayor Kathy Sajowitz said the need for a community hub had been identified in Oberon's Community Strategic Plan for many years.
"For a small rural town to accumulate funds for such an expansion has been slow and difficult," she said.
"We appreciate that our local member Paul Toole has recognised that need and supported the project."
Cr Sajowitz said the needs and aspirations of the Oberon community were "changing and diverse".
"It has been identified that a larger space for our community to gather for events is much needed," she said.
"To have a community hub housing gallery space, a function space allowing more than 60 people, meeting rooms as well as an expanded library facility will be amazing.
"To see this happen will lift the spirits of many in the community in the current uncertain environment."
Mr Toole said the new digitally connected hub will be a place to read, write and enjoy art or use high-speed internet to study or facilitate business meetings.
"Today's funding will help deliver a place for people of all ages to connect with others, whether that is through learning about culture and art, catching up with friends or growing a business network," he said.
He said the community hub will support small business operators in the region who will be able to drop in and efficiently manage orders online or pay bills.
"When work is complete, one building at 13 Fleming Street will house the library and community technology centre alongside other bookable spaces, making the facilities easy to access if you are spending time in the Oberon CBD," Mr Toole said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the community hub is funded by the NSW Government's Drought Stimulus Package, which is also providing grants to support country shows.
"This project will provide an immediate boost, creating work for locals so that money earned in the region stays in the region, as well as helping with long-term growth because of the new infrastructure that will be in place," he said.
