Deputy Mayor of Oberon Mark Kellam confirmed recently that he will seek re-election at the December 4 Council election, saying he wanted to continue to be part of a council which had transformed its way of doing things in its just ending term of office.
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"The election of five new councillors at the last election was transformative for Oberon's community, bringing new outlooks and perspectives, which have improved the scope and quality of public facilities, as well as driving enhanced performance and improved governance from staff," Cr Kellam said.
"We have worked very hard to meet the community's present needs, and plan for the future, and I very much want to continue to make a contribution to that.
"The council has been less adverse to risk, and opened up new ways of doing business."
Cr Kellam was elected to the Council at the last poll, and became Deputy Mayor in 2019.
He said that with an eye for the community's future needs, Council had made significant progress on a new Sewage Treatment Plant, built a very successful Fitness Centre, and opened a new Skate Park.
The O'Connell recreation ground was taking shape, and much work had been done on Oberon Common. Construction of the town's Community Hub will begin soon.
The Council has also introduced fluoride into the town water supply, bringing Oberon in line with 93% of NSW which already has this major dental health measure.
"And to crown it all, the Council has received $4.8 million in additional grants from the Federal and State governments for the proposed sports complex," Cr Kellam said.
"And the Council has brought the community along with it on these projects and its operations. For instance, the Community Strategic Plan, the blueprint that links all council activities, involved face-to-face discussion at public meetings throughout the district, pop-up information stalls, and many written submissions.
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"This excellent 'big picture' document will continue to evolve during the term of the next council," he said.
"The Community Hub project also involved community input. While there were divergent views, a large majority wanted the Hub on its proposed location, with the design again reflecting what people asked for."
Community consultation was not an easy process, but was a satisfying one.
"We need to listen to all views and weigh them for practicality and benefit," he said.
"It seems at times that distilling all these views into a practical and affordable project calls for the wisdom of Solomon.
"But at all times the final decision is made for the betterment of the entire community, based on positive and forward-looking attitudes. Because a Council that is content to simply retain the status quo is in reality going backwards and not responsibly serving its residents.
"This is why there has also been a constant and associated effort to seek improvement across the board. This council has achieved much, through a team effort."
"A council is constantly a work in progress to meet community aspirations. And that should be the task of your next council elected on December 4," he said.
Cr Kellam will be available to meet with residents near the council offices on Oberon Street on Saturday mornings 10am-noon.