Oberon Business and Tourism Association Meeting, September 16th, 2015 Long Arm Farm Cafe 6pm Meeting, followed by Dinner. Welcome: Andrew Bird Attendees Andrew Bird, Tim and Fran Charge, Pam and Brian Dellow, Chris Kelly, Kathy Sajowitz, Don and Jen Capel, Kay Jones, Donna Russo, Ian Redpath, Helen Lowe, Bob and Sally Parrington, Sam Lord, Brian and Sandra Harman, Mary David, Alan Cairney, Irene Bishop, Barry, Robyn and Michael Richard. Apologies: Pat Bird, Malcolm Allen and Jennifer Prineas Meg and Peter Low, Sue and Col Roberts, Deirdre and Tony Robinson, David McMurray, Mayfield Garden Minutes of Previous Meeting: Don Capel moved and Fran Charge seconded that minutes of previous meeting be accepted, but Don wanted his report from the last meeting clarified. Please read his report below: Blue Mountains and Surrounds Tourism Industry Forum On Monday 24 th August I accompanied Co President Tim Charge, Oberon Mayor Kathy Sajowitz and General Manager Alan Cairney to Leura to attend a forum hosted by Destination NSW. The forum was held as part of a review process initiated by the Minister responsible for tourism in NSW, the Hon. Stuart Ayres MP who opened the meeting, to develop and implement strategies to support and grow the visitor economy of the state. The present tourism support structure in NSW has been in place for a number of years and is in need of some change. We are all aware that BMLOT, our Regional Tourism Organisation, has been disbanded because it went broke possibly because of mismanagement, possibly for other reasons. Some other RTOs have suffered a similar fate or are barely managing to survive. The Minister appointed a consultant, Rodger Powell, to undertake the review of all RTOs in the state. In the Blue Mountains and surrounding area he has surveyed stakeholders to come up with a number of options which were discussed at the forum. The overall view of those surveyed was that the management of the organisation should be changed, possibly with a smaller board of management with an independent chair. It was also floated that a percentage of the board members could be independent appointees. There was discussion about the responsibilities of the RTO. A majority of those surveyed believe the RTO should be solely responsible for promoting the region and not be involved in event organisation but support those who are. There didn t seem to be disagreement with that proposal amongst forum attendees. There has been a suggestion that the region could be expanded to include Penrith and the Hawkesbury areas. For the most part participants at the forum agreed with the result of the surveys although the sample size was quite small. Mr Powell said that surveys were sent by
email to 183 stakeholders, 60 were returned then 19 followed up with face to face interviews. Some other points noted at the forum included the BMLOT area is performing well despite the loss of the RTO with a greater percentage increase in visitor numbers for the year ending March 2015 than the rest of NSW BMLOT contributed >$500 million to the region s economy there is a new wave of Chinese tourists wishing to experience Australia beyond the cities, mostly a younger cohort and prepared to spend! there are 800 businesses in the area registered on the Destination NSW database but BMLOT has never had more than 200 members Following the forum, a working group to be coordinated by Destination NSW, is being established to determine priority visitor economy activities for the Blue Mountains region leading up to the implementation of the review. They are calling for expressions of interest from people interested in participating in the working group. If anyone is interested, see me for details. It would be beneficial for our LTO for someone to represent us. Correspondence: 1. Schools requesting donations for end of year awards are Burraga School St Joseph s Oberon High Discussion followed about this policy and Tim Charge said that OPTA had supported this in the past, even though OBA did not take on making donations as many individual businesses already did that. Moved Tim Charge, that we donate to each: $25 to Black Springs and Burraga. $50 to OPS, OHS, St Joseph s Primary and St Joseph s Secondary. It was discussed that we also support O Connell and Hampton. Don Capel suggested to only make a donation if we are approached. The Association should try to send a representative to the prize giving presentations. It was then amended : That we contribute $50 to any school that has requested, including O Connell and Hampton. Moved Tim Charge Seconded Brian Harman Carried. 2. Australian Brokers Risk and Insurance Services: This was a policy for OPTA and is to be cancelled. 3. Community Awards for 2016. The Association can nominate. Alan Cairney will send information to Andrew by end of October.
Moved: Helen Seconded: Barry Richard that correspondence be accepted. Carried Treasurer s Report: Presented by Andrew Bird/ Mary David 1. We now have 37 paid up members. 2. Term deposit from HSBC will be put into CBA. Moved : Helen Lowe Seconded : Sally Parrington that Treasurer s Report be accepted. Carried GENERAL BUSINESS 1. No Amalgamation Jen Capel spoke of a letter written to Paul Toole expressing opposition to any amalgamation. As the secretary had not received a copy of this via email, please read this letter below: August 28, 2015 The Hon Paul Toole MP Minister for Local Government Parliament House Sydney 2000 Submission re Oberon Shire Dear Minister We write on behalf of our community organisation, Oberon Business and Tourism Association Incorporated (OBTA) in respect to the threat of amalgamation we believe our shire faces with the Bathurst Regional Council. Oberon Business and Tourism Association supports Oberon Shire Council s Fit for the Future submission to stand alone. We also believe we write on behalf of our whole community. In 2004, when it first appeared that the shire was at risk of being amalgamated, the public vehemently opposed the proposition. In 2013, when the whole amalgamation issue resurfaced, the community immediately read the discussions as being a real threat to the Oberon Shire s future as a stand alone entity. Committees were formed to co-ordinate the anti amalgamation campaign, submissions were made to government and to the investigating committee. Locally, posters were willingly displayed around the town by residents, letters were written to the editor of the local paper and further and consultative meetings were attended, all the while showing the community s total opposition to amalgamation.
As the time for a decision draws nearer, it is with alarm that we see our council potentially at risk of being obliterated. At our organisation s recent meeting (August 26) the following motion was unanimously supported, That OBTA fully supports the efforts of the No Amalgamation Committee in its campaign to oppose amalgamation with any other shire and supports the Oberon Shire Council in its quest to stand alone. From the time residents were made aware of the most recent threat of amalgamation, there has been strong public support for Oberon Shire Council and vocal opposition to any merger. The residents and ratepayers of Oberon Shire, find the prospect of merging with Bathurst completely unacceptable. Oberon is a busy, energetic and vibrant place. This is due to a positive and proactive community working with an efficient and cohesive Council. The community is totally supportive of our well managed Council. The Oberon Shire Council and the shire s various communities have been involved in a number of projects that have seen our shire continue to resonate as dynamic and progressive. Indeed, as stated in Council s Improvement Proposal, in the last two years there has been significant growth in subdivision applications, with one major development application in Oberon proposing 250 residential lots, as well as significant growth in rural lifestyle properties and increased demand for industrial land. This growth in development opportunity, as well as new jobs created through various sectors, including aged care, (new 66 bed aged care facility opened in May this year), further expansion of the timber manufacturing sector and mining in the Burraga area, will see our population increase at a much faster rate than current projections. Oberon Shire boasts a number of strong communities supported by industries including timber, pine forest plantations, rural farming and grazing. The area is increasingly becoming popular for tree changers with a number of lifestyle and retirement options readily available. Oberon has low unemployment, above average annual incomes compared with its cohort, with a thriving economy underpinned by the State Significant timber industry. There is no reason to be absorbed into another shire. We do not wish to be governed by a corpulent regional council. We are in a sustainable position to continue as a stand alone council. The Fit for the Future process has been beneficial, in that the Oberon Shire Council has been able to prove it has managed its responsibilities in the past and is well equipped to do so in the future. Having received a Moderate rating from the Independent Local Government Review Panel, Council s independently audited figures demonstrate that most of the benchmarks will be achieved by 2019/2020. 2. Telephone Directory:
John Warden is progressing with a new directory being printed soon. Andrew Bird suggested that we enter into a similar agreement as before and organise a tax invoice to be sent to John Warden asking him to pay upfront. Discussion followed about whether we should go with John Warden or Fairfax. Helen Lowe moved that we go ahead with this one being done by John and look into the concept next time. Motion: That we proceed with this addition of the phone book and Andrew Bird is to write to John Warden as we need to formalise it. Moved: Helen Lowe Seconded : Fran Charge It was then asked by Donna Russo that we add a payment date so that John Warden will pay within 30days. Moved: Donna Russo Carried 3. Contribution to Anti Amalgamation Group Helen Lowe said that the account has been opened, as discussed at last meeting. Brian Dellow spoke on the matter of contributions. Marj Armstrong has a quote for $35.20 for each large sign. There are some already in storage to be used. He said that the money that Marj has collected should cover costs and any extra money will be put into the account. There was a successful protest outside Paul Toole s office. The next meeting will be Wednesday, 23 rd September at Oberon Community Centre with Paul Toole and the NAG committee members. The issue is to be reviewed at end of October, so if it is needed then, the association will donate money. Moved: Bob Parrington Seconded : Helen Lowe that the Committee of OBTA will make the decision if need be to contribute funds. Carried 4. Naming Competition/ Membership We still need to work out the membership before this can be finalised. Membership Secretary, Kay Jones, asked what her role is. A lot of people haven t received renewals as to date. Don Capel will liaise between Pat, Mary, Andrew, Julie Stott and Kay to get contact details correct. 5. Oberon Tourist Brochure Tim Charge said the Oberon Review has offered to do a 2016 edition at no cost to the Association, but we need to update some of the information. Tim was asked to give them the go ahead to publish this. People are to look through this year s one and identify any omissions.
We need to involve the Visitor s Information Centre to check accuracy and ask Deb Marks, providing Council are happy for this to happen, to do so. Motion: That we support this publication for 2016 and request that members support it also. Moved: Tim Charge Seconded: Brian Harman Carried 6. Central West Lifestyle Magazine Don Capel spoke about this publication and that the editor has approached Oberon and Lithgow to do 45 pages on each of these places. The cost for Oberon is $6000. The suggestion was made for OBTA could contribute $2000. Don spoke about benefits and opportunity to promote region. They print 6.5 thousand copies each time and each copy costs $11. Alan Cairney confirmed that Lithgow is going ahead with their contribution. Moved Tim Charge that we contribute $2000 providing the Oberon Council contributes $4000. Seconded: Donna Russo. Carried. 7. Policing in Oberon Sally Parrington spoke of the lack of police presence and that a letter has been written to Sgt. Michael Robinson about this matter. Only a brief response was received from him. Kathy Sajowitz said she had a meeting and the issue was raised, but they were told that the police resources are tied up with on ground policing. It was decided that Jenn Capel, Sally Parrington and Fran Charge would write a letter to request more policing for Oberon area. REPORTS 1. Oberon Active Transport Plan presented by Don Capel I attended a community consultation meeting on Thursday evening, 10 th September on behalf of the Business and Tourism Association to meet with consultants engaged by the Council to develop an Active Transport Plan for Oberon, Black Springs and O Connell. The consultation process stems from the State Government s policy of making resources available to encourage more people to walk or cycle to work, to school or for leisure. Oberon Council received a grant from Roads and Maritime Services to develop the plan. An Active Transport Plan is a comprehensive strategic and action plan that will assist Council to develop pedestrian and cycling facilities and policies that support a culture where people walk or use a bike for everyday transport. The focus of the meeting centred largely on the growth in bicycle tourism and the possibilities that has for Oberon, particularly because of the disused railway line to Tarana. The consultants had already viewed the line as far as Mutton Falls Road and were very enthusiastic about the possibilities extension of the cycling / walking track would present. Other issues discussed included the possibilities of improved linkages to allow more students to cycle or walk to school and better access for mobility scooters to various parts of the town. Another meeting will be held at O Connell on a date yet to be fixed and the consultants were to visit Black Springs on the 11 th September.
The consultants are preparing a survey to be distributed by way of Council s web site to gauge the thoughts of the broader community. I would encourage us all as business people to make our thoughts known and encourage as many people as possible to complete the survey. I undertook to let our members know when the survey is available. The meeting was run by Dick van den Dool and Dean Rance from GTA Consultants and attended by the Mayor and two Councillors, Shire Engineer, and representatives of Roads and Maritime Services, Oberon Village aged care facility, Oberon High School and me. Don Capel 14 September 2014 2. Council Report presented by Alan Cairney OBERON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE REPORT OBTA Meeting 16 September 2015 Visitors for August 2015 Domestic 666 International 42 Total 708 Major Tourism Requests for August 2015 Fossicking 63 Tablelands Way 60 Mayfield Garden 56 Jenolan Caves 48 Accommodation Enquiries for August 68 and 19 for camping. Comments A couple of new OBTA members (OBTA form given out and details sent through to Tim Charge) should we be looking at a Welcome Pack as acknowledgement of membership? Main Events for August: The Burraga Sheep Show held on 29 August - a great day reported at Burraga however, numbers were down with the Sheep entrants and also the shearing competition entrants were down by about half this year due to rain hampering with wet wool. Overall a good turnout of approx. 500-600 visitors with the Mayor opening the show. Music on Mount David Event, another relaxing afternoon spent out at the enchanting property at Loch Erin listening to some very talented musicians. The last of the Truffle Season with reports of booked out Hunts and Lunches. General Business: The Lower Blue Mountains had fires at the start of August and Oberon went from Snow in July to flooding towards the end of August! A road closure was in place for Abercrombie Road with flooding occurring at both the Abercrombie River and Caraweela Creek. During this time we were able to divert our visitors via the Lower Blue Mountains or through to Goulburn via the road through Tuena. August was a quieter month for us, with a few businesses also reporting visitor numbers down. We found it was mainly grey nomads travelling through/stopping over via the Tablelands Way. We have for sale in the OVIC 2 History Books which have been popular! one is a hardback book titled Ben Hall s Treasure - the other is Cox s Road Dreaming Guide Book with Maps. We are celebrating 200 years since the crossing of the
Mountains and this first publication of a natural history of Cox s 1814/15 Road provides you with 100 pages of history, showing 116 sites between Emu Ford on the Nepean River and the Flagstaff at Bathurst on the Macquarie River. COMING UP This weekend we will be celebrating Spring with our annual Daffodil Dawdle where 5 large gardens will be open to the public. Rotary will be catering, tickets are $15 which you can purchase from us at OVIC or from Currumbena Nursery in the main street. Further afield Rydal Village has its 2 nd weekend of its Daffodils at Rydal event. If you are able to, please head along to Oberon Showground this Friday for a fundraising dinner to support Camp Quality, tickets are $35 and available from the Oberon Post Office Tractors will be arriving from 4.15pm! Also there are still a few seats left on the Oberon Community Transport Trip to Floriade this Sunday see the Council Administration Centre for tickets. Sydney Sidecar Rally at the O Connell Hotel The New Tarana Community Market will begin on the 4 th Saturday Sunday of each month, beginning on the 26 th 27 September (note correction from July Report). Hampton have their Bi-annual Markets in the grounds of the Hampton School from 9am-1pm - and there s one coming up on October 17 Ticketed event coming up at the RSL Club Bush Poetry Charity Night Saturday 24, where our very own Nancy Dennis will be lined up to entertain you along with local bush poet Brian Beesley and 2 other renowned bush poets who have won many awards. Tickets are $20 Please pick up one of these forms on your way out and nominate for our Australia Day Citizen Awards. 3. Kathy Sajowitz : Spoke about Australia Day Awards, the roof over the pool, possibility of an economic development officer to be employed, Jenolan Caves report should be coming out in a couple of weeks. Christmas Meeting Tim Charge said that a booking has been made at Mayfield for 9 th December. AGM Tim suggested that the AGM be held soon and it was moved by Fran Charge, seconded Jenn Capel that it be held on 11 th November. Daffodils in Oberon Kay Jones commented on the beautiful daffodils in the gardens at the moment and to let her know if anyone wants some painted on the business windows. Meeting closed at 7.15pm Next meeting 14 th October at 6pm at the Oberon Golf Club.