Oberon’s court proceedings – taken with Cabonne Council – against the NSW Government’s forced amalgamations came to an end on Monday. 

All submissions, both written and verbal, have been provided to Chief Justice Preston for his consideration prior to making a determination.

A matter that was originally expected to last two days stretched to a seven-day hearing. 

There is no indication at this stage when the judgement will be handed down.

Local Government Minister Paul Toole reiterated that the NSW Government had made its intentions clear, supporting a merger between Bathurst and Oberon in principle pending the legal proceedings.

“What we are seeing from a number of [merged] councils that have already been established is that it’s business as usual,” Mr Toole said.

“The sky has not fallen, bins have been collected, libraries are still open and parks and gardens are still being maintained.”

Mr Toole said the new councils had local representative committees made up of former mayors and councillors so that local knowledge and local experience and skills were being retained.

Mr Toole said some of these councils were planning how they would spend the Stronger Communities funding of up to $15 million for important projects in their communities.

“The NSW Government is also providing up to $10 million to cover the transitional costs of any new merger, ensuring ratepayers don’t bear more costs,” Mr Toole said. 

“In addition, rate protection will ensure ratepayers continue on the rate path they are currently on for the next four years.” 

Some members of the Oberon community attended the Land and Environment Court over the past two weeks. 

Oberon mayor Kathy Sajowitz said it was “business as usual while we await the judgement”.

“It is a busy time of year setting the operational plan and delivery program in place for the coming 12 months,” she said.