Regional Councils - Oberon Council

The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Region covers 1.4 million hectares; its rock formations are more than 100 million years old and it is generally regarded as an area of great conservation significance because of its diversity of landforms, vegetation communities and habitat types.Oberon, at 1113 metres above sea level, is the highest village of both regions. Oberon has a true mountain climate. Frosts occur regularly during autumn, winter and spring. Several snowfalls can be expected each year. Oberon has four definite seasons, enjoying cool summers, balmy autumns, cold crisp winters and lush springs. Shire population - 5,400. Elevation - From 300 metres to 1,375 metres. Annual Rainfall - 880mm, spread throughout the year. Average Temperature 21degrees (day), 12degrees (night) in summer, 8degrees (day), 1degrees (night) in winter.The lush countryside attracted settlers and grants of land began to be taken up along the Fish River and the Campbells River in the 1820s. Gold first discovered in 1823. Permanent settlement in the district began in 1839 but it was not until 1863 that the name was changed to Oberon (taken from the King of the Fairies in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream") and it was declared a village. There have been many silver and copper mines in the district and the area is still well known for its sapphires and gemstones, which attract many fossickers. Oberon has good shopping facilities with most goods and services including professional and trade services available in the town. Prime lambs and beef cattle are the main rural industries. Brussel sprouts, broccoli, potatoes and peas are the main horticultural industries, although there is some diversification in this area. Tree nurseries, nut tree plantations, bulb farms, new ventures and experimental enterprises are developing. Timber processing by Oberon Timber Complex is the major secondary industry, sourcing the raw material from large Forests NSW radiata pine plantations and those of private forest growers. Oberon's proximity to Jenolan Caves, the Kanangra Boyd National Park, and its unique climate and spectacular scenery have contributed to the continuing growth of the town.Most early buildings in Oberon were built of pise, wattle and daub or slabs from local timber.

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