July Council Meeting Recap

Published on 31 July 2024

At Monday’s meeting, Council discussed the progression of the Special Rate Variation (SRV) application for the 2025/2026 year and the adoption of the Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) for 2024/2025 to 2033/2034. Council received and noted the Community Engagement Outcomes Report, detailing the outcomes of public consultation conducted between 3 June 2024 and 15 July 2024. Following this, Council resolved to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a permanent SRV from the 2025/2026 financial year of 10% for three years, representing a permanent cumulative increase of 33.10%. Additionally, the LTFP for 2024/2025 to 2033/2034 was adopted, providing a strategic financial framework for the coming decade.

In another key decision, Consideration of the Upper Hunter Land Use Strategy 2024 was deferred pending the provision of further information by Council’s Director Environmental and Community Services. 

Council also reviewed the Warbirds Over Scone 2024 event, noting the event’s financial outcome and broader economic impact. Despite an anticipated surplus, the event incurred an actual loss of $133,976, primarily due to lower than expected ticket sales. However, the event generated an estimated $2.8 million in economic activity and created approximately 21 jobs, significantly benefiting the local economy. Given the poor financial results of the past two airshows, the Council resolved to call for expressions of interest from interested parties to hire the facility and operate future airshows independently.

Another significant item was the adoption of the Jefferson Park Masterplan. The masterplan outlines strategic upgrades to Jefferson Park to enhance its usability and attractiveness. Extensive community consultation revealed strong support for the masterplan, with feedback leading to several refinements. The masterplan will now serve as a foundational document for securing additional funding for its implementation.

The meeting also included an update on the joint water treatment plant project between Upper Hunter Shire Council and Muswellbrook Shire Council. The investigation has confirmed the technical feasibility of two potential sites, ‘Brushy Hill’ and ‘Gundy Road’. The next step involves developing a business case, with a recommended budget allocation of $50,000, shared equally between the two councils.