UHSC Praised for Organisational Changes in Section 430 Report

Published on 11 November 2024

The NSW Office of Local Government (OLG) has publicly released its Section 430 report on Upper Hunter Shire Council, highlighting a period of substantial positive change within the organisation. The report, now available on the Parliament website, provides a comprehensive review of Council’s response to past challenges and recognises the effective actions taken in recent years to turn around organisational processes, project delivery, and governance frameworks.

The investigation was initiated in response to the 2020 failure of the Merriwa/Willow Tree Road (MR 358) following upgrade works completed in late 2019. Significant issues, including deteriorating road conditions, led Council to impose weight restrictions by March 2020, and the road was subsequently closed in January 2021. The report reveals that initial deficiencies in project management, documentation, and resource allocation were key contributors to the road’s failure. In response, Council underwent an extensive internal and external review, identifying multiple areas for improvement and committing to significant changes to ensure a successful rebuild.

In recognising the progress made, the report notes that Council has since adopted a best-practice project management framework, underpinned by robust governance measures. Council’s strategy to address resource limitations by outsourcing technical and project management services to reputable external bodies—Transport for NSW, Public Works Advisory, and Daracon Group—has been pivotal in the ongoing successful reconstruction of MR 358.

The report’s findings validate the Council’s actions, stating that “Council now has the capacity and processes to ensure the successful rebuilding of MR 358,” and affirming that these reforms mark a transformative shift for the organisation. The OLG and the Minister for Local Government have acknowledged these advancements as essential steps forward, with recommendations aimed at sustaining continuous improvement rather than addressing fundamental weaknesses.

Mayor Maurice Collison welcomed the findings, saying, “This report really speaks to the hard work and commitment of our staff and the leadership over the past few years. The improvements we’ve made are no small feat—they’ve set us up to manage projects effectively and meet the community’s expectations with confidence. It’s a testament to the dedication of the previous term and the fresh direction we’ve taken to make sure that we’re delivering on what our community deserves. We’re proud of the progress and look forward to continuing on this strong path forward.”

While the report offers further recommendations to strengthen the governance and efficiency of capital works projects, it also confirms that Upper Hunter Shire Council has implemented the major changes necessary to build a foundation for effective and sustainable project delivery. Council remains committed to ongoing improvement and to meeting the evolving needs of its community.