Upper Hunter Shire Council Meeting – Monday, 25 November 2024

Upper Hunter Shire Council Meeting – Monday, 25 November 2024

Published on 27 November 2024

27 November 2024

Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Ordinary Council Meeting this week delivered key outcomes across several significant initiatives for the community. Here are the highlights:

Annual Report Endorsed

Council adopted the 2023/2024 Annual Report, which outlines the Shire’s achievements and progress over the past year. The report provides a detailed account of how Council delivered key projects, engaged with the community, and addressed the priorities outlined in its Community Strategic Plan. It also includes the 2023/2024 Annual Audited Financial Statements, highlighting how resources were managed to maintain services, fund essential projects, and support the Shire’s long-term financial health. The published documents are now available on Councils website. 

Section 430 Investigation into Coulson’s Creek Road

Council received the Section 430 Investigation Report into the failure of Coulson’s Creek Road (MR358). The report acknowledged the significant improvements Council has made in its approach to project management and governance since the road’s closure in 2020. These include adopting more rigorous frameworks, engaging external experts, and focusing on better resource management.

The report also identified further recommendations to strengthen Council’s processes, which were noted in the accompanying report to councillors. Council is proactively reviewing these recommendations to continue improving project management practices and ensure robust, sustainable approaches to future infrastructure projects. These efforts aim to build on the successful reconstruction of MR358 and support the effective delivery of major works across the Shire.

Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee Established

Council resolved to form a new advisory committee for Gummun Place Hostel, comprising Councillors and community representatives, to support the facility and enable community input during the Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

This decision followed discussions with former members of the s355 Merriwa Aged Hostel Committee, who expressed a strong interest in continuing to contribute to the hostel’s future. The advisory committee will provide a crucial link between Council and the Merriwa community, ensuring local input is considered as Council explores options for the hostel’s management, lease, or purchase.

Scone Airport Development Project Progresses

Council resolved to proceed with completing the workshop at the Scone Airport, confirming its commitment to using local suppliers and Council labour. The Bellman hangar was deferred to the December Council meeting to allow for the preparation of a more detailed budget on earthworks, with a view to also engaging local suppliers and labour.

After extensive discussion, Council resolved not to proceed with the leaseable hangars, with the decision carried unanimously following a foreshadowed motion. Additionally, the General Manager was delegated authority to engage individual local contractors within the current project budget to deliver the approved scope of works.

Notices of Motion: Water Quality in Merriwa and Cassilis

Council resolved to amend and adopt actions to address water quality concerns in Merriwa and Cassilis. Following careful consideration, the following measures were unanimously approved:

A report will be provided within 28 days detailing any water testing results from Merriwa and Cassilis that are outside the acceptable limits defined in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines over the past 12 months. A broad community consultation process, including engagement with the Merriwa Community Advisory Committee, will take place within 90 days. This consultation will seek feedback on water quality issues and explore community interest in solutions, such as: Establishing or modifying a dedicated Council water filtration and treatment plant. Installing water treatment/filtration systems at residential properties. Identifying cost-sharing options between Council and residents for these solutions. Random water sampling will be undertaken on both the household and Council sides of water meters in Merriwa and Cassilis. Should significant differences in water quality be identified, Council will flush the affected properties to determine the extent of potential improvement, with findings to be reported back to Council.

These steps are designed to thoroughly investigate and address water quality concerns while involving the community in shaping effective and sustainable solutions. All councillors voted in favour of this approach

Equine Centre of Excellence Business Case Tender Awarded

In a closed session, Council awarded the tender for the Equine Centre of Excellence business case and concept design to Spedding Torres and Associates for $337,590. This project will explore the potential for a world-class equine facility, focusing on community consultation, sustainable business planning, and preserving equine heritage. The proposed facility could position the Upper Hunter as a leading destination for equestrian activities.

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