Published on 29 April 2025
Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Ordinary Meeting, held on Monday, 28 April 2025, delivered a series of important decisions across community services, infrastructure planning, regional development, and governance. Focus on Gummun Place Hostel Council received and noted the minutes of recent Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee meetings. Council supported the committee’s request to invite Stephen Rooke from Pride Aged Living to give a presentation at a community forum on the issues and challenges facing residential aged care services in regional areas. Support for Investment in Aberdeen Council received and noted the report from the Aberdeen Investment Committee, which is focused on identifying and progressing opportunities to attract investment and support economic development across the Aberdeen district. Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan Endorsed for Exhibition Council endorsed the draft Delivery Program 2025/2026 – 2028/2029 and Operational Plan 2025/2026 for public exhibition. These documents set the roadmap for Council’s actions over the next four years, including major infrastructure, service delivery priorities, and financial strategies. Community members will be invited to provide feedback during the public exhibition period. Proposed Transfer Stations at Existing Landfill Sites Council endorsed the development of new transfer station facilities at the existing landfill sites in Merriwa and Murrurundi. This approach will provide modernised waste management solutions while making best use of the existing infrastructure, avoiding the need to develop new sites away from the current landfills. Next Steps for the Museum of Australian Horse Country Council considered the business case for the proposed Museum of Australian Horse Country. Council resolved to advocate for an external operator to progress this concept, recognising the potential benefits to the Upper Hunter’s tourism sector but noting that Council will not directly undertake the project. Joining the Mining and Energy Related Councils Association Council resolved to commence a one-year membership of the Mining and Energy Related Councils Association. This membership will allow Council to collaborate with other mining-affected regions and advocate for improved outcomes for communities impacted by mining and energy industries. Council will review the value of membership after the first year.
For more details on other matters discussed, please refer to the meeting agenda or ourYouTube channel to watch the meeting.