Council Meeting Recap 24 February 2025

Published on 24 February 2025

Upper Hunter Shire Council held its first Ordinary Council Meeting for the year, endorsing a range of initiatives to support young people, strengthen community engagement, and improve infrastructure across the region. From leadership opportunities for young residents to drought resilience planning and road network improvements, Council’s decisions reflect a strong focus on future-proofing the Upper Hunter. Key outcomes included:

Supporting Youth Leadership
Council reaffirmed its commitment to youth development, backing the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, which provides young people with the opportunity to build leadership and teamwork skills aboard Australia’s national sail training ship. This initiative encourages personal growth and resilience while fostering future community leaders.

Strengthening Community Engagement
A new Community Engagement Strategy was adopted, setting a clear direction for how Council will communicate with residents and encourage public participation in decision-making. The strategy aims to create stronger connections between Council and the community, ensuring voices across the region are heard and valued.

Building Drought Resilience
Recognising the challenges of a changing climate, Council endorsed the Regional Drought Resilience Plan, a proactive step towards better preparing the Upper Hunter for future dry periods. The plan focuses on water security, sustainable land management, and supporting local industries to build long-term resilience.

Addressing Storm Impacts
Following the severe storms on 15 and 16 January 2025, Council has endorsed the General Manager’s actions in response to the event.

Investing in Rural Roads
To ensure ongoing efficiency local road maintenance, Council also approved the formation of a Rural Roads Committee. This new committee will work closely with residents and stakeholders to prioritise maintenance and improvements across the extensive rural road network.

Investing in Sewer Infrastructure
Council is continuing upgrades to our sewerage network, with $880,000 allocated for sewer relining over the next two financial years. This follows the evaluation of Tender No. 05/2025 for the Sewer Relining Program, ensuring the most effective and efficient approach to maintaining and improving sewer infrastructure across the region.