March 2025 - Council Meeting Recap

Published on 02 April 2025

Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Ordinary Meeting, held on Monday, 31 March 2025, covered a range of important matters for the Shire, including decisions on local development, advocacy for aged care services, and community impacts from freight operations.

Draft Community Strategic Plan 2035 Endorsed for Exhibition
Council endorsed the draft Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2035 for public exhibition. The CSP is Council’s long-term vision and roadmap for the future of the Upper Hunter Shire, setting out community priorities and aspirations for the next decade. It has been developed in consultation with local residents, businesses and stakeholders, and covers key themes including infrastructure, environment, liveability, economy and community wellbeing.

The draft CSP will be placed on public exhibition to give the community an opportunity to provide feedback before it is formally adopted

No EOI Applications Received for Gummun Place Hostel
Council last night received a report in the confidential session confirming that no formal expressions of interest were submitted for the future operation of Gummun Place Hostel in Merriwa. While several aged care providers made enquiries during the process, no final applications were lodged.

Council acknowledges the strong community concern and emotional investment in the future of Gummun Place Hostel. The facility has long played an important role in the Merriwa community.

In response to the EOI outcome, Council resolved to continue advocating to the Federal Government, particularly the Department of Health and Aged Care, highlighting that the current funding model is not workable for small, rural aged care facilities like Gummun Place. However, advocacy is only one part of the approach.

As next steps, Council will:

• Engage with aged care sector representatives to understand barriers and explore potential partnerships.
• Continue conversations with the Department of Health and Aged Care about funding models and policy options.
• Engage with Federal Election candidates in the lead-up to the election on 3 May 2025, ensuring the future of Gummun Place is part of broader advocacy efforts.
• Continue to provide ongoing updates with the Gummun Place advisory committee on the outcomes of these discussions and the future direction of the facility.
• Importantly, no resolution has been made to close Gummun Place Hostel. Council will continue to engage with the community, local representatives and stakeholders as this process continues, recognising the vital role Gummun Place plays in the Merriwa community.
  

Sustainable Environment Plan Endorsed
Council endorsed the draft Sustainable Environment Plan 2025, setting out priorities to support a healthier and more sustainable environment. The plan includes actions to strengthen water conservation, reduce waste, and improve sustainability outcomes. Amendments to the draft plan include reducing timeframes for long-term water management strategies, adding a solar panel recycling initiative, and investigating options for silage wrap recycling. The plan will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback.

New Car Wash and Cafe for Scone
A development application for a new car wash and café at 218 Kelly Street, Scone was approved by Council. Located across the road from the Thoroughbred Hotel, the development will bring a modern service option to the Scone CBD and improve local amenities. Conditions of consent have been included to ensure the development meets planning and design requirements.

Merriwa Visitor Accommodation Proposal Deferred
Council deferred a decision on a development application for tourist and visitor accommodation at 108 Bettington Street, Merriwa. The proposal will return to a future meeting after further information is provided to address concerns about access to the rear laneway used by neighbouring businesses.

New Motel Approved in Murrurundi
Council approved a development application for a 20-room motel at Mayne Street, Murrurundi. The development will include manager’s accommodation, a café, office, laundry and storage areas, providing a boost to accommodation options in the town and supporting local tourism.

Seeking Recognition for Freight Train Impacts
Councillors also considered a Notice of Motion regarding the impact of freight train movements on the Upper Hunter community. While recognising that there is no current legal mechanism to impose a charge or “train tax”, Council resolved to advocate to both State and Federal Governments for greater recognition of the costs imposed on local communities by rail freight operations.

Councillors acknowledged the disruption caused by freight trains, including noise, dust, and time spent waiting at level crossings. Council will begin discussions with relevant agencies and stakeholders about how these impacts can be better acknowledged and whether compensation or mitigation measures can be developed for affected communities.

For more details on other matters discussed, please refer to the meeting agenda or our YouTube channel to watch the meeting.