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Week Starting Monday 29th June 2026

 Lightsource BP

INFORMATION SESSIONS AT THE MERRIWA MEETING ROOMS

Lightsource bp is hosting 2 informal community information sessions in July to provide the community a chance to learn, ask questions, and share their views on the plans for an improved battery storage system within the Goulburn River Solar Farm.
 
Wednesday July 1st – 3.30pm to 6.30pm
Thursday July 2nd – 7.30am to 9.30am
 
No bookings required, simply pop in during their open times for a chat.

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MEETING NOTICE

The next show committee meeting will be held on Wednesday 1st July , 2026 at 6:30pm at the RSL Club.
 
This will be to finalise the main arena event and entertainment.
 
If anyone has any suggests or ideas please come along and support your local show, new members and volunteers are always welcome.
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Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Festival of the Fleeces AGM will be held on the 2nd July. 6.30pm. Merriwa RSL Reg Fletcher room.
Do you want to be part of a highly successful, dynamic and ever-evolving team? Do you want to be part of one of the biggest events on the Merriwa calendar which has attracted large crowds and revenue to the town.
 
Send us a message via Facebook (leave your name and mobile – we will call you) or just flock on up to the AGM and throw your hat in the ring. If your not sure, just come along and have a look.
Let’s keep it rolling for an even better one next year.
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St Joseph’s Merriwa Junior Campdraft

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Royal Hotel Merriwa

 
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Merriwa CWA

COMMUNITY MORNING TEA

 
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OCTOBER LONG WEEKEND EVERY YEAR!

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Sandy Hollow Charity Motorfest

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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP

Member for Upper Hunter – 29 June 2026

BUDGET OVERVIEW – NO firm start date for construction of the New England Highway Muswellbrook bypass and only two new projects were the story for Upper Hunter from last week’s State budget.

A commitment to a public early learning centre at Muswellbrook Public School and funding towards road corridor upgrades between Muswellbrook and Armidale to support the New England  Renewable Energy Zone are the new projects.

Otherwise, progress payments continue for work already underway such as the Singleton Bypass and the Singleton Police Station, Muswellbrook Hospital, Muswellbrook TAFE and Hunter  Regional Livestock Exchange upgrades.

Sadly, it was another city-centric budget that failed to provide the vision and leadership needed to help regional NSW with Labor’s plan for cost-of-living relief focused on Sydney toll roads and  public transport.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals Budget Reply outlined a plan to support families, back jobs and included a strong focus on delivering for regional communities.

Measures such as the Regional Infrastructure Guarantee for at least 25 per cent of all new infrastructure spending to be directed to regional NSW, delivering payroll tax reform, and a $300 million  biosecurity and feral animal control program.

AWARD WINNING ROAD – Daracon Group has won its section of the Civil Contractors Federation NSW Earth Awards for the Coulsons Creek Road MR358 road repairs.

The restoration of the Merriwa-Willow Tree Road took the title in the category for projects valued between $30 million and $75 million.

In January 2021, MR358 was closed to all traffic when problems developed after earlier construction work undertaken in 2019.

Upper Hunter Shire Council secured Australian and NSW Government funding for the project with Daracon commencing work in March 2024 and completing the project late last year.

The reopening of Coulsons Creek Road reconnected the Upper Hunter to the New England North-West ending lengthy journeys for motorists between Merriwa, Quirindi and Tamworth.

GOODBYE HRT – The Upper Hunter’s media landscape has changed again with the final edition of the Hunter River Times hitting the newsstands last Friday.

For the past six years readers in Scone, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Branxton and Maitland have enjoyed a free, fortnightly, independent local paper.

I want to thank publisher, Shane Davey, for stepping up in 2020 when COVID first impacted the Upper Hunter's established local newspapers. To the most amazing Di Sneddon, on behalf of  your readers please accept our gratitude for the immense amount of work that you have put into each edition for our communities.

To Di, Shane and The Hunter River Times team, thank you for the memories and rest assured your contribution will be missed.

ENERGY PLAN – The NSW Nationals and Liberals energy plan announced last week will ensure the transition is affordable, deliverable and undertaken in partnership with communities.

NSW needs new generation and storage as coal retires, but the scope and scale of the New England Renewable Energy Zone, will be reviewed and revised. 

The review will prioritise upgrades to existing transmission infrastructure and remove the need for the proposed 500kV transmission line corridor between Muswellbrook and Walcha.

The centrepiece is the creation of the Sydney City Renewable Energy Zone which will unlock the potential of industrial precincts, commercial buildings and apartment complexes across Sydney,  Newcastle and Wollongong.

The plan will also prioritise scoping studies and support for an Outback Renewable Energy Zone as part of a more diverse and resilient energy system for NSW.

CLANS GATHER – Aberdeen Highland Games celebrates its 25th anniversary this Saturday, July 4, when Jefferson Park is the muster point for the annual gathering of the clans.

A parade of bands including clan representatives begins the day’s festivities at 9am with the Massed Band Salute setting the scene for the Chieftain’s Address by Cam McKellar of Willow Tree.

Activities during the day include highland and country dancing, pipe band displays, strong man events and the famed kilted dash.

Celebrations continue into the evening with a Pipe Band Quintet competition at Aberdeen then on Sunday St Alban’s Church, Muswellbrook hosts the Kirkin’ of the Tartan service.

For the full program, check: https://aberdeenhighlandgames.com

GOOD NEWS! – One year on from the East Coast severe weather event that deluged the MidCoast, Hunter coast and the Upper Hunter in May 2025, endangered turtles have shown their  resilience.

New monitoring has revealed encouraging signs for the endangered Manning River turtle population which have returned in numbers comparable to pre-flood levels.

Surveys by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water show the species has persisted in key habitats including the Barnard, upper Barrington and upper  Gloucester rivers.

Monitoring also highlighted broader ecosystem recovery with underwater surveys recording strong recruitment of native fish species, including juvenile Australian bass, freshwater herring and  freshwater mullet.

Discover more about the Manning River turtle’s story, at: www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/news/endangered-turtles-remain-resilient-one-year-manning-river-flood

ONLINE REPRESENTATION – Telecommunication Industry Ombudsman (TIO), Cynthia Gebert, is stepping up the conversation on the urgent need to support Australian consumers impacted  by online problems.

The TIO has released a new report, ‘Someone To Turn To’, commissioned by the Ombudsman and prepared by the Consumer Policy Research Centre.

It reveals the growing impact of online problems and the urgent need for Australian consumers to have support.

Four in five Australians have experienced problems online, over half of the people surveyed were impacted financially with Australians losing an estimated $497 million a year due to problems  with digital services.

Three in four people want free and independent support to handle online complaints, and 83 per cent are open to the TIO expanding its role to do it.

A webinar on Thursday, 23 July, 10-10.50am, will hear about the report findings, consumer stories and what Australians want to see change and help shape what comes next.

To participate in the webinar, register at: https://tio-au.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rArzUkuNR2qs3wEtcgbgLQ#/registration

WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY – Upper Hunter Electorate public schools will again be part of the Share Our Space program over the winter school holiday from Monday, 6 July.

Booral, Dungog, Broke, Muswellbrook, Scone and Ellerston public schools will be open daily, 8am-5pm, with Gloucester and Stroud public schools open on weekends only 8am–5pm.

Share Our Space involves public schools opening their outdoor spaces, playgrounds and sports fields for communities to enjoy for free.

It’s an opportunity to kick a footy, have a game of basketball, catch-up with friends or enjoy some fresh air with the family as you make the most of the shared spaces.

Conditions of entry to school grounds prohibit the use of bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, drones or model aeroplanes and golf, only companion animals are allowed, commercial or organised activity is  not permitted without prior approval.

For more information on Share Our Space locations, check: www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/we-support-communities/share-our-space.html

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES – Singleton, Muswellbrook and Dungog will participate in the NSW Government’s Holiday Break program which provides free access to activities during the  school holiday.

Holiday Break supports young people to develop skills, connect with others, and explore new ideas with activities covering a variety of interests.

Singleton Youth Venue will be a hive of activities across the two weeks from Dungeons and Dragons to a Lego Build Day, aromatherapy workshop, board games and cards plus pickle ball, table  tennis and fuse ball.

Muswellbrook Indoor Sports Centre is the venue for a Winter Wonderland-themed silent disco on Tuesday, 14 July, 11am-2pm.

And, Dungog Shire Community Centre has planned a trip to Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay on Wednesday 15 July, 8am-3pm.

To see what is on offer, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/living-nsw/young-people/about/holiday-break

SINGLETON’S NAIDOC WEEK – Humour, storytelling and cultural insight with acclaimed comedian Andy Saunders at Singleton Public Library on Sunday, 5 July, will launch this year’s local  NAIDOC Week events.

The Singleton NAIDOC Community Day at Singleton Showground on Wednesday, 8 July, 10am-2pm, will feature a day of free entertainment, cultural experiences and family-friendly activities for  people of all ages. 

Children’s author and illustrator Melissa-Jane Fogarty will also hold a special Storytime at Singleton Library on Saturday, 11 July, at 10am.

Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre’s contribution to NAIDOC Week will focus on showing a series of special film screenings in the gallery from Tuesday, 7 July, to Sunday, 12 July.

Information about Singleton’s NAIDOC activities, is available from: www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/naidoc

NET ZERO INPUT – A Call for Evidence has gone out from the Net Zero Commission to assist development of the first NSW-specific decarbonisation pathways.

The state has legislated targets to cut emissions and reach net zero by 2050 with the Commission seeking feedback from across all sectors, communities and regions.

To build the pathways properly, the Commission needs evidence and data from the people who know their sectors and communities best.

The Call for Evidence will examine improving the effectiveness of NSW’s transition to net zero, sector and workforce transitions, and addressing socio-economic priorities for a just transition.

Industry, businesses, researchers, community organisations and individuals are being asked to have their say by Friday, 31 July, at: www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/call-for-evidence-on-pathways.

PROJECT UPDATE – Community information sessions are being held this week at Merriwa to provide an update on the Goulburn River solar farm.

The Merriwa Meeting Room of the old library is the location for drop-in sessions on Wednesday, 1 July, 3.30-6.30pm, and Thursday, 2 July, 7.30-9.30am.

Lightsource BP is progressing plans to improve the battery storage system for the project located between Merriwa and Wollar.

Further information on the Goulburn River solar farm can be found at: https://lightsourcebp.com/project/goulburn-river-solar/ 

And, Idemitsu Australia conducted community consultation last weekend in Muswellbrook on its proposed Hunter Vanadium Flow Battery project for the former Muswellbrook coal mine site:  https://idemitsu.com.au/projects/

INDUSTRIAL HEMP – A new Hemp Industry Development Plan is set to unlock opportunities for NSW businesses and add value to the state's low-THC hemp industry.

The plan outlines a roadmap for industry growth through targeted research and development, stronger supply chains, market expansion and a supportive policy and regulatory framework.

Industrial hemp has potential for use as a fibre for textiles, rope, composites and building materials whilst hemp seeds can be used to produce oils, food ingredients, protein powder and cosmetics.

The plan focuses on areas where the government, industry and stakeholders can collaborate to address local needs and position the NSW industrial hemp industry to capitalise on the potential global and domestic growth of the emerging industry.

For more on the Hemp Industry Development Plan, go to: www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/broadacre-crops/nsw-hemp-industry

Contact:
Email address: upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au
New Address: 94 John Street Singleton 2330
Postal Address: PO Box 60 Singleton NSW 2330
Ph: 6543 1065
www.davelayzell.com.au/news/categories/state-matters

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Upper Hunter Shire Council

Council Meeting Recap 25 May 2026

Published on 26 May 2026

Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday, 25 May 2026 to consider a range of matters relating to community planning, infrastructure delivery and major projects across the shire.Young Endeavour Ambassadors Presentation
Council welcomed participants from the 2026 Young Endeavour voyage, with local ambassadors sharing insights from their recent leadership and development experience aboard the national sail training ship.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030

The draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030 was endorsed for public exhibition, supporting Council’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion and improved participation for people with disability across the Upper Hunter. The draft DIAP can be viewed here: https://www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/council/meetings/council-meetings/diap_2026_v10.pdf

Public Forums and Committees
New Model Public Forum Rules issued by the Office of Local Government were considered, along with their impact on Council’s current Code of Meeting Practice.

Two motions were considered during discussion of the item. Council ultimately resolved to note the guidance and directives from the Office of Local Government on meetings and public forums, and modify the Code of Meeting Practice with the public forum commencing at 4.30pm prior to the Council meeting.

The updated guidance supports holding public forums separately before Council meetings, allowing Councillors time to consider matters raised and seek further information if required.

Environmental and Community Services Committee
Recommendations from the Environmental and Community Services Committee meeting held on 12 May 2026 were adopted.

This included approval of a residential shed development application in Aberdeen, approval to regularise an existing cattle feedlot and increase its capacity to 4,100 head near Merriwa, and approval for the construction of a shed with amenities and retaining wall in Scone.  

Confidential Reports
Council considered several confidential matters relating to infrastructure and procurement:

Cassilis Sewerage System Reticulation Package
Council resolved to:

  1. accept the tender from Demand Plumbing & Excavations Pty Ltd for all works under Tender No. 7/2026 – Cassilis Sewerage System Reticulation Package for a contract sum of $2,291,976.90 inclusive of GST;
  2. delegate authority to the General Manager to enter into a contract with Demand Plumbing & Excavations Pty Ltd and conduct all relevant functions under the contract; and
  3. delegate authority to the General Manager to approve expenditure as identified in the Project Funding schedule within this report.

Supply and Delivery of One 6×4 Rigid Tipping Truck
Council resolved to:

  1. accept the tender from JT Fossey Sales Pty Ltd – Truck Division for the supply and delivery of one Mitsubishi Fuso FV84 Rigid Tipping Truck for $290,170.91 exclusive of GST; and
  2. enter into arrangements with a third-party leasing company for the purchase of this plant item.

Management of Scone, Murrurundi and Merriwa Pools
Council resolved to:

  1. accept Tender 06/2026 from Aqua Connect, subject to the satisfactory provision of required insurance documentation, for the three-year lease from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029 to manage the Scone, Murrurundi and Merriwa swimming pools, with a provision for a two-year extension based on satisfactory performance to 30 June 2031; and
  2. provide delegated authority to the General Manager to conduct all relevant functions under the contract.

For more details on other matters discussed, please refer to the meeting agenda available on the Upper Hunter Shire Council website, or head to our YouTube channel to watch the meeting.

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Monthly Works Schedule – Month Starting Monday, 15 June 2026

Each Month Upper Hunter Shire Council prepares a report detailing the work that our infrastructure crews plan to deliver in the coming month. 

Scheduled work is merely an indication of what we intend to undertake and is not a guarantee of work being carried out. As factors such as weather, resource availability and unexpected needs can impact Councils priorities for the coming month. 

Merriwa

Works Delivery

  • Darkwood Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • Coolah Road- Maintenance Grading 
  • Wollara Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • inspections as required
  • Action requests as required

Parks and Facilities

  • Amenities maintenance
  • Cemetery maintenance
  • Parks, sports fields, rest areas, entrances/approaches, Showground Passive areas and reserves mowing and maintenance
  • Playground inspections
  • Actions requests as required
  • Tree maintenance

Water and Sewer

  • Water treatment plant operation and maintenance
  • Sewer treatment plant operation and maintenance
  • Water and sewer distribution systems actions as required
  • Private works (Water & Sewer) as requried 

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Have you seen something that needs attention?

Please use the Customer Request Management Form available online by clicking here to lodge an action with UHSC.

Alternatively, you can download and use the Snap, Send, Solve app from the App store. This app allows you to submit requests with various authorities or Local Council with ease. Learn more about the Snap, Send, Solve app here

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Want to get involved via sponsorship? Have some news to share?

Get in touch with us via email at merriwaportal@gmail.com