Council is introducing changes to the way in which it approves water and sewerage works associated with development applications. The changes are being made to ensure compliance with the Water Management Act 2000 and to bring Council’s processes into line with other Councils that are also water and sewer authorities.

The new two-step approvals process will require applicants to apply for a Notice of Requirements followed by a Compliance Certificate once water and sewerage works have been completed and any applicable contributions have been paid. Council inspection of works may also be required.

Council invites comment on these proposed fees which can be addressed to the General Manager, Upper Hunter Shire Council, 135 Liverpool St, PO Box 208, Scone NSW 2337 or council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au.

All submissions must be received by COB 1 November, 2023.

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PUBLIC REPORT ON THE MERRIWA DE-AMALGAMATION CONSULTATION

Executive Summary

Upper Hunter Shire Council recently concluded a 33-day public consultation to gauge community sentiment on the potential de-amalgamation of the former Merriwa local government area. This report outlines the steps taken, the community’s feedback, and subsequent Council deliberations.

Background

Merriwa community was part of its own Council until 2006, when it was amalgamated with Scone and Murrurundi Councils to form Upper Hunter Shire Council. In recent years, voices within the community have expressed discontent through social media channels. To accurately assess the breadth of this sentiment, Council initiated a formal consultation in July 2023.

Consultation Methodology

Channels: Consultation was promoted through radio, social media, and a direct mail campaign.

Reach: Approximately 1,600 flyers were distributed to property owners in the former Merriwa LGA, reaching an estimated population of 3,000.

Duration: Consultation was open for 33 days, concluding on 15 September 2023.

Key Findings

Response Rate: A total of 141 responses were received, representing a 5% response rate.

Community Sentiment: Of the responses, 92 indicated a preference for de-amalgamation.

Financial Considerations: Respondents were provided with high-level financial impacts of de-amalgamation and were invited to share their views on potential solutions for any financial shortfalls.

Council’s Decision

Given the relatively low response rate, Council deliberated on the merits of forwarding the findings to the Minister for Local Government. The decision was made to proceed in the interest of full transparency.

Conclusion

This consultation has provided valuable insights into the community’s views on the potential de-amalgamation of the former Merriwa area. While the response rate was low, Council believes in the importance of transparency and has thus shared these findings.

For more details, please refer to the full report submitted to Council on 25 September 2023.

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WORKS SCHEDULE – WEEK STARTING MONDAY, OCTOBER 16 2023

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

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 week. 

Merriwa

Works Delivery

• Idaville Road – Maintenance grading
• Flight Springs Road – Maintenance grading
• Possum Springs Road – Maintenance grading
• Golden Highway – Reseal preparations
• Golden Highway – Heavy patching
• Rest area maintenance
• Road inspections as required
• Action requests as required

Parks and Facilities

• Amenities maintenance
• Cemetery maintenance
• Public garbage collection
• Parks, sports fields, rest areas, entrances/approaches, Showground Passive areas and reserves mowing and maintenance
• Weed control
• Pool maintenance
• Playground inspections
• Actions requests as required

Water and Sewer

• Sewer treatment plant operation and maintenance
• Water treatment operation and maintenance
• Actions requests as required