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Community Consultation Opens on Potential Merriwa De-Amalgamation

Published on 08 August 2023

In response to a resolution passed at the July Ordinary Council meeting, initiated by Deputy Mayor James Burns, Council is launching a community consultation to gauge public sentiment on the potential de-amalgamation of the former Merriwa local government area, from the Upper Hunter Shire.

Cr Burns emphasised the importance of community input, stating “The reason I have put this motion forward is because it is not the Councillors’ job to second guess the peoples’ wish, it is to engage with them on the issues and build a strategy around the majority desire.”

While expressing his desire for a “thriving Shire connected through commerce and community”, Cr Burns recognises that “there are those residents of the Shire that believe they would be better off on their own. That issue needs to be investigated regardless of my sentiments, it is up to the people to tell us now.”

He added, “We will provide them with the fiscal facts, the evidence that they are better off in the tent than out of it and we will wait to see what the community says.”

Greg McDonald, General Manager of Upper Hunter Shire Council, stated “Council’s role here is to facilitate this process, not to steer the outcome. If our community members express support for de-amalgamation, we will forward the findings to the Minister for Local Government and the Member for Upper Hunter. If the community is not in favour, we will report the findings to Council without further action.”

Financial implications of the potential de-amalgamation are now available on Council’s website. Council encourages all community members to participate in the consultation process by sharing their views via an online form. For more information, please visit our website at upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/deamalgamation

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Upper Hunter Shire Council Adopts Critical Motion on Drought Condition

Published on 18 August 2023

In an extraordinary meeting held yesterday, Upper Hunter Shire Council has made a unanimous and urgent stand against the devastating drought conditions currently affecting the region.

The primary agenda item, a Notice of Motion brought forward by Councillor James Burns, addressed the pressing drought conditions in the Upper Hunter Shire. The motion, which was adopted by Council, consisted of the following key actions:

Recognition of Drought: Council has formally recognised the dire state of drought affecting the Upper Hunter Shire, acknowledging its impact on the local community and economy.

Water Conservation Call: Residents of the Upper Hunter Shire are urged to remember waterwise rules and minimise water use during this challenging period. Conservation efforts are vital to sustain water supplies.

Government Action Request: A call has been made to the NSW Government to revise the drought indicator, incorporating farmer input and on-the-ground knowledge that reflects the true nature of the situation in the regions.

Visits from State Leaders: Council is formally inviting the Premier of NSW, the NSW Agriculture Minister, the Minister for Regional NSW, the Opposition Leader, and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to tour the drought-stricken farms across the Shire. This effort will provide firsthand insight into the devastation that is beginning to take hold.

The meeting also included the participation of Patrick Ryan, Grazier, and former Chair of the NSW Farmers – Merriwa Branch. Patrick was critical of the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI), stating, “Less than 2% of the state is identified as a drought status of any type, this particular area is not, it’s not even in an approaching drought situation. That can’t be, we need to address that; and that’s why we are here.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty recently stated that the NSW Government is committed to supporting farmers to prepare for drought through agricultural research that helps farmers build on-ground resilience. In response to these comments, Cr James Burns said, “The drought is here, the research is not going to help, it will help in the future, yes, but we need you here now, and we need you to do something about this.”

He further invited the Minister, stating, “If that means that you have to come out here and declare us in a drought yourself, Minister, then I invite you.”

Upper Hunter Shire Council remains committed to supporting its residents through these difficult times and will continue to engage with both the local community and state authorities to ensure the necessary assistance is provided.

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Upper Hunter Shire Council calls on Federal Government to act on MR358 

Published on 15 August 2023

Upper Hunter Shire Council is issuing an urgent plea to the Federal Government to deliver on the promised funds for the MR358 Merriwa to Willow Tree Road project. The project, valued close to $50 million, was promised funding by the previous Coalition Government and NSW State Government.

As the current Federal Government draws the curtain on its 90-day infrastructure pipeline review, it is imperative they recognise the MR358 project as a top priority. The review, led by Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, was initiated to ensure the government’s $120 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment is allocated to projects that enhance long-term productivity, economic growth, and regional development.

The MR358 project is much more than a road—it’s the lifeblood of the communities of Merriwa and Willow Tree, a crucial livestock freight route, and a significant economic driver. Following a meticulous planning and design stage, the project promised to restore economic certainty to these communities. However, continuous delays in releasing the promised funds has only served to exacerbate the negative impacts felt by our communities.

State Member for Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell said, “The ongoing closure of MR358 is having an immense impact on Upper Hunter communities, forcing people to take lengthy detours due to the lack of a direct route between Merriwa and Willow Tree. The wait for this road to be repaired and re-opened has placed a strain on the community.”

“Upper Hunter Shire Council have done an outstanding job getting this project shovel ready. It’s time for the government to act.”

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, initially recognised the importance of this project, stating, “This important transport link connects the New England Highway to the Golden Highway. Rebuilding this road will better connect our communities, boost local economies and enhance supply chain movement and productivity.”

Last year, Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, announced funding for the MR358 project from the Anthony Albanese Labor Government and claimed to have delivered what the previous Government, including the former Deputy Prime Minister, could not.

In response to these claims, Mr. Joyce said, “The announcement from the Member for Hunter is filled with bold assertions about delivering what we couldn’t. The reality is that the people of Merriwa and Willow Tree are still waiting. Upper Hunter Shire Council is still waiting. It’s not about who makes the loudest claims; it’s about who actually gets things done. Talk is cheap, and photo opportunities don’t build roads. It’s time for the Federal Government to follow through on their commitment and actually deliver for regional Australia.”

“The MR358 Merriwa to Willow Tree Road is an important freight link for not just the Upper Hunter but the Liverpool Plains as well,” according to Liverpool Plains Shire Council Mayor Doug Hawkins OAM. “Our Council has done our bit by completing our section of this project and we support our good friends in the Upper Hunter Shire by calling upon the Federal Government to release the necessary funding so that this project can be completed. It is long overdue.”

“We made a commitment to our community to deliver this project, and we urge the Federal Government to honour their commitment to fund it,” said Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor Maurice Collison. “Political promises must translate into action. Our community deserves better.”

While Council has completed its due diligence and is prepared for construction, the funds committed by the Federal and State Governments have yet to materialise.

We firmly believe that the MR358 project fulfils all the criteria for funding under the infrastructure pipeline, including enhancing long-term productivity, supply chains, and economic growth. Both the State and Federal Governments must deliver on their commitments and release the funds for this crucial infrastructure project.

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