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Upper Hunter’s Annual Bulk Waste Clean Up Is Approaching! 

Mark your calendars because it’s time for a clean-out! Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Bulk Waste Clean Up service is just around the corner.

 

 2025 Collection Dates:

 Scone, Gundy, and Moonan Flat: October 13 – 17

 Murrurundi, Blandford, Wingen, Parkville, and Bunnan: October 20 – 24

 Cassilis, Merriwa, Aberdeen: October 27 – 31

 

 Important Info:

Items should be placed on the kerbside on the Sunday before your week of collection.

 Garden waste will NOT be accepted.

 Mattresses and tyres are also prohibited.

 No liquid waste of any sort.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions:

“Can I dispose of my scrap metal?” Scrap metal is included this year!

“What about my old laptop or TV?” Electronics / E-Waste is not accepted in the Bulky Waste Collection but can be dropped off for free at the Community Recycling Centre in Scone.

 

For more information, head to our website: https://www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

 

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Council Meeting Recap 25 August 2025

Published on 26 August 2025

Decisions Shaping Community and Infrastructure at August Council Meeting 26 August 2025 

Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 25 August 2025 to consider a wide range of matters, from recognising long-serving staff to progressing key infrastructure and policy updates.

Paul Smith recognised for 20 years’ service Senior Environmental Planner Paul Smith was acknowledged for two decades of dedicated service. Councillors praised his professionalism, highlighting his long record of providing expert advice on development and environmental matters, and presented him with a certificate of appreciation.

Scone Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan Council adopted the Scone Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan following public consultation. The plan provides a clear framework for reducing flood risk and will enable Council to apply for funding to implement key mitigation measures.

Liverpool Range Wind Farm – Planning agreement Council endorsed entering into a planning agreement with Tilt Renewables for the Liverpool Range Wind Farm. The agreement will provide an indexed annual contribution of $1,050 per megawatt installed, supporting community benefit programs, road maintenance and administration.

Code of Meeting Practice Council resolved to place its current Code of Meeting Practice on public exhibition. This is in line with NSW Government requirements, ahead of the release of a new Model Code under the state’s Councillor Conduct Framework reforms.

Rural Halls Rejuvenation Grants Council approved funding under the 2025/26 Rural Halls Rejuvenation Grants Program for:

• Timor Sports and Recreation Club – $6,581.35 for replacement of fencing and installation of air conditioning.
• Abbotsford Park Trust (Wingen Community Hall) – $4,750.00 for replacement of guttering and downpipes.

This allocation exhausts the 2025/26 program funding.

Flying-fox impacts Councillors debated a notice of motion regarding the impact of flying-fox camps across the shire. While the animals are protected and play an important environmental role, Council resolved to advocate for stronger assistance from state agencies and to improve communication with affected communities.

Community appreciation Council received a quarterly report of letters and messages from community groups, acknowledging positive feedback for Council staff and services.

Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre Council considered submissions from the recent expression-of-interest process for the Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre. The General Manager was authorised to negotiate with existing proponents on operational and financial models while also inviting further proposals from other qualified parties to ensure the centre delivers strong long-term outcomes for the community.

Glenbawn Tunnel Pipeline encasement works Council reviewed a report on storm-related damage to the Glenbawn Tunnel Pipeline concrete encasement project. An additional $460,000 has been allocated from the Water Reserve to complete rectification works, with authority delegated to the General Manager to approve contract variations up to this amount.

Councillors noted that under current state government guidelines, damage to critical water infrastructure caused by recent storms cannot be claimed for disaster recovery assistance, leaving Council to fund the works from its own reserves. The General Manager has been authorised to raise this matter directly with the responsible Minister.

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

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 MR358 Road Project – June Update 

Construction continues across all four sections of the MR358 upgrade, with strong progress on key structural and pavement works.

 

 Highlights

 Catch drain excavation and concrete lining complete in Sections 1 & 2

 Gabion wall construction now 90% complete across the entire project

 Rock bolting, 3,000 soil nails and all rock mesh installation finished

 Shotcrete open drains and open drain excavation works now 100%

 Earthworks nearing completion at 98%

 

 Coming up:

 Gabion wall and subsoil drainage finalisation in Section 2

 Subgrade prep, select pavement and drainage across all sections

 Kerbing, table drains and cross drainage works continuing

 Base pavement construction now underway

 

 For more information on the project, please head to: http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/mr358

 

 This project is proudly supported by the NSW State and Australian Federal Governments.