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Week Starting Monday 8th December 2025

Merriwa Chamber of Commerce 

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY

This year will be a smaller event, but we hope it brings plenty of Christmas cheer to our community. Join us in the forecourt of The Hut on:

📅 Thursday 11th December
⏰ 5:00pm – 7:00pm

🍔 BBQ hosted by Merriwa Rotary Club – all proceeds go directly back to Rotary.
🎅 Special visits from not one, but two festive guests – Santa AND the Grinch!
📸 Bring your camera and grab a FREE Santa photo!

A big thank you to those who have generously donated decorations – your kindness means we can bring some sparkle to the forecourt this year!

The Welcoming Centre will be open from 5–7pm, so pop in and say hello.

🛍 Local businesses – if you’re planning to stay open and would like us to share any Christmas specials, please contact us so we can help spread the word.

Come along, enjoy a relaxed community evening, support local, and celebrate the season with us.

✨ We can’t wait to see you there! ✨

**This evening is proudly held by Merriwa Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Merriwa Tourist Welcoming Centre, Merriwa Men’s Shed & Merriwa Rotary Club.**

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FIND IT IN MERRIWA CHRISTMAS PROMOTION

Spend local, support our community – and go into the draw to win Merriwa Why Leave Town Gift Cards!
🛍 Participating Businesses & Minimum Spend per Transaction:
IGA Plus Liquor Merriwa – $30 (excludes alcohol & tobacco)
newsXpress Merriwa – $20 (excludes lottery products)
Merriwa Pharmacy – $20 (excludes prescriptions)
BRG Hair Co – $30
 
📢 Chamber Member Businesses:
If you’d like to join in, simply reply to the email sent to you previously and we’ll send all the details.
 
📢 Local businesses who aren’t Chamber members:
You can still participate – contact us for info (participation fee applies).
 
Let’s keep Christmas local.
 
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE – Find it in Merriwa this Christmas! 🎁💛

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MERRIWA CHRISTMAS LIGHT COMPETITION

We’re excited to share that our judging team this year will once again be Leanne and Adam from Ausgrid! We’re just finalising the official judging date, and once that’s locked in we’ll release the entry forms, along with the closing date and all the details.

But don’t let that stop you from getting festive — it’s the perfect time to start planning and lighting up Merriwa! 🎄✨

Prizes (Why Leave Town Cards):
🏆 1st Prize: $250
🥈 2nd Prize: $150
🥉 3rd Prize: $50

Stay tuned — more info coming very soon, but you can always send us a message to enter your address! 🎅🎁
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Merriwa Junior Rugby League Football Club INC

MEGA CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

THIS FRIDAY 12TH DEC Merriwa Sports Club NSW
$5000 worth of prizes
Tickets on sale from 6pm
Support our junior football community

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB

CHRISTMAS PARTY

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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CAROLS IN THE PARK

Carols in the Park – Sunday 14th Dec – Apex Park

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CHRISTMAS TRIVIA NIGHT

If you’ve been, you know this is a spectacular night of friendly competition and fun, with Annalese’s own special brand of local trivia mayhem.
 
We’ve sold out the marquee the last couple of events, so get your team together and book yourself a table for one of the best nights of the summer.
 
Saturday 20th December at 6pm
 
 
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CHRISTMAS DINNER

Bring your appetite and sit down to our take on a multi-course Aussie Christmas feast with a festive beverage or two thrown in. Book early as there are limited seats and just a bit of excitement already
 
Grab your ticket here – https://bit.ly/CassilisXmasEve
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Catch the talented Shyanne Irwin on our stage 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟳𝗽𝗺.
 
Kick back in our Beer Garden for another Saturday Night Summer Session 🎶
 

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LET’S PARTY – FUNDRAISER FOR MND

Calling all Elvis fans! Join the ultimate party in Merriwa this January to raise awareness about motor neurone disease, and raise vital funds to support families facing MND. Share a meal and be entertained with a live Elvis performance! Just come along and join the party, or stay the night too – campsites are available!

Date – Sat 3rd Jan 2026

Time – 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm 
Location – Merriwa Showground, Dutton Street, Merriwa NSW 
 
Tickets are available now:  Adult (16+) – $20
Child (under 16) – Free of charge.
 
Get your tickets at mndblue.org.au/letsparty

Don’t miss this amazing event, helping to raise funds to provide assistive equipment, educational opportunities, information and support for people living with motor neurone disease throughout NSW, the ACT and NT.

BBQ dinner is included with your ticket! Gates open 4pm, with the party officially kicking off from 5pm.

Want to stay all night? Powered and unpowered campsites are available! Be quick to book your site by calling 0417 583 797, as numbers are limited. 

Each camper requires an event ticket, with up to 5 people permitted per campsite. You can start setting up from 1pm on January 3, 2026.

BBQ Breakfast is available for campers.

Party on with live entertainment!

Elvis Tribute Artist Nigel Stanley will help you dance the night away!

Enjoy a BBQ dinner as part of the event.

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Giro de Cassilis is back in 2026 with the ‘Cassilis Triple Crown’ on 7th & ‘Giro de Cassilis’ on 8th March!

Also introducing a new option for kids – “The Bambino” – a kid sized out and back course from Cassilis on Sunday.

Full details on www.girodecassilis.org

Sign up for one day or both and bring the little ones for the Bambino ride.

Don’t forget your bucket hat – they sold out this year

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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP

Member for Upper Hunter – 8 December 2025

BUSHFIRE DISASTER DECLARATION – UPPER HUNTER, Muswellbrook and MidCoast council areas are now covered by Natural Disaster Declarations for recent bushfires.

The declarations make support available under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Assistance measures that may be provided include support for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items, as well as, concessional loans for small businesses and primary producers.

Residents affected by the bushfires should contact Service NSW on 137788 or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au to access information on disaster assistance, grants, and recovery support plus checking: www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery/natural-disaster-declarations

The NSW Government is asking people who want to help bushfire impacted communities not to send physical donations but to donate through GIVIT at: https://www.givit.org.au/

REPORT DAMAGE – Rural landholders impacted by recent severe thunderstorms that swept across the Upper Hunter Electorate are being  asked to ensure they report damage from those events.

The primary industries natural disaster damage assessment (PiNDDA) survey allows you to record damage to primary production and  animals from natural disasters.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will then gather, analyse and report on the damage to primary industries  and animals after storm and bushfire events.

The PiNDDA survey helps a range of government agencies, industry organisations and communities understand the scale and regional  distribution of the impact of a disaster on agriculture, plan for recovery activities and target resources and assistance in an area.

So, when intense storms or bushfires affect your property, please ensure you complete the PiNDDA survey:  www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/biosecurity/emergency-management/primary-industries-natural-disaster-damage-survey

COMMENT CLOSING – Feedback closes this Friday, 12 December, for property owners to comment on EnergyCo’s revised Muswellbrook- Walcha transmission corridor study for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

Input now will help ensure local knowledge and feedback informs the corridor refinement process from the 3 kilometre-wide study area to a 1 kilometre-wide corridor, and eventually down to a final easement of 140 metres wide, generally 70 metres for each 500kV line.

EnergyCo has indicated there will be further opportunities to have your say as the project progresses, including the exhibition of the  Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in the second half of next year.

A range of field studies are underway to help inform the EIS including survey work on local roads at various locations between Muswellbrook  and Armidale.

A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment is being undertake using photographs of the general landscape with all photos only being taken  from public vantage points.

Visit energyco.nsw.gov.au/ne for latest updates and fact sheets, alternatively, call 1800 061114 (toll free) or send feedback by email to:  nerez@energyco.nsw.gov.au.

FIREARMS COMPLIANCE – Hunter Valley Police District has issued a reminder for firearm license holders to be aware and comply with  their obligations under the Firearms Act 1996.

The Rural Crime Prevention Team recently conducted Operation Fleece which seized nine firearms as a result of safe storage breaches.

It included a firearm being located behind a door in a residence and an unregistered firearm was surrendered under amnesty.

Operation Fleece involved the Hunter Valley, Manning/Great Lakes and Richmond Rural Crime Prevention Teams, as well as officers  attached to the Proactive Crime Team, Detectives and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and DPI Hunting.

The operation covered Merriwa, Murrurundi, Scone, Willow Tree, Cassilis, Ulan and Wollar, with police conducting a number of hunting  vehicle stops and livestock carrier inspections for mandatory paperwork.

To check on your Firearms Act obligations and safe storage of firearms go to: www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms

NEW AMBULANCE STATION – Almost two-years after the NSW Nationals and Liberals committed to a new Ambulance Station for  Branxton, the Minns Labor Government will locate it at North Rothbury. 

In January 2023, then Minister for Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor, announced the site for the new station would be determined following  further planning and consultation with key stakeholders including the community, Cessnock City Council and local emergency services personnel.

The state government has now purchased the Winepress Road site after NSW Ambulance identified North Rothbury as a high priority  location for a new station, following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software to map Triple Zero  (000) calls.

The station will be delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program, which was originally  announced in the Nationals and Liberals 2022-23 State Budget.

SCHOOL BUS CHANGES – North Branxton, Radford Estate and Rusty Lane are three Upper Hunter Electorate communities that will  benefit from improved schools bus services on the way for the Hunter Valley.

Service improvements are being made as part of the NSW Government’s response to growing demand in areas such as Branxton and Huntlee.

Students attending Cessnock and Mount View High Schools, St Philip’s Christian College and Hunter Valley Grammar School will be among  those to benefit from the improvements.

Transport for NSW and operator, Rover Coaches, are working closely with schools and parents to ensure communities are aware of the  updated services.

Existing routes and timetables may change, and students and families are encouraged to plan their journeys at: https://transportnsw.info

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS – Education facilities could be one of the options for the re-use of the former Maitland Hospital site with  residents of Lorn, Bolwarra and northern Maitland asked to contribute their ideas.

NSW Health has engaged Property and Development NSW to determine the most appropriate future use of the former hospital, which closed  in January 2022, when the majority of health services moved to the new facility at Metford.

The former hospital is currently zoned SP2 – Infrastructure: Health Services Facility, which limits permissible uses without rezoning, and  includes several buildings of significant local heritage value such as the former Female Public Ward.

Following the public consultation period, Property and Development NSW will publish a summary report of all community ideas and  feedback received to help guide any future decisions about site. 

Check the consultation website and Have your say by 1 March 2026: http://www.nsw.gov.au/former-maitland-hospital

NDIS CONSULTATION – Residents of Dungog shire will have the opportunity to ask questions of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) next week.

The NDIA will be on board the Services Australia Mobile Service Centre when it stops at Vacy on Monday 15 December, Dungog on Tuesday  16 December, Wednesday 17 December at Clarence Town, then on Thursday 18 December at Hinton.

Community members can visit the Mobile Service Centre and connect with NDIS Agency representatives virtually or face-to-face.

Topics which can be discussed include applying to access the NDIS, understanding an approved plan and general queries relating to the  NDIS.

For the location of the Services Australia Mobile Service Centre check: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/when-and-where-to-find-mobile-service-centres

FISHING PROGRAM RETURNS – NSW schools are being encouraged to include fishing as part of the curriculum next year.

Primary schools are invited to join the free, fun, and interactive Recreational Fishing Schools Program.

It gives students the chance to learn about sustainable fishing, marine environments, and water safety in a hands-on way.

High schools can register for the Fish For Life High School Program which is a free, online program designed to inspire and engage students  through meaningful, real-world learning.

Teachers and students will explore the world of recreational fishing in NSW, understand the importance of sustainable and ethical fishing  practices, learn about conserving fish habitats and protecting marine environments.

Each unit also highlights a range of career pathways, helping students connect classroom learning with future study options and opportunities in the marine and fisheries sectors.

Registrations close 30 April 2026 with more information available from: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/fishing-workshops/get-hooked

WEED WATCH – Hunter Local Land Services is advising landholders to be alert for potentially dangerous weeds as livestock look for green  pic.

With pastures drying off and nutrient quality declining, cattle are more likely to browse unusual species along creek lines, fence-lines and  disturbed areas where weeds remain green for longer.

St John’s wort and green cestrum are two plants that contain toxins that can cause serious illness or death, even in small quantities.

Landholders are encouraged to assess paddocks, manage grazing pressure, and control high-risk weeds before conditions deteriorate further.

Providing supplementary feed, improving pasture cover, and restricting access to known infestations can reduce the risk.

For support with identification and management of weeds, contact Hunter Local Land Services or visit NSW Weedwise:  https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au

HARNESS RACING APPOINTMENT – Expressions of Interest (EOIs) have been called from prospective applicants for appointment as a  member of the Board of Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW).

Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, has established a selection panel to assist with the appointment.

The Harness Racing Act 2009 requires that an appointee must have experience in a senior administrative role or experience at a senior level  in one or more of the fields of business, finance, law, marketing, technology, commerce, regulatory administration or regulatory enforcement.

EOIs are encouraged from candidates who possess experience across a range of fields and have an appreciation of the issues affecting the  harness racing industry.

Competitive candidates will be required to complete a comprehensive probity assessment to be eligible for appointment and should also  familiarise themselves with the requirements of the HRNSW Board Code of Conduct: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/office-of-
racing/key-appointments

To apply, submit an updated CV and cover letter outlining relevant experience by 15 December via email to racing.admin@racing.nsw.gov.au with the subject line “Harness Racing NSW Appointment”.

EARLY HOLIDAY TIPS – Aussie Ark is one Upper Hunter location preparing to host visitors over the summer holiday break.

Summer Open Days return in January with the Barrington Tops conservation facility opening the gate for the public to explore the sanctuary  and see conservation work in action. 

Every ticket purchased contributes directly to Aussie Ark’s conservation mission of creating disease-free insurance populations and breeding  programs, to providing a safe haven for endangered native species in a feral-proof sanctuary.

Book your tickets at: www.aussieark.org.au/visit-us/open-days

And, at the southern approach to the Barrington’s, Lake St Clair Park has new accessible amenities to ensure day visitors and campers enjoy  their stay.

The new $1million prefabricated building was fully funded through the Resources for Regions Program of the former Nationals and Liberals  NSW Government.

To see what Lake St Clair has to offer, check in at: www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/Experience/Facilities-and-Recreation/Lake-St-Clair

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

🔵 🚐 The NSW Mobile Services Australia Centre ‘Golden Wattle’ will be visiting Murrurundi, Scone & Merriwa 🚐 🔵
Murrurundi:
📍Near Wilson Memorial Park, Mayne St
🗓️ Friday 5 December, 2025
⏰ 9:00am – 4:00pm
Scone:
📍 Near Scone Shopping Centre, Kingdon St, Scone
🗓️ Monday 8 December, 2025
⏰ 9:00am – 4:00pm
Merriwa:
📍In front of the Fitzroy Hotel, Bettington St, Merriwa
🗓️ Tuesday 9 December, 2025
⏰ 9:30am – 4:00pm
 
This Mobile Service Centre offers similar services to physical sites including but not limited to:
✅ New claims for most Centrelink payments
✅ Registering for a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) online account
✅ Medicare transactions and registrations
✅ Information on rural payment entitlements for eligible farmers
✅ Social work support and referrals
For more information about upcoming Mobile Services Australia locations please head to: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mobileoffice

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Gummun Place Hostel, November 3 Update

Published on 03 November 2025

The Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee has endorsed a proposed new operating model for the Merriwa facility, following a feasibility review undertaken by aged care consultants Pride Aged Living.

The review found that Council could best meet its requirements by transitioning Gummun Place Hostel from a residential aged care service to a licensed assisted boarding house, supported by home care package-based aged care services delivered by an external provider.

Deputy Mayor Cr Pat Ryan, Chair of the Advisory Committee, said the proposal provides a sustainable pathway for the future of the facility while maintaining locally based accommodation and care for residents.

“The current residential aged care model is not financially sustainable,” Cr Ryan said.
“The assisted boarding house model offers a more viable path forward that allows residents to remain part of the Merriwa community while continuing to access the care they need.”

Financial modelling undertaken as part of the feasibility review indicates that the service could achieve a breakeven result when occupied by approximately 10 to 11 residents, with potential for improvement as the model is refined and through discussions with suitable providers.

An assisted boarding house is a simpler and less compliance-focused operating model than a residential aged care service. It is expected to reduce operating costs, with safeguards in place to prevent ongoing losses. Under the proposed model, Council would retain ownership of the facility and lease it to an experienced aged care or housing provider responsible for day-to-day operations and service delivery.

The feasibility review remains commercial in confidence to protect information that could compromise the upcoming Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

“The feasibility study contains sensitive financial and operational details that are essential to the EOI process,” Cr Ryan said. “Keeping it confidential ensures Council can attract the most qualified providers to operate Gummun Place.”

Under the preferred model, residents would enter occupancy agreements directly with the operator and contribute towards accommodation and meal costs. Additional services such as personal care, allied health, domestic assistance, home maintenance, transport and meal preparation could be funded through residents’ Home Care Packages.

The transition process is expected to take around six months, depening on the availability of suitable alternative accommodation for residents who are not eligible for home care packages.

Council has undertaken extensive consultation to date and continues to engage with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission regarding the transition process. Council will continue to meet its obligations to residents while it remains the approved provider.

Cr Ryan said the Advisory Committee is confident the proposed model represents a positive and achievable direction for the facility.

“This model reduces risk, lowers costs and supports residents to remain in Merriwa with access to quality care,” he said. “Our focus now is on identifying the right partner to manage the facility and deliver services under this approach.”

The Advisory Committee endorsed the proposed operating model at its meeting on 7 October 2025.

The agenda from Council’s last Ordinary Council Meeting can be found here:
upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/OC-27-October-2025

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Monthly Works Schedule – Week Starting Monday, 10 November 2025

Each month Upper Hunter Shire Council prepares a report detailing the work that our infrastructure crews plan to deliver over 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

  • Binks Road – Maintenance Grading
  • Redwell Road – Maintenance Grading
  • Neverfail Road – Maintenance Grading
  • Wollar Road – Maintenance Grading
  • Settlement Lane – Maintenance Grading
  • Lettybrook Road – Maintenance Grading
  • Glenroy Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • Springfrield Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • Gum Ridge Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • Sunnyside Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • Krui Road – Maintenance Grading
  • Mount Erin Road – Maintenance Grading
  • Alyndale Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • Idaville Road – Maintenance Grading
  • Roma Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • Hampshire Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • Road 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 and actions requests as required
  • Water Main replacement contract 
  • Rising main from Collins Street Bore and Langley Street Bore
  • Merriwa STP – Overflows discharge pipe construction 

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Extraordinary Council Meeting Recap 3 December 2025

Published on 04 December 2025

Upper Hunter Shire Council last night considered a Section 8.2 Review of Determination for Development Application No. 168/2023, relating to a proposed tourist and visitor accommodation development at 108 Bettington Street, Merriwa.

The original application, which proposes nine short stay accommodation units constructed from repurposed shipping containers, was previously granted partial consent in May 2025, with Unit 1 excluded due to access considerations relating to an unnamed laneway.

The Section 8.2 Review application sought to have the exclusion removed so that all nine units could proceed.

At last night’s Extraordinary Council Meeting, Council formally confirmed its original determination, maintaining the exclusion of Unit 1 from the development approval. The resolution was carried by majority vote.

In addition, Council resolved to immediately proceed with acquiring the land required to formalise access through the unnamed laneway from Bow Street to the rear of the business properties on Bettington and Vennacher Streets, Merriwa. This action follows through on an undertaking originally made to Merriwa businesses in 2004 to establish a formal rear access arrangement.

Once acquisition is complete, the laneway will be officially gazetted and named Bow Lane.

This decision provides certainty for both the applicant and surrounding businesses while enabling Council to progress the long standing laneway access commitment for Merriwa’s town centre.

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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🚧 MR358 Road Project – September 2025 Update

Construction continues to make solid progress across all four sections, with several key works now complete and pavement construction advancing well.
 
🛠️ Highlights:
✅ Gabion wall construction – 100% complete
✅ Rock bolts, soil nails (3,000 total) & rock mesh – 100% complete
✅ Open drain excavation & shotcrete open drains – 100% complete
✅ Earthworks – 98% complete
🚧 Drainage transverse lines – 95% complete
🚧 Table drains & kerbing – 80% complete
🚧 Road pavement construction – 70% complete
 
💡 Extra insight:
✅ CCTV inspections of drainage lines show works are performing as expected.
✅ Benkelman beam testing confirms excellent pavement strength results.
✅ The recent environment, safety and quality audit delivered a positive outcome.
 
🔜 Next steps
🚧 Continue base pavement and material placement
🚧 Progress table drain, kerbing and cross drainage works
🚧 Construction of maintenance access track into MT60 now underway
 
🗺️ For more information on the project, visit: http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/mr358
🤝 This project is proudly supported by the NSW State and Australian Federal Governments.

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

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