Council Meeting Recap February 2026
Published on 24 February 2026
Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 23 February 2026 to consider a broad range of matters recognising community contribution, progressing infrastructure planning, addressing financial sustainability, and responding to regional strategic issues.
Corporate Services Committee and financial matters
The minutes of the Corporate Services Committee meeting held on 13 February 2026 were adopted, along with budget variations.
In relation to the NSW Audit Office report, it was noted that no funds were misappropriated and that only externally restricted capital grants for fully funded projects were utilised in advance of reimbursement. Developer contributions and water and sewer funds were not used to address cashflow shortfalls.
Outstanding government payments were acknowledged as a contributing factor, and disagreement was expressed with the characterisation that funds were used for an improper purpose. An application will be made to the Minister seeking approval to temporarily utilise restricted grant funding in line with amounts owed, while advocacy continues to address grant timing issues affecting rural councils.
A submission to the Federal Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Fiscal Sustainability was also endorsed.
Vale Phillip Dunn
The meeting formally acknowledged the passing of Phillip Dunn, former Shire Engineer and Director Technical Services with Scone and Murrurundi Shire Councils. Phillip served the Upper Hunter from 1982 until 2004 and was recognised for his professionalism, leadership and lasting contribution to local infrastructure and community development.
Recognition of 20 years of service
Bernard Constable was recognised for reaching 20 years of service. Since commencing in 2006, Bernard has contributed extensively to road construction, maintenance programs and emergency response operations, including major works on the Golden Highway in partnership with Transport for NSW.
Committee and advisory reports
Reports were received from the Liverpool Range Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee, Arts Upper Hunter Board and the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee. These updates ensure continued engagement with community representatives and key stakeholders across the region.
Strategic planning reform submission
Endorsement was given to a submission responding to the NSW Government discussion paper, A New Approach to Strategic Planning. The submission raises concerns regarding the proposed approach to regional strategic planning and reinforces the importance of practical, regionally informed reforms that recognise regional diversity and interdependencies.
Rosedale Estate future development
Council considered the future direction of the Rosedale Estate site in Murrurundi and noted updated land valuations for both the full site and the smaller portion immediately north of Rosella Street.
It was resolved that the Master Plan for Rosedale Estate be revised to reflect current community needs, including opportunities for housing for the elderly and recreational facilities. Upon completion of the revised Master Plan, the land identified as suitable for housing development, such as the Rosella Street North portion, will be subdivided and converted to Operational Land to enable future sale of whole or individual lots.
The remaining non-developable portion, known as the Paddock, will remain Community Land and continue to be developed for recreational use and equestrian events, including King of the Ranges. Ongoing security of tenure for the King of the Ranges event will be maintained.
In recognition of the original investment by the former Murrurundi Council on behalf of the community, any surplus funds raised from land sales will be earmarked for projects within Murrurundi. An amendment to the motion was put to the vote and carried by majority.
Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System
A planning agreement offer associated with the proposed Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System was considered, ensuring appropriate community benefits for the Upper Hunter Shire if the project is approved.
Regional advocacy - 2026 National General Assembly
Motions were endorsed for lodgement at the 2026 National General Assembly of Local Government through the Hunter Joint Organisation on behalf of the ten Hunter councils.
The endorsed regional motions focus on key shared priorities, including:
- Strengthening jobs, skills and workforce development pathways across regional areas
- Increased and more flexible funding for local roads and strategic infrastructure
- Improving long-term financial sustainability for rural and regional councils
- Enhanced emergency management, disaster resilience and recovery funding frameworks
This coordinated approach seeks to amplify the Hunter’s advocacy at a national level and demonstrate strong regional alignment on critical issues affecting communities, businesses and infrastructure across the Upper Hunter and wider Hunter region.
Goulburn River Solar Farm Community Enhancement Fund
Council resolved to appoint representatives to the Goulburn River Solar Farm Community Enhancement Fund Advisory Committee and call for expressions of interest from community members to join the committee.
Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics Report 2024 to 2025
The annual Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics Report for 2024 to 2025 was received, meeting reporting obligations and supporting transparency in governance matters.
Scone Indoor Sporting Facility
The draft Scone Indoor Sports Facility Masterplan was endorsed by Council and will now be placed on public exhibition for 28 days for community feedback.
Notice of Motion - Potential amalgamation
A Notice of Motion was presented proposing the establishment of a councillor working group to engage with Muswellbrook Shire Council about a potential amalgamation of the two Upper Hunter councils. The proposal referenced financial challenges identified in the Long Term Financial Plan 2024 to 2034, ageing infrastructure and the potential benefits of shared services, economies of scale and strengthened regional advocacy.
The motion sought to initiate discussions only and did not propose an immediate amalgamation. Following consideration and debate, the Notice of Motion was put to the vote and was not supported.
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.