Council Meeting Recap 25 May 2026
Published on 26 May 2026
26 May 2026
Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday, 25 May 2026 to consider a range of matters relating to community planning, infrastructure delivery and major projects across the shire.
Young Endeavour Ambassadors Presentation
Council welcomed participants from the 2026 Young Endeavour voyage, with local ambassadors sharing insights from their recent leadership and development experience aboard the national sail training ship.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030
The draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030 was endorsed for public exhibition, supporting Council’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion and improved participation for people with disability across the Upper Hunter. The draft DIAP can be viewed here: https://www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/council/meetings/council-meetings/diap_2026_v10.pdf
Public Forums and Committees
New Model Public Forum Rules issued by the Office of Local Government were considered, along with their impact on Council’s current Code of Meeting Practice.
Two motions were considered during discussion of the item. Council ultimately resolved to note the guidance and directives from the Office of Local Government on meetings and public forums, and modify the Code of Meeting Practice with the public forum commencing at 4.30pm prior to the Council meeting.
The updated guidance supports holding public forums separately before Council meetings, allowing Councillors time to consider matters raised and seek further information if required.
Environmental and Community Services Committee
Recommendations from the Environmental and Community Services Committee meeting held on 12 May 2026 were adopted.
This included approval of a residential shed development application in Aberdeen, approval to regularise an existing cattle feedlot and increase its capacity to 4,100 head near Merriwa, and approval for the construction of a shed with amenities and retaining wall in Scone.
Confidential Reports
Council considered several confidential matters relating to infrastructure and procurement:
Cassilis Sewerage System Reticulation Package
Council resolved to:
- accept the tender from Demand Plumbing & Excavations Pty Ltd for all works under Tender No. 7/2026 - Cassilis Sewerage System Reticulation Package for a contract sum of $2,291,976.90 inclusive of GST;
- delegate authority to the General Manager to enter into a contract with Demand Plumbing & Excavations Pty Ltd and conduct all relevant functions under the contract; and
- delegate authority to the General Manager to approve expenditure as identified in the Project Funding schedule within this report.
Supply and Delivery of One 6x4 Rigid Tipping Truck
Council resolved to:
- accept the tender from JT Fossey Sales Pty Ltd - Truck Division for the supply and delivery of one Mitsubishi Fuso FV84 Rigid Tipping Truck for $290,170.91 exclusive of GST; and
- enter into arrangements with a third-party leasing company for the purchase of this plant item.
Management of Scone, Murrurundi and Merriwa Pools
Council resolved to:
- accept Tender 06/2026 from Aqua Connect, subject to the satisfactory provision of required insurance documentation, for the three-year lease from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029 to manage the Scone, Murrurundi and Merriwa swimming pools, with a provision for a two-year extension based on satisfactory performance to 30 June 2031; and
- provide delegated authority to the General Manager to conduct all relevant functions under the contract.
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.