A community meeting will provide the opportunity for residents to receive an update and share feedback regarding the Milsons Gully Fire.
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 This action follows through on an undertaking originally made to Merriwa businesses in 2004 to establish a formal rear access arrangement.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.