Published on 30 April 2025
Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison is urging the Albanese Labor Government to show its support for the region, with just days left before the federal election and no formal election commitments made to the Shire. “We’ve met with Labor candidate Laura Hughes and provided her with a list of priority projects for the Upper Hunter,” Mayor Collison said. “Despite that, we haven’t heard a word.” The Mayor said the most pressing need is for Federal funding to support aged care in rural areas, with local facilities like Gummun Place in Merriwa facing uncertain futures without adequate financial support. “I’ve written directly to the Federal Minister for Health to call for funding that helps keep small, community-based aged care homes open. These services are essential in places like Merriwa – without them, our elderly residents are forced to move away from family, friends and the community they’ve lived in their whole lives.” Mayor Collison acknowledged Labor’s $5 million commitment to Muswellbrook, which now falls within the New England electorate following boundary changes, but questioned why Upper Hunter Shire has yet to receive any similar commitment. “We’re calling on Labor to match or better the commitment made by The Nationals to White Park in Scone. The people of Upper Hunter Shire deserve the same level of attention and investment as our neighbours,” he said.