Mayors Column 11 September 2026
Published on 11 September 2026
There is encouraging news for our Shire following the grants update I shared last week. We now know that, if the proposed changes to the funding formula are adopted, Council would receive an additional $2 million each year. For our community, this would strengthen Council’s capacity to support local services and infrastructure while helping us reach financial sustainability sooner. There is still work ahead to secure Council’s long-term financial position, but I welcome the difference this additional funding could make.
I also want to acknowledge everyone involved in [Jared’s 949 Nine for Nine Walk https://www.muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au/event/jareds-949-nine-for-nine-walk in Aberdeen on 9 September. Thank you to Jared’s family, the organisers, volunteers and supporters, including Wally Lewis, for supporting Lifeline Australia and encouraging conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Looking out for one another matters every day.
There was plenty to celebrate at the Group 21 grand finals at Scone Park. Congratulations to the Scone Thoroughbreds men’s first grade team on their 22–20 win over Singleton, Aberdeen Tigers under-18s on their 26–4 victory over Singleton, and Merriwa Magpies women’s tackle team on their 20–16 win over Aberdeen. Congratulations also to Aberdeen’s women for reaching the decider. These achievements belong to the players, coaches, volunteers, families, sponsors and supporters who contribute throughout the season.
Residents also have opportunities to comment on two proposed energy projects. Neither is a Council project, and I encourage you to seek information and provide feedback directly through the relevant channels.
Maizewood Pty Ltd’s proposed Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System at Campbell Street, Aberdeen, would include a 400-megawatt battery with 920 megawatt hours of storage and associated infrastructure. The State Significant Development application and Environmental Impact Statement are on exhibition from 11 September until 9 October 2026. View the documents and lodge submissions through the https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/upper-hunter-battery-energy-storage-system
AGL’s proposed Glenbawn Pumped Hydro Project remains in the investigation and planning phase. It would provide approximately 800 megawatts of generation capacity and up to 10 hours of storage, using Glenbawn Dam and a new upper reservoir. AGL is holding drop-in sessions:
- Scone: Tuesday 22 September, 11am–2pm, Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre, 89 Kelly Street.
- Gundy: Wednesday 23 September, 7am–10am, Gundy Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, 10–12 Duke Street.
- Aberdeen: Wednesday 23 September, 3pm–6pm, Aberdeen Rose Garden Hall, 4 Segenhoe Street.
These are opportunities to ask questions and share your views. Further information is available on https://www.agl.com.au/about-agl/operations/glenbawn-pumped-hydro
For our farming community, the Farming Stronger Workshop comes to the Royal Hotel, 19–23 Buccleugh Street, Cassilis, on Wednesday 7 October, from 9.30am–3pm. It offers practical strategies for managing stress, making confident decisions and navigating the pressures of farming. Attendance is free, with morning tea and lunch provided, but registration is essential: https://events.humanitix.com/farming-stronger-cassilis The workshop is supported through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government.
The 2026 Innovate with nbn Grants Program offers $125,000 across seven categories, including the new Innovation for Productivity category. Category winners receive $15,000, with an additional $20,000 for the overall champion. I encourage eligible local businesses to explore the opportunity, including previous unsuccessful applicants. Applications close on 12 October 2026. Visit the https://www.nbnco.com.au/campaigns/innovate-with-nbn-grants-program for eligibility and application details.
There is also plenty to look forward to across our Shire this month. The Merriwa Springtime Show runs from 18–20 September, with the main show day on Saturday 19 September, followed by the King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge and Bush Festival in Murrurundi from 25–27 September. Both events celebrate our rural traditions and bring locals and visitors together. My thanks to the organising committees, volunteers and sponsors whose hard work makes these occasions possible. I encourage everyone to come along, support our towns and enjoy a day out with family and friends.