A community meeting will provide the opportunity for residents to receive an update and share feedback regarding the Milsons Gully Fire.
Published on 29 September 2025
30 September 2025 Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 29 September 2025 to consider a wide range of matters, from reviewing important policies to funding local cultural initiatives and shaping the future of sporting facilities in Merriwa. Policies for review Council endorsed the review of several existing policies to ensure they remain relevant and in line with current legislation and community expectations. This is part of Council’s ongoing governance program to keep policies up to date, transparent, and reflective of best practice. No policies are being placed on exhibition at present. Code of Meeting Practice Council resolved to place a new Model Code of Meeting Practice, developed by the NSW Office of Local Government, on public exhibition for 28 days, with submissions invited for a further 42 days. This process is required under the Local Government Act and provides residents with an opportunity to comment on how Council meetings are conducted. The Code sets the rules for how business is considered, ensuring Council meetings are orderly, fair, and accessible to the community. Feedback submissions can be made until 10 November 2025. Full details, including the draft document, are available on Council’s website Motions for the Local Government NSW Annual Conference Council endorsed a number of motions to be submitted to the 2025 Local Government NSW Annual Conference. These motions focus on improving the renewable energy rating system to ensure communities like the Upper Hunter are recognised for their contribution to the state’s energy transition. By putting forward these motions, Council is working to strengthen advocacy at the state level and highlight the region’s role in shaping a more sustainable future. Cultural Activity Grants 2025–26 Council approved $15,000 in funding under the 2025–26 Cultural Activity Grants Program. These grants support local organisations to deliver creative projects, celebrate cultural diversity, and provide opportunities for community participation in the arts. The following projects will receive support: Scone & Upper Hunter Historical Society – $348 for the design and printing of a brochure promoting local and family history resources, making it easier for the community to connect with the Shire’s heritage. Scone Literary Long Weekend Inc. – $759 towards venue hire and catering for the 2026 Patrick White Oration, a flagship event of the biennial literary festival that brings high-profile speakers to the Upper Hunter. Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre – $990 to support Harmony Day 2026, helping to stage a vibrant and inclusive community event that celebrates belonging, respect, and cultural diversity. St Joseph’s Catholic College Aberdeen P&F – $798 to assist with staging the school’s production of Beauty and the Beast, supporting students to showcase their talents in a large-scale community performance. Woolooma Sport & Recreation Inc. – funding for the “Up the Brook Story Table” project, which will provide a new cultural and storytelling initiative for the Woolooma community. Together, these grants represent Council’s continued commitment to fostering creativity, supporting local organisations, and ensuring culture and the arts remain accessible across the Shire. Merriwa Sports Precinct Masterplan Council adopted the Merriwa Sports Precinct Masterplan following extensive community consultation. The masterplan provides a long-term vision for the precinct, identifying opportunities to upgrade facilities, improve accessibility, and stage investment over time. The plan sets a framework for creating a modern, inclusive sporting hub that supports participation across a wide range of sports and recreation. It also establishes a roadmap for attracting funding and ensuring the precinct continues to serve the Merriwa community for decades to come. At the meeting, Council also resolved to award tenders for the supply of fuel, oil and concrete pipe.
For more details on other matters discussed, please refer to the meeting agenda, or head to our YouTube channel to watch the meeting.