September Council Meeting Recap

Published on 26 September 2023

Upper Hunter Shire Council's recent September meeting yielded several important resolutions. Mayor Maurice Collison and Deputy Mayor James Burns were unanimously re-elected, providing steady leadership for another term. Mayor Collison and Deputy Mayor Burns will continue to serve for the remainder of the current Council term.

The meeting followed with Council acknowledging 20-year service milestones of two members of staff, David Norvill and Robyn Orman. Both have made significant contributions to the Upper Hunter Shire community, and their service was duly recognised.

Council then turned its attention to the Standing Committee Reports. A notable decision was the adoption of the Environmental & Community Services Committee's recommendations, which included land reclassifications that will transition several parcels from community to operational land. The planning proposal to amend the Upper Hunter Local Environmental Plan 2013 will be submitted to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces for a Gateway Determination. If approved, public consultation will be sought.

Financial integrity was also a focus. A minor error in the ad-valorem rate for Aberdeen's Residential Rate Sub-category was corrected, ensuring alignment with Council's Revenue Policy. Council also resolved to refer its draft Annual Financial Statements for auditing, as another step towards financial transparency.

Community feedback on the de-amalgamation of the former Merriwa Shire local government area was also discussed. With 141 responses, Council will forward the data to the Minister for Local Government.

Finally, the Council confirmed its participation in a series of tenders. These tenders cover Traffic Control, Ready Mixed Concrete, Linemarking, Tree Maintenance, and Stationery Supply. To view the full agenda, head to Council’s website.