Upper Hunter Shire Council

Gummun Place Update 4 March 2026

The Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee, at its February meeting, discussed a number of matters including the formation of a new committee to administer a community fund for Gummun Place Hostel.

The new committee, which has now been formed by the ‘Friends of Gummun Place’, will be operated in accordance with a set of guiding principles and include a representative of the operator of the facility.

Deputy Mayor Pat Ryan said the establishment of the committee demonstrates the community’s ongoing commitment to supporting residents and the future of the hostel.

“It’s encouraging to see members of the community stepping forward to ensure there is a clear and transparent structure in place to manage funds that directly benefit Gummun Place,” Cr Ryan said.

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the operation of Gummun Place Hostel as an assisted boarding house have now closed and staff are reviewing submissions and preparing a report for consideration at an extra-ordinary Council meeting next week.

Following the Council meeting, Council will commence the next steps to transition Gummun Place Hostel.

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Goulburn River Solar Farm Community Enhancement Advisory Committee

On display until 26 March 2026, 04:30 PM

Upper Hunter Shire Council invites expressions of interest from community members to join the Goulburn River Solar Farm Community Enhancement Fund Advisory Committee

The committee is being established to assist Council with the administration of the Community Enhancement Fund associated with the Goulburn River Solar Farm Voluntary Planning Agreement.

The principal role of the committee is to evaluate funding applications from not-for-profit community groups, Council or Crown Reserve Trusts for community projects and programs and make recommendations to Council.

The committee will be made up of:

• Two Councillors (one of whom chairs the committee) (voting);
• One Council officer (non-voting);
• Two community representatives (to be residents of the Upper Hunter Shire Local Government Area that reside within approximately 30 km of the solar farm) who have not entered into a financial agreement with the solar farm company and can demonstrate the skills and experience relevant to the Committee’s charter (voting);
  and,
• One company representative (voting).

The principal role of the committee is to evaluate funding applications from not-for-profit community groups, Council or Crown Reserve Trusts for community projects and programs and make  recommendations to Council. 

The committee will meet at least twice per year. Meetings will be open to the public and a quorum will be five (5) voting members including two Councillors. 

Who Can Apply
Any resident of the Upper Hunter Shire Council Local Government Area may apply to be appointed as a community representative on the committee.

Nominations
Nominations open: Friday 27 February 2026
Nominations close: 4:30pm Thursday 26 March 2026

How to submit Your Nomination
Complete your application online via Council’s website:

Online Form

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Seniors Festival 2026 Live Life in Colour

Two weeks of colour, creativity and connection are on the calendar for 2026.The Upper Hunter Seniors Festival runs from Monday 2 March to Sunday 15 March 2026, embracing this year’s theme, Live Life in Colour.

This year’s theme encourages seniors to celebrate the journey so far, look forward to the adventures still to come, and find joy in ageing by embracing creativity, new connections and an active lifestyle.

All activities are free for seniors.

Scone

Aqua Aerobics
Aqua aerobics offers a low impact way to stay active and build fitness in a supportive environment.
Tuesday 24 March, 5:15pm–6:00pm
Sunday, 11:15am–12:00pm
Scone Pool

Scone Library

• Staying Safe Online – Wednesday 4 March at 10:30am
•  Mindful Colouring – Thursday 5 March at 11:00am and Thursday 12 March at 11:00am
•  Is It Fake? Spotting A.I. Generated Videos – Thursday 12 March at 2:00pm
•  Grandparents Storytime and Craft – Friday 13 March at 10:30am

Merriwa

Chair Exercises
Tuesday 24 March, 2:00pm–2:45pm
Old Library (Merriwa Meeting Room)
Afternoon tea provided.

Merriwa Library
Is It Fake? Spotting A.I. Generated Videos – Friday 6 March at 10:00am and Friday 13 March at 10:00am

Aberdeen

Come and Try Pickleball
Monday 23 March at 10:00am
All equipment supplied.

Aberdeen Library
Storytelling and Digital Preservation – Tuesday 10 March at 11:00am

Murrurundi

Chair Exercises
Wednesday 18 March, 2:00pm–2:45pm
Youth and Community Building
Afternoon tea provided.

Murrurundi Library

• Mahjong – Tuesday 3 March at 10:00am and Tuesday 10 March at 10:00am
• Mindful Colouring – Thursday 5 March at 2:00pm and Thursday 12 March at 2:00pm
• Is It Fake? Spotting A.I. Generated Videos – Thursday 12 March at 11:00am

Whether you are keen to learn something new, stay active, explore creativity or simply connect with others, there is something happening across the Shire as part of the 2026 Seniors Festival.

When

• Monday, 02 March 2026 | 09:00 AM – Sunday, 15 March 2026 | 05:00 PM

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Council Meeting Recap February 2026

Published on 24 February 2026

Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 23 February 2026 to consider a broad range of matters recognising community contribution, progressing infrastructure planning, addressing financial sustainability, and responding to regional strategic issues.

Corporate Services Committee and financial matters
The minutes of the Corporate Services Committee meeting held on 13 February 2026 were adopted, along with budget variations.

In relation to the NSW Audit Office report, it was noted that no funds were misappropriated and that only externally restricted capital grants for fully funded projects were utilised in advance of reimbursement. Developer contributions and water and sewer funds were not used to address cashflow shortfalls.

Outstanding government payments were acknowledged as a contributing factor, and disagreement was expressed with the characterisation that funds were used for an improper purpose. An application will be made to the Minister seeking approval to temporarily utilise restricted grant funding in line with amounts owed, while advocacy continues to address grant timing issues affecting rural councils.

A submission to the Federal Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Fiscal Sustainability was also endorsed.

Vale Phillip Dunn – The meeting formally acknowledged the passing of Phillip Dunn, former Shire Engineer and Director Technical Services with Scone and Murrurundi Shire Councils. Phillip served the Upper Hunter from 1982 until 2004 and was recognised for his professionalism, leadership and lasting contribution to local infrastructure and community development.

Recognition of 20 years of service – Bernard Constable was recognised for reaching 20 years of service. Since commencing in 2006, Bernard has contributed extensively to road construction, maintenance programs and emergency response operations, including major works on the Golden Highway in partnership with Transport for NSW.

Committee and advisory reports – Reports were received from the Liverpool Range Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee, Arts Upper Hunter Board and the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee. These updates ensure continued engagement with community representatives and key stakeholders across the region.

Strategic planning reform submission – Endorsement was given to a submission responding to the NSW Government discussion paper, A New Approach to Strategic Planning. The submission raises concerns regarding the proposed approach to regional strategic planning and reinforces the importance of practical, regionally informed reforms that recognise regional diversity and interdependencies.

Rosedale Estate future development – Council considered the future direction of the Rosedale Estate site in Murrurundi and noted updated land valuations for both the full site and the smaller portion immediately north of Rosella Street.

It was resolved that the Master Plan for Rosedale Estate be revised to reflect current community needs, including opportunities for housing for the elderly and recreational facilities. Upon completion of the revised Master Plan, the land identified as suitable for housing development, such as the Rosella Street North portion, will be subdivided and converted to Operational Land to enable future sale of whole or individual lots.

The remaining non-developable portion, known as the Paddock, will remain Community Land and continue to be developed for recreational use and equestrian events, including King of the Ranges. Ongoing security of tenure for the King of the Ranges event will be maintained.

In recognition of the original investment by the former Murrurundi Council on behalf of the community, any surplus funds raised from land sales will be earmarked for projects within Murrurundi. An amendment to the motion was put to the vote and carried by majority.

Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System – A planning agreement offer associated with the proposed Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System was considered, ensuring appropriate community benefits for the Upper Hunter Shire if the project is approved.

Regional advocacy – 2026 National General Assembly – Motions were endorsed for lodgement at the 2026 National General Assembly of Local Government through the Hunter Joint Organisation on behalf of the ten Hunter councils.

The endorsed regional motions focus on key shared priorities, including:

• Strengthening jobs, skills and workforce development pathways across regional areas
• Increased and more flexible funding for local roads and strategic infrastructure
• Improving long-term financial sustainability for rural and regional councils
• Enhanced emergency management, disaster resilience and recovery funding frameworks

This coordinated approach seeks to amplify the Hunter’s advocacy at a national level and demonstrate strong regional alignment on critical issues affecting communities, businesses and infrastructure across the Upper Hunter and wider Hunter region.

Goulburn River Solar Farm Community Enhancement Fund – Council resolved to appoint representatives to the Goulburn River Solar Farm Community Enhancement Fund Advisory Committee and call for expressions of interest from community members to join the committee.

Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics Report 2024 to 2025 – The annual Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics Report for 2024 to 2025 was received, meeting reporting obligations and supporting transparency in governance matters.

Scone Indoor Sporting Facility – The draft Scone Indoor Sports Facility Masterplan was endorsed by Council and will now be placed on public exhibition for 28 days for community feedback.

Notice of Motion – Potential amalgamation – A Notice of Motion was presented proposing the establishment of a councillor working group to engage with Muswellbrook Shire Council about a potential amalgamation of the two Upper Hunter councils. The proposal referenced financial challenges identified in the Long Term Financial Plan 2024 to 2034, ageing infrastructure and the potential benefits of shared services, economies of scale and strengthened regional advocacy.

The motion sought to initiate discussions only and did not propose an immediate amalgamation. Following consideration and debate, the Notice of Motion was put to the vote and was not supported.

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.

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Monthly Works Schedule – Month Starting Monday, 16 Feburary 2026

Each Month Upper Hunter Shire Council prepares a report detailing the work that our infrastructure crews plan to deliver in the coming month. 

Scheduled work is merely an indication of what we intend to undertake and is not a guarantee of work being carried out. As factors such as weather, resource availability and unexpected needs can impact Councils priorities for the coming month. 

Merriwa

Works Delivery

• Pembroke Road – Maintenance Grading 
• Bulgin Road – Maintenance Grading 
• Borambil Racecourse  Road – Maintenance Grading 
• inspections as required
• Action requests as required

Parks and Facilities

• Amenities maintenance
• Cemetery maintenance
• Parks, sports fields, rest areas, entrances/approaches, Showground Passive areas and reserves mowing and maintenance
• Playground inspections
• Actions requests as required
• Tree maintenance

Water and Sewer

• Water treatment plant operation and maintenance
• Sewer treatment plant operation and maintenance
• Water and sewer distribution systems and actions requests as required

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Have you seen something that needs attention?

Please use the Customer Request Management Form available online by clicking here to lodge an action with UHSC.

Alternatively, you can download and use the Snap, Send, Solve app from the App store. This app allows you to submit requests with various authorities or Local Council with ease. Learn more about the Snap, Send, Solve app here.