General Council Meeting – June 2016

Waverley Street Watershed

Cr Ron Campbell raised the issue of Waverley Street needing to be upgraded at the Council meeting and asked if it could be made a priority above other road works.

See story: Waverley Woes and Worries.

Alan Fletcher, Council’s director of infrastructure services said that he does not recommend Council prioritise the work on Waverley Road over other works set out in their current plan, such as works in Susan Street.

Mr Fletcher said while there is no footpath in Waverley Street there were in other areas and there were good connections around the school.

He said the road was not raised in the planning process and while they could look at it a full rehabilitation would have to wait.

Cr Campbell said he felt Waverley Street did need to be prioritised particularly because of the school children using the area.

Mayor Wayne Bedggood said that as Councillors they would be looking to review the current schedule of works and “push Waverley Street up the ladder”.

 

Deal with Muswellbrook for Water

Cr Lee Watts asked how much was being spent on consultants to assess a joint water treatment plant with Muswellbrook Shire Council.

See Story: Food Gates or Friendly Cooperation.

Alan Fletcher, Council’s director of infrastructure services said there was $80,000 to be spent on the study.

The money would be spent in two phases, the initial phase would cost $21,000 and if the Councillors approved the initial work the remainder of the $80,000 would then be spent.

Cr Watts said she was keen to clarify that Council staff would not continue with a full study unless it was approved by the Councillors and that there should be an alternate analysis produced for the Upper Hunter Shire having their own water treatment system so that a comparison could be properly made by Councillors.

Council staff confirmed last month to scone.com.au that they had not sought any funding for the Upper Hunter Shire Council to have their own water treatment system.

Middlebrook Bridge

John Hind addressed Council as part of the public participation in the meeting regarding the Middlebrook Bridge.

See Story: Over Engineered Bridge.

Cr Campbell asked if a key concern of Mr Hind was that the upgrade of the bridge may increase the amount of quarry trucks using the road.

Mr Hind said that was one of his concerns,  while Mr Hind supports a new bridge and improved approaches to the bridge, he questions if the amount being spent on the bridge is necessary citing other roads and bridges in need of upgrades and if the Middlebrook Bridge needs to be double lanes if the road surrounding it is only single lane. (link to story).

 

Merriwa Roadworks

Cr Campbell asked if re-sheeting on Merriwa roads was progressing.

Alan Fletcher Council’s director of infrastructure and services said the work is progressing, with much of Council’s resources being focused in the Merriwa area at the moment.

 

Cardboard Recycling

Cr Watts said she had been approached by several local businesses asking if Council will do cardboard recycling as part of the new upgrades at the tip.

Council staff committed to return to her with an answer.

 

Christmas in the Courtyard

Cr Watts said while Christmas was still some time away, she would like to see the courtyard in front of the Scone Council building more of a civic centre at Christmas time and proposed a Christmas tree be put up in the courtyard, with schools and community groups invited to do Christmas carols and pageant activities.

Council staff committed to return with an answer.

 

More Merriwa Meetings

Cr Peebles asked when Council meetings would return to Merriwa, following the completion of the new building.

Council staff will propose the next date for when the Council meeting will be held in Merriwa.

 

Young Advise on Youth Policy

Cr Watts said she was glad to see Council policies relating to youth were now going through the youth council for their feedback and input into policies that affect them.

 

Pipeline Dates

Cr Watts requested deadlines for the staged development of the Scone to Murrurundi water pipeline.

Council staff committed to developing dates for the project.

 

The Full Run-Down:

The full Council meeting agenda is available here: Ordinary Council Meeting – June 27