Muswellbrook Shire Council has marked a year of the current elected Council, reflecting on a bold, stable 12 months and a sound platform for the years ahead.
Councillors tonight endorsed a Mayoral Minute marking the successes of the past year, from agenda-setting community advocacy to shrewd policy decisions and marquee events for locals and visitors to the Shire.
Mayor Jeff Drayton said this Council’s first year has shown what can be achieved when Councillors focus on the issues that impact the community.
“In Sydney and Canberra, Muswellbrook needed a seat at the table. Our community has too much riding on it, like the thousands of job losses that are coming with the mine closures. I believe we’ve started the right way and it’s a major success in the first year of this elected Council,” Cr Drayton said.
Mayor Jeff Drayton“Projects of real significance to the Hunter, the state and the country are happening in Muswellbrook Shire, from planning to delivery. We’re getting things done our way, and we’ve got no intention of slowing down.”
A signature Council initiative is the first-of-its-kind Mt Arthur Mining Land Reuse Pilot Project.
The pilot will support the repurposing of land for new industries and jobs whilst the mine is still in operation, with BHP praised by Councillors as a key partner.
Cr Drayton paid tribute to Councillors and staff for the initiative which has received Federal funding for master planning.
“This project was born in Muswellbrook and it could influence mining land use everywhere at a critical time,” Cr Drayton said.
“This Council is proud to start the job of restoring Muswellbrook as a place of initiative and a place to build something of, potentially, national significance.”
The elected Council’s first 12 months have also brought indicators of a diversifying Muswellbrook Shire long dependent on mining and energy.
Sydney Rum Distillery’s move to the old Oak Factory in Muswellbrook brings the promise of a new local industry exporting to international markets, while more than 40 businesses have enquired about setting up or investing in the Shire.
Council has also extended a hand to small business, with a high-visibility strategy of opportunities such as the acclaimed Muswellbrook Small Business Breakfast, attended by NSW Parliamentary Secretary, the Hon. Emily Suvaal MLC.
At the same time, Council has backed mining in the Shire, prioritising the traditional pillar of the local economy on issues such as the Dartbrook closure.
Within the Shire, Council has advanced commitments such as the Olympic Park redevelopment and Muswellbrook Regional Entertainment Centre, while innovations like the Temporary Workforce Accommodation Policy will extract lasting benefit from the slew of major projects in the Shire.
Council’s launch of the AGL Hospitality Training Café addresses a gap for young people, while the inaugural Muswellbrook Shire Youth Council will amplify youth voices in local decision-making.
Meanwhile, the Shire’s new Events Strategy builds on the success of Gather in the Glow, and this weekend’s Denman Wine, Food & Film Affair, and Blue Heeler Film Festival.
Council General Manager Derek Finnigan said the achievements of the past year reflect a strong partnership between the elected Council, staff and the community.
“This Council has set out to work collaboratively in an atmosphere of respect and collegiality, to listen carefully to the community and make decisions that genuinely strengthen our Shire,” Mr Finnigan said.
General Manager Derek Finnigan“From policy reform to cultural investment, the results speak for themselves, and it’s thanks to the dedication of Council staff, the productive dynamic with the Mayor and elected Council and the innovation, enterprise and resilience of our community.”
