UPPER Hunter Shire Council adopted its Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP) 2016/17 – 2019/20 at the ordinary general meeting on Monday night.
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Mayor Wayne Bedggood said the time and effort put into the DPOP created a clear and detailed plan for council’s future work.
The 250-page draft DPOP was on public exhibition from April and a summary of the plans were mailed out to all residents and businesses.
Public meetings were held in Aberdeen, Murrurundi, Merriwa and Scone and attended by community members.
“The DPOP is an opportunity for everyone to have their say,” Cr Bedggood said.
“Council listens to what is said at public meetings and included in written submissions to the DPOP.
“Very few members of the public are interested in all of the DPOP but many are passionate about one area in which they are involved or impacted like town revitalisation projects, waste charges and road maintenance.
“Councillors and senior staff attended all the public meetings to help answer questions ranging from “what is happening at the airport?” to “are there any sort of trees that deer don’t eat?”
The final DPOP did not change the financial bottom line for 2016/17 with a balanced budget.
The main changes in the final DPOP after the consultations included:
- An additional $65,000 allocated for kerb and gutter work at Campbell and St Andrews Street, Aberdeen
- $50,000 towards a Sustainable Action Plan and $5000 for implementing actions from the Sustainable Living Guide
- Increased funding for the Aberdeen Highland Games and Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival
- A proposal to introduce airport parking fees was removed
The DPOP 2016/17 – 2019/20 will be available on council’s website www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au under A-Z Documents from Wednesday, June 29.