Council owns the large parcel of land in Murrurundi which is the Rosedale complex, and to the north land known locally as the Rosedale Paddock. In 2007, Council developed the first stage of a residential area and drafted concept plans for the subdivision of much of the balance of the land north of Rosedale Complex. All but two lots in the original housing development have been sold and Council has resolved to seek feedback from the community on the future development options for the remainder of the site.

Rosedale Complex is used for the running of the annual King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge and Bush Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors to Murrurundi and the Upper Hunter each year and makes a substantial contribution to the local economy. The site is also used for a range of other horse sports and activities. Rosedale Paddock is leased by King of the Ranges to run cattle and is also used as the cross country course and for parking during the festival.

Whilst there is no immediate need for large scale land release for new housing development in Murrurundi, Council has identified the site as having the potential to meet any future demand.

However, the proposal to develop the site for housing, either in part or completely, presents a range of land use conflict issues that need to be resolved.

Given the use of the site by King of the Ranges and other user groups, Council has determined to make a decision in the coming months on the extent and scale of any future housing development to assist in managing those land use conflicts and to provide certainty for user groups. For so long as the matter remains unresolved, the King of the Ranges committee for instance, is unable to properly plan for the future, to invest with confidence in new facilities and grow the festival.

Council will place a number of options for the possible future development of the site on public exhibition for community feedback. Any future development will have impacts on the use of the site and it is critical that interested members of the community and user groups have their say on the options.

Flying-Fox Camp Management

Council is seeking community input on draft flying-fox camp management plans for Murrurundi, Aberdeen and Scone.

Following the intensity of flying-fox activity in the Shire and in Murrurundi in particular earlier this year, Council has drafted the camp management plans with support from Hunter Councils and the NSW Government, with input from residents and experts. The plans detail a number of options to address the impact of flying-foxes.

Residents are encouraged to have their say by 6 October. The draft plans can be accessed at Council’s offices and libraries and by visiting www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au .