In 2016 Upper Hunter Shire Council adopted four Town Revitalisation Masterplans.

Now, after extensive consultation, Aberdeen, Merriwa, Murrurundi and Scone residents have prioritised their 2018 plans for revitalising Upper Hunter Shire towns.

Action Plans from the Masterplans have been prioritised by community members and Councillors through a committee from each town that have met regularly throughout 2017.

The highest priorities identified for each town are:

Aberdeen:

·         Detailed street designs including landscaping, entrance statements, furniture, parking and intersections ;

·         Town branding to reflect Scottish heritage through imagery, logos, public art, landscaping, and Scottish themed products and experiences;

·         Detailed design plans for the Aberdeen River Trail are nearing completion and will go on public display in early 2018. This trail will provide good access to the Hunter River, sporting grounds, schools and St Andrews Reserve; and

·         Signage directing people to St Andrews Reserve and the Hunter River.

Merriwa:

·         Options for the Merriwa Silos artwork will be on exhibition for community feedback soon with painting expected to begin in March 2018, weather permitting;

·         Town Branding to reflect the unique character of Merriwa for use on banners, public art and street furniture;

·         Footpath upgrades on an ongoing basis starting with IGA; and

·         The three town entrance signs are expected to be installed in early 2018.

Murrurundi:

·         Detailed design plans for the Murrurundi Heritage River Trail along the Pages River are nearing completion and will go on exhibition for public feedback early in 2018. This trail will link local heritage buildings and the Pages River to the town and provide parklands on the river for public enjoyment;

·         Town Branding to reflect the unique character of Murrurundi including the arts and culture; and

·         Detailed street design plans are to be developed to include landscaping, planting, parking and the beautification of the corner of Adelaide Street and Mayne Street.

Scone:

·         Detailed street designs including landscaping, entrance statements, widen footpaths, intersections with roundabouts, parking configurations, improve stormwater drainage, furniture and lighting;

·         Town entrance statements including large scale public art and digital signage to promote local businesses, encourage traffic to leave the highway and promote upcoming local events;

·         Create a town square through partial closure of St Aubins St; and

·         Construct new roundabouts including at Kingdon St, Susan St, and Liverpool St replacing the traffic lights.

Council says the town revitalisation projects could occur faster with the support of a Special Rate Variation (SRV).

Community consultation on the SRV proposals can be viewed on Council’s website here.

The Town Revitalisation Masterplans can be viewed at Council offices or on Council’s website here.