THE new, improved Upper Hunter Shire Council Merriwa Customer Service Office was opened on Friday.
Deputy mayor Maurice Collison cut the ribbon on the renovated space after five months of work and a final push while the office was closed for a few hours on Thursday.
Cr Collison said the new space was a safer and more attractive and accessible space for both staff and customers.
He thanked residents for their patience during the renovations and also thanked all the staff and contractors involved in the renovation.
“The building of a new customer service centre has been in the pipeline for a number of years, so it is fantastic to see it finished,” Cr Collison said.
“The new centre demonstrates council’s commitment to the Merriwa community to maintain a strong and ongoing presence and to ensure that the community continues to have good access to a wide range of local and state government services.”
Councillor Ron Campbell said the result was well worth the wait and effort.
“It will be so much better for staff and customers,” he said.
The new service centre uses the available space more efficiently, allows staff to work together more easily, improves public access and building safety by eliminating stairs and travel distances, and will reduce operating costs, particularly the cost of air conditioning.
It will allow staff in Merriwa to expand the services currently provided on behalf of Service NSW, which includes Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) as well as existing council services.
Change in office hours
FROM May 2, for a four week trial period, the offices in Merriwa, Murrurundi and Scone will be open to customers from 8.30am to 4.30pm each week day.
This represents a change in the hours for the Murrurundi Office (currently 9am to 4pm) and the Merriwa Office (currently 9am to 5pm).
The Merriwa Office will continue to be a Service NSW Agency from 9am to 4pm.
The Murrurundi Office will continue to be a Hunter Mutual Agency from 10am to 3pm.
Feedback in relation to the opening hours of the council’s administration offices should be provided to council in writing and addressed to the General Manager. Submissions must be received by council no later than May 27.
