The Rosedale Complex in Murrurundi is one of the premier venues of the Upper Hunter Shire and 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.
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The site is also home to the Murrurundi Pony Club, the Murrurundi Sheepdog Trials and is used for a range of other horse sports and activities.
However, uncertainty over the future of the complex has overshadowed the ability of user groups to plan and invest in the site and to grow their events and activities.
For many years Council has had a proposal on the books to develop a large scale residential housing development across much of the site.
Following consultation with user groups and the broader community, Council has determined to abandon the proposed housing redevelopment and to commit the Rosedale Complex to the use of recreation.
Council will retain nine of the sites (on Rosella Street) to meet future demand for new homes, which will not impact upon the recreational use of the overall site.
Council will enter into licence agreements with user groups to provide the certainty and confidence users need to plan for the future and ensure this community facility is available for the entire community.
The decision also means that the open rural village feel of Murrurundi will be maintained for generations to come.
Council appreciates the support of user groups and looks forward to continuing to work closely with each group to ensure that the Rosedale Complex is better able to meet the needs of the community.
Council also recognises the substantial efforts of Bob Paton in particular for his tireless work in managing, maintaining and advocating for Rosedale.
Improving public transport to the Shire
Murrurundi has new public transport connections to Tamworth, Quirindi, Scone, Newcastle and Sydney. NSW Trainlink is trialling a new service with buses connecting Murrurundi with trains between Scone, Muswellbrook, Newcastle and Sydney on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The new services also allows for same day return travel between Scone, Murrurundi, Quirindi and Tamworth (visitwww.nswtrainlink.info or call 132 232 for timetables and bookings).
I know there is a great deal of support for additional public transport and train services for the Upper Hunter, and it is vital that the community gets on board this bus service during the trial to build the case for extra trains.
