These conditions have contributed to many fires throughout the Upper Hunter Shire. Many hours of Rural Fire Services volunteers have been spent controlling these fires.

Some of these fires have been burning for more than a week in rough and trying conditions.

Well done to the volunteers.

Let's hope the rain is not far away.

Saleyards

Stage 5 of the Scone Saleyards project will be completed early next year with the official opening to follow.

Stage 5 will consist of a covered area over the loading ramps.

This part of construction was not in the original design and budget however with consultation with the Agents and Committee members it was agreed to continue with this additional infrastructure which will be funded through the facility and operational budget, not by the ratepayers.

The undercover area will consist of 10,500m2 protecting the cattle making it easier and safer to load and unload stock and assisting in the drainage and collection of rainwater.

With all the new infrastructure this now brings the saleyards to a very high standard, meeting all new legislations around Animal Welfare, Occupational Health and Safety, and the Environment Protection Authority.

Another large project to commence is the upgrade of the Scone Regional Airport and construction of the Warbirds Aviation Centre.

This work will begin early 2020.

Others projects to follow are the construction of the Walkway and Amenity Block from Kelly Street to Farrams Lane, the opening of the Scone Bypass, the completion of the Water Pipe Line from Scone to Murrurundi, and hopefully if I get my way more RV friendly overnight stay areas in the whole of our Shire.

These are just a few of the major things happening next year.

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

See you all in 2020.