NSW · Hunter (Upper Hunter) · Local council, made simple
Upper Hunter Shire Council
A large, sparsely-populated rural shire in the Upper Hunter Valley — around 14,400 people across Scone, Aberdeen, Merriwa, Murrurundi and surrounding villages, with Scone known as the 'Horse Capital of Australia' for its thoroughbred studs. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, water and sewer, roads, libraries, parks, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
Special Rate Variation: +10%/yr for 3 years (2025–26 to 2027–28)
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 4 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks (2023–24)
Open →Crime & safetyUpper Hunter's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
5 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Maurice Collison
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 6540 1100
Open →Shire profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~14,400 across ~8,096 km²
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Upper Hunter Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Council meeting
Councillor's Upper Hunter–Muswellbrook merger motion put to council
A councillor moved for the council to explore a possible amalgamation with neighbouring Muswellbrook Shire as a response to financial pressures; the motion was subsequently rejected by the council.
What this means for you: No merger is proceeding. The debate reflects the council's focus on financial sustainability; any amalgamation would be a NSW Government process, not a council decision on its own.
Source: Newcastle Herald — Upper Hunter council rejects Muswellbrook merger motion
- Policy
IPART approves Upper Hunter's 3-year Special Rate Variation
IPART approved a permanent Special Rate Variation for Upper Hunter Shire Council of 10% in general income each year for three years from 2025–26 to 2027–28 (about 33.1% cumulative), including the standard rate peg. The council said it is needed to address a core deficit in its General Fund.
What this means for you: General rates income rises 10% a year for three years and the increase is permanent. The peg/SRV caps the council's total rates income, not each bill; your individual change also depends on your land value at the latest revaluation.
Source: IPART — Upper Hunter Shire Council Special Variation 2025–26 (Final Report)
- Election
Councillors re-elect Maurice Collison as Mayor
At the first meeting of the new council (14 October 2024) the nine councillors re-elected Maurice Collison as Mayor and elected Pat Ryan as Deputy Mayor, each for a two-year term.
What this means for you: Upper Hunter's Mayor is chosen by the councillors, not by popular vote, and the role is reviewed every two years — so it can change mid-term without a general election.
Source: Upper Hunter Shire Council — Council elects Mayor and Deputy Mayor
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