Muswellbrook mayor Jeff Drayton says there is “a long way to go” before any serious consideration could be given to a possible amalgamation between Muswellbrook Shire and Upper Hunter Shire Council’s.
The discussion was sparked by comments from Upper Hunter councillor Troy Stoltz, who suggested merging the two councils could improve financial sustainability and give the region greater lobbying power. He stressed the idea was his personal view and had not been formally raised at council level, though it is expected the topic will be tabled at an upcoming meeting between Upper Hunter councillors.
Mayor Drayton said Muswellbrook Council has not received any proposal and has not held internal discussions about the concept. He said any suggestion would need to prove it benefits the local community.
“Ultimately it’ll have to be in the best interest of the residents of this shire,” he said.
He said Muswellbrook’s strong financial position would be a major factor in whether a merger could be supported, particularly given recent reports about Upper Hunter’s budget constraints. Past council mergers elsewhere in the state have raised concerns about the impact of combining councils with very different financial strengths.
Cr Drayton noted both shires share similarities, including a strong mining workforce despite Upper Hunter having no active mines. Recent studies show around one in three residents in the Upper Hunter Shire work in or around the mining industry.
Mayor Drayton said he is open to conversations with Cr Stoltz or Upper Hunter Council should the idea progress, but stressed that residents would ultimately decide the outcome.
“If it’s not better for this community, the answer will be no,” he said.
