In the New Year, Council will be looking to revitalise a number of Upper Hunter Shire towns including Aberdeen, Merriwa, Murrurundi and Scone.

For Aberdeen, detailed street designs and signage, and the Aberdeen River Trail project have been prioritised for 2018.

Merriwa’s focus will remain on the Silo artwork, which will be on exhibition for community feedback in the coming weeks. As well as this, footpath upgrades and three town entrance signs will be a part of the revitalisation plan.

For Murrurundi, designs plans for the Murrurundi Heritage River Trail will be in focus, with Council soon to seek public feedback on the project. Detailed street plans are also set to be developed for the corner of Adelaide Street and Mayne Street.

The implementation of a new town square through partial closure of Aubins St will be on the horizon for Scone, as well as the construction of new roundabouts at Kingdon St, Susan St, and Liverpool St to replace existing the traffic lights.

All four towns are also set to see a strong focus on town branding, each to reflect their own unique characteristics and cultural heritages.

In 2016 Upper Hunter Shire Council adopted four Town Revitalisation Masterplans after extensive community consultations. Action Plans from the Masterplans have been prioritised by community members and Councillors, supported by Council staff, through a committee from each town that have met regularly throughout 2017.