Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has decided he will not sack Upper Hunter Shire Council at this stage but is keeping a watching brief on the situation.
The position is in response to a petition signed by 1201 ratepayers angry at the council’s financial management after losing millions of dollars a year on the Scone Airport, Warbird’s Museum and Scone Saleyards.
The council is also still under investigation by the Office of Local Government over the botched MR358 road repair, more than three years after the stuff-up that has left a vital transport link closed.
In his response the Minister said he had been advised by his department the Upper Hunter Shire Council will remain in deficit for at least another eight years….a situation that started in 2019.
Moonan resident Patricia Taylor, who started the petition said she doesn’t know how the Minister can be comfortable with the council’s current dire financial straits.
She said the Minister’s response was ‘weak’.
