Minister’s Visit Highlights Breadth and Reach of Council Services
Published on 30 July 2025
This week, Mayor Robert Bell and Uralla Shire Council staff were pleased to welcome The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, Minister for Local Government, to the region as part of his visit to the New England. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the extensive range of services delivered by Council including infrastructure, aged care, community events, public spaces, and strategic development.
A key discussion topic was Council’s response to the impact of the New England Renewable Energy Zone with a focus on strategic leadership to maximise the future benefits through community benefit sharing agreements, while minimising the impacts with sound solutions to infrastructure (especially transport), resource and environmental demands. The Minister was particularly interested in the issue of worker accommodation and the current Council advocacy including engagement with EnergyCo to secure sustainable worker accommodation options that can deliver legacy infrastructure and development opportunities as well as economic benefits to local businesses.
The upcoming Aged Care Act 2025, which comes into effect from 1 November this year was another key focus. As one of the few local governments still delivering aged care services, Council was pleased to brief the Minister on plans to expand and upgrade McMaugh Gardens, ensuring the facility remains fit-for-purpose and aligned with new legislative requirements. This essential service continues to support Uralla’s ageing population with dignity and care.
The Minister also toured several legacy projects, including the upgrades at Pioneer Park and Rotary Park, and the revitalisation of the historic Uralla Courthouse, which is being transformed into a vibrant multi-use community space. These projects reflect Council’s long-term vision for enhancing recreational and cultural spaces throughout the Shire.
Council also spoke to its role in delivering much-loved community events, such as the annual Christmas Street Fair, which not only boosts local business and visitor numbers, but also strengthens community pride and social connection for residents.
As part of broader discussions, Council outlined the financial pressures associated with delivering such a wide array of services across a geographically large and diverse area. These challenges are compounded by the ongoing impacts of NSW Government cost shifting, where responsibilities are increasingly transferred to local government without appropriate funding. Also presented was the adopted Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP), which outlines a responsible approach to achieving financial sustainability.
We thank Minister Hoenig for his time and interest in hearing first hand the scale and complexity of services provided by Uralla Shire Council, and for recognising the challenges small regional councils face in balancing community needs with financial responsibility.