Community Consultation
The MDPA is part of the community and values their input. Below are the results of past consultations and information about upcoming community consultation events. You can also check what other events are coming up by viewing our Calandar.
In early 2021, the MDPA conducted a survey of over 100 visitors to Merriwa. The goal of the survey was to collect the opinions and suggestions of visitors.
The outcome (summarised in a press release) provided a rich insight into what more we can do to retain people in our town, including:
- more seating in the main street to relax in the shade
- installing street art and historical information
- having a main street makeover
- walking and cycle tracks around town
- tourist drives
- a heavy haulage bypass around town
- more events after running of the sheep (Festival of the Fleeces)
- having more venues open for meals on weekends
- and a larger, more private caravan park that is not directly fronting the highway.
You can also see our Publications page for full results of this survey.
The 2021 elected Council members for the Upper Hunter Shire Council are our representatives and will help steer us into the future. Given the role of a Councillor holds a significant burden of responsibility, the MDPA believes the votes of community members should be based on a clear understanding of the candidates’ goals and aspirations for the local area.
To assist with our decision-making when casting our votes, the MDPA hosted a public forum allowing candidates for the Upper Hunter by-election to address the community.
The Merriwa District Progress Association has contributed to workshops held during the development of the Council’s Upper Hunter Destination Management Plan.