Advocacy
The MDPA advocates on behalf of the community by raising concerns with government, expressing support for group projects, and reviewing and responding to government undertakings.
Visitors who are disabled or have limited mobility can once again enter the Merriwa cemetery with their mobility aids to pay tribute to their dearly departed loved ones.
The Merriwa District Progress Association successfully negotiated with the Upper Hunter Shire Council to remove the padlocks on three gates at the cemetery.
Council had locked these gates during 2019 due to unauthorised works being carried out at the cemetery. Many people may not be aware that they require Council approval prior to carrying out any works at the cemetery. Enquiries regarding any works should be directed to the Merriwa Council office.
The Progress Association would like to applaud Council for its cooperation in this matter. It urges all visitors to respect those memorials dedicated to the deceased, and to comply with Council’s rules regarding any works.
The Merriwa Progress Association has been lobbying and working with Council to carry out upgrades and improvements to the doctors surgery in Bettington Street.
The improvements have been completed.
a-The Merriwa District Progress Association lobbied Council to not sell off earthmoving and road maintenance plant.
Along with many local community members and groups, the Merriwa District Progress Association have added a voice to the lobbying for a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic visit Merriwa.
The full weight of our efforts came into fruition with a pop-up clinic and a follow-up clinic.
The MDPA provided feedback to the Council on the design of the new Driver Reviver facilities (now in operation).
Despite a tight deadline for providing feedback, we were able to affect the design of the facilities. Our appreciation goes to Council for their work on the new facility and for taking on board suggestions for a more enhanced facility.
Feedback to Council can be found here.
Asking Council to make improvements to the signage of the Visitors Information Centre.
Continued lobbying Council to replace damaged footpaths in the Merriwa CBD
Having Council resolve problems with several parking spaces in Bettington Street.
The Merriwa District Progress Association reviewed proposed amendments to the Merriwa Heritage Conservation Area and submitted comments to Council for consideration.
When mains power is unavailable, Telstra’s mobile tower is powered by batteries. However, the batteries were aged and would not maintain the mobile phone service for an extended length of time.
Given our reliance on mobile phones for communications -especially in emergency situations – and for some medical apparatus (such as Vitalcall) – the lack of network coverage was a significant issue.
The Merriwa District Progress Association began negotiations with Telstra’s Regional Experience Specialist in July 2021 to rectify this situation. Telstra initially said they were unaware there was a problem, but agreed to begin investigations.
After months of discussions with Telstra, we are pleased to announce that Telstra has now replaced the batteries that power the exchange during power outages, and has scheduled regular monitoring, commencing in the second quarter of 2022.
A disturbing discovery has been that the batteries are not designed to cope with extended power outages such as the Ausgrid scheduled linework shutdowns. So, Telstra mobile phone users could potentially still lose service if the mains power is disconnected for several hours.
We have referred this matter to our local Federal member, Barnaby Joyce, who has asked Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Communications to give urgent consideration to the problems being experienced in Merriwa. We can only hope that a more reliable and permanent solution can be put in place.
The Merriwa District Progress Association has liaised with Hunter New England Health to clarify the policy regarding transport when patients are discharged from hospital.
The Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP) is one of the most defining documents for the local region. It sets out and determines the Council’s vision, mission, charter, objectives, functions, activities, services and performance indicators (and more). The Merriwa District Progress Association reviews the DPOP each year and lodges a submission to Council.
a-Advised Council of the dangers of B-double trucks using the Scone Road.
The Merriwa District Progress Association supported the Merriwa-Cassilis Alliance objecting to a proposed power transmission line through prime agricultural land on the Merriwa plateau.
The MDPA proudly supported the VRA’s applications for grant funding to construct a new depot headquarters.
The Merriwa District Progress Association lobbied Council to remove the white stains from the dark brickwork on the exterior of the swimming pool building.
The pool is a major part of family life in Merriwa and an important community hub.
Advised Council of the apparent leaking of the Merriwa Olympic Swimming Pool and excessive water discharging into Witneys Creek.
The Merriwa District Progress Association has lobbied Council to update all Alcohol Free road signs. Updated signs have been installed and the Council has recently approved the zones until 5 April 2026.
a-Reviewed the Upper Hunter Shire Waste Management Strategy and lodged a submission to Council.