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.
In both 2024 and 2021, elected Council members for the Upper Hunter Shire Council were invited to speak at a Meet the Candidates evening.
Given the important role of a Councillor, and their responsibility to the community, 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.
The Merriwa District Progress Association has contributed to workshops held during the development of the Council’s Upper Hunter Destination Management Plan.