Muswellbrook Shire Council has launched a pointed attack on City of Newcastle's push for a new climate pollution levy on coal, gas and oil export corporations, accusing Newcastle of a double standard in seeking to tax an industry it continues to profit from.
Newcastle council recently resolved to lobby the Australian government to establish a national climate compensation fund, financed through a proposed levy on coal, gas and oil companies, to support climate adaptation, resilience and disaster recovery.
Muswellbrook mayor Jeff Drayton said the debate exposed a growing disconnect between councils pushing for extra costs on mining and the regional communities that host the industry, employ its workforce and carry the infrastructure burden that comes with it.
"Mining communities like ours are already navigating mine closures, extension and approval processes and the enormous challenge of diversifying our economy while maintaining the jobs and investment our communities rely on," Cr Drayton said.
He said about 20,000 vehicles travel through Muswellbrook every day, adding pressure to local roads the council is responsible for maintaining, and that thousands of mine workers take their wages home to communities right across the Hunter, including Newcastle.
"If Newcastle wants to advocate for a new levy on the mining industry, it also needs to acknowledge how much its own community benefits from the jobs, wages and economic activity that industry creates," he said.
"This is one Hunter economy. Decisions that hurt mining communities like Muswellbrook ultimately have consequences for Newcastle too."
Port Stephens Council has voted unanimously to investigate securing world-renowned ECO Destination Certification, in a move introduced by mayoral minute at the July 28 meeting.
Administered by Ecotourism Australia, the certification assesses a region's commitment to sustainable practices and eco-friendly tourism, weighing destination management, environmental stewardship, cultural heritage protection and community benefit.
Mayor Leah Anderson said Port Stephens' environment and wildlife attract more than two million visitors a year, contributing more than $840 million annually to the regional visitor economy, from the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park and Worimi Conservation Lands to Tomaree National Park.
She pointed to $2.3 million committed over four years through Special Rate Variation funds to help protect the natural environment.
Destination Port Stephens chief executive Jo Thomas said travellers were increasingly seeking destinations committed to sustainability, and certification could sharpen the region's international profile. Council staff will report back on the potential benefits before a decision is made.
Maitland City Council has voted to prepare and lodge a submission supporting the Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) Extension Project, after councillor Mitchell Griffin moved an urgent motion at last month's meeting ahead of the submission deadline.
The motion passed with every councillor in support except Labor's Don Ferris, and recognises the mining industry's economic significance to the region while committing council's voice to the assessment process.
Cr Griffin said the extension had the potential to secure thousands of direct and indirect jobs, support local businesses and generate ongoing royalties and economic activity across the Hunter and the wider state.
"Mining has been a cornerstone of the Hunter's economy for generations," he said. "Many Maitland residents either work directly in the industry or rely on the businesses and services it supports."
Swimmers have returned to the heated 25-metre pool at Singleton Gym and Swim on a temporary basis, after it was closed following demolition of its dome enclosure.
Council is assessing tenders for a permanent solution, with a report due to go to councillors at their August meeting.
Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre will open two new exhibitions this month exploring home, memory and belonging.
The Quiet Room by Jono Everett and I Have More to Say by Jasmine Poole and Christopher Sewell officially open on Friday, August 21, with a free community event from 6pm.
Singleton Council's Director Corporate and Community Services, Dwight Graham, said the exhibitions offered a meaningful way to engage with contemporary art exploring universal experiences.
"They remind us that the most ordinary objects and spaces often hold our most powerful memories," he said, adding the two shows complemented each other in exploring people's connections to places, possessions and personal experiences.
Dungog Shire Council is continuing to press the state and federal governments for greater road funding, after Canberra flagged an initiative to overhaul financial assistance grants to councils.
Mayor Digby Rayward welcomed the move as "a step in the right direction," saying councils like Dungog had long been expected to maintain extensive road networks and deliver services with limited funding.
Upper Hunter Shire Council has cautiously welcomed two federal announcements it says address issues the council has advocated on for years, fairer funding for local government, and greater financial returns for communities hosting renewable energy projects.
The proposed Local Government Federation Compact includes increased financial assistance grants, more flexibility for road funding and support for council workforce programs, with the council having long called for grants to be restored to 1 per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.
Mayor Maurice Collison welcomed the announcement but said more detail was needed.
"Federal support for local government has fallen too far while councils are being asked to deliver more," he said.
"It is now time to restore funding to a fair and sustainable level."
The council also welcomed a proposal for renewable energy developments to make direct payments to host councils and communities, with projects already operating or being developed around Merriwa and Cassilis.
Deputy mayor Pat Ryan said regional communities were carrying the impacts of increased heavy traffic and pressure on water, housing and services.
"The communities hosting these projects should receive a fair share of the value they generate," he said. "If councils cannot rate renewable energy developments differently, a royalty-style payment may be a fair alternative."
Cessnock City Council is asking residents of all ages to share stories to help shape the future of heritage management across the local government area, as part of a major review of its Heritage Strategy and Heritage Policy.
Council is collecting stories about heritage places, the natural environment, people and objects valued by the community, to refine the strategy's principles and long-term vision for recognising, protecting and celebrating local heritage.
Mayor Dan Watton encouraged the community to take part.
"I'm looking forward to hearing and reading some fascinating stories about our local history," he said.
"No tale or perspective is insignificant. Together we can share our knowledge and celebrate our local government area for the benefit of future generations."
