Advocacy

Advocacy is Council’s commitment to influencing the decisions, policies and investments that affect Singleton — to create positive change, secure infrastructure, services and support, and ensure our community’s future.

Since December 2018, Singleton Council has maintained the Singleton Advocacy Agenda and Singleton Infrastructure Advocacy Agenda.

These documents have proven essential tools for expressing the priorities of our community and have already contributed to major wins including obtaining funding under the NSW Government's former Resources for Regions program, redevelopment of the Alroy Oval Precinct, upgrades to the Singleton Saleyards and Brunners Bridge, improvements to the Singleton Bypass design, and more.

Derived from the Community Strategic Plan

During the development of Create Singleton 2035 – Community Strategic Plan, Council gathered extensive feedback from residents, businesses and community groups. The Advocacy Agendas align with the themes that matter most to you, ensuring our efforts are focused on what you told us is important.

What we advocate for

Our Advocacy and Infrastructure agendas cover key themes and actions to be pushed with State and Federal Governments. Here are our community’s priority issues:

Diverse and affordable housing, including crisis accommodation	Long-term funding programs to support mining communities
Appropriate levels of staffing for Police and Justice services in Singleton	Expansion and ongoing support for vocational education programs
Improvement of health services in Singleton	Commitment to connectivity and modern telecommunications
Funding and support to rebuild/enhance infrastructure impacted by the Singleton Bypass	Review of the LEP standard instrument for rural landholders
Increased public transport options between Singleton and the Lower Hunter	Leadership on waste and recycling issues
Upper Hunter water security planning, works and protection of water utility status	Environmental and air quality oversight around power stations, mines and extractive industries
Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations	Streamlined disaster preparedness and resilience processes
Establishment of a statutory body for a whole-of-Hunter approach to economic transition	Planning for future economic uses of mining-related land
Support for a signature event to boost the visitor economy and expand Singleton’s industry base	Equitable State and Federal support for regional infrastructure to unlock development-ready land
Reform of cost-shifting from State to Local Government	Ongoing funding and support for the Hunter Joint Organisation
Streamlining and alignment of State and Federal grant programs with Local Government planning and priorities

Infrastructure needs and priorities

To support growth, safety, amenity and liveability in Singleton, these infrastructure projects are among the priorities Council is actively advocating for:

Kelso Street drainage improvements	New depot for Council’s Water & Sewer Services
Bridgman Road Upgrade (New England Highway to Glass Parade)	Singleton water security projects
Secondary water supply for Singleton (Rose Point Park Bores)	Sewer infrastructure to unlock development and growth
Upgraded infrastructure at Lake St Clair Park to enhance tourism potential	Addressing impacts of economic transition on local roads
Civic Park Master Plan implementation	Civic Park Master Plan implementation
Improvements to the Civic Centre Precinct	Delivering Bulga-Milbrodale water security
Jerrys Plains Water Treatment Plant enhancements	'Beyond the Bypass' upgrades for New England Highway
Development of a cycling network linking Singleton with existing and planned networks in the Lower Hunter (initial link: Hermitage Road to Branxton)

Our approach

Focused advocacy. We use the Advocacy Agendas to provide clarity on what Singleton needs, and to set Council’s priorities when meeting with Ministers, members of Parliament, agencies, grant programs and government decision makers.

Evidence-based lobbying. We gather data, community feedback, cost estimates and project plans to support our case.

Reporting and review. The Agendas are reviewed every four years in line with Council’s Integrated Planning & Reporting cycle. Financial elements are assessed annually to ensure they remain accurate and achievable.

Collaboration. Council works with community organisations, neighbouring local governments, regional bodies, business and State + Federal stakeholders to amplify Singleton’s voice.

Our invitation

Singleton Council invites the NSW and Federal Governments, industry partners, and community stakeholders to join with us — to invest, support, and partner in realising the aspirations our community has set out. Together, we can ensure Singleton thrives, today and into the future.

Download the documents

Singleton Advocacy Agenda

Singleton Infrastructure Agenda