Decisions from Council's July meeting
Published on 23 July 2026
A development application for a new weighbridge and ancillary works at the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange as part of $4million in improvements was approved at this week’s Singleton Council meeting.
The approval will make way for replacement of an existing weighbridge and livestock holding pens, as well as reconfiguration of loading areas to accommodate truck deliveries that will boost the efficiency and capacity of livestock processing operations.
A report to the meeting said the development does not increase the scale or intensity of the existing use, including livestock throughput or holding capacity, but would enhance operational management including livestock weighing, handling and vehicle movements within the site.
OTHER DECISIONS FROM THE MEETING:
➡A third project status report on the Singleton Gym + Swim 25m pool was presented to the meeting. Performance trials to heat the pool for operation without an enclosure on a temporary basis have returned promising results and it seems feasible to maintain temperatures required for user comfort. Council staff have had discussions with Belgravia about the potential timeline to return the pool for temporary use while a permanent solution is undertaken. Tenders for a permanent solution for the pool have now closed. The tender is complex, and Council staff are carefully assessing the submissions with a view to reporting to Council for a decision as soon as possible. See more information including the status report here.
➡Councillors supported a notice of motion by Cr McGowan for a report to the September meeting outlining the current operation, progress and outcomes of Council’s development and business concierge service, covering the background and scope of support provided under the existing model; assistance provided; examples of comparable services delivered by other councils; opportunities to strengthen, promote or refine the existing service; and any resource or budget implications associated with future improvements.
➡Council will prepare a comprehensive submission in support for the continuation of the HVO North and HVO South open-cut mining operations following a successful notice of motion by Cr McLachlan.
➡Councillors supported a notice of motion by Cr Watson for the Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore to write to local NAIDOC Week organisers and volunteers acknowledging their contribution to the success of NAIDOC Week and thanking them for their ongoing leadership within the Singleton community. Council also reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation, respect, inclusion and cultural recognition in publicly condemn racist, discriminatory, intimidating or otherwise inappropriate behaviour on social media and other online platforms directed towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, community members, volunteers or participants involved in NAIDOC Week events.
➡A request for a fee waiver for the introduction of Singleton Farmers Markets by Business Singleton was not supported.
➡A fee waiver of $153 for Singleton Legacy to use the Singleton Visitor Information Centre Pop-Up Shop for its annual Badge Week Appeal was approved on an ongoing annual basis.
➡Council will enter into a new lease agreement with Upper Hunter Homeless Support providing a Council-owned property for a period of four years with an optional one year extension. The resolution also includes waiving the minimum fee under the Lease and Licence of Council Land and Buildings to Community Groups Policy.
➡Council resolved to participate in the SSROC (Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils) Program for Energy and Environmental Risk Solutions (PEERS 4). The strategic objectives of PEERS 4 are to achieve the best possible value for participating councils at their nominated level of renewable electricity and leverage the largest combined local government load to negotiate pricing, terms and conditions, and manage risks.
➡ Councillors resolved to note the installation of pole-mounted electric vehicle chargers on Cambridge Street, Howe Street and Townhead Cresent, Singleton as exempt development, but noting the outcome of public consultation for the proposed vehicle charging bays did not approve associated line-marking and signage.
➡Council has endorsed submissions to the Office of Local Government in relation to proposed Councillor conduct reforms and recommended that Councillors submit individual feedback on the draft Model Code of Conduct for Councillors in accordance with their own opinions.
➡Council will also provide a submission to the NSW Electoral Commission in relation to the costs for local government elections.
➡The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy was adopted, with training to be provided to Councillors within three months.
➡A tender was awarded for Plant and Equipment Hire, which establishes a panel of suitably qualified and experienced service providers for the wet and/or dry hire of heavy plant, trucks and specialised equipment to supplement Council’s own plant, trucks and equipment or to provide specialised equipment to meet Council’s varying operational needs.
Watch the webcast