Upper Hunter Shire Council is officially the worst in NSW when it comes to financial performance.
A report released by the state government shows Upper Hunter Shire Council recorded a $15.5 million deficit in 2023/24 before capital grants.
This translates to the lowest operating performance ratio in NSW at minus 24.8%.
Upper Hunter Shire has close to $30 million in debt and is collectively bleeding millions of dollars with the Scone Airport, Hunter Warbirds Museum, Scone Saleyards and Gummun Place nursing home in Merriwa,
By their own admission, the council have stated it will be at least 2032 before it gets back into the black.
Acting Mayor Pat Ryan said regional councils face unique financial challenges due to their vast service areas, rising costs, and declining funding support.
Image: Upper Hunter Shire Council
