The Scone Advocate

The Scone Advocate provides depth and spread of local news coverage on its site. Its close involvement with the community is reflected in its high penetration rate in the area. The Upper Hunter Shire is a conservative, rural area with a steady population rise. Its economy is diverse and therefore not reliant on one industry. It is a major cattle producing area which supports a sale yard and an abattoir. It is also a major horse breeding area and is renowned as Australia’s Horse Capital supported by the development of a world-class racecourse, TAFE college specialising in equine studies and an equine research centre. The Shire is not affected physically by coal-mining but much of its population benefits from the nearby coal industry and power stations for employment. Scone and surrounding communities in the Upper Hunter Shire have excellent schools, sport and recreation, aged and health facilities. The area is becoming more and more popular with urban people who are attracted to the rural environment and lifestyle of Scone, just a few hours from Sydney.