Cr. Jeff Drayton

Mayor

Muswellbrook Shire COuncil

About

Jeff is a born-and-bred local, raised in Denman. He has built a diverse career spanning winemaking, energy and mining. Starting at what is now Ausgrid before moving into the mining industry at BHP's Mt Arthur coal mine. There, he became Vice President of the Mining and Energy Union, before going on to work for the Miners' Union.

Jeff is a strong advocate for the Hunter region. He has led the push to repurpose former mining land for future industries, championed community benefit from renewable energy projects, and embedded youth and Indigenous engagement into Council decision-making. He has also supported the region's growing tourism and events sector.

He is committed to ensuring the community shares in the benefits of mining and energy generation, and to building the jobs, growth and investment that will help the region continue to thrive. Jeff was first elected to Council in 2008 and became Mayor in 2024.