Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter
Saturday 16 September 2023 |
Issue #463
Wagga Wagga City Council is reminding visitors to the city’s Marrambidya Wetland that it is not a designated off-leash area and, as such, all dogs must be on-leash and under the control of their owner.
Marrambidya Wetland is a 20-hectare reserve located alongside the Murrumbidgee River which provides habitat for migratory and non-migratory birds, water insects, frogs, fish, reptiles and mammals such as the locally threatened Squirrel Glider.
The wetland is a place where people can get close to nature and experience our native birds and other wildlife.
Council Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid said unfortunately, there are some visitors who think it is okay to let their dogs off the leash in this sensitive wetland habitat, as they believe their dog won’t hurt anything.
“Dog owners need to understand how their pets’ presence can harm the bird and animal life at the wetland, if they’re let off the leash,” Ms Reid said.
“Native reeds have been carefully selected and planted along the edge of the wetland area for the specific purpose of providing a nesting site for our native waterbirds.
Protect our native wildlife!
Marrambidya Wetland Keep your dogs on a leash at
“A dog running through those spaces may scare birds into abandoning their nests as it may be a message to the brooding birds that this is not a safe place to raise their chicks.
“Recently we’ve seen a Swamp Wallaby at the wetland, which is a great treat for nature lovers. These animals can quickly panic at the sight of a dog running toward them and this can lead to injuries.”
The presence of dogs off-leash can also impact other users’ enjoyment of the site, including other dog owners with their animals on-leash and parents of small children.
“Council has been working with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Argyle Housing on the renewal of the Tolland Estate for a number of years, which is one of the first renewal projects of its kind in regional NSW,” Cr Tout said.
greater recognition of Tolland’s First Nations history.
Wagga Wagga City Council Director Regional Activation John Sidgwick is encouraging the community to give their feedback on the draft Masterplan, which is on public exhibition for 42 days.
It is important to be aware that not all people are going to love your dog as much as you do, and that your dog doesn’t have to bite to do harm.
Have
your say on the draft Tolland Concept Masterplan
The draft Tolland Concept Masterplan, which outlines a vision for the renewal of the Tolland Estate, is now on public exhibition to allow for community feedback.
The NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), Argyle Housing, Council and other stakeholders have collaborated on the Masterplan.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said Council was pleased the Tolland renewal has reached the point of the draft Tolland Concept Masterplan going on public exhibition.
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“Once adopted, the draft Masterplan will provide a clear vision for the renewal area, against which Council can assess future Development Applications in the renewal area.
“We look forward to seeing changes in housing supply, a revitalised neighbourhood, and a sense of community in Tolland for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy.”
There are approximately 1200 social housing dwellings located within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area, most of which are concentrated in four suburbs or estates such as Tolland.
Renewing Tolland, as well as replacing older houses with more and better social housing across the Local Government Area, is LAHC’s long-term objective.
The draft Masterplan seeks to deliver a mix of new social, affordable and private housing fit for the needs of residents, improved green spaces such as parks and outdoor communal areas, increased road connectivity and pathways, and
“During the exhibition period, the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Council will be hosting drop-in events for the community,” Mr Sidgwick said.
“These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for the community to find out more information about what the Masterplan could deliver, and for them to provide us with feedback and ideas.
“We will review the feedback on the Masterplan prior to it being presented to Council for adoption.”
The public exhibition and submission period is Monday 11 September to Tuesday 24 October 2023.
To view the draft Tolland Concept Masterplan and make an online submission, go to haveyoursay.wagga. nsw.gov.au/tolland-renewal
You can also inspect the draft Masterplan in person at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
“In fact, in terms of the law, a dog threatening a person or animal can be classed as an attack, because it can cause real terror in people, their pets and wild animals, and there are fines if this happens,” Ms Reid said.
“Our rangers will be stepping up their regular patrols of the wetland during spring. A dog attack fine, which doesn’t have to include a bite, is $1320 and a dog off-leash fine is $330.
“We are so lucky to have such a wonderful space so close to the city centre. It's a major drawcard for visitors and a great teaching tool for schools.
“Please respect this fantastic natural area and either keep your dog on a leash or take it elsewhere for exercise.”
Council has nine designated off-leash areas across the city, including two close to the Marrambidya Wetland: the Wiradjuri Reserve Off-Leash Area and the Narrung Street Off-Leash Area.
For more information about our offleash areas, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ offleash
Council has developed a community roadmap to help Wagga Wagga reach net zero by 2050. This document outlines options available to locals to help contribute to climate solutions.
Read the roadmap and have your say!
wagga.nsw.gov.au/netzero
SAILS UP: shade sails have been installed over Webb Park in Ashmont.
Sail away! Shade
Installation of shade sails has been completed to provide more sun protection for two playgrounds located in Ashmont and Mount Austin. Shade sails have been installed at the playgrounds at Webb Park in Ashmont, and on Jack Avenue in Mount Austin in an effort to provide more shade for playground users and carers.
This is in addition to trees being planted around all playgrounds in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area as part of Council’s strategy to increase shade for all local playgrounds.
Council Manager Recreation & Economic Development Ben Creighton said the work has been completed in time for the warmer months.
“We have worked during the cooler months to plant trees at all playgrounds in our local government area,” Mr Creighton said.
“The two playgrounds in Ashmont and Mount Austin were identified as having very little shade cover, so they were marked for the installation of shade sails.”
Shade sails are also currently being installed in playgrounds at Pomingalarna Reserve and Lingiari Street in Lloyd, with another playground on Bedevale Street in Bourkelands set to have shade sails installed in the coming months.
An audit conducted in March 2022 indicated that the shade coverage for Council’s playgrounds was below the Cancer Council’s recommended benchmark of between 40 per cent and 80 per cent shade cover.
There are 100 playgrounds which have all had trees planted around them in the past six months.
With the recent installations, 22 of the 100 playgrounds now have shade sails, providing significant protection for playground users.
To view Council’s Playground Strategy 2016 – 2036, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ communityplans
WHAT’S
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK: Make a submission on the draft Roadmap before the closing date Friday 22 September to have your say on net zero emissions.
climate action.
Council Strategic Sustainability Advisor Carly Hood emphasises the importance of anyone who is yet to submit feedback to do so before the closing date.
“There is one week left to share your thoughts on the Roadmap for net zero emissions,” Ms Hood said, “Please take the time to review the draft Roadmap and make a submission to Council.”
Ms Hood says this is the second phase of community consultation to develop the Roadmap.
“Council established a Community Net Zero Forum of representatives from the community, local business, agriculture, and various state government agencies in October 2022,” Ms Hood said “This forum and months of wider community consultation workshops completed across December 2022 and January 2023 led to the draft Roadmap now out for public comment.
Energetic and friendly Nancy Nancy is a female Kelpie x that is approximately one year old. Nancy is very energetic and gets along well with other dogs.
The opportunity to have your say on the Community Roadmap for net zero emissions is coming to a close on Friday 22 September.
If you have not yet provided your feedback on the draft document, there is still time to make a submission.
The Draft Wagga Wagga Community Net Zero Emissions 2050 Roadmap has been on public exhibition since the start of August, with a few days now left for community members to review.
The goal for net zero emissions is an issue currently being addressed globally, nationally, and state-wide, and Wagga Wagga City Council has identified how our local government area can support this initiative.
This document outlines how community organisations, groups, and individuals can help contribute to reach net zero emissions and engage in
Road closures
SHAW ST (AT DOCKER ST ENTRANCE)
Date: Monday 18 September to Friday 22 September (weather permitting)
Duration: 7am to 5pm
Reason: Kerb & Gutter concreting works
Detour: Access for residents maintained via Bolton St MADANG ST (BETWEEN TOBRUK ST AND LAE AVE)
Date: Monday 18 September to Friday 6 October 2023 weekdays (weather permitting)
Duration: 7am to 5pm
Reason: Reseal preparation works
Detour: Access for residents maintained TOM WOOD DR
Date: Saturday 23 September 2023
Duration: 6am to 4pm
Reason: Spring Jam family festival
“We care about your thoughts on this document and our goals for net zero, and your feedback will inform how we can work together to create a more sustainable future for our local government area.”
This draft document is a guide only and is not a policy or a basis for consideration for future fees, charges or planning documents.
After the exhibition period ends, a report will be taken to Council based on submissions received during the exhibition period, which will then inform whether the draft document requires changes before being published.
Council encourages community members to submit feedback before the closing date by filling out an online form at haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ netzero or by emailing a submission to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Detour: As per signs WAGGA LAKE RUN AND RIDE CLOSURES
Date: Sunday 24 September 2023
Location: Lake St and Eastlake Drive
Duration: 8.30am to 11.30am
Location: Lake Albert Rd (from Lord Baden Powell Dr to Eastlake Dr)
Duration: 9.30am to 1pm
Detour: As per signs BOURKE ST SOUTHBOUND LANES (BETWEEN URANA ST AND FERNLEIGH RD)
Date: Monday 25 September to Saturday 30 September 2023
Duration: 6am to 6pm
Reason: Reseal preparation
Detour: Access for residents maintained ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/publicnotices
The adoption cost for Nancy is $357 and includes: microchip, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, heartworm test, flea/worming treatment and ID tag. (ImpD23/0424).
6971 4651 graswagga.com.au
Vacancies
Aquatics Supervisor $3,515.18 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 17 September 2023
Revenue Officer - Two (2) Positions Available $2,620.62 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 24 September 2023
Events & Visitor Economy Officer $2,620.62 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 24 September 2023
Trainee Purchasing/Contracts Officer $1,552.20 gpf + super
Closing: Sunday, 1 October 2023
Waste Education Officer $2,620.62 gpf + super
Closing: Monday, 2 October 2023
gpf = gross salary per fortnight
Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer wagga.nsw.gov.au/ jobs
For more details and to apply, visit: Enquiries: 1300 292 442
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