Council News Issue #498 - 1 June 2024

Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter

Community support still vital for fight to secure airport’s future

Make your voice heard and let the Commonwealth Department of Defence know about why it is important to you, your family, your business or organisation for the Wagga Wagga Airport to the remain in the community's hands.

Council is pleading with local and surrounding communities to keep their submissions coming in support of the fight to secure the future of the airport, which provides a vital service for families, individuals, businesses, education and health services, aviation training and maintenance, and general aviation.

Council’s current 30-year lease of the airport from the Commonwealth Department of Defence was due to expire in June 2025.

It was recently announced Defence has put a decision about the lease on hold until 30 June 2026.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout welcomed the additional time for Council to prepare its case to secure a new and improved long-term lease of the airport.

“The extra 12 months is a positive development for Council as it shows

the Minister for Defence is listening to the community's and our voices on the future of the Wagga Wagga Airport,” Cr Tout said.

“However, the community and wider region should not take this as a signal to take a step back from the fight to secure a new lease.

“Council remains concerned Defence will still pursue the option to privatise the airport through a commercial lease.

“It is vital that residents, stakeholders, and businesses get involved now and show their support by making a submission through our advocacy campaign.”

You can add your voice of support by filling in the survey/submission through Council’s Have Your Say Wagga Wagga page until Sunday 30 June

Following suggestions from the community, Council has also launched a petition to fight for our airport's future. The petition can be signed at the display in the foyer of the Civic Centre.

All the feedback received will form a key part of Council’s advocacy case as it is developed over the coming months.

Executive Manager Regional Activation Christine Priest said Council is currently

forming a working group with other stakeholders from the education, health, business, emergency services, aviation and government sectors, who are also strongly in support of the lease with Council being renewed.

"It is crucial to have this broad support from our local and regional communities as we develop strategy and plan for what to do in terms of lobbying the Federal Government and Defence,” Ms Priest said.

Submit your feedback at haveyoursay. wagga.nsw.gov.au or email it to us at council@wagga.nsw.gov.au or drop it in to our Civic Centre by Sunday 30 June 2024.

Wagga Wagga welcomes tourism professionals from across the state

The City of Wagga Wagga, Junee Shire and Coolamon Shire joined forces this week to host the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Destination and Visitor Economy Conference 2024, bringing an exciting opportunity for the region. Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre opened its doors to 180 delegates on Tuesday 28 May – Thursday 30 May, connecting representatives across the state to share insights, spark conversation, and develop skills for those involved in the tourism industry.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said the event was a great opportunity to spotlight Wagga Wagga as a regional business events destination.

“We are proud to have had this opportunity to collaborate with our neighbours Junee and Coolamon shires, as well as connecting with wider NSW,” Cr Tout said.

“Our local area attracts 1.4 million visits annually. Being able to host an event of this kind reinforces that Wagga Wagga is a leading regional tourism destination in the state.”

Council worked closely with LGNSW to develop this year’s event program to ensure a strong focus on our region’s best attractions and experiences.

Notable program highlights included a panel session on the popular winter event, Festival of W, a CBD Walking Tour, and a cycling afternoon to explore the best of our region’s landscapes and local produce.

“This conference allowed us to showcase our wonderful region and its key tourism assets, from scenic natural landscapes, delicious local produce, and a full calendar of events,” Cr Tout said.

The annual Destination and Visitor Economy Conference is organised and delivered by Local Government NSW.

GIVE US YOUR INPUT: Executive Manager Regional Activation Christine Priest and Mayor of Wagga Wagga Cr Dallas Tout are encouraging the community to make a submission or sign the petition in support of the fight to secure the future of Wagga Wagga Airport.

HOME PRIDE: Wagga Wagga co-hosted the LGNSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference 2024, allowing the chance to highlight what our region has to offer. Picture: Council Strategic Sustainability Advisor Carly Hood chats with conference panellists.

Council endorses Flood Mitigation Report for North Wagga

Council has taken a significant step toward enhancing flood safety in North Wagga after voting to accept the final report by the Centre for International Economics (CIE) on flood mitigation options at their meeting on Monday.

Recommendations attached to Stage 1 include an upgrade of the existing North Wagga levee system to a five per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) level, or a 1 in 20 levee.

AEP is a measurement term used by flood modellers when considering flood events according to their size and regularity.

Director Strategy and Projects Phil McMurray said Stage 1 would involve raising key sections of the levee bank.

“It would also provide support to the floodplain community outside the levee through the investigation of Voluntary House Raising and Purchase or other mitigation options to residents that suffer a real impact from the raised levee,” Mr McMurray said.

The recommendations for Stage 2 include a suggested increase to the road heights and bridges along Hampden Avenue, with room for Council to consider further measures or new designs as outlined in the report.

"Stage 2 will be considered in the future, subject to funding and approval processes,” Mr McMurray said.

Council’s acceptance of CIE’s final report follows a successful public consultation period on the draft version earlier this year.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout thanked the community for the vital part they played in the consultation process.

“It’s fantastic to finally have a decision based on the public feedback we received,” Cr Tout said.

“As a result, we now have a path forward that meaningfully reflects the broader needs and input of both.”

Council will now seek funding for the design phase of the levee upgrade.

VITAL ECOSYSTEM: “Have your say on Marrambidya Wetland’s future planning,” says Wagga Wagga City Council’s Environmental Officer Samantha Pascall.

Marrambidya Wetland’s Plan of Management open for community feedback

Wagga Wagga City Council is encouraging the community to have its say on its proposed 10-year plan of management for the Marrambidya Wetland.

The draft Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management was endorsed by Council at its Ordinary Meeting on Monday (27 May) to go on public exhibition for 42 days.

The document aims to set clear directions regarding environmental management and the community’s needs in relation to current infrastructure and assets, and potential future improvements.

Council’s Environmental Officer Samantha Pascall says Council welcomes community feedback.

“The wetland is a well-used space, and the community’s opinion and perspective will be an important contribution to the final management plan,” Ms Pascall says.

The Marrambidya Wetland was created to provide a sustainable wildlife habitat and sanctuary that provides an enhanced recreational and educational experience.

The plan details how Council intends to maintain and develop the wetland for the benefit of our native wildlife, the community and visitors to Wagga Wagga.

Proposed improvements include maintaining floating reed beds, updating existing interpretive signage and improving disability access.

“These improvements will enhance an already popular site and our community’s experience of this wonderful natural environment and important ecosystem,” Ms Pascall said.

The plan also includes costings for the maintenance of existing infrastructure and the control of weeds and pests.

The document will be on public exhibition from 31 May to 12 July 2024.

You can give your feedback by visiting haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au

A hard copy of the plan is available at the Customer Service desk at the Civic Centre.

MAKE A SUBMISSION: The proposed Planning Agreement with Homes NSW for the Tolland Renewal Project is now on public exhibition, with residents encouraged to have their say.

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WEEK

Bourke St. P. 0406 632 556 Presentation Sisters Wagga Wagga 150 Years Celebration SAT 1 JUN, 1PM – 5PM Mt Erin Heritage Centre, 10 Edmondson St. P. 0438 711 229 The Tap Pack SAT 1 JUN, 7.30PM – 8.50PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688 Willans Hill Miniature Railway Rides SUN 2 JUN, 10AM – 2.30PM Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay St. P. 0412 439 455 Wheelchair AFL WED 5 JUN, 6.30PM – 8PM Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. P. 0407 682 545

Trivia Wednesday –Riverina Hotel WED 5 JUN, 7PM Riverina Hotel, 188 Fitzmaurice St. P. 6921 2222

Comedy Fest THU 6 – MON 10 JUN, VARIOUS TIMES Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way P. 6926 9688

RCM Free Lunchtime Concert No.6: Rising Stars THU 6 JUN, 1PM – 2PM Riverina Conservatorium of Music, 1 Simmons St. P. 6925 3522

TGIF – Thank God It's Friday THU 6 JUN, 5PM – 6PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688 The Great Comedy Fest Debate THU 6 JUN, 6.30PM - 7.30PM Wagga Wagga Art

The Wagga Wagga community has the opportunity to give their feedback on the proposed Planning Agreement with Homes NSW for the Tolland Renewal Project.

At its Ordinary Meeting on Monday (27 May), Council resolved to provide in-principle support for the proposed Planning Agreement and to place it on public exhibition for 28 days, from 31 May to 28 June 2024.

Director Regional Activation John Sidgwick is encouraging the community to give their feedback on the proposed agreement.

“It essentially sets out how Homes NSW will fund and then deliver the necessary infrastructure upgrades that will go handin-hand with the housing at Tolland,” Mr Sidgwick said.

“This includes constructing active travel infrastructure, recreational assets, and community facilities in the Tolland area in addition to the requirements of the development, in lieu of making the financial contributions to Council usually required for subdivision developments.”

Following the public exhibition period, Council will receive a further report addressing any submissions made and recommending whether to enter into the proposed agreement.

Council has also endorsed adopting the finalised Tolland Concept Masterplan, prepared by Homes NSW.

The Tolland Renewal Project is anticipated to achieve some key milestones within the next six months, delivering a significant renewal opportunity for the Wagga Wagga community.

To find out more about the project, visit the NSW Land and Housing Corporation's webpage: dpie.nsw.gov. au and navigate to the Tolland page.

To make an online submission on the proposed Planning Agreement, go to haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ tolland-renewal

Submissions will be accepted until 12 July 2024.

Gallery, E3 Art Space, Morrow St. P. 6926 9688

Are You Pulling My Leg? THU 6 JUN, 7.30PM – 9PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688

Infusion Games

Trivia and Karaoke

THU 6 JUN, 8.30PM

The Victoria Hotel, 55 Baylis St. P. 6921 5233

Geraldine Hickey – Don't Tease Me About My Gloves FRI 7 JUN, 6PM – 7PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688

The Gong Show hosted by Dane Simpson FRI 7 JUN,

7.15PM - 8.15PM Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, E3 Art Space, Morrow St. P. 6926 9688 Lizzy Hoo and Dave Thornton FRI 7 JUN, 7.15PM – 8.15PM CSU Riverina Playhouse Theatre, 8 Cross St. P. 6926 9688

Garry Starr – Greece Lightning FRI 7 JUN, 9PM – 10PM CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St. P. 6926 9688

For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events team: events@wagga. nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442. Mon – Fri. /waggaevents visitwagga.com

He would suit someone with an active lifestyle or fellow explorer. The adoption cost for ‘Roo’ is $312 and includes microchipping, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, heartworm test, flea and worming treatment and ID tag.