Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter
New reed beds flourishing at the Marrambidya Wetland
Our local Marrambidya Wetland has received some special treatment led by Council’s Environment team and with the help of community volunteers.
Council officers met with volunteers last Sunday to plant a selection of native seedlings at our Marrambidya Wetland, and to build a new artificial reed bed.
Wagga Wagga City Council Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid says this work could not have been completed without the help of local volunteers.
“Thank you to the amazing volunteers who turned up to help us get native seedlings in the ground to establish a native ‘Weavers Garden’ on the edge of the main pond at the Marrambidya Wetland,” Ms Reid said.
“The ‘Weavers Garden’ consists of Indigenous plants that our local cultural weaving groups will eventually be able to harvest from, and it was great to have
and the Marrambidya Wetland.”
The artificial reed beds consist of a buoyant tubular framework covered with a type of natural fibre, creating a ‘mat’ into which different native water reeds and other aquatic plants can be planted.
When the plants have grown, the bed will have some leafy vegetation above to provide a haven for birds, while the roots growing in the water below become important fish habitat and also help to improve water quality by acting as a type of water filter.
“Once established, the reed beds provide an important refuge for our native birds and other wildlife, such as turtles, that otherwise may not be able to get away from domestic pets or feral species such as cats or foxes,” Ms Reid said.
“While these plants are seedlings, we need to protect them from our native birds who like to eat the tender young leaves.
“We decided instead of using the bird mesh to cover the platform, we would reuse some potential landfill, such as old screen doors, that can sit over our seedlings for the next few months.
“Once the plants have reached a certain size, we will remove the screens to give the wildlife full access. The screens will
then be reused on the next reed bed.”
There are other plans in place to support our local biodiversity, such as the return of the popular One Tree 4 Me, which starts this July.
The Draft Marrambidya Wetland Plan of Management is currently on public exhibition, with Council asking for feedback until Friday 12 July 2024.
The draft plan is a 10-year document that details how Council intends to maintain and develop the wetland for the benefit of our native wildlife, Wiradyuri culture, the community and visitors to Wagga Wagga.
To view the draft and make a submission, visit haveyoursay.wagga. nsw.gov.au
Council is seeking the community’s input on what they love about Wagga Wagga’s Botanic Gardens precinct and what they would like to see included in this popular open space into the future.
Consultation with the community, along with existing user groups and stakeholders, is the first stage in the development of a masterplan for the precinct.
The precinct is a popular destination for people of all ages and demographics, from young families to retirees, Wagga Wagga residents to tourists.
It attracts thousands of regular and new visitors to the gardens themselves, as well as the Zoo & Aviary, multiple playgrounds and picnic areas, the Museum of the Riverina, the Tree Chapel, and the Willans Hill Miniature Railway.
It is also a popular location for some of Wagga Wagga’s iconic annual events, including Spring Jam and Fusion.
Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton is encouraging the community to voice their thoughts and ideas about the precinct through an online submission on our Have Your Say Wagga Wagga website.
“We want to know what you like, or not, about the Botanic Gardens precinct, and what you would like to see changed or improved,” Mr Creighton said.
“Our goal is to ensure the Botanic Gardens remain a vibrant, sustainable, and functional space for future generations to enjoy. We aim to preserve its natural beauty while enhancing its amenities and accessibility for all visitors.
“We are committed to providing an outdoor space for the community to enjoy and that offers educational opportunities, and serves as a venue for community events and activities.
“That’s why we will be developing a concept Masterplan and this is your opportunity to contribute to the future planning of the precinct.”
The online submissions will be open from Friday 21 June to Friday 19 July 2024 and can be accessed at haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ botanic-gardens-masterplan
The draft Masterplan will be developed in the second half of 2024, with the aim of presenting it to Council by early 2025.
Help keep Wagga Wagga Airport in community hands. Tell us how privatisation of the airport would impact you, your family,
For more details and to take the 5 minutes to complete an online submission, visit our website.
Successful application for NSW Accelerated Infrastructure Fund grants
Council accepted the funding offer of $70.79 million of grant funding through the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF) – Round 3.
The funding is designed to provide critical infrastructure to support sewer upgrades in the Northern Growth Area and the duplication of Plumpton Road North and Plumpton Road South to support the delivery of new homes.
Under the funding requirements for the AIF, Council is required to contribute a minimum of 25 per cent towards the grant. Over the three successful projects this equates to a contribution of $23,598,736.
Council’s draft 2024-25 Long Term Financial Plan includes total project budgets - including planned phasing over the life of the projects - in the capital works program.
Director Regional Activation John Sidgwick outlined the next steps for project to duplicate Plumpton Road North and Plumpton Road South.
“Council will now progress with concept designs and intersections treatments for the Plumpton Road upgrades,” Mr Sidgwick said.
“Once the concept plans have been developed, Council will consult with the local community prior to commencing works.”
The funding for the three Wagga Wagga projects was announced recently by the Minister for Planning and Open Spaces as part of a wider investment of $137.19 million in the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund program to fund nine regional infrastructure projects, to support the delivery of 24,000 new regional homes.
CREATIVE FAMILY: The Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 – 2024 features artworks created by four Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri siblings, Taniesha Fonua, Tyler Fonua, Teana Fonua, and Tevita Fonua.
TIME TO KIT UP: Council’s Net Zero Emissions Project Officer Hemendra Chaudhary and Wagga Wagga City Library’s Outreach Services Team Leader Wendy Harper with the Home Energy Efficiency Kit.
Council is seeking feedback and ideas from the local First Nations community and allies to update our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
This plan guides Council’s commitment to reconciliation in Wagga Wagga on Wiradyuri Ngurambang.
Aboriginal Community Development Officer Michaella Alexander says First Nations Community involvement is crucial for our RAP Renewal to ensure that this plan is both meaningful and effective.
“We know that the unique experiences and cultural knowledge of local First Nations community is invaluable in crafting a true reflection of current needs, history, and future aspirations,” Ms Alexander said.
“This is an opportunity for you to pinpoint specific areas for impactful change, such as cultural heritage protection, employment opportunities, communication and educational initiatives, leading to more positive outcomes.”
To have your say, visit: haveyoursay. wagga.nsw.gov.au/reconciliationaction-plan
Consultation for the renewal of our Reconciliation Action Plan will conclude on Friday 28 June 2024 at 5pm.
Council is also seeking to commission artworks by local Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri artist/s to be used as the key visual element across Council’s updated Reconciliation Action Plan document.
To find out how to apply and complete the online form or download the form, visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov. au/reconciliation-action-plan/rapartwork-eoi
Submissions also close at 5pm on Friday 28 June 2024.
To provide your feedback and ideas, or to make an application for the Artwork EOI, contact Council's Aboriginal Community Development Officer or Community Development Coordinator on 1300 292 442 or email first.nations@ wagga.nsw.gov.au
23 JUN, 1PM – 3PM The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnson St. P. 6921 5391 The Riverina Water Ten x 10 Playfest SUN 23 – TUE 25 JUN, VARIOUS TIMES The Basement Theatre, Cnr Morrow and Tarcutta St. P. 6921 2594
Wagga Wagga Country Music Club Events
SUN 23 JUN, 1.30PM – 4.30PM RSL Club Wagga Wagga, Cnr Kincaid St & Dobbs St. P. 6931 1366
Art Class with Leigh Hewitt
MON 24 JUN, 6PM – 8PM The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391 Australian Army Band Kapooka Concert
WED 26 JUN, 12PM – 1PM & 6PM – 7PM Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688 Wheelchair AFL WED 26 JUN, 6.30PM – 8PM Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. P. 0407 682 545
Trivia Wednesday –Riverina Hotel WED 26 JUN, 7PM
People in Wagga Wagga can now test how much their home appliances are costing them by borrowing a Home Energy Efficiency Kit from Wagga Wagga City Library.
Council’s Net Zero Emissions Project
Officer Hemendra Chaudhary said the kits will help people reduce their utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Energy efficiency is a great way to save money, and a great way to help save the planet.”
Mr Chaudhary said the kit will help residents identify where they can use less energy and water in practical ways.
“Fifty-two per cent of Wagga Wagga’s greenhouse gas emission comes from energy usage because most of our electricity is generated from coal-fired plants,” Mr Chaudhary said.
“The community can contribute to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 by doing things that will save them money at home.”
The kit comes with four pieces of equipment that will:
• measure how much electricity is being used by appliances and devices like refrigerators, dryers and laptops
• reveal hot and cold areas around the house where draughts and missing insulation may be a problem
• measure the water flow from taps and showers.
The results from these simple tests will help people choose energy efficient appliances, find temperature leaks in their homes and replace inefficient taps and showers.
"The kit comes with all the instructions people will need to use the equipment,” Mr Chaudhary said.
“They can be borrowed from the library for up to 28 days. Kits can be reserved if they are all out on loan.
“Council is committed to helping the community save money by achieving energy efficiency and at the same time creating a sustainable future for everyone.”
Home Energy Efficiency Kits will be available at the library from Tuesday 25 June 2024.
Riverina Hotel, 188 Fitzmaurice St. P. 6921 2222
RCM Free Lunchtime Concert No. 9: Guitariffic! THU 27 JUN, 1PM – 2PM St John’s Anglican Church, 6 Church St. P. 6925 3522
Riverina Producers Market THU 27 JUN, 1PM – 6.30PM Hammond Hall, Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. E. steve@ wfgb.com.au Thursday Trivia – Thirsty Crow Brewery THU 27 JUN, 7PM – 9PM Thirsty Crow Brewery, 153 Fitzmaurice St. P. 6921
Vacancies
Senior Traffic Operations Engineer
Remuneration: An attractive remuneration in accordance with skills and experience
Closing: Sunday, 30 June 2024
CBD Maintenance Officer
Remuneration: $2,179.46 gpf + super Closing: Sunday, 30 June 2024
Geospatial Coordinator
Remuneration: $3,652.10 gpf + super Closing: Monday, 8 July 2024
Trainee Aboriginal Community Development Officer (Identified) Remuneration: $1,910.12 gpf + super Closing: Wednesday, 17 July 2024
wagga.nsw.gov.au/ jobs
SALMON STREET
Roads: Salmon Street
Date: Friday 28 June 2024 (weather permitting)
Duration: 7am to12.30pm
Reason: Road stabilisation works
Detour: via Brookong Avenue
DOBNEY AVENUE
Roads: Dobney Ave (between Urana St and Pearson St roundabout)
Date: Wednesday 26 June to Monday 1 July 2024 (weather permitting)
Duration: Night works - 6pm to 6am
Reason: Road reconstruction
Detour: Via Pearson Street, Fernleigh Road, Bulolo Street
