THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING WAGGA WAGGA CITY publication COUNCIL Council FEATURE News - ABY Wagga Wagga City Council
ADVERTISEMENT
Wagga Wagga City Council weekly newsletter
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Issue #475
Council
Adopting a best friend this Christmas
FUREVER FRIEND: If a pet is on your Christmas wish list, the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter is the perfect place to find your next companion. Council
Council raises concerns in submission on latest Inland Rail reports Wagga Wagga City Council has made a submission in response to two reports on the Albury to Illabo Inland Rail (A2I) section of the Inland Rail project, which once again highlights items of concern and raises fundamental issues with the approach taken by the proponent. The Australian Rail Track Corporation Limited (ARTC) released its Response to Submissions (RTS) on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the Preferred Infrastructure Report (PIR) on 14 November 2023.
Submissions on these reports were required by 6 December 2023. Director Strategy and Projects Phil McMurray questioned whether it was reasonable to allow Council and the general public only three weeks to respond to the RTS and PIR. “There are 34 files and folders, 709MB of data and we estimate in the region of 6000 pages of report, and these documents are, in places, highly technical,” Mr McMurray said. “This has all the hallmarks of a ‘rubber stamping’ process as is the fear of the inhabitants of this city.” Council staff have undertaken a critical review of the RTS and PIR. Mr McMurray said while Council supports Inland Rail and the opportunities the nationally significant project has for our community, it is important to ensure the best interests of the community of Wagga Wagga are represented. “It is made plainly evident by the responses to the EIS submissions put forth by Inland Rail that there is still a clear, fundamental disconnect between what the proponents believe the scope of the project to be and the responsibilities they have to assess and address the impacts of A2I,” Mr McMurray said. Council’s key concerns based on its review, include: • Failure to mitigate significant impacts on the Wagga Wagga road network
Hey Wagga Wagga residents, your input is needed!
expected to result from increased rail operations and level-crossing closures. • Failure to mitigate sound and vibration impacts with the currency of the project, instead proposing to address these at an unspecified date. • Failure to include sufficient mitigation measures for the decreased safety of Edmondson Street bridge. • Failure to resolve numerous outstanding issues including: poor consideration of train operations, speeds; incorrect assumptions regarding the Bomen viaduct’s condition; and reduction in operational assessments to only consider the Parkes to Melbourne portion of Inland Rail. “Our position remains that all impacts of Inland Rail - instantaneous and developing - must be fully assessed and addressed before construction commences as the community will be left with no opportunities for recourse once the Inland Rail project has been completed. “The risks that the City of Wagga Wagga and the local community will be left with adverse impacts with no avenues for rectification available from any level of government must be mitigated before the project proceeds any further.” To read Council’s full Inland Rail A21 submission, visit news.wagga.nsw.gov. au/inlandrailsubmission
There are many beautiful cats and dogs currently at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter (GRAS), waiting to find their forever home, and Council is encouraging residents to visit the local shelter when searching for their next companion. While it might be exciting to gift a pet to a family member or friend this Christmas, it is important to remember that animals are a lifelong commitment. Animal Welfare Supervisor Julie McPhail says she would love our community to consider giving a rescue animal a second chance. “The shelter has animals coming in all year around, not just at Christmas time,” Ms McPhail said. “We currently have about 50 animals in the pound, which is about average. So far this year, we've had over 1000 animals surrendered or abandoned. “If you’re going to adopt an animal, or give one as a gift over Christmas, make sure the person receiving the animal is prepared to make a lifelong commitment." Ms McPhail says there are always beautiful cats and dogs at the shelter ready to be loved. “There are so many animals that come through that are like diamonds in the rough. Animals that we often look at and think ‘why are you here? You’re so perfect’,” Ms McPhail said. “Most of the animals here have had a rough start to life, but there is nothing wrong with them. Chances are that your best friend is waiting for you here if you are willing to put in the time and commitment.” Animal Welfare Officer Courtney Krause says if you are not able or wanting to adopt a new pet, there are other ways you can support these local animals. “We regularly accept donations from the community in support of the animals,” Ms Krause said. “Items that are most valuable are treats, towels, toys, wet and dry food, and new collars. We don’t usually accept blankets or pillows, or anything else that might be polyester, or feather filled.” In the lead up to Christmas, the shelter will also be accepting pet Christmas hampers donated by members of the public. These hampers can include any of the accepted items listed above. Hampers can be donated at Council's Customer Service Desk at the Civic Centre, or at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter office during opening hours. Find out more about pet adoption, registration, fees and opening hours at graswagga.com.au
Council is presenting two potential projects – both resulting from community feedback – that will provide increased access to arts, entertainment, conferencing and cultural experiences for residents while creating jobs and providing significant economic benefits to the community.
haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
Scan to view the options!
Council
Events & Tourism
Residents and business operators from Wagga Wagga and surrounding communities are reminded they still have time to have their say on Wagga Wagga’s cultural, creative and economic future. There is just over a week to go in Wagga Wagga City Council’s Cultural Precinct Engagement survey and information sessions. The two potential projects would transform arts, entertainment, conferencing and cultural experiences in our city. Project A is a new regional scale entertainment centre that supports larger entertainment opportunities as well as conventions and conferences with configurable space options, and incorporates a First Nations cultural centre (located at the Cross Street carpark site). Project B is an expansion of the Civic Theatre at the Wollundry Lagoon that adds two new venue spaces to support more performances, theatre, live music concerts and workshops. The engagement process aims to find out which of these concepts is seen as the highest priority by the community. Over the past two weeks, Council staff have been out and about talking to our residents and businesses about these exciting ideas. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout is pleased to see people getting involved in the consultation process. “It’s been a great response so far and we say a big ‘thank you’ to all those who’ve taken the time to give us their feedback on this important engagement,” Cr Tout said. “With just over a week to go, I hope that as many of our residents and businesses as possible take part in this consultation as we work together to define the future of Wagga Wagga’s cultural, creative and economic future. “Both projects would require State and Federal Government funding support. Council wants to involve the community in the process of advocating for these types of projects as the city’s future is everyone’s business.” The Cultural Precinct Engagement survey closes on Friday 22 December. To learn more. vote or find out where our staff are visiting next, head to haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ futurevenue
WHAT’S
ON
THIS WEEK Santa Photos
SAT 9 – SUN 24 DEC
Wagga Wagga Marketplace, 87 Baylis St. P. 6931 7277
Demonstration Gardens – Vegetable Swap or Buy SAT 9 DEC, 9AM – 12PM
Cnr Shaw St & Albury St. P. 0411 417 956
Open Studio Gallery
SAT 9 DEC, 10AM – 3PM
Art Society Studio, 11 Small St. P. 0413 786 209
Ladysmith Tourist Railway
SAT 9 DEC, 10AM – 3PM
Get ready to celebrate at Wagga Wagga’s New Year’s Eve community event The countdown is on to Wagga Wagga’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. A free community event hosted by Wagga Wagga City Council will be held at Apex Park, Lake Albert from 6.30pm on Sunday 31 December 2023. Residents from the city and surrounding communities are being encouraged to come along to the family-friendly event, capped off with a fireworks display over Lake Albert. Council’s Destination & Events Coordinator Kimberly Parker said it will be a great way for people to come together to farewell 2023 and say hello to 2024. “The focus of this event is on creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for families to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate the year that was,” Ms Parker said. “There will be a variety of delicious snacks available from local food vendors throughout the night located at
Kyeamba Smith Hall,
@cityofwaggawagga
Vacuum & Jet Plant Operator (Sewer & Stormwater) Remuneration: $2,310.74 gpf + super Closing: Monday, 1 January 2024
Manager Sewer & Stormwater Services An attractive remuneration based on skills and experience Closing: Sunday, 7 January 2024
An attractive remuneration based on skills and experience Closing: Monday, 8 January 2024
Wagga Wagga City Council has recently opted into SunSPOT, a solar calculator built by University of NSW and the Australian PV Institute that helps households understand the possibilities, requirements, and benefits of transitioning to solar. SunSPOT is a not-for-profit initiative that is free and private to use without being locked into sales or continuing promotion. You can use the calculator to get tailored estimates on suitable system sizes, how many panels will fit on your roof, batteries and potential savings. To assist with community understanding and use of the calculator, the APVI is inviting public to attend a Bourke St. P. 0418 676 247
Riverina Iris Farm Open Garden and Iris Display MON 10 DEC, 10AM – 4PM
SUN 10 DEC, 1.30PM - 4.30PM
RSL Club Wagga Wagga, Cnr Kincaid St & Dobbs St. P. 0429 029 840
Art Classes with Leigh Hewitt MON 11 DEC,
6PM – 8PM
The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391
Saije Returns Live
TUE 12 DEC, 7PM – 9PM
Wagga Wagga Country Music Club
SUN 10 DEC, 10AM – 3PM
Vacancies
Save with solar: Free education webinar
Saturday Night Roller Disco
River and Wren Market
graswagga.com.au
Manager Corporate Governance and Performance
Riverina Iris Farm, 13 Sycamore Rd. P. 0432 777 142
Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. P. 0427 075 600
6971 4651
Environment & Animals
15 Kyeamba St Ladysmith. P. 0458 263 443
SAT 9 DEC, 7PM – 9PM
Apex Park. “So, bring a picnic, camp chairs and picnic blankets, find a spot around the foreshore of the lake to settle in and enjoy a family evening." The event will conclude with an onwater fireworks display at 9.30pm. From there, attendees can continue the celebrations at home, or head out to other venues across the city where more local celebrations are being held. Residents are advised there will be changed traffic conditions to Eastlake Drive and Lakeside Drive. “It is encouraged for those who live within walking distance to the lake to do so and for those planning to drive to the event, remember to allow extra travel time to take those traffic changes into account and to find parking,” Ms Parker said. For more information and FAQs about this year's New Year’s Eve fireworks display, head to wagga.nsw.gov.au/nye
Christmas with Cornelius Cornelius is a 9-month-old male Labrador who is looking for his forever home. Cornelius has a typical Labrador personality; he has the biggest heart and would make the perfect loyal companion. He would also benefit from some training. The adoption cost for Cornelius (ImpD23/0584) is $276 and includes lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing, heartworm test, flea & worming treatment and ID tag.
The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391
The Spirit of Christmas WED 13 DEC, 6PM – 7PM
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. P. 6926 9688
Trivia Wednesday – Riverina Hotel WED 13 DEC, 7PM
Riverina Hotel,
R251000208
There’s still time to give us your input!
Manager Engineering Design Services free, educational webinar on Tuesday 12 December. The webinar will also include details on the costs of solar, location requirements, how solar works, and how to manage your energy and increase savings. SunSPOT’s development has been supported by the NSW and ACT governments, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP). To find out more, visit sunspot.org.au You can register for the free webinar at: events.humanitix.com/solar-andbatteries-discover-the-savings-youcould-make-with-sunspot 188 Fitzmaurice St. P. 6921 2222
Musical Bingo at Tilly’s Wagga WED 13 DEC, 7:30PM – 9:30PM
Tilly’s Wagga, 109 Baylis St. P. 5925 5305
Wagga Wagga Orchid Society Gathering THU 14 DEC
ARCC Hall, 131 Tarcutta St. P. 0427 219 430
gpf = gross salary per fornight Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
Enquiries: 1300 292 442 To learn more or apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Help shape our future
Have your say Wagga Wagga
Infusion Games Trivia and Karaoke THU 14 DEC, 8.30PM
The Victoria Hotel, 55 Baylis St. P. 6921 5233
Christmas Bubble House THU 14 DEC – THU 21 DEC
Wagga Wagga Marketplace, 87 Baylis St. P. 6931 7277
Riverina Producers Market
For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events team: events@wagga. nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442. Mon – Fri.
Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. P. 0488 102 835
/waggaevents visitwagga.com
THU 14 DEC, 1PM – 6.30PM
An attractive remuneration based on skills and experience Closing: Monday, 15 January 2024
SUBSCRIBE news.wagga.nsw.gov.au/subscribe
haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au
Public Notices ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ publicnotices
1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au