INSIDE: WORK STARTS ON MUSEUM UPGRADE, PET OF THE WEEK + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 10 APRIL 2021
Issue No: 340
Weekly information from us to you POPULAR PICK: The Moduplay concept design was the most popular pick for the new playground to be installed as part of the Riverside Stage 2 project.
Week 3 Program Highlights 19 - 25 April Marrambidya Wetland Wander Sustainable Wagga Wagga Learn the history of the area now known as the Marrambidya Wetland through this guided walk. Discover the ecological importance of this place and the animals that call it home. Cryptic Crossword Club Are cryptic crosswords a mystery to you? Come to the club and learn the secrets of solving a cryptic. Or, if you’re an expert, compete with fellow cruciverbalists! Laura Jean With local support Harold Gretton Sydney songwriter Laura Jean is revered for the striking beauty of her music and the strength of her piercing, intimate lyrics. ‘And Another Thing’ An Introduction into Better Lyric Writing with Laura Jean Many songwriters find writing lyrics the most challenging aspect of their craft. Laura has developed several techniques to help you clear blocks and get out what you really want to say - in a unique and personal way. Learn more or book tickets:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/fresh
New playground: your top pick The community has voted and now Wagga Wagga City Council can reveal the preferred option for the “regionally significant” playground to be included in the Riverside Stage 2 project. Community members provided an overwhelming response to Council’s playground poll earlier this year with more than 1,800 responses which provided positive feedback. Based on the Riverside Stage 2 project team’s assessment and community feedback, the Council’s preferred playground sub-contractor is Moduplay, Option 2 design, which is an adventure playground inspired by parts of Wagga Wagga’s history.
Council Project Manager Srivalli Miah said the popular design was a clear winner with community members and would now be built as a key feature in the Riverside development. “It’s a fantastic design and will be an all-abilities play space that residents and visitors will enjoy,” Ms Miah said. “We expect the playground will become a major drawcard in Wagga Wagga, bringing people to the Riverside precinct from across the city and the broader region making it a regionally significant attraction." Ms Miah said some of the playground’s features were modelled on Wagga Wagga icons from years past as well as Wiradjuri themes. This regionally significant playground will have components of design inspired by paddle steamers, which once travelled the Murrumbidgee River and also the Wagga Water Whizz slide which was located at the beach precinct. “It includes a mix of standard playground equipment, and also features some
bespoke elements, which would be a first for this city, and aims to cater for different ages and abilities,” she said.
Weekly waste tip Avoid missing your bin collection by ensuring that you place the correct bins on the kerbside before 6am on your day of service.
Construction on Riverside Stage 2 is expected to start in June this year with a proposed completion date in mid 2022.
FRESH: IDEAS • INSIGHTS • PERSPECTIVES
G O OD FOR T H E H O OD: DI S COV E R H OW TO I N S PI R E CH A N GE
Joanne Taranto
Joanne Taranto of Good for the Hood will be presenting a free, online workshop empowering everyday people to advocate for a sustainable future as part of Council’s FRESH 2021 program this month. Ms Taranto has featured on ABC’s War on Waste and Fight for Planet A: Our Climate Challenge, and will be helping local change-makers discover how to inspire change across their neighbourhood, community group and workplace. Environmental Education Officer
Alice Kent said she was excited to share Ms Taranto’s energy and expertise with the community at the free, online workshop on Wednesday 21 April from 6.30pm. “We have so many creative and motivated people here in the Riverina who want to make a difference,” Ms Kent said. “Whether it’s to encourage their workplace to replace single-use plastics with a sustainable alternative, convince their local café to offer a discount for people who bring in
reusable cups, or get everyone on their street to plant natives in their front yard, there are so many ways we can work together to make a difference for our community. “Often all that’s needed is one person to get it started. You might be that person, but just not know how to motivate people around you to make a change – and that’s where Jo and Good for the Hood come in. “The workshop will give you the tools you need to connect with new people, have fun, and take action on
something you care about.” Good for the Hood is a social enterprise founded on the back of a grassroots community campaign encouraging people and businesses in Ryde to lower their use of singleuse plastics. From this campaign, Good for the Hood has grown to help motivate communities across Australia to act and make cleaner, kinder and more sustainable choices. Register now at wagga.nsw.gov.au/fresh and search for ‘Good for the Hood’.
A FRESH look at the city's zoo & aviary
Vacancies Development Administration Officer
Remuneration: $2,228.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Christine Condron on 02 6926 9574 Closing date: Monday 19 April 2021
Mobile Library Operator
Permanent Part-Time Remuneration: $31.84 gph + super Enquiries: Robert Knight on 02 6926 9777 Closing date: Friday 23 April 2021
Plant Operator
Remuneration: $2,004.68 gpf + super Enquiries: Brian Cattell on 02 6926 9635 or 0436 914 838 Closing date: Friday 23 April 2021
Program Planner
Remuneration: $3,233.30 gpf + super Enquiries: Rupesh Shah on 02 6926 9517 Closing date: Monday 26 April 2021
Project Coordinator (Civil)
Remuneration: $3,358.98 gpf + super Enquiries: Rupesh Shah on 02 6926 9517 Closing date: Monday 26 April 2021
A group of youngsters and young at heart had the chance this week to get up close and personal with some of the native fauna at Wagga Wagga Zoo & Aviary as part of the FRESH 2021 program. Presented by Wagga Wagga City Council, the month-long FRESH program creatively combines Seniors Festival and Youth Week celebrations. Community Development Officer Victoria Lowe is encouraging people to take the opportunity to head out to one of the plethora of events on the calendar. “Over the coming week, we will have some fantastic talks, live music events, workshops, and tours for people of all
ages and walks-of-life in Wagga Wagga,” Ms Lowe said. “This includes Australian rock music singer-songwriter, guitarist and composer Jack Ladder, who has long been regarded as one of Australia’s most distinctive performers. You can book a ticket to see Jack perform with local support Cello Riot on Friday night (16 April), or to attend his workshop, ‘An Introduction to the Subtle Art of Typography’, on Saturday. If you want to unleash your inner Bollywood star, book a spot at the ‘Dance Through India Workshop’ by Shyamala and Jes from Bindi Bosses, on Monday (12 April).
Rural Transfer Station Attendant (Tarcutta)
Permanent Part-Time - Six (6) hours per week Remuneration: $297.04 gpf + super based on part-time hours of work Enquiries: Mathew Windle on 02 6926 9163 or 0437 701 447 Closing date: Monday 26 April 2021
Business System Analyst
Remuneration: $3,039.68 gpf + super Enquiries: Reece Hamblin on 02 6926 9243 Closing date: Sunday 2 May 2021 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
TUNE IN: Cello Riot aka Wagga Wagga’s Claire Brassil will be performing with Jack Ladder at the live music event at the art gallery from 7pm on Friday 16 April. Photo: Heidrun Lohr
Public art EOI
HANDLE WITH CARE: (from left) Edith Reinert, 5, her mum Gemma and sister Mabel, 4, and William Mullan, 5, get the chance to interact with young swamp wallaby, Kieran, under the guidance of Zoo Curator Wendy McNamara. The FRESH 2021 ‘Discover the Zoo & Aviary’ interactive tours are being held each Wednesday morning during April. Zoo Curator Wendy McNamara said the first tour, held on Wednesday 7 April, was a big success. “It’s a guided walk around the zoo with one of the keepers, and then we spend a little time with our young swamp wallaby Kieran and, of course, Russell the wombat,” Ms McNamara said. “I think the kids especially enjoyed it and Kieran loves the extra attention and so does Russell. “They also got the chance to meet two of the new group of five eastern grey kangaroos who arrived at the zoo last week.
“Noni, who’s about nine to 10 months old, and Judd, who’s just six months old, are still adapting to having quite so much attention, but I’m sure they’re enjoying the cuddles.” The new kangaroos were all orphans and were hand-raised by a carer in Young, who has now donated them to the zoo. The zoo tours are not the only FRESH 2021 activities being held at the Botanic Gardens Precinct during April, with horticulturalists from Council’s parks team conducting tutorials each Thursday morning on plant propagation. For details on these and other events on the FRESH 2021 program, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ fresh or call the Visitor Information Centre on 1300 100 122.
WHAT’S
Wagga Wagga City Council is calling for Expressions of Interest from artists to create a temporary, site-specific artwork within the Wollundry Lagoon Cultural Precinct. The project will launch at Lost Lanes on Saturday 26 June 2021 and will remain in place through the June/July school holiday period.
ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS
We’re interested to hear creative ideas that will: • Create wonderment, surprise or delight • Be effective both during the day and night • Tie to the theme of Lost Lanes 2021 which is ‘gloWW’ APPLICATIONS CLOSE 5PM AEST, MONDAY 19 APRIL 2021. Visit our website to download the Expression of Interest (EOI) Guidelines, and for instructions on how to apply.
publicartwagga.com.au/apply
SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING in the city
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F I N D O U T W H AT IT ’S LI K E TO B E A CO U N C I LLO R
Flooding experts to lead community consultations One-on-one consultation sessions with flood mitigation experts are being made available to community members affected by overland water flows in their area. Wagga Wagga City Council is holding the community engagement sessions as part of the consultation for two important documents currently on public exhibition – the Wagga Wagga Major Overland Flow Floodplain Study and Plan (MOFFS) and the Village Floodplain Risk Management Studies and Plans (VOFFS). Residents in Tarcutta, Uranquinty and Ladysmith are being encouraged to book individual 15-minute consultations in their village if they require more information about VOFFS. Similar consultations for MOFFS in Wagga Wagga will be held at the Civic Centre.
The studies can be accessed through Council’s website which also provides the opportunity to make a submission or book a consultation session. All consultations for Wagga Wagga, Uranquinty, Tarcutta and Ladysmith will be held across 20-21 April (full details appear below in the advertisement on this page). Council’s Director Projects and Strategy Darren Raeck said consultants representing GRC Hydro and WMAwater will be available across two days to address any residents’ inquiries around the studies. “We want community feedback on these studies to ensure we have covered all bases,” Mr Raeck said. “To assist in this process we have engaged the consultants to be available for one-on-one sessions with residents who may need clarification or more information on
certain issues within the studies. “It is important Council receives submissions during the exhibition period as this feedback will help shape the final documents to go back to Council for proposed adoption. “It will also determine our funding priorities across the next decade.” The documents give details on several years of flood modelling and community consultation to source local knowledge of flash flooding after heavy localised rainfall. The MOFFS and VOFFS do not relate to riverine flooding which is the subject of a separate peer review. To make a submission and to review the MOFFS and VOFFS documents, go to wagga.nsw.gov.au/floodstudies The 40-day public exhibition period ends on 5 May 2021.
Wagga Wagga City Council is running a free briefing session for anyone considering running for Council in the 2021 NSW Local Government Elections. The briefing will be presented by Local Government NSW on Wednesday 21 April from 5.30pm – 8.30pm, and will give attendees an understanding of the role and responsibilities of an elected member of Council. Manager Governance & Risk Ingrid Hensley said the briefing would be ideal for people who are curious about life as a councillor, and encouraged women and people from diverse backgrounds to attend. “Being a councillor gives you an exciting opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the community,” Ms Hensley said. “At the briefing you’ll discover the full breadth of services, programs, activities and events that Council delivers, some which you may not be aware of, for example councillors help deliver major infrastructure projects, assist our region’s economic development and support our community sector.” Ms Hensley said the briefing
would also help attendees consider the responsibility and time commitment the role required. “While being a councillor is not a full-time job, it is a role that requires a considerable amount of your engagement, time and energy. “That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to come to the briefing, so you can gain a realistic overview of what your life might be like as a councillor. “You’ll come away with a good understanding of the fantastic contribution you can make, as well as the responsibilities and expectations of the role, so you can decide if this is something you’d like to do.” Council will be running a final workshop on 4 May, focusing on how to run a campaign. This workshop will be hosted by Ruth McGowan OAM, a former mayor and author of the popular how-to book Get Elected. Copies of Get Elected are available now at Wagga Wagga City Library. Find out more and register for a session at wagga.nsw.gov.au/elections
LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW CANDIDATE BRIEFING
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, cnr Baylis and Morrow streets When: Wednesday 21 April 2021, 5.30pm–8.30pm Cost: Free. Light refreshments provided.
Are you affected by flash flooding? Our draft flood management studies are ready for your feedback. Do you have questions? Get the answers at a one-on-one session with our friendly experts. Bookings essential.
Wagga Wagga residents
Tarcutta, Ladysmith and Uranquinty residents
Chat to the experts from WMAwater and Council.
Tarcutta
Ladysmith
Uranquinty
Venue: Wagga Wagga Civic Centre
Venue: Tarcutta RSL & Citizens Club
Venue: Ladysmith Memorial Hall
Venue: Uranquinty Community Hall
Date/session times: Tuesday 20 April 2021, 3.30pm–6pm Wednesday 21 April 2021, 10.30am–2pm
Date: Tuesday 20 April 2021
Date: Tuesday 20 April 2021
Date: Wednesday 21 April 2021
Session times: between 6.15pm–7.30pm
Session times: between 4pm–5.30pm
Session times: between 5pm– 5.30pm and 6.30pm–7.30pm
Book your session now Visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/moffs Call Council on 1300 292 442
Chat to the experts from GRC Hydro and Council.
Book your session now Visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/voffs | Call Council on 1300 292 442
wagga.nsw.gov.au/floodstudies Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
F U N D I N G F O R T W O M A J O R R OA D S I N CIT Y’S WESTERN INDUSTRIAL AREA
MUSEUM WORKS: Council Project Manager Tom Lemerle (left) and Museum of the Riverina Manager Luke Grealy at the museum’s Botanic Gardens site which is undergoing a major redevelopment.
Wagga Wagga City Council has been successful in its bid for funding from the Federal and NSW Governments for a project to rehabilitate Dobney Avenue and Pearson Street in the city’s western industrial precinct. The funding covers the stretch of Pearson Street and Dobney Avenue from the Sturt Highway to the roundabout south of the main Bunnings entrance. The funding has been allocated under Round 2 of the Fixing Local Roads program. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM welcomed the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina, the Hon Michael McCormack MP, and NSW Nationals MLC Wes Fang. “Pearson Street is one of the busiest thoroughfares in this city, with 16,000 vehicle movements per day, while 5,500 use Dobney
Works start on museum upgrade Council contractors have started work on the Museum of the Riverina capital works redevelopment project at the Botanic Gardens site with the first stage expected to be finished towards the end of this year. The project will incorporate major improvements to the museum’s exhibition spaces and collection storage areas. Council’s Project Manager Tom Lemerle said site mobilisation for the project was completed in February after a comprehensive tender period along with design revision and preparation for construction of the new exhibition building currently being finalised. “Council also received funding from the Federal Government and this funding has allowed us to progress stage two of the museum capital works redevelopment
program, which is focused on exhibition design and fit out,” Mr Lemerle said. “Universal design principles of accessibility and inclusivity have been a big focus of this project, along with ongoing community consultation and implementation of Wiradjuri cultural heritage perspectives as part of the research and development of the new exhibition spaces. “This project will improve an existing community facility to provide a new and inclusive experience for residents and visitors to our city as part of the overall visitor experience at the Botanic Gardens precinct.” This capital works project received funding from both the NSW Government through the Regional Cultural Fund of $3.18 million and the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions fund of $1.7 million.
ROADS UPGRADE: (from left) Mayor Greg Conkey, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Wes Fang MLC at the announcement to upgrade Dobney Avenue and Pearson Street. Avenue and they’re both badly in need of upgrading,” Cr Conkey said. “Wagga Wagga City Council’s cocontribution is $1.4 million on top of the $4.2 million being provided by the Federal and State governments.” Council submitted the application for funding at the end of 2020 as part of its concerted effort to focus on improvements to the city’s arterial road
network in the next couple of years. Director Operations Warren Faulkner said improvements to Pearson Street align with Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy and Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan. “A high proportion of the road users are commercial and industrial vehicles,” Mr Faulkner said. “This reflects the changes in traffic movements over
pet
Invitation to apply for funding from the
ClubGRANTS Scheme Wagga Wagga City Council as the coordinator for ClubGRANTS is now inviting applications for funding towards your local community service needs and priorities from the ClubGRANTS scheme. Priority funding categories: • Mental health • Domestic and family violence • Financial, education and employment support programs Secondary funding categories include women and family health, childcare services, aged, disability, youth, disaster & emergency management support and transport services. Applications open: 9am Monday 8 March 2021 Applications close: 5pm Friday 30 April 2021
For enquiries please visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/clubgrants or call Michelle Castle on 1300 292 442 2021. Exhibition Period: 9 April 2021 to 21 May 2021 (inclusive). Submission Period: 9 April 2021 to 21 May 2021 (inclusive). EXHIBITION Inspection Venue: OF DRAFT The Planning Proposal is AMENDMENT TO available for inspection at WAGGA WAGGA the Wagga Wagga Civic LEP 2010 Centre, Cnr Baylis and Amendment No. Morrow Sts, Wagga Wagga LEP20/0007 to Wagga during the hours of 9am Wagga LEP 2010 to 5pm Monday to Friday PUBLIC EXHIBITION (public holidays excluded) or on Council’s website Land Description: Various www.connect.wagga.nsw. lands nearby to Pine Gully gov.au/lep20-0007. Road, Avocet Drive and Rainbow Drive, Estella. Submission Procedure: Any interested person or Aim: To exhibit draft organisation wishing to Planning Proposal make a written submission LEP20/0007 to amend the in relation to the draft plan Wagga Wagga LEP 2010 for public display and invite should do so prior to the close of the submission submissions until 21 May
Contact us
p 1300 292 442 e council@wagga.nsw.gov.au w www.wagga.nsw.gov.au a Civic Centre Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
OF THE
WEEK
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2021 Category 1 - Funding Applications
Public Notices
recent years, driven by the development of our western industrial precinct and northern growth area. “We would like to see the current classification of Bourke Street as a Regional Road transferred to the Glenfield Road corridor, which reflects the road hierarchy of our Transport Strategy. “The State Government's Regional Road Transfer and Road Classification Review is currently in progress and we have indicated as part of that process our intent to change the status of our network to better reflect the needs of a growing city." The rehabilitation works are expected to deliver a better ride quality and safety for road users by renewing the current rough surface and improve environmental factors such as noise reduction and the flow of surface water. The improvements are expected be included in Council’s 2021/2022 program of works.
period. Submissions may be delivered to the Council Chambers or mailed to The General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 or emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au
PROPOSED TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE KOORINGAL ROAD – PAVEMENT REHABILITATION Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Kooringal Rd, between Lake Albert Rd and Vincent Rd. Date: 12 April – 4 June 2021, weather permitting. Duration: 7am – 5.30pm. Reason: Closed for
necessary pavement rehabilitation works. Access to local traffic only, facilitated through traffic controllers.
Have you considered welcoming a new cat or kitten into your home? Glenfield Road Animal Shelter has more than a handful of cats and kittens of all shapes and sizes ready for adoption. Get along to the shelter and meet our playful friends who all have their own vaccination, desexing, personality. worming and an ID Adoption fees tag. include microchipping, To meet any of the registration, dogs or cats looking
Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT2021-15 Tree PROPOSED Maintenance Services” are TEMPORARY ROAD invited and will be received by the undersigned until CLOSURE 2pm Wednesday 5 May FERNLEIGH ROAD – 2021. RESEAL PREPARATION This is a panel contract Notice is hereby given under a schedule of rates under Roads Act 1993 for the Provision of Tree Part 8 Division 4 of the Maintenance Services temporary closing of: and is to be established Road: Fernleigh Road. as a Standing Offer Date: 19 April 2021 to 30 Arrangement. Services April 2021. sought include canopy Duration: 7am – 4pm, reduction, stump grinding, weather permitting root control and chipping of Reason: Closed for vegetation. necessary reseal Enquiries should be preparation works. Access directed to Mark Hewson to local traffic only. Road will at hewson.mark@wagga. reopen at the end of each nsw.gov.au. Tenderers are shift.
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RFT 2021-15 TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES
advised that the lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted. A non-refundable fee of $155.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed by registering on VendorPanel wagga.nsw. gov.au/tenders.
RFT 2021-21 HEAT INJECTION TO CONDENSER WATER LOOP
Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT2021-21 Heat Injection to Condenser Water Loop” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 5 May 2021. This is a lump sum contract and is to improve its air-conditioning systems
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operation at the Civic Centre by installing a heat injection system. The work involves the installation of gas boilers and associated equipment to a roof top platform Enquiries should be directed to Mark Hewson at hewson.mark@wagga. nsw.gov.au. Tenderers are advised that the lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted. A non-refundable fee of $155.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed by registering on VendorPanel wagga.nsw. gov.au/tenders.
Peter Thompson, General Manager