INSIDE: UPGRADES FOR LAKE ALBERT ROAD, MUSEUM, CEMETERY + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2018
Issue No: 220
Weekly information from us to you Photos: Jeremy Kruckel
Thousands flock to Botanic Gardens Wagga Wagga’s magnificent Botanic Gardens were in full bloom for the 50th anniversary celebrations - the Family Garden Festival – on Sunday 4 November. Thousands of visitors enjoyed everything the Festival had to offer. Here’s a snapshot of the action.
Riverside Stage 2 moves forward
The transformation of the Murrumbidgee River waterfront at Wagga Beach has taken another step forward with the design of Stage 2 to get underway. Stage 2 of the Riverside project will see the entire precinct from the beach car park through to St Michael’s Oval rejuvenated, building on the success of the Stage 1 works completed in 2014-15. “Stage 2 will see large spaces created that can cater for festivals, markets and other events, as well as infrastructure for pop-up shops so visitors to the beach can grab a coffee or some fish and chips by the river,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said. “There will also be a refurbished parking area, a playground with some water play components, additional amenities, further improvements to the paths, as well as more
Weekly waste tip Place recycling loose in the yellow lid bin. Recyclable items inside plastic bags go straight to landfill. Use a tub or bucket to collect recycling in the home.
barbecue shelters and picnic furniture.” The Riverside precicnt is estimated to boost yearly visitor numbers to Wagga Wagga by 10 per cent to 1.42M, as well as increasing the time they spend in the region. “The flow-on effects for this project could mean many millions of dollars for our local economy each year,” Cr Conkey said. “The aim of the Riverside project is to reactivate the Wagga Beach precinct and develop the area as a focal point and destination for residents and visitors, as well as create linkages to the city’s CBD and existing civic precinct. “Stage 1 was a great success and I look forward to seeing Stage 2 take shape.” At the 29 October Ordinary Council Meeting, GHD Pty Ltd was awarded the $293,337 tender to design the more than $6M project. The Riverside Strategic Master Plan was developed in 2009 after extensive consultation with the community of Wagga Wagga. Story continued inside
DO NOT BAG YOUR RECYCLING
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
This week, Local Government NSW released its report on the Impact of Cost Shifting on Local Government in NSW 2018. Cost shifting is a record high and is now imposing an extra $820M per annum on NSW local councils -
all of whom have rate pegging and therefore no ability to recoup that extra burden. Cost shifting has been identified as the main reason that most local government areas have an infrastructure backlog. It has been now clearly identified that the burden from cost shifting now exceeds the gap between what councils need to
spend on their existing infrastructure and what we can afford to spend on infrastructure. To put that in simple terms, if the NSW Government and the Federal Government paid a fair share of tax revenue to local government, then we could afford to maintain our roads (in particular) to the standard you all expect. The most recent and
councillor.kendall@wagga.nsw.gov.au | 0467 552 263
most significant NSW Government cost shift is the Waste Levy - $305M of the levy collected from councils in 2016 was not returned to councils, who are singularly responsible for waste management. This levy has increased our waste costs by 44 per cent over a twoyear period. There are many others areas of cost shift including libraries,
emergency services levy and compliance costs; all of which are stopping your council from providing the high level of support our communities need. At a federal level the share of tax granted to local government has reduced from almost 1 per cent to about half a per cent. This reduction in tax share is costing Wagga Wagga City Council more than $6M
per annum. What can you do to help? Insist that the candidates in upcoming state and federal elections have a policy to return a fair level funding to local communities. For NSW, this includes returning the entire waste levy to local government, funding libraries adequately (50 per cent as promised by the Act), reimbursing
all the cost of pensioner rebates and removing the emergency services levy. For the federal election, simply return 1 per cent of federal taxes to local government to do the job we are expected to do by that level of government in our communities.
Councillor Rod Kendall
S TAG E 2 O F R I V E R S I D E PROJ EC T M OV E S FORWA R D
From Front Page The Stage 2 works will start in 2019, with works on the St Michael’s Oval and car park before moving to the beach and the caravan park area following the end of its lease in October 2019. Riverside Stage 2 is made possible by a $5M grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund and a $1,746,530 contribution by Council. The works are scheduled to be completed by mid-2020
WHAT'S IN STAGE 2?
• Event spaces • Infrastructure for pop up shops • A regional playground with water play components • Additional amenities • Further improvements to the paths • Additional barbecue shelters and picnic furniture • Lighting
weekly MOWING
R E P O R T
All parks, reserves and open space areas receive one grass cut about every six weeks as part of Council’s seasonal mowing program. The mowing teams
will be operating in the followed by Lloyd following suburbs this • Seasonal: Traffic week: islands, roundabouts • North: CBD and irrigated parks • East: Kooringal • Roadside: Lake followed by Albert area Ladysmith • Village: Humula • West: Glenfield village and roadsides
vacancies
HISTORIC UPGRADE: A major redevelopment project at the Museum of the Riverina’s Botanic Gardens site will make major improvements to the museum’s exhibition spaces, collection storage and staff areas. The collection is being carefully relocated and stored during the redevelopment project.
Design work for $3.18M museum upgrade begins A detailed design for the $3.18M redevelopment of the Museum of the Riverina’s Botanic Gardens site will soon get underway. Councillors recently voted to accept Panovscott Pty Ltd’s tender for the detailed design stage of the redevelopment. The project is the result of a long-term investigation, which brings together practical solutions that will contribute toward the management, care and access to Wagga Wagga’s cultural heritage collections.
SALEYARDS LABOURER Four (4) Vacant Positions Remuneration: $1,805.22 gpf + super Enquiries: Stuart Lymbery - 0418 430 680 Closing Date: Friday, 16 November 2018 TEMPORARY RECORDS OFFICER 10 Month Term Contract Remuneration: $2,001.06 gpf + super Enquiries: Candis Linsell - 02 6926 9217 Closing Date: Friday, 16 November 2018 TEMPORARY DIGITISING OFFICER Term Contract until 30 June 2019 Remuneration: $1,805.22 gpf + super Enquiries: Candis Linsell - 02 6926 9217 Closing Date: Friday, 16 November 2018 SENIOR ENGINEER - STRATEGY Remuneration: $3,745.92 gpf + super Enquiries: Peter Ross - 02 6926 9647 Closing Date: Friday, 23 November 2018 SENIOR ENGINEER - MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT Remuneration: $3,745.92 gpf + super Enquiries: Peter Ross - 02 6926 9647 Closing Date: Friday, 23 November 2018 MASTER SCHEDULER Enquiries: Peter Ross - 02 6926 9647 Closing Date: Friday, 23 November 2018 PEOPLE & CULTURE ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT Remuneration: $2,141.96 gpf + super Enquiries: Therese Reeckman - 02 6926 9286 Closing Date: Monday, 26 November 2018
THIS WEEK:
To view these opportunities and apply, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
Sat 10 Nov, 7.30am Hilltop Run, Clifton St. Ph: 6971 7128
Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
Values - Part of everything we do: Trust • Respect • Innovation • Teamwork
OPEN STUDIO GALLERY
WHAT’S
ON
Sat 10 Nov, 10am – 3pm Wagga Art Society Studio, 11 Small St. Ph: 0400 225 768
MTC ROCK AT THE RACES 2018
WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS
Sat 10 Nov, 3pm Murrumbidgee Turf Club Wagga, Travers Street. Ph: 6921 2151
RIVERINA LIFE IN THE PRODUCERS MARKET SPOTLIGHT Every Thu, 1pm – 6pm Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St. Ph: 0428 263 297
Sat 10 Nov, 2pm – 4.30pm & 7.30pm – 10pm, Fri 16 Nov, 7.30pm – 10pm CSU Riverina Playhouse, Cross St. Ph: 6926 9688
DEMONSTRATION GARDENS – VEGE SWAP OR BUY
Every Sat, 9am-12pm Community Demonstration Gardens, Cnr Albury & Shaw St. Ph: 0411 417 956
WAGGA PARKRUN
Sat 10 Nov, 8am – 11am Apex Park, Lake Albert Rd. parkrun.com.au/wagga
WAGGA WAGGA ROAD RUNNERS SATURDAY RUN
/waggaevents
LAUNCH & TALK NGABINDIYI DULMARRA:MICHAEL RIELY & LORRAINE CONNELLY-NORTHEY Sat 10 Nov, 11am – 2pm Wagga Art Gallery, Baylis St & Morrow St. Ph: 6926 9600
Key parts of the redevelopment are an extension to the current building, modifications to the existing building and site landscaping. The museum’s collection is being carefully relocated and stored during the redevelopment project. The site will be closed from 29 January 2019. Council resolved at its June meeting this year to accept NSW Government funding offer of $3.18M to deliver the redevelopment. It’s scheduled to be finished in mid-2020. LADYSMITH TOURIST RAILWAY OPEN DAY
STRESS FREE CHRISTMAS FEAST Sat 10 Nov, 12pm – 3pm MODERN CLASSICS Ladysmith Railway – COOKING CLASS Station, Cunningdroo St, Ladysmith. Ph: 0458 263 443
WOLLUNDRY SATURDAY MARKETS Sat 10 Nov, 8am – 1pm Civic Centre Precinct, Tarcutta St. Ph: 0408 692 929
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL Thu 15 Nov, 11am – 12pm Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. Ph: 6926 9688
RCM CONCERT SERIES: A TRIBUTE TO CHAMPION LEAGUE MEZZO-SOPRANOS BASKETBALL 3X3 Sun 11 Nov, 3pm – 5pm WAGGA WAGGA Riverina Conservatorium of Music, College Ave. Ph: 6925 3522
RIVER AND WREN BOUTIQUE MARKETS
Sun 11 Nov, 10am – 3pm Kyeamba Smith Hall, Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. Ph: 0409 152 187
FITNESS CAMP
Mon 12 Nov – Fri 16
Nov, 9.30am – 10.15am SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL SHOWCASE Bolton Park, Cnr of Morgan & Tarcutta St. WAGGA WAGGA Sat 10 Nov, 8pm – 10pm Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. Ph: 6926 9688
Wed 14 Nov, 6pm – 10pm Food I Am, 29 Kunzea Pl. Ph: 0427 250 498
livelifegetactive.com
Fri 16 Nov, 6pm – 9pm Wagga Wagga Beach, 1 Johnston St. Ph: 0413 433 656
THE DAWN WALL – WAGGA WAGGA
Fri 16 Nov, 6.30pm - 9pm Forum 6 Cinemas Wagga, 77 Trail St. Ph: 0413 183 804
MARJAN’S KITCHEN – A PERSIAN FEAST Fri 16 Nov, 6pm – 9pm Thorne Street Café, 82 Thorne St. Ph: 0423 185 591
For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events unit: events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri.
visitwagga.com
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Lake Albert Road night works start 19 November Night works are set to start on the first stage of a complete resurface of Wagga Wagga’s Lake Albert Road. Wagga Wagga City Council will start Stage 1 of the upgrade with works between Fay Avenue and Lord Baden Powell Drive on Monday 19 November. The work is expected to be finished on the morning of Saturday 8 December, weather permitting.
Road closures will be implemented from 7pm-6am daily. Local vehicle access will be provided to residents directly impacted by the works. Council’s Director Commercial Operations Caroline Angel said this stage of asphalt pavement rehabilitation is the first in a planned multi-staged approach towards upgrading Lake Albert Road. “Lake Albert Road has been identified as a
priority,” Ms Angel said. “This is the first stage of a multi-staged project with a focus on renewing the entire surface of this road.” The project will be completed over three stages with scheduled dates below: • Stage A: Monday 19 November-Thursday 22 November. All northbound lanes closed between Fay Ave and Lord Baden
Powell Drive. One southbound lane open. Detour route via Kooringal Road. • Stage B: Monday 26 November-Friday 30 November. All southbound lanes closed between Fay Ave and Lord Baden Powell Drive. One northbound lane open. Detour route via Kooringal Road. • Stage C: Monday 3 December-Friday 7 December. Complete road closure of all lanes. Detour route via Kooringal Road.
COUNCIL RECORDS NET OPERATING SURPLUS FOR 2017-18 Wagga Wagga City Council’s 2017/18 draft Annual Financial Statements have recently been audited by the NSW Audit Office. The 2017/18 draft financial statements show Council is overall in a good financial position, recording
a preliminary net operating surplus of $22.1M. In 2017/18 the total income from continuing operations of $146.8M and total expenses from continuing operations of $124.7M. As of 30 June 2018, Council held $36.8M
in internal reserves, an increase of $1.1M on the previous year. The draft statements also showed Council’s rates outstanding percentage has fallen to 4.82 per cent following Council’s focus on debt management in recent years.
Unsafe trees to be removed in VMG
EXPANSION: Council’s Parks and Gardens team laid 6400sqm of turf at Section 12 of the Lawn Cemetery.
Two large trees in Wagga Wagga’s Victory Memorial Gardens have been identified as a safety concern and will be removed next week. Wagga Wagga City Council arborists said borers and rot in the liquid amber trees have
pet
MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK FOR CEMETERY EXTENSION Works are continuing on the Section 12 extension of the Lawn Cemetery with a number of works recently being completed, including: • Laying of about 6400sqm of turf • Installation of irrigation across the 6400sqm area
• Construction of two 104m long by 3.5m wide wetweather access tracks, which will be sealed in the coming weeks Future works will include the upgrading of power supply to the area and improvements to the pump station to reduce
future maintenance and to increase energy efficiency. The pump station works are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The power upgrade works are anticipated to be completed early to mid-2019.
PROJ E C T S TO T R A N S FO R M WA S T E FAC I L I T Y
Council is planning the transformation of Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) with a series of initiatives to make better use of the resources, improve the safety and efficiency of the site and to value add to existing processing of received waste materials to recycle. The plan outlines a whole-of-precinct approach to position equipment and facilities to maximise the life of the site, provide a safe environment for all users and staff, maximise usability, efficiency and value for the Wagga community. At a recent Council meeting, it was resolved to proceed to tender on three different projects:
• To receive and process biosolids at an estimated cost of $350,000 • To extend the gas capture network and supply and install a gas powered evaporator at an estimated cost of $1M • To construct an access road at an estimated cost of $810,000 Council also accepted a $200,000 grant to construct an EPA Community Recycling Centre (CRC) at GWMC, which will allow a range of items to be recycled such as paint, gas bottles, oils and more.
DON’T BE A TOSSER!
Cover your load
compromised their integrity and they are in decline. Work on removing the trees is scheduled to start early on Monday morning 12 November. Pedestrian access in the park will not be affected.
OF THE
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
The team at Glenfield Road Animal Shelter reckon this week’s Pet of the Week is simply the best! Mr Derp is a male domestic short haired smoky tabby cat. He is super friendly, very affectionate and it’s no surprise by his look here, that he pulls some funny faces. “He’s just an allround awesome cat.” Mr Derp can be adopted for $201.50 which includes desexing, microchip, lifetime registration, vaccination, worming and ID tag. GRAS is open from 1pm to 4.15pm, Monday to Saturday, and can be contacted on 6971 4651.
Ph: 6971 4651
+ Wink blep
graswagga.com.au
Heavy penalties apply. Leaving your load uncovered is dangerous. Cover it up, do it right. Report littering from vehicles
wagga.nsw.gov.au/heytosser This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
3X3 BASKETBALL COMPETITION TO HIT THE BEACH Slam dunk action is now just days away from landing in Wagga Wagga with the fast-paced urban style 3x3 basketball road show set to roll into the city next week. Champions League Basketball 3X3 will make its Wagga Wagga debut at a three-day carnival from 16-18 November at the Wagga Beach. The beach precinct will come alive with a festive feel of “three on three” sports action, music, food and family fun. The regular beach basketball court will be transformed into two mobile 3X3 half courts and one hoop being central to the game’s various events. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said the basketball spectacle offered local people and visitors an opportunity to see and play a globally expanding sport which is new to Wagga. “Our city has a great sporting culture and tradition and we are always keen to accommodate major sporting events in Wagga,” Cr Conkey said. "This modern and fast-paced sport brings a new dimension to what Wagga can offer players and sports enthusiasts alike. “Three-on-three basketball is growing in popularity across Australia and to secure a three-day event is a great attraction for local residents and visitors to the city. “More than 1000 spectators are expected to attend this event which will bring many economic and social benefits to Wagga. "It promises to be an action-packed weekend when 3X3 basketball takes centre stage at the Wagga Beach in a week.” Wagga Heat captain Zac Maloney is excited about the future of the sport in Wagga and district and said 3X3 engages young players because of its fast-pace, high energy and pumping music all combined with fitness, fun and activity. “Our players love to get involved in this style of the sport … we have all played 3X3 before and it’s a fantastic concept for both players and spectators,” Zac said. 3x3 basketball is growing in popularity in Australia and will debut as an Olympic sport at the 2020 Tokyo Games. The modified version of the game is already played in 173 countries and started in Australia in 2014, with regional venues now part of the expansion.
Nominate a local legend for city's annual Australia Day Awards Nominations for Wagga Wagga’s 2019 Australia Day Awards close on 5pm, Friday 23 November. You can recognise our community’s stalwarts, local heroes and volunteers across four categories - Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year (27 and younger), Walk of Honour Award and the Ted Ryder Sports Memorial Award for contribution to administration in sport.
“The annual Australia Day Awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by community members to our city,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said. “Whether they’re a tireless community advocate or long-serving volunteer, they all deserve to be recognised. “Community groups and individuals are encouraged to step up and nominate
our everyday champions who have given selflessly to the community for many years.” The winners will be announced at Wagga Wagga’s Australia Day events next year in the Victory Memorial Gardens. If you know of someone deserving of recognition visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ australiaday or contact 1300 292 442 for more information or to make a nomination.
2019 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS CATEGORIES
• Citizen of the Year: For outstanding service to the community • Young Citizen of the Year: 27 years and younger, for outstanding service to the community • Walk of Honour Award: For substantial contributors (past or present) to the Wagga Wagga LGA. Nominees can be of any age, living or deceased and must have resided in Wagga Wagga LGA for a period of at least five years. • Ted Ryder Memorial Award: For contributions to sporting organisations through administration and general service. wagga.nsw.gov.au/australiaday
C O U N C I L' S $1 M F O O T P A T H UPGRADE COMPLETE Glenfield residents can now enjoy using the new footpath constructed along Yentoo Drive, with the 1.3km pathway recently completed. The footpath, which runs the length of Yentoo Drive from Pinaroo Drive to the Red Hill Road shared path, was finished well ahead of schedule thanks to favourable weather conditions. The new footpaths are 1.5 metres wide to allow sufficient space for pedestrians and/or permitted wheeled devices - such as mobility scooters or prams - to pass sideby-side. It’s the final footpath constructed under Council’s $1M footpath upgrade program across seven suburbs including Forest Hill, Tolland, Mount Austin, Glenfield and Kooringal. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: The new sections of footpath constructed under Council’s $1M upgrade program have improved accessibility and connectivity with the existing footpath network.
MAKE A SUBMISSION AND HAVE YOUR SAY DURING PUBLIC EXHIBITION PERIOD
A Voluntary Planning Agreement for land in Genista Place, Springvale is currently on public exhibition. Council has been offered 8.33 hectares of land in lieu of being paid the Section 94 developer contributions associated with the development (DA17/0572).
Public Notices
Detour: Cooramin Street will be closed either side of Hampden Avenue intersection. Open after 6pm
Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Cooramin Street Cartwright’s Hill Date: Monday 19 to Friday 23 November 2018 Duration: 7am to 6pm Reason: To allow for installation of new drainage across Cooramin Street on eastern side of intersection
Road: Morgan Street from the western side of Fitzhardinge Street to the western side of Baylis Street. Duration: Sun 11/11/2018, 9.15am - 10.30am Road: Baylis St from south side of Morgan St to the north side of Tompson Street. Duration: Sunday 11 November 2018, 9.15am to 10.30am
TEMPORARY PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE TEMPORARY ROAD - REMEMBRANCE CLOSURE DAY
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
Road: Baylis Street from North side of Tompson St to North side of Wollundry Lagoon Bridge, Morrow St from Peter St to Baylis St Duration: Sunday 11 November 2018, 9.15am 12.15pm Reason: Remembrance Day parade and commemorative service Detours: As signposted
NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
Wagga Wagga City Council has received the following application to carry out “Development” under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. DA18/0290, Addition to
The land to be dedicated to Council under the offer includes two sections of the Wiradjuri walking track. The developer has agreed to donate the land in exchange for the waiving of the Section 94 developer contributions, which is a net asset value increase for Council of $51,045. Existing Seniors Housing Development (3 x 2 Dwelling Buildings), 1 Franklin Dr ESTELLA NSW 2650, Lot 2 DP 1128321, Applicant: Settlers Village Wagga Wagga Pty Ltd DA18/0540, Waste and Resource Transfer Station, 90-92 Hammond Ave EAST WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650, Lot 10 DP 1102315, Applicant: The Planning Hub Name of Consent Authority: Wagga Wagga City Council The subject application and accompanying documentation, may be inspected at the following address until the closure of exhibition. Exhibition documents are
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The value of the land is $125,000 and the contributions due are approximately $73,955. The exhibition period is 28 days from 3 November to 1 December 2018. Also currently on public exhibition are Proposed Road Closure - Burkinshaws and
only available between Submission Period: 12/11/2018 to 26/11/2018 Where: Wagga Wagga City Council, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga (Customer Service Counter) or online: eservices.wagga.nsw.gov. au/exhibitiondocs When: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays). Any person seeking to make a submission in relation to the abovementioned development should address all correspondence to the Consent Authority to be received prior to 5pm on the final day of the exhibition period. If any
McClures Lane, Tarcutta and Oasis Admission Fees - Happy Hour Promotion. Submissions can be made on both of these proposals by 24 November. For more information on what's on public exhibition and to make a submission online, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/public.
submission is made by way of objection, the grounds of objection must be specified in the submission. Persons lodging submissions are required to declare political donations (including donations of more than $1000) made in the previous two years. For more details, including disclosure form, go to www.planning.nsw.gov.au/ donations. Persons making written submissions regarding the above development are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009
and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPPA) and may be attached to the final report, in its entirety or in part, to Council unless explicitly requested by the person making the submission that they do not wish this to occur. Enquiries: Further details relating to the matter can be obtained by contacting the Council’s City Development. If you have any enquiries regarding the application, or about making submission, please call City Development on 1300 292 442.
Peter Thompson, General Manager
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wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication