INSIDE: OUR RANGERS SAVE THE DAY FOR ‘RED’, PET OF THE WEEK + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2020
Issue No: 316
Weekly information from us to you
2021 Australia Day Awards nominations now open Wagga Wagga Mayor Cr Greg Conkey OAM and the inaugural Environmental Citizen of the Year recipient Ben Holt officially launch the 2021 Australia Day Awards at the Wollundry Lagoon on Thursday.
Let's recognise our local heroes Achievements by the city’s youth and other citizens working to preserve the environment will be a key focus of next year’s Australia Day Awards for people who have made significant community contributions.
The Environmental Citizen of the Year award was introduced for the 2020 awards program and recognises outstanding efforts by individuals or organisations which help the environment, reduce litter and improve recycling. Australia Day committee organisers are urging community members to start thinking about local champions who make a contribution in all areas, but particularly want to encourage nominations to recognise young people and their contributions. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said now is the
time to start thinking about those local heroes and volunteers who deserve recognition for their everyday efforts in our communities. “Our youth are our leaders of tomorrow,” Cr Conkey said. “There are many young people achieving incredible things in our communities and it’s important to recognise this and give reward for effort. “It has been difficult times for everyone this year but particularly hard for our youth who have been restricted in many school, social, creative and sporting activities because of the pandemic. “I’m sure there are many young people out there who deserve this recognition for their initiative they have called on to help us get through these tough times … let’s hear about them and let’s tell their stories. “These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise all citizens who have made a significant contribution.” Nominations for Wagga Wagga’s 2021 Australia Day Awards are now open across five categories - Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year (27 and younger), Walk of Honour
Award, the Ted Ryder Sports Memorial Award for contribution to administration in sport, and Environmental Citizen of the Year. The awards were officially announced on Thursday at a launch alongside Wollundry Lagoon where Cr Conkey and the inaugural recipient of the Environmental Citizen of the Year, Ben Holt, endorsed the awards as a great way to publicly recognise all the positive contributions made across the city and surrounds. The winners will be announced at Wagga Wagga’s 2021 Australia Day Awards Ceremony. This event will be held at the Civic Theatre on Monday 25 January. Preparations are also being made for a community day on Tuesday 26 January, with a decision to be made on this, based on the NSW Public Health Order restrictions, in the coming weeks. 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. Nominations close 5pm Friday 20 November 2020.
Weekly waste tip Polystyrene foam cannot be recycled through your yellow lid bin. Polystyrene foam can be recycled through Gregadoo Waste Management Centre where you can drop it off for free!
2021 AUS TR ALIA DAY AWARDS C ATEGORIES 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 Local Government Area (LGA). Nominees can be of any age, living or deceased and must have resided in LGA for a period of at least five years. Ted Ryder Memorial Award: For contributions to sporting organisations through administration and general service. Environmental Citizen of the Year: Recognises individuals and organisations for championing litter reduction and environmental initiatives.
Pop-up drive-in cinema hailed a 'mega hit'
Residents young and not so young embraced the opportunity to catch a big budget flick under the stars at Wagga Wagga City Council’s Drive-In Cinema Night on 2 October. The event featured the truestory adaptation of mega-group Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody which screened on a 14m x 7m blow-up airscreen at the Cross Street carpark. Council Events Officer Emma
Corbett said the nostalgia of the drive-in concept, the movie choice, and the perfect weather proved a winning combination. “It was a mega hit. We sold 117 car tickets ahead of the event and estimate around 320 people attended in total,” Ms Corbett said. “The atmosphere was really positive, and everyone seemed really excited to be there and keen to immerse themselves in the
drive-in experience. “We had those who sat in their seats with their vehicle facing the screen, while others reversed in and set up a couch on the back of their ute or a mattress in the boot of their SUV so they could watch the film in comfort. “The age range was also diverse, from teenagers with a red P Plate who’d never been to a drive-in to an older demographic who reminisced about the mischief
they used to get up to when they’d go to the drive-in.” As part of the COVID safe measures, minimal time was allowed outside of the car during the event, with marshals present to monitor the gathering. Ms Corbett praised the behaviour of everyone who attended. “We were really pleased with the way everyone adhered
to the social distancing requirements and restrictions on movement,” Ms Corbett said. “I want to thank them for their cooperation, which helped ensure the success of the night. “We also would like to thank the dedicated volunteers from Sunrise Rotary for their help with traffic control and making sure all cars were moved into position without a fuss.”
BUSHFIRE RECOVERY WORKSHOP Landholders affected by the January bushfires in the Oberne and Westbrook areas of the Wagga Wagga LGA have an opportunity to attend a workshop next week to assist in the ongoing recovery of their properties. Riverina Local Land Services (LLS) and Regional Development Australia Riverina will host the workshop at Oberne Hall on Wednesday 14 October from 7.30am (breakfast) and workshops (8am-10.30am). Speakers will provide landholders with information to support their recovery journey including environmental and pasture restoration, regaining livestock productivity, and strengthening ongoing producers welfare and resilience.
Information will also be provided on incentives that will soon be available via Local Land Services for recovery activities with natural resource management and biosecurity programs. Speakers will cover: • The latest research on pasture establishment and management, linking soil type and landscape. • Developing, implementing and monitoring plans to lift livestock profit through better performance. • Revegetation plans for natives and exotics – pro and cons. • Pest animal and weed control program update. • Landholder welfare and resilience support update).
pet
OF THE
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
Meet River, our Pet of the Week. This friendly domestic short hair tabby is looking for his new forever home. River loves attention and affection and would like nothing more than to curl up in your lap for a cuddle. The adoption fee would include desexing, microchipping, registration, vaccination and worming, as well as an ID tag, all for $212. If you want to find out more about this handsome lad, contact the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter. You can take a look at all our available pets at graswagga.com.au or pop in to visit – the shelter is open from 1.00pm–4.15pm today. #adoptdontshop R251000208
BARGAIN BUYS: Manager Environment and Regulatory Services Mark Gardiner with a selection of abandoned cars being offered for sale at Council’s impound car yard.
Check out our cheap car sell-off
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au
Wagga Wagga City Council’s impound car yard is open for business for one more week before the current sale closes. So make an offer that can’t be refused! Various makes and models all have to go, with the 23 vehicles on the lot ranging from small cars and hatchbacks to station wagons and utes. There is also a motor bike and a box trailer available in the sell-off of abandoned vehicles which have been accumulating in Council’s impound yard for the past 12 months. Expressions of Interest (EOI) from potential buyers who
would like to snap up a cheap second-hand car are open until 5pm, 16 October 2020. “It’s simply a process of people making an offer on the vehicle they are interested in. If that offer is the highest at the end of the EOI period, then the car is sold to that person,” Manager Environment and Regulatory Services Mark Gardiner said. All cars are unregistered, have clear titles – meaning they are not under finance – and come with a bill of sale certificate. Purchasers will need to arrange transport for their vehicles as they do not come with keys. Potential purchasers
wanting to register a vehicle are encouraged to organise a mechanical check prior to sale. “All the cars are listed on Council’s website, along with the EOI form. There is also the opportunity to view the cars first hand during one of the viewing times in the next week,” Mr Gardiner said. “If you are still interested after having a look, then submit your offer.” Vehicles can be viewed from 3pm to 5pm on Monday 12 October, Wednesday 14 October and Friday 16 October in the precinct of the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter. For more information, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/cars
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Ranger Courtney to Red's rescue A Wagga Wagga City Council Ranger showed her love of animals while rescuing a dog at risk of being hit on a busy road earlier this week. Ranger Courtney Krause received a call about a large dog wandering on a suburban field near a group of children. “When I arrived, the dog had moved onto the gutter of a nearby road and was running out when cars drove past,” Ms Krause said. “Thankfully everyone slowed down so he didn’t get hit. “I could tell he was scared and anxious. Unfortunately, I’d run out of dog treats, but by chance Adam, one of our other rangers, drove past and saw us. He stopped and gave me his. We tried to lure the dog over with them – he was curious, but too scared to come near.” After several failed attempts to attract the dog, Ms Krause decided on a different tactic. She settled down on the
footpath and started talking to the frightened animal. “He’d come up, but if I moved even slightly, he’d back away again,” Ms Krause said. “It was a warm day and we could see he was getting thirsty, so we managed to get a tub of water from a neighbour. I put the water on the ground in front of me and kept chatting. “It took me half an hour to build his trust up. When he finally came up for a drink, I just gave him a little pat on the muzzle. I could tell he was friendly and wasn’t going to bite, but I had to be careful not to scare him. I knew if he ran I’d never catch him, so I focused on building trust.” Once Ms Krause had the dog on a lead, she continued to pat him, giving him water and treats, and slowly walked him to her truck to keep their bond intact. “I wanted to make sure he was relaxed and calm
when he arrived at the shelter.” Glenfield Road Animal Shelter Animal Welfare Supervisor Keli Stephens was pleased to report the dog, now known as ‘Red’, is happy and has been cleared for adoption. “He’s not as timid as he was when he first arrived,” Ms Stephens said. “Sadly, Red had no ID tag or microchip, so we have no way of knowing who his original owners were. “We’ve tested his temperament, and he behaves well with people and other dogs. Red’s a big bouncy dog, so any prospective owner needs to give him lots of exercise as well as love – and keep him safe and secure in a yard.” To see Red (impound number 521) or the other animals available for adoption, visit the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter, open Monday – Saturday, 1.00pm–4.15pm. For more information visit graswagga.com.au
W H AT T O D O I F YO U S E E A S T R AY D O G Ranger Courtney Krause recommends calling Council on 1300 292 442 immediately. “Just get the rangers out,” Ms Krause said. “We deal with it every day; we’re trained to assess the situation and the dog’s temperament. Dogs are unpredictable and you don’t want to get bitten. “If you feel uncomfortable, don’t approach the dog. It’s important to keep
children away, both to keep them safe, and avoid stressing the dog out.” If you come across a stray dog over the weekend, Glenfield Road Animal Shelter’s deposit pens are open. (Rangers are available 24/7 to collect aggressive dogs.) “Read the situation first,” Ms Krause said. “If the dog is showing friendly body language and you feel comfortable, collect
it and take it to the shelter straight away. “The deposit pens have water and beds, and the animals will get fed the next day when shelter staff arrive. “The shelter is a much safer place for the dogs to be, rather than roaming the streets where they could get hit by a car or be attacked by other dogs. At the shelter, we’ll take care of them and either find their owners or rehome them.”
PATIENCE PAYS OFF: Ranger Courtney Krause spent 30 minutes coaxing an anxious stray dog to safety after he was found wandering near a busy road. ‘Red’, a large male tan-coloured Staffy cross, is now safe at Glenfield Road Animal Shelter and available for adoption.
PREVENT YOUR DOG BECOMING A STR AY • Keep yard secure and gates locked. • If your dog can jump the fence, keep it tied up while you’re out, ensuring it has access to shade and water. • If your dog is anxious while you’re away, put it inside your laundry to avoid it digging or jumping out of your yard. • When walking your dog, always keep it on a lead, unless you’re in a designated off-leash area. • Ensure your pet is microchipped, desexed, vaccinated, registered and is wearing an ID tag. • NSW legislation requires that all dogs in a public place must be under effective control. Find your nearest dog off-leash area at wagga.nsw.gov.au/services/pets-and-animals
P O W E R O U TAG E P L A N N E D AT WA G G A WA G G A B E AC H Vacancies
Wagga Wagga Beach users are advised the amenities building and barbeque shelters will be without power on Wednesday and Thursday (14-15 October) for electrical works. The power outage will allow Wagga Wagga City Council to upgrade the existing transformer and main switchboard as part of Stage 2 of the Riverside Redevelopment. The project integrates the former St Michael’s Oval and the former caravan park site into a large multipurpose public recreation space. The aim is to activate the 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. Project Manager Srivalli Miah said while the amenities building will be without power, the toilets will remain open for use. “There will also be some noise associated with this work,
Team Leader Sewer / Stormwater / Flood Maintenance Remuneration: $2,884.76 gpf + super Enquiries: Ron Cheney on 02 6971 4640 or 0408 693 425 Closing date: Monday 12 October 2020
Sewer / Stormwater Maintenance Assistant
Remuneration: $1,920.54 gpf + super Enquiries: Brad Tilyard on 0427 713 359 Closing date: Monday 12 October 2020
Animal Welfare Officer
Remuneration: $2,228.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Kathleen Bagshaw on 02 6926 9336 Closing date: Monday 19 October 2020
Ranger
but every effort will be made to minimise the impact on residents and Wagga Beach users,” Ms Miah said. “We apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause and appreciate the
patience of residents.” The work will be carried out from 8am to 4.30pm on Wednesday 14 October and Thursday 15 October 2020, weather permitting.
Remuneration: $2,228.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Kathleen Bagshaw on 02 6926 9336 Closing date: Monday 26 October 2020 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
right in here in Wagga Wagga and surrounds. Drop in to the Visitor Information Centre in Tarcutta Street and chat with the staff to With the spring get all the latest on weather and warmer what’s happening in days now upon us, I and around this great urge everyone to take city and right out to advantage of some of the villages. the wonderful attractions The visitor centre is and activities we have open 7 days a week
and there is plenty of parking. This is also a great area to explore with a walk along the Murrumbidgee River just metres away from the centre. Also only a short walk from the centre is the Museum of the Riverina, located in the Historic Council Chambers. Along the way there is
0402 214 556 | councillor. braid@wagga.nsw.gov.au
the art gallery, the library and also the Victory Memorial Gardens which is looking pictureperfect at this time of the year. The improvement works at the Botanic Gardens is fantastic. This project is due for completion soon and will give the area a real lift.
There is plenty to do at the Gardens, including the zoo and aviary which is always popular during the school holidays, and the garden beds are looking wonderful as they bloom in the springtime. There’s also great play areas for the children – and the big kids too – and this area can take
many hours to explore and enjoy. The Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in the city for all ages. So be sure to tell visitors and friends to the city about the Gardens and all the other wonderful attractions we have on offer. There is something for everyone.
It is also important we all remember the COVID-safe advice from our medical professionals when out and about and listen to the advice of Council staff when visiting the local facilities.
Councillor Yvonne Braid OAM
Airport security
Community issues on conference agenda A cross-section of community issues from airport security to support for the arts and entertainment industry will be covered in a number of motions Wagga Wagga City Council will put to the Local Government NSW Annual Conference next month. Councillors recently endorsed their six motions be put on the table for debate at the online conference on 23 November. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM and Councillors Dallas Tout, Vanessa Keenan and Dan Hayes will be WWCC’s representatives. Council agreed at its 14 September Ordinary Meeting to submit the following motions, which includes an explanation of the motion to be discussed.
are no standards to assess the impact on proposals. This creates the challenge of either approving them and residents living with the consequences, or declining proposals for fear of the impact of glare that may not eventuate.
Arts and entertainment
AIRPORT SECURITY UPGRADE COSTS
LGNSW advocate to State and Federal Government for support in the cost of airport security screening for regional airports. Increasing security requirements for regional airports have significant impacts, not just on airlines themselves, but on councils who have to redesign terminals to meet constantly changing security requirements. Support is needed from all levels of government to ensure new requirements can be met without the full burden of cost being placed onto local councils.
ADULT LAY DOWN CHANGE FACILITIES
LGNSW continue to advocate for adult lay down change facilities to be installed on NSW highways. Due to COVID-19 we have all experienced recently being restricted in travel, from visiting family and friends, to not being able to attend appointments or other events. For many with a disability this is a challenge faced every day due to the lack of appropriate bathroom facilities along the highways of NSW. This leaves the options of either not travelling, being changed on the floor of public bathrooms, or remaining in soiled nappies until an appropriate facility is reached many hours away. Installing adult lay down change facilities means that travelling throughout the state becomes a possibility.
ACCESSIBLE ATHLETICS FIELDS
LGNSW advocates to State and Federal
Public Notices RFT 2021-08 ABOVEGROUND REFUELLING FACILITY Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT 2021-08 AboveGround Refuelling Facility” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 28 October 2020. This is a Lump Sum Contract
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Governments to improve athletics facilities to increase accessibility and involvement for participants with a disability. Athletics provides a unique opportunity not readily available to other sports in its ability for able-bodied participants participants and those with a disability to participate, train and compete together. One of the significant barriers uniquely facing athletics is the need for synthetic tracks and other facilities to be installed. Calling on all levels of government to help ensure these facilities are improved and made accessible will have long term benefits for individuals and the community.
CODE OF CONDUCT COMPLAINTS
LGNSW advocate for more resources from the State Government to address code of conduct complaints.
for the removal and disposal of the underground petroleum storage tanks, and the supply and installation of a new aboveground refuelling facility at the Alan Turner Depot compound. A site meeting will be held on Thursday 15 October 2020 at 11.00am. Registrations to attend the briefing can be directed to the contact person below. Enquiries should be directed to Council’s Contracts Officer Melinda Conolly on 02 6926 9437 or email conolly.melinda@ wagga.nsw.gov.au. A nonrefundable fee of $145.00
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
will be charged for each hard copy of the specification; or specifications at nil cost can be accessed on: info.vendorpanel. com/workwithwagga waggacitycouncil
EXHIBITION OF DRAFT RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY – POL 079
Council hereby gives public notice of the exhibition of its Draft Risk Management Policy. The draft Risk Management Policy is on exhibition from 15 September 2020 for a period of 28 days, until 12 October 2020
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Code of Conduct complaints are intended to be a legitimate mechanism for addressing concerns at the local government level. However, this process is devalued due to outrageous delays in investigating and ruling on these matters. Often the State Government will criticise councils for their behaviour while simultaneously making the process slow and ineffective.
STANDARDS FOR SOLAR FARM GLARE
LGNSW advocate for guidelines in relation to the impact of glare from solar farms on nearby residents. There are standards for noise and odour, but none for glare for solar farms. With the increase in solar farms and the impact that some have on residents due to glare, there and invite public submissions until the 26 October 2020 on the draft Policy. Inspection Venue: The draft Risk Management Policy is available for review at Wagga Wagga City Council, cnr Baylis & Morrow sts, Wagga Wagga, during the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded) within the above exhibition period. The draft Policy can also be accessed from Council’s website at wagga. nsw.gov.au/public. Submission Procedure: Persons wishing to make a submission in relation to the revised Risk
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT SECTOR SUPPORT LGNSW advocate to State and Federal Government to support the arts and entertainment sector throughout NSW, especially in regional areas due to COVID-19. There has not been an industry that hasn’t been impacted by COVID-19, and while many are relying on JobKeeper and other supports, those in the arts and entertainment sector have been overlooked or ineligible for support due to the specific nature of their work. The arts and entertainment sector is estimated to contribute up to $20B a year and employs tens of thousands of people. This sector needs significant support to be ready to reactivate post COVID-19 and/or adapt to the new challenges it is facing.
Management Policy should do so prior to the close of the exhibition period. Submissions should be in writing and may be delivered to Wagga Wagga City Council 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. Persons making written submissions regarding the above Risk Management Policy are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the Government Information (Public
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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. Any questions relating to the Risk Management Policy document may be referred to Ingrid Hensley on 1300 292 442.
Peter Thompson, General Manager