INSIDE: ENTWINE PROJECT, FARRER ROAD UPDATE + PETS OF THE WEEK
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 11 JANUARY 2020
Issue No: 277
Weekly information from us to you BUSHFIRE CRISIS: OUR CITY ANSWERS CALL FOR HELP The City of Wagga Wagga and its residents across the entire local area have shown true community spirit amid the bushfire crisis which has affected so many people in recent times. Wagga Mayor Cr Greg Conkey OAM has expressed his thanks to community members for all their efforts to help others in need. Cr Conkey’s message to the community appears inside on Page 2.
BATTLE GROUND: Wagga City Council graders, water carts and their operators have been used extensively on the firegrounds during the current bushfire emergency.
Staff lauded for frontline efforts Emergency services personnel and support agencies across the region remain on alert this weekend as the bushfire situation is expected to develop amid threatening weather conditions.
Wagga City Council will continue to contribute its ongoing support under the direction of Emergency Operations Management at centres in Tumut and Wagga. Council staff have been heavily involved in frontline operations since 29 December
as the Green Valley-Dunns Road bushfire intensified over the new year period. Staff have contributed in various support roles involved the Evacuation Centre at Equex and also with animal care and accommodation, administration, communications, information technology, transport, airport operations, arboricultural services, traffic control, waste management, services at the Oasis and cultural centres, the Visitor Information Centre and in emergency office management. Council Director Commercial Operations Caroline Angel said Council had committed a number of graders, water carts and experienced operators to the fire zones around Tumbarumba, Rosewood, Adelong/ Tumut and in the Tarcutta/Westbrook Road area. “The efforts of our people on the frontline
of the fires has been exceptional,” Ms Angel said. “Our people were doing enormous days for several days straight, and were back in the zone early this week after a brief stand down to address fatigue. We will continue to work this weekend. “Council committed six graders and four water carts to this effort. We also had to be mindful to keep plant available closer to Wagga in the event of any emergency across the local area.” Ms Angel said the decision to open the Multi Purpose Stadium as an Evacuation Centre at Equex had proven to be the best option for such a facility. “That decision was made early. It is an excellent space and it passed its first test as a set-up facility such as the evacuation centre … the agencies operating from there
Weekly waste tip If you have furry friends in your household, our tip is for you! Doggy droppings and cat scats should go in the red lid bin. But all their fur can go in the green lid bin.
have praised the location, the large spaces and the facilities available inside the MPS,” Ms Angel said. Council General Manager Peter Thompson said the bushfires had highlighted the role local government performs in emergency situations. “There are many agencies pulling together in these times with the community’s well-being their number one focus,” Mr Thompson said. “Local government is involved at a significant level – from the frontline of the fire activity through to management and administration roles.” Council’s Bob Osborne Skills Centre in Wagga has been utilised as an Emergency Operations Centre in the past week, in addition to the stadium at Equex being used as the evacuation centre.
Prayer service for fire victims
A large crowd gathered in the Victory Memorial Gardens on Wednesday night in a show of solidarity with victims of the Dunns Road bushfire, emergency personnel fighting the blaze and communities grappling with the enormity of the disaster. The Multi-Faith Prayer Service, coordinated by the Muslim Association Riverina Wagga Wagga (MARWA) with support from other religious groups, opened with a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace. “We were gifted with an incredible performance by a Vanuatu choir,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, the Master of Ceremonies, said. “These men were all working in Batlow picking fruit when they were displaced by the Dunns Road Bushfire. “Their performance rightly earned multiple rounds of grateful applause.” The contingent of Pacific Islander workers also closed out the service with a string of uplifting and powerful gospel songs well known in their homeland. Catholic priest Reverend Paddy Sykes provided the opening prayer and addressed the sheer scale of the calamity. “Fire has been raging around this great continent like a wild beast, consuming all in its path,” he said.
Member for Wagga Dr Joe McGirr was next to address the approximately 250 attendees, describing his shock at the scale of the disaster and what he has witnessed while travelling to affected towns including Batlow and Tumbarumba. “There will be a time when we will need to have a discussion on how to prevent bushfires like this in the future and how we can better respond to these types of emergencies,” he said. Dr Waseem Afzal of MARWA delivered the closing prayer. He was inspired to instigate the prayer service as a way to offer evacuees an opportunity to be embraced by the wider community, giving them an empowering sense of belonging. “This is obviously a time of great distress and difficulties and a lot of people looking to show their support for those who have been affected,” he said. “Prayer is an expression from the heart. It is a way to find comfort and to provide solace.” Members of Wagga’s Burmese, Hindu, Yazidi, Persian, Quaker, Buddist, Bahai and African communities were in attendance. Visitors enjoyed a supper provided by the Country Women’s Association and Wollundry Rotary at the completion of the service.
weekly MOWING
R E P O R T
Council is continuing to make steady progress with its seasonal mowing program. All parks, reserves and open space areas will
WHAT’S
ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS
THIS WEEK:
receive one grass cut about every six weeks. The mowing teams will be operating in the following suburbs:
Wagga Art Society Studio, 11 Small St. Ph: 0400 225 768
Sat 11 Jan, 10am to 2pm Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Cnr Baylis and Morrow St. Ph: 6926 9660
Sun 12 to Fri 17 Jan, 7.30pm to 9.30pm Joyes Hall, Charles Sturt University, Pine Gully Rd. Ph: 0408 114 858
Sat 11 & Sun 12 Jan, 2pm Basement Theatre, Burns Way. Ph: 0417 433 968
MATES GULLY PRODUCE MARKET
Sat 11 Jan, 9.30am to 11.30pm Mates Gully Café, 38 Morrow St. Ph: 6921 4241
OPEN STUDIO GALLERY
own time to assist during these difficult days. I have been humbled by the support provided by all sections of the community. It’s impossible to name everyone but your efforts have been truly appreciated. It’s in these times of adversity that the true spirit of our caring and compassionate city and surrounding villages comes to
the fore. The efforts of all the firefighters and their support crews and staff, and the countless volunteers in various capacities, also highlights the great community spirit that emerges in times of crisis. Thank you once again.
Cr Greg Conkey OAM Wagga Wagga Mayor
OPERATIONS CENTRE: Council’s Bob Osborne Skills Centre in Wagga was last week transformed into the Emergency Operations Centre which co-ordinated the evacuation of residents from the Adelong, Batlow, Tumbarumba and Tumut areas.
S H E LT E R F O R F O U R - L E G G E D E V A C U E E S
For many people, pets are like family and in times of crisis ensuring they’re safe from harm and receiving adequate care becomes the highest priority. Last Friday hundreds of evacuees began arriving in Wagga from Tumbarumba, Adelong, Batlow and surrounding areas as the risk to life and property from the catastrophic Dunns Road bushfire increased. Almost overnight Wagga’s Multi-Purpose Stadium at the Equex Centre was transformed into a Register, Find and Reunite Centre supporting displaced persons. Those people evacuating with large
or small pets or stock, including dogs, cats, rabbits, poultry, goats and alpacas, were directed to the Wagga Showgrounds to utilise resources provided by Local Land Services. Caging, stalls and space was provided at the Showgrounds, but extreme heat and adverse conditions made if difficult for some families to keep their animals cool, comfortable and hydrated. To ease the pressure on families and ground staff, Wagga Wagga City Council opened up temporary accommodation at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter. “The big thing on
Saturday was obviously the heat,” Manager Environment and City Compliance Mark Gardiner said. “By moving some of the dogs to the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter we were able to ensure they were kept in cooler conditions, where they were provided safe accommodation in a secure location. “They were watered, fed and well-cared for … giving their families one less thing to worry about in an otherwise stressful time.” Fifteen dogs, from eight evacuated families, were taken into care at the shelter. “We took some of the smaller dogs – a mix of
Jack Russells, Shih Tzu Terriers – who were not coping well in the heat,” Mr Gardiner said. “One lady was very relieved to see all five of her dogs go into the care of the shelter.” Council staff opened up the shelter outside normal hours on Sunday afternoon to allow families to see and spend time with their pets. “They were able to go in for a cuddle and reassure themselves that their pets were fine,” Mr Gardiner said. Mr Gardiner said opening the shelter to evacuated pets was likely a first for Council, the unprecedented heat influencing the decision.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY RIVERINA KIDS ART CLASS: PRODUCERS MARKET ACRYLIC POUR Thu 16 Jan, 1pm to 6pm WORKSHOP Showground, Bourke St. Ph: 0428 263 297
THIRSTY CROW TRIVA: SUMMER SERIES
Thu 16 Jan, 7.30pm to 8.30pm Thirsty Crow Brewery, 153 Fitzmaurice St. Ph: 6921 7470
LADYSMITH TOURIST FRIDAY NIGHT RAILWAY OPEN DAY WOOD-FIRED PIZZA Sat 11 Jan, 10am to 2pm Ladysmith Railway Station, Cunningdroo St. Ph: 0458 263 443
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the people of Wagga Wagga and surrounds for your outstanding efforts in supporting the many hundreds of people who have sought refuge in our city during the past couple of weeks. You have opened your hearts, your homes, your wallets and your pantries, as well as donated many hours of your
SOUNDS OF SUMMER PINOCCHIO CONCERT SERIES
WOLLUNDRY SATURDAY MARKETS Wagga Wagga Sat 11 Jan, 8am to 1pm Civic Centre Precinct, Tarcutta St. Ph: 0408 692 929
• Estella • Bourkelands • Irrigated parks in Tatton, Lake Albert and Forest Hill.
B U S H F I R E E M E R G E N C Y — M AY O R ' S M E S S A G E
Fri 17 Jan, 5.30pm to 7.30pm Mates Gully Café, 38 Morrow St. Ph: 6921 4241
DINOLAND |
Sat 11 Jan, 10am to 3pm PLAYSPACE
Sun 12 Jan, 9am to 3pm De Lew Designs Studios, 80 Butterbush Rd. Ph: 0405 072 464
INTENSIVE SWIMMING LESSONS Mon 13 to Fri 17 Jan Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre, 50 Morgan St. Ph: 6926 9390
/waggaevents
For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events unit: events@wagga. nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri.
visitwagga.com
RESPITE: Wagga Wagga City Council Animal Welfare Officers (left) Marianne Burrows and Keli Stephens are proud to be caring for dogs belonging to evacuated families at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter.
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Farrer Road work continues around power pole Wagga residents are about to see a strange sight at the Farrer Road upgrade project resulting from delays to remove a power pole at the construction site. Wagga City Council General Manager Peter Thompson said construction will continue around the pole until its removal and wanted to keep residents updated on the situation. “Prior to the bushfire emergency, Council arranged for Essential Energy to temporarily disconnect power at the Farrer Road construction site,” Mr Thompson said. “The power outage is required to permit Council contractors to remove a power pole from the middle of the new road and establish new power supply arrangements.” The outage was arranged to take place on Thursday 9 January. Mr Thompson said Essential Energy has advised that all their staff who are able to turn the power off, to enable line works to be carried out, have been deployed to assist in the bushfire emergency. “Essential Energy simply has no one in Wagga who can turn
ROAD PROGRESS: Construction on Stage One of the Farrer Road upgrade will continue around a power pole which has been earmarked for relocation. Residents are being advised that work will progress to maintain the construction timeline on the $6.4M widening of the road. the power off to enable Council to attend to the power pole disconnection and removal, and they have indicated that the earliest possible date that they might be able to turn the
power off is now 30 January,” Mr Thompson said. “The problem for Council is that the pole is literally in the middle of the construction site. If Council directs the construction contractor to
stop work until Essential Energy are able to turn the power off, the penalties payable by Council to the contractor under the contract would be nearly $250,000. “This cost would accrue up to
the date that Essential Energy has indicated that it might have staff to turn the power off. If the date pushes out further, the cost will similarly increase. It would also mean that The Riverina Anglican College would have resumed lessons for the year and school traffic and buses will need to use the road again. Neither of these outcomes are acceptable to Council.” Mr Thompson confirmed works will continue to ensure there is no penalty to Council. “So the strange sight Wagga residents might see on Farrer Road is a power pole emerging from the middle of the new roadway,” he said. “In every respect it will look ludicrous. Never-the-less, it will save up to $250,000 and the decision enables the works to continue and be generally on track when school resumes at the end of the month.” Mr Thompson said when Essential Energy advises it has staff in Wagga who can turn the power off to enable Council contractors to attend to the new line work, Council will arrange for the pole to be removed as originally planned for 9 January.
Vacancies Cadet Engineer Remuneration: $1,611.00 gpf + super Enquiries: Peter Ross on 02 6926 9647 Closing date: Monday 20 January 2020
Senior Team Member Civil Two (2) Positions Available Remuneration: $2,195.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Rodney Smith on 02 6971 4614 Closing date: Monday 27 January 2020 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
P O P - U P C I N E M A F O R H O L I D AY F U N
Escape the heat and explore a world of great films during the summer holidays as the Art Gallery transforms into an amazing pop up cinema space. “This is an opportunity for families to escape the heat and join us for a free holiday film program specially curated for children of all ages and adults,” Director Community Janice Summerhayes said. Just for Kids features current children’s cinema like the popular Paddington 2 and cult films from the 80s and 90s such as The Goonies, The Witches and Steven Spielberg’s classic E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Just for Kids starts on Wednesday 15 January until Friday 24 January, with free screenings twice daily at 10am and 2pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Saturday 18 January, the Gallery presents two cult classics by American filmmaker Richard Linklater. Starting at 7pm with the Dazed and Confused, the nostalgia film which launched the careers of actors Matthew McConaughey and Milla Jovovich followed by Everybody Wants Some!! (2016). Both films draw on high school in the 70s and university life in the 80s through the lens of Linklater, one of the godfathers of modern independent cinema. Friends of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery present the documentary Eames: The Architect and the Painter, the acclaimed 2011 film on husbandand-wife team Charles and Ray Eames - widely regarded as America’s most important designers. The screening starts at 7pm on Sunday 19 January. Bookings are essential. Tickets cost $10, bookings essential via www.fogww.com For more information on the series, or to check out other programs and events at the Gallery, please visit waggaartgallery.com.au
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
pet
Just for Kids
Wednesday 15 January 10.00 am, Paddington 2 (2017) G 2.00 pm, The Witches (1990) PG Thursday 16 January 10.00 am, Toy Story 4 (2019) G 2.00 pm, Penguins of Madagascar (2014) G Friday 17 January 10.00 am, The Peanuts Movie (2015) G 2.00 pm, Despicable Me (2010) PG Wednesday 22 January 10.00 am, Charlotte’s Web (2006) G 2.00 pm, E.T . The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) PG Thursday 23 January 10.00 am, to be confirmed 2.00 pm, Harry and the Henderson’s (1987) PG Friday 24 January 10.00 am, Boss Baby (2017) PG 2.00 pm, The Goonies (1985) PG Entry to Just for Kids is free, no bookings required. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Directors’ Cuts Saturday 18 January 7:00 pm, Dazed and Confused (1993) M; Everybody Wants Some (2016) MA Entry to the Directors’ Cuts screenings are free, bookings essential via waggaartgallery.com.au Friends of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Summer Film Night Sunday 19 January Eames: The Architect and the Painter (2011) M
OF THE
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
Can you help these gorgeous girls embark on an exciting new journey? Annabella (Impound number: 522) is a striking domestic shorthaired cat. She immediately catches attention with her calico coat – coloured with a mix of white, orange and black. Annabella is sassy and independent and loving and sweet. Like her friend Melanie (impound number: 526), Annabella would make a loyal companion to her new family. Melanie is a black and white R251000208
domestic short-haired female. She is delightful and inquisitive with the most-friendly nature. Melanie and Annabella have spent too long patiently waiting for their new families and can be adopted for $245.50 each which includes microchipping, registration, vaccination, desexing, worming and ID tag. To meet Melanie and Annabella or any other cats or dogs in need of a loving new family, visit the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter from 1pm to 4.15pm, Monday to Friday.
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
First look at city's exciting Entwine project Newly released images are giving community members an exciting first glimpse of how Wagga Wagga City Council’s Entwine project will transform two much-loved local attractions. Detailed designs, including the rendered images, for Council’s $900K Entwine project, linking Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens and Museum of the Riverina, were completed in December 2019. The virtual images give community members a realistic look at what can be expected from the completion of the project in June 2020. “The pond view computer generated image shows the proposed alternations and additions to the Brolga Pond," Manager Project Delivery Rupesh Shah said. "Specifically, expansion of the existing space with installation of new tiered seating, refurbishment of the existing band stand and new turfed lawn for events.” “The park view computer generated image shows the proposed new nature play space in the existing native gardens… specifically, two new barbecue shelters and nature inspired play space.” Mr Shah believes Entwine has the potential to turn an already loved
SNEAK PEEK: A computer generated image has provided a glimpse of the proposed upgrade to the Botanic Garden's Brolga Pond.
regional asset into an exciting and engaging precinct that will encourage visitors to the regions to stay ‘one more day’ in the city. “These rendered images will give a visual overview of the many exciting features that make up the project,” he said. “Some those features include the new interactive playgrounds, the new low maintenance and easilyaccessible interpretive trails and the sensory gardens.” By refurbishing the existing infrastructure and updating assets including the Brolga Pond and Bamboo Garden, Council believes the site’s appeal as a wedding venue will be strengthened. Council officers are currently preparing the procurement documentation for the Entwine Project. “Once the documents are complete, the Request for Tender will be posted, the submissions will be evaluated and the contract awarded,” Mr Shah said. “Construction is forecast to commence in April 2020.” Entwine is occurring concurrently with the $3.2M redevelopment of the Museum of the Riverina which is expected to re-open in Spring 2021.
SHEETPILE CAPPING AND PATHWAY PART OF LEVEE UPGRADE
Construction on Wagga Wagga's $23M levee bank upgrade project has continued early in the new year with sheetpiling caps and the shared pathway the focus of new works. Stage 2 of the upgrade includes six kilometres of levee bank of which almost two kilometres required sheetpiling work. This work was completed in November 2019 and now brings the Main City Levee to a 1 in 100 year level of protection against flooding. Capping along the sheet piling is scheduled for completion early next week while the concrete path forming the Levee Link shared pathway is continuing adjacent to Tarcutta Street and is due for completion at the end of February. This work will then be followed by grass establishment and landscaping, along with the completion of floodgates, walking trails, handrails and access points. The upgrade of the Murrumbidgee River levee system in Wagga started in 2017 with Stage 2 starting in 2019. The first section of Stage 2, from 100 metres north of Wiradjuri Bridge to the Wagga Beach/ Johnston Street, was completed in October. The project includes contributions from Wagga City Council ($7.75M), the State Government ($4.1M) and the Federal Government ($10M).
Public Notices
PUBLIC EXHIBITION OF DRAFT AMENDMENT TO WAGGA WAGGA LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN 2010 Aim: To exhibit the following Planning Proposals that propose to
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NEW CAPPING: Concrete caps were this week placed along the levee bank sheetpiles adjacent to Tarcutta Street. Concrete is also being poured to form the new shared pathway which forms part of the Active Travel Plan’s Levee Link route.
amend the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 for: Lot 176 DP 757253, Tumbarumba Road, Ladysmith – amend the minimum lot size. Lots on Brindabella Drive, Plumpton Road and Belmore Place – amend the minimum lot size. Exhibition Period: 30 November 2019 to 27 December 2019 (inclusive) Submission Period: 30 November 2019 to 31 January 2020 (inclusive)
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
Inspection Venue: The proposed amendments and supporting exhibition material are available for inspection at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga during the hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded) and on Council’s website www.waggaview.com. au/LEP190004 and www. waggaview.com.au/ LEP190007 during the exhibition period.
Submission Procedure: Any interested person or organisation wishing to make a written submission in relation to the draft amendment should do so by close of business on Friday, 31 January 2020. 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
FARRER ROAD
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CLOSURE NOTICE
Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Farrer Road. Various staged road closures will be undertaken from 12 December 2019 through to 30 June 2020. Reason: Reconstruction and widening of Farrer Road. For additional information on the closure www.wagga. nsw.gov.au/farrer-works
ROAD UNDER DIRECTION
OF TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS
under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part Road: Endeavour Street (between Wilks Avenue and 8 Division 4 of changes in Meadow Street) conditions along: Date: 16 to 17 January Road: Truscott Drive 2020 Date: 14 – 24 January, 2020 Duration: 7.00am to Duration: 7.00am to 5.00pm, weather permitting 5.00pm, weather permitting Reason: Necessary Reason: Upgrading and preparation works for resealing of road resealing of road
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given
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Peter Thompson, General Manager