INSIDE: WORKS PROGRESS ON ENTWINE PROJECT, OASIS UPDATE + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 11 JULY 2020
Issue No: 303
Weekly information from us to you THIS IS PAW-SOME!
Wagga Wagga has a new permanent dog off-leash area. Gabrielle Shaw, 18, and her dogs Poli and Koda were at Wiradjuri Reserve earlier this week for some fun and exercise by the river. See full story inside.
Waste facility projects move forward Major improvements at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre have been approved and contracts awarded for works to proceed in coming months.
the Centre to facilitate weighing and improve management of waste and recycling activities,” Mr Woods said. GWMC Manager Geoff Pym said the future planned for the centre will have small vehicles and the general public separated from the large vehicles and waste contractors with emphasis on waste separation. “Business operators with smaller loads of recyclable materials only will not Wagga Wagga City Council has plans have to enter the tip proper to return to their business activities,” Mr Pym said. for new weighbridges and associated “Waste truck operators will be approach roads, control building and a directed and controlled at the tipping carpark to be developed this financial face. Lease holders on the site will have year. access to weighing services without Manager Council Business Darryl diverting to a remote facility. Weighing Woods said the new weighbridge B-Doubles in a single weigh is more facilities will be capable of weighing efficient and accurate.” B-Double heavy vehicles in a single Mr Pym said there are many benefits weigh. to the site upgrade. “The intent is to move the new “Council staff will have best practice weighbridge toward the entrance to
facilities to improve efficiency and ensure their customers are processed with minimal delay,” he said. “Traffic flow through the site will ultimately be reduced when the domestic precinct is operating close to Ashford Road.” Ultra Project Services Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract for the construction of weighbridge roads, building and carpark at a cost of $1,071,435.94 exc gst. Aussie Weighbridge Systems Pty Ltd will undertake the design and construction of a new weighbridge system at a cost of $412,146 exc gst. Council also accepted the five-year maintenance, software and licencing costs in the estimated amount of $56,099.88 exc gst. A site meeting for both contractors in early August is the next step in the project.
NEW WEIGHBRIDGE: An artist’s impression of the new facility at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre.
PROPOSED WEIGHBRIDGE STATION & WEIGHBRIDGE STATION OFFICE
WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL LOT 1 (DP580226) GREGADOO WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE
Weekly waste tip Soiled and unsoiled tissues, serviettes and paper towel can go in the weekly green lid bin collection.
SHEET NUMBER
SHEET NAME
REVISION
REVISION DESCRIPTION
REVISION DATE
00 01 02 03 04
COVER SHEET LOCALITY PLAN / AREA OF WORKS PLAN / SITE PLAN / ARTIST IMPRESSIONS WEIGHBRIDGE STATION FLOOR PLAN, ELEVATIONS & SECTION / RAINWATER TANK ELEVATION WEIGHBRIDGE STATION OFFICE FLOOR PLAN, ELEVATIONS, INTERIOR ELEVATIONS, SECTIONS, WINDOW & DOOR SCHEDULE & COLOUR SCHEME WHS / CONDUIT LAYOUT / ELECTRICAL LAYOUT
A B C D E F G H
PRELIMINARY CONCEPT CONCEPT REVISIONS ISSUED FOR CLIENT APPROVAL ISSUED FOR CLIENT APPROVAL ISSUED FOR CLIENT APPROVAL ISSUED FOR CLIENT APPROVAL ISSUED FOR CLIENT APPROVAL ISSUED FOR TENDER
27.09.2019 04.10.2019 19.11.2019 05.12.2019 12.12.2019 13.12.2019 18.12.2019 19.12.2019
THIS PLAN IS P THIS PLAN C USED FOR DISP TH
BIODIVERSIT Y PROJEC T S T A R T O F $1 M P R O G R A M
A three-year revegetation project expected to see up to 50,000 new plants in the ground around Bomen will be delivered as part of a $1M local community and environment program over the next decade. Council has agreed to enter into a $350,000 funding agreement with Spark Infrastructure to undertake the revegetation program to enhance biodiversity in the Bomen precinct which aligns with the Special Activation Precinct Masterplan. It is anticipated planting would occur during the winter months of 2021 / 2022 and would include between 40,000 - 50,000 plants. Council’s Director Community Janice Summerhayes said Council’s Environment team will co-ordinate the program with on-going management in line with low maintenance levels for natural areas. “There is a lot for the local community to gain through this funding source,” Ms Summerhayes said. “Biodiversity is at the heart of this initial project and to see many more thousands of trees planted in the area is a major part of realising that balance between the environment and the city’s main industrial area. “Council has recently released its draft Biodiversity Strategy which places great emphasis on a sustainable future for the local environment. “To see revegetation projects such as this one already planned and approved is a great sign of things to come.” The funding will cover the costs associated with the revegetation including site preparation, plants,
planting, materials and watering. Spark Infrastructure has recently completed its 120 MW Solar Farm at Bomen. The Australianlisted company in partnership with Westpac has established a community fund to invest $1M into the local community over the first 10 years of the solar farm’s operation. The solar farm is located on 250 hectares of industrially zoned land. It comprises approximately 310,000 bi-facial solar panels and when fully operational will produce enough clean solar energy to power 36,000 homes per year. The community fund has been developed to make a positive contribution to the local community and environment of Wagga Wagga. The program objectives include: • Education: To improve the social, educational, employment outcomes for disadvantaged young people in the Wagga Wagga region • Environment:To increase biodiversity and improve the habitat and survival rates of the critically endangered Swift Parrot and the vulnerable Superb Parrot through a major revegetation program. • Rural Fire Service: To support the Eunony Valley Rural Fire Service in their ongoing efforts to protect the local community and environment from fire. • Agriculture and Solar: To contribute to the ongoing process of learning and education in how to concurrently use the land of solar farms for agricultural purposes.
FUNDING: Council has approved a biodiversity project to go ahead at Bomen. Image: Matt Beaver
pet
OF THE
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
CANINE CAPERS: The Wiradjuri Reserve dog off-leash area is now a permanent attraction for owners and their canines. Wagga's Gabrielle Shaw and her dog Koda got some exercise at the area earlier this week.
Wiradjuri Reserve off-leash area gets Council approval Dog owners and their pets now have permanent access to a new off-leash area for exercise and activity in central Wagga Wagga. Wagga Wagga City Councillors have approved the new area at Wiradjuri Reserve after a successful 12-month trial which recently finished. The new area is between the pebble beach and boat ramp and will be restricted to use in daylight hours only. Council Director Community Janice Summerhayes said off-leash areas across the city are an important part of community life. “We need areas where our dogs can run, exercise and socialise with other dogs and pet owners,” Ms Summerhayes said. “This new area is particularly popular because it runs next to the river and water access is always an attraction for many dogs. “The 12-month trial gave us the chance to assess community feedback about the new area and with a very positive response we are happy to provide this area as a permanent and suitable location for dogs and their owners.” Wiradjuri Reserve is the eighth off-leash area in the city, which include an agility track at O’Halloran Park near Lake Albert. For more information about off-leash areas around the city, contact Council customer service on 1300 292 442.
RULES AND GUIDELINES AT O F F - L E A S H A R E A S • •
• • • • •
Off-leash areas are only available for use in daylight hours. You must have control of your dog at all times. Even though it is an off-leash area, you must prevent it from harassing, attacking and chasing other people or animals. Any attacks may result in a Dangerous Dog Declaration being placed on your dog, and you may be liable for any damages. All faeces must be picked up and placed in waste bins. Your dog must be wearing a collar with identification tags and be lifetime registered. Declared Dangerous Dogs and Restricted Breeds are prohibited to be off-leash in an off-leash area. Where the areas are fenced, wheeled recreational devices and motor vehicles are prohibited. Any breach of these requirements could result in infringements being issued to the owner and/or the dog being impounded.
Morgan Street precinct: have your say
Imagine this soft bundle of fur curled up on your lap, keeping you warm. Melanie is a friendly feline – good-natured, curious and gentle. She’s a domestic short hair, brown tabby. Melanie (impound no. 315) is very sweet, has a great purr, and loves to be showered R251000208
with affection – which she gives you right back. You can become the centre of Melanie’s world for just $247.00, which includes microchipping, registration, vaccination, desexing, worming and an ID tag.
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au
If you’d like to make a submission on the proposed planning amendments for the Morgan, Murray and Forsyth streets precinct, please do so soon – submissions close 18 July 2020. Senior Strategic Planner Crystal Atkinson said Wagga Wagga City Council had received more than 100 submissions so far. “We’re really pleased by the interest the community has shown in this precinct,” Ms Atkinson said. “I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t yet submitted their thoughts to get in touch. I’d also recommend everyone visit our dedicated webpage – connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ MorganStreet – to ensure they know exactly what it is we’re
proposing. “If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call, or send me an email.” Council received an application for the Morgan, Murray and Forsyth streets precinct to change land zoning, building height, floor space ratio and land classification.
After an initial community consultation, Council established a set of site-specific development controls which are on public exhibition for community feedback until 18 July 2020. These controls are intended to address concerns raised in the initial community consultation.
WE’RE LISTENING
MORGAN, MURRAY AND FORSYTH STREETS PRECINCT CONSULTATION PERIOD CLOSES 18 JULY 2020 Find out more and give your feedback at connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/MorganStreet Call: 1300 292 442 Email: council@wagga.nsw.gov.au Write to: Crystal Atkinson, Senior Strategic Planner Wagga Wagga City Council, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Brush it off: the true cost of weeds
If you see a weed hygiene station on your travels – please use it. By brushing off your shoes, bike tyres and pets, you’re helping protect Wagga Wagga’s natural reserves from the insidious spread of weeds. Wagga Wagga City Council has installed an additional weed hygiene station along the Wiradjuri Trail and is asking the community to use them – both when joining the trail and leaving it. Environmental Management Team Leader Tony Phelps said Council began installing the weed hygiene stations in 2018 in order to protect the natural reserves surrounding the city. “A lot of our natural areas are relatively free from weeds,” Mr Phelps said. “We want to keep it that way. “Weed seeds can attach to your shoes, your clothes, your bike tyre treads – even your pets. Just the soil on your shoes may contain minute seeds that could cause a weed infestation.”
Before you hit the trail, hit the station
When entering an area with a weed hygiene station, stop and brush yourself, your pet and your equipment down. Any dirt, and seeds in that dirt, will fall into the station’s sump rather than be taken in to the reserve. Brushing yourself down on the way out is equally important, as you may have picked up seeds
from within the natural reserve which may be considered weeds in areas you visit later.
the bush and the native animals,” Mr Phelps said. “Once you get weeds To know your enemy, grow it infesting those areas, they can outcompete the native In addition to stopping weed plants. Once the native plants seeds from entering Wagga disappear, so do the animals. Wagga’s natural reserves, the It reduces the appeal of going weed hygiene stations act as a out into the bush. A lot of those collection point and warning weeds are quite spiky as well; system for Council’s Vegetation they’re not good for either you Management Team. “When we clean the sump out, or your pets to walk on, let alone we collect the dirt and seeds and your bike tyres to ride over.” Worth protecting take it back to our hothouse,” Mr Phelps said. Regularly using the weed hygiene stations is an easy “We actually nurture the soil; way to help preserve the city’s water it, keep it warm and see reserves. what grows. Many seeds are minute, so the only way to know Part of the Wiradjuri Trail for sure what’s in the soil is to travels through the Birramal grow it. As the seedlings develop Conservation Area, consisting into plants, we can identify of 117 hectares of former them – then we know what we’re farmland. Building on the dealing with. existing old-growth vegetation, a team of Council staff and “A lot of weeds, like cane needle grass, can be hard to find community volunteers planted amongst the other grasses. But if approximately 1500 plants in the we grow cane needle grass from area last year for National Tree Day. a specific weed hygiene station, we’ll know to keep our eyes out “We’ve been working hard for it in that area.” building on that vegetation,” Mr Phelps said. The impact of weeds “All those plants help improve Weeds cost the agricultural the bush, create habitat for the industry billions of dollars each year through weed management native animals, and bring it back to the pristine condition our and production loss. In natural community loves to walk and areas, weeds can impact the ride through. birds and mammals who rely on native vegetation for food and “We’re asking everyone to use shelter. the weed hygiene stations each time they hit the trail and help us “People visiting our natural keep our reserves weed-free.” reserves go out there to enjoy
KEEP IT WEED FREE: Like using hand sanitiser on the way in and out of a store, Council’s Environmental Management Team Leader Tony Phelps would like you to use the weed hygiene stations on your way in and out of the city’s natural reserves to stop the spread of weeds.
IN THE SWIM: CLASSES START AGAIN AT OASIS
Restrictions are gradually easing at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre, with aqua and ‘dryland’ classes restarting, and swimming lessons on the way. The need to call ahead and book a swim time has also been reduced. Members now only need to book ahead if they plan to use the indoor pool between 4–7pm on weekdays. All other times are freely available. Oasis Programs Supervisor Fiona Claridge said the first few weeks since reopening had been positive. “We didn’t know if people were going to come, but everyone has been super happy and impressed with the cleaning procedures we have in place,” Ms Claridge said. “It’s been really nice to see our members back.” Aqua aerobics classes have restarted, as have the dry-land classes for over 50s in the gym. “Our first aqua class booked out, so we ran an additional class to cater for everyone who was going to miss out,” Ms Claridge said. “We also had a great turn-out for our first dryland class. “A lot of what we do here has a social aspect which is important. Everyone is just really happy to see each other and get back into doing something physical.”
The Oasis team were still asking members to limit their time at the facility. “Even though our showers and changerooms are now available, we’re encouraging people to arrive dressed and ready for their swim, and to shower at home afterwards if possible,” Ms Claridge said. “We want you to get your exercise, while still minimising your contact with others.” Although splash and fun swimming remains unavailable due to current restrictions, many families will be keen to book in for swimming lessons, which will kick-off from Monday 20 July. “We’re happy to be open,” Ms Claridge said. “It’s great to have classes back and we’re looking forward to swimming lessons starting. We know there are a lot of kids in the city keen to get into the water again.”
OA S I S U PDAT E
Swimming lessons start Monday 20 July Bookings open Monday 13 July. Please call reception on ph. 02 6926 9390. New opening hours from Monday 20 July Monday to Friday: 6.00am–8.00pm Saturday and Sunday: 8.30am–3.00pm
H O M E G R OW N W E E D H YG I E N E S TAT I O N S
Wagga Wagga’s weed hygiene stations were designed and developed by Council’s Vegetation Management Team.
The stations took out a Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Award in 2018. Weed hygiene stations are located at: • Pomingalarna • Marrambidya Wetland • Wiradjuri Reserve • Birramal Conservation Area.
Vacancies Customer Service Officer
Two (2) Permanent Full-Time Positions Available One (1) Temporary Full-Time Position Available Remuneration: $2,195.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Meredith Hester on 02 6926 9102 Closing date: Sunday 19 July 2020
People & Culture Administration Officer
Remuneration: $2,195.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Maddison May on 02 6926 9205 Closing date: Monday 20 July 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 Why isn’t our elected leader, Managers or Governing body doing anything about it? Well I think its time someone asks the questions and puts its all on the table so we can get some answers. To be elected to the position of Councillor is a privilege and we need to ensure that we take this role seriously. The community needs to have trust in their elected leaders to ensure
Enough is enough, how many times do I have to wake up and read the news paper or watch the nightly news and see a story on something that was marked confidential from council. How is this information getting out? Why are Councillors or internal staff deciding to share this information?
integrity is maintained. In meetings and workshops we can be exposed to confidential information on multiple levels including projects and personal matters. These reports or meetings are confidential for a reason, we work under a code which states that we can’t share this information. Code of Conduct section 8.10 you must maintain the integrity and security of confidential
0400 712 880 | councillor.koschel@wagga.nsw.gov.au
information in your possession or for which you are responsible and 8.11 C) only release confidential information if you have authority to do so. In my opinion I see many examples of information being leaked from Councillors or internal staff, some examples this year alone would be information from a confidential council meeting turning up on social media with
45mins of meeting being completed, as well as receiving calls from media the day after a workshop asking my comments on a project that was discussed in confidence last night. Why does this happen? My belief is that certain Councillors and staff leak this information to grow their profile in the community as well as to harass and bully others. How does it grow your
profile? By providing this information to media you are able to get your face and name out into the community. So the question needs to be asked why does it always seem to be the same Councillors in the media all the time? In next weeks Council meeting I am placing a notice of motion asking for a review into the leaking of information, a review of our current policy and a letter to be written to the
Minister expressing our concern in lack of action In regards to this by the office of local government. Will be interesting to which councillors support this, even if it doesn’t get supported by fellow councillors as least i can hold my head high and say i tried to do something to maintain our integrity to our community.
Councillor Tim Koschel
New native playground takes shape at Gardens Works on Wagga Wagga City Council’s Entwine Project to revitalise sections of the Botanic Gardens are on track for completion in September 2020. Earthworks at the new native garden section of the $924,000 project started in June and have almost wrapped up. Project Manager Thomas Lemerle said there is still some demolition work and site set-out to be completed before the team moves on to the construction phase. “There’ll be two new barbecue shelters, there’ll be a new spidergon playground, there’ll be lots of rock walls and batters and some native planting,” Mr Lemerle said. “The ethos is really a natural play space. There’ll be logs and rocks and mulch and things for kids to crawl along. “We’re going to put in a lot of endemic species, we’re going to put in a lot of flowering species, really bring some colour back to the space, a lot of big shade trees, things that are suitable to the Wagga climate and will grow really well.” Ramps and low maintenance pathways will also be constructed to improve accessibility to the space and to strengthen the connection and visitor flow between the Botanic Gardens and the Museum of the Riverina site located on the northern side of the
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precinct. One of these pathways will link to the Brolga Pond and surrounding Bamboo Garden, which are also being refurbished to support events and outdoor activities. A new viewing deck will be constructed, extending over part of the Brolga Pond, while the roof from the current rotunda will be relocated to one end of the deck. The thick stand of bamboo will be removed, clearing the way for the construction of an amphitheatre, which will stretch from the Brolga Pond up the slope towards the main road. “We realise the Pond and Bamboo Garden hold special memories for many people in Wagga,” Mr Lemerle said. “They’ve been popular locations for wedding day photos, and, over the years, many couples have etched their names and marriage date into a bamboo stem. “The history associated with those bamboo plants will not be lost. We will use lengths of some of those stems featuring names and dates to create a bamboo tunnel for kids to crawl along at the native playground.” The Entwine project is funded through a $739,466 grant from the NSW Regional Growth – Environment & Tourism Fund with the balance contributed by Wagga Wagga City Council.
and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 29 July 2020. Council is seeking to engage the services of external providers to conduct confidential, independent counselling for employees and their immediate family, with work-related or personal problems. Enquiries should be directed to Council’s Contracts Officer Melinda Conolly at conolly.
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
GARDENS UPGRADE: Wagga Wagga City Council Project Manager Tom Lemerle (left) and contractor Adam Morrison, of Creative Outdoors, check progress on the new native playground and barbecue area being developed as part of the Botanic Gardens Entwine Project. Above: An artist’s impression of the new playground area.
melinda@wagga.nsw. gov.au. A non-refundable fee of $145.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed at: info.vendorpanel.com workwithwaggawagga citycouncil/
EXHIBITION OF DRAFT AMENDMENT TO WAGGA WAGGA DEVELOPMENT
CONTROL PLAN 2010 – SECTION 10, MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT
Land Description: Morgan, Murray and Forsyth Street, mixed use precinct Aim: To exhibit the draft development controls for mixed use development in the Morgan, Murray and Forsyth Street mixed use zone. Exhibition Period: 18 April 2020 to 18 July 2020
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(inclusive) Inspection Venue: The exhibition documents are available on Council’s website waggaview.com. au/morganstreet If you are unable to access the documents online, please contact Council on 1300 292 442 to arrange a copy to be posted. Submission Procedure: Any interested person or organisation wishing to make a submission in relation to the draft plan
should do so prior to the close of the exhibition period. Submissions may be mailed to The General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, emailed to council@wagga. nsw.gov.au or submitted online via waggaview.com. au/morganstreet
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part
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8 Division 4 of changes in conditions along: Road: Brooks Circuit (between Raye Street and Davies Place) Date: 13 – 17 July, 2020 Duration: 7.00am to 5.00pm, weather permitting Reason: Maintenance works. Detours will be in place. Access to local residents.
Peter Thompson, General Manager