Council News #98 - June 11 2016

Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 11 JUNE 2016

Issue 98

Weekly information from us to you

Levee funding to flow BRIGHT FUTURE: Representatives from City of Wagga Wagga, Committee 4 Wagga and the SES check out part of the current levee with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire.

Council welcomes $10M election promise for faster flood protection The City of Wagga Wagga has welcomed an election promise that would see the upgrade to the levee system completed almost five years earlier.

Under the current funding model, the upgrade to a 1 in 100 year Main City Levee and 1 in 20 year North Wagga Levee would take eight years and cost more than $23M.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack this week pledged $10M in federal funding to the levee upgrade should the Coalition be returned to government in July.

Member for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire was also on hand to announce a further $2.1M in state funding, which combined with Council’s share from the recently approved special rate variation (SRV) will mean the project is fully funded.

“This is an excellent example of all levels of government working together for a common goal and I thank the Federal and State Governments for understanding how vital this project is to Wagga’s future,” Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said.

“The genuine threat we as a community experienced in 2012 is still fresh in our minds and while the city itself was spared, many residents such as those in North Wagga were left devastated.

Join the

Australia day committee!

“If this funding is delivered we will be able to get on with the job and upgrade the levee system sooner rather than later and at less cost.”

Any residents seeking further information or has questions on the special rate variation, or to access the online rates calculator should visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/srv or phone 1300 292 442.

wagga.nsw.gov.au/srv

The Australia Day Committee is calling on expressions of interest from the community to join our committee.

Committee members will assist with the coordination of the 2017 Wagga Wagga Australia Day celebrations for a 7 month (1 event) term, concluding post Australia Day 2017. Applications from all cultures and minority groups are encouraged.

For further information see the Public Notices inside, or call Council's events coordinator on 1300 292 442

Plans under way to seal Dunns Rd Dunns Road will receive a $5M overhaul following a funding commitment of $2.5M from the Coalition government.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester announced the funding on Wednesday, which Council will match dollar for dollar to vastly improve safety in the area.

Sealing Dunns Road has been cost prohibitive for Council in the past due to its poor alignment and the scale of the works involved.

“This funding will allow us to seal a road which has been the site of at least one fatal accident in recent times,” General Manager Alan Eldridge said.

“It’s one of our most dangerous roads and with this funding we will be able to make our streets safer and provide better connections for Uranquinty residents to other parts of the city.”

The current alignment of Dunns Road does not meet design standards for a sealed road, which means major construction works will be required.

The project would likely require the relocation of power lines, acquisition of land, removal of significant amounts of vegetation, bulk earthworks and reconstruction of a number of large drainage structures.

Council currently

undertakes maintenance work on Dunns Road several times a year, with both heavy rain and extended dry periods causing the surface to degrade.

Along with the ongoing costs of the grading and resheeting, the road is often closed for up to a week at a time to undertake the works.

Following the delivery of the funding, Council will be able to schedule the project in its works program. In the meantime, Council encourages motorists to continue to use Red Hill Road, an arterial road designed to accommodate large traffic volumes.

FIRST HAND: (From left) General Manager Alan Eldridge shows Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack the current condition of Dunns Road.

Seminar for prospective Councillor candidates

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Meet Freddy

Positive signs for walking track Get some fresh air, admire the landscape and learn something new next time you hit the Wiradjuri Walking Track.

Eight signs have been installed at iconic locations around the track, to engage and educate track users about the cultural, natural heritage or historical significance of the area.

The project has been completed as a partnership between the City of Wagga Wagga, Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare, Local Land Services and the Department of Primary Industries – Lands, which manages the track.

“These new signs at sites such as Pomingalarna Reserve, Wiradjuri Reserve, the Riverside precinct and the Silvalite reserve highlight the significance of these areas to Wagga,” Council’s Strategic Officer CED Rob Sharpe said.

“It’s also hoped they will help build community pride in our natural assets and discourage illegal dumping and planting of invasive species.

“As funding becomes available, more

signs will be able to be installed along the track.”

The track is about 42km long, along with a small inner-city loop that cuts alongside Wollundry Lagoon connecting the Wiradjuri Walking Track between the Visitor Information Centre and Flowerdale Lagoon.

“We expect that with continued improvement to signage and track surface works, including the addition of the Marrambidya Wetland and Lake Albert loop, the track will become even more popular,” NSW Department of Primary Industries – Lands State Recreational Trails Coordinator George Schneider said.

“Further re-routes will occur in the next year to align the track with the footpaths adjacent at new highway upgrade at Kapooka.”

Anyone interested in being involved in future projects like this or who would like to contribute to the enhancement of Wagga’s distinct river corridor should visit Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare at www.wwul.org.au.

We’re now on Facebook!

This week’s pet of the week is domestic long hair male kitten named Freddy.

Freddy (IMP 164) is a grey tabby and will be available for adoption on 17 June from the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter.

The adoption fee is $191.70, which includes

microchipping, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing and worming.

If you would like to meet Freddy or any of his furry friends, visit the shelter from Monday to Saturday between 1pm and 4.15pm.

For more information, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ animals or call 6971 4651 during business hours.

Have you ever considered standing for elected office and helping make a difference in your local community?

Local Government elections will be held in NSW on 10 September, with nine Councillor positions for the City of Wagga Wagga to be determined.

Free workshops for anyone considering nominating for a position as Councillor will be held at the Council Meeting Room on Tuesday 5 July.

“The pre-election seminar enables individuals to understand the role of an elected representative and to fully consider the personal impact and time commitment involved in being a Councillor,” Council’s Director Corporate Services Craig Richardson said.

“The seminars will include information about Local Government, the role, responsibilities and key relationships of Councillors and the support available to Councillors.”

The sessions will cover topics such as understanding the role of Council and Councillors, the challenges of the role, meeting procedures and rules of debate, and an introduction to many of the terms used in Local Government.

The first three-hour seminar will start at 1.30pm with the second seminar taking place at 5.30pm. All prospective Councillors are strongly encouraged to attend.

To register for a seminar, contact Council’s Senior Governance Officer Neil McDermott on 1300 292 442 or via email to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au by 5pm Monday, 27 June as places are limited.

Insight into teenage Australia at the Civic Theatre More than 200 high school students from around the Riverina will experience a unique Australian story at the Civic Theatre next week.

The Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) is bringing Sugarland to Wagga. The play centres around 16 year olds Nina and Erica and their different backgrounds.

Nina works at the cinema, is good at school and a great singer – but things are getting complicated at her overcrowded Aunty’s house. Meanwhile, Erica is new to town and has moved around many times as her dad is in the RAAF.

The play comes to the Civic Theatre after the theatre team last year visited high school drama students in the city to ask what sort of productions they wanted to see.

“I selected this show because it was written by teenagers and so it feels really authentic,” Civic Theatre Manager Carissa Campbell said.

“The subject matters of drugs and self-harm are explored and often shows designed for teens stay away from difficult topics but ATYP have provided excellent resources for teachers and students and Headspace will be at the show and to

let students know about the support that is out there.

“After the show we will have a Q and A with the cast and crew where we can have a discussion about the show. When we have done these in the past with high school students they are always insightful and thoughtful.

“The public are more than welcome to come along top the show as well. It really is a window into modern teenage life.”

Sugarland will be performed at the theatre on 14 June at 11am. To book tickets, visit civictheatre.com.au or call 6926 9688.

Follow the City of Wagga Wagga on our social media channels. @waggacouncil Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

Spot a pothole?

Let us know from your smartphone

Council crews have been hard at work filling potholes across the city following a wet start to winter.

In most cases, potholes are caused by moisture working its way through the road surface, or from the subgrade becoming saturated during rain events like those seen last weekend.

“You will always get potholes when it rains, but you need to wait for them to dry out before they can be repaired,” Council’s Manager Engineering Alex Fenwick said.

“Moisture prevents the

bitumen from adhering to road pavement, which means the patch will come away.

“In some instances, the severity of a pothole means that more involved repairs are required, such as replacing the road pavement material and adding a binder to produce a higher strength material.

“Our road maintenance crews get out there as soon as possible and in the meantime we ask the community to please be patient and drive to the conditions.”

With a road network of more than 2300km,

Mr Fenwick said the community plays a vital role by letting Council know where potholes are.

“We rely on the community to be our eyes and ears and encourage them to report a pothole or any other issues as soon as possible,” he said.

“You can call Council on 1300 292 442, report them online at wagga.nsw.gov.au/ onlineservices or use the iCouncil smartphone app available on the Online Services webpage.”

• wagga.nsw.gov.au/ onlineservices

Lounge room inspired art lands at Chambers Park

Civic office position vacant The civic office position held by Councillor Andrew Negline with the City of Wagga Wagga has been confirmed vacant.

Based on Council’s register of meeting attendance a vacancy arose in relation to Mr Negline’s civic office on 30 May 2016.

Under the Local Government Act (1993 – Section 234) and Council’s Code of Meeting Practice a civic office is vacant when the holder is absent from three consecutive Council meetings.

The City of Wagga Wagga notified all relevant bodies of the vacancy on 6 June.

Due to the upcoming Local Government council election in September a by-election will not take place.

Mr Negline was elected a City of Wagga Wagga Councillor at the 2012 Local Government election.

He held the position of Deputy Mayor for September 2012 through to September 2014.

RCM 2016 LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES

THIS WEEK:

MATES GULLY PRODUCE MARKET Every Saturday 9am 12pm Mates Gully, Morrow Street. Ph: 6921 4241

VEGE SWAP OR BUY

Every Saturday 9am 12pm Demonstration Gardens, cnr Albury and Shaw Streets. Ph: 0411 417 956

SPROUT & ABOUT MARKETS

Sat 11 June 8am - 1pm Foodies, farmers and friends. Wollundry Lagoon, Civic Centre Precinct.

Ph: 0437 694 010

ART ON THE LEVEE

Sat 11 June 9am - 2pm 131 Tarcutta Street, on the levee bank. Ph: 6922 3360 or 0400 225 768

WAGGA WAGGA VETERAN & VINTAGE MOTOR CLUB INC. 49TH ANNUAL JUNE RALLY Sun 12 June 12pm 3.30pm Public display of a range of cars, commercials vehicles and motorcycles from veteran, vintage and

Thurs 16 June 1.10pm Altogether Now. Wagga Wagga Baptist Church.

Free entry. Ph: 6925 3522

classic vehicles up to the 30 year cut-off date.

Downside Reserve, off Coolamon Road.

Ph: 0407 145 525

ME ‘N ME MATES

SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN CHOIR REGIONAL TOUR

Sun 12 June 6.30pm Adults $17.80, Concession/ Student/Child U15 $12.80.

Riverina Playhouse, Cross Street. Ph 02 6926 9688

SUGARLAND

Tue 14 June 11am Presented by Australian Theatre for Young People, Sugarland provides a glimpse into a teenage Australia that feels like a foreign country. Civic Theatre, Burns Way off Tarcutta St. Ph. 6926 9688

Thu 16 June 10am Australian songs and stories in the style of an old concert in the local hall, wool shed or pub. Civic Theatre, Burns Way off Tarcutta St. Ph. 6926 9688

ADFAS RIVERINA LECTURE

Fri 17 June 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start.

Gary Wilson - Duyfken – the first Eurpean Ship to visit Australia in 1606.

Non-members $25. Civic Centre, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets.

EAT LOCAL THURSDAY

Thursdays 11am - 5.30pm Free entry. Elements at the Gardens, Tom Wood Drive, off Macleay Street. Ph: 0427 441 107

RIVERINA PRODUCERS’ MARKET

Thursdays 1pm - 6pm Free entry. Civic Centre Precinct, off Tarcutta Street. Ph: 6924 3574

TAKE A SEAT: (From left) Cultural Officer Tracie Miller and blacksmith Yolande Rose and Tomas Misura test out the new furniture at Chambers Park.

Community Open Day D UNTIL EVENT POSTPONE SUNDAY 19 JUNE

Marrambidya Wetland, Narrung Street, Wagga Wagga

Free community event

Come and celebrate World Environment Day by coming to the official community opening of the Marrambidya Wetland!

Council staff will be coordinating activities with a free sausage sizzle at midday.

Ongoing free activities throughout the day will include •

Fauna nest box surveys

•

Reed planting

•

Treasure hunt

•

Face painting

•

Spear throwing

Free scheduled activities Water sampling/ Water Bugs activity 10:30am

facebook/waggaevents

Seed balls 11am

For support in organising your event, contact Council’s Events Unit at events@wagga.nsw.gov. au or 1300 292 442 Mon to Fri. To promote your event or for a full list of events go to: visitwagga. com or call 1300 100 122.

mobile library timetable

Retro lounge room furniture has inspired some unique outdoor public art pieces at Chambers Park in Tolland.

Nine pieces of full-size and fully useable outdoor furniture have been created by artist Tomas Misura – two sofas, two bench seats, a coffee table, day bed, ottoman and a tall chair.

The public art furniture replaced existing furniture under the gazebo in Chambers Park near the new skate park.

The furniture has been made from stainless steel perforated sheet metal over a structural framework. The design is vandal proof, has no sharp edges and is a unique feature at the skate park for the community’s youth to enjoy.

Wiradjuri Story Telling 11:30am Free sausage sizzle 12pm Maliyaa Dance Group 12:30pm Water sampling/ Water Bugs activity 1pm

Artwork credit: Graham Traynor

For further information contact Carly Hood 02 6926 9342 | hood.carly@wagga.nsw.gov.au

Wiradjuri Storytelling 1:30pm

Uranquinty Monday June 13, 3.30pm – 5pm Ladysmith Thursday June 16, 1.30pm – 2.15pm Ph: (02) 6926 9771

www.rrl.nsw.gov.au Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

Councillor Column years of service to our community.

What a wonderful asset our library and its regional networks are by connecting communities in so many ways.

One fantastic concept I would like to begin by acknowledging a recent involved the One Book milestone for the Wagga One Wagga experience.

As a community the Wagga City Library, award-winning novel by the celebration of 70 Sofie Laguna The Eye of

councillor.tout@wagga.nsw.gov.au

the Sheep was read by more than 500 people in a shared book club experience. I must say how much I enjoyed being part of this great idea and would encourage you to take the time to discover this wonderful Australian author if you haven’t already.

With so much attention on the federal election

at the moment it is timely to draw attention to local government and the invaluable service and infrastructure it provides to sustain communities all over the country.

It can be tempting to focus on the things that don’t always run smoothly but local government is about meeting every day

challenges head on and this is rarely easy.

The real work that happens each and every day by Council staff is amazing. Much of this goes unseen and unrecognized.

It is a great pleasure to be part of this organization as a Councillor and in some way contribute to the growth of our wonderful

city. All too often it is easy to self-promote and seek attention for your actions or opinions.

It is much tougher to turn up consistently and get on with the job.

I would urge any community members considering standing at the upcoming local election to be willing to undertake the hard work behind the scenes.

Becoming a Councillor requires determination, passion, commitment and a willingness to work collaboratively.

Ask yourself - “what do I have to contribute?” and “am I prepared to undertake what is required to do the job properly?”.

Councillor Dallas Tout

Tracking the Dragon essays share hidden histories of Chinese migrants A relatively unknown piece of the Riverina’s history is now being showcased in a new online exhibition presented by the Museum of the Riverina.

Tracking the Dragon tells the story of Chinese migrants and their connection to horticulture heritage along the floodplains of the Murrumbidgee River.

“The Riverina’s reputation as a national food bowl owes much to some of our most forgotten pioneers – the Chinese market gardeners,” Museum of the Riverina Manager Luke Grealy said.

“The museum commissioned respected historian Dr Barry McGowan to recount the stories of the Chinese settlers in Hay, Narrandera, Temora, Tumut and Wagga Wagga.

“Much of the new research in these essays was previously only known to the families of key

Public Notices EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO SERVE ON WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL’S AUSTRALIA DAY COMMUNITY COMMITTEE The Australia Day Community Committee (ADCC) provides valuable input into the planning and execution of the city’s

Chinese pioneers.”

The essays follow on from the popular Tracking the Dragon exhibition shown in 2010.

Before the exhibition and the writing of the five new essays, little information was known about the pioneers and their contributions to the Riverina region – even though at one point men of Chinese origin made up almost half the adult male population in some towns.

“The region’s fertile soil and ample water nurtured a sizable community of Chinese agriculturalists who called the Riverina home from the mid to late nineteenth century,” Mr Grealy said.

Dr McGowan’s essays were officially released last week. The essays are now available online as a permanent historical resource on the Museum of the Riverina’s website, www.wagga. nsw.gov.au/museum.

annual celebration of Australia Day. Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now being sought from the community, for four (4) positions on the ADCC. Committee members will assist with the coordination of the 2017 Wagga Wagga Australia Day celebrations for a 7 month (1 event) term, concluding post Australia Day 2017. Applications from all cultures and minority groups are encouraged.

Past members are welcome to apply for nomination.

You must be available on Australia Day, 2017.

EOI will be received up to

5pm on Friday, 17 June, 2016, from interested persons to serve on the Committee. EOI should be addressed “Australia Day Community Committee” and emailed to australiaday@wagga.nsw. gov.au Please include: • Contact details • A short summary of relevant expertise or experience • A list of any Clubs, Organisations, Interest, Groups or Committees that you are a member of or have affiliations with in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.

WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL VACANCIES

careers at council

CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER 12 Month Contract

Remuneration: Min $993.06 gpw + super Enquiries: Meredith Hester - 02 6926 9102 Closing Date: Friday, 17 June 2016

ANIMAL WELFARE SUPERVISOR

Remuneration: Min $1,186.92 gpw + super Enquiries: Mark Gardiner - 02 6926 9330 Closing Date: Friday, 17 June 2016

To view these opportunities and apply, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

Values - Part of everything we do Trust • Respect • Innovation • Teamwork

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

TO MARKET (above): Frank Angnea, with his truck and a load of vegetables, North Wagga c1940. A new Museum of the Riverina online exhibition tells the story of Chinese migrants in the Riverina.

PORTRAIT (right): William and George Hock Shung Photo: Cottage Museum, Narrandera.

For further information on the ADCC please contact Council’s Events Coordinator on 1300 292 442.

NSW LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS PRE-ELECTION SEMINARS

Local Government Elections will be held in the state of New South Wales on Saturday 10 September 2016.

Persons considering nominating for a position as Councillor on Wagga Wagga City Council are advised that two (2) three (3) hour free pre-election seminars will be held in the Council Meeting Room, Civic Centre, cnr Baylis & Morrow Streets Wagga Wagga on Tuesday, 5 July 2016. The first seminar will start at 1.30pm with the second seminar starting at 5.30pm. These seminars will enable those interested in becoming a councillor to gain a better understanding of the role and responsibilities as an elected member of council.

The seminars will provide prospective councillors with information regarding: • The benefits and importance of Local Government • Understanding the role of Council and the role of the Councillor • A typical Council structure • Challenges of the role and how to meet them • The importance of diverse representation on Council • Meeting procedures and rules of debate • Support available including information and networks • Introduction to Local Government jargon and what it means

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• Putting it together – making the commitment All prospective councillors are strongly encouraged to attend.

Persons interested in attending the seminars should register with Wagga Wagga City Council’s Senior Governance Officer, Neil McDermott on 1300 292 442 or via email to council@wagga.nsw.gov. au by 5.00pm Monday, 27 June 2016 as places are limited.

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Streets: Harris Road and Paradise Drive intersection.

Dates: Monday 13 June to Friday 17 June 2016 Duration: 8am – 5pm daily Reason: Undertake drainage works Detour: As sign posted

NAMING OF ROADS

Notice is hereby given that Wagga Wagga City Council, pursuant to section 162 of the Roads Act 1993, has officially named the road(s) as shown hereunder:

Name: YATHONG STREET Locality: Wagga Wagga Description: The section of road to be renamed is the southern section of Lewis Drive that runs between lots 18 and 19 in DP 13345 and has been disconnected by the redevelopment of the Hospital Name: STAPYLTON PLACE Locality: Eunanoreenya Description: The road runs in a north south direction on the southern side of Oura Road between Lot 3 DP

877763 on the eastern side and Lot 1 DP738400 and Lot 4 DP 1004237 on the western side Name: KERFOOT ROAD Locality: Currawarna Description: The road to be renamed is on the southern side of Old Narrandera Road west of the village of Currawarna.

Lot 97 DP 750841 bounds the road to the north and Lot 96 DP 750841 bounds the road to the south ALAN ELDRIDGE, General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, PO Box 20, 2650 GNB Ref: 0068

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.

DA16/0310, Change of use to health consulting rooms & associated alterations & additions, 177 Edward St WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650, Lot 2 DP 12772, Applicant: Shruti Anand Prabhu DA16/0169 - Recreation area, 54-56 Best St URANQUINTY NSW 2652, Lot 6 Sec 3 DP 759024 Applicant: Uranquinty Progress Association Inc 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.

Submission Period: 14/06/2016 to 28/06/2016 Where: Wagga Wagga City Council, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga (Customer Service

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Counter).

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 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 $1,000) 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 Development Services. If you have any enquiries regarding the application, or about making submission, please telephone Development Services on 1300 292 442.

ALAN ELDRIDGE, GENERAL MANAGER