Council News Issue No: 135
CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 11 MARCH 2017
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I N V E S T I G AT I O N REFERRED TO O F F I C E O F LO C A L G OV E R N M E N T
CITY OF GOOD SPORTS: Mayor Greg Conkey shows off the Olympic Torch that weaved its way through Wagga ahead of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The city has been announced as the first NSW destination for the Queen’s Baton Relay next year as part of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Story: Inside
On Wednesday 22 February City of Wagga Wagga General Manager, Alan Eldridge voluntarily stood down as General Manager pending an independent investigation into an alleged Conflict of Interest matter. Advice was received on March 8 from Council’s Workplace lawyers, WilliamsonBarwick, that the independent investigator had found there could be a failure by the General Manager to disclose other pecuniary interests. As a result, the Independent Investigation has been suspended for the present time and the matter referred to the Office of Local Government, consistent with the Mayor’s obligations pursuant to Local Government law. Mr Eldridge has been suspended from the performance of his duties pending the outcome of the Office of Local Government investigation. In the meantime Robert Knight will continue in the role as Acting General Manager. Under the circumstances no further comment can be made until the investigation has been completed. - Mayor Greg Conkey
Sporting precinct a team effort The City of Wagga Wagga is working with Charles Sturt University (CSU), the Estella Progress Association and sporting groups to investigate opportunities for a new open space and recreation area for the city’s northern suburbs. The City’s Strategic Asset Planner (Parks and Recreation), Ben Creighton, said a need for such a space has been identified through analysis for the draft Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy. “There is a clear need within the existing community to develop appropriate public infrastructure such as an additional playground, park and sporting facilities, public amenities and connecting infrastructure,” he said.
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“An opportunity has been identified to potentially provide such an environment on land owned by CSU. This would see both parties working together to deliver a quality asset for the local community.” Executive Director of CSU’s Division of Facilities Management Stephen Butt said Charles Sturt University is excited to be a part of this project. “We want to ensure a holistic approach to sport and recreation development in the northern suburbs of Wagga Wagga,” he said “We look forward to ensuring the needs of Charles Sturt University staff and students and those of the wider community can be accommodated in a long-term master
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planned vision for the precinct.” President of the Estella Progress Association, Graham Cotter, said the development of a northern sporting precinct, including children’s playground and community centre is extremely important to the people of Estella, Boorooma and Gobbagombalin. “The Estella Progress Association encourages all residents to look over the concepts being put forward by the City of Wagga Wagga and provide feedback,” he said. “This feedback is essential to ensure these facilities are located in the right areas and are laid out in the best way to ensure
they are utilised. “This will be the biggest development being put in place by Council for our suburbs and it’s important it’s done right.” If pursued, this concept could see facilities developed in partnership with CSU on land adjacent to the University’s existing Peter Hastie Oval. Residents are encouraged to view the draft concept maps and discuss ideas either online or with staff on Monday 20 March from 3pm-7pm, corner of Avocet Drive and Rainbow Drive. Look out for Charlie, the big yellow education and engagement truck. WAGGA.NSW.GOV.AU/PEOPLESPANEL