Council News #362 - 11 September 2021

INSIDE: PITCH PREPARATIONS FOR NEW SEASON + MORE

THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL

Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2021

Issue No: 362

Weekly information from us to you

Active Travel Kooringal Link ready to roll!

Project Coordinator Henry Collie inspects the new section of shared pathway on the Active Travel Plan Kooringal Link. Work has almost wrapped up on the new fourkilometre section.

See the full story inside.

Game on! Esports Riverina Cup is back Wagga Wagga City Council will again team up with leading esports provider Australian Esports League (AEL) to host an online gaming tournament for local gamers in the Riverina and beyond for the second year in a row.

The 2021 Australian Esports League Riverina Cup will offer gamers the chance to compete and win prizes across two world renowned esports titles CS:GO and Rocket League.

The esports tournament will kick off 5 October with registrations open from 6 September at the AEL website.

Competition will take place in team

WEEKLY

Waste Tip

formats - 3v3 for Rocket League and 5v5 for CS:GO - every Tuesday evening with live match broadcast and commentary.

Players will compete for a share of the $1,400 prize pool and the title as the Riverina Esports Champion for 2021!

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr

Greg Conkey OAM said the return of esports to the Riverina provided a welcome activity for the community which has experienced State lockdown restrictions.

“It’s great to have esports back on the calendar this year after a successful inaugural tournament in 2020,” Cr Conkey said.

“Being able to compete in a COVID-safe environment is a great attraction for both novice and serious gamers to get involved in esports.

“The pandemic has thrown its challenges at our community but hosting the Riverina Cup again this year is another opportunity to get involved in an activity which is sure to be a lot of fun.

“Esports is an extremely large global industry, and this tournament is a chance for the Riverina to log on and earn some

Put shredded paper in the green lid bin!

Shredded paper is perfectly compostable, but very difficult to recycle through the yellow lid bin.

To learn more visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/householdwaste

exposure on the national platform.”

AEL Director Darren Kwan said his team is delighted to continue its partnership with Council to support and promote esports to the Riverina community.

“This is encouraging healthy participation and community engagement through esports. I wish all players the best of luck in the coming competition,” Mr Kwan said.

The two games selected for this event cater for all levels of players and are both family friendly. During the three weeks of heats, players will earn points towards a place in the grand final which will include the top eight in each game.

During selected matches there will be a live broadcast with commentary which will be streamed for audiences to watch.

To register for either game, go to AEL’s website at ael.org.au/riverina

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Active Travel Kooringal Link delivers a smooth ride for all!

Work has almost wrapped up on a new four-kilometre section of the Kooringal Link of Wagga Wagga City Council’s Active Travel Plan (ATP), and it is already being put to good use by residents.

The sealed and line-marked section of shared pathway stretches from the Lutheran Primary School on the corner of Tamar Drive to the Wagga Wagga Christian College on Kooringal Road.

Project Coordinator Henry Collie said work started on the Kooringal Link at the end of September 2020 as part of Stage 1 works of the ATP. “We did earthworks along the existing pathway and then put in an asphalt surface to give the bike riders and other users a smooth surface to ride, run, walk or push prams along,” Mr Collie said.

“It has been really pleasing to see it being used on a day-to-day basis, especially during lockdown, by cyclists, families, young kids, people learning to ride their bikes, all getting out to do some exercise.

“It is good to know they have this asset which they can use safely, it’s free for everyone, and they can get their exercise out and about in their own neighbourhood.

“Hopefully, now they know it’s there and how good it is, they will continue to use it now lockdown has been lifted in Wagga Wagga to access other parts of the city, or for exercise.”

The ATP project is jointly funded by the NSW Government and Wagga Wagga City Council.

It will deliver a shared path network linking the outlying suburbs with the Central Business District, and two End of Trip facilities, which opened in August 2021.

Manager Project Delivery Rupesh Shah said it is a significant investment into enhancing the liveability of Wagga Wagga for everyone in the community.

“The network of paths aims to offer a safe, accessible option to everyone in the community to move around the city, regardless of ability,” Mr Shah said.

“People using motorised scooters and wheelchairs will be able to safely navigate the city, enabling them to access recreational spaces and the outdoors.

“It’s also about improving the community’s lifestyle while promoting health benefits such as cycling, walking and jogging.”

This project is supported by the NSW State Government. Stage 1 funding is $12.8 million ($11.35 million NSW Government + $1.45 million Council) and Stage 2 funding is $3.93 million ($3.8 million NSW Government + $130,000 Council).

Expected completion of the work is March 2022, with the project currently about 70 per cent complete. Council staff are working through connecting the remaining portions of the network.

Read more about the project and find out where the Active Travel Plan connects with your suburb at wagga. nsw.gov.au/projects and go to the Wagga Wagga Active Travel Plan page.

Wagga Wagga

New Year’s Eve Event 2022 Wagga Wagga City Council is seeking expressions of interest from experienced event organisers to deliver the 2021 and 2022 New Year’s Eve community events.

The event will need to adhere to the COVID-19 Public Health Orders available at the time of the event, be inclusive, encouraging community participation and will foster pride and positivity in our city.

GROWTH SPURT: Team Leader Parks Operations (Botanic Gardens) Jonathan Nicoll inspects the progress of the young rose bushes planted in stage one of the David Jones Memorial Rose Garden refresh.

Revitalised rose garden to delight the senses Visitors to Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens will be treated to a sea of colour and scents when the hundreds of new rose bushes in the David Jones Memorial Rose Garden bloom later this year.

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Botanic Gardens team has been undertaking a project to refresh the ever-popular Memorial Rose Garden.

It was established in the early years of the Botanic Gardens with the donation of more than 800 rose bushes by the David Jones Department Store in Wagga Wagga.

Council’s Team Leader Parks Operations (Botanic Gardens) Jonathan

IN THE KNOW: identification plaques have been put in for each of the rose species planted as part of the David Jones Memorial Rose Garden refresh.

Nicoll said many of the original roses were unfortunately diseased and had reached their life-term.

“About 18 months ago, we contacted the family of David Jones about the state of these roses and the need to remove them and replace them with new stock,” Mr Nicoll said.

“We’ve been working through that process in two stages, starting with the lower half of the garden last year and now finishing up with the top section.

“We have planted all new species in both sections and have also put in plaques identifying all the roses, so people visiting the gardens can come through and

enjoy the roses and identify them.”

The rose bushes in the lower section are already shooting with their new season growth and should start to flower by November.

“There are 42 different species in the hundreds of new roses we’ve planted, so it should look a million bucks when they bloom over the warmer months,” Mr Nicoll said.

Temporary fencing has been erected around the top section of the garden and will remain in place until the new plants have established themselves, which is expected to be around Christmas time.

weekly MOWING

R E P O R T

Applications close midnight AEST, Wednesday 29 September 2021.

For more information head to: wagga.nsw.gov.au/nye

For the week commencing 13 September 2021, we’ll be mowing in the following suburbs:

Vacancies Zoo Curator

Remuneration: $2,370.10 gpf + super Enquiries: Jonathan Nicoll on 0424 750 206 Closing date: Monday 13 September 2021

Casual Zoo Keeper

Remuneration: $35.66 gph + super Enquiries: Jonathan Nicoll on 0424 750 206 Closing date: Monday 13 September 2021

Cemetery / Crematorium Assistant

Remuneration: $2,123.58 gpf + super Enquiries: Michael Gleeson on 02 6926 9312 or 0408 476 650 Closing date: Monday 27 September 2021 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

To view these opportunities and apply, visit:

wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs

WHAT’S

ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS

THIS WEEK:

BARISTA DAMON: POPUP ESPRESSO BAR Sat 11, Wed 15, Thu 16, & Fri 17 Sep, 7am to 1pm

Thirsty Crow, 153 Fitzmaurice St. Ph: 6921 7470

DEMONSTRATION GARDENS VEGETABLE SWAP OR BUY Sat 11 Sep, 9am to 12pm

Demonstration Gardens, Cnr Shaw St & Albury St. Ph: 0411 417 956

• Estella • Tatton • Springvale • Tolland • Turvey Tops

OPEN STUDIO GALLERY Sat 11 Sep, 10am to 3pm

Wagga Art Society Studio, 11 Small St. Ph: 0400 225 768 LOOKING TO POUNCE: PORTRAIT DRAWING Sat 11 Sep, 2pm to 4pm

portrait.gov.au/calendar/ looking-to-pounceportrait-drawing

• Roadside mowing: – Glenfield Road – Red Hill Road – Holbrook Road

SEEDS OF HOPE – ONLINE PROGRAM Thu 16 Sep, 12.30pm to 1.30pm

READING CHALLENGE: 10 TO TRY Wagga Wagga City Library

ONLINE JIGSAW PUZZLES Try one of the eight free online jigsaw puzzles offered through City of Sydney news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov. au/articles/8-free-onlinejigsaw-puzzles-archives

READING CHALLENGE: 1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN Wagga Wagga City Library waggalibrary.com.au/whatson/reading-challenge-1,000books-before-kindergarten

holgro.com/seeds-ofhope-series

WOMEN’S ADVENTURE FILM TOUR 21/22 VIRTUAL EVENT #VISITWAGGA DIGITAL AUSTRALIA Sat 11 Sep.to 25 Sept, 11am PUZZLES Try a locally themed online adventureplus.com/ jigsaw puzzles offered by programs/waft-2021-22-anz Visit Wagga visitwagga.com/brightenART ANYWHERE CAMPAIGN up-wagga-wagga/waggaMon 13 Sep puzzles

facebook.com/ WaggaWaggaArtGallery

AMPLIFY - THE VOICES OF WAGGA WAGGA You are invited to explore, ASK A CURATOR DAY AT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT listen to and transcribe the voices of Wagga Wagga GALLERY Wed 15 Sept, 9am amplify.gov.au/

facebook.com/PortraitAu

waggawagga

waggalibrary.com. au/whats-on/readingchallenge-10-to-try

FREE VIRTUAL REALITY TOUR Temora Aviation Museum

vrtour.aviationmuseum. com.au/

/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

Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication

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PITCH PERFECT: Council’s Sportsground Team Leader Brian Cattell gets work underway at Lake Albert Oval this week as preparations for the new cricket season start.

C O U N C I L’ S G R O U N D S T E A M S TA R T S P I T C H P R E PA R A T I O N S F O R N E W S E A S O N

Work has begun on repairing a number of Wagga Wagga’s sportsgrounds in preparation for the start of the upcoming 2021/2022 cricket season.

This week, Wagga Wagga City Council’s Sportsground Team was out scarifying the turf pitches at the Wagga Cricket Ground in the CBD and Lake Albert Oval (next to Apex Park), and spraying rye grass out at Paramore Park and Rawlings Park.

The city’s sportsgrounds have not been used by sporting groups over the past month, with local competitions put on hold due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.

Council’s Sportsground Team Leader Brian Cattell said the uncertainty about how long the lockdown would last and whether competitions might resume had affected planning for ground preparations for summer sports.

“We need a minimum of six grounds with turf pitches for Wagga Cricket to start their

season and, until now, we only had access to four; Wagga Cricket Ground, Lake Albert Oval, Rawlings Park and the Geoff Lawson Oval at Bolton Park,” he said.

“When we were in lockdown, some of the local sporting organisations were still planning to play some kind of finals series.

“However, it looks like that is unlikely to happen as community sport won't be permitted yet, even though the NSW Government has lifted the lockdown in the Riverina.

“Our focus now will be on finalising our maintenance schedule for the summer season and getting on with job of getting all the ovals ready.”

Over the colder months, the focus of the Sportsground Team is on maintaining the playing surface at the fields for the football competitions.

However, the wetter conditions the city has experienced this winter have taken their toll on

ground conditions.

“The middle of the ovals can get quite torn up during football games, particularly the centre bounce in Aussie Rules games, when the ground is very wet, while the rest of the field can become pitted,” Mr Cattell said.

“We have to repair that as cricket needs a flat surface to play on, so we scarify cricket squares and clean them right out to remove the excess thatch and grass.

“Once we’ve done that, we put out fertiliser and top dress to level it all out and to encourage Couch grass to start growing.

Then we give it a whole lot of water to encourage it to get moving so by the time the cricket season starts, hopefully they’ve got some grass to prepare a pitch.”

Council maintains 20 sportsgrounds across the city.

You can learn more about each of them at wagga.nsw.gov.au/ sportsgrounds

Two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduces the spread of COVID-19 to those around you.

Visit nsw.gov.au to find out more.

Feeling unwell?

Get a COVID-19 test immediately, even if your symptoms are mild.

Testing helps protect us all.

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District testing clinic is open from 10am – 6pm every day.

Equex Centre, Copland Street, Wagga Wagga.

No appointments necessary.

Expressions of Interest for Council properties Two locations within the Bolton Park precinct Opportunities to lease or licence two central Wagga Wagga facilities are now available for businesses or community groups interested in utilising spaces in the heart of the city’s CBD. Both locations are situated in the Bolton Park precinct – one inside the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre (gymnasium) and one inside Bolton Park Stadium (gymnastics). Tenancies are available from late July 2022.

Submissions open until Friday 1 October 2021 at 5pm

Lodge your submission: Electronically through VendorPanel wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilproperties Hard copy delivered to the Council Tender Box located at Customer Service in the Civic Centre at 243 Baylis, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650.

Open for submissions from Saturday 4 September 2021.

For further information

All submissions received will be assessed against a number of criteria including proposed use and programs to be offered to the community and how the community in general will benefit from the utilisation of those spaces.

Contact Council’s Property Co-ordinator on 1300 292 442 or by emailing council@wagga.nsw.gov.au.

wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilproperties Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication

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City’s pedestrians urged to...

‘Look Out Before You Step Out’ Pedestrians in Wagga Wagga are again being urged to take extra care when crossing the road as part of this year’s ‘Look Out Before You Step Out’ campaign.

More highly visible stickers are being installed at pedestrian refuges, crossings and intersections across Wagga Wagga to remind people to use the safest locations and to make safe decisions when crossing the road.

Council has installed 75 stickers along Bourke Street and Lake Albert Road, adding to those placed around the Central Business District last year.

Wagga Wagga City Council Road Safety Officer Emma Reynolds said Transport for NSW and the Centre for Road Safety are working with councils across the state to expand the ‘Look Out Before You Step Out’ campaign.

Mrs Reynolds said this would assist in reducing the number of pedestrian crashes as part of the ultimate goal

Kerb and guttering works update Kerb and guttering works along Pearson Street and Dobney Avenue have been rescheduled to start on Monday 20 September, 2021.

These works need to be carried out before the $4.2 million full rehabilitation of Pearson Street

and Dobney Avenue which is scheduled for completion by the end of February 2022, weather permitting.

The preliminary works were originally due to start on Monday (13 September).

Public Notices

STAY SAFE: Council’s Road Safety Officer Emma Reynolds with a sample of the stickers being placed at highly visible areas across the city. Note: File image was taken pre restrictions. to bring the road toll Towards Zero.

“The stickers are at key pedestrian crossing points as a reminder to everyone to ‘look out before you step out’, particularly over the busy holiday period,” Mrs Reynolds said.

“More than 1500 pedestrians are struck across NSW each year and the aim of the initiative is to drive that number down.

“Taking risks and not being mindful on the roads can end in tragedy, which is why it is important for pedestrians to have their head in the moment.

“All road users are pedestrians at some time in their journey.

When you cross the road, look out before you step out.”

Mrs Reynolds said Centre for Road Safety

data shows a car travelling at 50 km/h is twice as likely to kill a pedestrian as a car travelling at 40 km/h.

“We know road safety is a two-way street, and drivers also need to play their part by slowing down, especially in high pedestrian 40 km/h zones and on local streets where they know pedestrians are out and about,” she said.

Exhibition Period: Commenced on 15 May 2021 and will conclude on 3 October 2021 Inspection Venue: The Planning Proposal and DCP Amendment is available for inspection EXHIBITION OF Council's website DRAFT AMENDMENT on connect.wagga.nsw.gov.

TO WAGGA WAGGA au/lep18-0004 LEP 2010 Submission Procedure: AMENDMENT NO. Any interested person or organisation wishing to LEP18/0004 AND make a written submission LEP18/0009 TO WAGGA WAGGA LEP in relation to the draft amendments should do 2010 AND so prior to the close of EXHIBITION OF the exhibition period.

DRAFT AMENDMENT Submissions may be TO WAGGA WAGGA delivered to the Council Chambers or mailed to DCP 2010 PUBLIC EXHIBITION The General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Land Description: Various Council, PO Box 20, lands located south of Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Gregadoo Road, Lake or emailed to council@ Albert wagga.nsw.gov.au Aim: To exhibit the RFT 2022-03 Planning Proposal DUKE OF KENT LEP18/0004 and COMMUNITY LEP18/0009 to amend BUILDING DESIGN & the Wagga Wagga LEP 2010 and exhibit CONSTRUCT an Amendment to the Suitably endorsed Wagga Wagga DCP 2010 Tenders marked and invite submissions “RFT2022-03 Duke of until 3 October 2021.

Kent Community Building

Design & Construct” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2.00pm Monday 4 October 2021.

Council is seeking offers from suitably qualified providers for Design and Construction of a Community Building on the site of the Wagga Women’s Bowling Club.

A pre-tender briefing is scheduled for 10am on Tuesday 21 September 2021.

Registrations to attend the pre-tender briefing or enquiries should be directed to Council’s Contracts Officer Melinda Conolly at conolly. melinda@wagga.nsw. gov.au. A non-refundable fee of $155.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed wagga. nsw.gov.au/tenders Peter Thompson General Manager PO Box 20 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

Peter Thompson, General Manager

Disruption to Council services Service

Notes

Service

Notes

Airport

Terminal operating hours are subject to scheduled domestic flights. Please confirm with your respective airline on your flight bookings before heading to the airport.

As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene are in place. The wearing of face masks in the terminal and on-board aircraft is mandatory.

Livestock Marketing Centre

Existing opening hours are in place and it remains under Stage 2 restriction. Closed to members of the public. Only accredited agents, current employed processor buyers, transporters, contractors and staff are permitted to attend LMC. As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place.

Animal Shelter

Open from Saturday 11 September (with restrictions in accordance with NSW Public Health Orders).

The shelter can be contacted on (02) 6971 4651.

Museum

Art Gallery

Open from Saturday 11 September.

As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place.

The Historic Council Chambers site is open from Saturday 11 September.

As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place

Call Centre

Existing operating hours are in place for 1300 292 442.

Oasis Aquatic Centre

Open from Saturday 11 September.

As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols are in place. Masks must be worn while visiting Oasis (not while in the water).

Cemetery

The Cemetery grounds remain open however in relation to funerals the rule of a maximum of 50 people attending applies.

The Cemetery office is closed to visitors. Office staff are still available to assist clients via telephone or email.

Riverina Regional Library (RRL)

Currently closed. Visit rrl.nsw.gov.au for details.

Sporting Facilities/ Stadiums

Bolton Park Stadium and the Multi-Purpose Stadium at Equex open from Saturday 11 September (with restrictions in accordance with NSW Public Health Orders).

Sportsgrounds

Council-owned sportsground and outdoor recreational and play assets are open for public use, in accordance with the recommended social distancing and appropriate hygiene practices - NSW Health COVID-19 restrictions and conditions.

City of Wagga Wagga Library

Open from Saturday 11 September.

As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place.

Civic Theatre

Currently closed. For more info visit the Civic Theatre website.

Council Meetings

Council meetings will still be held but with restrictions in accordance with NSW Public Health Orders.

Members of the public are encouraged to watch these meetings on our livestream or via Facebook

Visitor Information Centre

Open from Monday 13 September (with restrictions in accordance with NSW Public Health Orders).

Staff will still be attending to general enquiries and hamper orders via e-mail: visitors@wagga.nsw.gov.au

Customer Service

The Customer Service desk in the Civic Centre will be open from Monday 13 September. Its opening hours are from 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place.

Customers are also encouraged to use Online Services or contact the Call Centre on 1300 292 442

Waste and Recycling (Kerbside) Collection

Existing collection schedule in place.

Wilks Park

Open. Please practice social distancing and good hygiene.

Existing operating hours are in place.

No cash payments.

The 'Reduce Re-use Recycle' (RRR) shop will remain closed this weekend.

Zoo

Open from Saturday 11 September for weekends only.

As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place.

Gregadoo Waste Management Centre

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

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BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL