INSIDE: EUNONY BRIDGE CRANE ON THE MOVE, OASIS TO REOPEN + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2020
Issue No: 299
Weekly information from us to you
SNEAK PEEK: Images of the Botanic Gardens Renewal Project design for Brolga Pond (main image) and a nature playground (inset) which is part of the Entwine project due to start at the pond area next week.
Gardens precinct set for $8.6M upgrade The final piece in the puzzle to connect Wagga Wagga’s Botanic Gardens with the Museum of the Riverina and give the entire community space a major upgrade has been secured in a recent funding announcement. Wagga Wagga City Council last week received $4.28M in Federal Government Building Better Regions funding towards the overall $8.6M redevelopment of the precinct which is now underway. The Botanic Gardens Precinct Renewal
Project involves a number of aspects which result in an area that will be engaging and accessible to our community and visitors alike. This precinct re-development was a recommendation out of Council’s Cultural Plan to activate and connect the Botanic Gardens precinct with the Museum of the Riverina. The precinct works include: • Museum of the Riverina redevelopment: A new and extended building to house collections as well as a new exhibition area fit-out • Entwine: Enhancements to the Botanic Gardens, zoo, pathways and interpretive signage connecting the gardens to the Museum. • Lord Baden Powell Drive: An upgrade for pedestrian and road safety within this precinct
Council’s Director Community Janice Summerhayes said the Renewal Project has a community-wide focus aimed at providing nearby facilities to some of the city’s established neighbourhoods whilst also investing in the renewal of tourism attractions for our city. “This investment provides a balance to what is provided across the city between the CBD, new and established neighbourhoods - this project achieves this by providing accessibility for the neighbourhoods of Turvey Park, Mount Austin and Tolland as well as a destination place for residents from other neighbourhoods,” Ms Summerhayes said. “It brings our community together and highlights the importance of cultural institutions for knowledge growth and cultural development.”
Ms Summerhayes said the investment in community infrastructure and projects like this are an important contributor to economic stimulus by way of jobs in construction and a long-term tourism attraction. She said the upgrade, involving Lord Baden Powell Drive, would also provide safe accessible movement corridors in the area. “The Botanic Gardens has served Wagga Wagga as a much-loved community space for more than 50 years and to see a major redevelopment of the precinct is a positive outcome for the city,” Ms Summerhayes said. “It will be an outstanding place for the city that future generations and visitors will be able to enjoy for many years to come.”
Weekly waste tip Only compostable liners can go in the green lid bin. Plastic bags, including those marked degradable and biodegradable, should go in the red lid bin or taken to a local supermarket that collects soft plastics for recycling.
OA SIS RES TRIC TIONS
Monday - Friday: 6.00am–7.00pm Saturday - Sunday: 8.30am–12.30pm
New guidelines
• All swimmers will need to call Oasis reception on 02 6926 9390 to book a swim time, for a maximum of two people. • Bookings will be available one day in advance or on the day. • Bookings allow a 45-minute swim time, with a 15-minute changeover. • Peak time bookings will be limited to two per week per person. Peak times are weekdays between 6–8am, 12–2pm and 4–7pm, and all weekend. • All memberships will receive an extension for time the centre has been closed. • Payment will be taken at the time of booking for casual visits where possible. • Fitness Passport is currently unavailable. All Fitness Passport
users will need to pay a casual entry fee.
Restrictions
• 3 people per lane in the 25m pool, with a maximum of 30 people. • Maximum of 20 people in the program pool. • Maximum of 20 people in the leisure pool. • Lap swimming and personal exercise only, no splash and fun swimming. • Toilets will be available. • Change rooms and showers will be unavailable. • Bubblers will be unavailable, swimmers are encouraged to bring water bottles and personal pool equipment. • Rehabilitation and pool equipment will be unavailable. • Swimming lessons, aqua aerobics and dry land classes are unavailable
Disruption to Council Services For information on the latest disruptions to Council’s facilities, please visit the link below.
wagga.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus
Vacancies Truck Driver (Water Cart)
Remuneration: $1,975.06 gpf + super Enquiries: Robert Mithilan on 02 6971 4617 or 0429 157 065 Closing date: Monday 22 June 2020 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
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wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
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Hard Waste Collection The hard waste collection helps residents dispose of larger household items that cannot be disposed of through the regular kerbside collection service. Properties that pay the domestic waste management service charge can access one free hard waste collection per calendar year to dispose of up to two cubic metres of hard waste.
Book your collection: Book online at yourwaste.com.au/hardwaste or by calling (02) 5942 6150.
BOOK YOUR SWIM TIME: Oasis Programs Supervisor Fiona Claridge and Manager Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre Maurice Eames are ready to welcome the community back to the pool. Restrictions now require all swimmers to call the Oasis on 02 6926 9390 to book a place.
The Oasis to reopen but restrictions are in place Swimming fans across the city can once again don their togs, as after a three-month shutdown, the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre is reopening. Oasis Programs Supervisor Fiona Claridge said she and the team were delighted to open the doors from Saturday 13 June 2020. “We love swimming as well, so we understand the community has been missing it as much as we have,” Ms Claridge said. “We’re looking forward to seeing all our lovely members and visitors who are excited to come back in.” As NSW Government COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing guidelines are still in place, the Oasis will be operating under new practices. “The biggest change is that people will need to call ahead and book a swim time – members included,” Ms Claridge said. “You’ll be able to book one day ahead, or on the day. The reason we’re restricting bookings to only one day ahead is to ensure that as many people get a chance at a swim as possible. We want to keep it fair, given that we’ll only be
able to allow in limited numbers to ensure we can adhere to the correct social distancing guidelines. “We’ll also be encouraging everyone to pay over the phone where possible, to reduce the amount of time you need to spend at the front counter.” Families will have to wait for further easing of restrictions before being able to return for pool-side fun and games. “We’re open for lap swimming and gentle exercise only, unfortunately not for kids wanting to have a splash,” Ms Claridge said. “If we had a lot of children in the leisure area, it would be impossible for us to get them to adhere to the social distancing requirements. I understand families will be disappointed – it’s just important we make sure we can adhere to the NSW Government regulations and keep everyone safe.” Allocated swim times will be on the hour, and allow for 45 minutes in the pool, and 15 minutes for getting in and out of the facility. As there will be no showers or changerooms open, patrons are asked to arrive at the Oasis ready to dive in.
“Please come already showered, wearing your swimmers beneath your clothes,” Ms Claridge said. “Once you’re inside you can leave your things at the end of the pool, ready to grab after your swim time is over. “We’re also requesting people arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before their booked swim time to limit the number of people waiting in the foyer.” The Oasis team will be cleaning the facility between groups of swimmers, including the front counter, EFTPOS machine, handrails and bathrooms. “We’ll also prop the doors open, so you won’t need to touch any door handles,” Ms Claridge said. “Hand sanitiser stations will be available, and we’ll be keeping each swimming group separate. “It’s a new system for us, and we’ll be learning what works best as we go. “We understand it will all take a little getting used to, and we really appreciate everyone’s patience.” For the latest updates visit oasiswagga.com
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
New marketplace platform to benefit local business
Wagga Wagga City Council has launched a platform to help Council identify regional suppliers for their projects and works in an effort to increase opportunities and investment in the regional economy. Council Director Corporate Services Natalie Te Pohe said this digital procurement system will change the way businesses currently provide a submission for Council works.
Council is now using VendorPanel Marketplace portal which is free for suppliers to use to submit quotes and proposals for tender processes. Mrs Te Pohe said registered suppliers can receive invitations to quote on work across dozens of categories, from trade services to road supplies. “The platform manages all communication between buyers and suppliers, reducing admin, saving time
and ensuring procurement good practice is followed,” Mrs Te Pohe said. “There is greater emphasis on educating businesses on how to register for notification when tenders and quotation opportunities become available, and how to complete the submission through Council’s new portal. “This will enable all businesses to have more accessibility in providing goods and services
across the Regional Joint Organisation Area. “Council recognises that through supporting regional businesses it can assist in economic sustainability that will flow to social benefits across regional communities.” VendorPanel Chief Executive Officer James Leathem said the economic benefits in regional areas using Marketplace are proven. He said an audited case
study of 26 councils using the platform found that in 84.4% of cases jobs were awarded to local suppliers. The study also found that local suppliers were competitive, delivering on average 9.74% savings to the buyer. “Local Government and large businesses want to work with local suppliers where they can. In fact, locals are often better placed to meet buyers’ needs than larger, distant competitors. VendorPanel Marketplace
makes it easy for large organisations to find local suppliers and get better procurement outcomes, and it helps SMEs in the region to get access to these opportunities,” Mr Leathem said. Local businesses are encouraged to register at vendorpanel.com/ wagga-wagga-registration. VendorPanel Marketplace is free to suppliers and offers a way to get in front of Council buyers and have a good opportunity to win work.
CO U N T D OW N TO LO S T L A N E S @ H O M E 2020 I S O N
It’s time to invite your family and friends over and grab your winter woollies as it’s only one week to Lost Lanes @Home. Lost Lanes @Home will be a live streamed version of the popular winter festival. Tune in to the Visit Wagga Wagga Facebook and Instagram pages from 6pm next Saturday 20 June 2020, for live cooking and cocktail demonstrations that you can follow along to at home and enjoy the star-studded line-up of entertainment culminating with festival headliner Australian DJ Nina Las Vegas. A Wagga Wagga-inspired trivia segment with locals playing along at home via Zoom will also be part of the evening. If you are hosting a Lost Lanes @Home gathering, are a keen trivia buff or simply just want your face live streamed on the internet, then
apply to be one of the four teams competing on the night. “We’ve put the call out to all trivia buffs, or anyone who wants to have their backyard gathering streamed live on the internet to take part in this fun, interactive event,” Visitor Economy & Events Coordinator Fiona Hamilton said. “Sticking with the Lost Lanes theme of arts, eats and beats, there’ll be a range of Wagga Wagga questions that we expect our local audience to excel at. “If you don’t make it into a team, you’ll still be able to watch and play along at home.” To enter a team in the trivia, email events@wagga.nsw.gov.au with your trivia team name and players. You have until Sunday 14 June 2020 to apply. Applicants must be 18+ or be accompanied by an adult for the live stream. As well as bringing people back
together at this time, it is also an opportunity for the community to show their support for local food and beverage businesses. “We are really excited to see businesses who have been involved in Lost Lanes since its inception such as Knights Riverina and Thirsty Crow Brewing Co. offering up creative delights as well as new businesses coming on board including, The Roundabout Restaurant, Table and Graze and Gelatissimo Wagga Wagga,” Ms Hamilton said. Residents are encouraged to pre-order party packs for their Lost Lanes @Home parties early to avoid disappointment. A full list of food and beverage businesses offering Lost Lanes @Home packs or discounts is available at visitwagga.com/lostlanes/eats Also, make sure you grab your
Lost Lanes beanie for the night and send your pics wearing the fashionable and warm head wear during the Lost Lanes @Home live stream. You can pick up your beanies for $20 each or two for $30 from the Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre on Tarcutta Street. Lost Lanes @Home is on Saturday 20 June, streaming from 6.00pm, on the Visit Wagga Wagga Facebook and Instagram pages. All you need to do is make sure you have liked the Visit Wagga Wagga Facebook and Instagram pages so you can get notified when the event goes live. For more information and to keep up to date on Lost Lanes @ Home announcements head to visitwagga.com/lostlanes If you’re a local business wanting to join Lost Lanes @Home, please email events@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Make it your business Council contracts, tenders and procurement activities As part of our ongoing effort to work with suppliers, Council will soon be managing all procurement activities through VendorPanel Marketplace. Sign up for one of our training sessions today.
Training sessions Learn about working with Council and changes to our procurement process. Tues 16 June Lunch session 12.15pm | Evening session 6.15pm Wed 17 June Morning session 7am Register now: vendorpanel.com/wagga-wagga-registration
For more information: 1300 292 442 | procurement@wagga.nsw.gov.au Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
proposed move is disappointing to say the least, but not surprising. However, what I found more disturbing was the contempt with which It is several weeks now since my motion to the 3 brave speakers sever formal Sister City of Chinese heritage were treated by the ties between Wagga Mayor and all other City Council and the councillors. They were Kunming Provincial Government of China. I not acknowledged thought I would let the in any way and completely ignored and dust settle a little and disregarded. I believe give the communist they would have a far apologists time to dry off their hand wringing greater concept of what we are dealing towels before going back and revisiting the with than our circus and ringmaster. Particularly issue. given that one was born Despite the loose and bred in Kunming handling of the truth and will be arrested if by Mayor Conkey she ever returns to her in relation to the home country China. opposition of the
I said in my speech people would resort to name calling because they had nothing to offer. Once again I was correct, the councillors attacked me rather than the issue, to the extent where Clr Kendall resorted to implying I was a white supremacist and nationalist because I had a banner on my wall. It is called ‘the Australian Flag’. My goodness there is some hatred and real problems there when the very flag that people fought and died under is considered by a councillor to be a symbol of hate and intolerance and this same councillor
0459 988 402 | councillor.funnell@wagga.nsw.gov.au
apologises to the CCP. That said, it is important that everyone understands that the Sister City arrangements with China is run by a division of the Chinese Communist Party known as Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), not the good citizens. Over the coming weeks I will release documents showing what has taken place over the past 32 years between Wagga and China. From official arrangements between media groups in Wagga and the CCP Kunming Daily news paper, visits by other leading local
journalists under the guise of WWCC, to delegations visiting Wagga by Chinese Security details. It is extremely questionable but helps explain the vitriol by a noisy minority. There appears to be so many snouts in the trough for whatever reason it makes sense as to why your Mayor and other councillors would want to kowtow and apologise to China. As the saying goes, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig. Fast forwarding to now, it is so hypocritical to think people would now gather in droves, against public health
orders for a protest to support all lives, and yet WWCC apologised for a Communist government that has killed tens of millions of their own people. I support the right to protest, but let’s be lawful and consistent. On a brighter note, things are slowly coming out of lockdown, we have faired extremely well in our region. For those that have suffered the loss of loved ones you have my deepest sympathy. For those that have suffered hardship, hang in there and reach out, I hope and pray something will come along to enable
you to rebuild. To the rest of us, let’s support where we can and be thankful that so far, we have ridden the wave of resilience. It is now time to roll up the sleeves and get on with the job just as our forebears did. Don’t be distracted by political correctness or mindless bureaucracy, these things are just dandruff on the shoulders of progress. Brush them aside and build a great future our children can be proud of and leave a legacy of prosperity and freedom like we were.
Councillor Paul Funnell
Eunony Bridge crane on the move The giant crane which has towered over the Eunony Bridge skyline for the past three months has been dismantled and transported across the river. The need to move the crane and its 60-metre boom is the next stage in the widening and strengthening of Eunony Bridge. To facilitate the remainder of works in the $10.6M project, the crane was transported to the western side of the Murrumbidgee River this week and will be re-assembled in time to resume work after this
weekend. The crane has worked on upgrading Spans 3, 4 and 5 and will now deliver Span 2 and Span 1 before being finally demobilised. The east and west approaches complete the job in mid August. Project manager Silas Darby said good progress was being made after various early challenges due to theft at the site, poor weather and the effects of the pandemic. “Getting the crane across the river has been a project within
itself,” Mr Darby said. “It took about 22 semi-trailer trips from one side to the other, loading and unloading, and now re-assembling. “That has taken us most of this week, but we’ll be back in action from Monday and getting straight into Spans 2 and 1 which will complete the five bridge spans. “We’ll then finish off with the approach slabs and roadways on either end of the bridge. It’s a major project and is taking shape as we are well past the halfway mark.”
CRANE CONSTRUCTION: The crane at the centre of the Eunony Bridge project (left) has been dismantled and moved to the western side of the construction site where it will be re-assembled and continue operations next week.
Public Notices
of the Council of the City of Wagga Wagga will be held at 6.00pm on Monday, 29 June 2020. This meeting will be held in the Council Meeting Room, cnr Baylis NOTICE OF and Morrow Streets Wagga COUNCIL Wagga. MEETINGS Due to the current COVID-19 situation, all JUNE 2020 meetings are closed to In accordance with the the public but can be provisions of Section 9 viewed on Council’s of the Local Government website via Livestream. Act 1993, notice is hereby Members of the public given that an Ordinary wishing to address the meeting of the Council of Council regarding agenda the City of Wagga Wagga items, must complete will be held at 6.00pm on the appropriate Public Monday, 15 June 2020 in the Council Meeting Room. Address Form and return A second Ordinary meeting it to Council by 10.00am
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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
on the day of meeting. The form is available from the Customer Service counter at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre or from Council’s website wagga.nsw.gov.au/ paforms. Council live streams video and audio of all Council meetings. Members of the public are advised that their voice and/or image may form part of the webcast. Copies of the Agenda are available to the public, at the meetings or from the Customer Service Centre at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre three days prior to the meetings or from Council’s website wagga.
nsw.gov.au
now on public exhibition. These documents provide details of the Council’s proposed budgets, services and projects for delivery. Council invites submission on the draft documents. Inspection Venue: The draft plans are available for review at Wagga Wagga City Council, Cnr Baylis & Morrow St, Wagga Wagga within the exhibition period. The draft plans can also be accessed from Council’s Wagga View website Council’s draft Combined connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ Delivery Program Submission Procedure: and Operational Plan 2020/2021, draft Long Term Persons wishing to make a submission in relation Financial Plan 2020/2030 to the draft plans should and draft 2020/2021 are
EXHIBITION OF THE DRAFT COMBINED DELIVERY PROGRAM AND OPERATIONAL PLAN 2020/2021, DRAFT LONG TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2020/2030 AND DRAFT FEES AND CHARGES 2020/2021
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do so prior to the close of the exhibition period. Submissions should be in writing and may be delivered to Wagga Wagga City Council or 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 through the Connect Wagga site connect.wagga.nsw.gov. au/. Persons making written submissions regarding the above draft plans are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the Government
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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. Any questions relating to the draft plans may be referred to Council’s Corporate Strategy Coordinator on 1300 292 442.
Peter Thompson, General Manager