Council News #378 - 15 January 2022

INSIDE: AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS, ROADWORKS + MORE

Council News

THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL

Weekly newsletter from Wagga Wagga City Council

First Printed Saturday 15 January 2022 | Issue #378

NEW COUNCIL: Councillors elected at the December 2021 local government election are (from left) Tim Koschel, Michael Henderson, Amelia Parkins, Jenny McKinnon, Richard Foley, Rod Kendall, Georgie Davies, Dallas Tout and Dan Hayes.

New leaders look forward to bright future The City of Wagga Wagga has two new leaders after Councillors this week elected the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

important to keep the lines of communication open with all councillors working as a group to represent the whole Local Government Area.

“There’s challenges ahead for us. We’re still dealing with the pandemic and economic and social issues around that.

“Social infrastructure is important and will be Cr Dallas Tout was elected as the city’s 47th one of my focus areas. We are a diverse city, but I feel we could always be more inclusive Mayor and Cr Jenny McKinnon was elected and that’s something I expect we can continue the Deputy Mayor at the first meeting of the to work on.” new Council on Monday 10 January 2022.

Cr Tout reinforced the need for “two-way The Mayoral election was contested by Crs Tout and Dan Hayes with Councillors voting in communications” and said he was keen favour of Cr Tout who has served as the city’s to work with new Deputy Mayor Cr Jenny McKinnon in that role.

Deputy Mayor since 2014.

“Listening and talking to each other and He takes over the leadership role from Greg communicating with the entire group is Conkey OAM who did not contest last year’s important,” he said. local government election.

“I’m keen to work with Jenny and Cr Tout said he was ready to step up the congratulations to her for being elected to this mayoral position after serving the city as the position in her first term on council. It’s also Deputy Mayor continuously for the past eight great to have a female deputy mayor in this years and believes the new Council is ready role … it gives a spread of representation for for the challenges ahead.

“I’m very excited to be given this opportunity who the community voted for in December.” … I’m passionate about the role,” Cr Tout said. Cr McKinnon said she was honoured to be given this opportunity by fellow councillors.

“The leadership of the Council involves all Continued inside nine councillors, it’s a team effort, and it’s

CIVIC LEADERS: New Mayor Cr Dallas Tout with Deputy Mayor Jenny McKinnon after their election at the first Council meeting of the year on 10 January.

Sipped on a soothing cuppa?

Did you know you can put your tea bags - tab, string and all – in the green lid FOGO bin?

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

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Impact of COVID-19 on Council services Wagga Wagga City Council announced yesterday that the ‘Reduce Re-use Recycle’ (RRR) shop at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre will be closed from Saturday to Monday inclusive (15-17 January) due to COVID related staff shortages.

The status of the Tip Shop will be reviewed on Monday.

At this stage, other facilities and services continue to operate as normal despite some impact on staffing levels due to COVID-19.

Acting General Manager Michael Keys said this situation may change as COVID-19 continues to move through the community, and Council will keep the community updated.

“Like all businesses and organisations, Council is susceptible to the impacts of COVID-19,” Mr Keys said.

“Council is therefore always preparing for situations such as this and has plans in place to accommodate the needs of staff while continuing services to the community as normally as possible.

“Any changes that may impact Council services in coming weeks will be communicated to the community.

“Council acknowledges the co-operation and efforts of all staff who are able to continue in their service to the community while trying to protect themselves and their families.”

At this stage, Council’s cultural facilities and businesses remain open to the public.

This includes the City Library, Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Museum of the Riverina, Oasis Aquatic Centre, Gregadoo Waste Management Centre, the Cemetery and the Livestock Marketing Centre.

To date scheduled community events such as the Australia Day 2022 Awards Ceremony on the evening of 25 January and the Australia Day Community Breakfast and Citizenship Ceremony on 26 January, are still going ahead.

Any postponements or cancellation of performances at the Civic Theatre will be communicated directly to ticket holders by theatre staff.

Council continues to take advice and guidance from the New South Wales Government (NSW Health).

To stay up-to-date on any changes to Council’s facilities and services, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/servicechanges

weekly

MOWING REPORT 17-21 January 2022

WHAT’S

ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS

THIS WEEK: WAGGA WAGGA ROAD RUNNERS – SATURDAY RUNS Sat 15 Jan, 7.30am

Wagga Wagga Beach. waggaroadrunners.com TARCUTTA MARKETS Sat 15 Jan, 8am - 1pm

St. Ph: 6931 0223

BONSAI MEETING Sat 15 Jan, 1pm - 4.40pm

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Sun 16 Jan, 2pm

ARCC Hall, Tarcutta St. Ph: 0410 026 268 JANUARY WRITERS’ WORKSHOP Sat 15 Jan, 2pm

Booranga Writers’ Centre, Mambarra Dr. director@booranga.com SATURDAY CRAFTERNOON Sat 15 Jan, 2pm - 5pm

Middlemost, 45 Tompson St. Ph: 0423 335 410 D.I.Y YOURSELF BY MICHAEL AJ NELSON EXHIBITION OPENING Sat 15 Jan, 3pm - 4:30pm

MINIATURE RAILWAY RIDES Sun 16 Jan, 10am - 2.30pm

OPEN STUDIO GALLERY Sat 15 Jan, 10am - 3pm

DREAMCATCHER WORKSHOP Sun 16 Jan, 11am - 2pm

Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay St. Ph: 0412 439 455

The Red Pomegranate, Neslo Arcade, 117 Baylis

On Wednesday 26 January, residents will have the chance to share in the Australia Day activities at the Victory Memorial Gardens from 7am, with a free breakfast for the community, the Australia Day 2022 Citizenship Ceremony and a program of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Director Community Janice Summerhayes said residents are encouraged to bring along a picnic rug and chairs, and to mark the day in a way that’s meaningful to them.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to reflect, respect and celebrate the significant contributions that everyone makes to our community” Ms Summerhayes said.

“So that we can deliver a COVID-19 safe event there will be different activities spread out across the gardens to allow for social distancing by the crowds.

“We are also encouraging those attending to check in via the QR codes provided, while free individual hand sanitisers will be available at the information tent.”

Members of the Kooringal Rotary will be cooking a barbecue breakfast and the Wagga Wagga Multicultural Council will be providing both halal and vegetarian breakfast options, from 7am to 9am.

There will be a live sandcastle sculpture demonstration where attendees can participate in creating their own sandcastle sculpture, a Country Women’s Association lamington baking competition celebrating the 100th anniversary of this extraordinary national organisation, along with African drumming performances and workshops for everyone to

2022 Australia Day Celebrations Tuesday 25 January

Australia Day Awards Ceremony

Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, 7pm – 9pm General admission tickets available through the Civic Theatre booking office, visit www.civictheatre.com or call (02) 6926 9688.

Wednesday 26 January

Australia Day Celebrations

Victory Memorial Gardens, 7am – 9am • Free BBQ breakfast with halal and vegetarian options • Radio broadcast and live music • Live sandcastle sculpture demonstration and workshop • CWA lamington baking competition • African drumming performances and workshops

Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony

Victory Memorial Gardens (Main stage), 9am – 10am enjoy.

The Australia Day 2022 Citizenship Ceremony will commence at 9am, where the National Anthem will be performed by the four finalists in the Australian Anthem Competition; Sudhanva Venkatesh Iyengar, Sofia

Vargas Illescas, Sophie Locker and Matilda Seal will be accompanied by the Australian Army Band Kapooka.

For more details about Wagga Wagga’s Australia Day 2022 activities, go to wagga.nsw.gov.au/ australiaday

• North Wagga • Tatton Wagga • Oura • Bourkelands • Both sides of Willans Hill • Springvale

Ph: 0413 786 209

DEMONSTRATION GARDENS – VEGETABLE SWAP OR BUY Sat 15 Jan, 9am - 1.30pm

Art Studio, 11 Small St.

Wagga Wagga’s Victory Memorial Gardens will play host to the city’s 2022 Australia Day community event, featuring a free breakfast, a fun-filled program of community activities and a Citizenship Ceremony on Wednesday 26 January.

The Australia Day 2022 committee, supported by Council, has unveiled its plans for this year’s Australia Day events, and are committed to hosting a COVID-safe day for everyone.

The City’s Australia Day 2022 Awards Ceremony will be held at the Civic Theatre on the evening of Tuesday 25 January and will be emceed by 2020 Miss Wagga Wagga, Hannah Smith.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said this year, residents will be able to watch in-person the announcement of our Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Environmental Citizen of the Year, Ted Ryder Sports Memorial, and Walk of Honour inductee.

“In 2021, the general public was not able to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions, instead the ceremony was livestreamed from the Civic Theatre,” Cr Tout said.

“We welcome residents who would like to come along to the 2022 ceremony to show their support for and acknowledge the work that the award nominees do for our community.

“The aim of the awards is to recognise the outstanding contributions to the local community made by hardworking individuals in our community who devote their time and energy into making Wagga Wagga a better place live.”

For the week commencing Monday 17 January 2022, we’ll be mowing in the following locations:

The Curious Rabbit, Tarcutta Soldiers Memorial 44 Johnston St. Ph: 6921 5391 Hall, Sydney St, Tarcutta.

Ph: 0477 472 154 WILLANS HILL

Cnr Shaw & Albury Sts. Ph: 0411 417 956

Head to the Victory Memorial Gardens for Australia Day 2022

The Basement Theatre (under the Civic Theatre) Burns Way. TUESDAY WITH VAN GOGH Tues 18 Jan, 5pm

The Little Yellow House Studio, 41 Tompson St. Ph: 0418 414 455 ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMP Wed 19 Jan, 9am - 3pm

The Riverina Anglican College, Farrer Road. trybooking.com/BWCBJ WIRADJURI STORYTIME Wed 19 Jan, 10am - 10.45am

Remind Therapies, 132 Fitzmaurice St. Ph: 0422 614 141 SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM: LITTLE WING PUPPETS Thu 20 Jan, 10am, 1pm & 3pm

Wagga Wagga City Library, Cnr Baylis & Morrow St. waggalibrary.com.au/ whats-on RIVERINA PRODUCERS MARKET Thu 20 Jan, 1pm - 6.30pm

Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. Ph: 0428 263 297 THE SWEET CAROLINE TOUR: A TRIBUTE TO NEIL DIAMOND Fri 21 Jan, 7pm - 9.30pm

Wagga Wagga Civic Wagga Wagga City Library, Theatre, Burns Way. civictheatre.com.au Baylis St. Ph: 6926 9700 WAGGA SOCIAL NETBALL Wed 19 Jan, 10am

Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. caronne@scvella.id.au REMIND THERAPY WELLNESS NIGHT Wed 19 Jan, 6pm - 7.30pm

/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

New Council meets first time From front page “It’s certainly a privilege to not only be elected to Council by the community, but then to have that encouragement and support from fellow councillors to fulfil this role is quite humbling,” Cr McKinnon said.

“I have been elected by the community and I want to look after the interests of the community and do my best to represent them.

“I want to see the Council moving forward on lots of objectives that we have set out in our campaigns. I’ll re-visit the issues I raised in my own campaign, as I expect all Councillors will do, and together we can sit down and see what is achievable in this term as we take the city forward.

“It’s time to forge some good relationships and make sure we have a really co-operative council.

Communication is important and in

this role I believe I can facilitate that co-operation and communication.”

As a result of the postponement of the ordinary council elections to 4 December 2021, mayors elected by councillors during the current term will have a shorter term than the usual two years.

Councils that elect their mayors are required to hold mid-term mayoral elections in the month of September.

This means that the mid-term mayoral elections in Wagga Wagga will need to be held in September 2023.

The mayor elected at the mid-term mayoral election will then hold their office until the day of the council’s next ordinary election in September 2024, when their civic office as a councillor and mayor will expire.

Council will also use this process for deputy mayor.

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Council progressing Lake Albert pipeline Wagga Wagga City Council is progressing with the solution to maintain permanent water levels in Lake Albert.

The way forward was finalised in March last year when Council and the NSW Government entered into a Memorandum of Understanding which identified the solution and how it is going to be delivered.

Under the MOU, a licence will be issued by the NSW Government to Council to authorise the transfer of water from the Murrumbidgee River to Lake Albert.

The licence will be subject to a range of conditions including how much and when water can be

transferred.

The key outcome is that the lake will be “topped up” each winter which means even in the hottest and driest summers, the lake level will still be relatively high.

Whatever losses are experienced through evaporation over summer will be replaced the following winter under the arrangement.

The former Minister for Water Melinda Pavey confirmed in October last year that the Government was actioning its commitments and she had directed that the legislation be put in place to create the agreed licence.

Council General Manager Peter Thompson said a recent reshuffle

of the NSW Government Cabinet has not affected Council’s plans to build the pipeline.

“I have reached out to the new Minister for Water Kevin Anderson and I’m pleased to say it’s business as usual in regards to our plans for Lake Albert and the pipeline,” Mr Thompson said.

“Council thanks the former minister Melinda Pavey for the work she did in getting us to the point where Council had confidence to move forward under the MOU. “Minister Anderson is supportive of the agreement we have in place.”

Council is working with the Riverina Water County Council

to complete the design of the pipeline and where it will draw water from the river.

The only piece of the puzzle which remains to be solved is a source of funding to build the pipeline. Sourcing this funding is the focus of funding applications to the State and Federal governments.

Mr Thompson said that he expects the pipeline to be completed and functioning in 2022.

“We originally aimed for April this year but that was dependent upon funding,” Mr Thompson said.

“We don’t yet have funding but will continue to pursue our options

and our most current submission will be through the latest round of the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund which closes in coming weeks.”

Under the MOU, Council will have authority to draw up to 1.8 gigalitres of water from the river to the lake provided it meets the conditions of the licence which includes when the water is transferred and how much is transferred on any single day.

Water cannot be transferred between the months of October and March and the amount transferred on any day must not exceed the amount of water discharged by Council to the river on that same day.

On a roll! More Active Travel links nearing completion Work on the Kapooka Link of Wagga Wagga City Council’s Active Travel Plan (ATP) project is rolling on, with the stretch along Fernleigh Road between Glenfield Road and Bourke Street almost complete.

Once finished, it will connect with the Bourke Link. The ATP network is designed to connect Wagga Wagga’s outlying suburbs with the Central Business District, and two End of Trip facilities.

Project Coordinator Henry Collie said Council had just completed a 720 metre stretch from the Glenfield Road roundabout to Hely Avenue.

“Weather permitting, work will start on Monday (17 January) on the section from Hely Avenue to the intersection with Bourke Street,” Mr Collie said.

“We will be widening the existing concrete path to 2.5 metres in front of Henschke Primary School.

“The aim is to have this done before the new school year begins later this month.

“Access to the footpath will be restricted during the construction and residents are encouraged to take extra care when travelling through the area.”

At the western end of the Kapooka Link, a new pedestrian footbridge is under construction on the shared path through the Silvalite Reserve near the Olympic Highway underpass.

A 2.5m wide concrete and steel structure will replace the older, narrower mesh bridge, allowing

cyclists and pedestrians to share the crossing.

Road widening and traffic island works also continue where the shared path crosses Red Hill Road, between the Olympic Highway and Yentoo Drive.

The traffic island is designed to provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists using the link.

Construction of a new sealed path on the Pomingalarna Link from the Wagga Wagga Multi Sport Cycling Complex to Red Hill Road is also nearing completion.

“Cyclists, runners and walkers can now use the shared path along Bagley Drive and through the northern end of Silvalite Reserve, although line-marking and signage are still to be put in,” Mr Collie said.

“This will provide safe and accessible roadside pathways for cyclists and pedestrians to get out to Pomingalarna Reserve.”

WIDENING WORK: The footpath on Fernleigh Road in front of Henschke The ATP project is supported by the NSW State Primary School will be upgraded to a shared path as part of the Kapooka Government. Stage 1 funding is $12.8 million Link of the ATP project. ($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).

For more information about the project and OF THE to find out how it connects to your suburb, visit WEEK wagga.nsw.gov.au/projects and go to the #adoptdontshop Wagga Wagga Active Travel Plan page.

pet

FORGING AHEAD: Project Coordinator Henry Collie inspects the new pedestrian footbridge being constructed over a creek along the shared path through Silvalite Reserve near the Olympic Highway.

Say G’day to this bundle of energy, known as Roo. This 12-18-month-old female Staffy cross with an infectious grin and oodles of love to give her new fur family.

She adores cuddles, running in the park and snacks – she’s very good at ferreting them out of your pocket!

Roo (Impound No.: D21/0658) is available for $346, which includes de-sexing, vaccination, worming, microchipping, lifetime registration and an ID tag.

Jump online and take a look at Roo and all our available pets at graswagga.com.au or hop along to the shelter. It is open from Monday to Saturday, 1pm – 4.15pm.

R251000208

6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au

Vacancies Revenue Officer

Remuneration: $2,458.54 gpf + super Enquiries: Craig Katsoolis on 02 6926 9471 Closing date: Monday 7 February 2022 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

SAFE CROSSING: Work is underway to widen the road and build a traffic island where the Kapooka Link of the ATP network crosses Red Hill Road, near the intersection with the Olympic Highway.

To view these opportunities and apply, visit:

wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs

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Council trials new pavement rehabilitation method on Kooringal Road A new road rehabilitation method which recycles the existing pavement to improve its material qualities is being trialled by Wagga Wagga City Council to complete the Kooringal Road upgrade.

Works on the upgrade started on Monday (10 January) and have progressed through the week despite some storm activity earlier in the week.

It is expected the new methodology will see the project completed in two weeks, weather permitting, as opposed to the 10 weeks using traditional techniques.

The existing road pavement is churned up with a large mixing machine and at the same time 3% of hot bitumen and 2% hydrated lime/flyash is added to the material.

The additives improve the pavement properties to more adequately carry the anticipated volume of traffic expected on this road over the next 20 years.

The recycled base is then compacted and trimmed before a 10mm bitumen seal is applied followed by the final wearing course which is a 50mm asphalt overlay to finish the road surface.

Council’s Director Infrastructure Services Warren Faulkner said trialling the new method and using recycled product would help form a report back to Council later this year on the state of road maintenance in the Local Government Area.

On Monday night, Councillors resolved to receive a report which will provide information on budgets, repair schedules, funding required, alternate options for funding, challenges unique to Wagga Wagga’s road maintenance, pothole causes and repairs, and the need to investigate new methodologies and various materials for road repairs and upgrades, as well as engaging contractors for larger projects.

“The report will contain a lot of facts and figures, and provide that data for Council to make informed decisions going forward,” Mr Faulkner said.

“Our road network is a dynamic asset, it changes all the time, and in recent times we have seen it greatly affected by the consistent and heavy rainfall.

“The methodology we are trialling on Kooringal Road will provide us with a good example of what can be achieved as we look at new ways to achieve new results.”

On Monday 17 January and Tuesday 18 January, traffic control will be in place on Kooringal Road for the construction of a new traffic island adjacent to Amy Hurd Park as part of the Active Travel project. The asphalt overlay to complete the pavement upgrade is scheduled to be laid Saturday 22 January and Monday 24 January, weather permitting.

Council Roadworks Update • Red Hill Road pavement recycling between Plumpton Road and Tamar Drive – 17 to 21 January 2022 • Red Hill Road pavement recycling between Bourke Street and Glenfield Road – 20 to 25 January 2022 • Stanley Street pavement rehabilitation from Lake Albert Road to the top of Willans Hill – 31 January to 4 February • Dobney Avenue and Pearson Street Rehabilitation project – out to tender, closing 19 January 2022. Works expected to start March/April.

• Dunns Road upgrade – drainage upgrade works in the unsealed sections planned to start late January/ early February, subject to materials being received.

• Lake Albert Road Stage 3 Rehabilitation project – practical completion December 2021, line marking of Lord Baden Powell to Warrawong section is required to complete the project.

Art Camp draws budding artists of all ages to gallery Public Notices

It has been a big week of fun for all at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery as children, teenagers and families explored their artistic potential at its second annual Art Camp.

Eight workshops were held over four days as part of the Summer Holiday Program, with activities ranging from jewellery making and animation to collage and digital

self-portraiture.

Participants were also able to take home their creations from some of the sessions.

The workshops also put the spotlight on some of the stunning exhibitions currently on show, such as Little Bling, which was inspired by jewellery maker Blanche Tilden’s Ripple Effect: a 25 year survey and Inky

Insects, which looked at the photographic portraits Ink in the Lines.

The school holidays are the perfect time to drop into the art gallery and see these exhibitions, some of which will be closing later this month.

To find out more about what’s on, visit waggaartgallery.com. au/programs

PROPOSED TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE: KOORINGAL ROAD – ROAD REHABILITATION Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Kooringal Road between Mena Street and Vincent Road Date: 10 January 2022 to 24 January 2022 Duration: 7am – 5pam weekdays, weather permitting Reason: Closed for rehabilitation works. Access to local residential traffic only

PROPOSED TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE RED HILL RD: BOURKE STREET TO GLENFIELD ROAD – ROAD REHABILITATION Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Red Hill Road between Bourke Street and Glenfield Road Date: 20 January 2022 to 25 January 2022 Duration: 7am – 6pam weekdays, weather permitting Reason: Closed for rehabilitation works

Peter Thompson, General Manager

Contact us 1300 292 442 council@wagga.nsw.gov.au www.wagga.nsw.gov.au Civic Centre, cnr Baylis & Morrow sts PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

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THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE

BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL