Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 8 MAY 2021
Issue No: 344
Weekly information from us to you
IT'S GAME DAY
CANBERRA RAIDERS vs NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS Get ready Wagga Wagga … it’s game day! The countdown to today’s NRL blockbuster between Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights is now in its final hours. The return of top-class rugby league to Wagga Wagga this year after the disappointment of 2020 amid the pandemic has seen a sell-out crowd for today’s fixture at McDonalds Park. Wagga Wagga has turned the city green in support of the Raiders who announced recently they will be back again next year
– a great show of support from the NRL club which has adopted Wagga Wagga as its regional home. Raiders players were out and about in the city on Thursday and Friday, attending an all-schools carnival at Parramore Park and getting involved at the Wheelchair Rugby League come-and-try day at Bolton Park Stadium. The interaction with the community at all levels has been part of the build-up to the clash which will see about 7,000 people turn out in support of their team. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said the
city was ready for NRL’s return. “To have the Green Machine rolling back into Wagga Wagga this year is a tremendous boost for the city after the disappointment of last year when the game here was cancelled,” Cr Conkey said. “This year’s game is a sell-out. Our community has shown its support by snapping up the tickets and welcoming the Raiders back to their regional home. “It’s going to be a huge few days for Wagga Wagga with events such as the Gold Cup carnival and the NRL game bringing some of the biggest names in
Wagga Wagga City Council’s Community@Work Fund
Need funding to make your community project work?
Council is seeking funding applications for community projects that aim to make Wagga Wagga a thriving, innovative, inclusive and connected city. Application period: 27 April – 15 June 2021 Apply now: wagga.nsw.gov.au/grants
Australian sport back to our city, for what promises to be a terrific boost for the community.” Raiders’ CEO Don Furner recognised the club has forged a strong relationship with the city and looks forward to that continuing to the benefit of the region. “We value a very strong supporter base in the Riverina and it’s not a hard decision for us to commit to the Wagga game because everyone there wants to make it happen and can’t do enough for our club, which is very much appreciated,” Mr Furner said earlier this year.
F I R S T S A L E S AT N E W S H E E P YA R D S
A $2.2 million upgrade to the sheep yards at Wagga Wagga City Council’s Livestock Marketing Centre saw increased capacity at the expanded facility’s first sales last month. The project marked the first upgrade to the sheep yards since the year 2000 and adds 25 per cent capacity at the premier selling facility in New South Wales. LMC Manager Paul Martin said the project is a major improvement as demand for more serviceable and useable space has consistently increased in recent years. Mr Martin said more stock has been sold through the yards in
recent years and the upgrade became a priority in order to meet that demand. “The agricultural community who utilises this facility on a weekly basis have welcomed the upgrade,” Mr Martin said. “The Selling Agents’ Association, in particular, have been a great advocate for the increase in capacity and also producers who can put more stock through the yards at any one sale. “Finalising this project is in line with the 2016 master plan for the LMC, so we’ve ticked a number of boxes with this investment in the city.”
Council Project Coordinator Kym Holbrook said handover of the new section of the facility late last month marked the completion of a 12-month project. “It’s a significant project because the outcome benefits so many levels of the local community,” Mr Holbrook said. “Several local contractors were used in the construction and that is significant for local jobs and the economy. “The producers and agents now have capacity to sell more stock on sale days and that reflects on YARDS EXPANSION: Council Project Coordinator Kym Holbrook (left) a Council business which is a key and Livestock Marketing Centre Manager Paul Martin at the site of the part of the rural sector.” new sheep yards earlier this year during construction.
Kooringal Road night works
Tip Shop
temporary closure The Tip Shop is moving to a new location at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre. We will be closed from 8 - 10 May 2021.
For more information contact 1300 292 442
Wagga Wagga City Council’s
Community Survey
A section of Kooringal Road will be closed overnight during the next two weeks while Wagga Wagga City Council carries out reconstruction works. Kooringal Road between Copland Street and Simkin Crescent will be closed between 6pm and 6am from 14–28 May 2021, with detours in place. The road will reopen for daytime use between 6am and 6pm. Council’s Director Operations Warren Faulkner said the works were scheduled at night to minimise any inconvenience to motorists and the Wagga Wagga Christian College. “The Kooringal Road rehabilitation and stabilisation works recognise the impact
of the wet conditions we’ve experienced over the past 12 months,” Mr Faulkner said. “We’ll be removing the existing road pavement and reinstating the road surface with thick asphalt. “It will get a bit noisy, but we’ll do everything we can to minimise the impact. We appreciate everyone’s patience and we’re aiming to have the road reopened as soon as we safely can.” Mr Faulkner said the works were part of Council’s overall strategic plan to systematically improve the city’s road network. “Based on feedback from the 2021 Community Survey, we know our roads are one of the top areas where we can
84% overall satisfaction with our performance
90%+
82%
satisfaction with our communication
satisfaction with sportsgrounds and sporting facilities
improve our performance, which is why we’ve committed all the resources we can to our road maintenance program. “In addition to Kooringal Road, we’re also looking at other hot spots within the network as part of our long-term operations and maintenance strategy. “We’ll be working hard over the coming months and years to target the roads that need attention and improve the community’s satisfaction with the network as a whole.” Do you have concerns about a road, footpath or drain? Submit a request at wagga.nsw.gov.au/ servicerequests or call Council on 1300 292 442.
90%+
satisfaction with our library, theatre, museum and art gallery
How are we going? In January 2021 we hired independent researcher Micromex Research to conduct a community-wide perceptions survey on our performance over the past 12 months. A random selection of residents were asked to rank our performance based on indicators like customer service, community facilities and service delivery. The 2021 Community Survey results are in: the great, the good, and the areas for improvement.
Areas for improvement
The following services saw a 4%+ increase in satisfaction*:
39%
satisfaction with local roads (down 7%*)
long term financial planning
financial management
street lighting
flood protection and preparedness
satisfaction with footpaths
We’re happy to report the results show a positive trend in the community’s overall satisfaction with our performance. Thank you to everyone who took part. We’ll use your feedback to update our strategic plans and keep working to make this region a brilliant place to live. Read the full report at: wagga.nsw.gov.au/communitysurvey
39% (down 7%*)
62% public transport & cycle network
waste and recycling services
environmental education programs
feeling safe in public places
satisfaction with car parking (up 2%*)
* Compared to 2017 survey results
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
NE W E X HIBI TIONS SET TO WOW VISI TORS Leading Australian glass artist Tom Moore’s new exhibition Abundant Wonder opens today in the National Art Glass Gallery.
Highly skilled in a range of glass working techniques, Mr Moore uses traditional processes in innovative ways to create fantastical creatures, objects and worlds that can be both amusing and alarming. Using his playful and inventive imagination, Mr Moore has created a highly engaging show for the young and young at heart. Playing with the paradoxical properties of glass, this exhibition presents hybrid life forms that challenge our perceptions of the world and our possible future – at once light-hearted and confronting, enchanting and grotesque, playful and insightful. JamFactory ICON Tom Moore: Abundant Wonder is the most recent in the ICON series, a solo exhibition launched each year
during the South Australian Living Artists festival, to celebrate South Australia’s most accomplished visual artists working in craftbased media. JamFactory ICON Tom Moore: Abundant Wonder Saturday 08 May 2021 to Sunday 04 July 2021. The National Art Glass Gallery, Morrow Street, Wagga Wagga.
Local textile artist Fiona Durman’s first solo exhibition Weaving the Riverina opened last night in the E3 art space opposite the National Art Glass Gallery.
and clothing. Each thread gently intertwines both organically and structurally to emulate the imperfections and variations of nature. Visitors are welcome to try their hand at weaving on one of Ms Durman’s looms. Fiona Durman: Weaving the Riverina Friday 07 May 2021 to Sunday 16 May 2021. E3 art space (opposite the National Art Glass Gallery), Morrow Street, Wagga Wagga.
Weaving the Riverina explores the colours and textures of our region. Ms Durman’s work explores the landscape, as she actively collects leaves and flowers from her surrounds to dye natural yarns. These yarns are woven together creating a series of wall-hangings
New project funding to activate Fitzmaurice Street
Wagga Wagga’s Fitzmaurice Street and its connection to the Active Travel pathways along the Murrumbidgee River will be the focus of a new project to improve the amenity of the area. Wagga Wagga City Council has been successful in securing a $271,000 grant from the NSW Government’s $15 million 'Your High Street' program which promotes permanent improvements for the benefit of local economies and public wellbeing. Council’s Economic Development Officer Dominic Kennedy said the funding will go a long way towards giving the Fitzmaurice Street precinct a significant lift to help stimulate activity and connect the new Active Travel routes. “This is about revitalising local economies with safe community activation of public spaces,” Mr Kennedy said. “Council will be looking to develop a CBD master plan over the next 12 months. While that comprehensive document is being developed, this grant presented a good opportunity to implement improvements to the area without jeopardising longterm, large-scale opportunities that a master plan would identify. “The funding will be used to implement changes to boost economic recovery after a difficult 12 months dealing with the impacts of the pandemic. “We’re looking to improve high street amenity and attractiveness, walkability, expand public spaces, and contribute to local character.”
SO MUCH TO SEE: Inside the National Art Glass Gallery, leading Australian glass artist Tom Moore has created a fantastical world for you to immerse yourself in. Just opposite in the E3 art space, local textile artist Fiona Durman’s hanging and wearable art invites you to appreciate the subtle colours of the Riverina.
Vacancies Vegetation Management Officer
Remuneration: $2,125.48 gpf + super Enquiries: Tony Phelps on 02 6926 9341 Closing date: Wednesday 12 May 2021
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Support Officer
Remuneration: $2,884.76 gpf + super Enquiries: Vanesa Mlinaric on 02 6926 9224 Closing date: Sunday 16 May 2021
Gregadoo Waste Management Facility Manager
Remuneration: $3,713.50 gpf + super Enquiries: Darryl Woods on 02 6926 9430 Closing date: Monday 17 May 2021
Collection Services Officer
Remuneration: $2,663.70 gpf + super Enquiries: Karen Wendt on 02 6926 9775 Closing date: Friday 21 May 2021
Records Officer
Mr Kennedy said Council will specifically focus on the Active Travel pathway that runs along the levee bank and how to connect it to the northern end of the CBD. “Our proposal centred around reviving Fitzmaurice Street and enhancing connections to the riverfront through lighting, artwork, parklets and bike features,” Mr Kennedy said. “A parklet is typically the extension of the footpath into a parking area, however in this project we’re preserving the parking and utilising the wide footpaths instead. This can also mean the addition of seating, bicycle racks and art displays.” An expression of interest will be issued for businesses interested
in a parklet being placed on their footpath. Mr Kennedy said Council will continue to engage with local businesses as concept designs for the parklets are developed. “Fitzmaurice Street is a heritage area of the city and we want to build on that history and focus on a number of elements which recognise the significance of the area while taking the precinct to a new level,” he said. “Our streets are places for people to socialise and do business … this project will complement both concepts by connecting the pathways into the CBD.” Council expects to have the project finished by May 2022.
Part-Time Term Contract - Four (4) days per week Remuneration: $1,665.47 gpf + super based on part-time hours of work Enquiries: Candis Linsell on 02 6926 9217 Closing date: Monday 24 May 2021
Social Planning Coordinator
Remuneration: $3,538.68 gpf + super Enquiries: Madeleine Scully on 02 6926 9350 Closing date: Monday 24 May 2021
Aboriginal Community Development Officer
Remuneration: $2,795.28 gpf + super Enquiries: Victoria Lowe on 02 6926 9600 Closing date: Monday 31 May 2021
Weekly waste tip Aerosol cans, such as deodorant, hair spray or fly spray cans, go in the yellow lid bin. Please ensure they are fully emptied before disposing.
Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
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Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
COUNCILLOR COLUMN stewardship of Ross Tyson, given that the statistics quoted were not accurate. However, one would It was disappointing fairly assume that this to see an orchestrated attempt to slander attempt to personally myself and Tim Koschel denigrate me last given the input from weekend by Wagga the Mayor and his Editor Ross Tyson and his cohorts Clr’s Conkey, comrades, was aimed purely to elevate Hayes and Keenan. themselves for an The statistics were upcoming election. compiled by the Daily Advertiser and Having constantly an example of the spoken out against incompetence of such party politics at local a news outlet under the government, the latest
effort exemplifies my reasoning. The attitude of these three simply reinforces my argument that leftist ideology, rather than community interests have taken over Wagga City Council. Clr Hayes claims to have taken leave from his employment to take his council obligations more seriously. He has run in 3 state elections trying to become a state member, abandoning Council.
0459 988 402 | councillor.funnell@wagga.nsw.gov.au
He has not attended a council meeting in person for 14 months, yet lives walking distance to council. Puts forward ALP policy and yet is silent on developers such as Rod Kendall on Council. Proudly stated he was the only only councillor to support an inferior Wagga Base Hospital carpark. Further, I am fed up with being lectured to by Clr Keenan given that she is not even a resident of our
electorate. A resident of Tumbarumba, consultant to local government and former employee of WWCC, I think it is high time this situation was finally called out. Also hasn’t turned up in person for over 12 months until last meeting. Pays rates in Snowy Valleys but gets a stipend from the rate payer of Wagga then tells you via ALP policy what is good for you. All endorsed by your
Mayor, Clr Conkey. The same one that participated in Ross Tyson’ hit piece. Clr Conkey was part of the Riverina Media Group that had an MOU with the CCP Kunming Daily. So many of our industries have been impacted by the CCP government of China, and yet your Mayor encourages meetings with the Mayor of Kunming. Reminds me greatly of the Chamberlain policy of appeasement of 1938.
Changes on the way for lodging development applications From 1 June 2021, all development applications within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA) must be lodged through the NSW Planning Portal, in line with State Government legislation. The Planning Portal has been developed as the central electronic platform for all councils across NSW to receive applications. The mandatory change applies to all individuals,
WHAT’S
ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS
THIS WEEK:
BARISTA DAMON: POP-UP ESPRESSO BAR
Sat 8 May, Wed 12, Thu 13 & Fri 14 May, 7am to 1pm Thirsty Crow, 153 Fitzmaurice St. Ph: 6921 7470
WAGGA PARKRUN
Every Saturday, 8.00AM Apex Park, 43 Eastlake Dr, Lake Albert
organisations or industry professionals, from home builders, to certifiers, project developers and government agencies. Manager Development Assessment and Building Certification Paul O’Brien said Council has been making the necessary adjustments to its internal processes. “Two years ago, we moved across to full electronic lodgement
in our own system and we already allow the electronic lodgement of applications via the Planning Portal,” Mr O’Brien said. “All of our regular applicants, such as builders, designers, architects, and HIA are aware of the new process, and a number of them are already using the Planning Portal. “For the broader community, it means
Ph: 0411 417 956
Thirsty Crow, 153 Fitzmaurice St. Ph: 6926 9688
OPEN STUDIO GALLERY
Sat 8 May, 10am to 3pm Wagga Art Society Studio, 11 Small St. Ph: 0400 225 768
LADYSMITH TOURIST RAILWAY OPEN DAY Sat 8 May, 10am to 2pm Ladysmith Railway Station, Cunningdroo Street. Ph: 0458 263 443
WAGGA WAGGA ROAD RUNNERS – SATURDAY RUNS
Sat 8 May, 1pm Eunony Bridge Reserve, Eunony Bridge Rd. Ph: 0419 220 001
NRL ROUND 9: RAIDERS V KNIGHTS
Sat 8 May, gates open 10.45am McDonalds Park, Copland St. Ph: 6253 3515
WOLLUNDRY SATURDAY MARKETS MOTHER'S Sat 8 May, 9am to 1pm DAY CREATIVE Civic Centre Precinct EXPERIENCE Tarcutta Street. Ph: 0488 WATERCOLOUR & 102 835 HIGH TEA DEMONSTRATION Sat 8 May, 2pm to 6pm GARDENS 1 Norton St. Ph: 0437 699 VEGETABLE SWAP 995. OR BUY JEKYLL & HYDE Sat 8 May, 9am to 12pm Demonstration Gardens, Cnr Shaw St & Albury St.
Public Notices TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE KOORINGAL ROAD NIGHT WORKS – ASPHALT WORKS Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the
Contact us
Sat 8 & Sun 9 May, 4pm & 7.30pm
temporary closing of: Road: Kooringal Road Date: 14 May 2021 to 28 May 2021 Duration: 6:00pm – 6:00am, weather permitting Reason: Closed each night for necessary reseal preparation works. Access to local traffic only. Road will reopen in the morning at the end of each shift.
NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD
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
KIDS ART – TERM 2 PAINTERS
Sun 9 May, 9.30 to 12pm & 12.30 to 3pm De Lew Designs Studios, 80 Butterbush Rd. Ph: 0405 072 464
MOTHER’S DAY AT COTTONTAIL WINES
“People who have good quality applications will hardcopy applications, Certificates (CDC). have the help of their even if it’s just for oneApplicants will be designer or builder, so off project such as a new required to arrange an we are asking those in shed or pergola, will account through the the industry to help no longer be accepted Planning Portal, which their clients with the at Council’s Customer will require an email new portal. Service Centre.” address. “The customer kiosks The NSW “We encourage people in the Civic Centre, Government’s amended which were closed to talk to their builder requirements apply down last year due or designer and get to the lodgement to COVID-19, will assistance with lodging of Development their application, as they hopefully reopen soon Applications (DA), for use by residents who Modification to Consent, have the experience Construction Certificates with the Planning Portal don’t have access to a computer at home to (CC) and Complying process,” Mr O’Brien prepare documentation Development said.
THURSDAY TRIVIA
ART CLASSES WITH SAM HATZIS
FRIDAY NIGHT PIZZAS
Fri 14 May, 6.45pm to 10.15pm Wagga RSL Club, Dobbs St. Ph: 6926 9700 Fri 14 May, 8pm Que Bar and Nightclub Wagga, 109 Baylis St. dane.simpson@gmail.com
/waggaevents Wed 12 May, 6pm to 8pm For event organising and The Curious Rabbit, 44 promotion support, contact Johnston St. Ph: 6921 5391 Council’s events unit: events@wagga.nsw.gov.au RIVERINA PRODUCERS MARKET or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri. Thu 13 May, 1pm to visitwagga.com
CLOSURE
Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Roads: • Kooringal Rd between Copland St and Parson St • Copland St between Kooringal Rd and Lockyer St Duration: 3.30pm to 6pm – Saturday, 8th May 2021 Reason: NRL match at
Council invites Charitable Organisations & Community Groups, from within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area, to apply for a
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financial assistance with waste disposal fees at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre under Councils Policy POL078 ‘Subsidy for Waste Disposal by Charitable Organisations & Community Groups’. Requests for support for subsidised disposal fees, ongoing or project specific must be submitted on Councils Application form (appendix 1 of Policy POL078) and
addressed to the General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, P.O. Box 20 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650. Note: Details of a nominated vehicle/trailer will be required with the application form, including registration numbers, for ease of identification at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre. Applications for the above subsidy close 31/05/2021. For all enquiries and for copies of Council’s Policy
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WEEK
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au
R251000208
McDonald’s Park Detour: Detour routes will be sign posted
WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
OF THE
If you’re looking for an elegant addition to your life, this handsome gentleman will fit the picture. Dennis is a beautiful grey and white tabby who loves the finer things in life, especially napping, lounging and gazing out the window. This three-year-old domestic short hair is available for adoption for only $212, which includes desexing, microchipping, registration, vaccination, worming, and an ID tag. Impound No.: C255. You can take a look at all our available pets at graswagga.com.au or pop in to visit – the shelter is open from Monday to Saturday, 1pm – 4.15pm.
RIVERINA COMEDY CLUB
Wed 12 May, 10am Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. E: caronne@ scvella.id.au
for their applications.” For information on how to register for a Planning Portal account, Quick Reference Guides, fact sheets, and links to other resources, visit planningportal. nsw.gov.au/support/ applicant-resource For assistance in account creation, lodgement and other enquiries relating to the portal, email planning. apps@planning.nsw. gov.au or contact Service NSW on 1300 305 695.
#adoptdontshop
Thu 13 May, 7.30pm to 9.30pm Thirsty Crow Brewery, 153 Fitzmaurice St. Ph:6921 7470
PIANO RECITAL WITH ONE BOOK ONE HAMISH TAIT WAGGA GALA DINNER Tue 11 May, 1.10pm to
WAGGA SOCIAL NETBALL
Councillor
Paul Funnell
pet
6.30pm Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. Ph: 0428 263 297
Sun 9 May, 12pm to 3pm Fri 14 May, 5.30pm to 562 Pattersons Road. Ph: 7.30pm 6928 4554 Mates Gully Café, 38 Morrow St. Ph: 6921 4241 LIVE AT LUNCH:
2pm St John’s Anglican Church, Church St. Ph: 6925 3522
I guess it is no surprise that they want to encourage silencing me as they won’t tell you what is really going on. Despite all this, Wagga is still a great place and I have relished in the opportunity to represent the people of the electorate in an open and honest manner.
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078 and application forms please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre in person, by phone on 1300 292 442, or by email at council@wagga.nsw.gov.au Please note that application forms and the Policy guidelines are also available on Council’s website at www.wagga. nsw.gov.au
Peter Thompson, General Manager