INSIDE: FIVE NEW MOBILE FOOD VENDOR PERMITS, ROADS UPDATE + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 18 JULY 2020
Issue No: 304
Weekly information from us to you
T w o ne w playgrounds for cit y There is plenty of fun in store for families who stop by at two popular suburban parks in Wagga Wagga, with the installation of new playgrounds now complete and ready for some fun! Wagga Wagga City Council’s Works and Playground Officer John Conlan gave the new playground at Belling Park the green light after its recent installation. See full story on Page 3.
Relief package to support local economy Wagga Wagga City Council has developed a number of initiatives in its COVID-19 Relief Package to help mitigate pandemic impacts on the local economy. The initiatives will complement the Live local. Be local. Activation Plan developed by the Business Support Group, and aim to support the development of industry, local businesses, community organisations and the broader community. Council Director Regional Activation Michael Keys said the pandemic has caused disruption and economic impact that is unparalleled in contemporary times. “Global impacts on health, trade and production are affecting all levels of the Australian economy. The macro impacts
have resulted in substantial decline in Gross Domestic Product and local regional economies are at risk of reduced productivity, consumption and employment availability,” Mr Keys said. “The Wagga Wagga Local Government Area is not immune to any effects of the pandemic, and the measures we take at a local level to complement State and Federal initiatives is equally important, if not more so, to how we adapt to these challenges and develop new opportunities for the future. “This package extends to sporting and community groups through to local business and industry, and how we can support them and help keep them viable through these times." Mr Keys said a key aim was to activate the CBD and get more people into the retail precinct, accessing those local businesses and supporting them. “We also want to make it easier for business people to come in and establish
a new business or grow their current Fees and Charges and 20% for operations. This is about encouraging Multipurpose stadium and Bolton Park people to get out there and have a go with a stadium for the 2020/21 financial year level of support from Council,” he said. 3. Commercial lease agreements “We’re here to support and be part of the National Cabinet Mandatory Code of community and take up some of that burden Conduct: A component estimated to on the community. That’s the challenge for provide more than $129K in rent relief to us all … it’s about being proactive and how Council tenants. we prepare for the next phase, rather than sit 4. COVID-19 Infrastructure Contributions there and think ‘what went wrong’. Relief Package: Defer Payment of “It’s also important to acknowledge Infrastructure Contributions for 12 that this has been a joint effort through months for major developments that consultation with key stakeholders in the support employment and investment regional business and industry sectors. Many in the city; Waive Sewer Infrastructure people have contributed time and effort Contributions for Change of Use in towards finding positive outcomes moving the CBD; Modify timing for Sewer and forward.” Stormwater contributions conditioned at construction for Commercial and The package supports Wagga Wagga Industrial Buildings Only. through the following five elements: 5. Hardship policy for commercial tenants: 1. Small Business support (see separate The opportunity is available for business article in this edition of Council News) property owners to reserve rate relief and 2. Seasonal user fees for sporting groups: other initiatives. 50% reduction in Parks and Sportsground
Weekly waste tip Small amounts of cooking oil can be disposed into the green lid bin. Use paper towel to absorb the oil before placing in a green compostable liner. Large quantities of cooking oil can now be taken to Gregadoo Waste Management Centre where it is accepted for free.