INSIDE: MEET COUNCIL'S NEW DIRECTORS, PET OF THE WEEK + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 1 AUGUST 2020
Issue No: 306
Weekly information from us to you
wagga's trees are streets ahead! Council’s Tree Planning & Management Supervisor, Jim Dunn, with one of the first trial Scarlet Oaks, Quercus coccinea, planted in Jackson Street, in central Wagga. We chatted to Mr Dunn recently to find out what factors Council looks at when it is determining what trees can be planted on nature strips and road reserves across the city. See full story inside.
Major projects listed on new plan Sixteen major projects and initiatives have been identified in Wagga Wagga City Council’s new Advocacy Plan aimed at sourcing State and Federal Government support to address areas that are beyond the capacity of Council and to seek additional funding for specific projects as required.
The initial list has been derived through community feedback and previous resolutions of Council and will be a “live” list regularly updated to align with Council’s strategic direction. Council’s Manager Corporate Strategy and Communications Scott Gray said the plan provides a framework to allow Council and other representative groups to take advantage of advocacy opportunities as they arise. “These opportunities can come with little or no warning, so it is important to have a document prepared and ready to put on the table to help promote the city’s bid for funding,” Mr Gray said. “It is also the basis for prioritising strategic projects and funding bids, especially when new funding programs are announced from The draft plan endorsed at Council’s 27 the Federal and State Governments. July Ordinary Meeting will now act as a guide to the city’s “wish list” of projects when “It is important to note that this is an pursuing additional funding which exceeds initial list that will be updated regularly to Council’s financial capacity or requires the align with the strategic direction of the city. approval from other tiers of Government. “It is proposed the plan will be updated
by resolution of Council to include items requirements, which is conducted every six as they arise. Over the next 12 months months. Council will also update the Community Projects in the first Advocacy Plan are: Strategic Plan and this process is likely • Bolton Park sports hub to identify new items for inclusion in the • Domestic and Family Violence plan.” • Gig State The objectives of the plan will be to: • Glenfield Road corridor • Set an organisational advocacy • Jubilee Park athletic track agenda and identify priorities in a • Gobbagombalin Bridge duplication planned and strategic manner • Health and Knowledge Precinct • Identify key partners and build strong • Heavy vehicle bypass strategic relationships • High speed rail • Influence key decision makers • Lake Albert • Secure funding for community • Northern Education and Sporting identified priority projects Precinct The plan will be regularly updated on • Pomingalarna Multisport Cycling Council’s website and include links to Complex relevant information such as reports and fact sheets. • Regional Rail Passenger Shuttle The items listed within the plan will • Riverina Intermodal Freight and be integrated into Council’s current Logistics Hub (RIFL) performance reporting process as part • Special Activation Precinct of the Integrated Planning and Reporting • Wagga Wagga Regional Airport
Weekly waste tip Polystyrene foam cannot be recycled through your yellow lid bin. Polystyrene foam can be recycled through Gregadoo Waste Management Centre where you can drop it off for free!
SPRUCING UP WAGGA’S STREETS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT TREE From the century old plane trees lining Gurwood Street to the row of palms along Peter Street, Wagga Wagga’s CBD features some beautiful avenues of old trees, some dating back to the 1890s. But when you drive around Wagga’s suburbs, particularly the newer subdivisions, you will notice there is quite a difference in the selection of trees planted along the streets’ verges. We caught up with Council’s Tree Planning & Management Supervisor, Jim Dunn, to find out what factors are considered when assessing which trees are best suited for planting in the different parts of the city. “When there’s a development application for a new subdivision, we go out and have a look at the site to see how wide the verge will be, block size, the topography of the land, and soil profiles,” Mr Dunn said. “The verge width will factor into the types of tree shape that would be suitable. For example, if it’s a 3.5m verge or a cul-de-sac, you would tend to choose an upright structured tree, rather than a broad crowned species.” “The topography is also important for issues like potential blind spots, sloping blocks, and block orientation. If you’ve got a street facing the north side of your property you don’t want a large evergreen tree on your nature strip, blocking your winter sun, cutting into your natural light and heat.” Soil profiles are another key
factor; Bourkelands is shale, Lloyd has high salinity, while other areas are loam. These differences dictate which tree species would be best suited to each suburb. At the end of the assessment process, the tree planting and management team provides a palette of tree species for developers or for homeowners looking to plant new trees or replace old or diseased trees. “We need tough and hardened stock that’s going to survive the longer, hotter and drier summers and droughts,” Mr Dunn said. “Longevity and low maintenance requirements are important. “You’ve got the Algerian oaks – Quercus canariensis – and the Turkish oak - the Quercus cerris – which are from countries that have really harsh summers. These oaks can live to be a couple of hundred years old. “Generally, we’re steering away from quick-fix trees like the Prunus, because they only last 20 or 30 years and often end up with termites.” When Council plants a new tree, it puts a Street Tree Care leaflet in people’s letterbox which outlines street tree maintenance issues and the financial benefits of having trees on your block. Council approval is required to prune, remove or plant a tree on a nature strip or road reserve. For more information, contact Council customer service on 1300 292 442 or via email council@wagga.nsw. gov.au
pet
OF THE
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
She’s cute and cuddly and looking for her forever home. Young Savana has left kitten-hood behind but still has a mischievous streak and a love of cuddles. This brown and grey short haired Tabby is very sweet and loves a pat and a good purr and would be happy to find a warm lap to curl up in to keep warm on these chilly nights. She’s around one year old and the adoption fee would include desexing, microchipping, registration, vaccination and worming, as well as an ID tag, all for $212. Savana cannot be viewed in person until Wednesday, 5 August, but if you want to find out more about this gorgeous girl, contact the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter. R251000208
FAREWELL: Support and eServices Co-ordinator, Brian Plummer, retires after 42 years with the Riverina Regional Library.
Checking out! Regional Library farewells long-serving duo
An end of a chapter at the Riverina Regional Library, with two of its longest serving staff members retiring after more than four decades with the service. Lynn Hackett and Brian Plummer both started with the then Riverina Community Library Service in 1978. Ms Hackett began her career as a library assistant at the Wagga Wagga City Library and has undertaken several roles over the years, including Cataloguer, Technical Services Assistant and, most recently, Collective Services Officer. “As a member of the Riverina Regional Library Headquarters staff, I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity of working with a wonderful regional team of dedicated and professional staff, both past and present,”Ms Hackett said. “During the past 42 years, there have been many changes in technology, the procurement of stock and how all our services are delivered to our
digital engagement through our e-audio and e-books, but people still love the printed book and I don’t think that will ever change. “Also, I think in all the time I’ve been here, libraries have always been welcoming places and they’re pretty much like the community living room.” Executive Director END OF AN ERA: Long-serving librarian Lynn of Riverina Regional Hackett is farewelled on her retirement by Executive Director of Riverina Regional Library, Library, Robert Knight, Robert Knight. said both Ms Hackett and Mr Plummer had current 19 branch as Acting Director of provided long and libraries and the Mobile Riverina Regional Library meritorious service to Library. Services for 18 months the Riverina Regional in the early 2000s. “Our libraries are a Library. community resource “My first role as a “Lynn and Brian are that offers so much to Cataloguer was back highly regarded by their so many people and I’m in the days when you colleagues across the proud to have been a wrote out catalogue region,” Mr Knight said. small part of it.” cards by hand and there “They have been part were drawers full of Brian Plummer has of significant change in thousands of cards,” Mr the evolution of library also experienced Plummer said. these changes during service provision during his career, which has “Now, basically the the intervening years. spanned roles including whole library is cloud Their contribution to Cataloguer, Regional based and accessible the organisation is both Services Librarian, through hand-held acknowledged and Manager of Wagga devices. greatly appreciated.” Wagga City Library, “While a lot has Lynn was farewelled by Co-ordinator Library IT changed, I think her RRL colleagues on Services and Support, people’s fascination with Friday 3 July, followed and eServices Coand love for the printed by Brian’s send off on ordinator. book has remained. Friday 31 July. He even had a stint We have a reasonable
B R A I L L E W AY F I N D I N G A F I R S T F O R W A G G A
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au
Wagga Wagga will be the first city in NSW to roll out Braille wayfinding along an entire bus route to support vision impaired commuters. The new B-pole signage which has been installed along the 960 route in Wagga Wagga is part of the NSW Government’s 16 Regional Cities Program which focuses on improving bus services in key regional NSW locations. This initiative follows the implementation of 240 new weekly bus services to the Wagga Wagga network. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey
OAM said this transport initiative was just another way Wagga Wagga could identify as an inclusive and accessible city. “Any improvement we can support to help make transport options more accessible for everybody is a good thing,” Cr Conkey said. “To be selected as the first city in NSW to roll out this wayfinding service speaks volumes for us as a progressive regional capital city with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility … that is an important part of how this city functions in support of its residents and visitors.” The B-poles will feature
consistent information at bus stops including a stop name, number, route, timetable and destinations. There have been 39 B-poles installed along the 960 route between Lake Albert and Charles Sturt University, via Kooringal and the Wagga CBD. The remaining 15 poles will be installed from the start of August. The new B-pole signage has been developed with key stakeholders including Vision Australia, Guide Dogs Australia, and in consultation with local entities including Kurrajong Support Services.
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Council’s new Directors set for next challenge
Two new Council Directors set to lead the next wave of Wagga Wagga’s infrastructure building boom have landed in the city ready to tackle everything the job promises. The first few weeks of Warren Faulkner and Darren Raeck’s time in the city has been spent on site at major projects and in meetings planning the next round of works. Wagga Wagga City Council’s Commercial Operations directorate has been split into two sections with Mr Faulkner charged with Operations and Mr Raeck in Projects and Strategy. “We’ve hit the ground running,
no doubt about it,” Mr Raeck said. “There is plenty to familiarise ourselves with and getting across the current book of works and what is coming up has been a priority. “Wagga is moving ahead as a regional capital city when you see the number of shovel-ready projects and others that are not too far behind. There is many millions of dollars being invested in the city and now it’s our job to build on that investment and bring the projects to fruition.” Mr Raeck, with a background in engineering and also a master's degree in business, worked for 20
years in the north-west region of Victoria with a focus on the water and waste water industries. The past four years were spent with Narrabri Shire Council where he got an appreciation of the diversity of local government and working directly on community projects. Mr Faulkner, a Civil Engineer with management qualifications as well, has worked at the City of Melville in Perth and the Liverpool Plains and Tamworth Regional Councils dealing in asset management including roads, water, sewer, floodplain management, strategic planning
and sub-divisions. He also did a three-year stint in State Government with the Roads and Maritime Services on the New England Highway, and brings six years experience as a director and 16 years as a manager of operations to the Wagga role “Local government is exactly that, it’s local … that’s what I like about it,” Mr Faulkner said. “You’re at the coalface of the community, dealing with infrastructure every day that will directly have an affect on the community you live in. “I am particularly impressed with
the growth of Wagga and that was an attraction for me … there’s a big city feel with rural aspects as well.” Both Mr Faulkner and Mr Raeck highlighted the developments at Bomen’s industrial precinct as a drawcard to the city. “These types of developments – the Special Activation Precinct and the intermodal hub – will be the economic drivers for this city for many years to come,” Mr Raeck said. “It’s an important project for this city and this region, and one we want to see reach its true potential in the very near future.”
LI V E S TOC K M A R K E TI N G C E NTR E BAC K TO S TAG E 2 R E S TR I C TI O N S
NEW ROLES: Director Operations Warren Faulkner (left) and Director Projects and Strategy Darren Raeck have arrived in Wagga Wagga and are ready to tackle their next challenge in local government.
Wagga Wagga City Council has reinstated Stage 2 restrictions at the Livestock Marketing Centre (LMC) from Thursday, 30 July. Access to the facility is now restricted to essential personnel. Council General Manager Peter Thompson said this change comes in response to concerns raised by the Wagga Selling Agents’ Association and meat processors that there are large numbers of people attending sales, with resistance to adherence to
social distancing requirements. He said this measure will limit the potential exposure of COVID-19 into the farming community. LMC staff and the Association support having this change implemented for this Thursday’s sale. “These measures are being put in place
to avoid some of the issues experienced at some facilities in Victoria and to ensure LMC continues to supply meat to the Australian public in a safe and sustainable way,” Mr Thompson said. “The community’s support and understanding is greatly appreciated.”
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS TO DRIVE TOURISM Vacancies
Wagga Wagga will be one of the first regional centres to install an electric vehicle (EV) charging station under a new partnership between NRMA and the State Government. Local drivers and visitors to the city will soon be able to plug in and recharge their EV at the Cross Street car park in central Wagga, next to the Visitor Information Centre. The partnership will deliver at least 20 additional electric vehicle fast chargers to the existing regional network along the State’s major highways. Yass has been named as the other centre to have an EV charging station in the initial rollout of 20 new chargers along the Sturt and Hume highways. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said the initiative is welcomed in Wagga Wagga. “We are ideally placed on the Sturt Highway and local drivers, along with travellers coming through our city, will greatly benefit from this service,” Cr Conkey said. “Providing these chargers opens up regional NSW to electric vehicle owners and it’s important to be on that EV map as a key destination for charging stations. “It’s an opportunity to welcome more visitors to spend time in our city and that has many economic benefits for local businesses as well.” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole said these additional charging
stations are part of a co-funded investment to deliver greener and cleaner travel. “This will help create the most comprehensive regional charging network in the country,” Mr Toole said. “The extended network will help further support the regional tourism economy and promote local investment in regional centres along the Newell, Barrier, New England, and Kamilaroi highways. We want people to stop off and explore our regional towns and cities while they charge their EVs.” Mr Toole said in most cases, EV drivers will be no more than 150 kilometres from a charging station once the network is
completed by 2022. NRMA Executive General Manager Nell Payne said tackling the issue of range anxiety was critical to giving Australians more choice when it came to purchasing an EV. “The NRMA has been building Australia’s most comprehensive fast charging network with almost 40 fast charging stations installed in NSW,” Ms Payne said. “This partnership to install more charging stations will open up regional NSW further to electric vehicle owners and boost regional tourism by giving certainty to drivers that they can journey across the state without fear of running out of charge.”
Truck Driver (10M Truck and Dog)
Remuneration: $2,125.48 gpf + super Enquiries: Keith Newell on 02 6971 4611 or 0428 286 317 Closing date: Monday 10 August 2020
Administration Officer
Two (2) Temporary Part-Time Positions Available Enquiries: Madeleine Scully on 02 6926 9350 or Mark Gardiner on 02 6926 9330 Closing date: Wednesday 12 August 2020
Truck Driver (Patching Truck)
Two (2) Permanent Positions Available Remuneration: $1,920.54 gpf + super Enquiries: Robert Wiggins on 02 6971 4615 or 0419 612 625 Closing date: Monday 17 August 2020
Plant Operator (Skidsteer)
Remuneration: $2,081.84 gpf + super Enquiries: Andrew Brydon on 02 6971 4612 or 0428 964 158 Closing date: Monday 17 August 2020
Labourer
Two (2) Permanent Positions Available Remuneration: $1,881.26 gpf + super Enquiries: Robert Mithilan on 02 6971 4617 or 0429 157 065 Closing date: Monday 17 August 2020
Organisational Executive - People and Regional Leadership
Remuneration: An attractive remuneration in accordance with skills and experience Enquiries: Peter Thompson on 02 6926 9121 Closing date: Monday 24 August 2020
CHARGING STATION: Wagga Wagga has been selected as a regional site for a new EV charging station. Making the announcement recently were (from left) Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr MP, NRMA Executive General Manager Motoring Nell Payne, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole MP and Wagga Wagga Mayor Cr Greg Conkey OAM.
Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
What an amazing day in the City of Wagga Wagga yesterday. The tapestry of the multiculturalism of the city broadened even further. The city has always had a proud history of celebrating the
diversity of cultures, all the way back to the 1950’s. Whether this started with residents setting up retail businesses or arriving in the city or the region for work, whether that be on the Snowy scheme or in other industries. Then in the 1970’s the first refugees arrived with the San Isidore community
leading the charge in facilitating these arrivals. Over the years there have been a number of refugee countries of origin with the last few years being focused on Burmese and Yazidi communities. In the midst of everything that is happening in regard to COVID, it is exciting to see that yesterday 43
people from over 20 countries were able to obtain their Australian Citizenship. For each and every person who received their citizenship yesterday each of them has a story of their pathway to the ceremony. The emotion on each person’s face as they receive their citizenship is forever
0427 448 525 | councillor.tout@wagga.nsw.gov.au etched in my mind. They have now received Australian Citizenship that for each of them opens new opportunities. For one person yesterday it represented not only a first for Wagga but the end of a 29-year journey of statelessness. Originally from Tibet, Dolkar Kyap and his son and daughter were the
first of the growing Tibetan community to receive citizenship in Wagga. After having to leave his home country of Tibet then to Nepal and then to India before coming here, he has had citizenship of no country having been stateless all those years. Now he and his family have all the protection and opportunities
that come with citizenship. During this pandemic the Wagga and regional community have been very responsible in taking measures to ensure appropriate social distancing to keep each other safe, particularly the vulnerable in our community. Please continue
to look after each other and stay safe but also take a moment to think of those who yesterday were able to reach a personal milestone in receiving Australian citizenship and becoming residents of this great city.
Councillor Dallas Tout (Deputy Mayor)
Oasis accredited as Culturally Qualified Centre
The Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre is one of 10 NSW aquatic facilities recently recognised as a Culturally Qualified Centre after taking part in Royal Life Saving NSW’s Cultural Competence Program. The program is designed to ensure aquatic centre staff understand the issues affecting multicultural members of their community, many of whom may never have ventured to a swimming pool before. Oasis Programs Supervisor Fiona Claridge said everyone in the team had completed the program, including lifeguards, reception staff and management. “We want to ensure everyone who visits the pool feels welcome and has a positive experience,” Ms Claridge said. “With Wagga being such a multicultural community, it’s important we understand the right ways to communicate with people from different countries, and ensure we keep them as safe as possible. “We want to help give all our community members the skills and knowledge to safely enjoy the water – whether they’re here at the Oasis, in a backyard pool,
or at the river.” Royal Life Saving research found that four in five multicultural people who drowned in New South Wales between July 2013 and June 2018 were poor or non-swimmers, with no formal swimming or water safety education. Ms Claridge said part of the issue stemmed from some migrants and refugees not understanding the nature of large bodies of water. “We’ve had people come in and just jump into the 50 metre pool – not understanding the depth and that you don’t just float but have to learn how to swim. “Another issue we see is people unaware of the appropriate attire for swimming. With different cultures, some people are more comfortable swimming in pants and long-sleeves – which is fine if it’s the right material. You don’t want to get into the pool wearing jeans and a heavy top. “There are so many differences – it really just depends on people’s background and what culture they’re from. But no matter what level of experience you have, we’re here to help.”
Swimming lessons are the quickest and safest way to gain confidence in the water. Lessons are available for all ages, from babies through to adults and seniors, with a special class for older children who haven’t had much experience with water. “We’ll make sure the whole family is educated, and understands the difference in water depths, what it feels like to get in the water and to be submerged,” Ms Claridge said. “It’s wonderful to see people who were initially terrified to put their head under the water become confident. Even if they’re not swimming, they can enjoy hopping in the pool with their kids and cool down on a hot day. “It changes their lifestyle, especially come summertime.” Royal Life Saving NSW’s Cultural Competence Program, produced in partnership with the NSW Government, has been specifically developed to address the high number of drowning fatalities among diverse communities. To book in for swimming lessons, call the friendly Oasis team on 02 6926 9390 or email oasis3@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Track your bus in real time Commuters in Wagga Wagga and 16 other centres across regional NSW will soon be able to track the arrival of their bus and check seating availability in real time. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said in Wagga Wagga recently the real-time tracking technology will be installed in around 1000 buses across the State, starting from late August, as part of phase two of the NSW Government’s Transport Connected Bus program. He said the technology has already been rolled out in Dubbo, Coffs Harbour and Bega with great results and now the program is being expanded to include
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Wagga Wagga. It will allow customers to track the location of the bus, its estimated arrival time at a stop, and how full the bus is. Shaun Williams, Depot Manager at Busabout Wagga Wagga, said local operators would also benefit from the rollout with access to more
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
accurate data and tools to improve services and keep buses running on time. “This technology will capture information about the number of customers getting on or off at a particular stop. This will give us a more accurate picture of how and when customers are travelling, which will
make it easier for us to understand where service improvements need to be delivered,” Mr Williams said. Customers travelling in regional NSW will be able to view reliable timetable information and real-time updates using the Transport for NSW Trip Planner tool at transportnsw.info and other travel apps.
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HERE TO HELP: Staff at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre are ready to help you safely discover the joys of water, regardless of your level of experience.
CO L L I N G U L L I E T R A N S F E R S TAT I O N U P G R A D E
Improvements in safety, capacity, efficiency and amenity of the site highlight a recent upgrade to the Collingullie Transfer Station. New low level bins with wind back covers have been placed at the facility to reduce odour and windblown litter, keep contents dry and keep out vermin. The lower height of the
bins removes the risk of falls as customers can now transfer their waste and recycling from ground level. The larger site allows for more vehicles to unload whilst still allowing room for safe vehicle and pedestrian movements. The entrance gate has also been widened to allow for safer and more efficient traffic flow.
Public Notices
EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL – 3 AUGUST 2020 In accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Local Government Act 1993, notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of the City of Wagga Wagga
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A new rubbish catch fence has been constructed around the area which allows staff to easily remove any litter caught by the fence. Gravel and concrete hardstand areas have also been constructed to provide an even and level surface which can be safely used in all weather.
will be held at 5.30pm on Monday, 3 August 2020 at the Civic Centre, Wagga Wagga, to consider two Confidential Reports being RiFL Hub Stage 2 and 3 Design and Construct - Contract Award and RiFL Lease and Agreement for Lease. Copies of the Agenda are available to the public on Council’s website or by contacting Council’s Customer Service staff.
Peter Thompson, General Manager