Council News #296 - 23 May 2020

INSIDE: EUNONY BRIDGE UPDATE, WIRADJURI TRAIL WORKS + MORE

Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 23 MAY 2020

Issue No: 296

Weekly information from us to you

Works ramping up at lake albert Extensions to two of the six boat ramps at Lake Albert have been completed in the first week of works to improve areas around the waterway while levels are low.

See full story inside.

LAKE IMPROVEMENTS: Lake Albert Community Group member and local sailor Garry Williams (left) inspects the latest work to the Lake Albert boat ramps with Wagga Wagga City Council’s Ben Creighton.

FOGO success hits 10,000 tonne target The continued success of Wagga Wagga City Council’s Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) system has been highlighted in new figures revealing an increase in the amount of compost being produced and kept out of landfill.

Council recently completed the second year of its new three-bin system and exceeded its target of 10,000 tonnes of FOGO collection (green lid bin).

Gregadoo Waste Management Centre Manager Geoff Pym said the figures were a pleasing result in only the second year of

the new system being introduced.

In the first year of operation, collection of FOGO was 9,732 tonnes – falling just short of the 10,000 tonne target.

This year to the anniversary date in April, there was 10,551 tonnes collected – an increase of 819 tonnes.

“This is a terrific result for us and indicates community members are adapting to the three-bin system as time goes on,” Mr Pym said.

“We have been consistent in trying to promote the FOGO message and build on the progress we made in the first year.

“To exceed 10,000 tonnes in our second year tells us we are all moving in the right direction towards reducing landfill by following a few simple steps of separating our rubbish.”

Mr Pym said there was a small component of contamination in the FOGO bins,

Wagga Wagga City Council’s

Annual Grants Program 2020-2021

primarily plastic wrappers being left on vegetables or food in takeaway containers, but also clothing and metal items.

“This does present a problem with the composting process and we urge residents to take that extra care in separating the plastics from the food scraps,” Mr Pym said.

“However, it does indicate that the householders are generally attempting to do the right thing.”

Mr Pym said a recent bin audit had also revealed a proportion of organic material, mostly from the kitchen, was not being diverted to FOGO, and was instead being placed in the general waste red lid bin (landfill).

In 2018 15% of the overall waste disposed was classified as general waste however householders disposed of 28% of all waste to the general waste bin. In 2020 general waste accounted for 19% of the overall waste disposed during this audit however

39% of all waste was discarded to the general waste bin.

“It also seems to be the case that householders are not fully aware that materials such as soiled paper, cardboard and compostable packaging can be placed into the FOGO bin,” he said.

“And there is still considerable confusion about what can be included in the recycling bin (yellow lid) with many households placing plastic bags and other nonrecyclable plastic in this bin.

“Given the availability of separate recycling schemes that do accept these materials, it is easy to see why the confusion exists.”

The analysis of diversion from residual waste by local area highlighted that North Wagga Wagga had the lowest average household level of divertible materials in their general waste (22% below the average).

Could your project, event or great idea for the community do with a funding boost?

Funding available for the below categories: • Recreational Facilities and Rural Halls • Community Programs and Projects

• Small Business • Local Heritage • Natural Environment Applications close 4pm, Monday 25 May 2020

To find out more: 1300 292 442 | wagga.nsw.gov.au/grants

Challenges faced on Eunony Bridge project

BRIDGE INSPECTION: Getting a first-hand look at Eunony Bridge progress works this week were (from left) Councillor Dan Hayes, General Manager Peter Thompson, and Crs Greg Conkey, Tim Koschel, Kerry Pascoe, Dallas Tout and Rod Kendall.

A number of unexpected interruptions since work started earlier this year on the $10.6M widening and strengthening of Eunony Bridge have impacted the project’s schedule by two weeks.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic affected Wagga Wagga shortly after main works started and the theft of specialised crane equipment at the work site followed by significant rain events have been the main causes.

Wagga Wagga City Council Director Commercial Operations Caroline Angel said work on the project has continued at a solid rate and significant goals are being met but circumstances beyond Council’s control have made a difference.

“We have lost about 14 days for a variety of reasons and that

is through no fault of Council or its contractors who have been outstanding in achieving certain milestones despite the extenuating circumstances,” Ms Angel said.

“The theft of the crane equipment slowed progress by a week in the very early stages and that was extremely unfortunate to have to deal with a situation where the actions of those thieves have directly and indirectly affected the whole community.

“The crane was not operational until that equipment was replaced, and that was extremely disappointing for all involved.”

Ms Angel said the pandemic has also had an effect in certain areas of the project.

“A reduction in flights to and from Wagga Wagga in response

to COVID-19 hindered specialist crews’ capacity to travel to and from the city, both intra and interstate,” Ms Angel said.

“Key staff, including the Project Manager and Site Engineer, were required to quarantine after contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

“More recently, we had to deal with rain which stopped work due to safety issues.”

Ms Angel said there has still been excellent progress considering the circumstances.

This includes the completion of Span 4 of the bridge deck being replaced, preparation for a further two spans to be lifted and roadworks on the northern approach of the bridge.

Eunony Bridge will remain closed until early August 2020, weather permitting.

WORK IN PROGRESS: Wagga Wagga City Council Director Commercial Operations Caroline Angel and Director Regional Activation Michael Keys at the bridge site this week.

Council services reopening Service

When

Civic Centre Customer Service desk

Monday 25 May

Library return chute only

Monday 25 May

Wagga Wagga City Library

Monday 1 June

Visitor Information Centre

Monday 1 June

Wagga Wagga Art Gallery

Tuesday 2 June

Museum of the Riverina (Historic Council Chambers site only)

Tuesday 2 June

As per NSW Public Health Order, strict social distancing and hygiene protocols will be in place. For more information visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/servicechanges

Wagga Wagga City Council’s

Annual Grants Program

WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: N A T I O N A L S O R R Y D AY

2020-2021

Could your project, event or great idea for the community do with a funding boost?

Community organisations, groups and individuals in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area are invited to apply for funding under the categories below.

Funding categories: • Recreational Facilities and Rural Halls • Small Business • Community Programs and Projects • Local Heritage • Natural Environment

$227,000

in funding available For community organisations, groups, individuals + small business Applications close Monday 25 May 2020, 4pm Online consultation sessions

by EOI, Tuesday 28 April to Friday 1 May 2020.

To learn more visit:

wagga.nsw.gov.au/grants

Next week marks the 22nd anniversary of National Sorry Day, followed by National Reconciliation Week – this year themed ‘In This Together’.

While there will be no outdoor commemorative events led by Wagga Wagga City Council due to COVID-19 public gathering restrictions, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Greg Conkey OAM said it was an important time for the community to reflect on the past, to acknowledge the hurt caused by past government policies and actions, and to recognise the richness, strength and resilience of our Wiradjuri and First Nations Peoples.

“We acknowledge the pain and suffering for First Nations Peoples,” Cr Conkey said.

“We need to listen to First Nations Peoples’ stories and remember why it is important we commemorate this day.”

Director Community Janice Summerhayes said Council is committed to working towards a better future for all through meaningful reconciliation.

“This includes respectful relationships, better understanding of Wiradjuri culture and heritage, and the provision of more equitable

opportunities,” Ms Summerhayes said.

Council demonstrated this commitment in 2019 with the introduction of its first Reconciliation Action Plan.

“The Wagga Wagga ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan 2021 provides a framework demonstrating Council’s commitment to Wiradjuri and First Nations community members,” Ms Summerhayes said.

“Council is committed to ensuring there is genuine respect and equitable opportunities for all through leadership and employment, as well as by delivering events, services, exhibitions, public programs and projects in partnership with the city’s First Nations Peoples.”

For more information visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ rap2021

IMPORTANT DATES

National Sorry Day: Tuesday 26 May National Reconciliation Week : 27 May – 3 June #NRW2020 #InThisTogether2020

Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication

Health check for city's trees

A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH: Team Leader Tree Maintenance Andrew Oliver is part of the Council team ensuring the city’s trees are healthy and structurally sound.

Some of the city’s oldest trees are being subjected to a thorough analysis as part of Wagga Wagga City Council’s tree audit.

Council are working with a team of independent tree auditors to assess trees in a staged city audit. The areas being covered in 2020 include Ashmont, Central, North Wagga Wagga, Turvey Park and the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens.

Team Leader Tree Maintenance Andrew Oliver explained that safety is the team’s main aim when assessing the trees.

“We want to ensure

our trees are safe, for both people and property,” Mr Oliver said.

“We’re using a dedicated tree risk assessment software program, which quantifies all the issues we find in a tree and gives each tree a risk score. We’re then able to program our works based on those scores.

Trees that are deemed high-risk are our priority.”

The team systematically work from the ground up, looking at a tree’s overall health and structure.

“I start off by looking at the roots; any heaving or cracking in

the soil can indicate movement, which may be a sign of total tree failure,” Mr Oliver said.

“Once that’s ruled out, you look up the stem (trunk). Often people think a high stem is dangerous, but it’s not the height that’s an issue, it’s the amount of residual timber (living tissue) around the diameter of the stem that’s important. We work on a ratio of 1-to-6, so for example, if we’ve got a stem diameter of 36 inches, we require a minimum 6 inches of residual timber for that tree to be safe.”

The team then check for dead wood, and assess limbs and the way they’re attached,

looking for telltale bulges in bark that may indicate an underlying problem.

“There are only two things a tree can do with a defect,” Mr Oliver said.

“It can compartmentalise it and seal it off, or it can put on mass and try to outgrow it – effectively stabilising itself by distributing the load.”

Council is working with Homewood Consulting, a leading arboricultural firm, to conduct the audit over the next few weeks.

If you’d like to contact Council about a public tree, visit wagga.nsw. gov.au/servicerequests or call 1300 292 442.

Lake's boat ramps extended Extensions to two of the six boat ramps at Lake Albert have been completed in the first week of works to improve areas around the waterway while levels are low.

Concrete extensions to the main ramps at the Wagga Boat Club and also Apex Park were completed on Monday (18 May) after works to prepare the sites were made during last weekend.

The remaining four ramps, accommodating sailing, dragon boat and Scouts activities, are expected to be finished early next week, weather permitting.

Wagga Wagga City Council Strategic Asset Planner Ben

Creighton said Council’s relationship with the Lake Albert Community Group was producing excellent results at the lake in quick time.

Mr Creighton said work on a number of projects started almost immediately after Council received State Government approval to proceed with the improvements.

Improvements also include vegetation regrowth removal at the northern and southern ends of the lake.

This work required Council to develop a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and apply for a permit, issued by the

State Government, before any work could proceed.

Heavy machinery moved on site on Monday (18 May) and will be working around the lake during the next 2–3 weeks, weather permitting.

“As soon as we received State Government approval to proceed, we had workers on site assessing and preparing to start at the earliest opportunity,” Mr Creighton said.

“Council has a good relationship with the community group and we all want to see positive results to improve the area.”

REGROWTH REMOVED: Vegetation regrowth is being removed from Lake Albert while water levels remain low. The work started earlier this week and will include sections along the northern and southern ends of the lake. Work is expected to take another two weeks, weather permitting.

Vacancies Digital Engagement Coordinator

Remuneration: $3,486.36 gpf + super Enquiries: Robert Knight on 02 6926 9777 Closing date: Monday 1 June 2020 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

To view these opportunities and apply, visit:

wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs

RAMP WORKS: Aerial views of progress works on boat ramps at Lake Albert.

Weekly waste tip If you’re firing up the wood heater this winter ensure you dispose of ash responsibly.

Allow ash time to completely cool before placing in the green lid bin.

Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication

COUNCILLOR COLUMN

What will be the new norm for the city of Wagga Wagga when this pandemic is over?

One thing is for certain, what was normal a few months ago, will no longer be the case.

There is already a greater community understanding of how

easily infections can spread.

The basics of social distancing, washing hands regularly, coughing into elbows and self isolating if there are signs of the flu or a cold, have had the desired effect.

Not only has it slowed the spread of COVID-19 but also drastically reduced the number of flu cases throughout the country.

So expect less hand shaking and people

keeping a safe distance away from others in public places.

Workplaces have, and will, change.

Hundreds of Zoom meetings are now being held weekly throughout the city instead of face to face meetings.

How many businesses, organisations and individuals had even heard of Zoom meetings 10 weeks ago?

They are convenient,

easily set up and have already become the new tool for businesses and various groups, even book clubs.

A large number of Wagga Wagga City Council’s indoor staff members are now working from home with no loss of productivity.

So more flexible working arrangements will be the new norm.

The flow-on effect could mean shorter peak hour periods and

0417 467 760 | councillor.conkey@wagga.nsw.gov.au

freeing up car parking spaces.

With less congested and safer roads, along with our ever expanding cycling network, more people have already taken up cycling.

Another positive is that many people are fitter now than before the lock down with regular exercising part of their daily routine.

The new pedestrian and cycle way on top of the main city levee

is particularly popular along with the walk around the lake.

People have also “discovered” the Wiradjuri Walking Trail that circumnavigates the city.

It’s one of Wagga Wagga’s best kept secrets although this is set to change when councillors adopt a new Wiradjuri Trail Master Plan in the near future.

Other benefits to come from this situation have been

From the shelter to a jetsetter: Stevie the Kelpie Five years ago, Stevie the Australian Kelpie was a resident at Wagga Wagga City Council’s Glenfield Road Animal Shelter. After being adopted by her foster family, she has gone on to travel with them, notching up three countries in her passport.

The Kardachi family were part of the Australian Working Dog Rescue foster care system and took Stevie home after she was left at the Glenfield shelter. While originally planning to foster her until a new owner was found, Zak Kardachi said it quickly became apparent Stevie was home for good.

“It was love from day one – the thought of another family having her never entered our heads,” Mr Kardachi said.

“She has gone from a scared, jumpy girl to a lively, confident and energetic member of our family.”

When the family relocated to Portland, Oregon in 2017, Stevie came too.

“She braved the 15-hour

Public Notices RFQ 2020-548 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING GREGADOO WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFQ2020-548 Environmental Monitoring GWMC” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 10 June 2020.

This is a rates contract for providing sampling, laboratory analysis and reporting services for groundwater, surface water, dust and gas at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre Enquiries should be directed to Council’s Contracts Officer via email conolly.melinda@ wagga.nsw.gov.au. A non-refundable fee of $145.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed on the following web address: tenderlink.com/wagga

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flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles and then the additional 2.5-hour flight north to Portland,” Mr Kardachi said.

“Being the rugged Kelpie that she is, she shrugged the whole thing off like it was nothing.

“Stevie has settled into life in Oregon well, enjoying hikes and the outdoors with us in all seasons.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the US, the family have decided to return to Australia and Stevie will soon have her paws back on Australian soil.

Glenfield Road Animal Shelter Supervisor Julie McPhail said she and the team loved hearing about the exploits of their former charges.

“I absolutely love it. I feel like saying to everyone, ‘Look what our dogs did!’” Ms McPhail said.

“Stevie’s story is a perfect example of what these dogs are capable of.

ANNUAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Council invites Charitable Organisations & Community Groups, from within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area, to apply for a 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 31/05/2020.

For all enquiries and for copies of Council’s Policy 078 and application forms please contact Council’s

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

WHAT A SHELTER DOG CAN DO: Stevie at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Canada, on a trip with her family last summer.

“Another rescue of ours was Winnie, who went to Labrador Rescue three years ago. She then went into the Defence Community Dogs program, aced her companion dog test, and is now a qualified assistance dog living with a veteran.

“We had another dog who made it to the second stage of a bomb detection course, which is an incredible achievement.

“Just because they’re shelter

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 wagga.nsw. gov.au

PROPOSED RENT & LICENCE FEE REDUCTIONS COUNCIL COMMUNITY LEASE & LICENCE AGREEMENTS

Wagga Wagga City Council provides notice in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993 of its proposal to grant rent or licence fee reductions to local community not for profit lessees and licensees occupying Council owned or managed properties up to a maximum of $11,342.63. Proposed rent or licence fee reductions apply to community tenants affected by COVID-19 restrictions or closures as per the listing attached to the Council report dated 27 April 2020 and referenced as RP-2.

Persons wishing to make a submission in relation to the proposed rent or licence fee reductions

dogs doesn’t mean they’re bad dogs. Everybody’s got their quirks – if you just work through them with your dog, you can have the best companion ever.”

Looking for a new pet? Visit graswagga.com.au Glenfield Road Animal Shelter is still closed to the public, but the team are available to chat between 8.00am–4.15pm, Monday– Friday on 02 6971 4651.

should do so prior to close of the exhibition period.

Submissions should be in writing and may be mailed to the General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, P O Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 or emailed to council@ wagga.nsw.gov.au. Persons making submissions are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA) and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PIPPA) and may be attached to a report to Council unless explicitly requested by the person making the submission that they do not wish this to occur. Any questions relating to the above proposed rent or licence fee reductions may be referred to Dianne Wright on 1300 292 442. Submissions will be received until Monday 8th June 2020.

PROPOSED RENT WAIVER

Wagga Wagga City Council provides notice in accordance with Section 356 & 610E of the Local Government Act 1993 of its proposal to grant a rent waiver to individuals

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WEATHERPROOFING THE WIRADJURI TRAIL

CLOSING UNDER SECTION 38B ROADS ACT 1993

In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Wagga Wagga City Council proposes to close parts of the roads adjoining Lot 334 DP 1190643 and listed in Schedule 1: • Part Doris Roy Lane – west of Peck Street • Part Lewis Drive – between Sturt Highway (Edward Street) and Yabtree Street • Part Lewis Drive – between Yathong Street and Rawson Lane • Part Yabtree Street – west of Peck Street • Part Yathong Street – west of Peck Street Upon closure of parts of the roads, Council intends to sell the land to the adjoining owner, Health Administration Corporation, to manage as part of the internal driveway network of the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital precinct.

All interested parties are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the General Manager, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga City Council NSW 2650,

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Councillor Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor)

A section of Wagga Wagga’s beloved Wiradjuri Trail will be closed for the next week as Council finishes weatherproofing the surface.

A 700-metre section of trail, between the southern end of the Gobbagombalin Bridge and the Murrumbidgee River, is being resurfaced, making it accessible year-round.

Parks & Recreation Assets Officer Robert Owers is part of the team making it happen.

“We’re putting 300 tonnes of road-base gravel onto it which gets brought in by truck,” said Mr Owers.

“A bobcat spreads the gravel across the path, then a water cart and a roller work to compact it down, creating a hard surface with a slope so rainwater runs off.

“We’re working to keep the trail accessible in all kinds of weather.”

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has contributed $11,500 towards the project, with Wagga Wagga City Council contributing $10,000 to complete the gravelling works.

occupying Council owned property in the amount of $2,402.88. The rent waiver has been granted for compassionate reasons on the grounds of personal hardship.

Persons wishing to make a submission in relation to the proposed rent waiver should do so prior to close of the exhibition period.

Submissions should be in writing and may be mailed to the General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, P O Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 or emailed to council@ wagga.nsw.gov.au. Persons making submissions are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA) and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PIPPA) and may be attached to a report to Council unless explicitly requested by the person making the submission that they do not wish this to occur.

Any questions relating to the above proposed rent waiver may be referred to Dianne Wright on 1300 292 442. Submissions will be received until Monday 8th June 2020.

PROPOSED ROAD

a closer working relationship between Wagga Wagga City Council and business organisations as well as welfare groups.

No one is denying these are tough times with all sections of the community impacted, but thankfully there will be some positives that will flow.

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within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of this advertisement being 8 June 2020. Please note that under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, such submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration.

Once the submission period is completed, Wagga Wagga City Council will consider all duly made submissions before deciding whether to continue with the road closure proposal.

Enquiries: Maureen Fitzpatrick Telephone: 1300 292 442

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Nandina Avenue (between Vincent Road and Telopea Crescent) Date: 26 to 29 May 2020 Duration: 7.00am to 5.00pm, weather permitting Reason: Necessary preparation works for resealing of road.

Peter Thompson, General Manager

COU