Council News #355 - 24 July 2021 by Wagga Wagga City Council

INSIDE: OPTIONS FOR PAYING YOUR RATES, CREWS ON POTHOLE PATROL + MORE

THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL

Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

Issue No: 355

Weekly information from us to you

FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 24 JULY 2021

Bomen Revegetation Project

HELPING HANDS NEEDED: Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent is encouraging everyone to come along to National Tree Day at Bomen on Sunday 1 August 2021 at 10am. Get in touch with nature, plant some seedlings and help replenish our region’s biodiversity – our native wildlife will thank you. National Tree Day will be a COVID-safe event.

Wagga Wagga City Council is pleased to announce an ambitious revegetation project for Bomen, which will see 58 hectares of previously cleared land planted with more than 50,000 seedlings. The five-year project will receive $250,000 funding from Bomen Solar Farm, as part of a partnership with Spark Renewables (owner of the farm) and Westpac (which purchases green power from the farm). It will see four separate sites planted out with a mixture of native trees, shrubs and ground covers by Council staff, contractors and volunteers. The sites have been prepared in consultation with the local Wiradjuri community, with Manager Environment & Regulatory Services Mark Gardiner saying it was rare for Council’s Environment team to gain access to an area of land this size. “We’re very happy to have this opportunity to work with Spark Renewables and Westpac to revegetate these sites,” Mr Gardiner said. “It’s encouraging to see private industry take affirmative action in the communities in which they operate, and work with Council to help improve our region’s biodiversity and provide the habitat needed to restore our native fauna populations. Continued inside

Main art gallery and shop reopen to visitors Wagga Wagga Art Gallery officially reopened its main and upstairs galleries and shop inside the Civic Centre today (24 July), following the completion of a refresh and refurbishment project. Although the National Art Glass Gallery has remained open, the main gallery spaces have been closed to the public since 11 April to allow for the installation of a climate control air-conditioning system in the Margaret Carnegie Gallery, along with the completion of other scheduled refurbishment works to the exhibition and shop spaces. The new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) will enable the

gallery to accept a greater range of touring shows and individual works from the country’s major art institutions. Art Gallery Director Dr Lee-Anne Hall said the team is pleased to be welcoming visitors back to the gallery and is keen to show everyone the new exhibitions in the refurbished spaces. “You will see the changes straightaway when you come in through the main entrance, with new floor to ceiling windows creating a mezzanine overlooking the main gallery and its exhibitions downstairs,” Dr Hall said. “The shop is back with a focus on local, regional, and Australian artists and crafts people. “We are back in business, we are COVID- safe, and we have a wide variety of shows that are really worth coming to see.”

The Art Gallery received $192,000 in funding through the NSW Government Infrastructure Grants Program (Clubgrants Category 3) to undertake this program of works. While no formal launch has been held due to COVID restrictions, four new exhibitions are now open to the public. Victorian artist Mark Dober’s Murrumbidgee features 10 large paintings (3m x 1.8m) on paper created en plein air on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River at Wagga Wagga and other riverscapes along the MurrayDarling. First Nations artist Kelly Koumalatsos, who is also from Victoria, explores the impact of Colonial encounters on the lives of her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents in her show Gung | Create, Make, Do, Love. Continued inside

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: (from left) Retail and Operations

Officer Karin Zuge Bruton and Gallery Assistant Helen Robb ensure everything is ready for customers and visitors at the newly refurbished gallery shop. Image: Tayla Martin

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Reusable Products Rebate

Going green just makes good financial sense.

Council is offering residents from the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area the opportunity to apply for a rebate after purchasing reusable nappies and/or menstrual products.

Get money back on reusable nappies and menstrual products.

Rebate trial: 1 July 2021 – 1 January 2022 Apply now: wagga.nsw.gov.au/reusableproductsrebate

Bomen Revegetation Project From front page “The Bomen Revegetation Project feeds into Council’s Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020-2030 and includes land previously identified in our Special Activation Precinct Master Plan as a greening space. “We’ve already organised for 15,000 native seedlings to go into the ground this winter alone – it’s going to be beautiful to see the space transform.” The Bomen Revegetation Project will see each seedling absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is estimated the project will draw 8000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents over the next 25 years. Claire Dawson, Head of Legal &

Community at Spark Renewables, said that sharing the benefits of its developments with local communities is a key priority for Spark Renewables and that it is delighted to support the project to increase biodiversity and greening in the Bomen area. “Bomen Solar Farm generates enough electricity to power 36,000 households and has offset more than 156,000 tonnes of carbon emissions since it was commissioned last year,” Ms Dawson said. “Greening the local area with over 50,000 trees will further add to the environmental benefit this project delivers. “Bomen Solar Farm is committed to giving back to the Wagga

Wagga community and the Bomen Revegetation Project is just one program being supported with the $1 million Community Fund that Spark Renewables has established in partnership with Westpac to fund local community initiatives over the next decade.” Planting for the Bomen Revegetation Project began in July. Community members can get involved on National Tree Day, Sunday 1 August 2021, with a community planting event planned for Bomen. For more information about the Bomen Revegetation Project, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ bomenrevegetationproject

National Tree Day How many seedlings will you plant?

Get your hands grubby to improve our region’s biodiversity. Be part of the Bomen Revegetation Project and help create the habitat that will restore our populations of native fauna. Date: Sunday 1 August 2021 Time: 10am – 12pm Venue: 211 East Bomen Road, Bomen Volunteers will need to wear sturdy, enclosed footwear, a mask, and a pair of gardening gloves. This will be a COVID-safe event. National Tree Day will commence with a Welcome to Country by Uncle James Ingram and conclude with a free BBQ lunch. See you on the day.

Residents encouraged to pay rates online

Sustainable Wagga Wagga

The event will start with a Welcome to Country by Uncle James Ingram and finish with a free BBQ lunch.

Wagga Wagga City Council is encouraging residents to pay their rates and any other Councilrelated payments online. Council’s Team Leader Customer Service Meredith Hester said while the Civic Centre customer service desk remained open, residents who were feeling anxious about a trip into town could stay home and still pay their rates on time. “We wanted to remind everyone that you can pay for your rates, applications, certificates and any other payments to Council online,” Ms Hester said. “It’s an easy process, and our friendly customer service team are here on the phone or on webchat if you need to get in touch. “We can even talk you through it over the phone if it’s a new process for you and you’d like a hand. “Our priority is keeping our residents safe, and this is one way we can help more people stay safe and stay at home.”

Wear sturdy, enclosed footwear and warm clothing. Bring along a pair of gardening gloves, bottle of water, a face mask and your love of mucking in. Please stay home if you feel unwell.

M A I N A R T GA L L E RY A N D S H OP R E OPE N TO V I S I TO R S

National

Tree Day Help our city grow by lending a hand at the community tree planting activity for National Tree Day.

Sunday, 1 August 10am – 12pm 211 East Bomen Road, Bomen

1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au/contact

For more information: Alice Kent on 1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au/environment

pet

OF THE

WEEK

#adoptdontshop

Meet the sweet Haboob (Arabic for dust storm) Haboob is a three-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier male. This breed is playful, gentle and tolerant, and appreciates a good daily workout – an ideal playmate to sweep you out of the house and into the fresh air. Haboob (Impound No.: D388) is available for adoption for $301, which includes desexing, microchipping, lifetime registration, vaccination, worming, heartworm test and an ID tag. You can take a look at Haboob and all our available pets at graswagga. com.au or pop in to visit – the shelter is open from Monday to Saturday, 1pm – 4.15pm.

WELCOME BACK: (from left) Exhibitions Curator Andrew Halyday and Installation Technician Jeremy Kruckel prepare one of the large en plein air pieces from Mark Dober’s exhibition Murrumbidgee. Image: Tayla Martin

WHAT’S

ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS

THIS WEEK: BARISTA DAMON: POP-UP ESPRESSO BAR

FUR FACTS: When out for walks with your pooch, make sure you collect any little treasures they leave behind. You can buy poop bags (even compostable, eco-friendly ones) or simply carry some old plastic bags with you. Just remember, no one likes to step in poo! R251000208

For all Council-related payments, visit eservices.wagga.nsw.gov.au Have any questions? Please get in touch.

6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au

Sat 17, Wed 21, Thu 22 & Fri 23 Jul, 7am to 1pm Thirsty Crow, 153 Fitzmaurice St. Ph: 6921 7470

DEMONSTRATION GARDENS VEGETABLE SWAP OR BUY

Sat 24 Jul, 9am to 12pm Demonstration Gardens,

Cnr Shaw St & Albury St. Ph: 0411 417 956

OPEN STUDIO GALLERY

Sat 24 Jul, 10am to 3pm Wagga Art Society Studio, 11 Small St. Ph: 0400 225 768

WAGGA WAGGA ROAD RUNNERS – SATURDAY RUNS Sat 24 Jul, 1pm Ross Smith Drive, off Holbrook Rd. Ph: 0429 176 029

From front page In The Nun in the Nightgown. Brigid Partridge, a woman who had enough, former Wagga Wagga resident, artist Amanda Bromfield, looks at the curious story of young nun, Brigid Partridge (Sister Mary Ligouri), who ran away from Mount Erin Convent in 1920. In the Margaret Carnegie Gallery, Made/Worn: Australian Contemporary Jewellery from the Australian Design Centre exhibits the work of 22 artists working in contemporary jewellery in Australia. “All of these shows feature remarkable and stunning pieces that explore interesting themes and the history of this region and beyond,” Dr Hall said. “They will appeal to a broad audience, whether your interest is in painting, craft or contemporary jewellery.” For more details on the exhibitions, visit waggaartgallery.com.au

Romano’s Hotel, Fitzmaurice St. Ph: 6921 2594

UKRAINIAN FEAST

Sun 25 Jul, 6pm to 10pm The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. Ph: 2921 5391

WAGGA WAGGA SOCIAL NETBALL

Wed 28 Jul,10am Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. E: caronne@scvella.id.au

BEC – LEE CREATING THE CURIOUS MUSIC DREAMS WIRADJIRI ARTIST – ART FEST V3 Sat 24 Jul, 2pm to 5pm CLASSES The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. Ph: 2921 5391

RED HOT AND COLE

6.30pm Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. Ph: 0428 263 297

THE SPICE ROUTE OF INDIA – COOKING CLASS

Thu 29 Jul, 6pm to 10pm Food I Am, 29 Kunzea Pl. Ph: 0439 565 653

FRIDAY NIGHT PIZZAS

Fri 30 Jul, 5.30pm to 7.30pm Mates Gully Café, 38 Morrow St. Ph: 6921 4241

/waggaevents

For event organising and Wed 28 Jul, 4.30pm to promotion support, contact 6.30pm Kooringal Community Hub, Council’s events unit: Wilga St. Ph: 0477 151 054 events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri.

Sat 24, 7pm to 10pm & RIVERINA visitwagga.com Sun 24 Jul, 12.45 to 5pm PRODUCERS MARKET The Chandelier Room Thu 29 Jul, 1pm to

Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication

Council priority to keep sportsgrounds in best condition

The cancellation of winter sporting competitions due to rain affected grounds is a decision that will come from local associations in their risk assessment and management of their own code, Wagga Wagga City Council confirmed this week. Council Manager Parks and Strategic Operations Henry Pavitt has clarified Council’s position on weekend cancellations

after a number of sporting events were called off due to wet grounds. Mr Pavitt said after heavy and consistent rainfall, Council may close grounds during the week to ensure they are in the best possible condition for sporting competitions. “It then becomes the responsibility of sporting associations to inspect the ground and

GROUNDS CHECK: Council Greenkeeper Robert Cleland looks over Bolton Park after heavy rainfall.

make the call whether the competition will proceed,” he said. “That process is part of the association’s risk assessment. It is ultimately their call … Council does not close grounds for competition rounds. “We understand there is always disappointment when sport is cancelled because of the weather, but that is entirely at the directive of the competition organisers.” Mr Pavitt said Council has the option to close grounds to training or other activities during the week if it compromises the state of the ground in preparations for competition sport. “Our aim is to have the grounds in the best possible condition for competition matches,” Mr Pavitt said.

Vacancies Work Health and Safety Officer

Remuneration: $2,942.50 gpf + super Enquiries: Tanya Jackson on 02 6971 4570 Closing date: Monday 26 July 2021

People and Culture Officer

Remuneration: $2,942.50 gpf + super Enquiries: Therese Reeckman on 02 6926 9286 Closing date: Monday 26 July 2021

Risk Management and Insurance Officer Remuneration: $2,851.22 gpf + super Enquiries: Ingrid Hensley on 02 6926 9573 Closing date: Monday 2 August 2021

Aboriginal Community Development Officer

Remuneration: $2,851.22 gpf + super Enquiries: Sarah Lehman on 02 6926 9320 Closing date: Monday 9 August 2021

Executive Assistant

Remuneration: $2,588.60 gpf + super Enquiries: Scott Gray on 02 6926 9295 Closing date: Monday 9 August 2021

Labourer (Gregadoo Waste Management Centre)

“If that means closing the grounds for training bookings to ensure Council presents the best grounds possible with the weather conditions we are experiencing for the local competitions, then that’s what we will do after looking at all of our options. “We work with clubs when that situation arises.” Mr Pavitt warned the forecast of more wet weather in coming weeks may again impact local competitions. “Please be advised by the competition organisers who will let participants know at the earliest opportunity about playing on rain affected grounds,” he said.

Wet winter keeps Council’s road repair crews busy Heavy rainfall in recent months and the prediction of more weather activity in the second half of winter has Wagga Wagga City Council civil works crews on regular patrols for pothole repairs across the city. The damage to local roads caused by the wet weather has been greater this year due to above average rainfall in June and July. This has also combined with the poor condition of bitumen seals and the quality of pavement material underneath. Council’s Director Operations Warren Faulkner said the consistent prolonged rainfall will impact the integrity of the sealed road network, particularly those roads carrying high volumes of vehicles. He said the surface water on the road is able to access the pavement and creates soft spots which ultimately develop into potholes as vehicles drive over them and “pump” out the material.

“It is one of Council’s ongoing challenges. Potholes are always a community concern, especially after long periods of wet weather because they are more noticeable,” Mr Faulkner said. “Areas which experience high traffic flows are always worst affected and these are the areas where we concentrate our resources. “We have patrols working along a 1200km network of local sealed roads to keep the repairs up. Council also relies on public feedback to identify where attention is required and we respond to that as soon as possible.” Mr Faulkner said Council is continually pursuing funding opportunities to ensure more proactive and preventative maintenance. “We need to improve the ‘waterproofing’ of our sealed roads by undertaking crack sealing, thus increasing the

useful life of the pavement,” Mr Faulkner said. Federal and State Government funding programs such as Local Roads and Communities Infrastructure, Roads to Recovery, and Fixing Local Roads have provided funding towards significant road projects. Lake Albert Road Stage 3, Kooringal Road, and Pearson Street/Dobney Avenue have recently been funded for rehabilitation works, and the Reseal Program and Pavement Rehab Program allows Council to progress its road works program across the network. Pothole and other road damage can be reported to Council through the Snap Send Solve app, through Council’s website at wagga.nsw.gov.au/ servicerequests, by lodging a request through Customer Service at the Civic Centre or by calling 1300 292 442.

Remuneration: $1,918.82 gpf + super Enquiries: Mat Windle on 02 6926 9163 or 0437 701 447 Closing date: Monday 9 August 2021

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Operator

Remuneration: $2,123.58 gpf + super Enquiries: Mat Windle on 02 6926 9163 or 0437 701 447 Closing date: Friday 13 August 2021

Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

To view these opportunities and apply, visit:

wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs

ON PATROL: Wagga Wagga City Council civil works crews are out and about across the city and surrounding rural routes, repairing roads damaged after recent rainfalls.

Weekly waste tip E-Waste such as computers, keyboards and TVs can be dropped off for free at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre or Kurrajong Recycling. E-Waste should not be placed in any of your kerbside bins. Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication

Council helps residents navigate NSW Planning Portal process Wagga Wagga City Council staff are providing a guiding hand to residents in the Local Government Area (LGA) who need assistance in lodging a development application through the NSW Planning Portal. Under mandatory changes which came into effect on 1 July, Council and applicants are required to use the NSW Planning Portal, in line with State Government legislation. It means hardcopy applications, even if it is just for a one-off project such as a new shed or pergola, are no longer accepted at Council’s Customer Service Centre. Manager Development Assessment and Building Certification Paul O’Brien said the online process can be a challenge for people who do not use the internet regularly or do not have an email address. “This new process requires you to have an account with the

and Complying Development For information on how to State Government’s Planning Certificates. register for a Planning Portal Portal, which means you need account, Quick Reference Guides, to have an email address for all It is recommended that people fact sheets, and links to other correspondence,” Mr O’Brien said. planning to use the kiosk to lodge their application have copies of the resources, visit planningportal.nsw. “If you have any difficulties with gov.au required documentation on a USB those requirements, talk to your thumb drive. For assistance in account creation, builder or designer in the first lodgement and other enquiries instance, or come into Council “However, if you only have relating to the portal, email where we can help you at the hardcopies, Council can assist by planning.apps@planning.nsw.gov. Customer Service desk. scanning the documents – at a au or contact Service NSW on cost - so you can put them into the “We have dual screens set up 1300 305 695. Planning Portal,” Mr O’Brien said. where one of our officers can help you to navigate the process, but it’s important to understand that while we can walk you through each step, you must create a NSW Planning This week’s Portal account and lodge the application yourself.” The NSW Government’s amended requirements apply to the lodgement of Development Applications, Modification to Consent, Tackling weeds in the Construction Certificates,

Biodiversity Bite

COVID-19 safety measures at Council’s facilities

In order to keep our residents safe, Wagga Wagga City Council has implemented some changes to its services. Staff, customers and visitors alike, including contractors and delivery drivers are required to wear a mask, maintain social distancing and to check in and out with the

QR codes. As part of the COVID-19 Safety Plan, hand sanitiser stations are also in place at every Council-operated facility. See the table below for further details of Council’s facility and service changes.

garden can seem like a never-ending battle but the cooler weather presents an opportunity to get on the front foot before spring.

Weeds love disturbed areas, those spaces left bare. So increase the biodiversity of your garden and reduce the space for weeds by planting new native species in your garden.

/sustainable.waggawagga

wagga.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity

Public Notices RFT 2021-25 UMBANGO AND THE GAP RURAL FIRE SHEDS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT2021-25 Umbango and The Gap Rural Fire Sheds Design and Construct” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2.00pm EADT Wednesday 4 August 2021. Council is seeking offers from suitably qualified providers for Design and Construction of two (2) Rural Fire Sheds at The Gap and Umbango. A Site Briefing will be held Tuesday 20 July 2021, commencing at 9.30am at The Gap and then proceeding to Umbango. Enquiries and Site Meeting registration should be directed to Council’s Contracts Officer Melinda Conolly at conolly. melinda@wagga.nsw.gov.au. A non-refundable fee of $155.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed at: info.vendorpanel.com/ workwithwaggawaggacitycouncil Peter Thompson General Manager PO Box 20 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

Peter Thompson, General Manager

Disruption to Council services Service

Notes

Service

Notes

Airport

Terminal operating hours are subject to scheduled domestic flights. As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene are in place. The wearing of face masks in the terminal and on-board aircraft is mandatory.

Livestock Marketing Centre

Existing opening hours are in place and it remains under Stage 2 restriction. Closed to members of the public. Only accredited agents, current employed processor buyers, transporters, contractors and staff are permitted to attend LMC. As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place.

Museum

The Historic Council Chambers site is open. As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place. Masks are available to the public at the front desk.

Oasis Aquatic Centre

Existing opening hours are in place. As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols are in place. Masks must be worn while visiting Oasis (not while in the water). Pool capacity numbers are reduced, and Aqua classes are limited to 20 participants – bookings are required.

Sporting Facilities / Stadiums

Open with restrictions. Bolton Park Stadium and Multi-purpose Stadium - as per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place.

Animal Shelter Existing operating hours are in place, Monday to Saturday 1pm – 4.15pm. As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place. Only one person/family to enter the office at a time. No cash payments. Art Gallery

National Art Glass Gallery - Open. As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place.

Call Centre

Existing operating hours are in place for 1300 292 442.

Cemetery

Up to 36 people, including celebrants and funeral directors, may attend a funeral or memorial service inside the Chapel. A maximum of 100 people may attend an outdoor service or funeral, but must maintain social distancing of 1 person per 4 square metres. Restrictions on access to the Cemetery office also apply.

City of Wagga Open. The total capacity of the library is currently 200 people. Wagga Library As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place. Civic Theatre

Open with restrictions. For more info visit the Civic Theatre website.

Council Meetings

Council meetings will still be held but they will be conducted remotely. Members of the public are encouraged to watch these meetings on our livestream or via Facebook.

Customer Service

The Customer Service desk in the Civic Centre is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place. Customers are also encouraged to use Online Services or contact the Call Centre on 1300 292 442.

Gregadoo Waste Management Centre

Existing operating hours are in place. No cash payments.

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

Sportsgrounds Council-owned sportsground and outdoor recreational and play assets are open for public use, in accordance with the recommended social distancing and appropriate hygiene practices - NSW Health COVID-19 restrictions and conditions. Visitor Information Centre

Open. Capacity has been reduced, with a maximum of 6 visitors at any one time. As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place. Contractors must complete the contractor declaration prior to entering the building.

Waste and Recycling (Kerbside) Collection

Existing collection schedule in place.

Wilks Park

Open. Please practice social distancing and good hygiene.

Zoo

Open from 9am-4.00p, Thursday to Monday. Capacity is restricted to a maximum of 250 people at any one time. As per NSW Public Health Orders, QR code check-in, strict social distancing, and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of masks, are in place. During the meet and greets with the animals, members of the public will need to demonstrate social distancing of 1 person per 4 square metres.