INSIDE: HOLBROOK ROAD PROJECT FINISHED, PET OF THE WEEK + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 27 JUNE 2020
Issue No: 301
Weekly information from us to you
TIP SHOP BACK to BUSINESS The Tip Shop at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre reopens this weekend after being closed through recent pandemic conditions. Council is urging visitors to the shop to be mindful of social distancing measures to ensure the health and safety of staff and customers. See full story inside.
SHOP SAFE: Wagga Wagga City Council’s Hard Waste Supervisor Mat Windle has placed signage around the Tip Shop precinct to remind visitors that social distancing and hygiene measures are in place when the shop reopens this weekend.
Dunns Road upgrade design to start The next step in the Dunns Road upgrade project is expected to see the recently appointed consultant’s field staff on site early next month to start investigation works. Wagga Wagga City Council this week awarded a contract for the detailed design of the road upgrade to Barker Ryan Stewart (BRS) whose surveying and geo-technical teams will be on site in July to assess the area.
The detailed design work, including preparation of construction tender documents and cost estimates, is expected to be completed in late September this year. Manager Project Delivery Rupesh Shah said Council would conduct community engagement to keep them informed on the progress of the design work. “The upgrade of this road has been a much-anticipated project within the community and the importance of the design phase cannot be understated,” Mr Shah said. “It is a major project which requires vertical and horizontal alignment. Council will be speaking with nearby residents and the broader community towards getting the
right design finalised before works begin.” Mr Shah said the project would deliver many benefits when it is completed late next year. • It will provide a safe and more direct route to the southern portion of the Wagga Wagga residential area, to the airport and to major sporting and recreational facilities from the Olympic Highway. • The proposed construction of a roundabout at the Holbrook Road and Dunns Road intersection, along with the reduced speed limit to 60 kilometres per hour on both Dunns Road and Lloyd Road (urban sections only), will increase safety at the intersection, especially on approach to Holbrook Road.
Weekly waste tip Meat! Seafood! Cheese! Bones! Oyster shells! Eggs! Leftovers! All your food waste goes in the weekly green lid bin collection.
• The Olympic Highway and Dunns Road intersection upgrade will improve traffic flow to the outlying townships of Uranquinty, The Rock and the Australian Army base at Kapooka. The upgrade will ensure all road users have a safe and direct route from the Olympic Highway to the southern suburbs of Wagga Wagga and to the Mater Dei schools via Lloyd Road. The project has a total budget of $8.3M. The Federal Government has committed $5.8M and Council will contribute $2.5M. Dunns Road is approximately five kilometres long, of which 2.8 kilometres is currently sealed and 2.2 kilometres unsealed.
Millennials are on the move: Welcome to Wagga
More Millennials are migrating to regional areas and that means it’s time to extend a warm Wagga Wagga welcome. So says Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM who welcomed news this week that Sydney and Melbourne lost more residents to the regions than they gained in a five-year period. The Regional
Australia Institute (RAI) findings in its “The Big Movers” study revealed population trends around the country, and confirmed that regional Australia attracted more people than it lost to capital cities during the last Census. In the five years to 2016, Sydney saw a net loss of 64,756 people to regional Australia, Melbourne 21,609 and
Adelaide recorded a small net loss of around 1,000 residents. Brisbane bucked the trend with a net gain of 15,597 people. Between 2011 and 2016, more than 1.2 million people either moved to regional Australia or moved around regional Australia from one location to another. While the latest
Census figures showed that regional Australia attracted 65,204 more people than it lost to capital cities, the trend is certainly not new. For the decade 2006-2016 more than 135,000 people moved from capital cities to regions than the other way around. “Those numbers bode well for regional centres, particularly Wagga Wagga,” Cr Conkey said.
Facilities update Service
Notes
Airport
Terminal operating hours have changed. Please check website.
Animal Shelter
Existing operating hours are in place. No cash payments.
Art Gallery
Open. As per NSW Public Health Orders, strict social distancing and hygiene protocols are in place. For more info visit the Wagga Art Gallery website.
Building Inspections
Existing operating hours are in place.
Call Centre
Existing operating hours are in place for 1300 292 442.
Cemetery
Up to 50 people may attend a funeral or memorial service.
City of Wagga Wagga Library
Open. As per NSW Public Health Orders, strict social distancing and hygiene protocols are in place. For more info visit the Wagga Library website.
Civic Theatre
Currently closed - For more info visit the Civic Theatre website.
Community / Recereation Centres
Open with restrictions.
Community Centres / Halls
Open with restrictions.
Council Committees
Changes to committee meetings and dates. Read the Council Committees page for more information.
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, strict social distancing and hygiene protocols are in place. Customers are also encouraged to use Online Services(external site) or contact the Call Centre on 1300 292 442.
Development Assessment
Existing operating hours are in place.
Family Day Care
Existing operating hours are in place.
Gregadoo Waste Management Centre
Existing operating hours are in place. Tip shop to reopen 27 June. No cash payments.
Health Inspections
Inspections as required.
Livestock Marketing Centre
Existing opening hours are in place. Closed to members of the public. Only agents, current employed processor buyer’s, transporters, contractors and staff are permitted to attend LMC. From 18 June, vendors have acess to see their stock sold, however restrictions in line with the Public Health Order remain.
“We’re a regional capital city which attracts people for our proximity, our lifestyle, our business and investment opportunities and, importantly, our cultural diversity and inclusion. “We are a city which the State Government believes has the potential to grow to 100,000 people in the year 2038. “The investment in infrastructure that is taking place around our city right now is quite substantial compared to other cities and we will continue to build on those economic foundations to be well placed for an increase in population.” Cr Conkey said he would urge any person wishing to migrate to
the regions to consider Wagga Wagga at the top of their list. “You cannot dismiss a regional capital city as a serious contender for your next stage in life … a number of factors including cost of living, housing prices, commute times and general liveability are all advantages to regional living.” The Big Movers looked at the movement of Millennials (20-35 year olds). It found that while 178,961 Millennials moved to capital cities from regional Australia, more than 200,000 moved between regions. Sydney also saw a net outflow of Millennials. Some 37,000 Millennials moved from Sydney to
the regions, with 32,500 moving the other way. RAI chief executive officer Liz Ritchie said one of the key trends uncovered in the research was that most people who left a city for a move to the region, stayed in their respective state. Regional NSW drew the most people from capitals with a total of 159,328 moving between 2011 and 2016. “Understanding the way the population moves around regional Australia is an important first step in identifying the reasons people are attracted to some places instead of others. This understanding can help to shape a population policy for regional communities,” Ms Ritchie said.
pet
OF THE
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
Meet Walter, a friendly chap who loves to chat. Walter has lots of character and is looking for an experienced owner with older children. Walter (impound no. 280) is a beautiful fawn colour with a black muzzle and of mysterious lineage – but he’s 100 per cent sweet dog. You can bring this little champion home for just $321.50, which includes microchipping, registration, vaccination, desexing, worming and an ID tag.
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au
R251000208
Morgan, Murray and Forsyth streets precinct Proposing new rules for future development
Museum
The Historic Council Chambers site is open. As per NSW Public Health Orders, strict social distancing and hygiene protocols are in place. For more info visit the Museum of the Riverina website.
Oasis Aquatic Centre
Open from Saturday 13 June, 8.30am–12.30pm with restrictions. Bookings required. Please call the Oasis to book a swim time on 02 6926 9390. For more info visit the Oasis Aquatic Centre website.
Parks
Open. Please practice social distancing and good hygiene. Scroll down to see additional information regarding outdoor recreational and play equipment.
Riverina Regional Library (RRL)
Currently closed.
Sewer Services
Still operating.
Sporting Facilities / Stadiums
Open with restrictions. Sporting groups only, no casual bookings.
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. Each sporting organisation is to adapt or modify their sport, to be in line with the Public Health Orders.
Visitor Information Centre
Open. As per NSW Public Health Orders, strict social distancing and hygiene protocols are in place. Visit visitwagga.com for more information.
Let us know what you think.
Waste and Recycling (Kerbside) Collection
Existing collection schedule in place.
Find out more and have your say at: connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/morganstreet
Wilks Park and Oura Beach Reserve
To reopen from Monday 1 June 2020. Please practice social distancing and good hygiene.
Zoo
Currently closed.
We want all future development at this precinct to be acceptable to our community. That’s why we’re proposing some site-specific rules (known as ‘controls’) about how development can occur. These proposed site-specific controls address issues including:
TH STR
STR
EET
EET
KER
MURR
AY ST R
EET
DOC
• design • height • traffic • parking • open space • landscaping • services • stormwater management
FORSY
MORGAN
STREET
1300 292 442 connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Tune in: Facebook Live Q&A on Morgan Street precinct Wagga Wagga City Council is hosting a second Facebook Live Q&A session on proposed planning amendments for the Morgan, Murray and Forsyth streets precinct. The development concept for the precinct has been a topic of debate for the city’s residents, and the City Strategy Team is keen to address concerns at the session next Tuesday 30 June at 5pm. Senior Strategic Planner Crystal Atkinson helped host the first Facebook Live Q&A session on the precinct in early May and said the online method of community engagement was beneficial for both attendees and Council staff alike. “For the Morgan Street precinct, we still have our usual forms of engagement – email, mail, phone calls and website, but we wanted to give people the opportunity to have that live discussion in a group forum, even during the pandemic,” Ms Atkinson said. “Planning amendments can be complicated and confusing, and in my experience, they’re easier to understand when
you can hear someone explain them,” Ms Atkinson said. “It’s also helpful to be able to ask questions and have them answered on the spot. “Another benefit of online forums is that you can see the questions other people are asking, and hear our responses – they may cover things that you hadn’t thought about, or would like to know, so by having that forumtype discussion, community members can get exposed to other parts of the planning system and have more awareness of the big picture.” The Facebook Live Q&A session also gives Council the opportunity to hear from the community’s less outspoken residents. “I’ve been contacted directly after other public forums by people who had a question but didn’t particularly want to stand up in front of a crowd. “It’s important we hear from all members of our community, so our Facebook Live sessions definitely give people the opportunity to ask their question without having to pick up a microphone.”
WE'RE LISTENING
MORGAN, MURRAY AND FORSYTH STREETS PRECINCT
Find out more and give your feedback at connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/MorganStreet Join the Facebook Live Q&A session on 30 June 2020 at 5pm. Facebook.com/waggacouncil Call: 1300 292 442 Email: council@wagga.nsw.gov.au Write to: Crystal Atkinson Senior Strategic Planner Wagga Wagga City Council PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE FACEBOOK LIVE Q&A SESSION 30 JUNE, 5PM “We’ll start off by doing a bit of a recap of the amendments we’ve currently got on exhibition, talk about where we are now, the key topics, then open it up for more questions,” Ms Atkinson said. “It’s okay if you missed the first session, this one will be perfect for you to join in. “The aim of all our community
engagement is to answer questions and motivate people to make a submission – whether it’s positive or negative. “We’ve received close to 100 submissions on the Morgan Street precinct, so we’re really happy with that. “Once the consultation period ends, we’ll collate all
the submissions, which will be anonymous at that point, and put them into a report which goes to Council. “We’d love as many people as possible to join the Facebook Live Q&A session, hear what’s happening and make a submission – because your opinion matters.”
The upgrade of a two-kilometre section of Holbrook Road has been completed with new line marking last week adding the finishing touch. Wagga Wagga City Council undertook the pavement rehabilitation project between Featherwood Road and Rowan Road during the past 10 weeks. The project was completed before schedule and under budget despite recent
inclement weather threatening to delay works at various stages. Works included recycling and stabilisation of existing pavement with 70/30 slag/lime, then importing a DGB20 granular layer followed by a new 14/7mm two coat seal and renewed line marking. The final 900-metre section from Indigo Drive to Dunns Road was line marked last week.
1m
HOLBROOK ROAD UPGR ADE COMPLETE
1m 2m
ROAD REHAB: Council has completed the upgrade of a two-kilometre section of Holbrook Road.
Hard Waste Collection The hard waste collection helps residents dispose of larger household items that cannot be disposed of through the regular kerbside collection service. Properties that pay the domestic waste management service charge can access one free hard waste collection per calendar year to dispose of up to two cubic metres of hard waste.
Book your collection: Book online at yourwaste.com.au/hardwaste or by calling (02) 5942 6150.
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
Over the last few months we’ve seen an amazing display of resilience and adaption from local businesses in response to the significant impacts of COVID-19 here in Wagga. So many have had to ‘re-tool’ or
change up what they have to offer in order to continue operating and, moving forward, many will make those adaptions permanent into their business model to build in the resilience that we all need into the future. Council staff have been working collaboratively with the Business Chamber, Women in Business,
BEC and Committee 4 Wagga to provide assistance, advice and support. Council is also developing a number of activation projects that will stimulate the local economy in the CBD area. An area of business development that I’m really passionate about is the micro-businesses based out of or started in people’s garages,
0418 445 131 | councillor.keenan@wagga.nsw.gov.au
spare rooms and kitchen tables. Over the last few years we’ve seen a significant trend in businesses establishing at home or outside of the traditional bricks and mortar. We’ve got businesses delivering goods and services across the world from a computer on a dining table, we’ve seen in recent years
businesses start at the markets or in a food truck and subsequently move into successful main street traders. It’s important we continue to recognise that there is so much diversity in what a small business is these days and the economic benefits that can arise from supporting and raising the profile of a variety
of different business models. The success of the ten food trucks currently allowed to trade on Council land with a permit is a perfect example of this. Providing and supporting diverse platforms for trade in Wagga is a critical tool in the suite of economic development activities that we as a Council
can do to help develop our local economy in what is clearly unprecedented times. Being nimble and responsive should be front and centre for both Council and local businesses into the future.
Councillor Vanessa Keenan
Here to help, please call first
Please call us first – that’s the request of staff at the Wagga Wagga City Council Lawn Cemetery and Crematorium. Even with NSW Government restrictions easing, the team are still working to protect the community by providing as many services as possible over the phone. While the number of people allowed to attend funeral services has increased, Administration & Client Services Coordinator Susan Dolphin is conscious of the small reception area community members are coming into for general enquiries. “We’re here to help, and we want to keep everyone healthy and safe,” Ms Dolphin said. “Social distancing is still in place, and because of the small space we work in, we’re restricted to a maximum of two people in the reception
area at a time. “To avoid people having to wait to be served, we’re encouraging everyone to give us a call. Most things we can do over the phone – such as helping you with memorial or family history enquiries, or if you’re wanting to reserve a position. If we can’t help over the phone, we’ll make a time for you to come in and that way we’ll have the information you need ready so you’re only in reception for a limited time. “We really appreciate everyone’s patience.” Chapel services are now seating 50 people, with additional attendees able to stand at the outside screens. Numbers for outdoor services are not restricted, so long as the 1.5 metre social distancing requirement is maintained. The team has seen an
increase in the number of interment services – where a loved one’s ashes are interred in a memorial garden. ‘A lot of people held off interring their loved one’s ashes until restrictions eased and they could have more people there,” Ms Dolphin said. “Normally with an interment we’d only see the immediate family – we’re now seeing extended family and friends as well, because those who weren’t able to attend the funeral can now come to the interment. “Being able to attend a service of some kind is important – for many people it’s a way of getting closure and being able to say goodbye.” You can contact Council’s crematorium and cemetery team by calling 02 6926 9310 or email cemetery@wagga. nsw.gov.au
PLEASE CALL FIRST: Wagga Wagga City Council Lawn Cemetery and Crematorium staff are encouraging the community to call them on 02 6926 9310 rather than drop in for general enquiries. Staff are aiming to maintain social distancing requirements by helping more people over the phone.
Public Notices
NOTICE OF COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF LAND Wagga Wagga City Council declares with the approval of
Contact us
Her Excellency the Governor that the interests described in the Schedule below are acquired by compulsory process in accordance with the provisions of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 for right of access and public access, for a public walking track. Schedule: Easements on the terms within Memorandum
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
AP434777 for right of access marked (U) variable width and public access marked (T) variable width in DP1246382 over part of the land comprised in Certificate of Title Folio 272/757249
RFT 2020-34 PLANT MAINTENANCE SERVICES – OASIS AQUATIC CENTRE
Follow us
HANDS HYGIENE: Wagga Wagga City Council’s Hard Waste Supervisor Mat Windle with the hand sanitising station that visitors will be urged to use when the Tip Shop reopens this weekend.
TIP SHOP REOPENS… B U T K E E P YO U R S O C I A L D I S TA N C E
The popular Tip Shop at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) will be back to business from today. The Tip Shop reopens Saturday 27 June after the easing of pandemic restrictions however Wagga Wagga City Council urges shoppers to ensure they maintain social distancing and proper hygiene in line with Public Health Orders (PHO). GWMC Manager Geoff Pym said hand sanitising stations are available and their use will be encouraged. “We’re asking visitors to be mindful of others to ensure the health and safety of everyone attending the Tip
Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT2017-34 Oasis Plant Maintenance Services” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 22 July 2020. This is a Schedule of Rates Contract and primarily involves mechanical maintenance services for the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre. Tenderers are advised that the lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be
Shop,” Mr Pym said. “We have a plan of action in place for the reopening and we ask that people are patient and understand we will be operating under different conditions. “Most people would be aware there are changes required in these times to adhere to the PHO as facilities start to reopen – we thank the community for their understanding.” The Tip Shop’s operating days have changed, with the shop now open Saturday, Sunday and Monday each week. “We’ve now made Saturday our first day
accepted. A pre-tender site meeting at 60 Morgan Street Wagga Wagga will be held at 10am on Wednesday 15 July 2020. Registration to attend the site meeting can be directed to Melinda Conolly by email conolly.melinda@wagga.nsw. gov.au. Enquiries should be directed to Council’s Contracts Officer Melinda Conolly on 02 6926
Subscribe Share your #waggaview
@cityofwaggawagga
Subscribe and you’ll receive Council News in your inbox every week!
wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews
of trading, rather than Friday,” Mr Pym said. “This gives everyone an equal opportunity to come out and see what they can reuse, recycle and repurpose. “We’re looking forward to reopening, as we’ve got a lot of quality materials looking for a new life.”
Gregadoo Waste Management Centre Tip Shop
Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 8am–4pm (from Saturday 27 June) For more information visit yourwaste.com.au
9437 or email conolly.melinda@ wagga.nsw.gov.au. A nonrefundable 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
Peter Thompson, General Manager