Council News #129 - 28 January 2017

Council News Issue No: 129

CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

Weekly information from us to you

FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2017

NEW AUSSIE CITIZEN: Albert Kajue proudly shows of his new Australian citizenship certificate after taking part in the ceremony which was part of the city’s Australia Day celebrations at Wagga Beach.

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Community celebration The sun shone brightly over the white sand at Wagga Beach as the smell of sausages cooking on the barbecue filled the air, while Aussie’s from all walks of life shared smiles with friends and strangers. City of Wagga Wagga’s Australia Day celebrations at Wagga Beach were again well supported this year with about 5000 residents turning out to celebrate all that’s great about our great southern land.

Thirty-three people from 13 different countries used the nation’s day to become Wagga’s and Australia’s newest citizens.

Wiradjuri man Mark Saddler ran two cultural tours, attended by about 80 people, focussing on the history and significance of Wagga’s Wollundry Lagoon and offering tips and hints on

bush tucker in the area.

Free amusement rides, markets and the return of the Beyond Bank Entertainment Tent which showcased a range of home-grown talent guaranteed fun for all on the day.

Official celebrations were kicked off on Wednesday with the Australia Day Awards at the Civic Theatre, where five outstanding Wagga residents were honoured for their contributions to the community.

Dianne Jacobson was named the city’s 2017 Citizen of the Year for her dedication and commitment over the past 30 years to the Wagga Wagga Eisteddfod.

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Isobel Cowell, the Ted Ryder Memorial Sports Award honour went to Anthony Paul, while Jim

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Elphick was named the newest Walk of Honour inductee.

Wagga’s first Olympic Gold medallist Alicia Quirk was also inducted into the Sporting Hall of Fame in recognition of her sporting achievements. [Read more about the achievements of our honoured citizens inside].

Close to 200 people also turned out for a free picnic and movie night at the Oasis on Wednesday.

“The outdoor screen meant that people could keep cool in the pool while being entertained with a fun movie,” Oasis Manager Maurice Eames said.

“This year was the first time we combined the movie and picnic night for Australia Day, and it proved to be a big hit with local families.”

RECOGNITION: Local citizens recognised as part of Wagga’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony. Details inside.

Follow the City of Wagga Wagga on our social media channels. @waggacouncil

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OUR CITIZENS RECOGNISED Dianne Jacobson

Anthony Paul

Jim Elphick

Isobel Cowell

Leanne and Mick Quirk

Five Wagga Wagga residents were honoured for their community contributions at the 2017 Australia Day Awards held at the Civic Theatre on Wednesday night.

Citizen of the Year was awarded to Dianne Jacobson who has been the driving force behind the Wagga Wagga Eisteddfod for the past 30 years, while Young Citizen of the Year went to Isobel Cowell for her academic and sporting achievements.

The Ted Ryder Memorial Sports Award went to Anthony Paul for his dedication and leadership of water polo in the city. The newest Walk of Honour inductee is Jim Elphick who has been sharing his passion for tennis for almost 50 years.

Wagga’s first Olympic Gold medallist Alicia Quirk was inducted into the Sporting Hall of Fame in recognition of her sporting achievements. Alicia’s award was accepted by her parents Leanne and Mick.

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

COUNCILLOR COLUMN

a while, but genuine engagement with the whole community is a pretty new development that governments everywhere Much of my background are rapidly trying to grasp involves working with the how they can do it and community, specifically in do it well. An area I see providing opportunities all levels of government for authentic engagement, regularly struggle with is consultation and feedback. demonstrating community The idea of governments input into strategy and truly engaging with everyday decisions. It’s one communities is, surprisingly, thing to get community a relatively new concept. input but if they can’t Sure - there have been see how it has been committees, surveys incorporated then it has and feedback forms for

failed.

In February we will see a report to Council on live streaming the Council meetings. Interestingly, it’s the smaller councils that are taking the lead in this initiative with many in our region already implementing live streaming successfully, some at a minimal cost with a couple of iPhones on tripods.

Live streaming will open up the Council meetings to the vast majority of the

population who have never attended and assist the community to get a greater understanding of the issues, opportunities and projects discussed at Council meetings. It’s a small thing overall, but a step in the right direction.

During campaigning and since being elected, myself and fellow Labor Councillor Dan Hayes have been active in our conversations with the community through our Facebook page Labor For Wagga and other social

media platforms (I just signed up to Twitter as @clr_keenan). Dan and I do a Facebook video summary of the reports before each meeting and use the page as a platform for not only informing but engaging with the community directly.

Importantly, this is a public record of what we have said and done. I take very seriously the issues and ideas I campaigned on and got elected on.

Behind the scenes, Dan and I are progressing on

live streaming, better youth representation, improving footpath connectivity and more.

Community engagement is a two way street, so if you see an opportunity to contribute I encourage you to take the time and participate. Our community can only benefit with diversity of opinions and ideas.

Councillor Vanessa Keenan

AIRPORT HANGAR SALE COMPLETE

SAFETY FIRST: Dan Grentell crosses the road with his sons Tobi, 9, Cooper, 5 and Jett, 6.

The City of Wagga Wagga and Regional Express (Rex) this week completed the sale of the paint hangar at the Wagga Wagga Airport.

The hangar has been sold to Rex for $2.73M. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey, welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations stating it was great news for the city.

“The paint hangar is a significant business for the city and reinforces the airport as a growing hub for commerce, employment, education and training in the aviation industry,” he said.

Rex stepped in to purchase the hangar after the original operators experienced financial difficulties.

Cr Conkey said much of his time

NOR T H WAGG A S AFE T Y IMPROVEMEN T S AHE AD OF NE W S CHOOL Y E AR A number of changes have been made outside the North Wagga Public School to improve pedestrian safety and vehicle movements.

Commercial Operations Sector Manager, Caroline Angel, says the changes are in response to concerns from parents about drainage and high volumes of traffic alongside children walking to and from the school.

“Staff have been working over the school holidays to install a dish drain and a barrier fence along the existing ‘no parking’ section of the service road,” she said.

“Changes to signage will make

councillor.keenan@wagga.nsw.gov.au

it easier for buses to come and go, and facilitate the orderly movement of cars pulling in and out.”

President of the North Wagga Progress Association and parent of three boys Dan Grentell says it can be a dangerous spot.

“The school is growing every year and with more and more cars turning up for pick up and drop off these changes will make it safer for our kids,” he said.

“It will take a bit of getting used to so we want all parents to be mindful of the new rules when school starts up again.”

Parents will be able to drop their children off and pick them

up in a ‘no parking’ section along the service road out the front of the school, while parking will still be available further north of the school.

WORKS COMPLETED

• Dish drain installed along the Service Road • Fence installed along existing ‘No Parking’ section between Hampden Avenue and service road • Re-allocating ‘Bus Zone’ and ‘No Parking’ signs along service road • Installation of ‘STOP’ sign at William Street • General road maintenance

during the past three months had been involved with the sale of the hangar.

“I have been supported in that process by a number of senior staff members including the General Manager, Alan Eldridge, as well as all members of the elected body,” he said.

“I appreciate the patience shown

by Rex during this process and look forward to working closely with Rex going forward.”

Rex Executive Chairman Lim Kim Hai said, “Great credit needs to be given to the new Mayor Cr Conkey, without whom this deal would surely have aborted. Rex looks forward to a new era of close partnership with the City of Wagga Wagga.”

weekly MOWING

R E P O R T

During the City of Wagga Wagga’s seasonal mowing program, all parks, reserves and open space areas receive one grass cut every six weeks.

These timeframes may be extended.

Mowing teams will be operating in the following areas:

• North: Oura, followed by North Wagga • East: Tatton, followed by Springvale • West: Bourkelands, followed by Mount Austin • Seasonal: Tatton and Hilltop, followed by city wide maintenance of roundabouts

PET WEEK

OF THE

Say hi to Rocky Who’s a good boy?

Rocky is! Rocky is an eight-year-old mature dog looking for a place to settle down in his retirement years.

Rocky is incredibly handsome and affectionate with people. He gets along really well with other dogs. He would make a lovely pet for anyone who likes to spend quiet evenings at home.

Rocky is searching for a slower and easier life, and will provide plenty of comfort and love.

He is available now at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter for a cost of $238 (includes desxing, lifetime registration, vaccination and worming).

To meet Rocky, or any of his furry friends, visit the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter from Monday to Saturday between 1pm and 4.15pm. For more information, visit wagga.nsw.gov. au/animals or call 6971 4651 during business hours.

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

Soft plastics a no-go

CH AT WI T H COUNCIL IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD A new initiative from the City of Wagga Wagga means residents will be able to talk to Council from the comfort of their own neighbourhood.

Council is looking to engage with villages and suburbs across the Local Government Area.

The Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, is encouraging residents to go along and chat with staff and Councillors.

“We want to know what is going on in your backyard and by taking Charlie to you, we can better understand your issues and concerns,” he said.

General Manager Alan Eldridge says staff will be on hand to answer questions and lodge requests.

“Whether you want to have a say on Council projects, need help with online services or know about a pothole that needs fixing, we want to know about it,” he said.

“You can drop in at your leisure for a quick visit or an in-depth chat.”

With a bright yellow exterior and WAGGA number plates, Charlie will be easy to spot!

Charlie’s first stop will be in Currawarna from 4pm-7.30pm on Tuesday 31 January.

Charlie stands for Council, Help, Advice, Resources, Learning, Information and Education.

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

Residents with a kerbside waste collection will soon notice some extra bling on their recycling bin.

Over the coming weeks new stickers will be applied on the lids of household recycling bins as a reminder to residents not to place soft plastics in them.

Soft plastics include plastic bags, bubble wrap and cling film.

This also means recyclables in plastic bags are not permitted. All recycling products should be placed loose in the bin.

Soft plastics should be disposed of in the general waste bin, or, recycled at a nominated recycling drop-

I N AU G U R A L WAT E R P O LO C O M P M A K E S A S P L A S H Water polo stars of the future converged on Wagga Wagga at the weekend for the first ever Under 12s Australian Water Polo Festival.

The Oasis Aquatic Centre was overflowing with competitors and spectators for the three-day event, with teams travelling from Queensland, Victoria, Canberra and New South Wales.

“About 200 players, both male and female, and over 400 spectators from across Australia attended from the Friday

Public Notices

NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS FEBRUARY 2017

In accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Local Government Act 1993, notice is hereby given that an Ordinary meeting of the Council of the City of Wagga Wagga will be held at 6pm on Monday, 27 February 2017 in the Council Meeting Room, cnr Baylis & Morrow Streets Wagga Wagga.

All meetings are open to

SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY

free

off location.

Previously soft plastics were accepted through the kerbside service, and many older recycling bins reflect this with symbols on the lid.

Recycling facility changes over the years now no longer permit these items.

The new stickers will help correct and reduce confusion for residents and improve the way we sort our waste.

Residents will also receive a flyer outlining the recycling facility changes and why soft plastics cannot be recycled through the kerbside service and gives options for ways this waste can be recycled BIN BLING: These new stickers (and a cross through the plastic bag through other channels. symbol) will soon appear on all kerbside recycling bins.

to the Sunday,” Oasis Manager Maurice Eames said.

“The level of competition displayed over the three days was top class.

“It was also a great highlight for the city to host two-time water polo Olympian Aidan Roach, who refereed the boy’s games and spent the weekend by the pool offering tips to players.”

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey, who is a former water polo player, officially opened the

members of the public.

Members of the public wishing to address the Council regarding agenda items, must complete the appropriate Public Address Form and return it to Council by 10am on the day of meeting. The form is available from the Customer Service counter at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre or from Council’s website www.wagga.nsw. gov.au/paforms Copies of the Agenda are also available to the public, at the meetings or from the Customer Service Centre at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre three (3) days prior to the meetings or from Council’s website www.

wagga.nsw.gov.au

RFT 2017/20 SUPPLY OF PASSENGER AND BAGGAGE SCREENING SERVICES WAGGA WAGGA AIRPORT

Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT 2017/20 Supply of Passenger & Baggage Screening Services Wagga Wagga Airport” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 22 February 2017. This is a schedule of rates contract and tenders will be assessed on a number of criteria.

tip day!

WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL

free entry - sATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY

VACANCIES

Wagga Wagga City Council are pleased to advise that the next FREE ENTRY to Gregadoo Waste Management Centre will be held on Saturday 4

TOWN PLANNERS - 2 Positions

February 2017.

Residents can dispose of general domestic waste including garden rubbish, mixed recyclables and general household waste free of charge.

Please note: special wastes such as tyres, builders waste, refrigerative items, mattresses and gas bottles are not included in the free disposal day and will be charged as per normal fees and charges. Free disposal is limited to cars, vans, utes and single axle trailers only.

Don’t forget, polystyrene, televisions and computers are accepted free of charge everyday!

Gregadoo Waste Management Centre OPENING HOURS

7am – 4.30pm

Further INFORMATION For more information call us on 1300 292 442 or visit our website for full list of fees and charges.

www.wagga.nsw.gov.au

Contact us p1300 292 442 ecouncil@wagga.nsw.gov.au wwww.wagga.nsw.gov.au aCivic Centre Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

careers at council

Remuneration: Min $1,280.48 + superannuation Enquiries: Amanda Gray - 02 6926 9546 Closing Date: Wednesday, 8 February 2017

TEMPORARY ASSET MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT 6 Month Period (Re-advertised)

Remuneration: Min $879.34 gpw + superannuation Enquiries: David Edgar - 0418 446 337 (Mon - Fri 8am to 4pm) Closing Date: Friday, 10 February 2017

To view these opportunities and apply, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

Values - Part of everything we do Trust • Respect • Innovation • Teamwork

Follow us @waggacouncil

event on the Saturday.

The City of Wagga Wagga reduced the cost of the pool hire to help bring the event to town.

“We had such great positive feedback from all involved in the event. The financial benefits to the town, with many families who attend requiring accommodation and meals, was also very pleasing to see,” Mr Eames said.

The event will return to Wagga Wagga in January next year.

Tenderers are advised that the lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted. Enquiries should be directed to Mr Leon Burger on 6926 9267 or email burger. leon@wagga.nsw.gov. au. A non-refundable fee of $110.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the Specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed from www. tenderlink.com/wagga.

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Pine Gully Road north of Harris Road Duration: 6am to 2pm 29/01/17 Reason: Triathlon Event Detour: Boorooma St

NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Wagga Wagga City Council has received the following application to carry out “Development” under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.

DA17/0002, Community Facility, 24 Gregadoo Rd LAKE ALBERT NSW 2650, Lot 11 DP 1121823, Applicant: Kurrajong Waratah Industries Ltd Name of Consent Authority: Wagga Wagga City Council The subject application and accompanying documentation, may be inspected at the following address until the closure of exhibition.

Submission Period: 30/01/2017 to 13/02/2017 Where: Wagga Wagga City Council, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga (Customer Service counter).

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wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews

When: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays).

Any person seeking to make a submission in relation to the abovementioned development should address all correspondence to the Consent Authority to be received prior to 5pm on the final day of the exhibition period. If any submission is made by way of objection, the grounds of objection must be specified in the submission.

Persons lodging submissions are required to declare political donations (including donations of more than $1,000) made in the previous two years.

For more details, including disclosure form, go to www.planning.nsw.gov.au/ donations.

Persons making written submissions regarding the above development are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPPA) and may be attached to the final report, in its entirety or in part, to Council unless explicitly requested by the person making the submission that they do not wish this to occur.

Enquiries: Further details relating to the matter can be obtained by contacting the Council’s Development Services. If you have any enquiries regarding the application, or about making submission, please call City Development on 1300 292 442.

Alan Eldridge, General Manager