INSIDE: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF COUNCIL'S HARD WASTE SERVICE + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 30 MAY 2020
Issue No: 297
Weekly information from us to you
Keep safe and sanitise your hands With many Wagga Wagga City Council facilities preparing to reopen to the public, there’s a new practice we need to adopt when entering a building – sanitising our hands. See full story inside.
HANDY TIP: Wagga Wagga City Council Customer Service Team Leader Meredith Hester and Monique Burkinshaw encourage people arriving at the Civic Centre to utilise the hand sanitiser station to ensure good hygiene is maintained in public spaces across the community.
Facilities to reopen – expect some changes Some of Wagga Wagga City Council’s facilities will reopen their doors next week as the NSW Government’s COVID-19 restrictions ease. Council staff have been busy working behind the scenes introducing new social distancing and hygiene protocols to keep everyone safe. The Wagga Wagga City Library along with the Visitor Information Centre will be the first two facilities opening their doors on Monday 1 June.
Library Manager Claire Campbell said her team was looking forward to welcoming the community back. “We’re doing everything in accordance with NSW Government requirements to keep our community safe,” Ms Campbell said. “Weekdays between 10–11am will be a priority hour for seniors and high-risk people to visit the library. We’ll welcome the rest of the community from 11am onwards.” Returning to the library will be a different experience for patrons, with timed visits, restricted visitor numbers, fewer chairs and no wi-fi, computers or physical newspapers. “We’ll be encouraging visitors to come in,
quickly get their items, and leave so the next group can enter,” Ms Campbell said. “All returned items will be quarantined for three days before they go back on the shelves. “We’ll also be meeting visitors at the door to scan library cards or record details. We’ll store this information for 29 days in case we need to trace people due to a COVID-19 outbreak. “We know this new system will take some getting used to, and we appreciate everyone’s patience. Once you’re curled up at home with a fresh stack of books, it’ll be worth the trip.” Both the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and the Museum of the Riverina’s Historic
Council Chambers site will reopen on Tuesday 2 June from 10am. “Visitors will be able to enjoy a number of exhibitions including the National Emerging Art Glass Prize 2020, Tree Conversations: networking with the wood wide web and Freya Jobbins’ solo exhibition Return,” Art Gallery Director Caroline Geraghty said. “We’re also opening a new exhibition, Bad timing, on 6 June. Bad Timing is the fifth work in a series exploring the life and legacy of the mythic performance artist Barbara Cleveland.” For a full list of Council’s facility and service changes visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ servicechanges
Weekly waste tip Broken garden hoses go in the red lid bin. Garden hoses are not recyclable, they consist of a variety of materials which are difficult to separate. However, a quick internet search shows lots of garden hose upcycling ideas rather than sending them straight to landfill!
Keep those hands sanitised!
With many Wagga Wagga City Council facilities preparing to reopen to the public, there’s a new practice we need to adopt when entering a building – sanitising our hands. Council are providing hand sanitiser stations at every Council-operated facility and are encouraging the community to use them. Work Health & Safety Advisor Julie Philpott said adopting the new habit was important to ensure the health and safety of the community and Council staff.
“Many Council facilities are hightraffic areas, so we all need to work together to keep everyone safe,” Ms Philpott said. “We have hand sanitiser available at both entrances and exits to all our facilities. It’s a new practice that we’ll be continuing for the foreseeable future.” Ms Philpott was facing a monthslong wait for the sanitiser, when a chance conversation led to a local solution. “Like most businesses, we were finding it difficult to source supplies,” Ms Philpott said.
“Everything was sold out. “I was in a meeting with local agencies and I mentioned it to them. One of the team members spoke to me afterwards and gave me the contact details of a local business they knew would be able to help. “I love supporting our local businesses and it turned out they were able to get everything I needed within a week. It’s been brilliant.” For a full list of Council’s facility and service changes visit wagga. nsw.gov.au/servicechanges
Disruption to Council services
SET TO OPEN: Wagga Wagga City Library Manager Claire Campbell gets ready to open the doors again on Monday but urges community members to be patient and understanding as changes to the service are implemented in line with State Government public health regulations.
Council facilities reopening
Service
Notes
Airport
Terminal operating hours have changed. Please check website.
Service
When
Animal Shelter
Existing operating hours are in place. Front gate will be closed with staff meeting public at front gate for safety for animal pick ups and drop offs. No cash payments.
Wagga Wagga City Library
Reopening from Monday 1 June
Art Gallery
Currently closed. The gallery will be reopening on Tuesday 2 June 2020. As per NSW Public Health Orders, strict social distancing and hygiene protocols will be 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
Indoor funerals can be attended by no more than 20 mourners and outdoor funerals up to 30.
City of Wagga Wagga Library
The library returns chute is open. The library itself is closed, but will be reopening on Monday 1 June 2020. As per NSW Public Health Orders, strict social distancing and hygiene protocols will be 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
Currently closed.
Community Centres / Halls
Currently closed.
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 - 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.
Museum
Currently closed. The Historic Council Chambers site will reopen on Tuesday 2 June 2020. As per NSW Public Health Orders, strict social distancing and hygiene protocols will be in place. For more info visit the Museum of the Riverina website.
Oasis Aquatic Centre
Currently closed - For more info visit the Oasis Aquatic Centre website.
Parks
Open. Please practice social distancing and good hygiene.
Riverina Regional Library (RRL)
Currently closed.
Sewer Services
Still operating.
Sporting Facilities / Stadiums
Currently closed.
Sportsgrounds
Closed to sporting organisations as well as social sporting-based activities.
Visitor Information Centre
Will be reopening on Monday 1 June 2020. As per NSW Public Health Orders, strict social distancing and hygiene protocols will be in place. Visit visitwagga.com for more info.
Waste and Recycling (Kerbside) Collection
Existing collection schedule in place.
Wilks Park and Oura Beach Reserve
To reopen from Monday 1 June 2020. Please practice social distancing and good hygiene.
Zoo
Currently closed.
Monday – Friday • 10.00am–11.00am – seniors and high-risk people only • 11.00am–6.00pm open to the general public Saturday • 10.00am–4.00pm – open to the general public
Visitor Information Centre
Reopening from Monday 1 June Monday – Friday • 9.00am–5.00pm Saturday • 9.00am–4.00pm Sunday • 9.30am–2.00pm
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
Reopening from Tuesday 2 June Tuesday – Saturday • 10.00am– 4.00pm (lower entrance closes at 2.00pm) Sunday • 10.00am–2.00pm (lower entrance closed)
Museum of the Riverina (Historic Council Chambers site only)
Reopening from Tuesday 2 June. Tuesday – Saturday • 10.00am– 4.00pm Sunday • 10.00am–2.00pm
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
Vacancies Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
Remuneration: $2,374.70 gpf + super Enquiries: Paul Wallace on 02 6971 4630 or 0438 245 049 Closing date: Monday 8 June 2020
Business Support Officer
Term Contract until May 2021 Remuneration: $2,195.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Paul O’Brien on 02 6926 9510 Closing date: Monday 15 June 2020
Executive Assistant
Remuneration: $2,500.34 gpf + super Enquiries: Michael Keys on 02 6926 9500 Closing date: Monday 15 June 2020 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Commercial ratepayers can apply for financial hardship
Wagga Wagga City Council has agreed to temporarily amend Council’s Financial Hardship Policy allowing more people to apply and making the application process easier. Commercial ratepayers can now join residential ratepayers in applying to Council for financial hardship status for any property owned within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. Ratepayers will be considered eligible: • if they have qualified for the Government’s JobKeeper or
JobSeeker payments • if their tenant has qualified for the JobKeeper payment • if they can demonstrate that their property has become vacant as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic • if they can provide evidence that more than a 30 per cent rent reduction has been provided to their tenant. Corporate Services Director Natalie Te Pohe said Council had worked to simplify the application process, advising that ratepayers could apply for a two-year
payment plan right up until the 27 September – the Government’s current JobKeeper payment end date. “Some people won’t need the full two years,” Ms Te Pohe said. “Many are only seeking a payment arrangement for their current rates instalment, but that may change. “We’re making it as flexible as we can. We’re not waiving rates or charges – Council isn’t able to do that on a large scale. What we are doing is offering ratepayers a payment plan and waiving any
associated interest. “We’re also suspending some of our regular debt recovery actions. We know people are hurting and we’re doing everything in our power to help.” Wagga Wagga Business Chamber Vice President Caleb Richards welcomed the news, saying opening the policy to commercial ratepayers would help ease the pressure felt by local business owners. “We’re really pleased that Council has included commercial properties in its hardship policy,
because so many businesses are going to need help working their way back to financial stability,” Mr Richards said. “It’s going to be a long road and any assistance to help our businesses now and as we recover is critical.” The temporary amendments will be applied retrospectively to rates due from 31 March 2020 to 27 September 2020. Ratepayers can visit wagga.nsw. gov.au/financialsupport or call 1300 292 442 for more information.
Oasis ready to roll out new carpet project New carpet at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre will be installed in coming weeks after the project was fast forwarded into the current year’s budget. Wagga Wagga City Council approved the project at its 25 May Ordinary Meeting
allowing for the replacement of the Flotex Flooring at the facility’s entrance, office and pool hall. Due to the Oasis currently being closed, there is an opportunity to have the carpet replaced now to avoid major disruptions
when the complex is reopened. The current carpet is seven years old, in poor condition, and will be replaced with a commercial grade carpet that is durable, hardwearing, stain resistant and designed for high traffic areas.
CALL AND COLLECT: Gregadoo Waste Management Centre Manager Geoff Pym is encouraging residents to take advantage of Council's hard waste collection service.
Tidy up for winter with Council’s hard waste service POOL PROJECT: Oasis staff Tai King and Ryan Menz have the complex looking in top shape for when the facility does reopen. New carpet will soon be installed at the Oasis.
Morgan, Murray and Forsyth streets precinct Setting new rules for future development We want all future development at this precinct to be acceptable to our community. That’s why we’re proposing to set some site-specific rules (known as ‘controls’) about how development can occur. These proposed site-specific controls address issues including:
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• design • height • traffic • parking • open space • landscaping • services • stormwater management
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Council also encourages the community to follow the Avoid, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Landfill hierarchy. “Many items can be re-used or recycled, so have a think about that as an option too,” he said. “Landfill should always be the last option and there are a wide range of items that you can take to GWMC for free.” Those items include scrap metal, polystyrene, cardboard, automotive batteries, up to 100 litres of paint, up to 20 litres of motor oil, televisions and computers – all these items are accepted free of charge at GWMC every day. For more information and to book your collection, visit yourwaste.com.au/hardwaste or call (02) 5942 6150.
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and will take away up to two cubic metres of rubbish. This service also makes it easier for residents to dispose of larger items. “Plan your clean-up day, book the truck for a pick-up and place the items at the kerbside for collection. It’s that simple and saves the time and hassle of loading up those bigger items and taking them to the tip.” Mr Pym said some items cannot be disposed of through the hard waste service, such as hazardous materials, white goods and tyres. He said if people are unsure, want to check or have any questions they are advised to visit the yourwaste.com.au/hardwaste website or give Council a call.
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Residents keen to tidy up and declutter their homes before the winter months can take advantage of Wagga Wagga City Council’s hard waste collection. Households that pay the domestic waste management service charge are eligible for one free hard waste collection each calendar year. “We really encourage residents to take advantage of the hard waste service which is a great way to clean and tidy house before the cold weeks ahead of us set in,” Council’s Manager of the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) Geoff Pym said. “It is an easy service to book and utilise. The truck comes to you on a pre-booked day
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STREET
Let us know what you think. Find out more and have your say at: connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/morganstreet
1300 292 442 connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
PR
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
to how libraries handle the opening. In Wagga that will include things such as opening for the first hour from 10am for older members of our What an exciting day community or people next Monday the 1st with mobility issues. June will be for the communities across the The library is then open till 6pm Monday state. Public libraries to Friday and 10am to in NSW are entitled to 4pm on Saturday for re-open from that day. the general public. As with all transition The other limitation back to whatever the new normal is, there will will be that there will be a maximum be a staged approach number of 50 people
in the library and a maximum 30 minutes visit time. The purpose of these measures is to ensure distancing measures are met and also to maximise who can enjoy and spend time within the library throughout the day. Throughout this crisis libraries, librarians and communities have been amazing in working together in ensuring that what services could continue did and
particularly in the online space. The variety and quality of online offerings by libraries across the region have been amazing. There has been a major spike in online e-audiobooks, e-books, online jigsaw puzzles, amazing Storytimes and online book clubs just to name a few of the areas impacted. Some communities also ensured the delivery of appropriately
Entwine project to start at Brolga Pond
A major upgrade of Wagga Wagga’s Botanic Gardens precinct is set to start next month at one of the area’s favourite spaces. The $924,000 Entwine project will revitalise the iconic city gardens and deliver new community infrastructure and facilities that will be inclusive and accessible for residents and visitors to enjoy. Initial works will focus on Brolga Pond, surrounding Bamboo Garden and Native Garden areas – popular spaces where the community gathers for picnics, play and photo opportunities. Wagga Wagga City Council Director Commercial Operations said Entwine would revitalise an important city asset. “We recently celebrated 50 years of the Botanic Gardens and being able to give this community space a major upgrade is timely and a great investment for the city,” Ms Angel said. “The Botanic Gardens is a well-used facility where I’m sure many people have fond memories of good times. We want to ensure the Gardens continue to be that special place for all the community to enjoy.”
The Entwine project works include: • Design and construction of a nature play adventure space and new BBQ facilities in the native garden section • Refurbishment of the Brolga Pond and surrounding Bamboo Garden area to support events and outdoor activities • Installation of interpretative and wayfinding signage • Installation of low maintenance accessible pathways and revitalised garden areas to strengthen the connection and visitor flow between the Botanic Gardens and the Museum of the Riverina site located on the northern side of the precinct • Upgrade to animal enclosures including fencing and signage at the Zoo Works will be carried out between 7am and 5pm from Monday to Friday, and are expected to be complete by September 2020, weather permitting. The Entwine project is funded through a $739,466 grant from the NSW Regional Growth – Environment & Tourism Fund with the balance contributed by Wagga Wagga City Council.
POPULAR GARDENS: Wagga Wagga celebrated 50 years of the Botanic Gardens in 2018. The popular recreational area attracts thousands of visitors each year and the community turned out for the Gardens' significant anniversary party a few years ago. The Entwine project will provide a significant upgrade to the entire precinct.
Public Notices
WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL 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
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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
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
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 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
0427 448 525 | councillor.tout@wagga.nsw.gov.au
EXHIBITION OF REVISED POLICY
their amazing readings. A number of Wagga library staff fall into this category. I urge members of the community to work with library staff in being understanding of the measures that have been put in place across the state for a staged opening of their beloved community space and also be understanding of other members of the community to ensure
@cityofwaggawagga
Councillor Dallas Tout Deputy Mayor
More works at the McDonald’s Park precinct have taken place this week with earthworks around the recently installed walkway bridge. The 42-metre bridge connects vacant land on the eastern side of Marshalls Creek to the main rugby league oval at Equex. The benefits will be realised when overflow carparking is required for premier events attracting large crowds. More than 60 truck loads of profilings were placed on the walkway approaches before 120 tonnes of road base applied to finish the surface.
A new road exiting onto Kooringal Road from the Exhibition Centre has also been completed as part of the project. Road construction started on 13 January 2020 and reached practical completion on the 13 March 2020. It is expected the new road will ease congestion when exiting the sporting complex, particularly after major events. The aerial image below shows the latest work which has been carried out on the walkway bridge which was installed in early April.
Bus shelters in Wagga Wagga and Uranquinty have been spruced up with some paint and polish as part of a Wagga Wagga City Council upgrade program. The program is allocated $20,000 every two years to ensure bus shelters are kept in good shape for the community’s use. Director Commercial Operations Caroline Angel said the facilities were important for community members utilising public transport. “They’re a small, but very important part of community life,” Ms Angel said. “When it’s hot or raining, a bus shelter is an important refuge for people, young and elderly. Council is able to keep the shelters in good order through this program. “The upgrade promotes their long term use and ensures a benefit to the
community for the years ahead.” Work on three shelters in Wagga Wagga and Uranquinty were completed in mid-May. These included shelters in Tobruk Street, Kimba Drive, and O’Connor Street, Uranquinty. The shelters were repainted, had rust removed and new perspex panels installed.
Management Policy. The revised Policy will be on exhibition until 24 June 2020 Council invites public submissions on the draft Policy, to be lodged within the exhibition period. Inspection Venue: The draft Policy is available for review at Wagga Wagga City Council, cnr Baylis & Morrow sts, Wagga Wagga, during the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded) within the above exhibition period. The revised Policy can also be accessed from Council’s website at wagga.nsw.gov.au/public. Submission Procedure:
Persons wishing to make a submission in relation to the revised Policy should do so prior to the close of the exhibition period. Submissions should be in writing and may be delivered to Wagga Wagga City Council or mailed to the General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650 or emailed to council@ wagga.nsw.gov.au. Persons making written submissions regarding the above Policy are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be
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that as many people who wish to get to visit the library. As has been the case throughout this crisis, working together will ensure the community can enjoy what is the heart and soul of our community, the library.
COUNCIL PROJEC TS IN AC TION
EXHIBITION OF REVISED POLICY: FINANCIAL HARDSHIP – PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS AND WAIVING OF INTEREST POLICY – POL 102 INFORMATION ON POLICY: DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY – POL 017 Council hereby gives public notice of the exhibition of its revised Financial Hardship – Payment Arrangements and Waiving of Interest Policy and also information on Council’s Debt
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treated hard copy books to isolated and vulnerable members of communities to their doorstep. Not naming people but some of the Storytime and reading videos I have been watching online have been utterly amazing. In my personal opinion a number of librarians, in addition to being a professional library staff member, should also be on stage as well with
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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. Any questions relating to the Policy document may be referred to Carolyn Rodney on 1300 292 442.
Peter Thompson, General Manager