Council News Issue No: 123
CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2016
Weekly information from us to you
HANGING OUT: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Manager Stephen Payne puts the finishing touches on the Archibald Prize exhibition.
PICTURE PERFECT Australia’s favourite art award, the Archibald Prize, has landed at Wagga Wagga Art Gallery for the first time since 2010.
The portraits are unpacked, hung and ready for thousands of locals and visitors alike to enjoy from today until Sunday 15 January. Awarded to the best portrait painting of the year, it’s a who’s who of Australian contemporary culture – from politicians to fashion designers, sporting heroes to artists. “We’re delighted to be hosting the Archibald Prize 2016 once again here at the gallery,” Manager Stephen Payne said. “This is always a great opportunity for Wagga Wagga art lovers to enjoy Australia’s favourite art exhibition, especially over the summer holidays when we have so many family members and friends passing through.” From 830 entries and 51 finalists, Louise Hearman’s portrait of one of the nation’s most acclaimed and beloved entertainers and satirists, Barry Humphries, claimed the top prize. “This year’s prize is a particular treat with such a broad range of subjects, styles and techniques,” Mr Payne said. “The winner, Louise Hearman’s Barry, is definitely a standout that showcases her painterly finesse as well a definite rapport with this beloved entertainer. “I’m also very drawn to Natasha Bieniek’s portrait of Wendy Whiteley – it’s one of the smallest works in the exhibition, only the size of a postcard, but the detail is so fine you can even tell the time on Wendy’s watch.” The Art Gallery of NSW exhibition can be enjoyed for free at the gallery, which is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 4pm and 10am to 2pm on Sundays.
Faster approval times on the way Faster approval times for a number of Development Application (DA) types are on the horizon for the Wagga Wagga community. A number of changes to the Development Control Plan are now on public exhibition, with residents and business able to share their feedback until 27 January. General Manager Alan Eldridge said the amendments will result in less DAs going to Council, which will make the approval process smoother and faster for the community.
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WAGGA SHOP V I S I TO R I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T R E 1 8 3 TA R C U T TA S T R E E T WA G G A WA G G A 1300 100 122
“This is the first big improvement put forward by the Planning Taskforce, which is undertaking a landmark review of Council’s planning framework,” he said. “Currently when planning controls are varied by more than 10 per cent, a DA must go before Council, which adds to the processing time. “For example, a shed that exceeded the 10 per cent variation took 84 days for approval, whereas applications that have not exceeded the variation have been approved in less than 12 days. “These amendments will reduce the number of applications being reported to Council, improve decision-making times, reduce costs for the applicant, and be a better use of Council resources.
• Ready-made and custom hampers • Local produce and gifts • Regional wine, beer and cider
The amendment includes development types such as dwellings, dual occupancies, multi dwelling housing and structures and outbuildings associated with these developments. The Development Control Plan is a nonlegal document that supports the Local Environmental Plan with more detailed planning and design guidelines. It is one of many planning tools that are currently being reviewed by the Planning Taskforce. “Since the Planning Taskforce was announced in March, they have been undertaking a review of the Local Environmental Plan, Development Control Plan (DCP) and Section 94 Plan. “We’re dedicated to taking a holistic
approach to our planning framework and making sure it’s guided by the new Community Strategic Plan ‘Wagga View’ and aligns with other important documents such as the Residential Strategy, the Recreation and Open Space Plan and the Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy. “Our goal is to build the best regional city in Australian and the important work that’s being done now is steering us towards that direction.” To view the Development Control Plan amendments, visit the Customer Service desk in the Civic Centre or wagga.nsw.gov. au. Submissions can be made in writing to the General Manager or emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au.
DEPUTY MAYOR LANDS PRESIDENT ROLE Equitable funding, innovation and active engagement for public libraries are just some of the priorities for Deputy Mayor of the City Wagga Wagga, Councillor Dallas Tout, as he begins his term as the President of the NSW Public Libraries Association. Cr Tout was appointed as President of the industry association at its Annual General Meeting last week. “It’s an honour to represent an industry that offers services and programs that are responsive, and fulfil
and enrich the social, emotional and cultural fabric of communities,” Cr Tout said. “The demand for NSW library services is increasing year by year, both through in–person visits and electronic access. And these figures do not show the invisible benefits libraries bring as they grow and evolve into the community hubs of the future in each of the locations where they exist.” “Whilst a modest $2.1M funding increase over two years is welcomed by the
sector, state funding remains historically low relative to local government funding.” Two staff members from the Riverina Regional Library group also accepted formal roles. Robert Knight, Executive Director of the Riverina Regional Library was elected as Library Manager Member Country and Adele Casey, Director of Corporate, Community & Development Services at the Bland Shire Council was elected to the position of Secretary/Treasurer.
N O M I N AT E F O R C O M M I T T E E S Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? Expressions of interest are now open for a number of City of Wagga Wagga’s Advisory Committees. Applications close at 5pm, 9 December for the Audit and Risk Committee, and at 5pm, 16 December for the Sister City Community Committee, Museum of the Riverina Community Committee and Public Art Advisory Panel.
Council’s Audit and Risk Committees plays a pivotal role in its governance framework, providing independent assurance and assistance in the areas of risk, internal controls, compliance and financial reporting. Applications are also currently open for Riverina Water County Council’s Audit and Risk Committee. To apply for a committee, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au and download an Expression of Interest form.
Riverina Regional Library moves into new Wagga base The largest regional library service in NSW now has a larger administration centre to call home. After outgrowing their Peter Street premises the Riverina Regional Library (RRL) has made the move into a newly refurbished and bigger home in Galing Place. The new Wagga Wagga home base features significantly larger office accommodation, more storage and dedicated spaces for meetings and training sessions and has enough room to accommodate RRL’s current and future needs. RRL has enjoyed many successes and significant growth throughout its 38-year history. Rapid expansion in the past few years resulted in the service outgrowing its former building sooner than expected. “The admission of five additional Councils to the RRL network over a short period of 18 months saw the organisation outgrow the Peter Street building much sooner than anticipated,” RRL Executive Director Robert Knight said. “The operational running of the entire RRL network will be conducted out of the new premises. This includes a suite of centralised library service to our
NEW CHAPTER: (From left) Riverina Regional Library Executive Director Robert Knight, Deputy Mayor Dallas Tout and Mayor Greg Conkey show off the library’s new administration centre. 19 libraries, covering everything from shelf-ready collections and an automated library management system to mobile library services.” The former childcare centre was refurbished earlier this year at a cost of $300,000. The project was jointly funded by the City of Wagga Wagga, RRL and a NSW Public Library Infrastructure grant administered by the State Library of NSW. The new headquarters was officially opened by Mayor
weekly MOWING
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The City of Wagga Wagga’s spring mowing program is now under way. All parks, reserves and open space areas receive one grass cut every six weeks, but these timeframes may be extended. Mowing teams will be operating in the following areas: • North: Estella, followed by parks and reserves in Oura
of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM and Chairperson of the RRL Advisory Committee Councillor Dallas Tout on Wednesday 30 November. The RRL has a total of 36,283 members and more than 583,000 people visit the RRL branches each year. The RRL has 10 participating member Councils, and provides services to 18 stationary libraries and one mobile library which services 28 communities.
• East: Kooringal followed by Ladysmith and Forest Hill • West: Bourkelands followed by Tolland and Mount Austin • Seasonal: City-wide roundabout maintenance • Roadside program: Eastern region • Village program: Collingullie followed by Galore, Currawarna and Euberta
Kittens!
Looking for a kitten? The Glenfield Road Animal Shelter has many beautiful kittens aged between six to eight weeks. They’re all looking for new families to love them forever and can be adopted for $166.20 (males) and $196.20 (females). The rehoming price includes desexing, microchipping, lifetime registration, vaccination and worming. If you want to meet the lovely little kittens, visit the 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.
I T’S OFFICIAL: PADEMEL ONS L E ARN T HEIR NAME S
The city’s favourite new furry friends have officially been named. Wagga, your new pademelon pair are now known as Bubble (girl) and Squeak (boy). Thanks to all the community members who made suggestions and voted in the City of Wagga Wagga’s naming competition.
Nominate now! Inductees will be recognised as part of the City of Wagga Wagga Australia Day Ceremony held on Wednesday 25 January. Nominations close 5pm Friday 16 December 2016 For more information or to download a nomination form visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/AustraliaDay or call Council’s recreation officer on 1300 292 442.
The one female and one male marsupials were relocated from Gosford to their new home at the Botanic Gardens Zoo last month. You can visit the pint-sized pair, and all their other cute and cuddly friends, at the Wagga Wagga Zoo and Aviary, Botanic Gardens, from 9am to 5pm daily (closed Christmas day).
Lodgement of applications prior to Christmas closedown The last date for Development Applications, Construction Certificates and Subdivision Certificates to be received before the Christmas closedown is 21 December at 4.30pm. Each year Council receives an influx of applications prior to the Christmas closedown and there is insufficient time to acknowledge or begin processing these until almost two weeks later in early January. The 48-hour period (between the cut-off of applications being accepted and the close-down) will allow staff to register and acknowledge applications to allow a more efficient processing of all applications into the new year when staff return after the break. Please ensure all applications are presented to Council prior to the noted cut-off or held back from lodgement until early in the New Year.
1300 292 442
Civic Centre, cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts council@wagga.nsw.gov.au www.wagga.nsw.gov.au
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Get on board Wagga to Brisbane from 2017 Direct flights Wagga Wagga to Brisbane will take off from February 13, 2017. The new service provided by Australian regional jet aircraft provider JETGO will transport passengers between the largest regional inland city to the northern capital in less than two hours. JETGO will initially offer three services a week from Wagga Wagga Airport to Brisbane International Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It is hoped these services will be increased to seven days a week as demand builds. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Greg Conkey OAM welcomed JETGO to Wagga Wagga Airport, saying the service is an extra positive boost for residents and visitors. “A direct air service to Queensland unlocks
tourism opportunities, for residents wanting to escape to the sun and surf, or for visiting family and friends, as well as improving business links for the city, which are all fantastic economic boosts for our city,” Mayor Conkey said. “On behalf of the City of Wagga Wagga I welcome JETGO to our region and thank them for choosing our city as a new destination for their services. “This service will add to the quality airline services enjoyed by the people of Wagga Wagga and the Riverina. “I encourage all residents to ‘get on board’ and support this new service.” JETGO Managing Director Airlines Paul Bredereck said the JETGO service will provide a different flying style for Wagga Wagga residents.
“Not only will passengers benefit from great time savings, they will also experience superior comfort and a fantastic in-flight service. “These flights will see the return of jet services to Wagga Wagga Airport for the first time since 2001. “JETGO are looking forward to providing flights into the Wagga Wagga market and welcoming many new Riverina faces on to our services.” JETGO will fly a 37-seat Embraer ERJ-135LR Regional Jet aircraft from Wagga Wagga to Brisbane, which can reach speeds of up to 850km/h. Direct flights will start from $197 one way and are on sale via the JETGO website, www.jetgo.com
WAGG A VIE W HIT S THE ROAD
The Wagga View team have been on the road this week, visiting nine of the surrounding villages in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. Community contributions to the new Wagga View Community Strategic Plan were made at Tarcutta, Humula, Ladysmith, Uranquinty, Mangoplah, Galore, Collingullie, Oura and Currawarna. The students at Collingullie Public School also took some time out of their day to stop by and see the team. High on the students’ wish list was a new skatepark, swimming pool and tennis court. The current Wagga View consultation is collecting community feedback on the draft Wagga View plan. This plan paints a picture of what we all want for the future of our city and provides strategies on how we can all get there. The draft plan is based on community and stakeholder consultation held earlier in the year and consists of more than 200 strategies.
THIS WEEK:
ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2016
Sat 3 December to Sun 15 January 2017 Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Civic Centre, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets. Ph: 6926 9660
MEREDITH & THE CONMEN BIG BAND
Sat 3 December 6pm Borambola Winery,1734 Sturt Highway. Ph: 6925 3522
COMBINED RIDERS OF WAGGA TOY RUN 2016
VILLAGE ROAD SHOW: Uranquinty Progress Association President Deb Bewick with Wagga View team member Nicole Smith talk about the draft Community Strategic Plan at Uranquinty as part of the village visits held this week. Last week more than 300 residents engaged with the draft plan through a two-day pop-shop at the Wagga Wagga Marketplace. If you missed the Wagga View
team while they were out and about, you can still have your say on the draft plan by visiting wagga.nsw.gov.au/waggaview. Feedback can be made until 20 December.
Win $150 Visa card
JETGO WAGGA WAGGA TO BRISBANE FLIGHT SCHEDULES • Mondays and Wednesdays: Depart Brisbane – 10.30am Arrive Wagga Wagga – 1.20pm Depart Wagga Wagga – 1.50pm Arrive Brisbane – 2.40pm • Fridays: Depart Brisbane – 11.20am Arrive Wagga Wagga – 2.10pm Depart Wagga Wagga – 2.45pm Arrive Brisbane – 3.35pm (Daylight savings time difference included)
Sat 3 December 9am, starts - Jubilee Park Car Park and finish 1pm Civic Centre Precinct. Ph: 0408 420 766
XMAS PARTY RACE DAY
Sat 3 December Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers Street. Ph: 6921 2151
WAGGA WAGGA POULTRY CLUB SALE Sun 4 December 10am, Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke Street. Ph: 0406 635 633
LIFESTYLE & GIFTS MARKET
Sun 4 December 9am - 3pm Senior Citizens Centre, Tarcutta Street. Ph: 0425 382 69
WILLANS HILL MINIATURE RAILWAY
First and third Sunday of the month 10.30am to 4pm. Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay Street
/waggaevents For support in organising your event, contact Council’s Events Unit at events@wagga.nsw.gov. au or 1300 292 442 Mon to Fri. To promote your event or for a full list of events go to: visitwagga. com or call 1300 100 122.
y h p a Photogr competition WIN a Visa card up to $150 Must hashtag #waggaview & location e.g #Oura Enter via
jam packed summer pocket-sized guide Available at the Visitor Information Centre and businesses around Wagga or sign up through wagga.nsw.gov.au/emailupdates
22 Nov - 20 Dec 2016
Follow Visit Wagga Wagga on
1300 292 442
wagga.nsw.gov.au/waggaview
#visitwagga COUNCIL PARTNERING WITH THE COMMUNITY
Wagga is inclusive, not exclusive.
You’re invited to share your ideas to help us develop a Disability Inclusion Action Plan and ensure ongoing accessibility and inclusion across the city.
We all have the ability to create an inclusive community!
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery (Links Gallery). Access via gallery lower entrance off Morrow Street, opposite glass gallery. Disability parking available.
Terms and conditions apply. Visit the website for more information.
Monday 5 December 2016 1:30 - 4pm, afternoon tea provided RSVP 25 November: 6926 9357 or lehman.sarah@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
COUNCILLOR COLUMN The Trump Presidential victory in the USA was greeted with horror in Australia within the prism of a left wing media which portrayed Trump as an
unelectable deplorable. Democracy is a system that sometimes throws up the unexpected. The Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom and the Trump victory is showing us is that the voters are sick of politicians. In the last 10 to 15 years
we have actually seen a decline in the real living standards of people living in Australia (and the USA), despite the politicians assuring us that all their policies are here to help us, yet things still get worse. Globalisation, clean energy projects, social justice issues have all
councillor.pascoe@wagga.nsw.gov.au
been the priorities for politicians. This does not help the average voter and has exported many manufacturing jobs to Asia. What can we learn from this at a local level? The lesson is simple - let’s start representing the people. Stop the spin, be more transparent, concentrate
on core issues that we can control, most particularly roads, rates and rubbish. As a side issue, one potentially big outcome for our region from the Trump victory is that if the USA stands up to China (using existing World Trade Organisation rules) and forces China to float its
Public Notices
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Expressions of Interest are sought from interested persons to serve on the following Council Advisory Committees: • Audit & Risk Committee • Sister City Community Committee • Museum of the Riverina Community Committee • Public Art Panel Applications are invited, and will be received up to 5pm on Friday, 16 December 2016 (9 December 2016 for Audit & Risk Committee) from interested residents of the Wagga Wagga Local Government area to serve on the above Advisory Committees. Further information regarding the role(s) of these Committees and the Application Forms are available on Council’s website under wagga.nsw. gov.au/advisorycommitees. Application Forms are also available from the Customer Service Centre, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga during business hours. Application forms can be completed online; posted to PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 or emailed to council@wagga. nsw.gov.au
about four months. The harsh weather saturated subgrade and machinery was required for flood-response efforts. Work was able to resume on the Byrnes Road project in October. Work commenced on this project first as this project was further advanced then the Eunony Bridge Road works. The extra time also allowed for the saturated subgrade on Eunony Bridge Road to dry out. Work resumed on Eunony
Further details are available by contacting Nicole Johnson on 1300 292 442.
NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Baylis St from Morgan St to Morrow Duration 11:45am to 12:30pm Date: 03/12/2016 Reason: Toy Run Parade Detour: Not required
NOTICE OF PARTIAL ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Intersection of Kincaid Street and Beckwith Street Duration: 7am Tuesday 6 December to 5pm Friday 9 December 2016 Reason: Intersection asphalt works. Site will be under traffic control
NOTICE OF PARTIAL ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Intersection of Inglewood Rd and Mitchell Rd Duration: 7am Wednesday 7 December to 5pm Friday 9 December 2016 Reason: Intersection asphalt works. Site will be under traffic control
Contact us 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
Bridge Road on Thursday. Initial works will include reinstating road material washed away during flooding. It is hoped all gravel will be placed by Christmas with final compaction, shaping and seal to be completed by mid-to-late January. Motorists and residents are thanked for their patience during the completion of these projects. Keep up-to-date on all road projects and road closures via wagga.nsw.gov.au/roads.
NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS DECEMBER 2016
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 6.00pm on Monday, 12 December 2016 in the Council Meeting Room, cnr Baylis & Morrow Streets Wagga Wagga. All meetings are open to members of the public. 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
RFT2017/14 MINOR CONCRETE WORKS
Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT2017/14” Minor Concrete Works” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 4 January 2017. The contract is a schedule of rates contract for the provision of supply and installation of minor concrete works including but not limited to footpath and Kerb and Guttering works of different profiles within the Wagga Wagga local government area. Tenders will be assessed on a number of criteria. Tenderers are advised that the lowest or any
Tender will not necessarily be accepted. Enquiries should be directed to Mr Lee Shoemark 02 6971 4617. 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
RFT 2017/18 TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES
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ALMOST DONE (left): Repair works at Lord Baden Powell Drive are almost complete, with the road scheduled to be sealed today, 3 December. An additional asphalt project at the Lake Albert Road intersection was also undertaken this week.
WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL VACANCIES
careers at council
CITY COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR (Re-advertised)
Suitably endorsed Tenders “RFT 2017/18 – Provision of Tree Maintenance Services” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 4th January 2017. This is a panel contract under a schedule of rates for the Provision of Tree Maintenance Services and is to be established as a Standing Offer Arrangement. Services sought include canopy reduction, stump grinding, root control and chipping of vegetation. Tenders will be assessed on a number of criteria. Tenderers are advised that the lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted. Enquiries should be directed to Mr David Stapleton 1300 292 442. 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
Alan Eldridge, General Manager
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Remuneration: Min $1,481.15 gpw + superannuation Enquiries: Mark Gardiner - 02 6926 9330 Closing Date: Friday, 9 December 2016
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSETS ATTENDANT
Remuneration: Min $879.34 gpw + superannuation Enquiries: Brad Tilyard - 0427 713 359 (Mon - Fri 8am to 4pm) Closing Date: Friday, 9 December 2016
TEMPORARY ASSET MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT 8 Month Period
Remuneration: Min $879.34 gpw + superannuation Enquiries: Brad Tilyard - 0427 713 359 (Mon - Fri 8am to 4pm) Closing Date: Friday, 9 December 2016
STORES ASSISTANT
Remuneration: Min $973.62 gpw + superannuation Enquiries: Mark Hewson - 02 6926 9432 Closing Date: Friday, 16 December 2016
CONTRACTS OFFICER
Remuneration: Min $1,220.20 gpw + superannuation Enquiries: Mark Hewson - 02 6926 9432 Closing Date: Friday, 16 December 2016
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
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Councillor Kerry Pascoe
MERRY CHRISTMAS WAGGA (above): City of Wagga Wagga crew members bring some festive cheer to the final morning of the Glenfield Road/Pearson Street overpass asphalt works on Tuesday morning. Motorists are also reminded that today, Saturday 3 December, the overpass will be closed for resealing of the approach roads on Urana Street and Glenfield Road. Detours will be in place from 7am to 5pm.
Byrnes Road sealed after weather woes Sealing of a 1.6km section of Byrnes Road was completed on Wednesday (pictured above). The project was part of the City of Wagga Wagga’s planned road program and included road base strengthening and drainage work. The completion of this project means crews can now concentrate on completing works on Eunony Bridge Road. Prolonged wet weather and flooding prevented any works to take place on both projects for
currency, this will make our agricultural exports much more competitive and cheaper in China potentially exploding our business with our largest trading partner.
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