Council News Issue No: 130
CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2017
Weekly information from us to you
T R A FFI C C A L M I N G B R I N GS PE AC E O F M I N D A simple solution has restored some peace of mind to residents in a Mount Austin street. The intersection of Maher and Adjin streets has often been mistreated by reckless drivers. While there has been no damage to homes, or worse, injuries to humans, a number of trees, street signs, gutters and power poles
have borne the brunt of speeding motorists at the intersection. On Wednesday three heavy-duty traffic calming treatments were installed as a preventative measure for irresponsible motorists, and in general, slow the flow of traffic at the intersection. Continued inside
SLOW DOWN: Maher Street resident Joanne Lloyd and City of Wagga Wagga project manager David Christiansen inspect the installation of new traffic calming measures in Mt Austin.
Levee upgrade to go to tender The first stage of the city’s vitally important levee upgrade project will go to tender within the next week. The tender will be for stage 1 of the Main City Levee upgrade. Stage 1 is the levee covering sections from Flowerdale to Wiradjuri Bridge, and, Copland/ Kooringal roundabout to Kooringal Road cemetery (east side of Kooringal Road). The decision to proceed
to tender was approved by councillors at Monday night’s January Council Meeting. City of Wagga Wagga General Manager Alan Eldridge said releasing the project to tender was a great project milestone and a chance to allow the market to determine the cost of the project. “Council has had conflicting advice on the cost of levee upgrade from independent experts,” Mr Eldridge said.
“By taking the project to market we will get a much clearer picture on how much the project will cost. “This levee upgrade is one of, if not the most, important project for the city in decades. “This project means long-term protection of homes, businesses and livelihoods, and for this, we need to get this project right from the get-go. The City of Wagga Wagga is not prepared to start works until we are very clear on the
expected costing.” Mr Eldridge thanked residents for their patience as Council worked through the complex process to get the project to tender. “Staff have been working extremely hard in the background to ensure this project is executed properly and to the highest possible standard,” Mr Eldridge said. “We also acknowledge that the city’s ratepayers are making
a significant contribution to the levee upgrade through a five-year special rate variation, which is another reason why we have to get this tender and process right.” On Monday, Councillors also resolved to receive a report detailing options for further discussions that may need to be held with funding levee partners, a comparison of tenders received to original cost estimates and a timeline for future milestones.
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
support of that community. The role of a Councillor also leads to opportunities to help those groups and charities in doing their The role of representing invaluable work. You will see your local communities as all Councillors helping out a Councillor in your local those groups from time to government area creates time especially in assistance many opportunities to to their operational and get to better know and fund raising activities. understand your community In the next few months and the many wonderful one of Wagga Wagga’s volunteer groups and biggest and certainly most charities that do so much entertaining fundraisers each and every year in
T R A FFI C C A L M I N G B R I N GS PE AC E O F M I N D
From Front Page The traffic management solution was in response to residents’ concerns raised with the City of Wagga Wagga and following recent favourable community consultation towards the project. Maher Street resident Joanne Lloyd was on hand on Wednesday to inspect the installation. “Most of the residents at the bottom end of Maher Street have lived here for over 30 years and many are now retirees,” she said. “It has always been a quiet and friendly area and we welcome the installation of the traffic calming measures. “Students waiting at
is being conducted - the Thomas Bros Wagga Wagga Takes 2 event. Twelve local “celebrities” are partnered with local professional performers to raise the awareness of and valuable funds for 12 local charity and volunteer groups. This year those celebrities include Miss Wagga and the Community Princess as well as Councillor Dan Hayes and myself. For me, and I’m sure for
councillor.kendall@wagga.nsw.gov.au
most of the celebrities, this is a fundraising event that will take us well outside our comfort zone. I can’t sing and have never performed on stage, but am hoping that Deirdre Moulden, my professional partner, will be able to work miracles. What I do know though is that each and every charity that will benefit from this event is vital to the community. In my case I will be raising
funds to construct the Palliative Care Hospice at the Forrest Centre. The Forrest Centre Hospice will provide respite and long-term end of life care to all people to facilitate a dignified death. The Forrest Centre Hospice will provide the means, outside of hospital, for family to be more present and comfortable in a high-level care environment during their loved ones’ last days.
I urge you all to support each of the performers and their charities in the Thomas Bros Wagga Wagga Takes 2 fundraising events and help strengthen and grow our great community. I give special thanks to Narelle Potts and all her hard working committee and volunteers.
Councillor Rod Kendall
Easier, safer place to cross in CBD
the school bus stop on the corner of Adjin and Maher streets will also benefit from reduced speeding around the intersection. “The residents are very happy with the changes which are a cost-effective and efficient way to manage traffic. “Council is to be commended on the consultation process and installation of the traffic calming measures.” Similar traffic calming measures have been used elsewhere in the city and have had positive results. No parking signs have also been installed at the intersection, two in Adjin Street and two in Maher Street.
IMPROVEMENT: New kerb ramps and refuge in the centre islands at the intersection of The Esplanade and Best Street will make crossing at the site easier and safer for pedestrians.
Adjustments to the footpath near the Wollundry Lagoon at The Esplanade will make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross the road at the site. New concrete ramps have been formed at the intersection of The Esplanade and Best Street and pedestrian refuges created in the centre islands. The altered design now aligns the kerb ramps with the existing footpaths, which is the desired line for pedestrians. Ramps were located about 30 metres to the west of the existing footpaths and were often overlooked by foot traffic. New street lights have also been installed at the site. The adjustments make it easier and safer for pedestrians crossing at the intersection. They also reduced the need to remove two parallel off-street parks on the southern side of The Esplanade, which are in high demand in the area.
PET WEEK
OF THE
Say hi to Hugo Hugo can be a little wary of new people and may need a moment to warm up to you. But once this boy is comfortable, he’s friendly and loving. Hugo will adore you if you made the decision to include him in your family. He is available now at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter for a cost of $166.20 (includes micro
chipping, desexing, lifetime registration, vaccination and worming). To meet Hugo, 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.
Register your site!
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA
DAY
The City of Wagga Wagga and the Wagga Wagga Tidy Town Committee invite residents to register for Clean Up Australia Day 2017.
Sunday 5 March Gather some friends and find an area that you think could do with some love and register your activity at cleanupaustraliaday.org.au by Friday 17 February to receive your free clean up kit. Please note that roadsides are not eligible for registration in the Wagga Wagga local government area.
For further information contact Alice Kent on 1300 292 442.
wagga.nsw.gov.au/environment
C R E W S AT WO R K TO C L E A N U P AFTER MINI STORM City of Wagga Wagga crews were kept busy earlier this week helping to clean up after a mini storm whipped through the city. On Monday evening and throughout Tuesday crews, with the help of contractors, worked to clear Council trees and fallen branches mainly in the Lake Albert area, which copped the brunt of the storm. This included clean
up along Mitchell/ Brunskill roads and the Gregory Crescent and Brunskill Road intersection, a number of side streets in the areas and minor clean up along the Lake Albert foreshore. Also impacted were Jack Skeers and Croker parks, Main, Vanda and Docker streets. Council have also been responding to about 70 customer requests received as a result of the storm.
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Fresh faces take charge of Council’s planning Two new managerial appointments at the City of Wagga Wagga will put a focus on the value of planning in our community. Tristan Kell has joined the Financial Sector as the new Manager of City Strategy, and Council’s new Manager City Development, Harj Singh, will start in the Commercial Development Sector next week. The General Manager, Alan Eldridge, said these appointments
reflect an integrated approach to planning and development in the city. “These new managers will work together to ensure future planning transactions are efficient, sustainable and reflective of the type of city that we as a community aspire to be,” he said. “One of Tristan’s main focuses will be the Planning Taskforce, with Harj responsible for implementing any changes and fostering a productive
culture for development. TRISTAN KELL’S BACKGROUND “Both bring fresh ideas and • Experience working in urban and extensive experience to their regional planning, strategy and respective areas.” urban design across both the public and private sectors. Mr Kell will oversee corporate planning, land use, urban design, • Specialises in statutory planning, recreation planning, asset planning strategic planning and project and economic development management and has worked on a broad range of planning and Mr Singh will manage town development projects in NSW planning, building surveying, and Queensland. plumbing inspections and development administration.
HARJ SINGH’S BACKGROUND • 30 years’ experience in urban and regional planning management, • Manager Planning (Statutory and Strategic) and Building at the Rural City of Wangaratta • Manager Planning (Statutory and Strategic Planning) at the Launceston City Council. • Experience in planning within a NSW Council
BEACH BOYS ALMOST IN WAGGA There’s only one week left until legendary bands The Beach Boys and The Temptations come to Wagga Wagga. Tickets are on sale now for the Surf & Soul tour, which will ride the five o’clock into the Equex Centre on Saturday 11 February.
The Surf & Soul concert is proudly presented by the City of Wagga Wagga, which has provided $20,000 and use of McDonald’s Park to bring the show to the city. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.surfandsoul.com.au.
Where’s Charlie? wagga.nsw.gov.au/charlie
Council’s education and engagement truck Charlie will be visiting the following areas. Village/Suburb DROP IN: Currawarna residents used Charlie’s visit to lodge requests and share ideas.
CHARLIE GETS WARM WELCOME IN CURRAWARNA Currawarna residents put plenty of questions, ideas and requests to Council staff when the education and engagement truck Charlie visited the village this week. The stop was the first in a series of visits scheduled for villages across the local government area this year, as a part of a new initiative to take Council services to residents. Staff from both Council’s City Strategy and Marketing Communications teams were on hand to source ideas for the new Rural Area Strategy as well as to answer questions and lodge
requests. Council’s Chief Financial Officer, Natalie Te Pohe, said ideas from residents are invaluable in helping to plan for the future of the village. “Community members are experts in what their area needs so it’s crucial we hear from them in their own backyard,” she said. “Sometimes it’s the little things that can make all the difference and if we don’t find out what they are we can’t plan for them.” The visit also unexpectedly created an opportunity for new families in the area to meet and exchange contact details.
Local resident Barbara Johnston said by being available in the late afternoon it was easy for people to drop in. “It was great to see Council in our village and very exciting to see so many people come along,” she said. “We have a lot of new folk coming to the village so it was a good opportunity to meet the young families.” The next visit will be to Ladysmith on Wednesday 8 February. If you live in the area you can find Charlie on Kyeamba Street, drop in for a chat between 4pm-7pm.
ARCHIBALD DRAWS BIG NUMBERS The Archibald Prize 2016 lived up to its title of Australia’s favourite art award when it showed in Wagga Wagga recently. For six weeks over the Christmas-new year period, more than 10,000 people jumped at the opportunity to view the country’s best portrait paintings, on display at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. The Archibald Prize is a who’s who of the Australian contemporary culture, with portraits this year featuring the likes of politicians, fashion designers, sporting heroes and artists. “Gallery staff were extremely pleased with the support the Wagga Wagga community and visitors showed to the Archibald Prize,” Gallery Manager Stephen Payne said. “Art-goers who passed through the exhibition regularly commented on the breadth and quality of work by this year’s finalists in Australia’s favourite portrait prize. “The City of Wagga Wagga was delighted to host such a popular and prestigious exhibition for the community.”
When
Where
Ladysmith
Wednesday 8 February 4pm-7.30pm
Kyeamba St
Uranquinty
Tuesday 14 February 4pm-7.30pm
Olympic Hwy rest stop
Galore
Tuesday 21 February 4pm-7pm
Galore Hall
Tarcutta
Thursday 2 March 4pm-7pm
Truck stop memorial
mobile library timetable Uranquinty Monday February 6, 3.30pm – 5pm Ladysmith Thursday February 9, 1.30pm – 2.15pm www.rrl.nsw.gov.au
Ph: (02) 6926 9771
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:
SEE YOU NEXT TIME: The Archibald Prize portraits are delicately packed away at the end of its highly successful showing at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery over the Christmas/new year period. While on display in Wagga visitors were asked to vote for their favourite portrait in the Archibald Prize 2016 People’s Choice award. The most popular portrait from Wagga votes was awarded to Nick Stathopoulos’s Deng. The portrait depicts Sudanese refugee, advocate and lawyer and NSW Australian of the Year Deng Adut and was also voted People’s Choice from visitors to the Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney and the Art
Gallery of Ballarat. Every visitor to the exhibition who voted for the winner of the People’s Choice award also went into the draw for a prize of $500 provided by ANZ, principal sponsor of the Archibald Prize 2016. The lucky voter from the exhibition in Wagga Wagga was Mr Robert Rosenbaum of Taree. The Prize has continued on its tour through New South Wales, heading to Cowra, Bega and western Sydney, finishing in Dubbo in August 2017.
THIS WEEK: RIVERINA PRODUCERS’ MARKET
Thursdays 1.30pm 6.30pm Wagga Showground, Bourke Street. Ph: 0428 263 297
GIL MATHEW WAGGA PRO RODEO Sat 4 February Gates open 3pm, start time 5pm. Ph: 0427 202 391
TINY TYKES MARKETS
Sat 4 Feb 9am - 2pm Wagga Showground, Bourke Street. Ph: 0403
• 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
859 982
WAGGA WEDDING EXPO
Sun 5 Feb 10am - 2pm Rules Club Wagga, Fernleigh Road. Ph: 0415 773 382
WAGGA WAGGA POULTRY CLUB SALE Sun 5 February 10am Wagga Showground, Bourke Street. Ph: 0406 635 633
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS - WAGGA WAGGA’S FREE OUTDOOR CINEMA SERIES Fri 10 February Gates open at 6:30pm
- all movies start at sundown. Collins Park, Fox Street, Movie: Bridget Jones Baby (M). Get your tickets now!
SURF & SOUL TOUR - THE BEACH BOYS AND THE TEMPTATIONS
Sat 11 February 4pm McDonald’s Park, Equex Centre, Copland Street. Ph: 6926 9688
/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.
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Time to tidy up? Free Tip Day on 4 February If it’s time to tidy up at your place, then the next Free Tip Day is on today Saturday 4 February. There will be no charge to dispose of household rubbish, garden waste and mixed recyclables at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) from 7am to 4.30pm. “Free Tip Days complement the City of Wagga Wagga’s regular kerbside waste
collection service, with residents able to dispose of a range of household waste types on Free Tip Day that may not normally fit in their kerbside bins,” Commercial Development Sector Manager Paul Somerville said. Mr Somerville also reminded the community there are a range of items that can be disposed of for free on a daily basis at the GWMC due to increased recycling
capability. “Free Tip Days are a great opportunity to clean up around the home, but residents can also dispose of televisions, computers and computer equipment for free yearround as part of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme,” he said. “You can also dispose of polystyrene for free at GWMC, which is reprocessed on site for use in a range of recycled products.”
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. For more information and a full list of fees and charges, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ freetipday or phone 1300 292 442.
M C D O N A L D ’ S PA R K TO BE BACK TO ITS BEST AFTER WORKS
P OS SIBL E CA SE OF COA L TA R UNCOVERED IN CEN T R A L WAGG A A possible case of coal tar was uncovered on a City of Wagga Wagga work site in Beckwith Street this week. Staff made the discovery near the Wollundry Lagoon bridge while undertaking scheduled works at the site on Thursday – the works were in preparation for resealing of the road next month. The site was excavated with all material transported off site for testing and disposal by contractors. Coal tar is a by-product of coal-gas production and was commonly used as an alternative to bitumen. In Wagga Wagga the product was used in road
construction when bitumen was in short supply. An engineer assessment dates the material in Beckwith Street to most likely be from the 1940s. When covered and undisturbed coal tar is not harmful, it also is used for a number of medical uses. Prolonged exposure of highlevels of coal tar could be dangerous to health. Site inspections by senior engineers and appropriate work, health and safety checks were carried out on site after the discovery. The road, from Freer Street to The Esplanade, was closed to traffic until Friday afternoon.
McDonald’s Park will be closed in the lead up to the start of the football season for vital maintenance works. Along with local football games, the ground has hosted a variety of events over the years – from City-Country Origin to pre-season Super Rugby trials. Combined with a record wet winter in 2016, maintenance works on the ground’s drainage is required. A drainage expert who has worked on some of the country’s premier sportsgrounds inspected the field late last year and provided advice to improve the quality of the drainage system. The works will be undertaken by a contractor in mid-February, followed by Council’s annual rye grass oversow program. The field will be unavailable for six weeks to ensure it is in the best possible condition for the start of the 2017 Group 9 season.
Motorists and residents are advised that Beckwith Street will be closed again on Tuesday 7 February, from 7am, for the original preparation works to be carried out.
S P OT L I G H T O N A C T I VAT I N G SUBURBS AND VILLAGES WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL VACANCIES
careers at council
TOWN PLANNERS - 2 Positions
Remuneration: Min $1,280.48 gpw + 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
GREGADOO WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY MANAGER Remuneration: Min $1,701.25 + superannuation Enquiries: Paul Somerville - 02 6926 9500 Closing Date: Friday, 17 February 2017
MANAGER MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Remuneration: An attractive remuneration will be negotiated. Enquiries: Alan Eldridge - 02 6926 9121 Closing Date: Friday, 17 February 2017
INFORMATION, LITERACY & LEARNING COORDINATOR (Re-advertised) Remuneration: Min $1,280.48 gpw + superannuation Enquiries: Claire Campbell - 02 6926 9717 Closing Date: Friday, 17 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
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
The City of Wagga Wagga’s Planning Taskforce is looking at ways to enhance the quality of lifestyle in our suburbs and villages. The General Manager, Alan Eldridge said consultation is currently underway for the Activation Strategy and Rural Areas Strategy with residents coming up with plenty of great ideas. “I was in Currawarna this week to talk to residents and it’s clear that they are the ones that know what is best for their community,”
Public Notices
RFT 2017/16 RIVERSIDE WALKING TRACK UPGRADE WIRADJURI
Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT 2017/16 Riverside Walking Track Upgrade - Wiradjuri” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 1st March 2017. This is a lump sum contract to design and construct a compacted road base and decomposed granite path in the location of the existing walking track between the
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Mr Eldridge said. “Once finalised these strategies will help us make decisions that reflect what the community needs while still maintaining their unique identity.” Staff will work with relevant State Government departments to discuss how the process can be streamlined and to make sure that Council creates a strategy that is consistent with their plans for these areas. These strategies will update the Spatial Plan.
Hampden Bridge and the Marrambidya Wetlands Wagga Wagga, NSW. A compulsory pre-tender site meeting will be held at 11am on Wednesday 15 February. The meeting point will be off Narrung St adjacent to Wiradjuri Bridge. Registration to attend the site meeting can be directed to Leanne Barclay by email barclay. leanne@wagga.nsw. gov.au. Enquiries should be directed to David Christiansen on 02 6926 9783 or christiansen. david@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: Harris Road and Paradise Drive Duration: 6am 13/02/2017 to 6pm 24/02/2017 Reason: Intersection upgrade Detour: Old Narrandera Road and Pine Gully Road
ROADS ACT 1993 NOTICE OF COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF LAND Wagga Wagga City Council declares with the approval of His
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The Planning Taskforce is currently undertaking a landmark review of Council’s planning framework. Other projects such as the Recreation, Open Space and Community Facilities Strategy and the Community Strategic Plan are also progressing to inform the development of growth scenarios for the city. Both of the strategies will be completed in time to inform the review of the Local Environmental Plan (LEP).
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wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews
Excellency the Governor that the land described in the Schedule below, excluding any mines or deposits of minerals in the land, is acquired by compulsory process in accordance with the provisions of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 for public road. Dated at Wagga Wagga this 23rd day of January 2017 ALAN ELDRIDGE, General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Schedule Lot 3 DP1218378
Alan Eldridge, General Manager