Council News #302 - 4 July 2020

INSIDE: ZOO REOPENS, MULTI-SPORT CYCLING COMPLEX PROGRESS + MORE

Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 4 JULY 2020

Issue No: 302

Weekly information from us to you

LIBRARY CLEARS FINES It’s safe to bring that stack of overdue books back to the Library. In a step that will please many residents with a book or DVD burning a hole on the shelf, Wagga Wagga City Library has cleared all fines – permanently.

Along with all branches of the Riverina Regional Library service, the library will no longer charge overdue fines. There are still some fees for lost or damaged items.

Manager Library Services Claire Campbell said the decision was based on a desire to remove barriers to library use.

“We don’t want people staying away from the library because they’re worried about an overdue book, or have a fine they’re not able to pay,” Ms Campbell said.

“So, no matter how overdue the item, we’d love you to bring it back, and start borrowing again.”

THE TREND FOR GOING FINE FREE

IT’S FINE TO COME BACK: Library Programs Officer Jeannie Hazell and Library Services Manager Claire Campbell are busy re-shelving long-lost books, returned since the library cleared overdue fines permanently.

Ms Campbell said libraries world-wide were doing away with fines in order to encourage more people to use their services.

“Library fines undermine a core principle of public libraries which is the provision of free and universal access to information,” Ms Campbell said.

See full story inside.

Funding boost for Lake Albert Road upgrade The staged upgrade of Lake Albert Road received a significant boost this week with Wagga Wagga City Council securing funding for the next two phases of the rehabilitation project.

Federal Government funding of $3,646,102 will go towards the $4,861,469 required to undertake the proposed works on Lake Albert Road which has already seen two significant sections of work completed in the past two years.

The funding will assist in the removal

and replacement of the road surface, rehabilitation of the indented parking bays and replacing damaged kerb and guttering. Wagga Wagga City Council will contribute the remaining $1,215,367.

Council’s Manager Technical and Strategy Peter Ross said the new funding would help fast track the Lake Albert Road upgrade.

“It certainly brings the project forward and will allow us to complete more sections of the road in a shorter period of time,” Mr Ross said.

“Two major sections have already been completed and the community has enjoyed those benefits, but it will be nice to see more of Lake Albert Road completed.

“Lake Albert Road is a main arterial road connecting the CBD to the southern part

of the city. It is a road which has been on Council’s radar for rehabilitation for some time and we have made good progress to date. Now there is the opportunity to give this major project a real boost towards completion.”

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Australian Government’s funding injection was about generating jobs, encouraging spending and stimulating local economies.

“Lake Albert Road is one of Wagga Wagga’s busiest thoroughfares and I am pleased to see the upgrade will take into consideration the anticipated increase of heavy vehicle usage into the future,” Mr McCormack said.

“This is all about getting people where they need to go sooner and safer.”

Weekly waste tip Motor oil should not be placed in any of the kerbside bins. Up to 20L of motor oil can be disposed of at Gregdaoo Waste Management Centre for free.

ROAD WORKS: Lake Albert Road Stage 2 upgrade was completed late last year.

COMMUNIT Y WELCOME TO RETURN OVERDUE ITEMS From page one.

“Libraries want their communities to borrow and read books without the fear of overdue fines. There are many public library examples where the removal of the financial barrier of fines resulted in thousands of new members joining the library, former members coming back, and lots of missing books turning up.”

SMS REMINDERS

The library will help members keep track of due dates, by sending reminders.

“We will send you reminders on your phone,” Ms Campbell said.

“You can renew your items online or call us and we’ll renew them over the phone for you.

“As long as no one is waiting for the item, you can extend your original loan for an extra 14 days, and you can do that twice – giving you an extra month.”

WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU HAVEN’T VISITED FOR SOME TIME

While the library’s COVID-19 action plan has changed the traditional library visit, introducing shorter stay times and social distancing, some services have been reintroduced.

“Our wi-fi and computers are available again,” Ms Campbell said.

“We’re allowing people 45 minutes on the computers, which gives us 15 minutes to deep-clean them before the next person.

“We’re being very careful in terms of keeping people safe, such as practicing social distancing, sanitising surfaces, and quarantining or sanitising returned books.”

“Now the school holidays have arrived, we have lots of great books, movies, and science kits ready for families to borrow.”

BRING YOUR OVERDUE ITEMS BACK – YOU’RE WELCOME!

“Libraries are free – it’s a service that Council provides, and we want everyone to have access,” Ms Campbell said.

“Your whole family can come – everyone can have a library card, including your children.

“You can borrow 30 items per card. The collection belongs to everyone, and it should be out on loan as much as possible to our community.”

For more information visit waggalibrary.com.au or call the library on 02 6926 9700.

pet

OF THE

WEEK

#adoptdontshop

It’s possible someone was feeling peckish when they named this beautiful creature Dorito – but it just adds to his charm.

Dorito is a domestic short hair, ginger and white tabby cat. He loves attention and will do anything for a pat and a snuggle. He’s one of those cuddly cats.

Soft, friendly and affectionate, Dorito (impound no. 314) is available for adoption from 7 July 2020.

Bring this sweet snack home for only $111.00, which includes microchipping, registration, vaccination, desexing, worming and an ID tag.

R251000208

Multi-Sport Cycling Complex steps up a gear The next step in Wagga Wagga becoming the State’s cycling sport capital shifted to a higher gear this week with Wagga Wagga City Council awarding a contract for a number of elements in the $9.2M project.

The move towards the design and construction of the city’s Multi-Sport Cycling Complex at Pomingalarna gathered pace when Council named Joss Construction as the successful contractor for the complex.

The Wagga Wagga MultiSports Cycling Complex is planned for the eastern part of the Pomingalarna Reserve on the city’s western outskirts.

Council Strategic Asset Planner Ben Creighton said the

approval of Council at its 29 June Ordinary Meeting was a significant step forward towards the city realising a first-class sporting and community asset.

“Wagga Wagga is recognised as being a hub for the growth and development of sporting talent across a large range of sports, and particularly the emergence of cycling in recent years,” Mr Creighton said.

“To foster and further the growth and development of this talent, Council wants to invest in state-of-the-art, centralised sporting facilities across the city,” he said.

“This project at Pomingalarna forms a major part of that planning and development.

“The multi-sport complex will bring many opportunities to the city through competitive sport at all levels in a number of disciplines, and also through leisure activities as a community space.

“Wagga Wagga is embracing cycling as a serious sporting and leisure activity. We have many stakeholder groups based around cycling and this all ties in with our current Active Travel Plan which is seeing more than 40 kilometres of cycling and shared paths being constructed across the city."

Additional elements of the project will be delivered in future contracts.

Transforming Tolland: Minister announces social housing project Plans are underway for an expansive social housing project designed to revitalise Tolland.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey flew to Wagga Wagga this week to call on the community housing sector to express interest in transforming Tolland Estate into a vibrant and progressive housing community, connected with jobs, transport and essential services.

Minister Pavey said the opening of Expressions of Interest for the Tolland Renewal Project meant Community Housing Providers had a tremendous opportunity to participate in creating a long-term vision to revitalise a regional community and change lives.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Greg Conkey OAM said Council looks forward to working closely with the NSW Government to make this project a success.

“Wagga Wagga City Council supports this vision to renew Tolland Estate which is also boosted by current Government and private sector investment within the Special Activation Precinct, Health and Knowledge Precinct and Transport NSW initiatives to boost cycling and

public transport usage,” Cr Conkey said.

Manager City Strategy Tristan Kell said while the project would be challenging, it had the potential to change the lives of some of the community’s most vulnerable members.

“This project will help improve the urban fabric of our city,” Mr Kell said.

“The Land and Housing Corporation are committed to working with us and acknowledge the importance of Council’s local understanding and community relationships in making this project work.

“Over the next 18 months Council will focus on capacity building, community engagement, master planning and business case development.

“We’re very excited about the future of Tolland.”

The Tolland Renewal Project will also act as a pilot program to explore how large housing estate renewals can be delivered in regional areas of NSW. The EOI opens Wednesday 1 July and will run for eight weeks. Information is available at tenders.nsw.gov.au

Purr e in mach

6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au

Disruption to Council Services Council services have been disrupted as a result of the current advice from the federal and state governments.

For more infomation visit the link below.

wagga.nsw.gov.au/servicechanges

BRIGHT FUTURE: Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey visited Wagga Wagga this week to announce the Tolland Renewal Project. Minister Pavey was joined by Dr Joe McGirr MP and Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Greg Conkey OAM.

Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication

Wagga's favourite zoo reopens this weekend

GATES OPEN: Wagga Wagga City Council Manager Parks and Strategic Operations Henry Pavitt throws open the gates to the city’s popular zoo and aviary yesterday in preparation for the real thing at 9am today, Saturday 4 July.

School holiday fun begins today when Wagga Wagga City Council opens the Botanic Gardens Zoo and Aviary gates to the community.

The zoo and aviary precinct has been closed as a result of the pandemic but that’s also given Council a chance to spruce up the muchloved facility.

Visitors will notice some big changes as they stroll through the zoo’s maze of paths with a number of fresh enclosures ready for new residents to join the regular favourites at the Gardens.

Council’s Henry

Pavitt said the project is almost complete and visitors will still see some signs of continued works in the area.

“We’ve been working extremely hard over the past eight weeks especially and overall the freshness of the spaces will be visually evident to visitors,” Mr Pavitt said.

“The initial heavy earthworks was achieved in the first weeks of the shutdown and that has allowed us an opportunity to finish off a lot of the landscaping and enclosures, so the facility is looking bigger and brighter for our reopening day.

“We’re not quite there with a few parts of the project still to be finished, but the experience for families and young children will be worthwhile.”

Mr Pavitt said Council staff will encourage all visitors to maintain social distancing and good hygiene in line with the Public Health Order to ensure the health and safety of all staff and community members.

“We want people to visit … we also want everyone to stay safe and follow the rules so we can all go home happy,” he said.

The zoo is open daily from 9am-4pm.

Let’s play Hike + Seek: New Wiradjuri Trail app Encouraging your kids to get outdoors these school holidays will be easier thanks to Wagga Wagga City Council’s new mobile app challenge Hike + Seek.

The Hike + Seek Wagga Wagga app is designed to take participants on outdoor adventures, answering trivia questions and snapping fun photos while exploring the city and our trails.

Visitor Economy & Events Coordinator Fiona Hamilton said the app was a great way for families to spend time together over the holidays, while enjoying some of our favourite

and lesser known locations along the Wiradjuri Trial.

“We set some of the challenges at popular locations like Wagga Beach, Cadell Place, Wiradjuri Reserve and the Marrambidya Wetland – others will have you exploring further afield, like Pomingalarna Reserve and Birramal,” Ms Hamilton said.

“You can take your pick from seven different challenges across various locations.

The shortest is 700 metres or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can complete them all in the full Hike +

Seek Wagga Wagga challenge covering a span of 42 kilometres.”

“You can connect with friends or other Hike + Seek players to compete with one another to be the ultimate Hike + Seek champion. Or you can just have fun discovering new places and share your adventure photos with us on social media.”

While Hike + Seek is kicking off for the school holidays, participants can complete the challenges at their own pace, with new challenges and prizes planned for the future.

“If you’re one of the

first 100 people to complete a challenge, make sure you visit us at the Wagga Wagga Visitor Information Centre to collect a Wagga Map cookie made by Dough Re Mi,” Ms Hamilton said.

“It’s the perfect way to finish your hike.”

Players can also go in the draw to win one of the ‘Winter Top Trekker’ prizes by completing the full Wagga Wagga Hike + Seek challenge. The top three Hike + Seekers on the leaderboard by 31 August 2020 will win awesome prizes and also take out honorary Hike + Seek titles.

HOW TO HIDE AND SEEK 1. Download the ‘Scavify’ App Via the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

2. Search and join one or many of the ‘Hike + Seek’ challenges Open the app, sign up and create a username and password, and search using your location or by typing in ‘Hike + Seek’.

3. Let the adventures begin You’re ready to go! Start completing tasks, earn points, move up the leaderboard, win great prizes, interact with others and more.

Share your photos Tag: @visitwaggawagga Hashtag: #visitwagga #hikeandseekww For more information go to visitwagga.com/hikeandseek

Vacancies Customer Service Officer

Two (2) Permanent Full-Time Positions Available One (1) Temporary Full-Time Position Available Remuneration: $2,195.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Meredith Hester on 02 6926 9102 Closing date: Sunday 19 July 2020

People & Culture Administration Officer

Remuneration: $2,195.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Maddison May on 02 6926 9205 Closing date: Monday 20 July 2020

Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

A HOMEGROWN ADVENTURE: Mother and daughter team Fiona Hamilton and Imogen Metcalfe hit the Wiradjuri Trail with the brand-new Hike + Seek Wagga Wagga app – a fun way to explore the city these school holidays.

To view these opportunities and apply, visit:

wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication

COUNCILLOR COLUMN

charges for services as well as the property rate. In addition, this plan also sets out where and on what As we have just Council’s money will be kicked off another spent. financial year it’s a It has been Council’s good time to talk about long-term policy to Council’s finances. (on average) set a At the Council budget that results meeting earlier this in a break-even or week we adopted balanced position. As a our operational plan result of the significant for this year that sets impact of the COVID out Council’s fees and 19 pandemic on

Councils income over the last 4 months, and continuing for at least the next year, it will not be possible to achieve a balanced budget in this new financial year and for the next several years without a significant reduction in the level of service provided to the community Council resolved unanimously to accept that a deficit budget

0467 552 263 | councillor.kendall@wagga.nsw.gov.au

position should be tolerated for this year and for at least for the following several years as this will be in the best interests of our community.

Council is one of the most significant and influential business entities in Wagga Wagga and it is clear that we need to continue to support employment both within Council and

in the community by continuing to efficiently undertake our expenditure programs.

This will help support the recovery of our local economy.

Council is also seen by state and federal governments as a great partner for their respective economic stimulus programs and we believe it is important that we should do all we can to

retain that confidence by demonstrating our continued support of the local economy and we are confident that significant funds will be granted to Wagga Wagga as a result.

Two of the six key financial strategies that council adopted are: Effective utilisation of funding sources to fund capital works Maintain tight

control on costs whilst retaining services, facilities and infrastructure Our community’s resilience and ability to adjust to these crazy times continues to amaze me and my fellow Councillors.

Well done all!

Councillor Rod Kendall

CHANGES TO COMMERCIAL O P E R AT I O N S D I R E C T O R AT E

Wagga Wagga City Council General Manager Peter Thompson this week announced changes to Council’s Commercial Operations directorate.

Mr Thompson said the restructure is required following news that Director Caroline Angel will leave the position in early July to pursue her options outside of Council.

He said that the vacancy created an opportunity to review the operations of the area.

Mr Thompson said the directorate will be divided and two senior engineers will be appointed at a director level for a 12-month period to provide specialist engineering expertise to both Council’s project delivery and engineering operations.

He said the community had high expectations of Council to deliver a significant capital works program to cater for the growth of the city.

Mr Thompson recognised Ms Angel’s contribution to Council during her 4 years and wished her all the best for the future.

“Her leadership has been greatly appreciated, and we wish her the best for the future,” Mr Thompson said.

Public Notices RFT 2020-34 PLANT MAINTENANCE SERVICES – OASIS AQUATIC CENTRE

Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT2017-34 Oasis Plant Maintenance Services” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 22 July 2020.

This is a Schedule of Rates Contract and primarily involves mechanical maintenance services for the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre. Tenderers are advised that the lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted.

A pre-tender site meeting at 60 Morgan Street Wagga Wagga will be held at 10am on Wednesday 15 July 2020.

Registration to attend the site meeting can be directed

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“Whenever a senior staff member leaves a position there is an opportunity to reconsider how that area operates.

“Commercial Operations is an important portfolio and we need to ensure we keep progressing the momentum which has been building in recent years.

“This is the directorate responsible for delivering major infrastructure projects and the more efficient we are in this particular area, the more benefits there are for the community.

“We have committed to delivering around $55M worth of capital projects in 2020/21 and have another $100M allocated to our pending projects … that’s an incredible amount of work before Council.”

Over the next 12 months the two temporary directors will be focusing on: • Identifying a suitable permanent structure for Council’s Infrastructure area • Reviewing Council’s project delivery capacity, processes and methodologies • Looking at Council’s systems and data to ensure asset planning and strategy are working

to Melinda Conolly by email conolly.melinda@wagga.nsw. gov.au.

Enquiries should be directed to Council’s Contracts Officer Melinda Conolly on 02 6926 9437 or email conolly.melinda@ wagga.nsw.gov.au. A nonrefundable fee of $145.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed on the following web address: tenderlink.com/wagga

EXHIBITION OF DRAFT COUNCILLOR EXPENSES AND FACILITIES POLICY

Council hereby gives public notice of the exhibition of its draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy (POL 025).

The draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy is on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 30 June 2020 to 27 July 2020 and invites public submissions until the 10 August 2020 on the draft Policy.

Inspection Venue: The draft Councillor Expenses and

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

cohesively Improving Council’s approach to design • Establishing a customer service focused and teamoriented culture • Improving subdivision development services provided by Council • Implementing a cross directorate project steering committee to monitor and plan for Council’s capital works programs • Overseeing our approach to procurement in relation to capital projects.

To assist with fast tracking these objectives and to allow a greater focus on addressing areas of priority, Mr Thompson has split the Commercial Operations directorate into a more strategically focused structure. The key changes are: • Parks and Strategic Operations, Operations and Subdivisions will fall under an Operations directorate • Technical and Strategy and Project Delivery will fall under a Strategy and Projects directorate • Council Businesses will move to the Regional Activation directorate.

•

Facilities 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 draft 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 draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy should do so prior to the close of the submission 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 Draft Code of Meeting Practice are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the Government

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COMMUNITY TO SHARE NEW SCHOOL FACILITIES

The Wagga Wagga community will benefit from modern facilities at the new primary school at Estella under joint use agreements recently confirmed.

Wagga Wagga City Council and The Department of Education finalised an agreement that allows for a larger and enhanced school hall and the provision of meeting rooms and a courtyard for the community.

In addition, the department has confirmed an arrangement with Charles Sturt University to a provide professional learning space for teacher development in regional, rural and remote communities in NSW. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM welcomed the news the shared use agreement had been finalised.

“This is an exciting local project which sees the NSW Government and Wagga Wagga City Council working together to deliver the best outcomes for the community,” Cr Conkey said.

“Council and community groups are looking forward to having this much-

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 draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy may be referred to Nicole Johnson on 1300 292 442.

EXHIBITION OF PROPOSED NEW SPORTSGROUND LIGHTING FEES FOR 2020/21

Council hereby gives public notice of the exhibition of its proposed new sportsground lighting fees.

The proposed new fees will be on exhibition from Tuesday 30 June 2020 for a period of 28 days, until Tuesday 28 July 2020. Council invites public submissions on the proposed new fees, to be lodged within the exhibition period.

Inspection Venue: The proposed new fees are 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 proposed new fee can also be accessed and reviewed from Council’s website at wagga.nsw.gov.au/ city-of-wagga-wagga/council/ public-exhibitions Submission Procedure: Persons wishing to make a submission in relation to the proposed new fee 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 are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the

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needed space to come together and hold meetings, workshops and other local events, and I’m pleased we’ve come to a mutually beneficial arrangement with the university and the NSW Government.”

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said she was proud the NSW Government, Wagga Wagga City Council and Charles Sturt University were working together to deliver such an important project for the local community.

“The plan for joint use spaces at this new primary school is a great example of the government, council and university collaborating to create opportunities for the broader community to share and benefit from wonderful facilities well into the future,” Ms Mitchell said.

The new school, which is yet to be named, will provide 16 permanent classrooms and is being integrated into the Charles Sturt University Campus at Estella.

Early construction work began on the new school in April, and it is due to open in early 2021.

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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 proposed new fee may be referred to Zachary Wilson on 1300 292 442.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of changes in conditions along: Road: Brooks Circuit (between Raye Street and Davies Place) Date: 13 – 17 July, 2020 Duration: 7.00am to 5.00pm, weather permitting Reason: Maintenance works.

Detours will be in place. Access to local residents.

Peter Thompson, General Manager