Council News #361 - 4 September 2021 by Wagga Wagga City Council

INSIDE: WORK RAMPS UP ON NEW DOG PARK + MORE

THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL

Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA

Issue No: 361

Weekly information from us to you

FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2021

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent takes a stroll around the Marrambidya Wetland with her dog Juno. The wetland is an ideal place to exercise in spring as it explodes with the sights and sounds of new life. Marrambidya Wetland is only a few minutes from the city centre at 100 Narrung Street, Wagga Wagga.

New adventures in great outdoors As anyone who has recently walked around Lake Albert or along the levee can attest, there are more people than usual getting outside for some much needed sunshine and fresh air. It’s heartening to see, however when we’re supposed to be socially-distancing from one another, some stretches are beginning to feel more like George

Street during peak hour than a regional city footpath. Which is why Council is encouraging the community to branch out and investigate new paths for their daily constitutional. Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent said the lockdown was an opportunity to explore new parts of your neighbourhood. “We’re creatures of habit,” Ms Kent said. “We tend to walk or ride the same route each day because it’s easy and we don’t necessarily think about it. “While many of us are working from home and aren’t commuting,

we can use that extra time to go a different way – have fun exploring new parts of the neighbourhood and be a tourist in your own city. “There is an abundance of quieter natural areas to explore. Get your daily dose of exercise while bathing in the delights of nature – it’s good for both your physical and mental health.” Ms Kent encouraged everyone to visit the Marrambidya Wetland as it transforms during spring. “Being at the wetland right now is a truly spectacular immersive experience,” Ms Kent said. “Migratory birds, such as the beautiful, bronze breasted

Crisis support during lockdown

Australian Shelduck, have arrived for the breeding season. You’re also likely to spot wetland regulars, the Dusky Moorhens and Australian Wood Ducks with their fluffy little ducklings in tow – and the frog chorus is amazing.” The walking track at the wetland is relatively flat, perfect for strollers and small children on bikes. For those after a cardio workout, try tackling the hills of the Birramal Conservation Area. “At this time of year you might spot the locally threatened Superb Parrot with their yellow face, red collar and green chest and wings,” Ms Kent said.

It is okay to leave your house to seek help during lockdown.

Face to face services are available to support women who are seeking crisis support at:

For more information visit:

Wagga Women’s Health Centre waggawomen.org.au Ph: 6921 3333

wagga.nsw.gov.au/crisis-support

“They generally travel in small flocks and love the wooded areas on the western side of Birramal. “Even if you don’t spot any local fauna, you’re guaranteed a spectacular view of our beautiful city.” The best access point to the Birramal Conservation Area is off Holbrook Road at Ross Smith Road. Follow the walking track to the west and start the hill climb. Other beautiful walks off the beaten track include Silvalite Reserve, Rocky Hill Reserve and Willans Hill. As always, if you’re out and about with your dog, please keep them on their lead.

PR E L IM I NA RY WOR K S TO STA RT ON M A I N ROA D S’ UPGR A DE Preliminary works will soon start in the leadup to next year's upgrade of two main arterial roads in Wagga Wagga’s western industrial precinct. Kerb and guttering works along Pearson Street and Dobney Avenue are scheduled to start on Monday 13 September, 2021. These works need to be carried out before the $4.2 million full rehabilitation of Pearson Street and Dobney Avenue which is scheduled for completion by the end of February 2022, weather permitting. Council Director Operations Warren Faulkner said this was a major upgrade project which is among the top priorities on

Council’s roads program. “We have the funding secured for this project and we’re getting started with these early works which need to be completed before the project starts,” Mr Faulkner said. “There will be some inconvenience to traffic and businesses along sections of these roads as we progress the works, and we thank all those people for their understanding as we get things moving on these important works. “We know that Dobney Avenue and Pearson Street are due for this upgrade but now we can announce these preliminary works as a sign of works to progress.

This week’s

Biodiversity Bite Threatened Species Day is commemorated each year on September 7 to raise awareness of plant and animal species at risk of extinction. There are 163 threatened species located in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. We all have a role to play in protecting our species. Some simple things you can do include: • plant bee and bird friendly plants in your garden • keep pet cats inside at night • always place garden waste in the green lid bin

/sustainable.waggawagga

wagga.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity

Vacancies Airport Reporting Officer

Two (2) Permanent Positions Available Remuneration: $2,123.58 gpf + super Enquiries: Leon Burger on 02 6926 9267 Closing date: Friday 3 September 2021

People and Culture Officer

Remuneration: $2,942.50 gpf + super Enquiries: Therese Reeckman on 02 6926 9286 Closing date: Monday 6 September 2021

“Planning and design for the full rehabilitation will be completed soon and it is our aim to have these two major arterial roads completely upgraded by the end of February next year. These will be scheduled as night works to minimise disruption in the area.” Mr Faulkner said Council had a large schedule of works to undertake in its road program but has placed Dobney Avenue and Pearson Street as a priority. “We have taken on board the feedback from the community and we know these roads require these works to accommodate the daily traffic flow to an important area of the city,” he said.

“They serve the western industrial precinct and are roads leading to the university and also Bomen. So now we’ve secured that funding, we’ll be delivering an upgrade which is considered very important to Wagga Wagga.” During the kerb and guttering works some parking lanes will be closed, a reduced speed limit will be in place and the roads will be under traffic control. The $4,205,964 in funding is part of the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program which is also supported by the Federal Government. Council is also contributing funding to the works.

3X3 BASKETBALL COURTS ON TRACK

Wagga Wagga is on track to unveil its new 3x3 basketball courts just months after the popular urban sport made a successful Olympic Games debut in Tokyo. Work is progressing towards the installation of two new half-sized courts and improved surrounds, including a covered area (pictured), by the end of this year. Council is working in partnership with 3x3 Champions League Basketball (CLB) to have the two new courts installed and ready to go for the annual summer tournament weekend at the Wagga Wagga Beach precinct. The two new courts will be built in place of the full-size asphalt court. They will be of Olympic standard and feature the Federation Internationale de Basketball Amateur (FIBA) approved rubber playing surface, meaning top league competitions can be brought to the city. Council’s Strategic Recreation Officer Peter Cook said the project was progressing well with most of the production taking place off-site before being transported to Wagga Wagga for installation. “It’s going well and we’re on time and on budget to have the

3D MODEL – FRONT

courts operating by the end of the year,” Mr Cook said. “Work on the site won’t be obvious at this stage because everything is manufactured off-site, it’ll arrive in Wagga on a truck and then the install will be done quite quickly. “We’ll have the site prepared and as soon as the job arrives it will be rolled out with minimal delay.” Mr Cook said preparations were continuing despite the ongoing shift in COVID-19 developments. “We are planning to push ahead and have the job installed by the end of the year,” Mr Cook said. “Of course there’s possibility that restrictions could change those plans, but we have to keep moving forward and we’ll deal with those changes if and when they occur at the time.”

The region’s First Nations youth have also been engaged to participate in the recreational area’s transformation. Artworks created by professional artists Owen Lyons and Teisha Robinson will be reproduced on a vinyl wrap and feature prominently on a purpose-built shipping container to be used during competitions and other purposes throughout the year. Mr Lyons and Ms Robinson worked extensively with local high school students discussing Wiradjuri symbols which reflect respect and unity in the community. One of the courts will be covered with a dome roof which provides for year-round use with greater scope to develop the area as a community hub, not only for basketball but a host of other activities as well.

People and Culture Officer - Projects

Two (2) Term Contract Remuneration: $2,942.50 gpf + super Enquiries: Therese Reeckman on 02 6926 9286 Closing date: Monday 6 September 2021

weekly MOWING

R E P O R T

Museum Assistant

Permanent Part-Time - Ten and a half (10.5) hours per week to be worked Saturday and Sunday Remuneration: $599.03 gpf + super Enquiries: Luke Grealy on 02 6926 9652 or 0429 516 929 Closing date: Monday 13 September 2021

For the week commencing 6 September 2021, we’ll be mowing in the following suburbs:

Museum Education and Public Programs Officer

Remuneration: $2,851.22 gpf + super Enquiries: Luke Grealy on 02 6926 9652 or 0429 516 929 Closing date: Monday 13 September 2021

Zoo Curator

Remuneration: $2,370.10 gpf + super Enquiries: Jonathan Nicoll on 0424 750 206 Closing date: Monday 13 September 2021

Casual Zoo Keeper

Remuneration: $35.66 gph + super Enquiries: Jonathan Nicoll on 0424 750 206 Closing date: Monday 13 September 2021 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

To view these opportunities and apply, visit:

wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs

WHAT’S

ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS

With current lockdown orders in place until 10 September 2021, take some time to explore something different this weekend. Check out our top picks:

THIS WEEK:

SERVO BINGO Sat 4 Sep, 7.30pm

thirstycrow.com.au ART ANYWHERE CAMPAIGN Mon 6 Sep

facebook.com/ WaggaWaggaArtGallery WAGGA WAGGA CITY LIBRARY ONLINE STORYTIME Wed 8 Sep, 10am

waggalibrary.com.au/ whats-on

ONLINE JIGSAW PUZZLES Try one of the eight free online jigsaw puzzles offered through City of Sydney -

• CBD and roundabouts • Tolland • Forest Hill • Humula • Tarcutta #VISITWAGGA DIGITAL PUZZLES Try a locally themed online jigsaw puzzles offered by Visit Wagga

READING CHALLENGE: 1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN Wagga Wagga City Library

AMPLIFY - THE VOICES OF WAGGA WAGGA You are invited to explore, listen to and transcribe the voices of Wagga Wagga

MAMA PROGRAMS & EVENTS Various online exhibitions and events, MAMA

visitwagga.com/brightenup-wagga-wagga/waggapuzzles

amplify.gov.au/ waggawagga

READING CHALLENGE: 10 TO TRY Wagga Wagga City Library

waggalibrary.com. news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov. au/whats-on/readingchallenge-10-to-try au/articles/8-free-onlinejigsaw-puzzles-archives

waggalibrary.com. au/whats-on/readingchallenge-1,000-booksbefore-kindergarten

mamalbury.com.au

/waggaevents

For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events unit: events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri.

visitwagga.com

Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication

Work ramps up on Gobbagombalin’s new dog park Construction of a new off-leash dog park at Gobbagombalin is forging ahead with the external and internal fencing and agility equipment now installed. The project is part of Wagga Wagga City Council’s planning for open space and parklands being developed to service the needs of the city’s growing northern suburbs. The dog park is being built in the basin on the corner of Yenda Avenue and Paradise Drive. Works and Playground Officer John Conlan said the site has been divided into two off-leash sections – a large open space where dogs can run around and socialise, and an agility area. “We recently finished installing high and strong fencing to create the two off-leash areas and are now starting to plant advanced trees in the enclosures to provide shade for the dogs and their handlers,” Mr Conlan said. “This week, we installed the agility equipment for the dogs, which includes ramps, jumps, tunnels, and a balance beam, with weave poles still be added. “Weather permitting, over coming weeks we will put in the concrete access paths down into the dog park, as well as furniture for people who want to sit down while their dogs are inside the off-leash area.” Turfing and irrigation will be installed within the next three months. For information about the current eight designated off-leash areas across the city, visit wagga.nsw.gov. au/animals

COMING TOGETHER: Jumps, tunnels and ramps are installed in the agility area at the new off-leash dog park being built at Gobbagombalin. (Above) TUNNELS OF FUN: Council’s Works and Playground Officer John Conlan is pleased with progress on construction of the new off-leash dog park and agility area at Gobbagombalin. (Left)

Council inviting submissions for two CBD premises and activities Opportunities to lease or licence two central Wagga Wagga facilities are now available for businesses or community groups interested in utilising spaces in the heart of the city’s CBD. Council resolved in June 2021 to call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the two Council-owned commercial tenancies located within the Bolton Park precinct. The first tenancy comprises the gymnastics facility situated at the rear of Bolton Park Stadium that is currently leased to Airborne Gymnastics. The second tenancy comprises a gym facility located at the front of the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre that is currently licensed to Workout Wagga. Council Director Regional Activation Michael Keys said that the EOI process is not a reflection on the current tenants. He said this process will allow Council to provide long-term leases for the premises and existing operators have been invited to continue and present their proposals. Mr Keys added that this is a process that Council needs to go

through to ensure the community is getting value for money and also give the tenants security to invest in their business and the future. The EOIs for the properties were originally due to be completed in 2020 but with the onset of the pandemic Council agreed to postpone the process until this year. “Whilst COVID-19 continues to have an impact on local businesses we believe it is important to be planning for the future and providing opportunities for businesses when the restrictions are lifted,” Mr Keys said. “The tenancies are well positioned in central Wagga Wagga and the EOI campaign provides a transparent and competitive process for Council to assess the level of market interest and achieve a positive outcome for the community.” Mr Keys said all submissions received will be assessed against a number of criteria including proposed use and programs to be offered to the community and how the community in general will benefit from the utilisation of those spaces.

If you have lost 25% of your income or more due to the current lockdown, you can't be evicted from your home. This will give some certainty back to tenants during a challenging time. Learn more at nsw.gov.au

PRIME LOCATIONS: Two facilities within the Bolton Park precinct are now open for submission to lease or licence. EOI documentation will be available via VendorPanel with EOI submissions closing on Friday 1 October 2021 at 5pm. More information on how to register with

VendorPanel can be viewed at wagga.nsw.gov.au/ councilproperties or can be provided by contacting Council’s Property Co-ordinator on 1300 292 442.

Feeling unwell? Get a COVID-19 test immediately, even if your symptoms are mild. Testing helps protect us all. The Murrumbidgee Local Health District testing clinic is open from 10am – 6pm every day. Equex Centre, Copland Street, Wagga Wagga. No appointments necessary. Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication

New spaces set to shine when Zoo & Aviary re-opens The gates at Wagga Wagga’s Zoo & Aviary may be closed to the public due to the state’s lockdown, but there is still plenty going on behind the scenes at the Botanic Gardens facility. Work on the current rehabilitation and upgrade projects at the zoo has stepped up over the past few weeks and they are now nearing completion. Wagga Wagga City Council’s Team Leader Parks Operations (Botanic Gardens) Jonathan Nicoll said the focus has been on the new amphitheatre space and free flight aviary. “Previously, there were three ponds in the centre of the zoo, but they were filled in last year to create space for two new enclosures, one of which now houses Russell the wombat, and the new amphitheatre,” Mr Nicoll said. “Over recent weeks, we’ve been creating the three levels of the amphitheatre, putting in the cement and stonework and getting the ground ready for laying the turf and irrigation and planting the trees. “This will become an education space so when we hold our animal tours and talks, and schools visit etc., our zoo curators will be able engage with people sitting in a beautiful open green and shaded space.” The free flight aviary project saw the Botanic Gardens zoo team start from scratch, due to the ageing and out-of-date state of the existing infrastructure. It now has new ponds and feeders, and the landscaping is being

refreshed. Council is also in the process of procuring more native bird species for the aviary. These improvements add to the upgrades already undertaken at the Zoo & Aviary over the past two years, designed to create a more secure and pleasant environment for the animals, while also improving the visitor experience. It includes new and rehabilitated enclosures for the grey and red kangaroos, wallabies, alpacas and emus, as well as new perimeter fencing. To allow the work to be carried out safely, the zoo was closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesday during school terms. “We didn’t want to rush the work and we also wanted to allow visitors to still have access the zoo,” Mr Nicoll said. “We want to thank residents and visitors for their patience while we’ve been undertaking these improvements, but I’m confident they will think it was well worth it once they see it all finished. “The community are going to be really proud of what’s gone on up here because it’s going to be an asset that they’re going to enjoy for years to come.” It is anticipated the amphitheatre and free flight aviary will be finished in time for the first week of the October school holidays. The zoo’s reopening will depend on NSW Public Health Orders.

Library access at your fingertips Wagga Wagga City Library’s building may be closed due to the COVID-19 public health restrictions, but there are online options for the community to remotely access library services. Team Leader Programs, Promotions and Partnerships Christine Bolton said the library is a popular community service and it is important to ensure people are still able to access these services. “Library staff are missing all of you, but until we can all get safely back together, we encourage members to take advantage of the digital resources that are available online 24/7,” she said. “We have a large array of eBooks, audiobooks, movies and kids’ activities at your fingertips through our online library services.

“Story Box library is a world of stories at your fingertips, read by some amazing Australian storytellers including wellknown sportspeople, musicians, comedians and actors. Many of the featured picture books also have Auslan Editions. “For parents with small children, our popular Storytime is continuing online, with Peter, Jeannie and Wendy reading a new story every week so visit our What’s On page to find the link to Wagga Wagga City Library Digital Storytime. “There are thousands of books and magazines available to read or listen to through the eLibrary, which can be accessed by visiting rrl.nsw.gov. au/elibrary "For those who like a reading challenge,

WEEKLY

Waste Tip 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

Together We Read is a Digital Book Club available through libraries in Australia and New Zealand via the Libby App from 1-15 September.” Wagga Wagga City Library members of all ages now have access to the GALE suite of databases. Choose from a wide range of topics such as Literature, Gardening and Horticulture, Environmental Studies, World History, and much more. Loan periods for all borrowed items are being extended and the external returns chute remains closed and there are no ‘overdue’ fines, with library staff requesting patrons to keep borrowed items at home. For more information, visit waggalibrary.com. au

Public Notices

wagga.nsw.gov.au. Persons making written submissions regarding the above proposed licence are advised that any submission received within the submission PUBLIC DISCLOSURE period will be subject to the Government NOTICE, Information (Public COUNCIL OWNED Access) Act 2009 and COMMUNITY LAND, the Privacy and Personal 3 DALMAN Information Protection PARKWAY, Act (PIPPA) and may be attached to the final GLENFIELD PARK report, in its entirety or Notice is hereby in part, to Council unless given under the Local Government Act Chapter explicitly requested by 6 Part 2, of the proposed the person making the submission that they do licensing of part Lot not wish this to occur. Any 19 DP 717255 known questions relating to the as 3 Dalman Parkway, above proposed licence Glenfield Park to Janine may be referred to Matt Carmel King for the Dombrovski, Property purpose of car parking for clients at the adjoining Officer on 1300 292 442. ‘Natural Health N Healing Submissions will be Centre & Wagga Salt received until 5pm on Room’ for a term of five Monday 13 October (5) years. 2021. Persons wishing to make EOI2022-604 a submission in relation WAGGA WAGGA to the above proposed NEW YEAR’S EVE licence should do so MAJOR EVENT prior to the close of Wagga Wagga the exhibition period. City Council invites Submissions should expressions of interest be in writing and may (EOI) from suitably be delivered to Wagga qualified organisations Wagga City Council or or groups to organise, mailed to the General Manager, Wagga Wagga administer, manage and deliver Wagga Wagga’s City Council, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 2021 New Year’s Eve community event. or emailed to council@

The event organiser will deliver an inclusive, Covidsafe experience, encouraging community participation and will foster pride and positivity in our city. As a major community event, it may also deliver tourism and economic returns to the community, building our profile and reputation as a great place to live, visit and invest. The event will need to adhere to the COVID-19 Public Health Orders available at the time of the event. Expressions of interest close midnight Wednesday 29 September 2021. Enquiries and requests for the EOI documentation should be directed to Council’s Visitor Economy & Events Coordinator Fiona Hamilton on 02 6926 9627 or hamilton. fiona@wagga.nsw.gov.au.

EXHIBITION OF DRAFT AMENDMENT TO WAGGA WAGGA LEP 2010 AMENDMENT NO. LEP20/0006 PUBLIC EXHIBITION Land Description: The amendment will apply to land at Springvale. Aim: To exhibit the Planning Proposal

LEP20/0006 to amend the Wagga Wagga LEP 2010 land zoning and minimum lot size at Springvale and invite submissions until 19 September 2021. Exhibition Period: 9 August 2021 to 19 September 2021 (inclusive) Inspection Venue: The Planning Proposal is available for inspection at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Cnr Baylis and Morrow Sts, Wagga Wagga during the hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded) or on Council's website connect.wagga.nsw.gov. au/lep20-0006 Submission Procedure: Any interested person or organisation wishing to make a written submission in relation to the draft amendments should do so prior to the close of the exhibition period. Submissions may be delivered to the Council Chambers 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

Peter Thompson, General Manager

Meat Seafood Cheese Bones Oyster shells Eggs Leftovers All your food waste goes in the weekly green lid bin collection! To learn more visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/householdwaste