INSIDE: MOBILE PUMP TRACK FOR CITY, PET OF THE WEEK + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER 2020
Issue No: 324
Weekly information from us to you
Outback Lifesaver program a first in nsw
WATER SAFETY FIRST: Royal Life Saving NSW Riverina Regional Manager Michael Dasey (left) and Wagga Wagga City Council Strategic Recreation Officer Peter Cook announce the Outback Lifesaver program at Wagga Beach this week. The program will be rolled out in the city early next year – the first centre in the State to run the pilot program for up to 120 primary school children.
Water safety program for local kids Wagga Wagga City Council and Royal Life Saving NSW have partnered to deliver the state’s first Outback Lifesaver program commencing in January 2021. Up to 120 primary-aged kids will participate in Wagga Wagga during Term 1, 2021. Royal Life Saving’s Outback Lifesaver Coordinator Renee Amidy said the pilot program is aimed at children aged 8 to 13 years and would be conducted in local
pools and inland waterways. “Outback Lifesaver is all about active fun,” Ms Amidy said. “The skills and experiences that these children will gain in the program will provide for future generations of community lifesavers.” A long-time advocate of river safety education, Councillor Vanessa Keenan said the most effective way to raise awareness is to teach children skills and knowledge as early as possible. “Kids are also great at reminding us adults when we get complacent around safety,” Cr Keenan said. “We live right alongside one of the most dangerous inland waterways in the country but there is no reason why we can’t respect
the river and enjoy all it has to offer and for our kids to learn how to do so also.” Council’s Strategic Recreation Officer Peter Cook was instrumental in ensuring appropriate funding and support for the valuable community program. “Council is committed to the region’s local inland water safety management plan,” Mr Cook said. “Outback Lifesaver provides an excellent community engagement and education opportunity.” The Outback Lifesaver program seeks to provide participants with: • increased aquatic skills and proficiencies for a range of aquatic environments • increased aquatic and community safety knowledge relevant to local
surroundings and conditions • increased understanding of local aquatic environments, including pools, rivers, lakes and dams and their associated risks and hazards • great fun and enjoyment – lots of laughter with friends and peers • an appreciation for local aquatic environments and the need to respect such environments • health, wellbeing and social outcomes • enhanced understanding and support for safe local communities. Bookings are open now and spaces are limited. For more information visit royalnsw.com.au/EDUCATION/OutbackLifesaver Continued on page 2.
Weekly waste tip Clothing and footwear in good condition can be donated to local charities through identified donation bins or call your local op shop to arrange drop off. Always place clothing and footwear in poor condition in the red lid bin.
L A S T CHANCE TO NOMINATE FOR AWARDS Just days remain before nominations in the city's 2021 Australia Day Awards close for judging. Wagga Wagga City Council Visitor Economy and Events Coordinator Fiona Hamilton said this is an opportunity to nominate an unsung hero or local legend for consideration in next year’s awards. “Nominations in five categories are open until midnight, Monday
7 December to ensure the community has every chance to put those outstanding contributors in the spotlight for the recognition they deserve,” Ms Hamilton said. The five categories are: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year (27 and younger), Walk of Honour Award, the Ted Ryder Sports Memorial Award for contribution to administration
in sport, and Environmental Citizen of the Year. The winners will be announced at Wagga Wagga’s 2021 Australia Day Awards ceremony. This event will be held at the Civic Theatre on Monday 25 January. If you know of someone deserving of recognition visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/australiaday or contact 1300 292 442 for more information or to make a nomination.
DEVELOPING LIFELONG SAFETY SKILLS: children participating in the Outback Lifesaver program will take their first proficiency swim at the Oasis Aquatic Centre on 17 January 2021.
Outback Lifesavers program
Continued from page 1. Program information: • The program will run on Sunday mornings between 9-11am. Sessions will run for 1 hour with start times dependent on age. • Start date: Sunday 17 January 2021 at Oasis Aquatic Centre (proficiency swim). • Session dates: Sunday 31 January at Wagga Wagga Beach. • Water conditions and weather will be constantly reviewed for safety; the Oasis Aquatic Centre will be the alternate venue if required. • Enrolments are open now at royalnsw.com.au/EDUCATION/ Outback-Lifesaver • Support for this program will be provided by both paid staff and parent volunteers. Volunteers are encouraged to contact Royal Life Saving directly. For more information please contact Project Coordinator Renee Amidy at reneeamidy@royalnsw.com.au or by calling 02 6651 5420.
R E SC U E D ROOS TE R S R E H O M E D
Wagga Wagga’s version of The Three Stooges, otherwise known as the roosters rescued by Wagga Wagga City Council rangers recently, have plenty to crow about after finding a new home. Larry, Curly and Moe had moved in to the front yard of a Beckwith Street home when rangers came to the rescue. The birds were captured and taken to some excellent accommodation at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter whilst efforts over the following week were made to locate their owners. Council’s Animal Welfare Officers said farewell to the roosters this week when their feathered friends set off on a new life journey.
Full steam ahead on suburban playgrounds
pet
OF THE
Work will start on Monday (7 December) on construction of the new playground at Kimberley Drive Park in Tatton. The site was cleared earlier this week in preparation for the installation of the new equipment. Works and Playground Officer John Conlan said the
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completion. Most of the new equipment was installed this week, including a triple bay swing set, a standard playground structure and a natural play timber climbing area. Mr Conlan said the soft fall bark chip should go in under the equipment this coming week.
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
Two magical midnight delights to celebrate the full moon. Salem is a one-year-old domestic short hair, who is full of personality and is keen to find his ‘forever home’. Also looking to become a loving companion to a lucky family or individual is this 18-month old effervescent female, Eclipse. Glenfield Road Animal Shelter staff describe both felines very smoochy and loving. You can adopt Salem for $212.00 or Eclipse for $247.00 which includes desexing, vaccination, worming, microchipping, lifetime registration and ID tag. Just a reminder, our adoption policy is ‘first in, first served’, and you will have to complete an Adoption Application to start the process.
process is expected to take several days to complete. “The design was chosen by the community and we are looking forward to delivering this refreshed and upgraded playground to the residents,” Mr Conlan said. Meantime, work on the Henwood Park Playground project (pictured) is nearing
WHAT’S
ON WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS
Salem
THIS WEEK: WAGGA WAGGA ROAD RUNNERS – SATURDAY RUNS
Sat 5 Dec, 7.30am Wagga Beach, Johnston St. Ph: 02 6922 6208
HORSE RIDING LESSONS AND TRAIL RIDES
Eclipse
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au
Sat 5 Dec, 8am to 7pm Belisi Wellbeing and Equestrian Centre, 1103 Oura Rd. Ph 0421 277 717
DEMONSTRATION GARDENS VEGETABLE SWAP
OR BUY
Sat 5 Dec, 9am to 12pm Demonstration Gardens, Cnr Shaw St & Albury St. Ph: 0411 417 956
OPEN STUDIO GALLERY
Sat 5 Dec, 10am to 3pm Wagga Art Society Studio, 11 Small St. Ph: 0400 225 768
LIFE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Sat 5 Dec, 3pm to 5pm CSU Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross St. Ph: 6933 2999
MOVIES BY MOONLIGHT SCREENING LOVE ACTUALLY Sat 5 Dec, 6pm to 10.30pm Borambola Wines, 1734 Sturt Hwy. Ph: 0411 255 198
RIVERINA IRIS FARM OPEN GARDEN AND IRIS DISPLAY Sun 6 Dec to Mon 7
Dec, 10am to 4pm Riverina Iris Farm, 13 Sycamore Rd. Ph: 0432 777 142
WILLANS HILL MINIATURE RAILWAY RIDES
Sun 6 Dec, 10am to 2.30pm Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Macleay St. Ph: 0412 493 455
PARK FOOTBALL WAGGA WAGGA
Mon 7 Dec, 7pm to 8.30pm Henwood Park, Forest St. Ph: 0435 386 510
WAGGA SOCIAL NETBALL
Wed 9 Dec, 10am Bolton Park Stadium, Morgan St. caronne@ scvella.id.au
GENE AND JUDY
Thu 10 Dec, 11am to 12.20pm Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way. Ph. 02 6926 9688
RIVERINA PRODUCERS MARKET
Thu 10 Dec, 1pm to 6.30pm Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. Ph: 0428 263 297
THURSDAY TRIVIA Thu 10 Dec, 7.30pm to 9pm Thirsty Crow, 153 Fitzmaurice St. Ph: 6921 7470
FRIDAY NIGHT PIZZAS
Fri 11 Dec, 5.30pm to 7.30pm Mates Gully Café, 38 Morrow St. Ph: 6921 4241
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For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events unit: events@wagga. nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri.
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Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Online survey puts focus on businesses
Wagga Wagga City Council is planning a procurement education program and is encouraging business owners to complete an online survey. Council’s Director Corporate Services Natalie Te Pohe said the survey will provide important feedback to Council which will shape a number of education opportunities for local businesses. “We need to understand the topics that business owners would like to focus on and how businesses want to communicate and engage with Council for the procurement education program,” Mrs Te Pohe said. “Tell us how you would like to learn more about the procurement process. Council is open to this feedback and
we will aim to accommodate requests and assist businesses in the learning process as much as possible. “Responding to procurement opportunities can be daunting for some, and we can step businesses through this process. VendorPanel is also a new system, and we want to make sure every business is across the system and therefore has every opportunity to put themselves in front of Council for our works and projects.” Mrs Te Pohe said Council has planned a number of information sessions. These will be delivered in the way that business owners request and also urges people to access Council’s website where information about VendorPanel will help
businesses get started. “We’re asking our business community what they require from Council to ensure they can best respond to procurement opportunities,” Mrs Te Pohe said. “We’ll use that feedback to ensure we work closely with businesses to address any concerns. “The information we receive through the survey will be used to develop the programs and events we put in place to educate and inform local businesses.” The survey, along with more information on the tender process, can be accessed at wagga.nsw.gov.au/tenders Council’s Procurement Support Officer can be contacted on 1300 292 442.
Mobile pump track activated in CBD
The young and young at heart in Wagga Wagga now have the chance to take a spin around a mobile pump track, which has been activated in the city as part of the Places to Love program supported by the NSW Government. The pump track was installed this week behind the Visitor Information Centre on Tarcutta Street. Council’s Visitor Economy and Events Coordinator Fiona Hamilton said it is one
of several activations planned in the city as part of the program. “The Places to Love demonstration project is a partnership between NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) and six councils across NSW, with Wagga Wagga the only regional city included in the pilot project,” Ms Hamilton said. “The aim is to make public spaces more vibrant and active through temporary
and semi-permanent change.” The $40,000 pump track has been cofunded between Wagga Wagga City Council and the DPIE Places to Love grant funding program. Ms Hamilton said the pump track’s mobile nature makes it a great asset to the broader community. “It gives us the versatility to install it temporarily on different sites to be part of local events and to activate spaces,” Ms Hamilton said.
“The 36-metre long surface can be ridden by all ages and all abilities on bikes, skateboards, in-line skates or scooters and will hopefully encourage participation and physical activity across the generations.” Places to Love is part of the State Government’s Festival of Place – an inaugural celebration of public spaces across NSW through virtual and physical events. To find out more visit dpie.nsw.gov.au/ festival-of-place
PUMPED UP: Who’s excited for the city’s new mobile pump track? Council’s Coordinator Visitor Economy and Events Fiona Hamilton and Parks and Recreation Assets Officer Rob Owers at the launch this week with bike track enthusiasts (from left) Hayden Kennedy, Toby Owers, Grayson Kennedy and Zac Owers.
It’s your city: Have a say in its future What will Wagga Wagga look like in the year 2040? Now is the time to start thinking how your city and our surrounding villages will be shaped over the next two decades. “Planning for the future: Wagga Wagga 2040” is a Local Strategic Planning Statement which is the land use plan setting the direction for a city that is globally connected, culturally rich and vibrant and economically diverse.
We’re urging community members to have your say on this important long-term plan. The draft plan is now on public exhibition. Submissions are open until 12 December 2020. View the draft plan and make submissions at connect. wagga.nsw.gov.au/lsps or in person at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre.
Community information sessions We are currently running sessions for the community in Wagga Wagga and our villages, including live forums on Facebook. To find out more and see all session times please visit: connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/lsps Or by calling 1300 242 442
View the draft plan and make a submission:
connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/lsps Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Focus on caravan safety this holiday season Travel bans stemming from COVID-19 restrictions have seen a significant rise in the number of caravans on the roads as holidaymakers make the most of domestic getaways across the State. Wagga Wagga City Council Road Safety Officer Emma Reynolds said the popularity of caravanning has grown 30 per cent since the pandemic started, a statistic which has also increased the potential for more unsafe vehicles on the roads. “Towing a caravan takes more concentration than driving your
car as your vehicle becomes much heavier, wider, longer and taller,” Mrs Reynolds said. “It’s harder to move and much harder to stop – so allow extra time and space for all manoeuvres, including overtaking and turning corners. “Issues with speed and load are common causes of crashes, which often start with a swaying vehicle and that could end with a rollover.” Caravan owners in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area are being offered an opportunity to have their van and vehicle weighed before
heading off on their travels. Council is giving away a limited number of vouchers for a Free Caravan Towing Vehicle Check. An approved weighbridge station authorised representative will inform owners of: • Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) • Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) • Combined Vehicle Mass (GCM). Enter the draw for a free safety check voucher at: wagga.nsw. gov.au/caravansafety
Keep our roads safe in this year’s harvest CO U N C I L CO M M I T S T O S A F E With a great harvest expected this season, more trucks will be transporting loads of crops on country roads over the next couple of months and motorists are being urged to be patient and respect others. Wagga Wagga City Council Road Safety Officer Emma Reynolds said numbers of trains on local lines will also increase which means road users need to stay alert, share the road and be aware of rail crossings as they travel across the region. “Movement of large agricultural machinery on public roads is essential. While farmers will move out of the way when it is safe for them to do so, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is encouraging motorists to “Look Out, Slow Down and Take Care” with patience needed from all road users,” Mrs Reynolds said. “Farming machinery in paddocks can stir up dust, reducing visibility on nearby roads so it’s essential that road users drive to the conditions, turn on their headlights and slow down when visibility is reduced. Large agricultural machinery has limitations in terms of ease of movement
A N D PRO D U C T I V E H A R V E S T
and stopping distances. These machines can be much longer and wider than expected.” Mrs Reynolds said road users who stop to take photos of crops should be cautious and consider everyone’s safety. “Many paddocks are located alongside 100km/hr speed zones, increasing the risk of crashes or pedestrian fatalities around parked cars. Children should always hold the hand of an adult when in the traffic environment. Entering crops or paddocks is trespassing,” she said. Fatigue is still one of the biggest killers on NSW roads and farmers in Wagga are working long hours during harvest season, so it’s important they look after themselves and take regular breaks. Fatigue will
Public Notices NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS DECEMBER 2020
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, 14 December 2020 in the Council Meeting Room. This meeting will be held in the Council Meeting Room, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets
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be increased in inexperienced seasonal workers with long hours, heat and dust, and drivers are urged to be on the lookout for signs of fatigue and pull over safely if tired. Those transporting grain are reminded
Road users are urged to think road safety, respect others on the road, and remember the following tips for staying safe this harvest season: • Slow down, be patient and share the road. • Watch for vehicles entering or leaving the road. • If you see a pilot vehicle, it means an oversize vehicle is approaching. Prepare to slow down and change your lane position, as oversize vehicles need extra space. • Oversize vehicles have blind spots and may not see you. Take extra care, wait until safe and leave plenty of room when overtaking. • Keep to the speed limit. • Drive to the conditions, especially when visibility is low due to dust, smoke or haze. • Be aware of railway crossings. • Keep headlights on day and night.
Wagga Wagga. Due to the current COVID-19 situation, restrictions apply to the number of persons who can attend meetings, however, the meetings can be viewed on Council’s website via Livestream. Members of the public wishing to address the Council regarding agenda items, must complete the appropriate Public Address Form and return it to Council by 10.00am on the day of meeting. The form is available from the Customer Service counter at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre or from Council’s website wagga.nsw.gov.au/ paforms. Council live streams video and audio of all Council meetings.
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
to abide by Chain of Responsibility legislation as enforcement will be undertaken across the region. Vehicles must comply with restrictions and loads need to be secured and within weight.
Members of the public are advised that their voice and/ or image may form part of the webcast. Copies of the Agenda are available to the public, at the meetings or from the Customer Service Centre at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre three days prior to the meetings or from Council’s website wagga.nsw. gov.au
EXHIBITION OF DRAFT WAGGA WAGGA LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT Land Description: The draft Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement is the overarching strategic land use
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Wagga Wagga City Council has committed to the Grain Harvest Management Scheme to assist in the safe and productive movement of grain on local roads this harvest. Under the scheme, eligible heavy vehicles may exceed regulated total mass limits by up to five per cent when delivering the following grains to participating grain receivers in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area: • Cereals that are wheat, barley, rice, oats, triticale, sorghum, maize or millets
Vacancies Vacuum and Jet Plant Operator (Sewer and Stormwater)
Remuneration: $2,125.48 gpf + super Enquiries: Kamahl Leonard on 0417 906 734 or Brad Tilyard on 0427 713 359 Closing date: Monday 7 December 2020
Senior Team Member Sewer and Stormwater
Remuneration: $2,228.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Kamahl Leonard on 0417 906 734 or Brad Tilyard on 0427 713 359 Closing date: Monday 7 December 2020
Visitor Economy and Events Officer
Remuneration: $2,323.72 gpf + super Enquiries: Fiona Hamilton on 02 6926 9627 Closing date: Friday 11 December 2020 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
plan for the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area and informs planning matters for all land within the LGA. Aim: To exhibit the draft Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement for public inspection and comment and invite submissions until 12 December 2020. Exhibition Period: 31 October 2020 to 5 December 2020 (inclusive) Submission Period: 31 October 2020 to 12 December 2020 (inclusive) Inspection Venue: The draft Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement 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/lsps. Submission Procedure: Any interested person or organisation wishing to make a written submission in relation to the draft Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement should do so prior to the close of the submission period on 12 December 2020. 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. Reference the “Draft
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• Oilseeds that are canola, sunflowers, monola or safflower • Pulses that are chickpeas, faba beans, lupins, mung beans, field peas, soybeans, vetch, or lentils. Council Director Operations Warren Faulkner said Council’s decision to sign-up to the scheme until 30 June 2021 is a show of support to the agricultural industry as NSW transitions into drought recovery. More information is available at Roads and Maritime website rms.nsw. gov.au or by emailing grainscheme@ rms.nsw.gov.au
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Wagga Wagga LSPS” in the title of your submission to ensure correct receipt.
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 Saturday 05/12/2020 Reason: Combined Riders Wagga TOY RUN Detour: Not required
Peter Thompson, General Manager