INSIDE: NEW BIKE TRACK FOR GOBBA, LIBRARY TO OPEN SUNDAYS + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2020
Issue No: 311
Weekly information from us to you
'unique' bridge design for wagga structure
Before
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Eunony Bridge project complete Traffic is once again flowing over Wagga Wagga’s Eunony Bridge after six months and 40,000 ‘work-hours’ of construction on the $10.6M project to widen and strengthen the structure. Wagga Wagga City Council officially gave the green light for traffic to cross the new bridge at 6am on Wednesday (2 September 2020). Council Construction SupervisorCivil Infrastructure Projects Matt Casley said work on the upgrade started in mid-February to make the bridge deck stronger and wider to enable the load
limit to be lifted. “In six months we’ve built a SM1600 rated bridge that has a lifespan of 100 years and which can take loads of up to 160 tonnes,” Mr Casley said. “The increased capacity along this connection between the Sturt Highway and the Bomen Precinct will benefit existing business access to the Business Park and future infrastructure developments, such as the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics (RiFL) Hub. “The upgrade will also make a big difference for the broader Wagga community, who’ve experienced traffic disruption and an increase in the number of heavy vehicles travelling through the CBD during the project.” A vehicle-count prior to the start of works identified around 4,400 daily movements across the bridge in both directions.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, thanked the community, motorists and businesses for their patience during the construction. “This has been a much-anticipated reopening of an upgraded structure which will deliver major benefits for the city of Wagga Wagga,” Cr Conkey said. “It provides a stronger, safer and more eastern crossing of the Murrumbidgee River and creates a new route for heavy vehicles that will help reduce heavy vehicle traffic in the CBD.” BMD Constructions’ Project Manager Damian McConville said he was always aware of the strain the bridge’s closure placed on the community and the surrounding infrastructure. “We wanted to minimise the amount of time the bridge would be closed and the only way we could do that was to implement a seven-day working week,” Mr
Weekly waste tip Heading out to do the grocery shopping? Why not take your used plastic bags with you? The major supermarket chains have “Redcycle” bins where you can drop off your plastic bags. Otherwise, put them in the red lid general waste bin. For more info visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/householdwaste
McConville said. “We estimate there were approximately 40,000 work-hours used on the project which is a massive amount for a project that’s only six months in length. “This was a challenging project as the entire bridge design was a one-off. We had a bespoke formwork and a cantilever platform that was designed especially for us - it’s unique. “To deliver a finished product that’s 50 per cent wider than the original bridge whilst using the same sub-structure is quite an achievement.” Council received $9.8M in Federal and State government funding towards the project: • $4.9 million - Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal Program; and • $4.9 million - NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads program.
Sunday Sessions! New opening hours for the library If you’re looking for something to do on a Sunday, you can now come down to the Civic Centre and drop in for a visit at the Wagga Wagga City Library. Starting this weekend on Father’s Day, 6 September, the Library will be opening its doors each Sunday, with all the usual services on offer. “For those people who work full time, or have sport or work commitments on a Saturday, it can be difficult to find the time to get to the library, whether it’s by themselves or with the family,” said Library Manager Claire Campbell. “Now they have the opportunity to visit the library on a Sunday while they’re out and about enjoying the lovely
spring weather in Wagga Wagga.” As part of its COVID safe measures, the library currently operates with social distancing, restricted visitor numbers, fewer chairs and no physical newspapers, while books are quarantined when they are returned. Ms Campbell said while many people have been using e-books and accessing programs online, she is confident a Sunday visit to the library will be a popular choice for residents. “There’s something about just being able to come in and browse, to take things off the shelf, to have a chat with someone about finding a book or new author to read,” Ms
Campbell said. “You can borrow up to 20 DVDs, so some for the kids and some for mum and dad, and books for everybody. “Our staff will be able to help if you need a hand to download some e-books or you can use the public computers or the library’s free wi-fi to download e-books on your smart device and then go home to enjoy them. “If you haven’t been to the library for a while, come down and have a look at what we’ve got to offer and if you’re not a member, it will only take a few minutes to join, and membership is free.” The library will be open from 10am to 4pm on both Saturdays and Sundays.
COME ON DOWN: Library Manager Claire Campbell encourages residents to take advantage of the extension to Wagga Wagga City Library's opening hours which now include Sundays, from 10am to 4pm.
BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY: MALDHANGILANHA CO U N C I L G I V E S G R E E N L I G H T T O 10 -Y E A R PL A N Wagga Wagga City Council recently adopted its Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha – a significant step forward in Council’s efforts to preserve, protect and enhance the region’s biodiversity. The strategy aims to increase community awareness of biodiversity and its importance, and identifies actions we can all take to protect and enhance local biodiversity. Environmental Officer Samantha Pascall, who worked for months on the strategy, was thrilled to see it endorsed at the recent Council meeting. “It’s an ambitious strategy, but we’re ready for the challenge,” Ms Pascall said. “Our strategy focuses on what we can do to halt the decline of biodiversity in our region, and how we can work together as a
community for a healthier and sustainable future. “While Council is happy to lead the way, we need the community’s support. Protecting biodiversity is everyone’s responsibility – from all levels of government to every community member – because it supports the healthy functioning of the environment we all depend upon for water, food, health and recreation.” The Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha is a 10-year document outlining the legislative framework associated with biodiversity conservation, internal and external policy context, key threatening processes, and threatened species within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. The strategy identifies several stakeholders other than Council, including
government and nongovernment agencies, that prioritise biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. Following an extensive consultation process, feedback for the draft strategy identified several themes which were divided into four focus areas, with strategic objectives and underlying actions: • Planning for Biodiversity • Strengthening our Natural Assets • Managing Biosecurity • Educating and Collaborating. “The community and other partner feedback has been amazing,” Ms Pascall said. “This strategy is for our community, so it was great to get information on what people wanted. “It’s fantastic to see everyone engaged. I
think we’re on the cusp where biodiversity and our relationship with nature is becoming more mainstream.” Although the official consultation period has ended, Ms Pascall is encouraging the community to stay in touch. “It’s in all of our best interests to keep this conversation going. The Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha is a living document and we want to keep working with the community to secure a better future for our region.” You can get in touch with Council by calling 1300 292 442 or emailing council@wagga.nsw.gov. au Next week: discover what you can do in your own backyard to help improve our region’s biodiversity.
LIVING DOCUMENT: Environmental Officer Samantha Pascall with the recently adopted Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha. Ms Pascall is encouraging the community to work with Council in preserving, protecting and enhancing the region’s biodiversity.
Keep batteries out of bins
BATTERY DROP-OFF: Gregadoo Waste Management Centre Manager Geoff Pym with batteries that have been dropped off at the centre and will be processed through the CRC facility.
Residents are being urged to think twice before disposing of old batteries in their waste bins. Gregadoo Waste Management Centre Manager Geoff Pym has stressed the need to properly dispose of all types of batteries while highlighting the potential impact that ignited batteries can have at the waste centre. “All waste going to landfill is moved, compacted and covered by large, heavy machinery,” Mr Pym said. “Batteries that are hidden in the waste can be broken open by this process. “New Li-ion batteries bring the positive and negative plates into contact when they are broken. This creates
heating, up to and including ignition. “We also see car batteries coming through the red lid bins … sometimes gas bottles and other dangerous material. “We’re really urging people to be mindful of that and to make the effort to dispose of these items in the correct manner because there are repercussions … there is a threat to property damage and also the health and safety of people managing the waste.” Mr Pym said many recent fires at the landfill sites at Gregadoo have been the result of batteries from laptops or mobile phones being disposed of into the general waste stream. “We really need the
community to be aware of what they are putting in their bins, particularly when it comes to these type of batteries,” Mr Pym said. “There are a number of ways to dispose of them, so please be mindful of this … with bushfire season fast approaching we do not need the added risk of fires at the centre.” Council provides a free domestic battery collection facility as part of the CRC at the Civic Centre. The CRC facility at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre also takes automotive batteries for free. All batteries can be disposed of for reprocessing using Council’s facilities and therefore keep batteries out of landfill.
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Flying High! Gobba jump track ready to roll A 353-metre long loop with four table top jumps, nine berms, two gap jumps and one set of rollers, the new bike jump track at Gobbagombalin Park in Wagga Wagga's north is set to get the adrenalin pumping. Construction began in the second week of August and was completed this week, with the new circuit expected to be a big drawcard for riders of all ages and abilities from across the city and beyond. Parks & Recreation Assets Officer Rob Owers said close to 350 tonnes of subsoil clay loam, sourced from the site for the new Estella School, was used in building the track. “In a first for Wagga Wagga, rather than using a soft rock road base, this track has a hard, compacted earth finish,” Mr Owers said. “We’ve also planted 200 trees, shrubs and native grasses to form little garden beds near the adjacent corners of the track to give it definition and to stop riders cutting corners and instead stay on the track. “This week we spread 100 cubic metres of bark mulch on the garden beds, which are
also irrigated to help keep plants alive during dry summers.” The Concept Design for Gobbagombalin Park was developed following consultation with the community and as part of the process, high school students from The Riverina Anglican College were consulted about the number and size of table top jumps to include in the design. “Keeping in mind Gobbagombalin’s demographics, we had to design something for all ages,” Mr Owers said. “We have a track that a three-year-old could roll through on a balance bike, right up to a Year 10 student who can hit a tabletop hard and jump four metres long and a couple of metres in the air. “It has a concrete start pad which has some elevation, so the kids can drop into the start of the track and have a bit of speed for the first set of jumps." To spread the word about the new jump track, Council has put it on the ‘Trailforks’ app, which off-road riders use to find out what mountain bike riding, pump tracks and jump tracks are available in a particular location.
PUT TO THE TEST: (Above) Ready to take a spin around the new jump track at Gobbagombalin Park, Mitchell Barber from project contractors, Ladex Constructions (left), and Wagga Wagga City Council’s Parks & Recreation Assets Officer Rob Owers.
READY TO ROLL: (Left) Construction of the new jump track at Gobbagombalin Park has been completed. The compacted earth track features multiple table top jumps, berms and gap jumps and is designed to cater to bike riders of all ages and abilities.
R O A D R E PA I R C R E W S B U S Y Vacancies A F T E R W E T W A G G A W I N T E R Property Coordinator
Consistent rainfall in recent weeks and the prediction of storm activity in early spring has Wagga Wagga City Council civil works crews on regular patrols for pothole repairs across the city. The damage to local roads caused by the wet weather has been more significant than recent years due to above average rainfall in June and August. This has also combined with the poor condition of bitumen seals and the quality of pavement material underneath. Council’s Director Operations Warren Faulkner said the consistent prolonged rainfall will have a significant impact on the integrity of the sealed road network, in particular those roads carrying heavy vehicles and high volume traffic. He said the surface water on the road is able to ingress into the pavement creating soft spots and subsequently potholes as vehicles travel over them and “pump” out the material. “It is one of Council’s ongoing challenges. Potholes are always a
need to be smarter in the way we do things”. Lake Albert Road ($4.8M) and Kooringal Road ($2M) were recently funded for rehabilitation works, and the Reseal Program ($2.2M) and Pavement Rehab Program ($3.7M) allow Council to progress its road works program across the POTHOLE PATROL: Wagga Wagga City Council civil works crews are repairing road damage across network. Council is preparing the city and along outlying rural routes after recent grant submissions heavy rainfall. for funding up to community concern more proactive $5M in road works and are reflective and preventative to be undertaken in of the quality of the maintenance measures the 2021/22 financial road, especially after are undertaken on the year. Dobney Avenue prolonged wet weather,” sealed road network. and Pearson Street Mr Faulkner said. “Ideally, we should be are identified in those “Areas which undertaking more crack submissions. experience high traffic sealing and bitumen Motorists will continue flows are always worst reseals in a shorter to see Council’s hotmix affected and these timeframe, but funding and jet-patcher units are the areas where does become an issue,” operating across the city we concentrate our Mr Faulkner said. and along rural roads resources. as crews work to repair “We are focusing on recent damage. “We have patrols how we can improve working along a 1200km the ‘water-proofing’ of Community members network of local sealed our sealed roads, thus can report pothole roads to keep the repairs increasing the useful life damage to Council up. Council also relies of the pavement.” through the Snap Send on public feedback to Solve app on their Federal and State identify where attention Government funding smart phone, through is required and we Council’s website at programs such as respond to that as soon Roads to Recovery and wagga.nsw.gov.au/ as possible.” servicerequests or by Fixing Local Roads are lodging a report through Mr Faulkner said a great opportunity to Council is looking rehabilitate and improve Customer Service at the Civic Centre or by to refocus its the network, but Mr calling 1300 292 442. expenditure to ensure Faulkner added “we
Remuneration: $3,039.68 gpf + super Enquiries: Michael Keys on 02 6926 9118 Closing date: Monday 7 September 2020
Urban Growth Coordinator
Remuneration: $3,713.50 gpf + super Enquiries: Michael Keys on 02 6926 9118 Closing date: Monday 7 September 2020
Manager City Strategy
Remuneration: An attractive remuneration in accordance with skills and experience Enquiries: Michael Keys on 02 6926 9118 Closing date: Monday 7 September 2020
Geospatial Technical Officer
Remuneration: $2,884.76 gpf + super Enquiries: Trent Whitehead on 02 6926 9522 Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2020
Business System Analyst
Remuneration: $3,039.68 gpf + super Enquiries: Reece Hamblin on 02 6926 9243 Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2020
Visitor Economy Development Officer Remuneration: $2,795.28 gpf + super Enquiries: Fiona Hamilton on 02 6926 9627 Closing date: Monday 21 September 2020
Asset Maintenance Assistant
Remuneration: $1,920.54 gpf + super Enquiries: Brad Tilyard on 0427 713 359 Closing date: Monday 21 September 2020 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
In the Australian system of government each of the 3 levels of government (Federal, State and Local) has specific areas of responsibility where there is little if any overlap. More often than not though at least two if not
all 3 levels of government will have overlapping responsibility. For Local Government, this means that developing relationships with our state and federal counterparts built on trust and respect is of utmost importance. These relationships must not only be at a political level but importantly must also be at the public
servant level as well. In Wagga Wagga both the elected Councillors and our senior staff have for many years continued to endeavour to create strong robust relationships that have cut across the political lines resulting in an increased enthusiasm for both State and Federal Governments to partner with Wagga Wagga and
our surrounding region. This is now delivering outcomes for our City and the Riverina that would not be accomplished without these partnerships. In Wagga Wagga we are now starting to see the outcomes and benefits that have been delivered through our strong relationships and the funding
0467 552 263 | councillor.kendall@wagga.nsw.gov.au partnerships that have flowed. A few examples of these project include the Bomen transport hub and the related Special Activation Precinct or SAP that has had funding from all levels of government, the Eunony Bridge upgrade, the Main City Levee (and soon the upgrade to the North Wagga levee) that have all been funded by the 3 levels
of government. In many other projects we see local government partnering with one of the other levels of government. Projects (built and underway) funded from your rates and one of the other levels of government include the Airport Taxiway project, Farrer Rd, Lake Albert Rd and Dunns Rd upgrades, the Active Travel Plan pathways
project and the new Multi-sport Cycling Precinct at Pomingalarna. This cooperative approach has now also resulted in an exciting project at the new Estella Public School where shared facilities will result in a better outcome for both the State Government and our local residents. This will result in this school becoming a major focus of the
SEWER REHABILITATION WORKS IN LAKE ALBERT AND ASHMONT
Wagga Wagga City Council will start a sewer rehabilitation program throughout Lake Albert and Ashmont next week. Work is scheduled to start on 9 September 2020 and will be carried out by contractor Interflow Pty Ltd. They will carry out high pressure jetting and CCTV inspections of sewer mains, house connections and manholes, and after consultation with Council, further
works may be undertaken if required. As part of these works, Council officers and Council contractors will require access to all properties (yards only), and some plant and equipment may be located on properties at times. Council requests that manholes and house connections are clear and accessible for these works to
be undertaken. Some residents may experience an increase in noise or odours while the works are being carried out, however every effort will be made to minimise any impact. Interflow Pty Ltd will provide a letter to residents providing all necessary information prior to works starting in that area, including relevant contact numbers.
Restricted speed limit on Eunony Bridge While the Eunony Bridge has reopened to traffic, motorists are advised the speed limit along that section of the road will be restricted until all works at the site have been completed. A 40km/h limit will apply from 7am to 3.30pm daily, and 60km/h outside of these times. Council’s Construction Supervisor - Civil Infrastructure Projects Matt Casley said the restrictions will apply while contractors carry out a general tidy up, fencing and the demobilisation of the compound. The load limit on the upgraded structure will remain at the current level until Council receives final certification from the engineers.
Public Notices
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 NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS form is available from the Customer Service counter SEPTEMBER 2020 at the Wagga Wagga Civic In accordance with the Centre or from Council’s provisions of Section 9 of website wagga.nsw.gov.au/ the Local Government Act paforms. 1993, notice is hereby given Council live streams video that an Ordinary meeting and audio of all Council of the Council of the City meetings. Members of the of Wagga Wagga will be held at 6.00pm on Monday, public are advised that their voice and/or image may 14 September 2020 in the form part of the webcast. Council Meeting Room. A Copies of the Agenda are second Ordinary meeting available to the public, at of the Council of the City the meetings or from the of Wagga Wagga will be held at 6.00pm on Monday, Customer Service Centre at the Wagga Wagga Civic 28 September 2020. This meeting will be held in the Centre three days prior Council Meeting Room, cnr to the meetings or from Council’s website Baylis and Morrow Streets wagga.nsw.gov.au Wagga Wagga. Due to the current RFQ 2021-514 COVID-19 situation, WHEEL BATH D&C restrictions apply to the Suitably endorsed number of persons who Quotations marked “RFQ can attend meetings, however, the meetings can 2021-514 Wheel Bath Design & Construct” are be viewed on Council’s invited and will be received website via Livestream. by the undersigned until Members of the public
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
2.00pm Wednesday 30th September 2020. This is a contract for the design and construction of a wheel bath at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre. Tenderers are advised that the lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted. Enquiries should be directed to Mark Hewson at hewson.mark@wagga.nsw. gov.au. A non-refundable fee of $145.00 will be charged for each hard copy of the specification or specifications at nil cost can be accessed at: info. vendorpanel.com/ workwithwagga waggacitycouncil
PUBLIC EXHIBITION OF DRAFT AMENDMENT TO WAGGA WAGGA LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN 2010 Aim: To exhibit the following Planning Proposals that propose to amend the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan
2010: LEP20/0001: New local provision clause for boundary changes. LEP20/0003: Amend land zoning and minimum lot size provisions for 47-49 Vincent Road, Lake Albert. Exhibition Period: 5 September 2020 to 2 October 2020 (inclusive) Submission Period: 5 September 2020 to 16 October 2020 (inclusive) Inspection Venue: The proposed amendments and supporting exhibition material are available for inspection at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga during the hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded) and on Council’s website connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ LEP20-0001 and connect. wagga.nsw.gov.au/LEP200003 during the exhibition period. Submission Procedure: Any interested person or organisation wishing to make a written submission in relation to the draft
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Councillor Rod Kendall
pet
OF THE
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
This lovely young lass is on the lookout for a place to call home. Winter is a grey and white domestic shorthair with plenty of personality and charm. Our wonderful staff at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter say she loves a cuddle and would be happy to snuggle up on the couch with her new human family. She’s around one year old and the adoption fee would include desexing, microchipping, registration, vaccination and worming, as well as an ID tag, all for $247. If you want to find out more about this gorgeous girl, contact the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter.
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au
R251000208
amendment should do so by close of business on Friday, 16 October 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
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of changes in conditions along: Road: Cadell Place (between Crampton Street and Sturt Street) Date: 7 – 11 September, 2020 Duration: 7.00am 6.00pm, weather permitting Reason: Tree removal works. Road will be under the direction of traffic controllers.
EXHIBITION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CATTLE BUYER DELIVERY FEE FOR 2020/21
Council hereby gives public notice of the exhibition of its proposed amendment to the Livestock Marketing Centres Cattle Buyer Delivery fee for 2020/21. The proposed new fees will be on exhibition from Tuesday 11 August 2020 for a period of 28 days, until Wednesday 9 September 2020. Council invites public submissions on the proposed amended fee, to be lodged within the exhibition period. Inspection Venue: The proposed amended fee 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 proposed fee amendment can also be accessed and reviewed from Council’s website at wagga.nsw.gov.au/ the-council/planning-andreporting/public-exhibitions Submission Procedure: Persons wishing to make a submission in relation to the proposed fee amendment
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growing residential area north of the river. Local Government has no direct share of the Australian tax system meaning that the continued fostering of strong, robust and respected relationships is critical to the future of our regional and city economy.
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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, 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 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 fee amendment may be referred to Paul Martin on 1300 292 442.
Peter Thompson, General Manager
C