INSIDE: COUNCIL TO DEVELOP WIRADJURI TRAIL MASTERPLAN + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2020
Issue No: 298
Weekly information from us to you
world environment day in focus! Residents are being encouraged to get out into nature this long weekend as part of a World Environment Day photo competition. See full story inside.
PHOTO FUN: Wagga Wagga City Council's Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent and her dog Juno take in the sights along the Wiradjuri Trail this week whilst reminding the community about World Environment Day. See story Page 2.
Council plans for future growth Wagga Wagga City Council’s draft budget for 2020/21 is focused on meeting the needs of a growing community amid the challenges faced through the COVID-19 pandemic. The draft combined Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP) 2020/21, along with the draft Long Term Financial Plan 2021-2030 and draft Fees and Charges are on public exhibition, with the community able to read over the documents and share their feedback. Due to the impact and on-going effects of the pandemic this year, Council has forecast an estimated $4.4M budget deficit.
However, Council remains committed to progressing key strategic capital works projects throughout the city such as Riverside – Wagga Beach Landscape Upgrade, Pomingalarna Multisport Cycling Complex, Dunns Road Upgrade and Riverina Intermodal Freight Logistics Hub (RiFL) Stages 2 & 3. The 2020/21 budget includes $129.9M in operating expenditure and $94M in capital project allocations. Council has also again committed $2.03M in contributions, grants and donations to the community next financial year. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said the important documents centre on planning for the future and prioritising important services to meet the diverse needs of the community. He said this was being done at a particularly difficult time as the global
pandemic had significant impacts in Wagga Wagga. “This situation has affected all levels of government and private enterprise around the world … and Wagga Wagga City Council is not immune to the pandemic’s effects,” Cr Conkey said. “Nobody needs reminding how tough the past three months have been. However, we continue to look to the future and that’s what we are aiming to achieve with our long term financial strategies. “The city has an exciting future and there are significant developments moving forward despite the challenges placed upon financial budgets through many facilities being closed. “A substantial part of this city’s long term planning includes future infrastructure and accommodating the significant amount of state and federal government investment in
Weekly waste tip Avoid missing your bin collection by ensuring that you place the correct bins on the kerbside before 6am on your day of service.
our city. “Wagga Wagga has always been a great place to live, visit and invest and we should remain confident we are set for a positive and exciting future.” Cr Conkey encouraged the community to have its say on what Council is delivering. “This is a significant budget and now is the time for our community to have a look at these documents, ask questions and have a say on how services are being delivered,” he said. “Our city has more than $94M of infrastructure projects and programs proposed and community members can expect to see more works right across the city.” The planning documents will be on public exhibition until 23 June 2020. Continued Page 2.
TA K E A P H O T O – W I N A B I K E : W O R L D E N V I R O N M E N T DAY
Residents are being encouraged to get out into nature this long weekend as part of a World Environment Day photo competition. Wagga Wagga City Council Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent said the day, falling on Friday 5 June, was a timely reminder of the importance of biodiversity. “We get so much from our environment and often don’t stop to consider it,” Ms Kent said. “Biodiversity includes all living things on earth; from the bacteria in our guts that keep us healthy, to the plants we use for medicine and those that filter and produce clean air, environmental biodiversity is directly related to our health. It’s critical that we become aware of it and protect our environment.” The 2020 World Environment Day theme is ‘Time for nature’ with a focus on taking the time to notice nature and take care of it. “It’s been interesting watching people explore their local areas more during the shutdown, and noticing things they haven’t seen before,” Ms Kent said.
“That’s why we’re running this competition; to encourage people to maintain that connection with their local environment. That’s also why we chose a bike as the prize, as so many more people have been riding. It’s an environmentally-friendly way to get around, plus it’s great for your health.” The competition is running through the Sustainable Wagga Wagga Facebook page, where participants are encouraged to share photos they’ve taken while out in nature over the long weekend. “You don’t need to be a good photographer and it doesn’t need to be an exotic location,” Ms Kent said. “Whether it’s a walk down to your local park, exploring the Marrambidya Wetland or the Murrumbidgee River, or just getting into your garden and finding new bugs or plants, we’d love to see people exploring our beautiful local environment.” The competition is running from Friday 5 June to Tuesday 9 June 11.59pm. The prize is a Trek Dual Sport 2 bike, worth $899. For more information visit facebook. com/sustainable.waggawagga
BRIDGE WORKS: The Eunony Bridge strengthening and widening project is part of Council’s capital works program included in next financial year’s budget.
Major projects in pipeline From page 1. Community members can view the draft plans and give their feedback on funding priorities, projects and operations online at connect. wagga.nsw.gov.au or by contacting Council customer service.
Queen's birthday long weekend trading hours 24-hour call centre: 1300 292 442 wagga.nsw.gov.au/openhours
Facility
Trading Hours
Administration Offices Closed Monday 8 June. Wagga Wagga Civic Centre After hours emergencies can be reported to Council's 24 hour call centre on 1300 292 442 Art Gallery & National Art Glass Gallery
Closed Monday 8 June
Civic Theatre & Box Office
Closed due to COVID-19
Glenfield Road Animal Shelter
Closed to public access due to COVID-19. Officers can be contacted by phone Saturday 6 June, 1pm-4.15pm. Closed Monday 8 June.
Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC)
Open Saturday 6 June 7am to 4:30pm Open Sunday 7 June 7am to 4:30pm Open Monday 8 June 7am to 4:30pm Tip Shop Closed
Rural Waste Facilities
Closed Tarcutta, Monday 8 June
Kerbside Waste Collection
No changes – collection as normal
Wagga Wagga City Library
Open Saturday 6 June 10am to 4pm Closed Monday 8 June
Lawn Cemetery Office
Closed Monday 8 June - Grounds open 24/7
Livestock Marketing Centre
Closed Monday 8 June
Museum - Historic Council Chambers Site
Open Saturday 6 June 10am to 4pm Open Sunday 7 June 10am to 2pm Closed Monday 8 June
Oasis Aquatic Centre
Closed due to COVID-19. Facility will re-open on Monday 15 June with restrictions
Sewer Service Problems
1300 292 442
Visitor Information Centre
Open Saturday 6 June 9am to 4pm Open Sunday 7 June 9:30am to 2pm Open Monday 8 June 9am to 5pm
Please note hand sanitising and social distancing are requirements at all Council facilities
Major projects for Council in 2020/21 • Finalisation of the Main City Levee Bank upgrade • Further development and implementation of the RiFL and the Special Activation Precinct (SAP) at Bomen • Integrate a new school at Estella within the planned northern sporting and recreation precinct • Implementing Local Strategic Planning Statements to identify future growth areas for the city and finalising structure plans for areas such as the northern growth area and health precinct • Implementation of the Active Travel Plan, a network of cycle routes and end-of-trip facilities to promote cycling as a legitimate mode of transport • Continuing Stage 2 of the Riverside Project to reactivate the Wagga Beach precinct and develop the area as a focal point and destination for residents and visitors, as well as creating linkages to the city’s CBD and existing civic precinct • Start the Pomingalarna Multisport Cycling Complex • Dunns Road upgrade
• Eunony Bridge strengthening and widening, and approach roads upgrade • Airport taxiways upgrade Integrated Planning and Reporting suite of documents Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) is the planning and reporting framework Wagga Wagga City Council uses to work towards achieving the community’s vision. Under NSW Government legislation, councils must prepare a number of plans that provide details on how a council intends to deliver works and services in the short and long term. What is a Long Term Financial Plan? The Long Term Financial Plan outlines the future finances of Council’s operations taking into consideration key elements such as rate movements, service levels to our community, major infrastructure, asset replacement and renewals as well as loans, cash reserves and the Revenue and Pricing Policy. What is a Delivery Program? The Delivery Program is Council’s four-year statement of commitment to the community from the elected Council. It details the specific strategies that Council will implement to help achieve the community’s priorities and goals as set out in the Community Strategic Plan. What is an Operational Plan? The Operational Plan is reviewed and developed yearly. It details the specific actions, projects and programs Council will undertake.
RAIL HUB: The Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub is a major project which highlights new development at Council’s industrial estate in Bomen.
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
LOST L ANES 2020: WINTER FESTIVAL CONTINUES AT HOME The city’s winter festival Lost Lanes will continue this year, with Wagga Wagga City Council’s Visitor Economy & Events team coming up with an isolation-friendly online version. Visitor Economy & Events Coordinator Fiona Hamilton said while the current COVID-19 public gathering restrictions ruled out a physical festival, she was excited about the prospect of a livestreamed version. “We really wanted to keep the momentum going, as it’s been such a popular festival,” Ms Hamilton said. “The last few months have been challenging for everyone. We wanted Lost Lanes @Home to be something for the community to celebrate and look forward to.” Lost Lanes @Home will include cocktail and campfire-inspired live demonstrations, art installations and a live DJ set from underground DJ sensation, producer, label boss and former Wagga Wagga local, Nina Las Vegas. “Nina Las Vegas is one of the Australian music scene’s most influential figures and we’re thrilled she’s come on board to play a set in her hometown,” Ms Hamilton said. “Nina’s curated Lost Lanes @Home set will beam through the quarantine livestream on the Visit Wagga Wagga Facebook and Instagram pages, and also across Nina’s own platforms.” Local hospitality providers are encouraged to join the event by offering party packs available for pick-up or home delivery. “This is a unique opportunity open to all businesses and also gives residents a way to support local businesses affected by the COVID-19 shutdown,” Ms Hamilton said.
Lost Lanes @Home is on Saturday 20 June, streaming from 6.00–7.30pm, on the Visit Wagga Wagga Facebook and Instagram pages. “With NSW Government restrictions allowing up to five visitors, we’d love residents to have a couple of friends over and enjoy Lost Lanes together, either around a fire bucket in their backyard or from the comfort of their living room,” Ms Hamilton said. For more information and to keep up to date on Lost Lanes @Home announcements go to visitwagga.com/lostlanes If you’re a local business wanting to join Lost Lanes @Home, please email events@wagga.nsw. gov.au
Vacancies Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
Remuneration: $2,374.70 gpf + super Enquiries: Paul Wallace on 02 6971 4630 or 0438 245 049 Closing date: Monday 8 June 2020
DANCE IN YOUR LIVING ROOM: Underground DJ sensation Nina Las Vegas will be playing Lost Lanes @Home.
Council looks to develop Wiradjuri Trail masterplan
Business Support Officer
Term Contract until May 2021 Remuneration: $2,195.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Paul O’Brien on 02 6926 9510 Closing date: Monday 15 June 2020
Executive Assistant
Remuneration: $2,500.34 gpf + super Enquiries: Michael Keys on 02 6926 9500 Closing date: Monday 15 June 2020
Truck Driver (Water Cart)
Remuneration: $1,975.06 gpf + super Enquiries: Robert Mithilan on 02 6971 4617 or 0429 157 065 Closing date: Monday 22 June 2020 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
WIRADJURI WALK: Wagga Wagga City Councillors, staff and consultants gathered along the trail this week to discuss the development of a masterplan for one of the city’s most popular recreational assets. The first steps in developing a masterplan to map out the future of Wagga Wagga’s popular Wiradjuri Trail were taken this week. Wagga Wagga City Council met with consultants from Tourism Recreation Conservation (TRC) on site for an assessment at the start of the 42-kilometre trail at Wagga’s Visitor Information Centre. Council Strategic Asset Planner Ben Creighton said the Wiradjuri Trail is an important part of the city’s recreational DNA and said developing a masterplan went a long way towards securing its place as a much-valued attraction. “We know that residents and visitors alike utilise this fantastic resource for exercise and recreation at all times of the year,” Mr Creighton said.
“It is a important asset for our city and one we want to preserve within the natural environment yet improve in areas where accessibility and functionality are considerations. “Developing a masterplan for the entire trail is the start of helping Council achieve a vision to keep the Wiradjuri Trail looking its best, delivering a vibrant asset that attracts tourists yet services community needs and meets their expectations. Mr Creighton said early consultations will ultimately lead to community engagement when members of the public will have their say on shaping the trail's longterm future. This process is expected to start in July. “Council always places great emphasis on community needs and expectations for all
of our facilities and the best way to find that out is to ask the people who use it,” he said. “We’re encouraging the community to start getting your thoughts together because we will be asking what you think.” Mr Creighton said this week’s consultation with TRC identified some early improvements which Council will put on the table for discussion. “They were impressed with the entirety of the 42 kilometres of trail as a major asset for this city,” he said. “It provides access to some of the most beautiful attractions Wagga Wagga has to offer and to have a chance to make that better is an exciting step forward.”
1m
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs
1m 2m
Hard Waste Collection The hard waste collection helps residents dispose of larger household items that cannot be disposed of through the regular kerbside collection service. Properties that pay the domestic waste management service charge can access one free hard waste collection per calendar year to dispose of up to two cubic metres of hard waste.
Book your collection: Book online at yourwaste.com.au/hardwaste or by calling (02) 5942 6150.
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
I have to start by saying a big “Thank you”. Thank you to everyone in the Wagga Wagga community for all your help in making sure COVID-19 did not spread like in other places we have
seen, however, we must continue to look after each other. We also have to look after our businesses as a great number were unable to operate in recent months, so it would be good for community members to pay out local businesses a visit.
I also say thank you to all the businesses which were able to keep their doors open. It helped the community in many ways. As more and more businesses start to reopen, it’s important to encourage others to support local business. Restrictions, of course, remain
in place so your patience and understanding to changed operating conditions at various places will be appreciated. It was pleasing to see the Wagga Library back open this week, although with changed conditions. This is a great community space but please
0402 214 556 | councillor.braid@wagga.nsw.gov.au be aware when you visit that things are different and it may be this way for some time. If anyone needs assistance finding help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me on the number at the top of this column. Wagga City Council also has
various initiatives available to assist residents and local ratepayers so get in touch if you need assistance. I expect the effects of this situation will continue for some time to come. I urge you to keep in contact with your relatives and friends. It is important to check in with each
other and ask if everything is going okay. If you need someone to chat with, or are unsure where to go for help, I am happy for anyone to contact me on my mobile and I will do everything I can to assist you. It is important we all stay vigilant
during these times, so anyone showing signs of illness should get along to the hospital for a test. Thank you once again to our entire community during these testing times.
Councillor Yvonne Braid OAM
Mapping growth: Flyover provides high-res images of city The latest high-resolution imagery of Wagga Wagga and surrounds is now available thanks to a flyover commissioned by Wagga Wagga City Council’s geographic information system (GIS) team. The flyover was completed in March, capturing highresolution images of Wagga Wagga, as well as the villages of Currawarna, Mangoplah and Tarcutta. Aerometrex, a leading aerial imaging company, undertook the aerial survey using a Cessna 404 Titan equipped with a VisionEdge A3 sensor, photographing a total area of 885 km2. Strategic Partner Corporate Applications
Reece Hamblin said the images helped both Council and the community track ongoing developments and growth in the local government area (LGA). “We engage an aerial photography company to capture these images every two years,” Mr Hamblin said. “This ensures we have sufficient budget to perform an extensive flyover at a high resolution. “Due to the high growth of the LGA’s residential and industrial development, an up-to-date aerial imagery library helps us keep track, and also provides historical information for the city. “It’s a great way for the
community to access team use imagery in information about strategic documents and developments and the LGA plans to illustrate potential generally.” locations and future development. The high-resolution imagery has many uses: • Asset assessment staff use the imagery to confirm the • Community members can location of assets, such check land parcel details as manhole covers and and zoning information, drains. view flood- and bushfireprone land, access • Both Council staff and mapped cemetery records, the community can use and view cycleways, offthe images to perform CAMERA IN THE SKY: This Cessna 404 Titan was street parking and public measurements and equipped with photographic equipment to provide new images of the city. art. calculations on building envelopes and green • Council’s town planners as real estate agents, can outright which allows Council spaces, and can overlay use the imagery when also use the imagery in to retain intellectual property information – such as assessing development advertisements and plans. so we can share it with the sewer mains – on top of applications to get an the imagery to determine “It’s an archival resource for community.” indication of land and the location of other our city that we build up over To view the high-resolution associated buildings. infrastructure. time,” Mr Hamblin said. maps, visit eservices.wagga. • The strategic planning • Local businesses, such “We purchase the imagery nsw.gov.au
BIRDSEYE VIEW: Aerial images of the Botanic Gardens (above) and Bolton Park precinct (right) which were taken with the VisionEdge A3 sensor camera, providing high resolution images of the local government area.
Public Notices EXHIBITION OF THE DRAFT COMBINED DELIVERY PROGRAM AND OPERATIONAL PLAN 2020/2021, DRAFT LONG TERM FINANCIAL
Contact us
PLAN 2020/2030 AND DRAFT FEES AND CHARGES 2020/2021
Council invites submission on the draft documents. Inspection Venue: The draft plans are available for review at Wagga Wagga Council’s draft Combined City Council, Cnr Baylis & Delivery Program Morrow St, Wagga Wagga and Operational Plan within the exhibition period. 2020/2021, draft Long Term The draft plans can also be Financial Plan 2020/2030 accessed from Council’s and draft 2020/2021 are Wagga View website now on public exhibition. connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au These documents provide Submission Procedure: details of the Council’s proposed budgets, services Persons wishing to make a submission in relation and projects for delivery.
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 the draft plans 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, emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov. au or submitted through the Connect Wagga site connect.wagga.nsw.gov.
Follow us
au/. Persons making written submissions regarding the above draft plans 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 draft plans may be referred to Council’s Corporate Strategy Coordinator on 1300 292 442.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of changes in
Subscribe Share your #waggaview
@cityofwaggawagga
Subscribe and you’ll receive Council News in your inbox every week!
wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews
conditions along: Road: Mair Street (between Hayden Avenue and Blamey Street) Date: 10-12 June, 2020 Duration: 7.00am to 5.00pm, weather permitting Reason: Reinstatement works. Detours will be in place. Access to local residents.
Peter Thompson, General Manager