INSIDE: FARRER ROAD OPENS, NEW PROJECT AT BOLTON PARK + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 8 AUGUST 2020
Issue No: 307
Weekly information from us to you
a happy citizenship day to you! Athmeeya Shaiju will always remember her ninth birthday. It was the same day the Wagga Wagga schoolgirl and her family became Australian citizens at a unique ceremony in the city recently. Athmeeya and her younger brother Aidan, 7, (pictured left) had plenty of reasons to smile and were heading back to their home after the 31 July citizenship ceremony to share some birthday cake. “This is a really great day for my family … it’s my birthday too,” Athmeeya beamed after the ceremony. The family left India for a new life in Australia and chose Wagga Wagga to start their next adventure. “This is a wonderful occasion, and we want to thank the Wagga Wagga community for welcoming us … it is a great day for us,” dad Antony said. The 31 July Citizenship Ceremony was the first in Wagga Wagga since the pandemic. There were two ceremonies to ensure social distancing for the 43 people from 20 countries. More pictures appear inside.
RiFL’s ‘red letter’ day for city Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr Greg Conkey has described this week’s progress on the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub (RiFL) development as a red letter day for the city with significant benefits to the community.
The next important steps in the development of the RiFL Hub at Bomen Business Park were secured on Monday night at an Extraordinary Meeting of Wagga
Wagga City Council. Councillors endorsed entering into an Agreement for Lease (AFL) and Lease with Visy Logistics and also approved the Hub’s Stage 2 and 3 design and construction contract to be awarded to Huon Contractors Pty Ltd. The leasing arrangements facilitate a Public Private Partnership between Council and Visy Logistics and provides the formal agreement for Visy Logistics to operate and manage the RiFL Hub terminal and master siding. It is the most significant step forward for the RiFL Hub program since a $29.2M grant was received under the NSW Government Growing Local Economies program late last year and paves the way for design and construction to be completed by mid-2022. “It has taken about 15 years and the
contributions of many people in that time to reach the point we’re at today,” Cr Conkey said this week. “It really is another red letter day for the city. What this development means to the city, and indeed the wider region, can not be understated. “It will be the economic driver for the region for many, many decades and provide jobs and opportunity for future generations. “A huge ‘well done’ to all involved … to former and current Councillors and Council staff, the State Government and those key stakeholders such as Visy Logistics which is playing a critical role in the next stages.” RiFL Hub will be the core feature of the Bomen Business Park which is also the focus of the recently released draft Special Activation Precinct (SAP) masterplan. Council has been developing the RiFL Hub
program over several years involving three stages for this project. The staging of the project was adapted to suit funding opportunities from Federal and State governments. Stage 1 – Completed. The $35M Enabling Roads Project, which included underpass of Main Southern Railway line, Merino Road and Dorset Drive Construction. Stage 2 – approx. 4.9km rail master siding and intermodal terminal area. Design and Construct contract funded through Transport for NSW Fixing Country Rail program, $14.4M. Stage 3 – 60ha industrial subdivision works, RIFL Road and associated services, and fibre to the premises in the existing Bomen Business Park, funded through NSW Government grant under Growing Local Economies, $29.2M.
Weekly waste tip Be mindful to not overload your bin. If you struggle to shift it, the truck will struggle to lift it. Avoid placing large amounts of soil, rubble or sand in your red lid bin.
Double success for Council at Local Government awards
TREE-MENDOUS EFFORT FROM LOCAL GROUPS
Wagga Wagga City Council is keeping its commitment to get 4500 seedlings into the ground in 2020. Local students still managed to get grubby for Schools Tree Day, despite the national event’s cancellation, with 35 local schools and preschools holding their own planting days. Council donated 3000 seedlings for the students to plant in their playgrounds. Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent said it was wonderful to see children actively link their world to nature. “The seedlings grow up to provide shade, play spaces and habitat for
local fauna,” Ms Kent said. “And of course, it’s fun for the kids to get outside and get their hands in the soil.” The students at Humula Public School, regular participants in Schools Tree Day, worked hard to give their seedlings a good start. “This is a small school, but they pack a passionate punch for protecting, restoring and enhancing the environment,” Ms Kent said, after attending the school’s planting day. “And it’s paying off – the students now have a playground that provides food for beautiful birds, in addition to the burrow for a resident wombat!” Continuing with their plans for what would have been National Tree Day, members of the local Wiradjuri community gathered to plant around 500 seedlings adjacent to the Bomen Axe Quarry, one of the five declared Aboriginal Places in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. “The declaration of Aboriginal Places is a way of recognising and legally protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage,” Ms Kent said. “What better way to honour that heritage than by adding to the life in the area and planting beautiful native trees.” Students from Mount Austin High will plant the remaining 1000 seedlings near the Bomen Axe Quarry in the coming week. For more information about the significance of the Bomen Axe Quarry visit wagga.nsw.gov. au/services/support-services/ aboriginal-services/aboriginalsignificant-sites
pet
OF THE
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
Our featured Pet of the Week today really is a sweetie. Vonnie is a little shy at first but comes around very quickly. And she loves lots of pats. You can meet Vonnie at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter – but not until Wednesday 12 August. Contact the team at the shelter for more info. Cost of $247 includes desexing, microchipping, registration, vaccination, worming and ID tag. R251000208
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au
Wagga Wagga City Council is celebrating after winning two categories at the annual NSW Local Government Week Awards, announced in an on-line ceremony on Thursday (6 August). The Lost Lanes 2019 event won the RH Dougherty Innovation in Special Events category in its population division, while Council’s Cultural Plan won the Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award, which recognises outstanding achievement in strategic planning for arts and culture. Held during Local Government Week, the awards are designed to publicly recognise the efforts of councils
in forging relationships of excellence with their communities. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said it was an honour to take out two prestigious awards. “It is great to see Wagga Wagga City Council recognised for its innovative and dedicated approach to events along with strategic cultural planning for the City,” Cr Conkey said. “It is an outstanding achievement for Wagga Wagga to have performed so well against other local government organisations from across New South Wales.” Council’s Director
Community, Janice Summerhayes, also welcomed the recognition. “Lost Lanes has revitalised a forgotten part of the city, while the Wagga Wagga Cultural Plan 202030 creates a 10-year vision for the cultural growth of the City and, importantly, details the implementation of this vision through 50 recommendations outlined in the plan,” Ms Summerhayes said. “These recommendations propose programs, projects and cultural infrastructure that the community has identified as priority areas to support going forward.” Lost Lanes, which started in 2018, grew
from an audience of 3500 to more than 5000 in its second year. “The Lost Lane event has breathed new life into Cadell Place and has also left the legacy of six large scale murals, creating a sense of pride in this neighbourhood and giving our community a reason to celebrate, rather than hibernate, in winter,” Ms Summerhayes said. Lost Lanes has also recently featured as the only NSW regional City case study for NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment ‘Streets as Shared Spaces’ program dpie.nsw.gov. au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0004/296950/ Case-studies-GreatStreets-Great-PublicSpaces.pdf
GREAT WORK: The team which brought Wagga Wagga the award-winning Lost Lanes Festival and Cultural Plan show off their prizes with Mayor Cr Greg Conkey.
N E W A M E N I T I E S B L O C K AT B O LT O N PA R K
Site preparation work started this week on the Bolton Park amenities upgrade project. The project will see new amenities, office and a canteen created to replace the existing ageing facility. The project forms part of Wagga Wagga City Council’s Bolton Park Master Plan, designed to develop the precinct into a first-class regional sports hub. The upgraded facility will house four change rooms, an adultaccessible lay down change facility, public toilets, canteen, office and storage rooms. Council’s Social Planning Coordinator Lisa Saffery said the inclusion of adult-accessible lay down change facilities was an important step for community inclusion. “Lay down adult change facilities were the top item for our community when we developed the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017–2021,” Ms Saffery said. “I am thrilled Council have since built a number of lay down adult change facilities to meet the need and ensure access to venues for all community members. “The inclusion of these facilities at Bolton Park is a wonderful
SHOVEL READY: Council’s Project Coordinator Kym Holbrook with Construction Manager John Di Trapani of Ladex Construction Group, conducting a site inspection for the new Bolton Park amenities block. step forward.” While works are underway, temporary fencing will be installed around the construction site, the footpath from Bolton Park carpark to ‘Livvi’s Place’ will be closed, and there will be some minor disruptions to car parking. Council is planning to begin construction next week, with a
completion date of February 2021, weather permitting. The project is jointly funded between Wagga Wagga City Council, AFL Riverina and the State Government under the Stronger Country Communities Fund. For more information visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ boltonparkplan
Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Farrer Road reopens to local traffic
Council has finished the project of widening and reconstructing the entire length of Farrer Road. The upgraded 1.9-kilometre road now has the capability to service increased traffic flow resulting from the development of residential subdivisions and growth of nearby educational institutions including Charles Sturt University and The Riverina Anglican College. Project manager Silas Darby said while there had been some challenges along the way, he and the team were proud of the finished project.
“Upgrading a much-used and relied upon road like Farrer Road was always going to be complicated, but the local community has been very supportive and patient, which we really appreciated,” Mr Darby said. “We worked on the road in three separate 650-metrelong sections, which enabled residents to maintain access to Boorooma – there were always two of the three access points off Farrer Road open for the duration of the project. “The road is now ready to handle the increase in traffic volume and is much safer with the wider corridor and
additional turning lanes. “It’s a great surface and we’re pleased with the result. We know there are a lot of people who are very happy it’s reopened.” The speed limit for Farrer Road will remain 40 km/h until lines are marked later this month. Line marking takes place a few weeks after the surface is finished, which allows it to settle before the paint is applied, resulting in a better adhesion. For more information on the upgrade, visit connect.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ farrer-road-upgrade
DRIVE ON: the reconstruction and widening of Farrer Road is complete. The finished road is safer, with additional turning lanes and a wider corridor, and ready for increased traffic volumes. A 40 km/hr speed limit is in place until line markings are finished later this month.
Vacancies Administration Officer
Two (2) Temporary Part-Time Positions Available Enquiries: Madeleine Scully on 02 6926 9350 or Mark Gardiner on 02 6926 9330 Closing date: Wednesday 12 August 2020
Truck Driver (Patching Truck)
Two (2) Permanent Positions Available Remuneration: $1,920.54 gpf + super Enquiries: Robert Wiggins on 02 6971 4615 or 0419 612 625 Closing date: Monday 17 August 2020
STAY SAFE & HEALTHY!: Needles the Echidna comes out of his burrow to pass on some important messages to kids and their families in this time of COVID-19. Helping to get his message out are (from left) Environmental Health Officer Uvindu Warnakulasooriya, Environmental Health Coordinator & author Sharomi Dayanand, and Environmental Health Officers Geoff Lang and Kate Barraclough.
Stay safe and healthy with Needles the Echidna
Wagga Wagga City Council’s Environmental Health team believes education is an effective tool in helping to heighten awareness within our community in changing times. To help safeguard the community, especially children, the team has developed and published a children’s educational resource entitled Stay safe and healthy with Needles the Echidna. Environmental Health Coordinator Sharomi Dayanand said Needles the Echidna is the main character in the book, which is designed to be an educational tool.
“Since Needles the Echidna had such success with the Be Sharps Smart book, we thought he would be perfect to engage with children,” Ms Dayanand said. “The booklet aims to provide ways for children to comfortably voice their concerns, embrace change and understand how to stay safe and healthy. It helps reinforce and heighten their awareness of the importance of good hygiene practices and maintaining a safe distance. “It also encourages parents, caregivers and teachers to talk to children about the
importance of safety with regards to viruses and diseases in these changing times.” The content of the vibrant book aligns with the messages promoted by NSW Health. The story centres around an on-line video call between Needles and several children, who ask Needles questions about staying safe and healthy. “It raises awareness about the importance of maintaining a safe distance, coughing and sneezing etiquette, personal hygiene such as effective handwashing, trying not to touch our face, ensuring surfaces
are clean and staying home when unwell,” Ms Dayanand said. “It also highlights ways to stay healthy, such as being active, eating well, getting adequate sleep, drinking plenty of water and doing things that keep us happy.” Wagga Wagga City Council will provide schools, pre-schools and childcare centres with a copy of its educational material. The publication will also be available for loan at each of the 20 branch libraries of the Riverina Regional Library network so that many more can benefit from this worthy educational initiative.
NORTH WAGGA SECTION OF CSU LINK SET TO START The CSU Link of the Active Travel Plan shared pathway is set to start in North Wagga Wagga. The Active Travel Plan forms part of Wagga Wagga’s Integrated Transport Strategy, and the CSU Link will provide a safe corridor from the CBD to Estella and Charles Sturt University (CSU). The majority state-funded project must adhere to a strict delivery timeline, with the entire $12.81M project to be delivered by May 2021. Council General Manager Peter Thompson said the funding received for the commuter
cycling network is exclusively for this project and cannot be used elsewhere. “Works on this link were recently stopped at the North Wagga levee while consideration was given to the best approach for this section of the Active Travel Plan given we are progressing the floodplain planning for raising the flood levee in the future,” Mr Thompson said. The pathway will continue along the levee bank adjacent to Wall and Gardiner streets with an interim surface, providing a safe travel route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Mr Thompson said a “temporary” asphalt section will be constructed on the levee, so meeting requirements of the ATP to provide a “safe and direct route” to users. “Any future work on the North Wagga levee will include the replacement of this section of the Active Travel Plan, and will be costed in to the project,” he said. Council received $11.35M in funding from the NSW Government to implement the cycling network in 2019. For information: connect.wagga. nsw.gov.au/cycling
Plant Operator (Skidsteer)
Remuneration: $2,081.84 gpf + super Enquiries: Mark Morrow on 02 6971 4612 or 0428 964 158 Closing date: Monday 17 August 2020
Labourer
Two (2) Permanent Positions Available Remuneration: $1,881.26 gpf + super Enquiries: Robert Mithilan on 02 6971 4617 or 0429 157 065 Closing date: Monday 17 August 2020
Organisational Executive - People and Regional Leadership
Remuneration: An attractive remuneration in accordance with skills and experience Enquiries: Peter Thompson on 02 6926 9121 Closing date: Monday 24 August 2020
Plant Operator (Hooklift) (GWMC)
Remuneration: $2,081.84 gpf + super Enquiries: Mathew Windle on 02 6926 9163 or 0437 701 447 Closing date: Monday 24 August 2020
Plant Operator (GWMC)
Remuneration: $2,081.84 gpf + super Enquiries: Mathew Windle on 02 6926 9163 or 0437 701 447 Closing date: Monday 24 August 2020
Corporate Strategy Coordinator
Remuneration: $3,039.68 gpf + super Enquiries: Scott Gray on 02 6926 9295 Closing date: Monday 24 August 2020
Work Health and Safety Advisor
Remuneration: $3,358.98 gpf + super Enquiries: Megan Bett on 02 6926 9288 Closing date: Monday 24 August 2020
Aboriginal Youth and Community Development Officer
Remuneration: $2,795.28 gpf + super Enquiries: Lisa Saffery on 02 6926 9320 Closing date: Friday 28 August 2020
Chief Audit Executive
Remuneration: $3,713.50 gpf + super Enquiries: Ingrid Hensley on 02 6926 9571 (Monday to Thursday) Closing date: Monday 31 August 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
Spring 2020 community events cancelled Wagga Wagga City Council this week announced it has cancelled two of its major community events set down for later this year, due to the evolving COVID-19 situation and restrictions on gatherings. The popular family day Spring Jam was to be held on Saturday, 26 September, while the 2020 Fusion Multicultural Street Festival was scheduled for Saturday,17 October 2020. Council’s Director Community, Janice Summerhayes, said it was a difficult decision for Council to reach.
“It is with much regret that we have taken this action, as we understand how much the community looks forward to being part of these events,” Ms Summerhayes said. “However, it is the right decision considering the current COVID-19 situation and NSW Public Health Orders. “The health and safety of all concerned had to be the priority, from those who had been planning to attend, to staff and performers.” Whilst the ninth iteration of the festival will
not proceed in 2020, Council is finalising plans for a 12-month series of small-scale digital and home-based food-themed programs, presented in partnership with the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga. Also, in place of Spring Jam, Council staff are currently developing digital school holiday activations for families and carers with children between October and December 2020 and for Easter 2021. At the same time, planning is underway to deliver the Spring Jam festival in Spring 2021. “We apologise for the inconvenience and
disappointment caused by the cancellation of Fusion 2020 and Spring Jam, but we look forward to seeing everyone again in a safe environment next year,” Ms Summerhayes said. Further details on the Fusion micro events will be released once plans are finalised based on NSW Health Order directions. Fusion is presented and funded by Wagga Wagga City Council and supported by our Cultural Partner, the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga.
A snapshot of our July Citizenship Ceremony
Public Notices EXHIBITION OF DRAFT ADDENDUMS WAGGA WAGGA LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICING PLANS SEWER AND STORMWATER
Council’s draft Addendums to the Wagga Wagga Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan and Development Servicing Plans Sewer and Stormwater are now on public exhibition until 15 August 2020, with
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submissions invited until 29 August 2020. Inspection Venue: The draft documents are available for review at Wagga Wagga City Council, Corner Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga within the exhibition period. They can also be accessed at Council’s Wagga View website wagga.nsw.gov.au. Submission Procedure: Persons wishing to make a submission should do so before 29 August 2020. Submissions should be made in writing and may be emailed to council@ wagga.nsw.gov.au or sent to Wagga City Council PO Box 20 Wagga Wagga NSW 2560. Persons making a written submission are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the Government
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
Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1988 and may be attached to the final report to Council in part or in entirety, unless explicitly requested by the person making the submission that they do not wish this to occur. Any questions relating to the documents may be referred to Council’s Contributions Coordinator on 1300 292 442.
LICENSING OF COUNCIL MANAGED COMMUNITY LAND Notice is hereby given under the Local Government Act Chapter 6 Part 2, of the proposed Licensing of Lot 136 DP 757255 being part Crown Reserve 220001 located at
Paddy Osborne Park, 8 Bent Street, Tarcutta to Tarcutta Mens Shed Incorporated for the permitted use of the land and building for activities associated with the running of a men’s shed for a term of five (5) years. Persons wishing to make a submission in relation to the above proposed Licence should do so prior to the close of the exhibition period. Submissions should be in writing and may be delivered to Wagga Wagga City Council or mailed to the General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 or emailed to council@ wagga.nsw.gov.au Persons making written submissions regarding the above proposed agreement are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be
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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 above proposed Licence may be referred to Maureen Fitzpatrick on 1300 292 442. Submissions will be received until close of business on 24 August 2020.
COUNCIL OWNED COMMUNITY LAND Part Belling Park, Bolton Street, Wagga Wagga Notice is hereby given under the Local
Government Act Chapter 6 Part 2, of the proposed licensing of Part Lot 1 Section 80 DP 759031 known as part Belling Park, Bolton Street, Wagga Wagga to Wagga Wagga Bridge Club Inc. for the purpose of a clubhouse for a term of five (5) years. Persons wishing to make a submission in relation to the above proposed licence renewal should do so prior to the close of the exhibition period. Submissions should be in writing and may be delivered to Wagga Wagga City Council or mailed to the General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 or emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov. au Persons making written submissions regarding the above proposed licence renewal are advised that
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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 above proposed licence renewal may be referred to Jenny Bailey, Land and Property Officer on 1300 292 442. Submissions will be received until 5pm on Monday 7 September 2020.
Peter Thompson, General Manager