Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 23 APRIL 2016
Issue 91
Weekly information from us to you
G N I K O O L r i e h t FO R r e v e r fo h o m eSs story inside...
Eldridge accepts top job
Councillors appoint General Manager on four-year contract The City of Wagga Wagga has appointed Alan Eldridge to the position of General Manager on a fouryear contract.
A well-respected local businessman, Mr Eldridge took on the role on a short-term contract in October 2015 and during that time has enacted a number of service
improvements. “I am pleased to announce that after an extensive recruitment process, Councillors have appointed Mr Eldridge to the position of General Manager,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Rod Kendall said. “My fellow Councillors and I have been impressed by Mr Eldridge’s time in the position and are confident he has the experience
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and expertise to shape the future of our city. “The past seven months have been a time of change and progress for Wagga Wagga and Mr Eldridge has guided the city and Council through this period exceptionally.” Mr Eldridge was the Chair of Council’s Audit and Risk Committee from 2009 until October 2015 and has a background in managing
large organisations. The first task for the new General Manager was accompanying Cr Kendall to Sydney on Friday to meet with the NSW Treasurer to discuss a State Government funding commitment for the Bomen Enabling Roads project. The General Manager position was advertised nationally in March, with Council looking for a transformational leader to manage
a budget of about $110 million, assets of more than $1 billion and a total staff of 450. Councillors held an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Thursday night in which Council resolved to provide a formal letter of offer to Mr Eldridge, who accepted the offer in writing later that evening. Council thanked recruitment consultant Terrey Kiss for his valuable professional support during the past few months.
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Bourke Street's 'family of potholes' gone in three days Rehabilitation works to fix a section of road riddled with pot holes on Bourke Street finished more than a week ahead of schedule. Manager of Engineering Alex Fenwick said fine weather conditions and nil unexpected delays contributed to the project being completed in less than three days. “Like all project works of this nature an allowance is made for unforseen issues or delays. We were extremely fortunate with this project that no delays were encountered and the weather was also on our side,” he said. Upgrading the section of road between Urana and Blamey streets has been on the priority list for Council for some time. Preliminary works on underground services
along the stretch of road had to be undertaken first. The main road works, which started on Tuesday 19 April, included stabilisation and compaction of the road pavement. The seal was reinstated Thursday morning with the road reopened to motorists about 12.30pm. “Bourke Street is one of the city’s busiest roads with thousands of car movements on it each day. These works have removed the ‘family of potholes’ that have developed over time, due to this high traffic volume,” Mr Fenwick said. “Motorists now won’t have to negotiate around the potholes and will have a smoother drive along this section. “We thank motorists for their cooperation and patience
while these works were being carried out.” Keep updated on road works happening across the Local Government Area at www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ roads.
UPDATES ON CURRENT ROAD WORKS PROJECTS • Byrnes Road, 1.6km stretch starting at the Oura roundabout. New drainage pipes installed, next phase of earthworks to start after 25 April. • Old Narrandera Road at Malebo Hill. Rehabilitation works nearing completion, sealing to start week commencing 25 April. • Allambie Way, final reseal coat week commencing 25 April.
SEALED, DELIVERED: Bourke Street was sealed on Thursday and open to traffic by lunch time. Fine weather conditions and nil unexpected delays meant this project was delivered more than a week-and-a-half ahead of schedule.
BYRNES ROAD
Applying for grant funding? Find out more at workshop
Community engagement hub gets fresh, new look If you haven’t taken the time to stop by and check out Council’s community engagement hub yet, then now is as good a time as ever. The City of Wagga Wagga’s Your Say page has this week been given a new skin. The site now has a modern, imagefocused look, which aims to improve userexperience. Council engages with the community on a range of important projects and strategic plans throughout the year, either via faceto-face, online or through phone or email. “The Your Say page is one way to keep regularly updated on current, and past, consultations, and to tell us your thoughts, opinion, feedback and wishes, so we can help build a city the community desires,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Rod Kendall said. “Registration isn’t compulsory, but we strongly encourage it, so you don’t miss an engagement opportunity - they are popping up all the time.” The next major consultation to be unertaken by Council will be the review of the Community Strategic Plan (CSP). The CSP engagement will include a mix of events and activities as well as as an online component where our vision of the future Wagga is captured. The CSP engagement begin on 15 May - keep reading Council News for more details. Visit, and sign up, to Council’s Your Say page at yoursaywagga.com.au.
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These adorable wolf hound cross puppies are looking for a new home after arriving at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter a week ago. These pooches will be microchipped, registered, vaccinated and ready for adoption for less than $300 each by Tuesday 26 April. “If you’re a loving family looking for a friendly addition, one of these puppies will fit right in,” Animal Ranger Keli Stephens said. “We expect them to be popular so get in quick, but
M! INSTAGRA ncil @waggacou
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Puppies looking for their forever home
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if you miss out there are currently around 30 other dogs and 25 cats at the shelter waiting for a new family.” The pups will also be desexed if old enough; otherwise the new owners will get a desexing voucher. For more information or to adopt an animal, visit the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter between 1pm to 4.15pm Monday to Saturday or call 6971 4651. The shelter will be closed Monday 25 April for Anzac Day.
THIS WEEK:
KYEAMBA KENNEL & TRAINING CLUB AGILITY & JUMPING TRIAL
Sat 23 and Sun 24 April 8.30am. A family friendly event jam packed full of gorgeous dogs. Norman Duck Oval, San Isidore. Ph: 0401 499 9818
Adopting an animal All animals adopted from the Shelter are microchipped, lifetime registered, vaccinated, desexed and the adult dogs are heartworm tested. Adopt Adult Dog Male: $299.40 Adopt Adult Dog Female: $323.40 Adopt Puppy Male: $262.40 Adopt Puppy Female: $286.40 Adopt Cat Male: $191.70 Adopt Cat Female: $213.50
Wagga Football Club, Pioneer Avenue. Ph: 0403 859 982 or 0411 260 338
WAGGA WAGGA LEISUREFEST ROADSHOW
THE WAGGA MODEL AERO CLUB’S WWII AND MILITARY SCALE EVENT
Sat 23 - Sun 24 April 10am - 5pm Caravans, campers, cooking demonstrations, barbeques, boats, gourmet food and more. Adults $12, seniors $10, under 16 free. Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke Street. Ph: 0411 123 571
TINY TYKES MARKETS
Monday 25 April 5.30am This day we remember Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Cenotaph, Victory Memorial Gardens, cnr Baylis and MorrowStreets. Followed by pilgrimage to the War Cemetary, Kooringal Road.
Sat 23 and Sun 24 April 9am Pilots from all around Australia,will bring models of a high standard which are faithful reproductions. Entry $5 per car. Wagga Model Aero Club, Olympic Highway (5km from Uranquinty) Ph: 0411 501 325 Sat 23 April 9am New and used children’s goods. Entry $2. East
ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE
ANZAC DAY MARCH
Monday 25 April 10.30am Baylis Street. Followed by
A second information session for prospective Annual Grants Program applicants will be held on Wednesday 27 April. More than 50 community members attended the first session and discovered more about the different funding categories available. Anyone interested in applying for a grant is encouraged to attend next week’s session to find out about the SmartyGrants online application form and discuss their application with the relevant grants officer. The 2016/17 Annual Grants Program has a total pool of $175,000 on offer for community projects. This year’s categories are Community Health & Wellbeing - Community Programs & Projects, Community Health & Wellbeing - Recreational Facilities, Connected Rural & Urban Communities - Neighbourhood & Rural Villages, Connected Rural & Urban Communities - Rural Halls, Arts and Culture, Local Heritage, Events, and Natural Environment. The 27 April information session begins at 6pm in the Council Meeting Room. To register, contact Kristin Groves on 1300 292 442 or grants@wagga.nsw.gov.au. Application forms and grants guidelines are available at the workshop, the Civic Centre and online at www.wagga.nsw. gov.au/grants. Applications are open now until noon on Monday 30 May.
wreath laying ceremony and Commemorative Service at Cenotaph in VictoryMemorial Gardens, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets. Wagga RSL Sub Branch Ph: 6921 3528
THE GREAT MOSCOW CIRCUS Wed 27 to Sun 1 May Adults from $27.50 and children from $17.50. Bolton Park, access off Edward, Tarcutta and Morgan Streets
EAT LOCAL THURSDAY
Every Thursday 11am 5.30pm Free entry. Elements at the Gardens. Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens.
RIVERINA PRODUCERS’ MARKET
Every Thursday 1:30pm to 6:30pm Free entry. Civic Centre Precinct, off Tarcutta Street. Ph: 6924 3574
RCM LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES
Thurs 28 April 1.10pm Free Concert. On Beauty: Graham Sattler & Hamish
Tait Wagga Wagga Baptist Church Tarcutta Street.
MURDER AFOOT
Thu 28 April to Sun 8 May 7.30pm and 3pm Presented by Wagga School of Arts. The Basement Theatre, Morrow St. Ph: 6921 2594
MAGGIE DENT SEMINAR DADS ONLY
Fri 29 April 6.30pm This is a seminar just for Dads which unplugs the important aspects of parenting children from birth to 25. Cost $50. Includes food. Riverine Club. Sturt Street. Ph: 6922 6226 waggaevents
For support in organising your event, contact Council’s Events Unit at events@wagga.nsw.gov. au or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri To promote your event or for full list of events: visitwagga.com or call 1300 100 122.
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Swimming pool changes come into effect on 29 April
Winter is just around the corner, but there are important changes for residents thinking of selling or leasing a property with a swimming pool. Under new State Government legislation taking effect from 29 April 2016, properties sold or rented with a swimming pool must now have either a relevant occupation certificate, certificate of compliance or a certificate of non-compliance
issued from the NSW Swimming Pool Register. The change follows a comprehensive review of the State Government’s Swimming Pools Act in 2012 and NSW residents were given until 29 April to get accustomed to the new rules. For more information, visit swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au or wagga.nsw.gov.au/swimmingpools.
mobile library timetable MEOW: Tired Lion perform at the 18-plus gig at the Home Tavern as part of Press Play 2016. Pictures: Ashleigh McDonald
Tired Lion roar into Wagga for National Youth Week
Tired Lion proved the purrfect soundtrack to Wagga’s National Youth Week celebrations on 16 April. The Perth band played two gigs with Melbourne’s Creature Fear – an all-ages show at the community centre and an 18-plus show that night at the Home Tavern – as part of Press Play 2016. Tired Lion came to Wagga fresh off being picked in the 2016 Splendour in the Grass line up and are also the reigning Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year. With more than a fifth of Wagga’s population aged between 12 and 25 years, Council’s Director Environmental and Community Services Janice Summerhayes said National Youth Week was an important event for the community. “The City of Wagga Wagga is delighted to support and celebrate the enormous contribution that young people make to our city in so many ways,” Ms Summerhayes said. “Through education, sport, music, art and other forms of performance, volunteering, community and politics, young people are making their mark on our community.” Press Play 2016 was funded by the City of Wagga Wagga, National Youth Week and the
Collingullie Tuesday April 26, 3.45pm – 4.45pm Humula Wednesday April 27, 9.15am – 11.15am Tarcutta Friday April 29, 9am – 11am www.rrl.nsw.gov.au
Ph: (02) 6926 9771
WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL VACANCY
careers at council
ARBORICULTURALIST
Remuneration: Min $947.13 gpw + super Enquiries: Jim Dunn - 0457 704 727 (Mon - Fri 8am to 4pm) Closing Date: Monday 9 May 2016 HIGH NOTE: Melbourne’s Creature Fear entertain the crowd during National Youth Week celebrations. Home Tavern, with support from Wagga Wagga Community Drug Action Team, NSW Police Force, Allison Music and Regenerate Youth Festival.
To view this opportunity and apply, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
Values - Part of everything we do Trust • Respect • Innovation • Teamwork
More photos online:
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Explore the story of cycling in Australia and how bicycles have brought millions of people joy, excitement, freedom, even glory.
On exhibition 8 Feb - 15 May | FREE Historic Council Chambers site (cnr Baylis and Morrow St) wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum
Say g’day Wagga welcomed 28 new citizens to Australia at the April citizenship ceremony on Thursday afternoon. The new citizens came from seven different countries – Chile, Nepal, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, India and China. Mayor Rod Kendall presented the new citizens with their certificates.
Freewheeling is a travelling exhibition from the National Museum of Australia Image: Freestyle riding in Toowoomba, Queensland, 2012. Photo: Patricia Woods
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Councillor Column Government funding for the enabling road works for the transport intermodal hub at Bomen. These road works comprise the first stage of this development that has been identified as the most important new This week is a very significant week for this development required by this city and this city and this state. region to drive our future On Friday, the development. General Manager and We have been I met with the NSW Treasurer to discuss and overwhelmed by the unified community call hopefully resolve State for state government
councillor.kendall@wagga.nsw.gov.au
support for this project. The project has received Federal Government funding support because of its sound business case but this funding is in jeopardy. The Federal Government has made it very clear that the State Government must commit to this project or the federal support will be withdrawn. Why is the state not committing to
this project? That’s a question we would all like answered. The benefits to the state are significant. One of the state’s most dangerous level crossings will be eliminated. A high productivity road transport link will be created linking the Olympic Highway north of Wagga to the Sturt Highway east of Wagga, and many existing large manufacturing businesses will have
access to infrastructure that will enable growth and job creation. These businesses include Teys, Energi Group, ROBE, Southern Oil, Vinidex, BOC gases to name a few. Two of the most significant costs for all government going forward will be the high cost of development and the cost of congestion in the major cities. For every job that this Bomen project creates in Wagga, $42,000pa
will be made available to the economy just as a result of reduced mortgage payments, and congestion is already costing billions of dollars each year. The State Government must also recognise that 67 per cent of all exports come from the regions. These exports must be supported and encouraged by the provision of infrastructure that will maximise the efficiency of transport to the ports.
The support of growth opportunities in the major regional cities within this state must become a state priority and the key principle of fairness and equity must be adopted. It’s time for this State Government to recognise that growth infrastructure in the regions must be supported and commit to this project.
Mayor Rod Kendall
Kids projections light up Wagga A group of Wagga youths will have their creative artworks flashed up in lights later in the year, after taking part in a special school holidays public art workshop. The students spent five days learning a range of new, practical and creative skills including photography, film, animation and how to apply visual effects. The BrightLights course was run by visual effect producer, Wagga’s Andrew Hagan who has more than 15 years’ experience in teaching digital creative skills and is one of only nine Adode Certified Experts – Video Master in the world. The students’ finished artworks will be part of a night projection on the lagoon side of the Civic Centre from 25 August to 14 September 2016. The workshop was the second in the BrightLights series. A third five-day workshop is scheduled for later in the year. Keep an eye out for details on how to get involved. CREATIVE KIDS: This week, 12 Wagga youths took part in the second BrightLights workshop, which highlighted creative digital skills. The students tested their artwork ahead of their projection in August.
Public Notices EXHIBITION OF DRAFT POLICY: POL 029 – ASBESTOS POLICY
Council hereby gives public notice of the exhibition of its Draft Asbestos Policy. The draft Policy will be on exhibition from 15 April 2016 for a period of 28 days, until 13 May 2016. Council invites public submissions on the draft policy, to be lodged within the exhibition period. Inspection Venue: The draft policy is available for review at Wagga Wagga City Council, Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts, Wagga Wagga, during the hours of 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded) within the above exhibition period. The draft Policy can also be accessed from Council’s website at www.wagga. nsw.gov.au/public Submission Procedure: Persons wishing to make a submission in relation to the draft Policy 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 Policy 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 Policy document may be referred to the Manager Waste and Stormwater Services on 1300 292 442.
EXHIBITION OF DRAFT WORKS IN – KIND AGREEMENT POLICY (POL 003)
Council hereby gives public notice of the exhibition of it draft Works in Kind Agreement Policy. The draft Works in Kind Agreement Policy will be on exhibition from 9 April 2016 for a period of 28 days, until 7 May 2016 Council invites public submissions on the draft Policy, with submissions being accepted up until 5.00 p.m 20 May 2016. The purpose of the draft policy is to provide guidelines for the assessment of a works in kind or other material public benefit offered by an applicant for development in lieu of the part or full payment of – • Section 94 developer contributions under Council’s Section 94 contribution plan; or • Section 94A levies under Council’s Section 94A contributions plan. Inspection Venue: The draft Works In Kind Agreement Policy 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
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
(public holidays excluded) within the above exhibition period. The draft Policy can also be accessed from Council’s website at www. wagga.nsw.gov.au/public. Submission Procedure: Persons wishing to make a submission in relation to the draft Works In – Kind Agreement Policy 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 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 Amendment to Section 15 of the DCP may be referred to Colby Farmer, Manager Development Services on 1300 292 442.
ANZAC DAY SERVICES
Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Baylis St from Morrow St to Wollundry Lagoon Bridge and Morrow St from Peter St to Baylis
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St Duration: 6pm Sun 24/04/2016 to 5am Mon 25/04/2016 Reason: Preparations for ANZAC Day Centenary services
Road: Baylis St from near Tompson St to Wollundry Lagoon Bridge. Morrow St from the eastern side of Baylis St to the eastern side of Peter St Duration: Mon 25/04/2016 5am to 7am Reason: ANZAC Day Dawn service
Road: Baylis St from south side of Morrow Street to the north side of Morgan St (not including cross streets). Duration: Mon 25/04/2016 6:45am to 9:30am Reason: ANZAC Day – pre-parade organisation Road: Baylis St from south side of Morgan St to the north side of the Lagoon Bridge. Duration: Mon 25/04/2016 9:30am to 12pm Reason: ANZAC Day parade and commemorative service Road: Morgan Street from the western side of Berry Street to the western side of Baylis Street. Duration: Mon 25/04/2016 9:30am to 10:30am Reason: ANZAC Day parade Detours: Detours around each road closure will be indicated by signs
ANZAC DAY 25 APRIL TRADING HOURS 24-hour call centre: 1300 292 442
FACILITY
TRADING HOURS
Administration Offices Closed Wagga Wagga Civic Centre
Closed. The E3 art space will be open from noon to Art Gallery and National Art 4pm for the Wagga Wagga Art Society Centenary of Glass Gallery Anzac exhibition Keep My Memory Civic Theatre and booking office
Closed. Ticket bookings are available online at civictheatre.com.au
Glenfield Rd Animal Shelter Closed Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC)
Kerbside Waste Collection
Library Livestock Marketing Centre Museum - Historic Council Chambers Site
Closed Kerbside bins will be collected as normal
Closed Book chute available. Online access to e-resources at rrl.nsw.gov. au/elibrary/ Closed Closed
Museum – Botanic Gardens Closed Site Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre Rural Waste Facilities
ALAN ELDRIDGE Sewer Service Problems GENERAL MANAGER Visitor Information Centre
Open 1pm to 5pm Tarcutta: Closed
Ph: 1300 292 442
Open from 1pm to 5pm
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wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication