Council News WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER 2015
Issue 74
Weekly information from us to you
ALL ABOARD: Mayor Rod Kendall checks out the new community engagement truck "Charlie".
Charlie hits the road Council’s community engagement truck has hit the road. “Charlie” was officially unveiled at Snapshot 14/15: A year in focus on 9 December and will be bringing Council to you in 2016. In an innovative approach to engage, educate and help the community, Charlie will be travelling around the region to villages, events and more. The truck is a unique opportunity for Council to utilise a space outside of the Civic Centre and proactively educate, inform, engage and meet faceto-face with residents. Charlie stands for “Council, Help, Advice, Resources, Learning, Information, Education” and was a former Riverina Regional Library truck. The vehicle has been transformed inside and out over the past few months and now has a customer counter, dedicated work/desk spaces, air conditioning, whiteboard, smart television and even a kitchen sink. One of the unique features of Charlie is an expandable pod, meaning there’s plenty of space inside. Charlie will be on the road next year – keep an eye out for the bright yellow truck!
SATISFACTION SOARS Community Survey shows improvement in performance
The community has acknowledged an improvement in Wagga Wagga City Council’s performance over the past three years, with the 2015 Community Survey results showing an increase in satisfaction levels.
Four out five residents are somewhat satisfied with Council, a significant
improvement on the 2012 results and higher than other regional councils. The independent survey was conducted through a random phone sample of more than 500 residents that represented the community’s demographics. “The survey was geographically targeted with 12 per cent of survey participants residents of our villages,” Manager Corporate Strategy, Communications and Governance Christine Priest said. “Twenty-five out of 30 Council services and facilities received at least a moderate level
Strong Foundations. Sustainable Tomorrow.
of satisfaction and satisfaction with input in decision making doubled. “Important services such as the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Museum of the Riverina and the Civic Theatre received 100 per cent satisfaction rates, while the Wagga Wagga City Library scored 99 per cent.” The Community Survey results were launched at Snapshot 14/15 on Wednesday evening, which showcased highlights from the Annual Report and also saw the unveiling of Charlie the community engagement truck. While there were a number of positives in
the survey, Mrs Priest said there is always work to be done to improve satisfaction with Council. “Council will now work on the areas of improvement the community has identified, we have already started on this with focus groups this week with People’s Panel members, focusing on long term planning” she said. The full Community Survey results are available at Council’s website.
INSIDE: results infographic
Wagga Wagga City Council’s 2014/15 Annual Report wagga.nsw.gov.au/annualreport
HARD COPIES AVAILABLE FROM CIVIC CENTRE CUSTOMER SERVICE
WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
PERFORMANCE DASHBOARD OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH COUNCIL’S PERFORMANCE
BENCHMARKS
3.22 Regional 3.27 Wagga Wagga 3.45 Metropolitan
SCALE
1 = not at all satisfied 5 = very satisfied
3.00 2.00 4.00 1.00
80%
at least somewhat satisfied
SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED ON THE 2012 SCORE 3.15 IRIS 2012 COMMUNITY SURVEY
5.00
HELP, HEALTH AND SAFETY
85%
‘agree’ to ‘strongly agree’ that they can get help from neighbours, friends and family when they need it.
83%
‘agree’ to ‘strongly agree’ that they have access to health services addressing their needs.
76%
‘agree’ to ‘strongly agree’ that they feel safe in their home.
25/30
SERVICES AND FACILITIES PROVIDING AT LEAST MODERATE LEVELS OF SATISFACTION (3/5 MEAN RATING)
OPPORTUNITY AREAS
69%
‘agree’ to ‘strongly agree’ that Wagga Wagga has a good variety of retail options.
67%
‘agree’ to ‘strongly agree’ that Wagga Wagga has a good variety of leisure and recreation options.
59%
‘agree’ to ‘strongly agree’ that Wagga Wagga has a good variety of entertainment options.
58%
‘agree’ to ‘strongly agree’ that they can participate in arts and cultural related activities.
COUNCIL SERVICES SATISFACTION WITH INPUT IN DECISION MAKING
HAS DOUBLED ROADS AND FOOTPATHS REMAIN A HIGH PRIORITY
100%
}
SATISFACTION WITH WAGGA WAGGA ART GALLERY, MUSEUM OF THE RIVERINA AND THE CIVIC THEATRE
99%
SATISFACTION WITH SERVICES PROVIDED BY WAGGA WAGGA CITY LIBRARY
OF PARTICIPANTS GAVE A SCORE OF 4/5 OR HIGHER WHEN RATING COUNCIL SERVICES OR FACILITIES, AN INCREASE OF 50% FROM PREVIOUS SURVEY
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Funding flows for taxiway upgrade
Wagga Wagga City Council has welcomed a $4 million State Government funding announcement to upgrade the taxiway system at the Wagga Wagga Regional Airport. The money will come from the Restart NSW Fund for regional airports and adds to the $22 million Council has already invested in upgrades at the airport over the last decade. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Kendall, said the upgrade is about increasing capacity and mitigating future expenses. “It will also improve safety and movement so that pilots are not taxiing on the runway for any longer than they need to be,” Cr Kendall said. “This upgrade will allow the airport to best serve the travelling public well into the future.” Cr Kendall says this latest investment is also good news for local tourism. “The better your facilities are the more likely people it is that people will fly here, that in turn will attract other airlines and I’m certain airlines will continue to consider Wagga Wagga as an opportunity,” he said. Construction for the upgrade is anticipated to begin in early 2016.
Community supports Food for Fines cause The pile of donations underneath the Wagga Wagga City Library’s Christmas tree is growing fast as part of the annual Food For Fines campaign. Library members can wipe the slate clean for the new year by paying off their overdue fees with non-perishable food items. The program is in its 16th year and will see ute-loads of food given to the local Salvation Army. Even if you’re not a library member, you can still donate tinned meals, pasta, beans, cereals and more at the library. The Food For Fines campaign closes on Christmas Eve.
Share your thoughts on transport at Speak Out Whether you walk, cycle or drive, Wagga Wagga City Council wants to hear about your transport experiences as it prepares an Integrated Transport Strategy. Drop in to the Speak Out event in the Civic Centre anytime between 9am and noon today, Saturday 12 December to share your ideas, issues and
concerns. There will be plenty of fun to be had with paint and online tools a key feature, but there will also be scope to sit down and discuss big picture or localised ideas. Speak Out will be held in the Civic Centre For more information or to have your say visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ ourtransport.
Multi-purpose stadium project gains momentum Wagga Wagga City Council has welcomed $4.4M in Federal Government funding to construct a multi-purpose stadium at the Equex Centre. The $9M project will see the construction of a three indoor courts and a seating capacity of more than 3000. The successful funding application to the National Stronger Regions Fund was announced on 7 December, with the next step being a tender process followed by the start of construction.
w o l l foUS ON
M! INSTAGRuA ncil @waggaco
BOOST: (From left) Mayor Rod Kendall, Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire and Director Commercial and Economic Development Peter Adams take a look at the plans for the taxiway upgrade.
MARKETS BY THE LAKE
THIS WEEK:
Contact the Civic Theatre for tickets on 6926 9688.
From Sat 12 Dec A wonderful array of works in many different techniques and art forms from artists with disability throughout the region and beyond. Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. Ph: 6926 9660.
VEGE SWAP OR BUY
ART TO CROW ABOUT
BEST STREET CHRISTMAS ART EXHIBITION AND SALE
Fri 11 to Sun 21 Dec 10am - 6pm daily Opening 12pm Friday 11. Featuring Kathryn Powderly’s garden art, as well as work of other artist friends. Best Street Studios, 26 Best Street. Ph: 0427 212 97
THE THREE KINGS
Until Sat 19 Dec 6:15pm Elements @ The Gardens brings together 3 of Wagga’s most popular performers. Tickets $83.80.
Saturdays 9am - 12pm Demonstration Gardens, cnr Albury and Shaw Streets. Ph: 0411 417 956
COMMUNITY OPEN DAY - WAGGA WAGGA RURAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL Sat 12 Dec 9am - 4pm View designated areas at the new hospital before it officially opens. Edward Street. Parking at Showgrounds with shuttle to hospital. Ph: 6933 9181
ART ON THE LEVEE
Sat 12 Dec 9am - 2pm 131 Tarcutta Street, on the levee bank. Ph: 0438 817 677
SPROUT & ABOUT
Sat 12 Dec 8am - 1pm Wollundry Lagoon, Civic Centre Precinct. Ph: 1300 100 122
Sat 12 Dec 9am - 2pm Free entry. Apex Park, Lake Albert. Ph: 0497 937 934
WAGGA STAMPEDE 2015
Sat 12 December 10am Great family day with rides, stalls and even a roping school for the kids. Barrel racing, broncs, bulls and time events all in one place. Tickets available from Auto Image Centre, Nagle Street. Adults $20, Kids $10, Family $50. Wagga Exhibition Centre (EQUEX), Copland Street. Ph: 0477 813 235
KIDS PARTY CONFIDENTIAL XMAS EDITION
Sat 12 December 2pm Sean Murphy is back for a special Yuletide edition of his brilliant comedy show. Wagga City Library, Civic Centre. Ph: 6926 9700
YVONNE O’CONNOR DANCE CONCERT
Sat 12 Dec 2pm & 7:15pm Adults $27.80, Concession
Good news for mum, pups at animal shelter The Rangers at Glenfield Road Animal Shelter have received an early Christmas present. Following the story in last week’s edition of Council News, mother dog Chrissy has been adopted and has travelled to Victoria with her new owner. Chrissy was dumped at the shelter along with her litter of nine pups last week. Along with Chrissy's adoption, all three girls and one of the male puppies have also left the shelter this week, with one dog even heading to a new home in Queensland. The remaining five male pups can be adopted for $262.40 each, which includes which includes microchipping, registration, vaccination, desexing and worming. If the pups are not old enough to be desexed, the new owners will get a desexing certificate. If you would like to meet any of the wolfstag hound cross puppies, come down to the shelter from Monday to Saturday between 1pm and 4.15pm. For more information, contact the shelter on 6971 4651 or visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ animals.
$17.80, Child $16.80. Contact the Civic Theatre on 6926 9688.
RIVER & WREN BOUTIQUE MARKETS Sun 13 Dec 10am - 3pm Free entry, donations welcome. Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke Street. Ph: 0409 152 187
SUNDAY SESSIONS
Every Sunday 3pm - 6pm Entertainment and food overlooking Lake Albert. Wagga Boat Club, Nelson Drive. Ph: 6926 2300
Springs and everywhere in between. Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers Street. Ph: 0427 441 107
LIGHT THE NIGHT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Thu 17 to Sat 19 Dec 5:30pm - 10:30pm Magical Christmas light display for families to walk through and enjoy. Over 3km of lights, giant Christmas trees and displays. Entry: Adults $3, Kids $2. Civic Centre Precinct, off Tarcutta Street
WAGGA WAGGA CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Sun 13 December 6:30pm - 9:30pm Free entry. Wagga Wagga Music Bowl, Botanic Gardens, Macleay Street. Ph: 6932 6037
EAT LOCAL THURSDAY
Thu 17 December 2:30pm - 6:30pm Free entry. Pop-up farmers’ market. Farmers from Leeton, Deni, Big
facebook.com/waggaevents
For support in organising your event, contact Council’s Events Unit at events@wagga.nsw. gov.au or 1300 292 442 Monday to Friday. To promote your event or for a full list of events go to: visitwagga.com or call 1300 100 122.
Weekly mowing report REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PRODUCTION OF 2016-17 WAGGA WAGGA OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE
As part of the Spring mowing • West: Lloyd and Hilltop followed by program, all parks and reserves mowing at Tolland receive one grass cut every six weeks. • Roadside program: Western The mowing teams are operating in suburbs the following areas: • Village program: Currawarna and • North: CBD Galore followed by Euberta • East: Lake Albert followed by Tatton
Wagga Wagga City Council is seeking a proposal from parties prepared to design, produce and co-ordinate production of the Official Visitor Guide. The Guide supports a sustainable, holistic approach to tourism development and promotion for those visiting, relocating or investing.
mobile library timetable
Further information: Fiona Hamilton Team Leader Visitor Economy p: 02 6926 9627 e: hamilton.fiona@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Uranquinty Monday December 14, 3.30pm – 5pm Ladysmith Thursday December 17, 1.30pm – 2.15pm Ph: (02) 6926 9771
www.rrl.nsw.gov.au
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Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
45,000sqm of road resealed
The annual urban road reseal program is more than 25 per cent complete with around 45,000 square metres across nearly 30 sections of road receiving a fresh layer of protection in recent weeks. Generally taking about one to two days to complete, Acting Manager Engineering Ron Cheney said reseals are an integral part of road maintenance. “A road reseal involves laying down a protective layer of stone and bitumen to keep the moisture out of the road base and to increase friction for car tyres,” he said.
“If reseals don’t occur the life of the road is greatly reduced and the road surface is more likely to produce potholes and other defects.” In the past week reseals occurred on Heydon Avenue, Bolger Avenue, Hodson Avenue, Mimosa Drive and Beltana Avenue. A total of 190,000 square kilometres across 71 roads were identified for the current urban reseal program, with the rural reseal program to be announced shortly. Full details visit: wagga.nsw.gov. au/roadclosures.
The reseal program will restart in mid-January, with sections of the following roads next on the list: • Bourke St • Meurant Ave • Kincaid St • Crampton St • Broad St • Beckwith St • Simmons St • Johnston St • Cross St • Freer St
Councillor Column councillor.mclaren@wagga.nsw.gov.au Wagga Wagga is a unique city that I think can sometimes be taken for granted. It is unique because of the large number of opportunities it offers, yet still maintains the charms of a country town with a 10-minute drive to anywhere. I have lived in Sydney and in smaller towns including Bathurst, Cowra, Young and Temora. All places have their advantages and disadvantages, but Wagga is also a sporting mecca. Due to our geographical location our winter sports are hotly contested with Australian rules, rugby league and rugby union all with strong followings. I am an unashamedly big supporter of rugby union – a sport that I “participated” in when younger. The great attraction of rugby union to me is that it is almost like an
extended family. If you play rugby you can travel almost anywhere in the world, find the local club, and immediately you have a network of people who will look after you. The recent Rugby World Cup played in England was fantastic, not only because England was bailed out of its own World Cup in the pool stages by the Wallabies, but also purely because it showcased some magnificent talent, an amazing spectacle and outstanding hospitality. On Saturday 6 February next year, Wagga will host many of those World Cup Wallabies as the Brumbies play the Waratahs in a trial match at McDonald’s. Once again I will marvel at the fact that I live in good old Wagga Wagga, yet I am able to watch a live game of world class talent. Tickets can be purchased online at www.eventopia.co.
• Dobbs St and Wollundry Ave • Fitzhardinge St • Oates Ave • Morundah St • Tompson St • Forsyth St
FRESH: Hodson Avenue in Turvey Park is one of 30 sections of road resealed recently.
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S SERVICES 2015/16 FACILITY
TRADING HOURS
Administration Offices Wagga Wagga Civic Centre Art Gallery & National Art Glass Gallery
Closed from 4pm Thursday 24/12/15 until 8.30am Monday 4/1/16. After hours emergencies can be reported to Council’s after hours call centre on 1300 292 442.
Civic Theatre & Booking Office
Glenfield Rd Animal Shelter Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC)
GWMC Tip Shop Rural Waste Facilities
Councillor Julian McLaren Kerbside Waste Collection
Closed Friday 25/12/15 Open Saturday 26/12/15, Sunday 27/12/15 10am to 2pm. Closed Monday 28/12/15 Open Tuesday 29/12/15 to Sunday 3/1/16 10am to 2pm Closed Monday 4/1/16 Open 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday Open Thursday 24/12/15 10am to 4pm Closed from Friday 25/12/15 and will reopen on Monday 4/1/16 at 10am and resume normal trading hours. Tickets bookings are available online at www.civictheatre.com.au Closed from Friday 25/12/15 and reopening Monday 4/1/16 8am. The notification to owners of Companion Animals which are impounded will be done daily. Closed Friday 25/12/15 Closed Saturday 26/12/15 Closed Sunday 27/12/15 Open Monday 28/12/15 Closed Thursday 1/1/2015 The Recycle Shop (normally open Friday to Sunday each week) will be closed from Friday 25/12/15 to Sunday 3/1/16, reopening Friday 8/1/16. Collingullie: Closed Sunday 27/12/15 Currawarna: Closed Saturday 26/12/15 Galore: Closed Saturday 26/12/15 Humula: Closed Sunday 27/12/15 Mangoplah: Closed Sunday 27/12/15 Tarcutta: Closed Saturday 26/12/15 and Monday 28/12/15 Uranquinty: Closed Sunday 27/12/15
CENTRAL WAGGA
If your bins are normally collected on a Friday and you live in Central Wagga please note the following changes: Your Christmas Day bin collection will now take place on Thursday 24th December 2015 Your New Year's Day bin collection will now take place on Thursday 31st December 2015.
FOREST HILL, MASON AND LONERGAN STREETS, AND THE AREA IN KOORINGAL BOUNDED BY FAY AVE, KOORINGAL RD AND ZEIGLER AVE
If your bins are normally collected on a Thursday and you live in the abovementioned areas, please note the following changes: Your Thursday 24th December bin collection will now take place on Wednesday 23rd December 2015 Your Thursday 31st December bin collection will now take place on Wednesday 30th December 2015
WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
careers at council
VACANCY
TEMPORARY BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER (12 Month Maternity Relief - Commencing January 2016) Remuneration: Min $993.06 gpw + super Enquiries: Andrea Crossley - 02 6926 9131 Closing Date: Monday, 4 January 2016
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
Public Notice
NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Forsyth St between Baylis St and Berry St Date: Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 December 2015 Duration: 6pm - 6am, nightworks Reason: The Marketplace Construction Works. Detour: As signposted. Road to be reopened outside of noted closure hours.
ALAN ELDRIDGE, GENERAL MANAGER
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
TARCUTTA, LADYSMITH, MANGOPLAH, OURA, SPRINGVALE AND GLENOAK
If your bins are normally collected on a Thursday and you live in the abovementioned areas, please note the following changes: Your Christmas Day bin collection will now take place on Wednesday 23rd December 2015 Your New Year's Day bin collection will now take place on Wednesday 30th December 2015 Library Closed from 4pm Thursday 24/12/14 and reopening on Monday 4/1/15. During the closed period, e-services for free downloads of books, music, films and magazines are available at rrl.nsw.gov.au/elibrary. Loans can be extended online and books returned via the book chute. Lawn Cemetery Open Tuesday 29/12/15 to Thursday 31/12/15. Office Closed Friday 25/12/15, Monday 28/12/15, Friday 1/1/16. Livestock Marketing Closed from Monday 21/12/15 and will reopen on Monday 4/1/16. Centre Emergency contacts are 0418 430 680 or 0408 694 540 Both Museum sites are open every Museum - Historic Council Chambers Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm Site and Botanic Sunday 10am to 2pm, except: Gardens Site Closed Thursday 25/12/14 and every Monday Oasis Aquatic Centre Open normal weekday and weekend hours every day except: Open Thursday 24/12/15 6am to 5pm Closed Friday 25/12/15 Open Saturday 26/12/15 Noon to 5pm Open Monday 28/12/15 9am to 6pm Open Thursday 31/12/15 6am to 5pm Open Friday 1/1/2016 Noon to 5pm Sewer Service Ph: 1300 292 442 Problems Visitor Information Closed Friday 25/12/15 and Saturday 26/12/15 Centre
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