Council News WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 23 JANUARY 2016
Issue 78
Weekly information from us to you
Australia Day in Wagga Check out what's in store for our National Day!
$2M funding secured for Wagga levee The Main City levee upgrade project has received a significant boost with $2M in funding announced this week. Coupled with Council’s one-third contribution of $1M, stage one funding would see 2.1km of the Main City levee bank upgraded to 1 in 100 year flood event protection. General Manager Alan Eldridge said with the funding secured, works will be begin as soon as possible. “It’s a great new year’s resolution to have the go ahead for our levee bank,” Mr Eldridge said. “We’re elated – this is so important for the future of Wagga and that’s been recognised by the State Government. Continued inside BUILDING MOMENTUM: (From left) Senior Engineer Peter Ross, General Manager Alan Eldridge and Member for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire look over the detailed designs for the Main City levee.
Bridge worth the weight Eunony Bridge upgrade huge boost for heavy vehicle access Wagga Wagga City Council has welcomed an announcement by the Federal Government for $4.9M in funding to go towards an upgrade of Eunony Bridge. The $9.8M upgrade will allow higher mass limit (HML) vehicles to cross the Murrumbidgee River at Eunony Bridge Road. Council has made an application
to the NSW Government’s ‘Fixing Country Roads’ program for the remaining $4.9M cost of the Eunony Bridge upgrade project. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Rod Kendall, said the upgrade is a crucial step in providing better heavy vehicle access from the Sturt Highway to the Bomen Business Park.
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“It’s fantastic to see that the Member for the Riverina and the Federal Government share our vision for Wagga Wagga as a hub for freight in regional Australia,” Cr Kendall said. “Higher mass limit vehicles currently have to take the much longer route via Edward Street and the Olympic Highway, and once
completed this new link will save freight companies time and money, which means they are more likely to invest in the region.” The process towards upgrading the link between the Sturt Highway and the Bomen Business Park began in November 2014 with the Eunony Bridge Road Deviation Project, which was jointly funded
by Council and the NSW Government. Council will also match a $1.27M dollar grant that was recently received from the Heavy Vehicles Safety and Productivity Program to upgrade existing sections of Byrnes Road and Eunony Bridge Road.
Follow the City of Wagga Wagga on our social media channels. @waggacouncil
Wagga celebrates our fabulous country There will be two days of celebrations and ceremony to mark everything fabulous about our great southern land next week. Australia Day festivities in Wagga Wagga kick off on Monday 25 January with a four-hour family-fun picnic at the Oasis Aquatic Centre, starting at 5pm, followed by the announcement of the Australia Day Award winners at the Civic Theatre from 7pm. The Beyond Bank Australia Day Awards
Ceremony will honour Wagga residents who have given back to their community. 2016 recipients will be awarded in the categories of Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year. The annual Walk of Honour inductee will also be announced. Australia Day Ambassador, professional dancer Jarryd Byrne, will deliver an address and perform on the night. He will be joined by fellow local professional dancer Monique Saville and several dancers from Mina’s Dance Academy.
In addition, the Wagga Waggafest People’s Choice Award will be presented and entertainment will run throughout the night. Australia Day, Tuesday 26 January, will start bright and early at the Wagga Beach precinct with a free Community Breakfast from 7am. Free amusements and the Wollundry Rotary Markets by the Beach will run from 8am to 3pm. The Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony
Australia Day events in Wagga Monday 25 January
Australia Day - Tuesday 26 January
Picnic at the Oasis
Free Community Breakfast
Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre 5pm-9pm. Free entry 5pm to 7pm, no entry and no pass outs after 7pm. Pack a picnic, use the barbecues or purchase from the café. No alcohol, glass or commercial food.
Wagga Beach, 7am
Beyond Bank Australia Day Awards
Free amusements and markets Wagga Beach, 8am to 3pm
Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony Wagga Beach, 9am
Beyond Bank Entertainment Tent Wagga Beach, 10am to 3pm
Civic Theatre, 7pm, including free concert.
Australia Day Talent Quest Civic Theatre, 1pm
will be held in the Beyond Bank Entertainment Tent at 9am, followed by a program of performances featuring local entertainers, multicultural dances and more from 10am. The Australia Day Talent Quest starts from 1pm at the Civic Theatre. All residents are invited to attend and take part in the free celebrations. Full details on Wagga’s Australia Day celebrations visit www.wagga.nsw.gov. au/australiaday
Swim safety crucial at this year's celebrations For the first time this year’s Australia Day festivities will be held at the Wagga Beach precinct. While the focus of the day is about celebrations and having a good time, it’s also important to be water wise. Rivers can be a dangerous environment – murky waters, hidden branches and strong currents. Being mindful of these and respecting the river goes a long way to avoiding a tragedy.
The Royal Life Saving Society has the following river safety tips: • Never swim alone • Avoid alcohol around water • Wear a lifejacket • Learn lifesaving skills Pick up a river safety information pack from Council's community education truck, Charlie, which will be located on the basketball court at Wagga Beach during the Australia Day celebrations.
For more visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/programs/respecttheriver
De-clutter or general tidy – make the mobile library most of Free Tip Day next month timetable Uranquinty Monday December 14, 3.30pm – 5pm Ladysmith Thursday December 17, 1.30pm – 2.15pm www.rrl.nsw.gov.au
Ph: (02) 6926 9771
WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL VACANCIES
careers at council
Is your shed in a shambles? If it’s time for a clean up at your place, then we’ve got good news - the first Free Tip Day of 2016 is on Sunday 7 February. Mark the date in your calendar and bring your household rubbish, garden waste and mixed recyclables down to the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) from 7am to 4.30pm. “Free Tip Day is a great chance to de-clutter or to tidy up now the kids are heading back to school,” Manager Waste and Stormwater Services Geoff Veneris said. “The free days complement our
normal service, which includes more materials that can be disposed of for free every day due to increased recycling capability at GWMC.” Televisions, computers and computer equipment can be disposed of for free, not just on Free Tip Day, but every day the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre is open, as part of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. This offer is available to householders and small businesses only. “You can also dispose of polystyrene for free all year round at GWMC,” Mr Veneris said.
Council is hosting a neighbourhood meeting to discuss news, events and issues relating to Mangoplah and the broader Local Government Area. Stay for a cuppa after the meeting!
These vacancies are for a 12 month to 2 year contract period with flexibility to be extended if required. PROJECT MANAGER ENGINEERING
Enquiries: Alan Eldridge, General Manager - 02 6926 9121 Closing Date: Friday, 29 January 2016
6pm Wednesday 10 February 2016 Mangoplah Hall
LEAD ENGINEER - WATER & WASTE ASSETS Enquiries: Alan Eldridge, General Manager - 02 6926 9121 Closing Date: Friday, 29 January 2016
LEAD ENGINEER - CIVIL & BUILDING ASSETS Enquiries: Alan Eldridge, General Manager - 02 6926 9121 Closing Date: Friday, 29 January 2016
Have a question to ask or an issue to raise?
PROJECT MANAGER Enquiries: Alan Eldridge, General Manager - 02 6926 9121 Closing Date: Friday, 29 January 2016
To view these opportunities 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
“Council can reprocess it on-site for reuse into a range of recycled products.” Special wastes such as tyres, builders waste, refrigerative items, mattresses and gas bottles are not included in the free disposal day and will be charged as per normal fees and charges. Free disposal is limited to cars, vans, utes and single axle trailers only. For more information and a full list of fees and charges, visit Council’s website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 292 442.
Contact Stacey Post on 6926 9193 or communityengagement@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Attention Mangoplah residents You are invited to attend a neighbourhood meeting with Councillors & Council staff
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Councillor Column
The announcements this week from both State and Federal
governments are important milestones in the development of critical infrastructure for our city. The first announcement was Federal funding for the replacement of Eunony Bridge made by Member for Riverina Michael McCormack. The bridge is incapable of bearing the loads
which can be legally carried and must be upgraded or replaced. The view of our staff is that the bridge should be replaced rather than upgraded, which I support. Replacement of this bridge will allow many heavy vehicles to avoid Edward Street and the
councillor.brown@wagga.nsw.gov.au Gobba Bridge, which they currently must use because of the limitations of Eunony Bridge. An upgraded Eunony Bridge is also a key part of the Council vision for a greatly enhanced industrial precinct at Bomen as well as the rail intermodal development. Council has begun
planning to utilise the $14.5M in Federal funding primarily for enabling roads for the rail intermodal development and the removal of the dangerous road/rail level crossing at Bomen. The second important announcement was the state funding of $2M for the levee upgrade made
by Member for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire. This funding will enable commencement of the construction of the levee. Council will need to source additional external funding in the future, but at least we can commence this critical project. These projects are
important for the future development of our city and when considered with other major infrastructure projects such as the new Rural Referral Hospital clearly demonstrate that the development of this city is in good hands.
Councillor Alan Brown
Levee funding secured From front page “We’re in the process now of putting together project plans to undertake the work and in a few months we’ll hopefully be turning dirt so to speak.” Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire and Environment Minister Mark Speakman announced the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program funding on 18 January. Mr Maguire said upgrading the levee system was an important project for Wagga. “This grant will result in the start of the work necessary to ensure the community is protected if and when a flood event occurs in the future,” Mr Maguire said. The next round of funding opens in February and Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Rod Kendall said Council will be submitting an application. “This is a long-term project for Council and it will take a number of years to complete,” Cr Kendall said. “The tradition with these sorts of projects is that once funding is received it is ongoing.” Council will make its application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) to fund its one-third share of the project to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) next month.
Last days to have your say on the playground strategy
There are only a few days left for residents to have their say on the draft Playground Strategy 2016-2036. The strategy ensures quality playgrounds are available in Wagga and surrounding villages for the next 20 years. There are 91 playgrounds in Wagga and its surrounds, forming an important component open open space and contributing to the creation of great play spaces. The policy targets the need for diversity in recreation and highlights the importance of play for a child’s social interaction development. The strategy is on display until Tuesday 26 January. Visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/playgrounds
SHINING BRIGHT: James Garlick’s Milky Bioluminescence is one of the many amazing photographs on display now at the Museum of the Riverina.
Galaxies in focus Wagga Wagga Celebrations at the museum
Twenty-four spectacular award-winning photographs of the night sky are on display at the Historic Council Chambers site until the end of January. The Museum of the Riverina is currently featuring Winning Sky Photographs, an exhibition of the top entries from The David Malin Awards astrophotography competition organised annually by the Central West Astronomical Society. The competition encourages photographers to use their vision, imagination and skill to produce inspiring and beautiful images of the sky. Among the photographs on display this year are a haunting image of the vivid colours of the Aurora Australis, a fascinating shot of star trails rotating around two separate poles, and a stunning rendition of the brightest part of the Milky Way, created using 64 separate exposures − and lots of patience. Other photographs on display include images of a cosmic ‘bubble’ created by a dying star, an unusual giant radio galaxy, and a spectacular shot taken during 2014’s lunar eclipse. Winning Sky Photographs is on display until 31 January. The Historic Council Chambers site is open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday and 10am to 2pm on Sunday.
Beyond Bank Australia Day Awards - 7pm at the Civic Theatre. Featuring a free concert and the National Anthem Competition Finalists Picnic at the Oasis - Free entry from 5pm-7pm. No entry or pass outs after 7pm. No glass, alcohol or commercial food
At the Wagga Beach 7am - Free Community Breakfast 8am-3pm - Free Amusements 8am-3pm - Markets at the Beach 9am - Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony 10am-3pm - Beyond Bank Entertainment Tent
At the Civic Theatre
Council launches Facebook page The City of Wagga Wagga has launched its official Facebook page this week. 'Like' Council’s page for updates on events and happenings, such as Free Tip Days and major sporting events and stay informed on a range of projects and community engagement opportunities, such as
Neighbourhood Meeting dates. The Facebook page increases Council’s social media presence, which already includes a Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channel. Find Council on Facebook by searching City of Wagga Wagga or at www.facebook.com/waggacouncil
FEATURING AUSTRALIA DAY AMBASSADOR JARRYD BYRNE
1pm - Australia Day Talent Quest
Fo r fu ll event detai ls v i si t Wagga.nsw.gov.au/AustraliaDay SPECIAL THANKS TO: PLEASE BE SUN SMART. PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY: ALL EVENTS ARE ALCOHOL AND GLASS FREE
• AirZone Entertainment Centre • Australian Army Band Kapooka • Wollundry Rotary • Kooringal Rotary • Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga
• Time • Allison Music • Ollie’s Security • StarFM & 2WG
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
THIS WEEK: VEGE SWAP OR BUY
Saturdays 9am - 12pm Demonstration Gardens, cnr Albury and Shaw Streets. Ph: 0411 417 956
SUNDAY SESSIONS
Sundays 3pm - 6pm Entertainment and food overlooking Lake Albert. Wagga Boat Club, Nelson Drive. Ph: 6926 2300
AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS 2016 Mon 25 January
PICNIC AT THE OASIS
5pm-9pm Free entry into the Oasis Aquatic Centre from 5pm-7pm. No entry and no pass outs after 7pm. Pack a picnic, use the bbq’s or purchase food from the café. There will be free inflatables and roller balls!
BEYOND BANK AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
Tue 26 January Enjoy the redeveloped Wagga Beach precinct on the banks of the picturesque
Wagga Wagga City Council has been capitalising on the traditionally drier and quieter start to the new year with a significant road works program. Sections of Bourke Street, Plumpton Road, two roundabout intersections on Red Hill Road and works on Tarcutta Street will be renewed over the coming months, while works are currently under way on Fitzhardinge Street. Acting Manager Engineering Lee Shoemark says these roads are considered to be high priority. “It’s always a challenge to conduct road works on busy streets with minimal disruption to residents, businesses and road users,” he said. “The lower risk of wet weather delays at this time of
CIVIC THEATRE
Civic Theatre from 7pm This free community concert event will feature performances by the Groove Factorie, Australia Day Ambassador Jarryd Byrne and guests, and the National Anthem Competition Finalists. Come along to the theatre and enjoy a night out whilst finding out who the Australia Day and Waggafest People’s Choice awards go to!
WAGGA BEACH
Roadworks blitz on now Charlie’s
Murrumbidgee River. There’s something for everyone! 7am: 2WG Free Community Breakfast 8am-3pm: Free amusements thanks to Jumping Beans, AirZone and Clouty’s Amusements 8am-3pm: Wollundry Rotary Markets at the Beach 9am-10am: Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony 10am-3pm: Beyond Bank Entertainment Tent featuring Dance Workshops by Jarryd Byrne, performances by the Culture Club and the Kachin Group, musical entertainment by Dale Allison, Dane Kennedy, Michelle Robinson and the Wagga Acoustic Folk Club! Tue 26 January 1pm: Star FM Australia Day Talent Quest AUSTRALIA DAY RACES Tue 26 January 12pm Admission $10, Ladies free. Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers Street. Ph: 6921 2151
year means that we have the best chance of completing the works in the most efficient manner.” The works on the Red Hill Road roundabout intersections and the Tarcutta Street works will be carried out at night to minimise the impact on traffic flow during the day. "Council is mindful of the proximity of some of these roads to homes and businesses and staff will work to ensure that the disruption is
Roadwork updates to your phone
People can sign up to receive updates as an SMS direct to their mobile by simply emailing their mobile number and the relevant road or intersection to
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.
Visitors from Wagga Wagga’s German sister city popped into the Civic Centre last week to meet with the Mayor while they were travelling through the region. Swapping Nördlingen’s winter for a sweltering summer in Wagga, Nathalie, Daniel, Phillipp and Jonas chatted with
NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
Sunday 7 february 2016
free
tip day!
free entry - sunday 7 february Wagga Wagga City Council are pleased to advise that the next FREE ENTRY to Gregadoo Waste Management Centre will be held on Sunday 7
February 2016.
Residents can dispose of general domestic waste including garden rubbish, mixed recyclables and general household waste free of charge. Please note: special wastes such as tyres, builders waste, refrigerative items, mattresses and gas bottles are not included in the free disposal day and will be charged as per normal fees and charges. Free disposal is limited to cars, vans, utes and single axle trailers only.
Don’t forget, polystyrene, televisions and computers are accepted free of charge everyday!
7am – 4.30pm
communityengagement@ wagga.nsw.gov.au. Updates are also posted on the website wagga.nsw. gov.au/roadclosures.
facebook.com/ waggaevents
Public Notices
Gregadoo Waste Management Centre OPENING HOURS
minimal," Mr Shoemark said. “Council has also introduced a SMS system for residents, business owners and road users that want to receive timely information about the progress of these road works and any unforseen changes to the schedule.” . While this is the optimal time of year to complete road works, dates are subject to change as the works schedule is dependent on contractor availability and weather.
Further INFORMATION For more information call us on 1300 292 442 or visit our website for full list of fees and charges.
www.wagga.nsw.gov.au
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
Wagga Wagga City Council has received the following application to carry out “Development” under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. DA16/0007, 26 Lot Residential Subdivision, 1-101 Old Bomen Rd CARTWRIGHTS HILL NSW 2650, Lot 10 DP 255059, Applicant: Trudie Anne Gilbert Name of Consent Authority: Wagga Wagga City Council The subject application and accompanying documentation, may be inspected at the following address until the closure of exhibition. Submission Period: 25/01/2016 to 08/02/2016 Where: Wagga Wagga City Council, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga (Customer Service Counter). When: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays). Any person seeking to make a submission in relation to the abovementioned development should address all correspondence to the Consent Authority to be received prior to 5pm on the final day of the exhibition period. If any submission is made by way of objection, the grounds of objection must be specified in the submission. Persons lodging submissions are required to declare political donations (including donations of more than $1,000) made in the previous two years. For more details, including disclosure form, go to www.planning. nsw.gov.au/donations. Persons making written submissions regarding the above development 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. Enquiries: Further details relating to the matter can be obtained by contacting the Council’s Development Services. If you have any enquiries regarding the application, or about making submission, please telephone Development Services on 1300 292 442.
ALAN ELDRIDGE GENERAL MANAGER
Follow us @waggacouncil Share your #waggaview
Councillor Rod Kendall (centre) about their home town and their experiences in Australia. Along with the classic medieval German city of Nördlingen, Wagga has sister cities in Kunming, China and Leavenworth in the US state of Kansas.
AUSTRALIA DAY SERVICES TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2016 FACILITY
TRADING HOURS
Administration Offices Wagga Wagga Civic Centre
Closed
Art Gallery & National Art Glass Gallery
Closed
Civic Theatre and Theatre Booking Office
Box office and administration closed - Ticket bookings are available online at www. civictheatre.com.au
Glenfield Rd Animal Shelter
Closed
Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC)
Open Normal Hours 7am to 4.30pm
Kerbside Waste Collection
Collections as normal
Library
Closed
Livestock Marketing Centre
Open as normal
Museum - Historic Council Chambers Site
Closed
Museum – Botanic Gardens Site
Closed
Oasis Aquatic Centre
Monday 25/1/16 – 6am to 9pm Tuesday 26/1/16 – 9am to 6pm
Rural Waste Facilities
No change
Sewer Service Problems
Ph: 1300 292 442
Visitor Information Centre
Open Normal Hours 9am to 5pm
revved up for 2016
Wagga Council’s community education truck is ready to hit the road in 2016, with several appearances locked in for the coming weeks. Community members will have their chance to explore and utilise the services of the truck, nicknamed Charlie, at next week’s Australia Day celebrations at the Wagga Beach. Charlie stands for Council, Help, Advice, Resources, Learning, Information and Education and is Wagga Council’s innovative way of bringing council services and staff to the community. The bright yellow truck will be in the Wagga Beach basketball court, off Johnston Street, from 9am on Tuesday 26 January. Charlie will also make a guest appearance at next month’s Super Rugby trial match against the ACT Brumbies vs NSW Waratahs at the Wagga Equex Centre on Saturday 6 February. The newest cohort of university students to the city will get their opportunity to walk through and explore Charlie during Orientation Week at the end of February. More diary dates will be added to Charlie’s calendar throughout the year. Keep your eyes peeled for him and pop in for a visit. For more information on Charlie visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/charlie The following community partners helped make Charlie a reality; Passlow Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning, James Stillman Building, Tim Goonan’s Kitchens and Joinery and Signarama.
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Meet Tom
This week’s pet is a black and white kelpie cross who is about 10 months old. Tom requires a big backyard and a family with time to train and exercise him. He can be adopted from the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter for $299.40, which includes microchipping, lifetime registration, first vaccination, desexing, worming and a heartworm test. If you would like to meet Tom, or any of his buddies, come down to the shelter from Monday to Saturday between 1pm and 4.15pm. For more, contact 6971 4651 or visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/ animals.
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wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication