Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
Issue 84
Weekly information from us to you
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 5 MARCH 2016
Aftermath
Council crews have been working around the clock after about 200 calls for tree issues were recieved following Thursday's storm. Story: Inside
Planning for our future Landmark review to overhaul Wagga's key planning documents Reviews of the city’s planning framework will be fast tracked, City of Wagga Wagga General Manager Alan Eldridge announced this week. The Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP) and Section 94 Plan will all be overhauled, while a service review has also begun for the planning division. “Updating the planning framework will be an extensive process that will involve all key stakeholders from across the community,” Mr
Eldridge said. “To begin the process, we need to collate the strategic data to ensure the new plans meet the current and future needs of our growing city.” The important plans govern land zoning, new developments and how public amenities are funded in the growing areas, and Mr Eldridge said it was vital Council gets them right. “This is a landmark initiative and it is the first time that these plans have all been reviewed and updated together,” Mr Eldridge said.
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“Concerns have been raised by the community recently, which has highlighted the urgency to change the way we plan for future land use in the Wagga Wagga LGA.” A service review is also under way for the planning division, which will look at improvements in processing information and applications. “The service review will look at potential savings through efficiency and effectiveness and includes a review of the current resourcing structure,” Mr Eldridge said. The planning framework and
service reviews come as Council releases its new Planning Customer Service Charter, which details the City of Wagga Wagga’s commitment to being open, honest and fair in its dealings with all customers. “Our planning team strives to provide timely, efficient and consistent service to our community,” Mr Eldridge said. “All of our staff take their
obligations to the community seriously and are committed to ensuring high standards of service are reached and maintained.” For more information on Council’s planning team and to view the new customer service charter, visit the planning tab at Council’s website. The planning framework review will begin next week, while the service review is expected to be completed by the beginning of May.
www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/planning
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Clean up continues after storm Council tree crews worked until 1.30am clearing fallen branches and trees following what has been described as one of the biggest post storm clean ups in nine years. Thursday’s freak storm resulted in about 200 calls to Customer Service by 11am on Friday, including 50 in a short period on Thursday evening after 100km/h wind gusts ripped through the city for half an hour. “In terms of the mess created, this is the worst storm I’ve experienced
in Wagga in nine years,” Manager Strategic Parks Operations David Walker said. “Staff worked until 1.30am ensuring residents had access to their properties and trees were removed from roads. “As of Friday morning there were 40 trees down that need immediate attention and smaller jobs will be prioritised after they are completed. “At this stage, the scale of the clean up will mean it will continue
Road works update TARCUTTA STREET
Night works began on Tarcutta Street between Morgan Street and Edward Street this week. There will be no work tonight (Saturday 5 March) to minimise the impact on traffic heading to Robertson Oval for the NAB Challenge. After replacing lower layer asphalt in the northbound lanes, it is anticipated that contractors and Council staff will begin work on the southbound lanes starting at the Morgan Street end on Sunday night, 6 March. The project is on track to be finished by Friday morning, 11 March.
PLUMPTON ROAD
Works to rehabilitate a section of Plumpton Road are currently on schedule to be completed mid-April. Clean up works as a result of Thursday’s storm will take place today (Saturday 5
into next week.” To keep noise to a minimum, the tree chipper was not used after 11pm on Thursday night and Council thanks residents for their understanding while the emergency works took place. On Friday morning, crews attended a large tree job on the corner of Best and Edward streets, with traffic and pedestrian controls in place while the clean up took place. A large gum tree and smaller debris
in the Botanic Gardens was also cleared in time for two weddings to be held at the popular attraction on Saturday. If you need to report a tree issue after a storm, please contact Council’s 24-hour call centre on 1300 292 442. Residents can also dispose of green waste (from storm damage only) for free at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre until close of business on Monday 7 March.
March) as it needed a day to dry out. Preparation of the sub-base layer is complete, with work set to begin on the gravel layer. Motorists using the detour in a northbound direction are reminded that the give way sign at the intersection with Lake Albert Road is enforceable, and that they are required to give way to local residents and other vehicles accessing the work site from a southbound direction.
SMS UPDATES
If you wish to receive updates on the progress of the road works and any unforseen changes as an SMS direct to your mobile phone, please email your mobile number and the term ‘Plumpton Rd’ or ‘Tarcutta St’ to communityengagement@ wagga.nsw.gov.au PAVING THE WAY: The profiler removes the existing surface on Tarcutta Street this wagga.nsw.gov.au/roads week before new asphalt was placed.
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA
DAY
Sunday 6 March Wagga City Council and the Wagga Wagga Tidy Town Committee with support from Riverina Traffic Services, Cleanaway and Suez Australia invite residents to participate in Clean Up Australia Day 2016. Meet at 9am O’Halloran Park BBQ area, Lake Albert Rd Wagga. Volunteers should wear sturdy and enclosed footwear, long trousers and sleeves, hat and sunscreen, gardening gloves and bring a bottle of water.
FREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE FOR PARTICIPANTS
For further information contact Alice Kent on 1300 292 442.
wagga.nsw.gov.au/environment
WELCOME TO
WAGGA WAGGA Here’s to starting a new life in a new city! We invite new residents to come along, meet other new residents and hear more about our wonderful city.
DATE TIME LOCATION RSVP
Wednesday 23 March, 2016 5pm to 7pm Wagga Beach, Johnston Street Friday 18 March, 2016, email relocation@wagga.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 292 442
Food organics collection gains $1M in funding A food organics kerbside collection system for Wagga residents has the backing of the NSW Government with the announcement of a $1M grant from Environmental Trust. The purpose of the grant is to financially assist the City of Wagga Wagga in setting up the collection infrastructure and community education requirements for the diversion of domestic kitchen food waste and garden organics from landfill and convert to a composted product. Mayor Rod Kendall said the grant will go a long way towards making sure any introduction of a food organics collection system will represent value for ratepayers' money. “We know from a recent survey of 4500 residents that the majority of people in Wagga Wagga support the introduction of a food organics collection service,” Councillor Kendall said. “Not only is keeping this waste out of landfill a fantastic outcome for the environment, it will also save Council money by reducing the rate at which we need more space for landfill. “A key component of this grant is for education resources, if residents do not know how to use the system properly the full financial and environmental benefits will not be realised.” If introduced, residents would be able to put their food scraps in the existing green waste bin, which will be picked up on a weekly basis, meaning a fourth kerbside bin will not be required. The City of Wagga Wagga is currently going through the tender process for the next kerbside waste collection contract to commence in April 2017. It is expected that Council make a decision of all new waste services by September 2016 in conjunction with a new kerbside waste contract.
2016
The 2016 Big Business Breakfast will feature Anthony Bell, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of BRW award winning firm Bell Partners, one of Australia’s largest sole partner Advisory and Accounting firms.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.businesswaggawagga.com.au
Friday 18 March 2016 from 7.30am - 9am Elements at the Garden Purchase tickets online: www.businesswaggawagga.com.au Tickets $55 per person
For more information please call Andrea at Wagga Wagga City Council p. (02) 6926 9131 e. business@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Stars to shine at NAB Challenge Thousands of Riverina footy fans are set to flock to Robertson Oval for this afternoon’s NAB Challenge match between Collingwood and North Melbourne. Magpies stars Scott Pendlebury and Travis Cloke will play in the game as part of a 29-man squad that has travelled north for the clash. Pendlebury and Cloke watched from the stands in Geelong as their teammates notched an eight-point victory over the Cats at Simonds Stadium. They will play their first match of the year in Wagga, while experienced teammates Dane Swan and Steele Sidebottom will sit out. Meanwhile, Kangaroos coach Brad Scott will have the opportunity to experiment with a new forward-line against the Pies. Drew Petrie has been retained in the side, but he’ll be surrounded by some
different talls with Ben Brown and Aaron Black named in the squad. Reigning best and fairest and allAustralian ruckman Todd Goldstein is back in the squad, along with veterans Nick Dal Santo and Daniel Wells. With a forecast temperature of 39 degrees, attendees are reminded to slip, slop, slap and drink plenty of water. The game starts at 4.40pm.
LAST CHANCE TO WIN!
Have you liked City of Wagga Wagga’s Facebook page yet? There’s still time to be in the draw to win a football signed by the Collingwood and North Melbourne captains. One lucky person will be selected at random at 9am on Monday 7 March. Head to facebook.com/waggacouncil and like the page to be in the draw. This prize is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.
PLAYTIME: Council’s Works and Playground Officer John Conlan levels out the soft fall at the newly installed Simmons Street playground. It has been all systems go on current playground projects in the city, while a new guiding document, adopted earlier this week, plans for a 20-year future of playgrounds.
Playgrounds planned for Wagga's next generation Work on Wagga’s playgrounds, now and into the future, is in full swing. City of Wagga Wagga has three playground projects under way, two in the planning and consultation stage and a new 20year plan has been adopted for the future of recreational spaces in the city. “Playgrounds and open space are key components to the city that provide health and wellbeing benefits for children and improve the overall liveability of the city,” Director Environmental and Community Services Janice Summerhayes said. Ensuring quality existing and new playgrounds are available in Wagga today, and for future generations is the purpose of a new guiding document –
Playground Strategy 2016-2036. The strategy highlights the need for recreational diversity and considers costs for upgrades of existing playgrounds, the installation of new playgrounds, and ongoing maintenance of all playgrounds in the city. Meanwhile it is all systems go for current playground projects in the city. This week a new $26,000 playground was installed in Simmons Street in Central Wagga. The colourful play set, complete with climbing ropes, monkey bars and brightyellow slide, was the result of community consultation and replaced a 23-year-old wooden structure. Works are under way on a $150,000 skate park at
Chambers Park, Tolland, which will be complete with ramps, jumps and rails for skateboarders and bike and scooter riders. Upgrade works have also started at Bedervale Park in Bourkelands. Once finished there will be a new synthetic cricket pitch, basketball backboards, picnic tables and walking tracks to improve access. The skate park is due for completion at the end of March and the Bourkelands project to be finished in June. In addition to these projects, planning and consultation is underway for an all-abilities adventure park at Bolton Park and a new, open play area in Boorooma. To view the Playground Strategy 2016 – 2036 visit, wagga.nsw.gov.au.
REROC Compost Doctor workshops on this month Two REROC Compost Doctor workshops will be held this month, giving green thumbs plenty of opportunity to get expert advice. Well-known regional horticulturalist and ABC Radio gardening guru Kerry Geale will discuss the types of bins and facilities that can be used, the benefits of composting, the best locations for compost bins, what can be composted and trouble shooting. The free workshops are aimed at beginners
and for experienced composters who looking to update their knowledge. The workshops will be held at Erin Earth, 1 Kildare Avenue on Saturday 12 March from 9.30am to 11am and Monday 21 March at the Sensory Garden, adjacent to the Wagga Wagga Men’s Shed in Ashmont, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. For more information, contact Council’s Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent on 1300 292 442.
THIS WEEK:
VEGE SWAP OR BUY
Every Saturday, 9am 12pm Demonstration Gardens, cnr Albury and Shaw Streets. Ph: 0411 417 956
DOWNSIDE BUSHDANCE
Sat 5 March 7.30pm – Midnight Downside Hall, off Coolamon Road. Ph: 6925 4800
WIRADJURI CULTURAL TOUR
Sat 5 March 9.30am A full cultural experience including Wiradjuri language and special Aboriginal places. Bookings essential. Cost $65. Departs Visitors Centre, Tarcutta Street. Ph: 0412 693 030
SOUTH WAGGA APEX FISHERAMA
good company, cards and a delightful afternoon tea. Presented by Ronald McDonald House, Wagga Wagga. All funds raised for Wagga Wagga Takes Two entrant Amanda Tilyard Pilgrim Uniting Church, Tanda Place, Glenfield Park. Amanda Tilyard on 0418 461 067
WEIRD WAGGA WALKING TOUR
Tues 8 March 6pm Thinking about becoming a foster carer? Marymead Foster Care Information Session, Marymead 3640 Gurwood Street. Call Larissa on 6162 5800
AFTERNOON
Sun 6 March, 2pm - 6pm Adults $5. Home Tavern Hotel, Fitzmaurice Street. Ph: 0407 658 901 Sun 6 March A family fun day shing in the Wollundry Lagoon, home of the monster carp. Entry $15 per family, $5 single. Wollundry Lagoon, The Esplanade. Ph: 0407 100 892
NAB CUP CHALLENGE NORTH MELB V COLLINGWOOD
Every Sunday in March 6.30pm - 7.45pm A walking tour of Wagga’s strangest and most amusing stories. Tickets at Civic Theatre: Adults $20, Children/Concession $15. Departs Museum of the Riverina Historic Council Chambers site, cnr Baylis and Morrrow Sts. Ph: 6926 9688
MINIATURE RAILWAY
Sun 6 March Two talks from remarkable women streamed live from the Sydney Opera House. Orange is the New Black writer Piper Kerman will share what she learned in prison, and an expert panel offer their answers to the question What Needs To Change? Free event. Reserve your tickets now. Historic Council Chambers
BIDGEE BLUES CLUB OPEN MIC
Mon 7 March Gather a group of friends small or large to enjoy
Sat 5 March 4.40pm Wagga will host Victorian powerhouses North Melbourne and Collingwood – the first time two AFL clubs from south of the border have clashed at Robertson Oval. Don’t miss your opportunity to see your favourite players closer than you’ve seen them before! Tickets online or at the gate Sun 6 March, 10.30am 4pm $2 per ride, enclosed footwear essential. 10:30am to 9pm. Botanic Gardens, Macleay Street.
ALL ABOUT WOMEN
CARD PARTY RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE: AMANDA TILYARD – WAGGA TAKES TWO ENTRANT
NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES TO WAGGA WAGGA BUSH FIRE PRONE LAND MAP Wagga City Council has recently reviewed the Wagga Wagga Bush Fire Prone Land Map. The Map identifies bush fire prone areas, bush fire hazards and associated buffer zones within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.
Every Thursday 1.30pm - 6.30pm Free entry. Civic Centre Precinct, off Tarcutta Street. Ph: 6924 3574
TRAVELLING FILM FESTIVAL
Fri 11 to Sun 13 March The best features, short films and documentaries from Australia and around the world. Forum 6 Cinemas, Trail Street. Ph: 6921 6863
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.
6pm Wednesday 9 March 2016 East Wagga Football Club
New development on areas identified as bush fire prone is subject to additional development and planning controls. A key overview of changes and a copy of the updated map can be accessed at www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/bushfiremap
Have a question to ask or an issue to raise?
LIKE TO KNOW MORE?
p 1300 292 442 e council@wagga.nsw.gov.au w www.wagga.nsw.gov.au Civic Centre Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts
RIVERINA PRODUCERS’ MARKET
Council is hosting a neighbourhood meeting to discuss news, events and issues relating to Gumly Gumly and the broader Local Government Area. Stay for a cuppa after the meeting!
Information and advice for residents lodging applications to develop on bushfire prone land
For further information please contact the Development Services Section of Council on 1300 292 442
MARYMEAD FOSTER CARE INFORMATION SESSION
Attention Gumly Gumly residents
Contact Stacey Post on 6926 9133 or communityengagement@wagga.nsw.gov.au
You are invited to attend a neighbourhood meeting with Councillors & Council staff
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Councillor Column
It was exciting to see positive steps coming from Council on Monday night, with further funding being
approved for the bore development at Lake Albert and the approval of consideration for a reduction in costs and red tape in relation to al fresco dining street furniture. What was highlighted, however, is the attitude of an elected representative in the most senior leadership role toward small business, with
councillor.funnell@wagga.nsw.gov.au
comments such as we already do enough for business and they make a profit therefore they should pay. This shows a lack of understanding of our rates system and what these businesses go through and contribute to our economy. This same leader constantly complains that we (WWCC) are not permitted to
increase rates freely, the never-ceasing push to implement a dividend from Riverina Water to prop up our bottom line, and constantly defends past actions, practices and inefficiencies of our organisation. It appears there is an indifference to make the tough decisions and fix our own backyard first. Our senior leader needs to understand community
Funding boost for crime prevention Building a more vigilant, safer community has been made easier for Wagga’s Neighbourhood Watch after securing funding through Council’s Annual Grants Program. The community crime prevention group was officially presented a cheque for $3000 from Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Rod Kendall and Wagga Wagga Local Area Command Superintendent Bob Noble and Detective Inspector Darren Cloake last week. Wagga Wagga Neighbourhood Watch was one of 71 successful applicants in the 2015/16 Wagga Wagga City Council Annual Grants Program. A total of $175,000 in funding was made available to help support innovative or helpful initiatives or ideas put forward by community organisations, groups or individuals in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. Wagga’s Neighbourhood Watch is run by four dedicated local volunteers who aim to provide a safe network to help prevent or reduce crime in Wagga. Neighbourhood Watch will use the Annual Grant funding to purchase a branded marquee for events, branded uniforms and print brochures to increase their exposure across the city. “Neighbourhood Watch helps improve communication between local police and the community, providing information can assist the police to improve and maintain levels of safety,” Wagga Wagga Neighbourhood Watch president David Abbott said.
expectations, or this attitude of protecting the status quo and those involved is what leads to catastrophic decisions such as Douglas Aerospace. That said it is pleasing to see change enacted by Alan Eldridge in his role as GM. Actions to date show a commercial approach to an organisation is
healthy. Whilst it may be turbulent in the short term, it will show long term results. Simple changes such as street furniture fees, starts the rebuilding of confidence between council and the community, reduction in red tape also assists this. The community thank the Councillors that showed support for my report on Monday,
and I reinforce that we represent the community. I will leave you with this: ‘’the key to organisational health is the willingness to examine the changing environment and to adopt new goals and behaviours’’.
Councillor Paul Funnell
Get involved in Clean Up Australia Day 2016 The City of Wagga Wagga is calling on the community to follow the example of local school students and take part in Clean Up Australia Day. Twenty schools took part in Schools Clean Up Australia Day on Friday, tidying up their grounds and nearby areas. The rest of the community can get involved on Sunday 6 March at Wagga’s Clean Up Australia Day site
along Kooringal Road. “Clean Up Australia Day is a great way to make a difference in our community,” City of Wagga Wagga’s Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent said. Volunteers wanting to take part in the community clean up are asked to meet at O’Halloran Park on the corner of Lake Albert Road and Kooringal Road at 9am.
Meet Roger
SAFER COMMUNITIES: (From left) Mayor Rod Kendall and Wagga Local Area Command Superintendent Bob Noble congratulate Wagga Wagga Neighbourhood Watch president David Abbott at a recent cheque presentation. Applications for the 2016/17 Annual Grants Program open on Monday 21 March. Wagga Local Government Area community members, organisations or groups with grand ideas or innovative projects are encouraged to apply for the grants, totalling $175,000. Applications can be submitted in the categories of Community Health and Wellbeing, Connected Rural and Urban Communities, Arts & Culture,
Invitation to apply for funding from the ClubGRANTS Scheme 2016 Category 1 Funding Applications For enquiries please contact Michelle Castle at Wagga Wagga City Council on 1300 292 442 during office hours. Online applications will be received via the Wagga Wagga City Council website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/clubgrants Applications open 9am Monday 7 March 2016 and close 5pm Friday 29 April 2016.
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
Local Heritage, Events and Natural Environments. Applying is as easy as filling out a form and submitting it before the closing date of noon on Monday 30 May. However, if assistance is required, or you have a question about the grants program, email grants@ wagga.nsw.gov.au or phone Kristin Groves on 1300 292 442. For more information visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/grants.
Community organisations are invited to apply for funding towards your local community service needs and priorities from the ClubGRANTS scheme. The ClubGRANTS scheme allows registered clubs with annual gaming machine revenue exceeding $1 million to apply a percentage of that revenue to specific development and support projects. At least 50% of funding from each club is to be allocated to Category 1 projects. Local projects will be considered for the following priorities under Category 1 funding: • Respite care • Women and family health and well being • Disadvantaged groups • People with disabilities • Children and family • Youth services
This week's pet of the week is Roger, a male blue heeler. Roger is a big ole softie and can be adopted now from the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter for $299.40. This fee includes microchipping, lifetime registration, vaccination, desexing and worming. If you would like to meet Roger or any of his buddies, visit the shelter from Monday to Saturday between 1pm and 4.15pm.
Public Notices
NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: MARCH 2016 In accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Local Government Act 1993, notice is hereby given that an Ordinary meeting of the Council of the City of Wagga Wagga will be held at 6pm on Tuesday, 29 March 2016 in the Council Meeting Room, cnr Baylis & Morrow Streets Wagga Wagga. Notice is also hereby given that a Policy and Strategy Committee meeting will be held at 6pm on Monday, 14 March 2016 in the Council Meeting Room, cnr Baylis & Morrow Streets Wagga Wagga. This meeting will be immediately followed by a Supplementary Council meeting. All meetings are open to members of the public. Members of the public wishing to address the Policy and Strategy Committee regarding agenda items, must complete the appropriate
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For more information, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/animals or call 6971 4651.
Inspection Venue: The Planning Proposal and supporting exhibition material are available for inspection at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga during the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded) and on Council’s website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/ planningonexhibition in the Strategic Planning Exhibition section. Submission Procedure: Any interested person or PUBLIC EXHIBITION organisation wishing to OF DRAFT make a written submission in relation to the draft AMENDMENT amendment should do TO WAGGA so prior to the close of WAGGA LOCAL the exhibition period. ENVIRONMENTAL Submissions may be PLAN 2010 delivered to Customer Aim: To exhibit the Planning Service at the Civic Centre Proposal to amend Local or mailed to The General Environmental Plan maps, Manager, Wagga Wagga to rezone and amend the City Council, PO Box 20, Height and Floor Space Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Ratio for 9–17 Sturt Street, or emailed to council@ Wagga Wagga. wagga.nsw.gov.au Exhibition Period: 20 ALAN ELDRIDGE February 2016 to 21 March 2016 (inclusive) GENERAL MANAGER Public Address Form and return it to Council by 10am on the day of meeting. The form is available from the Customer Service counter at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre or from Council’s website www.wagga.nsw. gov.au/paforms Copies of the Agenda are also available to the public, at the meetings or from the Customer Service Centre at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre three (3) days prior to the meetings or from wagga.nsw.gov.au
mobile library timetable Uranquinty Monday March 7, 3.30pm – 5pm Ladysmith Thursday March 10, 1.30pm – 2.15pm Ph: (02) 6926 9771
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