Council News WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 7 MARCH 2015
Issue 34
Weekly information from us to you
CLEAN UP COMPLETE NOW AND THEN: The reinstated Cross Street car park from above following the Gasworks Remediation and the site during the project (inset).
Gasworks project removes 14,000 tonnes of tar On the surface, it might not look like much has changed.
But beneath the ground, thousands of tonnes of contaminated material has been removed from the former Tarcutta Street gasworks site as part of the remediation project, which
began in March 2013. “About 14,000 tonnes of tarimpacted material has been removed from the site as part of Council’s commitment to protect groundwater and the surrounding environment from contaminated material,” Wagga Wagga City Council’s Manager Environmental and Recreation
2015
Services Mark Gardiner said. “This has been a huge project for Council, with four main excavations along with several smaller trenches to remove the source of contamination and prevent it from spreading.” The gasworks started in the 1880s and ceased operating in 1964. Over
the decades, the coal gasification process created by-products such as ash, tar pitch, coke, cyanide and more – which were disposed of into a former creek and then drained into the Murrumbidgee River. The gasworks site was gradually extended towards the creek channel and ash, coke and various other
Friday 13 March 2015 7.30am - 9.00am Wagga Wagga Country Club The 2015 Big Business Breakfast will feature Charlie Brown, a leading commentator on the latest technology innovations.
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production wastes were used as backfill material. After the closure of the gasworks there have been several clean up events between the 1960s and 1990s, often during demolition or construction works. In August 2012, Council appointed Continued page 2
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For further information please call Donna at Wagga Wagga City Council p. (02)- 6926 9133 Wagga e. business@wagga.nsw.gov.au Council News A Wagga City Council publication
Gasworks remediation complete Continued from page 1 Enviropacific Services Pty Ltd (EPS) to undertake the remediation project, which would include the installation of a water treatment plant, creating a Cutter Soil Mix (CSM) concrete retaining wall to shore up excavation, and digging out tar and tar-impacted material to be taken to a treatment facility. “The 80 tonne CSM piling rig, along with a 40 tonne crane, was used to create the CSM
Gasworks Site History
wall – a protective underground wall around part of the remediation site to maintain the structural integrity of the Playhouse and the levee during remediation works,” Mr Gardiner said. Sixty-one CSM concrete panels were installed up to 14 metres into the ground with soil anchors drilled up to 16 metres through the concrete wall. The wall was designed to withstand a flood the same height as the levee and also
Gasworks timeline
1878: Gasworks established by Wark Brothers, under the Wagga Wagga Gas Act. 1888: Council took over ownership of gasworks business. 1888-1960: Site operated as a gasworks and included coal gas plant, coke production, tar and pitch distillation and production. Early 1960s: Relocation of the gasworks site to Chaston Street. 1960-1965: Demolition of some site facilities. Early 1970s: Site cleanup. 1974: Major flood inundated the site. Early 1980s: Demolition of more site structures. 1989: Last remaining aboveground structure on site demolished. 1990s: Numerous environmental site investigations and remediation to confirm presence of contaminated groundwater and soils. 1994: Groundwater interception trench installed. 2007: State Government declaration as a remediation site. 2007-2009: Monitoring, research and modelling of contamination on the site. 2009: Remedial Action Plan developed. 2011: Environmental Impact Assessment Report completed and submitted to NSW Department of Planning. 2012: Contract entered into with Enviropacific Services to remediate site.
March/April 2013: Site establishment April/May 2013: Construction of water treatment plant May/June 2013: Installation of Cutter Soil Mix (CSM) walls June 2013 to April 2014: Remediation Phase September 2013 to May 2014: Staged Interim Site Validation October 2013 to July 2014: Site Backfilling December 2014: Site Reinstatement including car park December 2014: Onsite Completion
Gasworks explained
The gasworks used a process of coal gasification where coal is heated in the absence of air to produce coal gas. This heavy raw gas is then cooled down and purified, creating numerous by products including ash, tar pitch, coke, ammonium, cyanide, sulphides, heavy metals, phenols
Remediation benefits
and some lighter hydrocarbon liquids. Liquid, solid and metallic wastes were periodically disposed into the former creek and to the site drainage, which eventually drained into the Murrumbidgee River. Light oils and napthaoil were also disposed via injection wells into groundwater.
Invitation to apply for funding from the ClubGRANTS Scheme 2015 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 2 March 2015 and close 5pm Friday 24 April 2015.
ensure the Playhouse was not impacted by the excavations, despite being within two metres of its external walls. The final steps of the remediation project were to restore the site with over-burden and capping, followed by reinstating the more than 200 capacity car park and the installation on monitoring wells. A community information session will be held on Thursday 2 April at the Civic Centre to discuss the project in detail.
• Enable the NSW Environment Protection Authority to remove (wholly or partly) the declaration of the site as being significantly contaminated and avoid the issue by the NSW Environment Protection Authority of a management order in respect of the site. • Risks to human health from vapours or contact with
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 youth services • Drought/Flood Relief
denise drysdale One of Australia’s most enduring and recognised talents.
THIS IS A SENIORS WEEK ACTIVITY
www.civictheatre.com.au
contaminated materials would be minimised. • A reduction in groundwater contamination that has the potential to impact on the Murrumbidgee River. • Potential cost savings by remediating sooner rather than later. • Provide a site that is suitable for future use by the community.
all tickets $20
Thursday 11.00am
19 MARCH 2015 Morning tea from 10am Civic Theatre Booking Office Ph: 6926 9688 or Email: boxoffice@civictheatre.com.au
Popular book sale on again
The popular Friends of the Wagga Wagga City Library Book Sale is on again. Earlybirds can grab a bargain on Friday 13 March from 4pm to 6pm, with the sale continuing on Saturday 14 March from 9am to noon. Don’t miss your chance to take home some great reads for a great price. The Library’s car manual collection will also be on sale. The bargain books will be located downstairs in the children’s area of the Library.
27TH FEBRUA RY – 22ND M A RCH 2015 Museum of the Riverina, Historic Council Chambers Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts, Wagga Wagga FREE ENTRY Ph: 6926 9655 | www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum The Museum of the Riverina is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
The Listies bring chaotic Levee information sessions to be held comedy to Wagga’s kids The cliché might be “there’s something for everyone”, but no one told The Listies. The duo will be bringing a dash of mayhem to the Civic Theatre with their silly, out of control comedy show The Listies Make You LOL! A few years ago, Rich and Matt decided to shake up the world of kids’ comedy and The Listies were born. Since then they have become Australia’s most sought-after family comedians. Hilarious, messy and decidedly insane, The Listies have sold out shows all over Australia, New Zealand and the UK, delighting audiences and critics alike. Imagine The Young Ones hosting Play School – if The Young Ones had downloaded two gigabytes of fart noises. The Listies’ show features alien attacks, toilet paper guns, spew, the rudest word in the world and the most disgusting pair of undies you have ever seen in your entire life. The Listies Make you LOL! is raucous, unruly and guaranteed to have the whole family (even dads) LOLing, ROFLing and ROFLSHALBOWCOing* (*Rolling On the Floor Laughing So Hard a Little Bit of Wee Came Out). The Age gave the award-winning show a fourand-a-half star rating, highlighting that “nobody else does comedy for kids this brilliantly, but what’s more astounding is that adults have just as much fun”. This show is rated S for Stupid and is coming to the Civic Theatre at 6pm on Saturday 14 March. Visit www.civictheatre.com.au for more information and to book tickets.
Residents and businesses across the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area will get an update on the detailed design process for the Main City and North Wagga levees and hear about alternative flood management options for North Wagga. A series of community
wanted
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL: The Listies are bringing their unique brand of comedy to the Civic Theatre on March 14.
relaxing over the decades. Presented in conjunction with Charles Sturt Regional Archives; curated by Dr. Nancy Blacklow. Ph: 02 6926 9655
Sat 7 March 9am - 12pm Demonstration Gardens, cnr Albury and Shaw Streets. Ph: 0411 417 956
TRAVELLING FILM FESTIVAL
DOWNSIDE BUSH DANCE
Sat 7 March 7.30pm - Midnight Downside Hall, off Coolamon Rd. Ph: 6925 4800
ODYSSEY: WAGGA WAGGA ART SOCIETY
From Sat 7 March Showcases the diverse skills of the Society’s talented members, their achievements and their contributions across our region. Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. Ph: 6926 9600
TAKING IT EASY IN WAGGA
Until Sun 22 March Historic Council Chambers. Photographs and postcards of Wagga
facebook.com/waggaevents
and responding to the requirements related to the project. The detailed designs are being undertaken by NSW Public Works and are based on extensive geotechnical surveys and detailed investigations carried out over the past six months.
www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/floodfutures
COMING UP THIS WEEK: VEGE SWAP OR BUY
information sessions will be held over the coming weeks across suburbs and villages, along with a general update for the rest of the community. Since 2009, Wagga Wagga City Council has been investigating the feasibility of upgrading these levee systems
To Sun 8 March A selection of the best films from Australia and around the world, showcasing acclaimed and award winning titles that would otherwise not be available. From $10. Forum 6 Cinemas, 77 Trail St. Ph: 8220 6605
HELI HEATWAVE
To Sun 8 March 9am-5pm daily A fun fly weekend. An American professional will be attending to conduct workshops and demonstrate extreme flying. Free entry. Connorton Field, Olympic Highway (south of Wagga Wagga, before Uranquinty). Ph: 0437 869 733
WAGGA PACERS CUP
Sat 7 March 6pm - 11pm Cost: Adult $10, Children free. The
biggest harness racing event in the city. Former Australian Idol runner-up Luke Dickens will perform. Children’s entertainment as well as the chance to win a major prize during the Carnival Of Cups. Wagga Paceway, Wagga Showground, Bourke Street. Ph: 0404 497 216
SKYDIVE OZ
Sat 7 March Enjoy floating down over the beautiful countryside soaking up spectacular views of the Murrumbidgee River. Ph: 1300 185 180
MTC TAB RACE MEETING
Fri 13 March Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers St. Ph: 6921 2151
EAT LOCAL THURSDAY
Thur 12 March 2.30pm - 6.30pm Free entry. Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers St. Ph: 0427 441 107
GRAEME CONNORS: “NORTH”, 25 YEARS ON
SPINY BURRGRASS CENCHRUS LONGISPINUS
including roadsides and WHAT IS IT? Class 4 Noxious Weed – Locally areas with good drainage and little organic matter. Controlled Weed. WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? HOW IS IT SPREAD? By its burrs that attach to Spiny burrgrass is an vehicles, animals, people erect or spreading annual grass up to 60cm etc. Seeds can remain in in height and flowers in the soil for up to three years. summer and autumn. Distinguishing features WHAT CAN I DO? Manually are spiny burrs in tall dig out the plant when spikelets protruding burrs are green and from the plant. not fully developed. Herbicides can be WHERE IS IT FOUND? used for spot spraying, The weed is found in being mindful of light arid sandy soils
surrounding vegetation. Perennial pastures such as Lucerne can also be sown to compete with spiny burrgrass. Reduce movement through infested areas to minimise the spread of burrs.
wagga.nsw.gov.au/environment
Noxious weeds are in Council’s firing line
It’s time to weed out Wagga. Starting this week, Council News will be placing a number of noxious weeds firmly in the community’s crosshairs with the aim of reducing the impact of weeds in the local government area. The worst weeds of each season will be featured, starting this week with spiny burrgrass, a Class 4 Noxious Weed-Locally Controlled Weed.
Spiny burrgrass can be hard to tell apart from other exotic annual grasses like hairy panic when it is first emerging. That’s why early detection when spikelets containing the burrs first emerge is crucial for correct identification. For more information on spiny burrgrass and on weed control, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/environment.
Thurs 12 March 7:30pm Join Australia’s greatest storyteller, Graeme Connors, live on stage with his legendary band. Civic Theatre. Ph: 6926 9688
For support in organising your event, contact Council’s Events Unit at events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Monday - Friday.
To promote your event or for a complete list of events go to: visitwagga.com or call 1300 100 122.
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COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS: LEVEE UPGRADES
to d d e e N ? g atin
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Detailed design update & alternatives for North Wagga
Wagga Wagga City Council is hosting a series of community information session to update residents and businesses on the progress of the detailed design process for the Main City and North Wagga Levees.
WHEN 10 March 2015 11 March 2015 12 March 2015 17 March 2015 18 March 2015 19 March 2015
WHO Oura Gumly Gumly North Wagga East Wagga Eunony General update
WHERE Oura Community Hall East Wagga Football Club North Wagga Hall Council Chambers Historic Council Chambers Council Chambers
TIME 7pm 6pm 6pm 6pm 5.30pm 6pm
Want to know more?
EMAIL: floodfutures@wagga.nsw.gov.au PHONE: Lauren Fitzgerald, Community Engagement Officer on 6926 9197
Wagga Wagga City Council & NSW EPA are piloting a Household Asbestos Disposal Scheme offering free disposal of bonded asbestos from across the Local Government Area. You only have until the end of June to make the most of this scheme!
FOR MORE INFORMATION wagga.nsw.gov.au/floodfutures
wagga.nsw.gov.au/asbestos OR Call 1300 292 442
This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
International Women’s Day to be celebrated
International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated around Wagga Wagga with a number of events. Each year, IWD is celebrated in March to mark the economic, political and social achievement of women throughout history and across the world. This year marks the 40th anniversary of IWD and the Museum of the Riverina will be presenting two special programs, while the Civic Theatre will host a high profile panel debate in partnership with Charles Sturt University. At the museum, curator Michelle Maddison will present a free talk in association with the exhibition Worth Their Weight in Gold – Wagga’s Women in WWI on Saturday 7 March from 10.30am at the Botanic Gardens site. “International Women’s Day 2015 is a perfect opportunity to
remember the contribution that women made to the war effort 100 years ago,” Ms Maddison said. “It is a chance to reflect upon those who enlisted with organisations like the Australian Army Nursing Service, as well as those who worked tirelessly on the home front, in organisations like the Red Cross and Soldiers’ Comforts Funds.” On Sunday from 11.30am, the Museum’s Historic Council Chambers will host the launch of The Country Wife, the memoir of heartbreak and triumph of the city’s first social worker, Anne Gorman. Former long-standing president of the Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre Jan Roberts will also be on hand to share the history of women’s health in the city. At the Civic Theatre on Tuesday 10 March from 7pm, an expert panel will debate and discuss
issues and solutions relating to gender equality through a regional lens. Featuring on the panel are Women’s Health NSW CEO Denele Crozier, Commandant of the Army Recruit Training Centre Kapooka Steve Jobson, CSU Council Member and Researcher Rowan O’Hagan, Ogilvy PR Director Kieran Moore, Indigenous Allied Health Australia CEO Donna Murray and TAFE SA Acting CEO Miriam Silva. The Q&A panel will be chaired by Jane Singleton AM, currently the Director for Sydney Peace Foundation, former presenter and reporter for ABCTV’s 7.30 Report, and recipient of the Member of the Order of Australia for services to women, media, development and the community. Visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum and civictheatre.com.au for more information.
Meet Bilbo
RFT 2015/019 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AT GWMC
Suitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT 2015/019 Environmental Monitoring at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 25 March 2015. Submissions are sought from suitably qualified providers for the sampling, laboratory analysis and reporting for groundwater, surface water, dust and gas at its Gregadoo Waste Management Centre. Enquiries should be directed to Chris Coombes via email coombes.christopher@wagga.nsw. gov.au Specifications at nil cost can be accessed on the following web address: www.tenderlink.com/wagga
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO SERVE ON WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL’S FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Wagga Wagga City Council Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee is made up of Council and Emergency Management staff and various stakeholder representatives overseeing the implementation of the objectives of the Floodplain Risk Management Plan in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. The Committee meets every two months to discuss issues and to progress agreed actions. The duration of the committee meetings is approximately two hours. One (1) vacancy exists on the Committee and applications are now invited from persons interested in contributing to the work of this committee in a voluntary
VACANCIES
careers at council
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT - MAYOR Remuneration: Min $1,155.70 gpw + super Enquiries: Scott Gray - 02 6926 9295 Closing Date: Monday 23 March 2015
CORPORATE SYSTEM ANALYST Two (2) Positions Available Remuneration: Min $1,318.84 gpw + super Enquiries: Reece Hamblin - 02 6926 9243 Closing Date: Friday 20 March 2015
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
NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
Wagga Wagga City Council has received the following application to carry out “Development” under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. DA14/0607, Residential Subdivision, Residue Lot Bradman Dr BOOROOMA NSW 2650 Lot 66 DP 1193816, Applicant: Diocese Of Wagga Wagga Name of Consent Authority: Wagga Wagga City Council The subject application and
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
Remuneration: Min $966.91 gpw + super Enquiries: David Walker - 02 6926 9630 Closing Date: Monday 16 March 2015
position that attracts no remuneration. Applications will be received up to 5pm on Friday, 20 March 2015, from interested persons to serve on the Committee. Application forms are available from the Customer Service Centre at the Civic Centre, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga or from Council’s website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/floodfutures. Applications should be addressed ‘Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee’ and returned to PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, or emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au. Applicants must clearly outline in their application: • An understanding of the floodplain and associated issues • A willingness to contribute to the community in the best interest of the community • The ability to inform the local community of the deliberations of the committee • The ability to facilitate representations to the committee on behalf of the local community Further information regarding this Committee may be made by contacting Jessica Crawford at Council on 1300 292 442.
Contact us
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ADMINISTRATION OFFICER PARKS STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
Meet Bilbo, this week’s Pet of the Week. A male beagle, Bilbo is looking for a more relaxed family but would still to get his exercise every day. He is a lovely dog with a great temperament and would fit into most families. Bilbo can be adopted $291.18, which includes vaccinations, desexing, worming, microchipping, lifetime registration and a vet check. You can meet Bilbo and his buddies at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter from Monday to Saturday, 1pm to 4.15pm. For more information, contact the friendly Animal Management Rangers on 6971 4651 or visit www.rescuerex. webs.com.
Public Notices
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accompanying documentation, may be inspected at the following address until the closure of exhibition. Submission Period: 09/03/2015 to 23/03/2015 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 5:00pm 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.
HEY TOSSER! You know it’s wrong
Litter fines average $200. Don’t be a tosser, take your rubbish with you.
epa.nsw.gov.au/litter www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/litter
Phil Pinyon, GENERAL MANAGER
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wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication