Council News WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2014
Issue 19
Weekly information from us to you
RECOGNITION: The Hon. Rob Stokes NSW Minister for the Environment presents Wagga Wagga City Council’s Environmental Coordinator Carly Hood and Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent with the 10 Year Sustainability Award at Parliament House.
Recognition for commitment to environment and sustainability Wagga Wagga City Council’s commitment to energy efficiency and conservation has been recognised with a prestigious award. After picking up a Green Globe Award back in 2004, Council has again been rewarded for its ongoing commitment, with a 10-year Sustainability Award presented at the gala awards ceremony at Parliament House in Sydney. “A long term focus on sustainability and energy efficiency means we can save the community money, as well as look after the environment,” Council’s Director Environmental and Community Services, Janice Summerhayes said.
“Over the last ten years we have continued to develop projects that will ensure the environment is prioritised into the future. “For example the installation of a Cogeneration system at the Oasis Aquatic Centre will save about $260,000 every year, with an estimated 40% reduction of greenhouse emissions.” Other examples of ongoing commitment to sustainability include gaining biodiversity certification for the new Local Environmental Plan (LEP), the first LEP in the state to receive such official recognition. And while Wagga Wagga continues to grow and develop, Council has managed to reduce energy use from street lighting as well as generate more than 200,000 kilowatt hours of clean energy with two solar installations.
Council has also worked hard to form trusted partnerships with various sponsors such as Low Carbon Australia and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to help deliver these important projects. The NSW Government’s Green Globe Awards is the state’s leading environment awards, recognising environmental excellence, leadership and innovation in NSW: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ greenglobes Read more about Council’s recent environmental projects online: www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/environment
Council’s recent sustainability projects: • Cogeneration at the Oasis Aquatic Centre • Public place recycling • Biocertification of the Local Environment Plan • Mapping Biodiversity Habitat Corridors • Willow removal along Murrumbidgee River • Habitat Corridor Restoration on Coolamon Road
Former gasworks remediation project nearing completion
SEALING WORKS: Wagga Wagga City Council’s Director Environmental and Community Services Janice Summerhayes and Manager Environment and Recreation Services Mark Gardiner inspect the sealing works at the former gasworks remediation site.
Airport emergency exercise Commuters and nearby residents might notice sirens and flashing lights at Wagga Wagga Regional Airport next week as its Airport Emergency Plan is put to the test. The exercise will include a simulated crash between two aircraft in a static crash scenario. The exercise will be a joint exercise between the Airport and RAAF Base Wagga. All local emergency response agencies including Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance Service, Volunteer Rescue Association, the State Emergency Service and RAAF Base Wagga, will take part in the field exercise at the Airport on Tuesday 11 November. “Council as the Airport Operator holds safety as its highest priority in all facets of airport operations,” Council’s Manager of Commercial Business Stephen Prowse said. “This exercise is another example of how the various emergency response agencies should and do work
together to ensure incidents are managed effectively and to the highest standards. “A great deal of planning goes into these exercises to ensure that the Airport Emergency Plan remains current, effective and well drilled in terms of its activation in a simulated aircraft crash. “Not only will the Airport Emergency Plan be tested, but all agencies involved and RAAF Base Wagga will also take the opportunity to test their own plans, staff training and equipment. “This will help to ensure that in the event of a real life aviation emergency, the emergency response is both rapid and effective.” The field exercise is held at least every two years in line with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) legislative requirements. The Airport will remain open during the exercise and normal airport operations including passenger services will not be affected.
The project to remediate the Tarcutta Street former gasworks site is one step Remediation project background closer to completion with the start of the The Tarcutta Street gasworks operated carpark sealing works. between 1881- 1964 (83 years) during Council allocated $12M towards the which time significant amounts gasworks project, with an additional $2M allocated waste was disposed of on the site. Some to expand the original footprint of the site cleanup occurred in 1970’s however remediation works. significant amounts of contaminants remain. Sixty truckloads of hotmix is being laid In 2007, the then NSW Department of this week to seal the new car park, which Environment and Climate Change declared is close to both the Murrumbidgee River the site a remediation site under the and Wagga CBD. Contaminated Land Management Act 1997. Over the course of the 18 month long If the contaminated soil is not remediated, project 14,000 tonnes of contaminated it presents long term risks to human health waste was removed from the site, and to the environment, particularly the presenting a range of unique challenges. Murrumbidgee River. “It’s been a long and big project in The remediation of the site will ensure terms of complexity of works,” Council’s compliance with its legislative obligations in Environment and Recreation Services a manner that provides the best outcomes for the environment, community and future Manager Mark Gardiner said. use of the site. “The proximity to the river meant we had to build support walls to deal with rainfall and stormwater, and nearby residents were very patient and understanding while we dealt with odour issues.” The remediation project rectifies the legacy of the Council’s former Gasworks business and will prevent future environmental issues. Other benefits to the community include minimising major issues for future development, reducing the potential risks to human health and creating a space for the community to use. “Everything is going smoothly in the final stages and the team is working hard to get the job done,” Enviropacific Services Project Manager Rhys Blackburn said. The site is expected to be open to the public by the end of November. For more information visit: www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/remediation
Council leads by example for National Recycling Week Council works both with the community and its staff in leading the way for environmental sustainability. As part of National Recycling Week (10-16 November), Council will have a focus with staff about what can and can’t be recycled. To further promote National Recycling Week within the community, Planet Ark is encouraging Australians to take note of the ‘Seven Secrets of Successful Recyclers’. “These secrets include putting an extra recycling bin in your bathroom, making sure you don’t bag your recycling in plastic and thinking about buying recycled products,” Wagga Wagga City Council Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent said. “We have recycling bins available for Council staff but the entire community can get involved at home or even when they are out and about, with public place recycling bins down Baylis Street.” Council’s Regional Airport is also doing its bit during National Recycling Week by installing new recycling bins. Read more about the ‘Seven Secrets of Successful Recyclers’ on the Planet Ark website http://recyclingweek. planetark.org/recycling-info/7secrets.cfm
Not all waste is created equal and some are some items that are often put in the wrong bin. Here are a few examples:
• Aerosol cans: YES they can be recycled, they just need to be empty • Pringles tubes: NO they can’t be recycled as they have a mix of different materials • Broken glassware such as drinking glasses: NO they can’t be recycled as the glass is heat tempered and melts at a higher temperature than glass bottles and jars. For more FAQs about recycling visit: www.wagga.nsw.gov. au/city-of-wagga-wagga/ engineering-services/solidwaste/recycling-faqs
Betty urges Wagga to say NO to asbestos As a part of Asbestos Awareness Month Betty - The ADRI House (Asbestos Disease Research Institute) will roll into Wagga Wagga this weekend to educate homeowners, renovators, tradesman and families on the dangers of asbestos. Betty is on a month long journey across New South Wales and Victoria to make sure Australians ‘Get to kNOw Asbestos this NOvember’ and stop playing renovation roulette. Where: Bunnings Warehouse car park The purpose built, mobile model home is designed to demonstrate where asbestos might be found in and around When: Sunday 9 November 12 – 5pm any Australian home built or renovated before 1987, and will be in the Bunnings Warehouse car park this Sunday 9 November from 12 - 5pm. Council, together with the Environmental Protection Agency, is participating in the Householders Asbestos Disposal Scheme and will be on hand to guide residents through the steps of dealing with the potential risks of asbestos and how you could be eligible to dispose of it for free. Largely a hidden risk, asbestos is estimated to plague 1 in 3 Australian homes, and can be destructive to you and your family’s health if disturbed. And contrary to popular belief homes constructed of fibro aren’t the only ones that contain asbestos. Asbestos may be found in every room in the home. It may be behind wall and floor tiles, in walls, ceilings, under floor coverings including lino and carpet and around hot water systems. For more information about Wagga Wagga City Council’s involvement in the Householders Asbestos Disposal Scheme visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/asbestos Before renovating, visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au to learn where asbestos might be found in your home, the dangers of disturbing it and how best to manage it.
Betty the HDRI House will be visiting Wagga Wagga as part of Asbestos Awareness Month.
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
wagga.nsw.gov.au/asbestos
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Councillor Column Much of my time since my last column has been spent talking with community members across our local government area.
In listening to the feedback the one thing that is certain is that everyone wants our city, our village, our community, and our region, to be a progressive and prosperous one. Wagga Wagga and our entire local government area should be proud of who and what we are, and that being said we should realise a large beaucracy comes with the territory of being a large and growing city.
As Councillors we are here to help and I would urge all members of the community to keep the feedback coming so we can focus on continuous improvement and transparency of our Council for our community. This week Councillors have been out and about upskilling on some of the issues to come before us in the coming months: • Wokolena driver training
councillor.negline@wagga.nsw.gov.au track proposed has all the hallmarks of a difficult decision for our elected body where social, economic and environmental issues will need to be addressed. As a growing city we will continue to place pressures on beauracratic processes for development applications and the decision making processes via state government legislation and ultimately council decisions. • Livestock Marketing Centre
has been experiencing unprecedented throughput given current market conditions. The yards at Bomen were built in 1977. Today we are the largest sheep/lamb and the third largest cattle selling facility in the country. The master plan for our saleyards is well underway preparing the region for the next 30 years. • Next week I will be attending the National Roads Conference in Tamworth.
Roads and infrastructure continue to be some of the greatest challenges to Council and I believe we will need to become more innovative in our funding and building of such for the future. Have a great Wagga Weekend.
Councillor Andrew Negline
New rugby field for Conolly Park
A fourth sporting field at Conolly Park is beginning to take shape with earthworks commencing this week. The $580,000 project is the result of a partnership between Wagga Wagga City Council and Southern Inland Rugby Union (SIRU) to expand the Conolly Park venue. “The field 4 development will be a valuable addition to the Conolly Park facilities,” Council’s Strategic Asset Planner (Parks and Recreation) Ben Creighton said. SIRU has been the driving force behind the development and will use Council’s partnership funding contribution of $200,000 to see the project become a reality. “With around twelve teams training up to twice a week these grounds get quite busy during competition, and a fourth field will go a long way to making sure there is more room and less surface damage,” SIRU Director Warwick Grant said. “And with the fields open to other codes during the off season, there is also a flow on benefit for the wider community.” The first stage of the project, including all earthworks, is expected to take 3-4 weeks and will be completed by local contractor. The development will also involve the construction of fencing, the playing surface, irrigation, drainage and lighting, which is expected to be completed by mid 2015.
BREAKING GROUND: SIRU Director Warwick Grant and Council’s Strategic Asset Planner Ben Creighton at the site of the new rugby field at Conolly Park.
Prominent Muslims to share their experiences and culture
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CULTURAL TALK: Susan Carland and Dr Zacharia Matthews will be sharing their experiences and culture at the Museum of the Riverina at 12pm Saturday 15 November. Susan Carland, regular panellist on ABC’s Q&A and SBS’s Salam Cafe, and Dr. Zacharia Matthews, founding director of Deen Academy Sydney, will be visitors to the city of Wagga Wagga on Saturday 15 November, taking part in Islamic Conversations, a free public program of cultural harmony at the Museum of the Riverina’s historic Council Chambers site from 12pm. Men and women from all cultural backgrounds are invited to hear talks on the rights of women in Islam and the political and personal aspects of being a Muslim woman in contemporary Australia; as well as share in food, traditional music, exotic teas and hijab tying. Audience members will also have the opportunity to ask questions about Muslim
cultural practices in Australia This event is a celebration of Wagga Wagga’s multicultural community spirit and is presented in conjunction with the current touring exhibition, Faith Fashion Fusion: Muslim Women’s Style in Australia from the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. If you’d like to attend this free public program or need more information, contact the Museum of the Riverina on 6926 9655 or email museum@wagga.nsw.gov.au
wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum
Over the next 12 months, 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
wagga.nsw.gov.au/asbestos OR Call 1300 292 442
This trial is supported by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority with funding from the waste levy.
Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication
Meet Chad
This week’s pet of the week is “Chad”, a male Jack Russell Terrier approximately 3 months of age. Being only a pup you and your family will be able to grow with this delightful young fellow. He will fit into any family, be it a 1 person or 10 person family -young or old. Just remember all dogs like to get out for some exercise and to become socialised with other dogs. Please make sure you have a secure yard for Chad to run in. As he is a puppy you can adopt this young fellow from the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter for $255.30 which includes micro-chipping, lifetime registration, de-sexing, vaccinations, de-worming . If you would like to meet Chad, or any of the animals at the shelter, please visit between 1 pm and 4.15pm Monday -Saturday. The friendly Animal Management Rangers can be contacted on 69714651 during business hours. P.S Our lovely Border Collie “Buzz” found a good home on a farm at Leeton.
Fitzmaurice Street detour Get ready to retune! Access to Fitzmaurice Street will be temporarily restricted in some parts as Wagga Wagga Council explores options for the resurfacing of the road between Gurwood Street and the Wollundry Lagoon Bridge. To ensure that the works occur safely, and to minimise the impact on local businesses, Council is planning to conduct the works outside of regular business hours. Work is scheduled to commence at 5:30pm, Sunday 9 November and will resume the following night, Monday 10 November from 6pm. Sections of Fitzmaurice Street to be closed to traffic as the investigations progress. One direction of traffic will remain open at all times during the investigations.
This week’s events:
As the final step in Australia’s move to digital-only TV, all TV channels in Wagga Wagga will change frequencies on Wednesday 12 November. After the channels have changed, you will need to retune your digital TV, set-top box or digital TV recorder to find the channels that have moved and ensure you continue to receive all available free-to-air digital channels. For most systems, just press the “menu” button on your remote and follow the prompts to retune. If you have difficulty retuning you should refer to the manufacturer’s handbook, ask a friend or family member for help, visit the Digital Ready website, www.digitalready.gov.au/ retune or call the Digital Ready Information Line 1800 20 10 13.
SANTA’S ARRIVAL Thurs 13 November From 3pm
FARMERS’ MARKET Sat 8 November 8am to 1pm.
Wollundry Lagoon, Civic Centre Precinct. Ph: 1300 100 122
Visit the Wagga Wagga Marketplace and see Santa and your favourite characters. Santa will arrive at 6pm. Old Kentucky Animal Farm; Face painting from 3pm and get a free Christmas activity pad from 4pm while stocks last! Ph: Tracey Thomas on 0445 886 722
ART ON THE LEVEE Sat 8 November 9am to 2pm.
CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY VINTAGE DINNER Fri 14 November
131 Tarcutta Street, on the levee bank. Ph: 0438 817 677
LITTLE AUSSIE CINEMA Sat 8 November
7pm. An opportunity to sample the new vintage from the Charles Sturt University Winery. $95pp. Convention Centre, Agriculture Campus, Charles Sturt University, Pine Gully Road. Ph: 6933 4259
6pm and 8pm. Tarcutta Memorial Hall, Sydney Street, RCM 2014 CONCERT SERIES - VIRTUOSO VIBES Tarcutta. Ph: 6928 7202
Fri 14 November
7:30pm. Nick Parnell is one of the most exciting vibes players in the world today. Adults $25, Concession $15, 7pm to 11pm. Featuring the Army Band Kapooka and a RCM Students $5. Riverina Conservatorium of Music, charity auction. $40. Blamey Barracks Officers Mess, College Avenue. Ph: 6925 3522 Kapooka Drive, Kapooka. Ph: 0427 519 449 AGEING & RETIREMENT EXPO
BLACK TIE CHARITY GALA Sat 8 November
SUNDAY MARKETS Sun 9 Nov 7am to 12pm.
Fri 14 November
10am to 3pm. Hosted by Bush & Campbell Financial Gold coin donation. Myer Carpark, O’Reilly Street. Services to give residents access to local businesses, service providers and government bodies all in one Ph: 0417 682 369 location. Free entry. Wagga RSL Club, Dobbs Street. Ph: 6938 4600 3C’S MARKET
Sun 9 November 9am to 2pm.
WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL VACANCY
careers at council
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR Remuneration: Min $1,251.63 gpw + super Enquiries: Reece Hamblin - 02 6926 9243 Closing Date: Friday 21 November 2014
To view this opportunity and apply, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
Weekly mowing report
Values - Part of everything we do Trust • Respect • Innovation • Teamwork
The weekly mowing report outlines the areas that Council is mowing and the areas scheduled for mowing in the coming week. The North team has commenced mowing in North Wagga. This will be followed by mowing in Wiradjuri on 11 November. The East team has commenced mowing in Ladysmith. This will be followed by mowing in Lake Albert on 11 November. The West team has commenced mowing in Bourkelands and Hilltop. This will be followed by mowing in Tolland on 11 November. The Peak Season team has commenced mowing in Uranquinty. This will be followed by mowing in Lake Albert and Tolland on 11 November. Village mowing is currently taking place in Uranquinty. This will be followed by mowing in Mangoplah on 10 November.
Craft, coffee, chat. Wagga Wagga High School, Macleay BLACKOUT FEATURING KEVIN KROPINYERI Fri 14 November Street. Ph: 0408 169 967 6:30pm to 11:30pm. Presented by the Wagga Wagga NAIDOC Committee. Well known Aboriginal comedian NAVY COLOURS CEREMONY Kevin Kropinyeri who has had people in fits of laughter Sun 9 November 9:30am The Navy Staff and Trainees at RAAF Base Wagga at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Cost: $30. will be honouring the memory of all sailors in this battle by The Rules Club, Fernleigh Road. Ph: 6926 9358 conducting a Navy Colours Ceremony. Victory Memorial LAWRENCE MOONEY - STUPID LIAR Gardens, cnr Baylis & Morrow Streets. Ph: 0411 092 648
Public Notices PROPOSED TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE - INGLEWOOD ROAD
Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Inglewood Road between Mitchell Road and Bakers Lane. Date: Wednesday 12 November (weather permitting) Time: 7am – 6pm approximately 4 weeks Reason: Pavement Rehabilitation Detour: Detours will be in place – Inglewood Road will be closed to all Westbound traffic and open to local traffic only.
PROPOSED TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE - FITZMAURICE ST Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Fitzmaurice Street between Morrow St and Gurwood Sts. Date: Sunday 9 November 2014 and Monday 10 November 2014 (weather permitting) Duration: Commencing 5.30pm Sunday, and 6pm Monday nights Reason: Nightworks - Preliminary Road Closure Investigations Detour: Detours will be in place Northbound lane of Fitzmaurice St will be closed Sunday night. Southbound Lane of Fitzmaurice St will be closed Monday night.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO SERVE ON WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL’S PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) provides valuable advice on amendments to important Council
Contact us Follow 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
Fri 14 November
8pm at the Civic Theatre. The inimitable host of ABC2’s Dirty Laundry Live is back with some outrageous fibs, Civic Theatre. Join the Groove Factorie and the Riverina tall tales & hilarious theories on the myths men need just Chamber Orchestra! Wagga-born star Darren Coggan to stay alive. Contact the Civic Theatre Box Office on returns to perform with the finest funk and classical 6926 9688 Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm ensembles in the region, local singing greats and emerging talent. Contact the Civic Theatre Box Office on 6926 9688 For support in organising your event, contact Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm Council’s Events Unit events@wagga.nsw.gov.au or EAT LOCAL THURSDAY 1300 292 442 Mon-Fri. Thurs 13 November 2.30pm to 6.30pm. To promote your event or for a complete list of events Free entry. Weekly farmers market. Murrumbidgee Turf go to visitwagga.com or call 1300 100 122 Club, Travers Street. Ph: 0427 441 107
BEATLES SONGBOOK Wed 12 & Thu 13 November 7.30pm
@waggacouncil Share your #waggaview
planning policies and documents and plays an important role in maintaining good working relationships with key stakeholders in relation to the planning function of Council. The PAC seeks representation from five (5) community / industry members who are interested in contributing to the shaping of positive planning, building, development and environmental related outcomes within the City of Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. Applications will be received up to 5:00pm on Friday, 21 November, 2014, from interested persons to serve on the Committee. Application forms are available from the Customer Service Centre cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets Wagga Wagga, or on Council’s website www.wagga.nsw. gov.au Applications should be addressed “Planning Advisory Committee” and returned to PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, or emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au For further information on the PAC please contact Mr Andrew Crakanthorp, Director Planning & Regulatory Services on 0409 662 307.
NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Notice is hereby given under Roads Act 1993 Part 8 Division 4 of the temporary closing of: Road: Baylis Street from Tompson Street to the north side of the Lagoon Bridge. Date: Tuesday 11 November 2014 Time: 10:15am to 11:30am Reason: REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE Detour: As per sign posted route
Phil Pinyon, GENERAL MANAGER
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wagga.nsw.gov.au/councilnews Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication