The 2017 summer inspection program targeting Alligator weed and Honey Locust in the Peel and Namoi Rivers has been completed by local Councils across the North West and New England.

The program took around two weeks to complete and covered an area from Sandy Creek near Somerton to Narrabri township. The project is an important step in the containment of the world’s worst aquatic plant, Alligator weed.

Inspections in the Namoi commenced slightly later than usual due to high water levels following good rainfall and significant water releases from Keepit Dam. High rainfall prior to the program, coupled with one of the hottest summers on record produced the perfect environment for Alligator weed.

The program funded by the Northwest Local Lands Service now in its sixth year, located in excess of twenty infestations of Alligator weed in the Namoi River from the Peel River junction to Gunnedah.

“Although the infestations were relatively small and in close proximity to existing sites, a couple of larger plants outside those sites caused us some concern,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Senior Weeds Officer Lee Amidy said.

“It’s not surprising given the season we’ve just experienced, that these plants were a little more advanced than in previous years” he added.

All infestations in the Peel and Namoi Rivers have since been removed manually or treated with chemical. The sites will be continually monitored for regrowth.

“The program also provided us with an opportunity to assess the extent of regrowth of Honey Locust trees along both rivers following three separate treatment programs over the last ten years” Mr. Amidy said.

The results from control programs targeting this thorny invasive tree were described as extremely encouraging, with local weeds officers agreeing that the platform had been set for the containment and eventual eradication of Honey locust in the Namoi River.

Education and awareness programs have been conducted over the last three weeks with displays of Alligator weed along with other aquatic pest being presented at fishing competitions at Carroll and Lake Keepit as well as local agricultural shows.

“It is important to arm those who use our rivers and dams with the skills to identify weeds such as Alligator weed, so they can assist us in keeping an eye out for invasive aquatic weeds that could threaten the health of our waterways” Mr Amidy concluded.

Information on all aquatic and other invasive weeds is available from your local Council Weeds Officers, Local Lands Services or New South Wales Department of Primary Industries.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is hosting the biennial event 'Waste into Art' Exhibition 2017 to promote waste reduction on our community.

The exhibition officially opens 1.00pm Friday 2 June 2017 and will run until Sunday 2 July 2017.

Submissions are due 5.00pm Friday 26 May 2017 at the Visitor Information Centre, 81 Chandos Street Gunnedah.

Entry forms can be downloaded using the link below and hard copies are available at the Visitor Information Centre or Gunnedah Shire Council Administration building, 63 Elgin Street Gunnedah.

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All artworks must incorporate the re-use of recycling of waste or pre-loved materials and/or may link to the theme 'Technologic'.

For enquiries or for further information contact our Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is proud to announce renowned Walcha artist Linda Lockyer will be exhibiting her collection of works entitled ‘Country Meets Coast’ at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery this May.

Lockyer’s works investigate contrasting environments; ‘Country Meets Coast’ highlights her connection to two very different geographical places, The New England Ranges and beyond, in contrast to the coastal region of Camden Haven. Lockyer uses her canvas as a recording of her own perceptions of a particular place at a particular time, painted in her own distinct style.

“I feel a great sense of oneness with the ocean and the coast which I frequent often, and I love breathtaking scenes like the gorge country in which I live. Painting allows me to express all of my emotions fully” said Lockyer

Lockyer’s artworks are predominantly abstract using colours and rich texture, often using spatulas as well as brushes and varying types of cloth and sponges to apply the paint to canvas. Her paintings are colourful, textured and reflect her love of the Australian lifestyle and landscape.

“Colour, texture and form are very important tools of expression and can therefore record life experiences very differently to descriptions in words”. Lockyer said.

Her first solo exhibition was held in Sydney at Shepherd St Gallery, Chippendale in 2012. Since then, Linda has exhibited in group exhibitions at the Glasshouse, Port Macquarie and NERAM with recent solo shows at Ray Walsh House (Tamworth Regional Gallery) and regular solo shows at The Armidale Art Gallery.

The Official Opening will be held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 6:00 pm on Friday 5 May 2017. The exhibition will continue until the Sunday 28 May, 2017.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100

Gunnedah Shire Council is proud to announce three of the comedic acts coming to town for the Gunnedah leg of The Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow of 2017.

Australian Comedian Daniel Connell will be gracing our stage with his laid back Aussie humour. The man of very few words has been dubbed ‘one to watch’ on the Australian Comedy circuit by The Age. A performer not to be missed, Daniel’s commentary on life will have you sniggering and giggling.

David Quirk is a stand-up comedian based in Melbourne. In 2006, David was a state finalist in Triple J’s ‘Raw Comedy’ competition, and in 2007, made his Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut and has since performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Quirk by name and by nature, his act has been reviewed as “An intelligent hour of comedy that is both funny and philosophical, full of uncomfortable truths, black humour, and brutal honesty."

Adam Hess is a big name from the UK, having received the Chortle Student Comedy Award 2011 and been nominated for best newcomer award at the 2015 Edinburgh Comedy Awards. He has been screened on The BBC, Comedy Up Late and Comedy Central. His credentials include his First Aid Training and ability to moon walk. This cheeky guy from London will have you roaring with laughter.

Don’t miss your chance to join the laughs at the Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow. Get on board, grab your mates and get giggling as the ultimate comedy road trip rolls into town!

Ticket purchases are available online at www.thecivic.com.au. Just follow the ‘Book now’ link or purchase in person at The Visitor Information Centre, Chandos Street or The Gunnedah Shire Council Office, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah. For any enquiries call (02) 67 402 100.

Warning: Performances often contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 16 years or older.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

The ANZAC flags have been raised throughout Gunnedah, as ANZAC Day is soon upon us.
Numerous free events have been organised by dedicated community groups, for everyone to pay tribute to those fallen and those who have offered their lives for our country.

ANZAC Tribute Concert
On the evening of Monday 24th April, the Gunnedah Shire ANZAC Working Group will hold a free community 'ANZAC Tribute Concert' at sunset on Pensioners Hill Lookout.
Gunnedah's award winning Shire Band and artists from the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music will come together and entertain the audience with music and songs from across the hundred years of ANZAC tradition. Bring a rug or chair, relax and enjoy the delightful sounds whilst watching the sun go down. Feel free to bring a picnic basket or purchase an easy BBQ dinner from Gunnedah West Rotary Club. The Tribute Concert will begin at 5:00 pm and is due to finish by 7:30 pm.
For those who require transport to Pensioners Hill for the performance, please call Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 67 402 100 and your name will be collected to finalise transport arrangements. A four seater golf-cart will also be available to transport the elderly and those with limited mobility from the car-park to the venue and return.
If the weather prevents the outdoor performance going ahead the concert will move to the Band Hall, in ANZAC Park.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service
On Tuesday 25 April, ANZAC Day, The Gunnedah RSL Sub Branch has organised the official commemorative proceedings for ANZAC Day 2017.
The Dawn Service begins at 5:30 am at the Cenotaph Memorial on Conadilly Street, with Gunnedah Salvation Army Officer, Richard Day, leading the prayers of the ceremony.

ANZAC Day March and Mid-Morning Service
The ANZAC Day March will begin at 10:30 am, proceeding from Marquis Street and will continue down Conadilly Street. The official service begins at 11:00 am at the Cenotaph Memorial on the corner of Elgin Street and Conadilly Street. Official prayers will be led by Anglican Minister, Scott Dunlop.
The assembly point for the march will be the corner of Marquis and Elgin Street, outside Mitre 10 from 10:00 am. The Veterans Cars will be leading the procession at 10:30 am and the official Anzac Day March will proceed following the vehicles.

Gunnedah Watertower Museum
The Gunnedah Watertower Museum is offering free entry into the newly completed Bill Clegg Military Display from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance our understanding of Gunnedah’s military and community history.
“Everyone in our community is invited and encouraged to participate in the ANZAC Day ceremonies and events. ANZAC Day is the day we recognise the effects of wartime involvement and the sacrifices of our soldiers, veterans and their families for our country. We hope our community can be united and show our support and pay tribute to our ANZAC’s and the role Service men and Service women have played in defending our nation of the last 103 years” Councillor and Chair of the Gunnedah Shire Council ANZAC Working Group, Owen Hasler said.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Water Quality Officer, Brock Stone, received two prestigious awards at the 11th Annual NSW Water Industry Operations Conference and Exhibition held by the Water Industry Operators Association’s (WIOA) held in Canberra last week.

The Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA) is a national Association with a primary role of facilitating the collection, development and exchange of quality information between people undertaking operational roles in the water industry.

Over 700 individuals attended the event, where more than thirty presentations were delivered over two days by engineers, water and wastewater treatment plant operators, scientists and industry representatives.

Attendees discussed a wide range of issues to benefit personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of urban, rural and industrial water related infrastructure. Mr Stone presented his paper entitled ‘Curlewis Pump Station Upgrade.’

His paper was extremely well received and went on to win two awards - ‘Best Paper by an Operator’ and ‘Best Paper Overall’. Best Paper by an Operator is an award offered as an incentive to encourage “grass roots” operational staff to share their knowledge and experience and ‘ Best Paper overall’ is an Open category award with all Platform paper presenters eligible to win, so it is extremely impressive for Mr Stone to win both awards.

“I’d really like to congratulate Brock on his achievements. It’s a significant accomplishment and further displays Brock’s dedication, firstly in completing the pump station upgrade in a professional manner, and then followed by the initiative to prepare a paper and present it to his peers within the industry. The awards were thoroughly deserved and the paper was very well done,” Council’s Manager of Water Services, Kevin Sheridan said.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

At the November Council Meeting, Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to offer up to $100,000 funding over twelve months for the Gunnedah Waterways Wildlife Park. The funds were proposed to cover up to $75,000 for the appointment of a Wildlife Park Manager, and up to $25,000 for the accommodation of the manager who would be instituted at the park as part of a strategic plan to improve compliance and enable the park to remain open now and into the future.

The park has been experiencing difficulty for some time and Council has been working closely with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Smalls to navigate an outcome that ensures the park will stay open. The DPI is seeking a number of extensive changes to park operations which would be required to ensure compliance with State regulations and to secure the long term viability of the Park.

One of the outcomes being sought by the DPI included the handing over of day-to-day operations of the park which resulted in Council’s offer of assistance to fund a park manager position. Subsequently the Smalls have decided to decline Council’s offer and are now pursuing another option, which involves them directly negotiating terms with the DPI.

“The Gunnedah community have been behind Mr and Mrs Small the whole way. Over the years, they have worked tirelessly and our community has benefitted greatly because of their efforts. I completely understand and respect the right of Nancy and Col to determine the future of their park.

Handing over management of the park would be difficult for anyone in their position. However, the engagement of a Park Manager would seem to be one of the key changes being sought by the DPI, which was the reason Council offered the funding” Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The Waterways Wildlife Park, and the volunteers that run it, are assets to our community and I remain supportive as the fight continues to keep the doors open,” he concluded.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH
Monday 12 June 2017
Collection will be on Tuesday 13 June 2017.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS
Monday 12 June 2017
Collection will be on Wednesday 14 June 2017.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Should you have any enquiries regarding the Recycling collection over the long weekend period please contact RECYCLIT on 67421522.

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND GREENWASTE COLLECTION

Please ensure bins are placed out the night before collection date, as contractors are not obliged to accept late bins. If you have any enquiries regarding these changes please contact Council’s Customer Services Team on 6740 2100

Eric Groth
General Manager

The Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan (DMP) provides the direction and framework for taking Shire’s visitor economy forward over the next five years. The primary goal of this Plan is to increase visitor expenditure within the Shire, with resultant economic and social benefits for the Shire community. The visitor economy is a broader concept than the tourism industry, incorporating all businesses and activities that benefit, both directly and indirectly, from money spent by travellers. The visitor economy is recognised as major driver of economic growth, with growth in the visitor economy a strategic priority at both Federal and State Government levels. At the local level, growing the economy of Gunnedah Shire is one Council’s core priorities, with developing the visitor economy being one of the strategies adopted by Council to stimulate economic growth.

It’s time to take stock, see if we are on the right track and update the Gunnedah Shire Community Strategic Plan (CSP). The CSP brings community groups and other tiers of Government together, so we’re all working towards a shared vision for the future of our community.

To tell us what you value about living in Gunnedah and what you would like to improve in the Gunnedah Shire, a community workshop will be held on Monday 3 April 2017 in the Smithurst Theatre commencing 5:30pm to 7:00pm.

This is an opportunity for you to share your priorities and ideas for the Gunnedah Shire, now and into the future.

Enquiries should be directed to our Customer Service Team on 02 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER