Gunnedah and Narrabri Shire Councils have called for the immediate installation of an Air Quality Monitoring System similar to the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring System, following further criticism of the present limited system by Mr James Whelan, a researcher with Environmental Justice Australia.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor, Owen Hasler, raised the matter in a Mayoral Minute at the August Ordinary Council meeting stating "Mr Whelan has analysed the last seven (7) months of air quality tracking data from the Maules Creek Whitehaven mine as well as the neighbouring Idemitsu Boggabri Coal mine and the results are concerning."

"Mr Whelan found evidence that little or no data had been collected on some days and for the period between May 23 to May 29, about 40 per cent of readings showed negative levels of PM 2.5 (a gauge of the amount of small particulates some 2.5 micrometers in diameter), which are known to lodge in people's lungs and potentially cause illness."

"During another five-day period in June, readings of the larger PM 10 particulates were also consistently negative, which Mr Whelan believes to be an impossibility."

"More disturbing was the fact that the data also included spikes to high levels of PM 10 concentrations, while 24 average PM 2.5 levels were at the maximum levels recommended by the Environment Minister last year."

"According to Mr Whelan, the data is wildly inaccurate causing serious questions to be asked about the actual levels of air pollution near the Maules Creek monitor and if these levels meet standards."

"It is time that the Government required the EPA and mining companies to install a system similar to that operating in the Upper Hunter," claimed Mayor Hasler.

"The new EPA Regional Director, Adam Gilligan, has been quoted by Fairfax media as suggesting that the present four (4) monitors in the Namoi area is a ‘interim solution' while it considers the feasibility of a public system as run in the Upper Hunter."

"However, of real concern is the fact that Mr Gilligan claims that the EPA does not presently have the funds to install the equipment despite the significant Royalties that the Government is receiving from the mines operating in the area,” concluded Mayor Hasler.

Gunnedah's call for such a system was supported by Narrabri Shire Mayor, Councillor Conrad Bolton who stated "Narrabri Shire Council has repeatedly stated that there is no reason why the health of residents in the Namoi Basin should have less priority than those people living in the Upper Hunter area of the state."

"Our residents feel that their health is as important as that of their colleagues in the Hunter Region.” 

“The justification for a similar system is supported by the same reasoning and evidence that saw the installation of the real time, independently operated air quality monitoring system in the Upper Hunter.”

“Whether it's one person or a hundred, the State Government has an obligation to the surrounding Communities to ensure health and well-being is maintained on the back of approving developments of State significance.”

"We are pleased to be working with Gunnedah Shire in this regard and it will be a priority for our Councils in forthcoming meetings with our respective local members and Minister Speakman," concluded Mayor Bolton.

Gunnedah Mayor Owen Hasler has called on residents and businesses to “Dump Illegal Dumping” following the completion of costly clean-ups around Gunnedah in recent weeks.

An estimated 90 tonnes of illegally dumped waste have been collected and disposed during the works, with the bulk having been collected from bushland within the travelling stock reserve located on Wandobah Road.

“Council has spent close to $30,000 removing garbage, demolition waste, car bodies and even had to deal with asbestos that had been illegally dumped” said Mayor Hasler.

“A significant proportion of that money was used to repair fences and build access restrictions which should make it much harder for dumpers to get to their regular dumping ‘hotspots’” Mayor Hasler continued.

“Because illegal dumping is unsightly and reflects really poorly on our region, Council’s efforts to catch those responsible has now been stepped up after the installing a number of portable surveillance cameras at different places across the region” said Mayor Hasler.

Council’s Manager of Building and Environment, Blake O’Mullane, confirmed that ”the surveillance cameras are small, yet are able to record high quality images, day and night, which definitely increases the likelihood that anyone illegally dumping on Council lands will be caught and fined”.

Gunnedah Shire Council is not just relying on cameras to catch dumpers.

Council is also urging residents for their help to report locations where regular illegal dumping has occurred along with any details of actual dumping they may witness.

Illegal Dumping Reports can be made by calling 131 555. The information received will help Council track down and ensure penalties are handed out to those responsible for dumping in the region.

“Preventing illegal dumping is better for the local environment but will also mean the costs Council normally spend on cleaning-up dumping hotspots could instead be spent on our facilities and improving services” Mayor Hasler continued.

“Our message to residents and businesses that may not have disposed of their waste properly in the past is simple. It’s time to ‘Dump Illegal Dumping’” Mayor Hasler concluded.

This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy. 

Images - Gunnedah Moves to Dump Illegal Dumping

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100

Listed below are the various Water & Sewer application forms required water and/or sewer services.If you are looking for a consolidated list of application forms, please visit our All Council Applications Forms page.

Acclaimed national affairs correspondent, Heather Ewart will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards presentation to be held on Friday 2 September in Gunnedah.

Ms Ewart is considered one of Australia’s most experienced and skilled reporters in political and federal affairs with postings in London, Washington and Brussels during her lengthy career.

Ms Ewart has also been a recipient of the prestigious Golden Quill award for her story about skin cancer victim Clare Oliver, which resulted in tougher regulation of the solarium industry in Australia.

“We were thrilled when Heather accepted our invitation to present the keynote address at this year’s awards ceremony and know her story, as a journalist and writer will be a huge hit with the award finalists”, Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society Chairperson Philippa Murray said.

These days, Ms Ewart has put politics aside and embarked on a new adventure with the ABC’s Back Roads series launched this year. This series seeks to unearth some of the country’s most remarkable and inspiring and remote communities.

Back Roads airs on ABCTV on Monday’s at 8pm.
Head to www.dorothea.com.au or contact the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards Head Office on 02 6742 1200 to find out more information.

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Media Contact: Pip Murray 0427 426 722.

Listed below are the various Development, Planning and Building application forms required for building and development work. If you are looking for a consolidated list of application forms, please visit our All Council Applications Forms page.

Below is a consolidated listing of all Council's Application Forms. For assisstance or more information please contact our Customer Serivce Team on 02 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging residents not to be ‘tossers’ by taking responsibility for their rubbish and either putting it in a bin or taking it with them.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Building and Environment, Blake O’Mullane said that from this week, the Hey Tosser! state wide marketing campaign will roll out across the state, on TV, radio, social media, billboards, and newspapers to remind people that throwing your rubbish anywhere other than in a bin is unacceptable.

“The objectives of the Hey Tosser! litter campaign are to drive a change in social norms around litter by raising awareness about littering and its impacts, and reducing littering behaviour,” Mr O’Mullane said.

“Litter damages our natural environments, harms wildlife and sea creatures, can injure people and makes our public spaces less safe. Litter is not just unsightly – it’s also very costly. More than $180 million a year is spent managing litter in NSW. Our Council commits a significant amount of resources to managing litter in our region. Money that could be much better spent for the community elsewhere.”

Research consistently identifies littering as an area of concern across NSW. The Hey Tosser! Campaign is part of the NSW State Government’s comprehensive anti-littering program that aims to reduce litter by sending a clear message that littering is unacceptable.

This timing of the current campaign will leverage the increase in travel during School Holidays, Easter and the Anzac long weekend period and focus on highways and driving to raise awareness about reporting littering from vehicles.

More information about the campaign is at www.epa.nsw.gov.au/heytosser.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Australia Day 2017 Award nominations are now open. The Australia Day Committee is seeking nominations for people or groups who exhibit good citizenship and community qualities. This year the focus will be on those who are seen as good ‘role models’ in the wider Gunnedah Shire Community and who have made outstanding contributions and/or accomplished outstanding achievements in their particular areas of interest.

Nomination can be made in a variety of categories. This year the categories are:

• Citizen of the Year Award
• Young Citizen of the Year Award
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy
• Community Achievement Award
• Cultural Award
• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award
• Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
• Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year Award
• Female Sportsperson of the Year Award
• Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year Award
• Male Sportsperson of the Year Award
• Junior Sports Team of the Year
• Sports Team of the Year

Nomination forms are now available online or from the Gunnedah Shire Library Conadilly Street, The Civic Centre on Chandos Street or the Gunnedah Shire Council Building on Elgin Street.

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“There are so many people in the Gunnedah Shire who are community minded- high achievers. This is the perfect opportunity to recognise their contribution.” Gunnedah Shire Council Events Officer Laurieann Boag said.

“We all notice amazing people from time to time, and quietly appreciate their efforts. This is a way to publicly thank them for all they do. It’s always nice to receive a ‘thanks’ for your hard work, no matter how much of a quiet achiever you may be” she concluded.

Award winners will be announced in January 2017 during our Australia Day Celebrations. All community members are encouraged to come along and enjoy the festivities. Please note nominations close Friday 16 December 2016, so get in early to avoid missing out.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100

The coordinators of the National Dorothea Poetry Awards are celebrating an early success with a spike in entries for the 2016 competition, having already received over 11,7666 entries from young Australian poets.

“Poetry is a form of artistry that over the years, appeared to be losing its place in Australian culture. The upwards trend in entries is a heartening indicator that poetry is clawing its way back into Australian schools and finding its way back to the youth of our nation”, Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society Chairperson Philippa Murray said.

“For many entrants, poetry is much more than simply words on a page. It’s the tool they use to express their feelings, to navigate their challenges, to share their experiences and adventures and gives voice to their dreams for tomorrow,” Ms Murray continued.

“The power of poetry and this competition as a vehicle for self-expression cannot be underestimated and we are delighted with the support the awards have received this year”, Ms Murray concluded.

The winners of the 2016 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Award will be announced at a ceremony to be held in Gunnedah on September 2, with finalists from far and wide attending.

Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society patrons Margaret White, Mark Vaile and Peter Shergold have also confirmed their attendance in what is a major boost for the awards and poetry in Australia.

Head to www.dorothea.com.au or contact the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards Head Office on 02 6742 1200 to find out more information.

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Media Contact: Pip Murray 0427 426 722.

‘Around and About’ an exhibition of printmaking, etching and sculpture by popular and respected local artists Eileen Mair and Martine Moran will be exhibited from 9th September to 9th October 2016 at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street Gunnedah.

‘Around and About’ features artworks which question the present health of our earth and the way humanity impacts our environment.

Martine investigates discarded and abandoned belongings which she reinvigorates with new life, transforming them into whimsical, and sometimes quirky, sculptures that possess a unique artistic charm. Martine looks at interactions between people, objects and the natural world, using a wide variety of mediums. Her works range from artistic constructions to body adornments.

Eileen explores urban spaces and the way birds interact with our world. Her ‘Rooftop’ series of prints focus on how the birds have adapted to today’s ‘urbantopias’. Her etched collection ‘Into the frying pan’ questions how global warming is affecting life in the animal and plant world.

“Around and About’ is a collection of captivating and playful works that are thought provoking and insightful. Eileen and Martine are very active and passionate members of Gunnedah’s Arts Community. I encourage all members of the community to come and see this wonderful collection” said Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural officer, Lauren Mackley.

The exhibition officially opens at 6pm on Friday, 9th September, 2016. Wine and cheese platters will be provided.
For further information please contact Council’s Cultural Officer, Lauren Mackley on 6740 2100 or laurenmackley@infogunnedah.com.au.

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Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100