18 May, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council’s blueprint for the year ahead is now on public exhibition and the community is invited to comment.

The Gunnedah Shire Council Draft Operational Plan for 2023-24 contains the draft budget including proposed capital works program, revenue policy and schedule of fees and charges.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the document detailed a practical way forward to continue the Shire’s vision for a prosperous, caring and proud community.

“The Operational Plan represents a clear and financially responsible way forward to deliver outcomes in the areas our community has told us are most important: engaging and supporting the community; building our economy; retaining our quality of life; and protecting and enjoying our beautiful surrounds,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have had substantial investment in major projects in partnership with the State and Federal governments and our capital works in the 2023-24 year will total $28.8 million. Among the significant projects under way or nearing completion are the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Redevelopment, Gunnedah Tarmac Upgrade, Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary, and the recovery of our road network following extensive flooding in late 2022.

“This is a document to be proud of in tough economic times, where local governments are bearing the increasing costs of inflation and the concerns that come with labour and skills shortages and costs increases for everything from energy to contractors. We are also feeling the brunt of cost-shifting from other levels of government, with moves such as the recent New South Wales government’s decision to significantly increase the State Emergency Services Levy.

“Despite this, Council is continuing to deliver the critical daily services our community deserves, such as waste and recycling services, animal services, road maintenance, cultural facilities, pool and library facilities, planning and development services, playgrounds, sporting facilities and economic services, and so much more.

“This will be another year in which we can achieve great things in partnership with our community.”

Fast facts from the Draft Operational Plan 2023/24:

• Gunnedah Shire Council’s total budget is $65,473,639
• 43% of the budget comes from rates and charges, with most of the remainder coming from grants and user charges and fees
• The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has determined the rate peg amount for Council is 3.8% for 2023-24
• Gunnedah Shire Council has four major rates categories: farmland, residential (Gunnedah, village, rural and ordinary), mining, and business (Gunnedah, power generation and ordinary).
• There are 6441 rates assessments in the Shire, with the majority in the residential rate category.
• Council’s Draft Fees and Charges Schedule (also on public exhibition) includes proposed fees and charges for the financial year ahead for everything from cemetery fees to cinema prices, and from waste management services to street trading charges.

The Gunnedah Shire Council Draft Operational Plan 2023/24 and Draft Fees and Charges Schedule 2023/24 have been placed on public exhibition until Thursday, June 15, 2023. The plans can be viewed in person at 63 Elgin Street or online at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/the-future-of-gunnedah/draft-documents-exhibition.

You can submit feedback by:

• Emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au Please include your name and contact details.
• Completing an online form on Council’s website: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
• Posting your submission to Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah 2380 or taking it to Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Councillors and staff visited the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards on Wednesday to view the progress of the redevelopment project. They are pictured with site manager Robert Carter from David Payne Constructions (right).

15 May, 2023

Harvest Gunnedah is fast approaching and promises a fun, family-friendly day out.

The free community event that urges people to eat good food and discover and celebrate our region, will be held on Sunday, May 21 from 10am to 2pm at the Gunnedah and District Kennel Club grounds on South Street.

Harvest is supported by the NSW Reconnecting Regional Communities Fund and will feature delicious food, handmade and handcrafted wares from around the region, and entertainment from local musicians.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was a fantastic way for locals to catch up with friends and family.

“Any opportunity for our community to get together is welcome, so I encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the sunshine and good company,” he said.

“Bring along a picnic or visit the food stalls for sweet treats, deluxe burgers, Italian and German street food, and locally sourced steak sandwiches to the sounds of local live music.

“Kids will have plenty to keep them busy with free face painting, jumping castles and pony rides. There are also free shuttle buses for Carroll and Curlewis.

“I look forward to seeing you all at Harvest Gunnedah on Sunday, May 21.”

Free shuttle buses

Carroll: departs Carroll Store at 9.45am, departs Harvest at 1.30pm.

Curlewis: departs opposite Curlewis General Store at 10.30am, departs Harvest at 12.45pm.

Caption: Harvest Gunnedah is an ideal event for families who want to enjoy a day out. Pictured are Emily Surman and her son Tommy at the debut event in 2021.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

28 April, 2023

What exhibitions would you like to see in Gunnedah’s Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre?

Gunnedah Shire Council is looking for new and exciting exhibitions to bring to the region and is seeking expressions of interest both from people who would like to participate or hold an exhibition, and those who have a great idea.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford said community input would help with forward planning for the gallery.

“We are seeking new and fresh ideas for the gallery for 2024,” Mr Cornford said.

“We already have an exciting program booked for this year, but it is time to think about some great exhibitions for the future.

“Gunnedah Shire has talented and experienced artists, but we are also looking to seek ideas about artists and exhibitions from outside our region to ensure we always have something different to offer.”

The Gallery Exhibition Proposal form is available on both Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and The Civic’s website www.thecivic.com.au.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council is looking for the community’s ideas for exhibitions to be featured in the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery. Pictured is Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford in the gallery.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

27 April, 2023

A royal delegation from Gunnedah Shire’s Sister City of Kolomotu’a is planning a return visit to Gunnedah in July, featuring the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce’s Gala Business House Dinner as a highlight.

Gunnedah Shire and Kolomotu’a, Tonga, signed a Sister City Agreement when Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, the High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Commonwealth of Australia, visited in June 2022.

The visit is being organised by Gunnedah Shire Council in partnership with Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and community representatives.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was pleased to announce the Princess would return to Gunnedah to mark the anniversary of the partnership.

“What we have with Kolomotu’a is more like family than a friendship,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We will be delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness and the delegation back to Gunnedah and show them more of our wonderful shire.

“We are also looking forward to the Gala Business House Dinner, which will be a true celebration of our vibrant Business Community. It will be a pleasure to welcome the Tongan royal delegation as guests of honour and to raise money for a new library for the Kolomotu’a Middle School which was hit by the tsunami in January 2022. Delegates from Gunnedah visited the school in October and witnessed the problems the school was having following the tsunami.

“This is a way we can celebrate our local Business and Industry and to lend a hand to our friends in Tonga.”

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce President Ben Hennessy said:  “We are excited that the royal delegation’s visit coincides with our Gala Business House Dinner which will be a fantastic night out for our local business community to network and celebrate our strong, diverse and vibrant community.

“It’s exciting that we will be hosting the Princess and raising funds for their library destroyed in the tsunami. It will also be great to showcase the benefits our relationship has already had on the Gunnedah community through employment pathways for our thriving local businesses.” 

The delegation is expected to visit between 7 and 9 July. The Gala Dinner will be held in the Town Hall on Saturday, 8 July to celebrate and showcase our local business sector.

Preparation is also under way for a return visit to Tonga in October to showcase career opportunities. Gunnedah Shire businesses will be invited to participate.

Caption: Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, the High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Commonwealth of Australia, will return to Gunnedah Shire in July.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

27 April, 2023

Work will begin in May on the complete refurbishment of the Gunnedah Airport tarmac.

The tarmac is nearing the end of its serviceable life, and is being upgraded to enable larger aircraft to use the facility. 

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said work would begin in early May.

Work is being completed in two phases, with phase 1 being the pavement works between May and June, and phase 2 being the surfacing in September. The aerodrome will be open to limited air traffic between the end of June and September.

“The aerodrome will be closed to all air traffic whilst work is being undertaken,” Mr Bartlett said.

“The project will include complete refurbishment of the tarmac, taxiway and apron to bring it into line with Australian Civil Aviation Regulation requirements for certified facilities.  It will also allow the possibility of a commercial passenger service for Gunnedah.

“Like any asset, a tarmac suffers wear and tear over time, and eventually needs to be renewed.  This work is necessary to not only allow new flights, but to ensure safe conditions for our existing airport users into the future.”

 The $8.35 million project has been funded by the State and Federal governments in partnership with Gunnedah Shire Council.

Caption: The aerodrome will be closed to all air traffic while refurbishment works are carried out.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

22 May, 2023

UPDATE: Closing date extended to COB on Monday, 5 June 2023.

24 April, 2023

Arts and cultural groups can submit applications for Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2023-24 Section 356 (Arts and Cultural) Small Grants Fund from now until Monday, 22 May 2023.

The annual fund aims to assist in the continuation of existing local projects or to support new projects and initiatives that help meet the needs of the growing community, while strengthening cultural identity and connection to place.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader, Michael Cornford, said it was a fantastic opportunity for arts and cultural groups to gain financial support for their creative ideas.

“Council is committed to enhancing local cultural opportunities and experiences by assisting in building the capacity of arts and cultural community organisations and groups to remain vibrant and sustainable in the long term,” he said.

“This fund is an important stepping stone in that process.”

Past successful applications have included cultural workshops, concerts, exhibitions, media equipment and cultural markets and festivals.

The arts and cultural project, program or event must have broad community benefit and align with the following general arts categories: acting, announcing, fine art and craft, directing, animation, dancing and choreography, entertainment and performance, music and singing, photography, production, and writing.

Guidelines and application forms can be downloaded from Council’s website: https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/community/community-services/grants-sponsorship/item/1401-section-356-arts-and-cultural-grants

Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 22 May, 2023.

For more information on the 2023-24 Arts and Cultural Small Grants Fund, contact Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Michael Cornford on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Madeline Buhagiar with Gunnedah and District Spinners and Weavers members Vanessa Hodges-Schembri and Bec Thompson at the presentation of the 2022-23 356 Arts and Cultural Small Grants Fund.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

22 May, 2023

UPDATE: Closing date extended to COB on Monday, 5 June 2023.

24 April, 2023

Gunnedah Shire Council’s annual Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program is now open to help groups strengthen their valuable contribution to the community.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the 2023-24 round would provide opportunities for local clubs and groups to add to the many recreational opportunities available in the region.

“This grants program has awarded close to $515,000 for great supporting and community initiatives over the past 18 years,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Not-for-profit, charitable, community and sporting groups can apply, and the level of funding available under the program is dependent on the project, but it can be up to $5000, which can be a fantastic financial lift for some of our smaller groups.

“Council recognises the valuable contribution these community groups and sporting clubs make to our community. In many cases, volunteers work tirelessly to keep those organisations going.

“When assessing the applications, priority will be given to those projects and initiatives that not only help organisations grow and be sustainable, but also support the broader community.”

Application forms and grant guidelines are available here: https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/community/community-services/grants-sponsorship/item/954-section-356-community-and-sports-grants

The 2023-2024 funding round closes at 5pm on Monday, May 22 2023.

Further information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Section 356 Community and Sports Small Grants Program has helped many organisations over the last 18 years. Pictured are Cr Kate McGrath, Breeza Tennis Club’s Alex Norman and Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

ANZAC DAY SERVICES

Gunnedah:

• Dawn service: 5.30am at the Cenotaph, Conadilly Street.
• Mid-morning march and service: march from 10.30am from Marquis Street.
• Official service starts at 10.45am at the Cenotaph.

Breeza:

• 8.30am at the Cenotaph, Kamilaroi Highway.

Curlewis:

• Dawn service 5.15am at the Cenotaph, Hamilton Park, cnr of Goran and Pike streets.
• Mid-morning march and service: meet at Commercial Hotel Curlewis at 8.30am for 8.45am march.
• Official service starts at 9am at the Cenotaph.

Tambar Springs:

• 5.30am service in Memorial Park, Tamba Street.

Premer:

• 11am in town park, cnr of Purlewaugh Road and Ellerslie Street.

For further information please contact the RSL sub-branch on (02) 6742 1603.

ANZAC DAY 2023 TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

Motorists and residents are advised of interruptions to traffic movements on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 due to ANZAC Day Commemorations.

Gunnedah

5am - 6am

• Elgin Street from McDonalds’ driveway to the car park adjacent to the council offices.
• Conadilly Street from Abbott Street to the mid-block, pedestrian crossing in Conadilly Street between Elgin Street and Marquis Street.

10am – 12pm

• Conadilly Street between Marquis Street and Abbott Street.
• Marquis Street between Conadilly Street and Little Conadilly Street.
• Elgin Street between Conadilly Street and McDonalds driveway.
• Conadilly Street from Marquis Street to Tempest Street.
• Chandos Street from Conadilly Street to Little Barber Street.
• Chandos Street from Conadilly Street to Little Conadilly Street.

Curlewis

5am – 6am

• Part intersection of Pike Street and Goran Street, Curlewis.
• Northern (TOP) side of Goran Street from Brown Street to Railway Street.

8:15am – 12pm

• Northern (TOP) side of Goran Street from Brown Street to Railway Street.
• Pike Street between Donaldson Street and Goran Street.
• Small section of Railway Street, adjacent to the Commercial Hotel.

Council apologises for any inconvenience. Any enquiries should be directed to Council’s Customer Service Team on 6740 2100 during business hours.

20 April, 2023

Four local businesses will receive a financial boost under round three of Gunnedah Shire Council’s long-running Business Partner Program.

Council this week approved four applications recommended by the Business Partner Program Advisory Group:

• $5000 for a fuel tank upgrade and soil contamination testing at Carroll Store;
• $4806 for The Croft Fine Dining and Catering towards business promotions and set-up;
• $3000 for The Hen House’s business expansion and advertising; and
• $1000 for Gunnedah Health & Fitness Co to rebrand and relaunch.

Business Partner Program Advisory Group chair Colleen Fuller said it was fantastic to see local businesses moving ahead.

“Gunnedah Shire is thriving and the expansions occurring in our local businesses are exciting to see,” Cr Fuller said.

“The Business Partner Program plays an important role in supporting the growth of this vital sector of our community and Council is pleased to once again support projects that contribute to our Shire.

“Another $13,806 in funds will be distributed to the four successful applicants in this latest round of the program and we look forward to seeing the funds at work in our community.”

Round one of the 2023-24 Business Partner Program will open on 26 May, 2023. For more information on Council’s Business Partner Program, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/business-support/business-grants-funding/item/959-business-partner-program or contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Economy and Growth team on (02) 6740 2100, or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: The Croft Fine Dining and Catering is expanding its business hours to include Thursday nights and Monday to Friday mornings. Pictured are apprentice chef Cooper Williams, The Croft co-owner Warren Thomson and Hilton-trained chef Epeli Vulaserau.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.

20 April, 2023

Fiddes name added to register

The “Fiddes” name will be added to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Naming of Public Infrastructure and Public Acknowledgements Policy in honour of Jack Fiddes for his contribution to the development of Gunnedah’s retail, services and arts sectors.

Council received a request from the Fiddes family for consideration of the Fiddes name. Mr and Mrs Fiddes moved to Gunnedah before World War 2, where Mr Fiddes started duty as company secretary for Storey Pty Ltd, becoming managing director after his return from active service.

He was instrumental in the establishment of the Gunnedah aerodrome and St Andrew's church and manse. He was a keen lawn bowler and cricketer and was involved with the Gunnedah Eisteddfod.

The names will be added to the register but will need separate reports to Council if nominated for the naming of specific infrastructure.

Councillors appointed to grants panels

Gunnedah Shire Council has appointed Councillors to the panels that will assess applications to the 2023-24 Section 356 Small Grants for Community and Sports, and Arts and Cultural.

Councillors Juliana McArthur, Kate McGrath and Rob Hooke have been appointed to the Community and Sports panel, and Councillors Juliana McArthur, Kate McGrath and Rob Hoddle have been appointed to the Arts and Cultural panel.

The Community and Sports panel has been assisting not-for-profit community and sporting groups with projects and events for 18 years, with close to $515,000 in grant funding allocated. The Arts and Cultural program has been in place since 2018 and helps local arts and cultural groups with existing or new projects or initiatives  that help to meet the needs of our growing community, while strengthening cultural identity and connection to place.

Clifton and Kelvin Road updates

Extensive rain in the past six months has delayed both the Kelvin and Clifton road upgrade projects.

Since the $6.18m Kelvin Road upgrade began, there have been 98 wet weather days, limiting the work that could be done on the 11.6km project. Work has, however, continued when possible, and Council hopes to have the project completed by May.

The project is being funded by the NSW Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP) and Fixing Local Roads (FLR) program.

The Clifton Road project has also been impacted by floods and wet weather days. Construction and sealing of the final section on Maitland Street and Bulunbulun Road, Breeza are anticipated to be completed by May.

The second coat seal between Oakey Creek and Round Hill Road has also been delayed by wet weather and is expected to begin following September this year.

The damaged approaches to the Simson Bridge and Breeza bridge are the ongoing subject of the engineering investigation to restore the bridge service and reinforce the abutments and approaches to prevent damage in future events.

Draft Pesticide Use Notification Plan on public exhibition

Gunnedah Shire Council has placed its Draft Pesticide Use Notification Plan on public exhibition for 28 days.

Council is required to prepare a plan to outline how it will notify the community of pesticide applications in outdoor public places under the NSW Pesticide Regulation 2017. Notification is based on the principle that people have a basic right to know when they may be affected by pesticide use to make informed decisions about their contact with pesticides and reduce their exposure to pesticides.

The Draft Pesticide Use Notification Plan will be on public exhibition until Friday, 19 May and is available on Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or at the Council administration centre at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council has appointed Councillors to the panels that will assess applications to the 2023-24 Section 356 Small Grants for Community and Sports, and Arts and Cultural.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100.