23 April 2025

The Draft Gunnedah Shire Development Control Plan 2025 (DCP) is now on public exhibition.

The document provides detailed guidelines for development to complement the objectives and provisions in the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Community and Development Andrew Johns said the new plan was the first major review in 13 years.

“Council was successful in its application for grant funding under Round 2 of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund to develop a new Development Control Plan,” Mr Johns said.

“There are a number of aims of the new simplified plan, including to: define development standards and design guidelines that deliver the right outcomes; to provide clear and concise development guidelines for various forms of development, and to promote high standards of development that provide great planning outcomes.

“The plan also aims to encourage ecologically sustainable development and reduce the impacts of development on the environment, and promote the functional commercial and business area of Gunnedah CBD.

“It will also help ensure growth and development in Gunnedah is inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, and support economic sustainability in the future.”

The Draft Gunnedah Shire Development Control Plan will be on public exhibition until 5pm on Thursday, 22 May, 2025. The draft plan can be viewed here or at the Council Administration Building in Elgin Street.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

23 April 2025

Gunnedah Shire is a warm and welcoming community, and new residents are being asked to learn more about everything our home has to offer at a Welcome Markets on Saturday, May 17.

The Welcome Markets, to be held in partnership with Two Rivers Arts Council as part of the regular May Gunnedah Country Markets, will include market stalls, information stalls, children’s activities and live music.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Community and Development Andrew Johns said the markets were a relaxed and fun way to welcome people to Gunnedah Shire.

“Gunnedah Shire is the great place it is today because of our diversity, our lifestyle and the care for others that there is in our community,” Mr Johns said.

“At the Welcome Markets, new residents can learn about some of the organisations and clubs they might be interested in, and enjoy a little of what makes Gunnedah great.”

The markets will run from 8am to 1pm, and the event will include a free guided town bus tour at 11am and another at 12.15pm.

Council and Two Rivers Arts Council are calling for stallholders who would like to be part of this special market. It is an opportunity for clubs and organisations to join in and provide information.

Expressions of interest are open until Monday, 5 May, and can be filled in here: https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/2025-new-resident-event-stallholder-application/

Caption: The Welcome Markets will be held at Wolseley Park on Saturday, May 17.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

17 April, 2025

Bill to split the Hunter New England Health District

Gunnedah Shire Council will call on the New South Wales Minister for Health to review the performance of Hunter New England Health Services in light of a recent survey conducted by Gunnedah Shire Council.

Council conducted a survey seeking feedback relating to the Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025 to seek community feedback about the move to split the Hunter New England Health District into the Hunter Local Health District and the New England North West Local Health District.

The survey resulted in 72 responses, with more than 83% of respondents describing Gunnedah Shire’s health services as unsatisfactory, with 77.7% believing health services had “somewhat declined” (31.94%) or “significantly declined” (45.83%) over the past five years. 73.61% of respondents said the believed the health district should be split in two.

Council’s call for a review will be accompanied by the results of the survey.

Changes to working groups

Council has endorsed three new faces for the Sister Cities & Friendly Relationships Working Group. Mark Kesby from Rotary Club of Gunnedah West will join as the volunteer group representative, and Prue Kesby and Bill Ashford will join as community representatives.

Community representation on the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group will also be increased to include an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander representative position.

Engineering Design Minimum Standards for Subdivisions and Developments

The Engineering Design Minimum Standards for Subdivisions and Developments is now on public exhibition.

The document sets minimum standards for the appropriate design and construction of infrastructure created as a result of subdivisions – which often becomes Council assets.

It replaces the current Engineering Guidelines for Subdivisions and Developments 2013 with changes to reflect current industry practice, ensure minimum standards are met, ensure a qualified person is preparing the plans, and other changes.

The document will be on display for 28 days until 5pm, Friday, 16 May, and is available on Council’s website or at the Council Administration Building in Elgin Street.

Additional funding priorities sent to be sent to candidates

Council will write to the candidates for the Federal Seat of Parkes outlining a number of funding priorities in addition to the Australian Local Government Association’s Put Our Communities First priorities already supported by Council.

Council endorsed three additional priorities:

1. Increased investment for community aged care services to ensure local providers can remain viable, especially in rural, regional and remote areas
2. $5 million in federal funding towards progressing the Gunnedah Youth Space Master Plan
3. $30 million in federal funding towards progressing the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct Master Plan.

Internal Audit Charter on public exhibition

Council’s draft Internal Audit Charter is on public exhibition until Friday, 16 May.

Under the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Council must adopt an Internal Audit Charter setting out how the Council will exercise its internal audit functions.

This document is available to view on Council’s website, or on request at the Council Administration Building in Elgin Street.

Caption: Council will write to the candidates for the Federal Seat of Parkes outlining a number of funding priorities including the Gunnedah Youth Space Master Plan.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

17 April 2025

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking community feedback on four key documents that detail Council activities for the current term and the 2025/26 financial year.

The Draft 2017-2027 Community Strategic Plan, the Draft 2025/26-2028/29 Delivery Program, the Draft 2025/26 Operational Plan, and the Draft 2025/26 Fees and Charges are now on public exhibition.

Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said these important documents provided a framework for Council to establish priorities and make sure these priorities were reflected in Council’s day-to-day operations and programs.

“The Community Strategic Plan identifies our main priorities and aspiration for the Shire for at least 10 years,” Mr Groth said. “These are in line with our four overall themes, developed in consultation with the community, of: engaging and supporting the community; building our Shire’s economy; retaining our quality of life; and protecting and enjoying our beautiful surrounds.

“Council has elected to endorse the existing plan with a new Community Strategic Plan to be developed next financial year, allowing Council to factor in the results of the Special Rate Variation application once they are known.

“The Delivery Program includes the main activities to be undertaken by Council – with 132 actions. We look forward to working on these actions with our community to help build the future of our Shire.

“The Draft Operational Plan includes the budget and revenue policy for the 2025/26  financial year, and the Draft Fees and Charges contains user charges and fees that are separate to the rates and charges.”

These documents are available for review at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. If you have feedback on the documents on exhibition, please make a submission via the following methods:

• Email council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au with the name of the plan, policy or item in the subject line. Please include your name and contact details.
• Complete an online form via the Contact Us section of Council’s website.
• Post your submission to Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah, 2380 or hand it over the counter at Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

Submissions will close at 5pm on Friday, 23 May, 2025.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

16 April 2025

Young people (aged 12 to 24) and community representatives are being asked to put their hands up for a new Gunnedah Shire Council Youth Working Group.

Councillor Linda Newell, who will be on the working group, said this was a tremendous opportunity for people to help build a great future for young people in Gunnedah Shire.

“We are looking for people from community organisations, agencies, First Nations organisations, as well as community members and young people to apply to be part of this working group,” Cr Newell said.

“The purpose of the working group is to provide a forum for discussion of youth issues, and to provide advice and recommendations on youth matters. It will also be a forum for young people to develop skills in areas including leadership, communication, advocacy, governance and administration, and will partner with other organisations and community members to assist in the delivery of youth programs and initiatives.

“Council is really excited about this new working group, and we would love to see a wide range of members working with us to ensure great outcomes.”

Group members will be appointed for two-year terms, and the working group is likely to meet bi-monthly. Adults must have, or be willing to obtain, a Working with Children Check.

Nomination forms and Terms of Reference are available at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/business/economic-development/working-groups or at the Elgin Street offices. Nominations close at 5pm on Monday, 28 April, 2025.

Further information is available by contacting Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

14 April 2025

NSW Government plans to bolster Tamworth’s water supply into the future should not come at the expense of surrounding communities, including Gunnedah Shire, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said.

Cr Fuller said one of the options being considered as part of the Tamworth Intervalley Pipelines and Off-River Storages Project was construction of a new pipeline and pump stations to transfer water from Keepit Dam to Calala Water Treatment Plan.

“Water security is an essential part of all our communities and we recognise Tamworth’s need for a reliable and sustainable water supply as the region grows,” Cr Fuller said.

“But we must also consider the reliability and sustainability of the Gunnedah Shire community’s water supply – including keeping water in Keepit Dam and not impacting on our agricultural community on the Namoi River.

“Keepit Dam is a critical part of the Namoi River system at the centre of Gunnedah Shire.

“Water NSW’s own Keepit Dam fact sheets note that the dam’s primary use is for irrigation in the Namoi Valley and for town water supply for Walgett. The Namoi also provides the town water for Wee Waa. The water is used for cotton, lucerne, cereals, oilseed, wheat and vegetables – not to reinforce Tamworth’s water supply.

“Keepit is also a beautiful recreation and tourism feature of our Shire and is a popular for boating, fishing, skiing, sailing, camping and many other activities.

“Gunnedah may be lucky enough to have a town supply based on bore water, but as we saw in the last drought, that is not a bottomless source. We must also ensure we look after our own community, our own primary producers and our own water requirements.

“We do not have enough information about this option to be sure it will not impact on our community. None of the recent community and stakeholder engagement activities were held in Gunnedah - they were all held in Tamworth, which has nothing to lose from this proposal.”

Cr Fuller called on the NSW Government to engage fully with all stakeholders – not just those in Tamworth.

Caption: Lake Keepit during the 2020 drought.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

10 April 2025  

The autumn school holidays arrive at an exciting time at the movies, with a colourful collection screening at the Gunnedah Civic’s big screen.

The blockbuster A Minecraft Movie (rated PG) is already drawing big crowds as the popular video game comes to life. A Minecraft Movie stars Jack Black and Jason Momoa and is the story of four misfits pulled through a portal into a cubic world where they must embark on a quest.

Also on the big screen at the movies is Looney Tunes’ The Day the Earth Blew Up (PG), where Porky Pig and Daffy Duck discover that Earth is under threat from a bizarre bubblegum invasion.

Another animated favourite, Dog Man (G), a story by Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey, will screen until Wednesday, April 23.

On May 1, Thunderbolts* (classification to come) begins screening. This Marvel movie features depressed assassin Yelena Belova and a band of misfits. Also coming soon is Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical, filmed live at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane during two special concerts in January 2022.

These movies will screen alongside other movies including The Alto Knights, Andre Rieu’s 75th Birthday Celebration: The Dream, Small Things Like These, and The Amateur.

The Gunnedah Cultural Precinct also has a treat in store for kids five and up when Mr Snotbottom visits on Thursday, 8 May at 11.30am. This is a hilariously disgusting kids’ live show brimming with all the gooey, slimy, yucky topics that kids love. Tickets are $15.50 and are available through www.thecivic.com.au

For younger children, and those who are into books and craft, Gunnedah Shire Library favourites Crafty Creations and Book Buddies will delight littlies. Take a look at Gunnedah Shire Library’s Facebook page for times and booking details.

Mums and Dads – Australia’s most iconic comedy tour is on its way to Gunnedah for some light relief after school holidays.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow will hit the stage at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Thursday, 12 June.

Tickets are available through https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1379835

31 March 2025

A Draft Gunnedah Shire Section 7.12 Contributions Plan outlining levies to applicable developments is now on public exhibition. This Draft Plan replaces the existing 2013 Gunnedah Shire Council Section 94A Contribution Plan.

The Draft Gunnedah Shire Section 7.12 Contributions Plan authorises Gunnedah Shire Council to impose a contributions levy on certain developments that goes towards public facilities and infrastructure.

The rate of levy for development will not change, and developments up to and including $100,000 will not attract a levy. Developments worth more than $100,000 and up to and including $200,000 would incur a levy of 0.5% of the cost of development, and those worth more than $200,000 would incur a levy of 1% of the development cost.

Under previous requirements, developments up to $1 million required a cost summary report, with a quantity surveyor report required on anything above $1 million.

Under the draft plan, works less than or equal to $200,000 will need a cost estimate, those with works more than $200,000 but less than or equal to $3 million will need a cost summary report, and developments over $3 million will require a detailed cost report. These changes have been made to better reflect current market conditions and reduce reporting requirements.

Money collected through levies will be used on meeting the cost of approved public facilities including: the Shared Pathways program; the Gunnedah Memorial Indoor Pool Enhancement; the Poetry Corner Precinct; the Animal Impound Facility; the Memorial Park Cemetery Master Plan; the Open Space Strategy; Community Programs; and Community Infrastructure.

Submissions on the draft plan will close at 5pm on Thursday 24 April 2025. Feedback must be in writing, with submissions addressed to: General Manager, Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 or council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

The Draft Gunnedah Shire Section 7.12 Contributions Plan will be exhibited at Council's Administration Office, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday or can be viewed here.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

March 24, 2025

The State Conservation Area of Bullawa Creek, between Mt Kaputar National Park and the Pilliga Forest, has inspired artworks that will bring the bush into the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery from Friday, April 11.

Mixed media artist Lisa Marple has used her time spent at Bullawa Creek to create an exhibition called #Bullawa Creek Love supported by Arts North West.

Marple, whose art often incorporates pieces from the landscape, including feathers, presents her unique perspective in this wonderfully different exhibition.

Marple’s ethereal work stems from her childhood fascination with using materials from the world around her to create something new.

#Bullawa Creek Love will open at Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 6pm on Friday, April 11 and will continue at the gallery until Friday, May 16.

Art lovers are invited to wear feathers to the opening in keeping with the theme of Marple’s work.