1 December, 2021

The receding floodwater is revealing significant damage to Gunnedah Shire’s bridges, roads, footpaths, parks, sporting grounds, causeways and other infrastructure.

Gunnedah Shire Council crews are working tirelessly to attend to damage and allow roads to re-open, but due to the high volume of requests, it will be a long process, and Council is calling for people to remain patient.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the damage to the road network was likely to be significant.

“We are asking for people to be patient as we assess the few thousand kilometres of road that make up Gunnedah Shire’s network,” Mr Bartlett said.

“A huge volume of water has swept over the roads during this natural disaster, and we are working to assess the damage, ensure the immediate safety of our road users, and repair roads as they dry out. This will be a long process, and it will take weeks and in some cases, months.

“We are looking to prioritise roads that have heavy use.

“We would like to thank those who have already reported potential hazards caused by flooding. That information is useful when it is hard for us to reach locations that are isolated.

“If you know of a road that has been damaged, please contact our Customer Service Team on 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au. All requests will be recorded, prioritised and responded to.

Please also keep this information in mind over the coming days and weeks:
• Observe road closure signage and do not attempt to drive on closed roads. You may be liable for any damage caused to the road or to your vehicle.
• Road conditions are subject to change without warning and drivers should travel with caution. Travelling on roads covered with water is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.
• Unsealed roads damage very easily when they are wet and only essential journeys should be undertaken until these roads dry out.

Other helpful information and contacts:
• Flood emergency assistance - State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500.
• Local road closures - Gunnedah Shire Council: (02) 67402100 or https://bit.ly/3nR9Bv2
• Live Traffic NSW: livetraffic.com
• Stormwater drainage information – https://bit.ly/3oOG1FV
• Rural animal and livestock assistance – Local Land Services: lls.nsw.gov.au
• Gunnedah Police: (02) 67429099
• For life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000) immediately
• Local Land Services 1300 795 299

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council are assessing road damage as the floodwaters recede.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

December 1, 2021

The missed kerbside collection from Monday, November 29 due to flooding has been rescheduled for Friday, December 3.

Residents are asked to present their bins on Thursday evening for collection early on Friday.

There are no changes at this stage for Curlewis kerbside collection.

November 27, 2021

If you are isolated by flood waters in the Gunnedah Shire – there is help available.

Gunnedah Shire Council and the NSW State Emergency Service are urging residents to reach out if they are isolated and in need of food, emergency or medical supplies.

“Some people have now been isolated by flood waters for a week, with no certainty about when it will be safe to travel to stock up on supplies,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey.

“Added to the worries about supplies for the family and possible medical conditions are additional concerns about livestock and crops, with this flood coming at a terrible time for those who were about to harvest bumper crops.

“I want to assure people that you are not alone in this. There is help available, and we urge you to contact those who can offer assistance.”

Incident Controller for NSW SES, David Monk, said resupply can be organised for Gunnedah residents who may become isolated during this flooding event.

Mr Monk said residents should call 132 500 to seek assistance with food, emergency and medical supplies, and 000 if the situation was life threatening.

“It’s essential that people not drive through floodwaters where they could risk their own lives and the lives of their passengers,” Mr Monk added.

“The SES is hard at work in Gunnedah and other flood-impacted areas assisting where possible, including registering people who are isolated and who need help. If it’s not safe, stay at home and contact 132 500 if you are in urgent need of supplies.”

Cr Chaffey thanked the SES, other emergency services and all others who are volunteering at this time for the work they are doing throughout the Shire to help keep people safe during this natural disaster.

“Once again, it is a small group of people who give tirelessly of their time and their skills to help us through this time,” he said.

“We would also like to thank the State and Federal governments for officially recognising Gunnedah Shire as a Natural Disaster Area, ensuring assistance will be available for people who have been significantly impacted, and for Council to help our Shire with the recovery.

“Our thoughts are with those who have had their homes, farms or businesses flooded, and those who remain isolated.”

Helpful information and contacts:
• Flood emergency assistance - State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500.
• Weather warnings, rainfall and river heights – Bureau of Meteorology: bom.gov.au or 1300 945 108.
• Local road closures - Gunnedah Shire Council: (02) 67402100 or https://bit.ly/3nR9Bv2
• Live Traffic NSW: livetraffic.com
• Stormwater drainage information – https://bit.ly/3oOG1FV
• Rural animal and livestock assistance – Local Land Services: lls.nsw.gov.au
• Gunnedah Police: (02) 67429099
• For life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000) immediately
• Local Land Services 1300 795 299
• For disaster assistance through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement that may include:
o Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply)
o Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
o Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations
o Freight subsidies for primary producers, and
o Grants to eligible non-profit organisations
o Contact NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

Caption: The Namoi River rising at Gunnedah.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

If you’re enrolled in the Gunnedah LGA and are affected by the floods you can submit an application for a postal vote now.

You can apply online (www.elections.nsw.gov.au/lge21) or contact the NSW Electoral Commission on 1300 135 736 and make an application over the phone.

Postal packs will be dispatched within a day of your application being accepted. If there are delays in your postal vote reaching you, iVote will be available to electors who have applied for a postal vote but have not received their pack in the week before election day.

November 26, 2021

This week Gunnedah Shire has been faced with one of the worst floods in recent years. With more rain forecast, renewed flooding is likely to continue over the weekend and the impacts of this major weather event will be felt for many weeks to come.

On behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council, our thoughts are with those who have been displaced and had homes, businesses and property damaged by significant flooding. Looking back on our experience of drought, it’s difficult to comprehend the deluge of water we are now encountering. We are thinking of those who are facing significant damage to crops so close to what could have been a bumper harvest.

Thank you to the NSW State Emergency Service Gunnedah Unit who continue to coordinate emergency preparation and have responded to many calls for help. Thank you also to those SES volunteers who have travelled to Gunnedah and generously given their time to help our community.

We are grateful for the ongoing work of emergency services and our Council crews who are on the ground monitoring conditions. Multiple rescues from flooded vehicles have been conducted over the past few days and I urge the community to keep safety front of mind and not enter floodwater or drive around barricades.

This extreme weather event is having far reaching impacts on the rural road network, both throughout our entire Shire and broader region. Community safety is paramount and Council is working to prioritise urgent requests and ensure our roads and amenities are returned and working as soon as possible.

However, with more rain on the way it is likely roads in low-lying areas will remain closed for some time while we wait for the water to subside and conduct safety assessments. I thank our community for their understanding and ask that you remain patient as our teams are working through a high volume of requests. Local road closure information can be found on Council's website and for emergency help in floods please contact the SES on 132500.

The Gunnedah Shire community has always shown strength and resilience when faced with hardship and it has been heartening to see people checking on their neighbours, volunteering and donating items to those in need. The impacts of such a major weather event will be ongoing and we need to keep up this support as we look to the recovery phase.

• Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey

Helpful information and contacts:

• Flood emergency assistance - State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500.
• Weather warnings, rainfall and river heights – Bureau of Meteorology: bom.gov.au or 1300 945 108.
• Local road closures - Gunnedah Shire Council: (02) 67402100 or https://bit.ly/3nR9Bv2
• Live Traffic NSW: livetraffic.com
• Stormwater drainage information – https://bit.ly/3oOG1FV
• Rural animal and livestock assistance – Local Land Services: lls.nsw.gov.au
• Gunnedah Police: (02) 67429099
• For life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Caption: The Namoi River peaked near 8.25 metres early Wednesday morning with major flooding.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

Stormwater Drainage Issues: What You Need to Know

Stormwater Issues on Private Property

As a result of Gunnedah Shire’s climate and topography, flooding issues from stormwater can be a common problem for property owners. Flooding and nuisance issues from stormwater can sometimes result in damage to property and distress to residents.

Stormwater is rainwater that runs off surfaces such as lawns, roads, roofs, car park and natural ground surfaces. Stormwater that is unable to enter the underground drainage system will find its natural way to the nearest watercourse via overland flow paths. These overland flow paths are typically natural depressions (that occur through private property), open channels, roadways and public reserves.

Property Owner’s Responsibilities

Property owners have a range of responsibilities, which if carried out correctly, will minimise the threat of stormwater damage in the event of heavy rain:

• You must maintain your roof water drainage, stormwater pipes, gutters, downpipes, stormwater inlet pits and any other components of your approved drainage system on your property in good condition
  and in compliance with any Council requirements.
• You are required to accept natural overflow and from adjoining properties or public land and must not divert, redirect or concentrate the flow from its natural path on to neighbouring properties,
• It is important to note that a downstream property owner cannot erect any type of barrier by way of large walls or closed fencing that interferes with the path of stormwater – if you are downstream, you must accept the ‘natural’ run‐off on to your property.
• Ensuring that all buildings (including sheds) have an adequate storm water drainage system connected to the legal point of discharge (e.g. connected to the kerb and gutter or inter‐allotment drainage system),
• When constructing hardstand areas you must control stormwater in order to prevent it from flowing on to adjacent property. It is preferable to minimise the area of water‐resistant surfaces such as concrete or paved areas and driveways,
• If there is an easement on your property it must be maintained and kept clear of debris to allow the
  natural flow of the stormwater.

Property owners generally need to ensure that roof water and stormwater is drained to one of the following to comply with AS/NZS 3500.3:2003 Plumbing and Drainage Part 3: Stormwater Drainage.

• Council street kerb and gutter
• An inter‐allotment drainage system: or
• Council controlled drainage easement or draining reserve.

When Council May Take Action

Council offers to investigate and take action in relation to stormwater drainage complaints only where it relates to

• the flow of surface water from one property across the common land boundary onto another property, and
  where the following criteria has been met;
• Evidence being produced that substantiates the surface water has caused or is likely to cause physical
  damage to land or building on the other land ; and
• Surface water has been directed to and/or concentrated in a particular area by a man made structure
  or drain; or
• Surface water is the result of defective roof drainage from a building.

When Council Will Not Take Action

Council Officers have the discretion to take no action or are unable to take action in the following circumstances;

• Surface water run‐off occurs only in periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall
• The surface water is natural run‐off from the property or properties above due to the topography and isn’t redirected in any manner
• Surface water is flowing down and/or across existing hard surface areas such as driveways, tennis courts, concrete slabs or paved areas
• The location of an existing dwelling, building or outbuilding impacts on surface run‐off
• The run‐off is from new development work that is the subject of a development consent and has been constructed in accordance with that consent
• The drainage problem involves discharges from defective or blocked private inter‐allotment drainage easement infrastructure e.g. pipes and drainage pits. Note: private inter allotment easements are the responsibility of the property owners who are burdened by and/ or benefited by the easement.

How to Report a Stormwater Drainage Issue

If you are experiencing stormwater issues as a result of stormwater being directed onto your property, you
may contact Council via email to report your concern (council@infogunnedah.com.au)

When reporting a stormwater drainage issue on private land, please include the following information;

• Describe what is occurring
• When did it occur and the frequency of occurrence
• What is the source on the neighbouring land that I causing the problem
• Take photos of the stormwater problem that is occurring
• Whether you made contact with Council about the issue previously
• Describe how your land and/or building are being damaged. (if possible include a written report from a suitably qualified person stating the land or building is likely to or is being damaged)
• Whether you obtained professional advice as to the source of the stormwater issue
• Whether you liaised with your neighbour to address this matter

Natural Flow/Sloping Blocks

Natural flow is the flow path down the slope following the contours of the land and occurs before any excavation, development or building. An upstream property owner cannot be held liable merely because surface water flows naturally from their land on to the lower land of a neighbour.

The upstream property owner may be liable if the water is made to flow in a more concentrated form that it would naturally flow. Ideally, runoff should be directed to the street, or to a drainage system if provided. Property owners need to be aware that landscaping can change the topography of a property and the way it distributes water.

Council is unlikely to investigate stormwater complaints involving the natural flow of stormwater from one property to another.

Buildings Currently Under Construction

Complaints about buildings under construction that are subject to a current building approval should, in the first instance, be referred to the responsible Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) or the builder.
The details for the Principal Certifying Authority and Builder should be visible on the building sign on the front of the premises.

The individual builder remains responsible for all stormwater installations permitted under the development consent whilst the building is under construction. In the event of a complaint, the PCA has enforcement powers and must take appropriate action under the legislation.

Seepage Water

Seepage water is the responsibility of individual property owners. Where sloping blocks have been excavated to obtain in a flat yard or building site, seepage drains should be constructed to collect and redirect water to an approved stormwater drainage.

You should liaise with neighbours to address any problems. If possible, drainage easements can be created to direct water to a Council stormwater drainage system.

Localised Overland Flooding

Localised overland flooding may occur when one or more of the following happens:

• The amount of rainfall exceeds the design capacity of the stormwater and roof drainage system
• Private inlet pits and pipes are undersized or become blocked
• A building or a fence is obstructing the overland flow path

You can be held liable for damages if changes on your property increase flood levels and associate risk on an adjoining property.

Drainage Easements

A drainage easement is a legal encumbrance on the title of a property to provide Council with the authority to carry out whatever works are required on drainage infrastructure within the easement. The infrastructure can include open drainage channels, below ground pipe systems and grated inlets that are designed to accept allotment and roof water together with larger upstream catchment stormwater flows.

Generally, no structures or improvements (such as dwellings, buildings and landscaping treatments including earthworks, retaining walls and fill) are permitted within the easement boundaries.

The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of an easement on private property. Council is not responsible for vegetation maintenance, including the clearing of weeds and trees or any other maintenance of
overgrown vegetation, to watercourse or easements located within private property. However, Council may carry out maintenance work to stormwater drainage infrastructure located within drainage easements on private property, as deemed necessary, to ensure the efficient operation of the system.

Disputes Resolution

If you wish to formally manage dispute resolutions, you may consider contacting the Community Justices Centre. The Centre offers free advice and mediation services and can be contacted on 1800 990 777 or through
their website www.cjc.nsw.gov.au 

Who Can I Contact If My Property Is Flooding?

For emergency help in flood events, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.

November 18, 2021

Following the prolonged drought during 2018-2019, Gunnedah Shire Council is reviewing the Gunnedah Shire Drought Management Plan and seeking community feedback about water conservation measures.

Council Director of Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the review will be based on previous experience of drought events, as well as experience from across the water industry.

“Gunnedah Shire's water table has recovered well following the drought and while it is unlikely restrictions will be reintroduced in the foreseeable future, the updated plan will ensure our Shire is well prepared should we encounter drought again,” Mr Bartlett said.

“As part of the review of the Drought Management Plan and following community feedback, Council is looking at the times permitted during the day when fixed hoses, sprinklers, sprays are micro jet sprays are permitted to be used, should we move to Level 1 restrictions in the future.

“Currently under Level 1 restrictions fixed hoses are banned, except between the hours of 6-7am and 6-7pm.

“While only two hours of fixed hose use is permitted under Level 1, there is flexibility to modify these hours so they occur in a two hour block either during the morning or evening, or remain split in one hour blocks.

“We won’t be able to please everyone, but I encourage all residents connected to town water to complete our short survey to ensure their preference is considered."

The options included in the survey are listed below. Alternate times are also provided to account for daylight savings.

• One 2 hour block 5-7pm Eastern Standard Time (6-8pm Daylight Saving Time)
• One 2 hour block 7-9am Eastern Standard Time (6-8am Daylight Saving Time)
• Two 1 hour blocks 8-9am and 5-6pm Eastern Standard Time (7-8am and 7-8pm Daylight Saving Time)
• Stay the same (two 1 hour blocks 6-7am and 6-7pm in both Eastern Standard and Daylight Saving Time)

The survey takes two minutes to complete and is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/gunnedahwatersurvey 

Physical copies will be provided in the upcoming Water Instalment Notice. Once complete, please return to Council’s Elgin Street Administration Notice.

Survey closes on December 12. For further details about current water conservation measures, visit https://bit.ly/3nuXeUk.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

November 16, 2021

November is Asbestos Awareness Month and Gunnedah Shire Council is supporting the annual campaign to warn homeowners, renovators, tradies, property managers and farmers of the dangers of asbestos.

With one-third of Australian homes containing asbestos, this year the Asbestos Awareness campaign is focussing on renovating safely, after an increase in home renovations being undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council Waste Manager Sheridan Cameron said there is no safe level of exposure, and waste materials containing asbestos must be disposed of properly.

“Prior to commencing work, renovators should complete an asbestos safety check and may need to engage a licenced removalist,” Mrs Cameron said.

“To support residents to identify asbestos-containing material and assist with safe management or removal, Northern Inland Regional Waste are providing free Household Asbestos Testing Kits.

“These kits are available for collection at the Council Administration Building in Elgin Street and from the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility on Quia Road. Kits are limited to one per household and are not designed for commercial use.

“For those needing to dispose of asbestos at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility, you must arrange a booking by calling (02) 6742 3943. Anyone transporting and disposing of 100kg of asbestos waste in NSW must use the Waste Locate tracking system and have a valid consignment number.”

For further information and to view Gunnedah Shire Council’s Asbestos Management Policy, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/environment/public-environmental-health/asbestos.

Caption: The Asbestos Awareness Campaign is running throughout November.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

November 12, 2021

This Christmas, the gift that keeps on giving is a Gunny Money gift card.

The gift card program has already injected more than half a million dollars into the Gunnedah Shire economy, ensuring that money is spent at local businesses who are registered with the card.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the Gunny Money gift card initiative was the perfect way to buy local this Christmas.

“Last month alone, people bought more than $130,000 worth of Gunny Money gift cards,” Mr Johns said.

“That’s spending that goes straight back into local businesses, local employment and local people. It’s just what Gunnedah needs after two years of disrupted trading due to COVID-19.

“Gunny Money gift cards also make a really thoughtful gift. They can be redeemed at more than 100 outlets in Gunnedah, from hair and beauty salons to hotels, and automotive and agricultural outlets to the cinema. There’s something for everyone.”

Gunny Money gift cards are also a popular choice for teacher presents, staff bonuses and incentives, staff Christmas presents and raffle prizes.

Gunny Money gift cards can be purchased at:

• Why Leave Town: www.whyleavetown.com/purchase-online
• Gunnedah Shire Council
• Enchanted on Conadilly
• Gunnedah Newsagency
• The Verdict Café
• Goodness & Gracious
• Gunnedah Locksmiths
• Karen Carter Chemist

People who have received a Gunny Money gift card are also encouraged to spend their cards this Christmas – either on something for themselves, gifts for their loved ones, maybe a turkey for the festive season, or even to pay bills such as vet bills or rates.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

November 12, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council Events & Engagement Officer Madeline (Maddy) Buhagiar has been awarded a scholarship for a Diploma of Event Management in partnership with industry body Meetings & Events Australia (MEA).

Maddy is among 18 regionally based students selected by a panel of representatives from the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, MEA and the six Destination Networks.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said Council was delighted Maddy had been selected.

“We are proud that Maddy, supported by her manager Cultural Precinct Team Leader Jacinta Cipolla, has been given this opportunity,” Mr Formann said. “This is not only great for Maddy and Council, but for our community, which will benefit from the skills she will learn.

“As our Events and Engagement Officer, Maddy develops and delivers community events, and with a broader skills base and the most up-to-date learning, she can provide even more support to helping grow Gunnedah as a vibrant Shire.”

Maddy, who has worked at Gunnedah Shire Council for three years, said she looked forward to building on her events management skills.

“This is a great opportunity and I’m excited to expand our horizons through this MEA qualification,” Maddy said. “I am really enjoying my role in events management and would like to thank the MEA, the NSW Government, Destination NSW and Gunnedah Shire Council for making this possible.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said  the scholarships would help stimulate business events in regional communities.

“The business events sector presents a major opportunity for the visitor economy, particularly for regional NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

“We know that the best way forwards is to help to create more jobs and these scholarships will do exactly that – giving people the tools and extra support needed to kickstart their careers.

“I congratulate the 20 scholarship recipients who are already making valuable contributions to their local communities and wish them every success as they begin their diploma studies and continue their journeys in the events sector.”

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council’s Events and Engagement Officer Maddy Buhagiar has been selected for a Diploma of Event Management Scholarship.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.