September 1, 2021

Today’s announcement by NSW Health that fragments of the Covid virus have been detected in a sample from the Gunnedah Sewage Treatment Plant is a stern reminder we need to do the right thing, Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

This is the first time the virus has been detected in a Gunnedah sample.

“This is news that no one will be happy to hear, but it is good to get an early warning for our community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is a strong reminder for us to follow the restrictions, get tested if we have symptoms, and to get vaccinated. I can’t emphasise that enough. We have been lucky to date, but we need to take steps to remain that way.

“If you have been hesitant about getting vaccinated, it’s time to stop waiting, come forward and protect both yourselves, your family and your community.

“I know our GP clinics and more recently our pharmacies have been working extraordinarily hard to ensure as many people are vaccinated as possible. They can’t work any harder than they do.

“I hope this will signal to Hunter New England that our community needs more opportunities to get vaccinated. We need Hunter New England Health to provide regular walk-up opportunities for people to get their vaccinations - whatever their age, circumstances or work rosters - to increase our rate of protection. We are still in a vulnerable position in Gunnedah should an outbreak occur.”

Cr Chaffey said Gunnedah’s vaccination rates were rising, with the latest figures (August 27) showing 52.8% of the population in the Gunnedah Shire aged 15 and over had received one dose, while 26.5% were fully vaccinated. The Tamworth figures are 57.4% for the first dose (aged 15 and over) and 30.3% for the second dose.

“This is positive, but the rate of vaccination needs to grow significantly,” Cr Chaffey said.

Hunter New England Health are hosting AstraZeneca vaccination clinics across the Gunnedah Shire on the following dates:

• Curlewis - Saturday 11 September from 9am
• Tambar Springs – Saturday 18 September from 10am
• Carroll – Saturday 25 September from 9am
• Rural Health Centre, Gunnedah – Saturday 16 October from 10am
• Curlewis – Saturday 23 October from 9am
• Tambar Springs – Saturday 30 October from 10am
• Carroll – Saturday 6 November from 9am

Bookings for all clinics are essential. To book, contact Gunnedah Hospital on 6741 8000 on weekdays between 8am and 4pm. GP clinics and pharmacies are also continuing vaccinations and you can contact your doctor or pharmacy for details.

It is also essential that anyone with Covid symptoms is tested as soon as possible. You can visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics for online bookings.

Testing centres are:

• Ochre Health - Gunnedah Respiratory Clinic at Gunnedah Showground. Open Mondays and Wednesdays from 12.30-4.30pm. Bookings can be made via the Ochre website or call (02) 6760 9765. If this clinic is unavailable, you can book at another Ochre Health Boggabri clinic.
• Gunnedah Laverty Pathology Drive-through Clinic at Rosemary Street, Donnelly Fields. Open Monday-Friday 8am to 2.30pm and Saturdays and Sundays 9am to 2pm. No appointments necessary.
• Gunnedah Hospital in Marquis Street, Gunnedah. Open Monday to Friday 2.30-3.30pm. Bookings required, call (02) 6741 8000.
• Ochre Health - Boggabri Respiratory Clinic, Kamillaroi Highway, Boggabri Golf Club. Open Fridays 9am-1pm. Bookings required, call (02) 6760 9765.
• Boggabri Multi-Purpose Service, 3 Wee Waa Street, Boggabri. Open Monday to Friday 11am-12pm. Bookings required. Contact (02) 6749 7000.

For more information about COVID-19, visit or call:

• NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
• Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
• Service NSW COVID-19 Hotline - 13 77 88
• Head to Health - www.headtohealth.gov.au

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

August 27, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council’s “roadmap” for the Shire’s economic prosperity for the next five years is now on public exhibition, and people are urged to have their say.

The Draft Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2022-26 outlines Council’s key priorities for helping build an even stronger and more resilient economy, following consultation with businesses and the community.

Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said a robust and growing economy was the key to a cohesive and vibrant community.

“Our economy is surviving and thriving against the odds,” Cr Chaffey said. “Look at what our community has endured over the years – industry shutdowns, drought, floods and a pandemic.

“The industries and businesses that we have in our Shire are testament to the staying power and the innovation of our people. This economic development strategy is the roadmap that will guide us to even better things.

“In consultation with businesses and industry and the community, we have taken a good, hard look at where the focus should be and where our resources will get the best result. Council cannot build an economy alone, but with a strong plan can work in partnership with other levels of government, the community and business to create greater incentives and opportunities for Gunnedah.

“I urge everyone to have a look at this important document and have your say to help us finalise the strategy.”

The strategy includes 41 actions for Gunnedah Shire under four themes:

• Economic diversification
• Investment in infrastructure
• Supporting micro to medium businesses; and
• Focusing on Gunnedah’s appeal as a great place to live, learn and prosper.

The strategy identifies 10 priority actions to be targeted in the first 12 months:

• Support the establishment of a Processing Precinct and Abattoir
• Investigate interest in the establishment of a working group to explore the concept of a Gunnedah Shire Food Product Innovation Cluster
• Finalise the redevelopment of the Gunnedah Saleyards
• Review the 2015 Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan
• Continue plans to construct the Gunnedah Intermodal Freight Terminal (GIFT)
• Working in collaboration with AusIndustry, investigate the business case for a Gunnedah Business Start-up Program and Workspace
• Support the implementation of a Gunnedah Shire Local Housing Strategy
• Investigate a campaign to attract skilled workers
• Support implementation of the Gunnedah Shire Workforce Plan 2020-24
• Explore the concept of establishing a Country Universities Centre in Gunnedah.

To read the full draft strategy, click here. This document is in draft form only and has not yet been fully formatted. Feedback can be sent to council@infogunnedah.com.au with the subject line Draft Economic Development Strategy.

Submissions close at 5pm on Monday September 27, 2021.

ENDS

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

August 27, 2021

Two preferred names for the new second road over rail bridge were selected by Councillors at Wednesday’s August Ordinary Council Meeting.

Council chose to put forward both an Aboriginal and European name, with the preferred name being the Reginald Talbot and Doc Anderson Bridge.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said Reginald Talbot and Doc Anderson’s outstanding contributions to the community during their lifetimes made them worthy choices.

“There were so many deserving names put forward in the submissions, making this decision a very difficult task,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The two individuals chosen helped shape the Gunnedah we know today and it would be fitting to see their contribution recognised through the naming of the Gunnedah Bridge.

“Reginald Talbot was a Gamilaraay Elder, traditional custodian of the area and founding member of the Red Chief Aboriginal Lands Council. He established the Gunnedah Gunya Aboriginal Corporation and facilitated the Community Development Employment Projects scheme in Gunnedah, helping provide local Aboriginal youth with gainful employment.

“Reginald Talbot was a valued member of many community groups including the National Parks and Wildlife Management Committee and helped form the Gunnedah Min Min Aboriginal Corporation. He is remembered for his dedication to making a better life for his people and was well respected by both the Aboriginal and broader Gunnedah communities.

“Doctor Colin Anderson was a surgeon in World War I and was awarded a Military Cross for his distinguished service. His career as a general practitioner in Gunnedah spanned 47 years from 1920 to 1967, during which he helped to deliver a remarkable 3,500 babies.

“Doctor Anderson was a valued member of many community organisations including the Rotary Club, Show Society, Ambulance Society and Red Cross, and helped to establish the Returned Servicemen’s League in Gunnedah.”

Gunnedah Shire Council will now recommend these names to Transport for NSW for final consideration.

Caption: The Reginald Talbot Bridge and Doc Anderson Bridge was the preferred name for the new Gunnedah bridge.

ENDS

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

26 August, 2021

Seven Gunnedah Shire businesses will benefit from the latest round of the Gunnedah Shire Council Business Partner Program, for projects as diverse as infrastructure expansion to a business and marketing plan.

Chair of the Business Partner Program Advisory Group Cr Ann Luke said $29,000 in funding had been approved for initiatives that met the key criteria of supporting new business opportunities or expanding existing businesses.

“The 17 applications were considered on their merits, with priority given to the projects that clearly demonstrated benefit and economic growth,” Cr Luke said.

“We are looking to support ideas that will have benefits that spread throughout the community, whether that is in terms of new employment or value-adding for other businesses.

“Last year was a special boosted year for the Business Partner Program that  saw more than 65 projects assisted by Gunnedah Shire Council, including an amazing 45 successful applicants for the round dedicated to street beautification and activation.

“This year, we are pleased to be able to continue with our standard Business Partner Program. Our congratulations to the successful applicants. It will be exciting to see these projects get under way at a time when economic resilience is so important.”

The successful applicants for this round of the Business Partner Program are:

• Many Fabrication and Engineering – partial funding for fabrication facility expansion $25,000 which is anticipated to lead to significant new employment opportunities
• Blush and Bloom Skin & Beauty – partial funding for flooring $500
• Bubbles and Bones Pet Grooming (mobile) - partial funding $750
• Haidn Kelly Plumbing – partial funding for an invoicing system $750
• Fogarty Fotos – partial funding for updating old computer infrastructure $750
• Raw Confetti – partial funding for The Daily Collab $750
• Sunburnt Treasures – partial funding for a business and marketing plan $500.

Businesses and organisations that would like to know more about funding available at every level of government can visit the Gunnedah Shire Council Funding Finder at https://gunnedah.grantguru.com.au/

Caption: Successful recipients of the previous round of the Business Partner Program.

ENDS

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

August 25, 2021

Following Gunnedah Shire Council’s closure of waste management facilities for residential services on Monday, the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued updated advice for regional NSW residents without a council kerbside waste collection or access to a Mobile Collection Service.

For these people, leaving home to take waste to landfill is now considered a reasonable excuse.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said he was pleased the NSW EPA had listened to concerns of rural residents and acted quickly to rectify the situation.

“The evolving COVID-19 situation has meant decisions often have to be made quickly and these might not always reflect the reality of the situation on the ground,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Common sense has prevailed and I am glad these essential waste services will continue for those residents without a kerbside collection.

“Waste management facilities across the Shire are now accessible for essential waste services for residents who do not have a Council collection and essential commercial and trade services. All visitors are required to check in with a QR code and must wear a mask at all times.

“I remind the community that this service should only be used if it is indeed essential. If you are unsure, please contact NSW Health or Police for clarification.”

The NSW EPA provides the following advice for community members wishing to attend waste transfer stations, mobile collection services, depots and landfill:

In regional NSW can the community attend their waste transfer station, depot or landfill themselves?

Yes. For people living in regional NSW who don’t have a council waste collection and take their own household waste to landfill, we have advocated on behalf of the regional community and sought clarification from NSW Health. For regional NSW, taking waste to a landfill is a “reasonable excuse” for a person to leave their home. See advice from NSW Health below.

• Under the Public Health (COVID-19 Additional Restrictions for Delta Outbreak) Order (No 2) 2021, everyone in NSW must currently stay at home unless they have a reasonable excuse.  For regional NSW, a reasonable excuse includes obtaining goods and services for the needs of the household, or for other household purposes.  Taking waste to a landfill is a “reasonable excuse” for a person to leave their home.
• Goods and services must be obtained locally unless the services are not reasonably available locally. NSW Health notes that “locally” means within the local government area in which the person resides or, if in another local government area, no further than 5 kilometres from the person’s home and not in an area of concern.  However, if in regional NSW the nearest landfill is not in the LGA and is more than 5 kilometres away, residents in regional NSW are permitted under the current Public Health Order to take their waste to a landfill even if the landfill is located further than 5 kilometres from their home.

We will continue to update this information as the COVID restrictions are changed.

To view the full NSW EPA guidelines, visit https://bit.ly/3j8iQ81. For further information phone Council’s Waste Management Team on (02) 6740 2100.

ENDS

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

August 24, 2021

As lockdown continues across regional NSW, I would like to thank Gunnedah Shire residents for their commitment and support for each other as we adjust to life at home.

By following the restrictions we are giving ourselves the best chance of getting through this quickly, helping to ensure the health of ourselves, our families and our region.

This is a difficult but necessary step in safeguarding our community against COVID-19, and on behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council I thank residents for their understanding as Council services remain closed to in-person visitors during this time.

Council will remain in the orange stage of our COVID-19 response strategy while the stay-at-home orders remain in place. Our teams are still working hard behind the scenes and our friendly Customer Service team is available over the phone on (02) 6740 2100 to assist with any enquiries.

I would also like to pass on my appreciation to the community of Gunnedah for coming out in large numbers for testing and clinic staff for their hard work at this busy time. If you have any symptoms at all, please get tested to help keep our community safe.

Pleasingly sewage surveillance testing has now commenced in Gunnedah, and Council’s Water Services team are working with NSW Health to ensure samples are sent to Sydney for analysis on a weekly basis. We were relieved to see the first test results come back with no detection of virus fragments.

Our focus is quickly switching gears as health authorities look to speed up the vaccination rollout. There are multiple options for obtaining a vaccine here in Gunnedah, with our two local pharmacies now on-board taking bookings Monday to Friday. We have also been working with our State Member and Hunter New England Health to secure local vaccination clinics, which will commence this Saturday and continue over the next few weeks in Gunnedah, Carroll, Curlewis and Tambar Springs.

The vaccine is key to our recovery and is the best way to protect yourself and the health of your family and community. Evidence shows us the fastest way back to life without lockdown is through vaccination, and this is vital for our mental, physical and economic wellbeing.  I urge all residents to contact your GP or pharmacist to book in for your vaccination, or make a booking through NSW Health for one of the upcoming clinics on (02) 6741 8000.

Our business community is also feeling the impact of this lockdown and need our support. Whether it's for meal deliveries, shopping, professional services or some maintenance on your home or place of work, consider how you can support your community and go local first.

And finally, we have been living with restrictions, separated from friends and family for some time now and that can take a toll on our wellbeing. It’s important we continue to take care of one another, check in with our loved ones and ask for help if we need it.

For more information about COVID-19, visit or call:

• NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au 
• Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
• Service NSW COVID-19 Hotline - 13 77 88
• Head to Health - www.headtohealth.gov.au 

ENDS

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

August 14, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is working to ensure the health and safety of the community following NSW Health’s announcement of a statewide one week snap lockdown.

Under the stay at home rules, everyone must remain at home unless they have a reasonable excuse to leave. Reasonable excuses include: shopping for essential items, medical care or caregiving, for essential work that cannot be completed from home and outdoor exercise with a member of your household or one other person. Schools will also move to online learning.

Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said Council has Business Continuity Plans in place for all services and is working to ensure essential services are maintained during the lockdown period.

“Council has moved to the Orange stage of the Coronavirus Response Strategy, under which all non-essential facilities will be closed for face to face services,” Mr Groth said.

“We will still be working hard behind the scenes to deliver our essential services and our friendly Customer Service team will be available over the phone on (02) 6740 2100 to assist with any enquiries.

“We thank the community for their understanding as we work to ensure the health and safety of our staff and residents. Gunnedah is a resilient and caring community and we need to keep looking out for each other and take every precaution during this challenging time.

“We will continue to monitor updates from the NSW Government and provide further information as it comes to light.”

From 5pm today, the following services and facilities will be closed temporarily in line with NSW Health restrictions:

• Elgin Street Administration Building,
• Gunnedah Shire Library,
• Gunnedah Cultural Precinct, including the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Civic Cinema, Town Hall, Smithurst Theatre and meeting rooms,
• Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre,
• Gunnedah War Memorial Swimming Pool,
• Livvi’s Place Playground,
• Public toilets,
• Gunnedah Showground, exceptions apply for drive through medical clinics and exercise in line with restrictions, and
• GoCo offices have closed but staff will continue to deliver essential services.

Gunnedah Waste Management Facility will remain open for essential services with contactless payment only.

For further information about the latest restrictions, health advice and testing clinic locations visit www.health.nsw.gov.au or contact the Service NSW COVID-19 hotline on 13 77 88.

ENDS

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

August, 2021

Work is about to start on Gunnedah’s new $8 million water treatment centre which will meet the Shire’s water needs into the next century.

The new centre will be located along Kelvin Road opposite Gunnedah Airport.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said NSW Health was meeting $7.4 million of the cost of the plant through an agreement to provide a centralised centre that will include the new fluoridation system and a more modern gas chlorination system.

“Over the past five years, Council has been working closely with the state and federal governments to look at the big picture for Gunnedah and improve the overall infrastructure for our residents and for the anticipated population growth over the next 10 years,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Modelling for the new centre has been based on our heaviest days of water usage – in the midst of the drought – and then expanded again to ensure this facility has the capability to deal with the potential demand.

“On behalf of Gunnedah residents, I thank NSW Health for making this new facility a possibility and supporting the health of our community.”

Cr Chaffey said the new plant will allow for consistent water treatment across Gunnedah and Curlewis. It will also allow for the introduction of fluoridation to improve dental hygiene as recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

The contract for the work has been awarded to Newcastle-based Gongues Construction Pty Ltd, the company that completed the award-winning Gunnedah Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade in 2018.

Site preparation will/began in early August and the centre is expected to be completed in about June 2022.

Fast facts:
• The new centre will include two 1 ML concrete reservoirs
• It can treat a maximum of 20 ML per day, and 232 litres per second
• Gunnedah’s peak water usage came at the height of the drought in late 2019, with use of about 15 ML per day

Caption: Plans for the new water treatment centre on Kelvin Road.

ENDS

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

August 9, 2021

This morning NSW Health announced the Tamworth Local Government Area will go into a one week snap lockdown from 5pm today.

Given our proximity and connection to the Tamworth LGA, many of our residents will be impacted by these restrictions and it is important for us all to be on high alert during this time.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s priority is ensuring the health and safety of our staff and residents as we continue to deliver essential services. At this stage our face-to-face services will remain open, however we are encouraging the community to help us reduce in person contact by calling ahead, going online and using contactless payments where possible.

Gunnedah is a resilient and caring community and we need to keep looking out for each other and take every precaution. Recent events have highlighted that even a single case can have far reaching implications, so we must continue to do the right thing, day after day, until this threat eases.

If you have any symptoms at all, get tested to help keep our community safe. Council are working with the NSW Government to increase the availability of COVID testing within the Shire. More information will be available in the coming days and a list of clinics can be found at www.health.nsw.gov.au.

Our experience last year in lockdown has shown us Gunnedah has a stable supply chain and there is no need for panic buying. Taking more than you need will risk leaving our most vulnerable residents without access to essentials.

NSW Health is our guiding source of information at this time, so please follow all government and health directives to help us stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep your family and community safe.

To find out more about Gunnedah Shire Council services, follow Gunnedah Shire Council on Facebook and visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

For more information about COVID-19, visit or call:

• NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au 
• Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
• Service NSW COVID-19 Hotline 13 77 88

ENDS

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

August 4, 2021

This week Gunnedah Shire Council is celebrating Local Government Week and reflecting on the role Council plays in improving Gunnedah Shire as a place to live, work and visit.

Local Government Week, which this year runs from August 2 to August 8, is designed to showcase the wide variety of work councils do in their local communities. This year’s theme, ‘Locally Led,’ explores the important and far-reaching role council’s have as the hubs of their community and as local employers.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said though it was disappointing not to be able to run in person Local Government Week events due to COVID-19 restrictions, the week provided an opportunity to learn about the level of government closest to the community.

“Local Government Week provides a chance for people to discover just how much local government does and how they can become more involved in their own council,” Cr Chaffey said.

“In addition to essential services like roads, waste and water, Council operates a free local library, Visitors Information Centre, Cultural Precinct, provides spaces for community groups, administers grants, delivers aged care services through GoCo and maintains playgrounds and sporting fields.

“We also advocate for the interests of our community in planning matters and other issues that affect local liveability, sustainability, safety and amenity.

“Over the past few years Council has been focussed on building resilience following the drought and COVID-19 pandemic. In late 2018 we partnered with the NSW and Federal Governments to introduce a $3.2 million Community Resilience Program, helping fund 20 community projects and stimulate the economy during the drought.

“Last year we also introduced the Invigorate Gunnedah Community Resilience Business Recovery Package. Valued at more than $2 million, this initiative helped support recovery, rebuilding and revitalisation in the wake of COVID-19.

“I am so proud of our community and our Council, who have used Federal and State funding support wisely on projects that have helped to maintain jobs and keep money pumping through the local economy.

“During Local Government Week we will be sharing more about what Council’s teams have been up to, so check out our website and social pages to read more.”

Fast facts from Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2020-21 year:

• 150 Development Applications determined by Council’s Planning team, including 3 Regionally Significant Developments.
• 4,250 metres of water main replaced or extended in Gunnedah.
• 450 housebound deliveries conducted by the Gunnedah Shire Library team.
• 8,275 transport services conducted across the region by GoCo.
• 732 venue bookings at the Cultural Precinct.
• 8,539 visitors to the Civic Cinema, with 390 kilograms of corn kernels popped.
• Waste into Art was the most popular exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, with $1,050 in prize money awarded.
• The Gunnedah Wastewater Treatment Plant is now fully solar powered during daylight hours, following the installation of a 95 kW generator in 2020.

ENDS

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