July 28, 2021

Gunnedah Shire residents and businesses will soon have improved access to high-speed broadband, with a Gunnedah project being funded through the Federal Government’s Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).

Facilitated by Gunnedah Shire Council, the project will be delivered by Field Solutions Group (FSG), which secured more than $3.9 million in Commonwealth funding to improve broadband coverage across Gunnedah and surrounding villages.

FSG will provide high-speed broadband through a fixed wireless network, comprising of 10 greenfield 45 metre towers and two co-locations.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said improved digital connectivity will be game changing for both residents and industry.

“Improvements to digital connectivity infrastructure will have a significant economic, social and safety benefits. It will allow for greater efficiencies to businesses as well as improved access to telehealth and online education,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Currently, connectivity is the main factor limiting the adoption of technology in agriculture, so these upgrades will open doors for primary producers.

“We will also see a boost to our local economy during the build of project through leveraging of local resources and providers.

 “I’m looking forward to seeing this project progress and generate diverse opportunities across our Shire. I thank our federal member for the funding to get this project off the ground and FSG for delivering the technology.”

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the RCP is part of the Coalition Government’s ongoing commitment to bring the digital economy to the regions, complementing the National Broadband Network and the Mobile Black Spot Program.

“The Regional Connectivity Program is providing targeted upgrades to connectivity in regional areas that need it the most, ensuring that more Australians can access high-speed, reliable broadband and mobile services,” Mr Coulton said.

“I’m thrilled that residents and businesses in Gunnedah will enjoy the benefits and opportunities that improved digital connectivity brings.

“The FSG project will provide the people of Gunnedah and surrounds with access to improved broadband services and data, delivering fast, affordable and reliable connectivity.

“This will help keep our businesses connected, our families stay in touch and mean we can better access health, education and online services on the go.”

Fields Solutions Group CEO Andrew Roberts said he was thrilled to have received funding under the RCP to deliver true broadband solutions for Gunnedah Shire.

“Our community approach to building telecommunications infrastructure is proven to deliver viable and cost-effective connectivity,” Mr Roberts said.

“We look forward to commencing design and construction activities so residents and business within Gunnedah Shire can benefit from enhanced broadband connectivity delivering services to the region.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Gunnedah Shire Council: (02) 6740 2100

Mr Coulton: Sophie Harris 0491 135 852

Fields Solutions Group: 1300 000 488

26 July, 2021

The NSW Government have announced the council elections due to be held on September 4 have been delayed for three months due to the escalating COVID-19 situation.

A new date has been set for Saturday, December 4 2021 and current councillors will continue to hold their civic offices until this time.

Electoral rolls will now close on October 25, with candidate nominations closing on November 3.

For more information visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au

July 23, 2021

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey will write to Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson seeking consultation with the Gunnedah community about the proposed Assisted Dying Bill.

Cr Chaffey’s recommendation to seek consultation was supported by Councillors at Wednesday’s July Council meeting.

“My recommended motion seeks to ensure all residents of the Gunnedah local government area will be afforded the opportunity to gather all relevant information relating to the proposed Bill, and ample opportunity to voice their opinions, in either favour or opposition, prior to Mr Anderson casting his vote on any form of proposed Assisted Dying Bill,” Cr Chaffey told Council.

Independent Member of the NSW Parliament Alex Greenwich has publicly stated his intent to introduce a Bill to the Lower House of Parliament when Parliament returns from its current COVID-19 lockdown.

Cr Chaffey said Gunnedah residents had raised concerns in the past about inadequate community consultation on matters of critical importance.

“I believe consultation needs to be thorough and genuine,” he said.

“The concept of ‘assisted dying’ is one that I know many of our residents have strong views on and I think it’s important that as a Council we advocate for those residents to have the opportunity to be informed and heard.

“The role of a Member of Parliament is to represent the majority views of their electorate. They must be accountable for their decisions and actions to the public. They have a duty to consider issues on their merits, taking account of the views of others.”

Cr Chaffey’s letter calls on Mr Anderson to carry out Gunnedah consultation to include, as a minimum: a Town Hall meeting and information session; an online survey; and a request for written submissions.

ENDS

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

July 22, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has announced more than $47,000 in funding for community and sporting organisations and projects through its annual Section 356 Small Grants Program.

A total of $44,240.77 will go to 16 organisations through the Community and Sports round, and $3,387 has been approved for three organisations through the Access Incentive round.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah Shire Council was proud to be able to make a difference to 19 organisations through the S356 Small Grants program.

“Our community organisations and volunteers play a critical role in making Gunnedah a wonderful community by offering a huge range of services and leisure activities,” Cr Chaffey said. “This program helps support those organisations in the wonderful work they do.

“The 2021-22 Section 356 Small Grants funding will go towards projects as diverse as new barns door for the Emerald Hill Memorial Hall to new rain water tank for the local RSPCA. Organisations as diverse as the Gunnedah and District Aeromodellers Association, Gunnedah Little Athletics and Gunnedah RSL will benefit from this grant funding.”

The Section 356 Small Grant Access Incentives round was part of Council’s Invigorate Gunnedah, a program shaped through community consultation to assist in filling the gaps in Federal and State government support during the pandemic.

The successful applicants for the 2021-22 S356 Small Grants (Community) program are:

• Gunnedah RSPCA - $2127.55 for equipment for the shelter and the supply and installation of a new water tank
• Kelvin Hall Inc - $1234.45 for a new commercial fridge and ladder for Kelvin Hall
• Breeza Progress Association - $5000 for supply and installation of a new shipping container for village storage
• Emerald Hill Hall CWA - $1790 for updates to the CWA Honour Board and Centenary celebration planning
• Gunnedah Rural Museum - $2144.22 for purchase of display cases for museum equipment
• Ooranga Family Mobile Association - $3000 for 2021 Gunnedah Early Childhood Conference
• Emerald Hill Progress Association - $4000 to remove the side wall of Memorial Hall and replace it with two barn doors
• Red Chief Local Aboriginal Lands Council - $4210 for infrastructure upgrades to the façade of Red Chief LALC
• Mary Ranken Childcare Centre - $1000 for the purchase of a laptop for the centre.

The successful applicants for the 2021-22 S356 Small Grants (Sport) program are:

• Gunnedah Physical Culture Club Inc - $1000 for new signage
• Lake Keepit Fishing Club - $1604.55 for outdoor settings for clubhouse verandah
• Gunnedah Little Athletics - $3000 for eight-lane wireless gaming gates for track events
• Gunnedah Working Dog Club - $2500 for purchase of a set of sheepdog enclosures for competition and training
• Gunnedah and District Aeromodellers Association - $3500 for purchase of a shipping container for club storage
• Gunnedah Basketball Association - $4130 for key-operated motor for backboards
• Curlewis Campdraft Club - $4000 for construction of a an office for the club secretary

The successful applicants for the 2021-22 S356 Small Grants (Access Incentive) program are:

• Christ Church Anglican Church - $1601.25 for a disability ramp to the church
• Gunnedah Meals on Wheels - $885.75 for a disability ramp to the front of Meals on Wheels
• Gunnedah RSL - $900 for a new compliant disability handrail to the access ramp at the RSL Club.
Caption: Recipients of a previous S356 Small Grants round.

ENDS

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

July 22, 2021

Council continues cultural groups’ support

Gunnedah Shire Council will extend its support of the Gunnedah Shire Band for another five years.

Council resolved to extend the lease and financial arrangements with the band for a further five years at this month’s ordinary council meeting.

Council also resolved to continue its financial contribution to the Dorothea Mackellar Society for the next five years.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the organisations were an important part of the Shire’s cultural fabric, and Council was proud to continue to support both Gunnedah Shire Band and the Dorothea Mackellar Society.

Council a bronze sponsor for Amazing Enviro Race

Gunnedah Shire Council has thrown it support behind The Amazing Enviro Race to be held in August.

At least two Gunnedah schools are taking part in the Sustainable North West event on August 26 that promotes sustainability through both a virtual and in-school challenge in line with COVID-safe guidelines.

Council will provide $1000 to become a Bronze Sponsor of the event that targets 13-19-year-olds to: educate and inspire; engage students in a unique and challenging way and to show how changes in their behaviour will reduce their carbon, water and waste footprint; and learn about new technologies.

The Mackellar Centre – home to the Dorothea Mackellar Society.

ENDS

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

July 8, 2021

A final call has gone out for stallholder applications for the inaugural Harvest Gunnedah festival.

Harvest Gunnedah will be a feast for the senses, with attendee’s invited to eat, discover and celebrate Gunnedah. The spring event will be held on Saturday, October 2 at the Gunnedah Riverside Racecourse.

Chair of the Harvest Gunnedah Committee, Gunnedah Shire Councillor Colleen Fuller said over 30 businesses had already applied.

“There are a range of businesses from the local area, New England and the Hunter Valley, with breweries, wineries, distilleries and a wide range of food producers joining in the festivities,” Cr Fuller said.

“This is a perfect opportunity for food and beverage producers to showcase their products and expand their client base.

“In May we also announced Paul West of the popular television series A River Cottage Australia as our festival ambassador and this is sure to be a drawcard.

“Stall holder applications close on the 30th of July and we have room for more to join.”

Ideas for stalls include:

• Farm direct produce;
• Jams/chutneys;
• Gourmet foods;
• Street food stands and trucks;
• Patisseries;
• Natural products;
• Wine tasting and sales.

For more information and to register as a stallholder visit www.harvestgunnedah.com. Registrations close Friday July 30, 2021.

The festival has received funding of $17,000 through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, along with $20,000 awarded to the Gunnedah Jockey Club through the Back to the Track program.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

July 7 2021

From July 12, use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses.

QR codes have been placed across our Gunnedah Shire Council facilities and visitors and staff will be required to check in and out when visiting these locations. An alternate option will be provided for those without a smart phone.

The data captured by the Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in is only used for the purposes of contact tracing by NSW Health and is deleted after 28 days.

Thank you for your cooperation and please chat to our friendly staff if you need assistance.

For more information about the latest restrictions, health advice and testing clinic locations please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au.

July 1, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has commenced work on an upgrade to the busy Bloomfield and Henry Street pedestrian crossing, which will be relocated to improve safety and traffic flow.

Council received $297,000 in funding through the NSW and Federal Governments’ Road Safety Program for safety upgrades which include moving the crossing servicing St Mary's College and St Xavier's Primary School.

The works are already underway and involve relocating the existing crossing from the corner of Bloomfield and Henry Streets to further along Henry Street and installation of raised concrete pedestrian blisters with kerb ramps. Footpaths in the surrounding areas will also be widened and stormwater works completed.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said the upgrade will help ease congestion and ensure students have a safe journey to and from school.

“The surrounding school communities have been advocating for this upgrade and it has been great to have both the NSW and Federal Governments’ come on-board with the funding needed to make it happen,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This project is a wonderful example of the community working with all three tiers of government to achieve a great outcome.

“The majority of construction works will be completed before the end of the school holidays, helping to minimise disruption.

“As is standard procedure, signage and traffic management will be in place to ensure the safety of pedestrians, motorists and the team carrying out the works. Please be cautious when school returns as there may be changes to traffic flow and parking availability.”

Final finishing works will be completed by the end of August, 2021.

Caption: The crossing on Bloomfield and Henry Street is being relocated to further along Henry Street.

ENDS

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

July 1, 2021

Last week’s visit from Animal Welfare League NSW proved to be a great success, with 99 local cats and dogs attending the Mobile Vet Truck (MVT) for veterinary services.

Gunnedah Shire Council partnered with Animal Welfare League NSW to bring the MVT to Gunnedah Showground over two days, as part of the ‘Paws Up for Pet Registration’ campaign.

Services offered on-board included free micro-chipping and health checks, as well as discounted vaccinations.

Council Coordinator of Regulatory Services Wade Berryman said it was encouraging to see such a strong interest in animal health from local residents.

“The team at Animal Welfare League NSW did a fantastic job caring for some of our resident’s beloved pets,” Mr Berryman said.

“Over the two days 79 dogs and 20 cats attended the mobile clinic. Interestingly, Rocky was the most popular pet name across both species.

“It is wonderful to be able to provide this service in Gunnedah and it’s been really well received and supported by the community. We will be looking to offer this again towards the end of the year.

“As part of the ‘Paws Up for Pet Registration’ campaign we are also reminding the community that registration is a two step process. If you have recently had your animal micro-chipped, either on-board the MVT or at your local vet, be sure to complete step two and register them through Council or Service NSW.”

All cats and dogs, other than exempt cats and dogs, must be registered by six months of age. Cats should be desexed by four months of age and dogs before they are six months old. Discounted registration fees apply for those who supply a desexing certificate.

For further information about responsible pet ownership, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/everyday-living/pets-animals.

Caption: From left to right -  Susan Crow (Vets Beyond Borders), Karen Chua (Animal Welfare League Vet) Derek Thompson (MVT Coordinator), Toby Jaeger (Council Compliance Officer) and Wade Berryman ( Council Coordinator of Regulatory Services) outside the Mobile Vet Truck.

ENDS

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

July 1, 2021

From July 5, 2021, JR Richards & Sons will be collecting Gunnedah’s kerbside bins as part of the new waste contract with Gunnedah Shire Council.

Larger 240L yellow lid recycling bins have been delivered to households, with collections transitioning from a weekly to fortnightly service. Red lid general waste bins will continue to be collected weekly and, for residents with green lid green waste bins, these will continue to be collected fortnightly, on the alternate week to the recycling bin collection. Unless residents have received notification from Council, their bin collection day will remain the same.

Residents are invited to refer to the information pack included with the delivery of their new recycling bin. The collection calendar and map explaining what week recycling bins will be collected, either Week A or Week B. The transition from a weekly to a fortnightly collection frequency will occur from Monday July 5 (Recycling Collection Cycle Week A). Monday July 12 will mark the commencement of Recycling Collection Cycle Week B.

Also included is a handy Gunnedah Waste Services Collection Guide that reminds residents of the five material types that are accepted in the yellow lid recycling bin:

1. Clean paper and cardboard;
2. Glass bottles and jars;
3. Aluminium cans and foil;
4. Steel cans;
5. Plastic bottles and containers.

Any other materials are considered contaminants and should not be placed in the recycling bin.

All residents are asked to place their empty 120L recycling bin upside down on the kerb for collection with their new recycling bin from Monday July 19.

Residents can download the free Recycle Coach app or click here  for more information related to Council’s waste services.

ENDS

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