Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
June 29, 2021
Gunnedah Shire Council is reminding the community to be vigilant in light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Greater Sydney.
On Saturday, June 26, the NSW Government introduced restrictions in regional NSW that are expected to be in place until at least Friday, July 9. The restrictions mandate the wearing of face masks in public indoor spaces and a return to the one person per 4m2 rule in venues.
The restrictions mean masks must now be worn while visiting the following Council facilities:
- Elgin Street Administration Building;
- Gunnedah Shire Library;
- Gunnedah Cultural Precinct – Visitor Information Centre, Civic Theatre, Smithurst Theatre, Town Hall and Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre;
- GoCo offices in Gunnedah, Tamworth and Barraba;
- Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex – spectators and instructors will be required to wear masks at all times, as well as participants who will not be submerged as part of their activities.
A stay at home order has also been issued for Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour until Friday July 9. Anyone who has visited the Greater Sydney region on or after June 21 must follow the stay-at-home orders for a period of 14 days after they left Greater Sydney.
Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey has thanked residents and businesses for quickly adjusting to the new restrictions.
“Thank you to the community of Gunnedah for your patience and continued compliance during what has been a challenging 18 months,” Cr Chaffey said.
“At this time all Council services will remain open, however masks must be worn indoors and some venues will be operating with reduced capacity limits. I encourage community members to check signage before entering venues and to follow the directions of staff.
“This latest outbreak has reminded us that anyone with any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, should get tested. Options for testing include a clinic at the Gunnedah Hospital and drive-through clinics operating on certain days at Laverty Pathology and Gunnedah Showground. Visit the NSW Health website for the full list of testing locations and operating hours.
“It’s also crucial at this time to continue to support our local businesses. These new restrictions have impacted our hospitality venues in particular, please ensure you continue to shop local and support our great cafés and restaurants.
“We need to remain vigilant, look after each other and keep up the good work in helping prevent the spread of this virus.”
For information about changes to Gunnedah Shire Council services, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/gunnedah-shire-covid-19-advice. For health advice, case alerts and testing clinic locations visit www.health.nsw.gov.au.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
Due to the recent COVID-19 cases identified, NSW Health has updated capacity limits and introduced face mask rules which came into effect on Saturday June 26 at 6pm and will last until at least Friday July 9.
The following Council facilities will require all visitors to wear a face mask indoors as a condition of entry:
- Elgin Street Administration Building
- Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex – mask required in the complex including change rooms and pool side. Swim instructors and those not getting their face wet will be required to wear a mask while in the pool;
- Gunnedah Shire Library;
- Gunnedah Cultural Precinct – Visitor Information Centre, Civic Theatre, Smithurst Theatre, Town Hall and Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre;
- GOCO- on the Go Community Care offices in Gunnedah, Tamworth & Barraba.
Remember if you’re feeling unwell please stay home and arrange a COVID-19 test. To keep up to date with COVID-19 information and restrictions visit NSW Health: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/what-you-can-do-nsw
We will continue to review and adjust these measures as the COVID-19 situation develops.
Non-residents of the Gunnedah Shire are permitted to enrol and vote in the September 2021 local government elections if they meet eligibility criteria and submit the necessary forms to Gunnedah Shire Council.
You are eligible to vote as a non-resident in a council area if you are:
- an owner of rateable land in the council area, or
- an occupier or rate-paying lessee of rateable land in the council area.
Non-residential rolls are prepared and certified by each council's general manager, and the NSW Electoral Commissioner must confirm that the voters listed are eligible for enrolment on the non-residential roll. However, you are responsible for checking that you are eligible for inclusion in the non-residential roll for a council when you make an application.
You can apply to be included on the non-residential roll of another ward or council area by contacting the local council office or visiting their website.
To enrol to vote as a non-resident, please complete and submit the applicable form below. Submissions close July 26, 2021.
Form - 2021 Local Government Elections - Non-residential roll - joint-corporate-trustee owner
June 21, 2021
Gunnedah Shire Council has released a new School Holiday Program packed with a variety of activities the kids will love.
The winter program runs from June 28 to July 9 and features everything from speed and agility training, a juggling workshop to how to master the basics of chess.
Council Manager of Customer and Community Relations Charlotte Hoddle said the program offered plenty of opportunities to try something new.
“The winter program has lots of options for kids to hone their sports skills, with a speed and agility clinic, basketball, netball and tennis workshops, as well as water sports at Lake Keepit,” Ms Hoddle said.
“Cultural activities include an improvised comedy and drama skills workshop with actor Alastair Tomkins, a juggling and rhythm workshop, chess for beginners and an open day at the Gunnedah Conservatorium.
“We are pleased to bring back the Sydney Puppet Theatre to Gunnedah performing the acclaimed show Oh, Rats! - I hope the subject is not too familiar given the mouse plague we have been experiencing. Following the performance, the puppeteers will host a workshop where attendees can design their own puppet and shape a voice and storyline for their character.
“The Civic Cinema will be hosting two fantastic $10 holiday movies, with a screening of Spirit Untamed at 10:30am on July 1, and Moonbound at 10:30am on July 8.
“I also encourage families to consider a trip to Gunnedah Shire Library, where staff have organised fun activities for children of all ages over the break.”
The full program is available here. Bookings can be made online at www.thecivic.com.au or in person at the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
June 23, 2021
From July 1, 2021 the lodgement of Development Applications, Construction Certificates and Complying Development Certificates will be transitioning to an online platform, as part of a mandatory integration with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Planning Portal.
The state-wide move to the new platform follows amendments made last year to the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director of Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the changes will help create a more streamlined process for the long term.
“The move to this innovative digital platform will enable our Planning and Development team to support you in your application by ensuring effective planning and timely decision making,” Mr Johns said.
“The new portal allows for planning applications to be submitted online, anywhere and at any time. Applicants will now have greater flexibility and will be able to view the progress of their submission in real time. Community members can also access the portal to see what developments are proposed in their area.
“The Planning Portal is already in use and is fully integrated with Council’s systems, so you can register, login, lodge and track your application online.
“Council will still be assessing and managing these applications and we are here to help with the online transition. Our planning team are available to guide prospective applicants through the process, so if you need assistance please reach out.”
These changes mean Council can no longer accept physical or emailed applications and are unable to place applications on the portal on behalf of developers and the community. Applicants will now be directed to the NSW Planning Portal for the following applications:
- Development applications,
- Modifications of development consents,
- Review of a determinations,
- Construction certificates,
- Subdivision works certificates,
- Occupation certificates, and
- Subdivision certificates.
The NSW Planning Portal can be accessed at www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au. To contact Council’s planning team phone (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
June 22, 2021
Following the success of the inaugural NightQuip in 2019, Gunnedah Shire Council is welcoming back the Night Markets in 2021. NightQuip offers a vibrant evening of music, food and late-night shopping on Tuesday, August 17.
Held on the first night of AgQuip, NightQuip was established as an annual occurrence after the successful 2019 event saw an estimated $250,000 flow to the Gunnedah economy. The event is returning after a forced hiatus in 2020 due to the cancellation of AgQuip.
At last week’s Council Meeting, Council voted to redirect funding of $10,500 to the event to fund the closure of Conadilly Street. Attendees of the 2019 event recommended the street be closed for future markets to accommodate more vendors and entertainers.
Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said the event would feature everything from hand-made goods and food, to the products of main street retailers.
“NightQuip 2019 had an awesome atmosphere and added to both the fun and the economic opportunities that AgQuip brings to Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.
“These markets will invigorate our night time economy during AgQuip by drawing people into the main street, giving our local businesses a chance to shine.
“I encourage our business community to get involved in NightQuip either by extending trading hours, putting on special offers or as a market stallholder. This will be a great opportunity to capitalise on the many visitors we have in town during Ag Quip – and bring a sense of the festival atmosphere into the centre of Gunnedah.
“This event is fast becoming one of the highlights of AgQuip and certainly something to mark in the calendar.”
NightQuip 2021 will be held on Tuesday, August 17 from 5:30 to 8:30pm along Conadilly Street.
Council is seeking a variety of local market stallholders and entertainers to help make the event a success. The stallholder registration form is available here.
Caption: The inaugural 2019 NightQuip Night Markets proved to be a hit for the whole family.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
June 18, 2021
Gunnedah Shire Council’s previous waste contract is coming to an end, and changes will be made to Gunnedah’s residential kerbside bins and servicing. The changes are set to take effect from Monday July 5, with JR Richards & Sons collecting all kerbside bins as part of the new waste contract with Council.
Rollout of a new 240L yellow lid recycling bin has commenced, replacing the current 120L recycling bin.
Due to the larger bin size, the collection of recycling bins will transition from a weekly to a fortnightly service with Recycling Collection Week A commencing from Monday July 5. Monday July 12 marks the commencement of Recycling Collection Week B.
Red lid general waste bins will continue to be collected weekly. For residents with a green waste service, these bins will continue to be collected fortnightly, on the alternate week to the recycling bin. Unless residents receive notification from Council, their bin collection day will remain the same.
Residents will receive an information pack with the delivery of their new recycling bin, which includes a collection calendar, and map that explains the recycling collection week, either Week A or Week B as well as a handy Gunnedah Waste Services Guide.
Residents can also check their bin day by downloading the free Recycle Coach App and inputting their address when the new collection begins on July 5.
The changes will affect all residents in the Gunnedah Shire Council local government area who have a kerbside collection service. For further information, visit https://bit.ly/3wDU7N0.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
June 18, 2021
Gunnedah Shire Council has adopted the final year of its Operational Plan including a record program of capital works worth more than $47 million.
The Draft 2017-2022 Delivery Program and 2021-22 Operational Plan was adopted at the June Council Meeting following a public exhibition period that closed last month.
The postponement of the 2020 NSW Local Government Elections required an additional year be added to Council’s four-year delivery program.
Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the document heralded an outstanding 12 months for Gunnedah Shire.
“This is a very practical plan for the 2021-22 year, setting out a clear direction for growth against all odds,” Cr Chaffey said.
“Now that the Operational Plan has been adopted, Council can go forward to progress the record $47.2 million worth of projects it outlines, including $16 million towards the Saleyards Redevelopment and Upgrade, $7.5 million for Rangari Road, $6.2 million for Kelvin Road, $4.8 million for the Clifton Road upgrade, and $1.2 million for the replacement of Orange Grove Road Bridge.
“Together, the Delivery Program and Operational Plan will help deliver the community and Gunnedah Shire Council’s shared vision for the future. We will continue to build a strong and sustainable Gunnedah Shire, and provide the leadership our community deserves.”
Council received two submissions from the public about the document which were taken into consideration during discussion of the recommendation at the Council meeting.
The 2017-2022 Delivery Program and 2021/22 Operational Plan includes the budget for the 2021/22 financial year as well as the rates, fees and charges set by Council each year.
Caption: The $16 million redevelopment of the Gunnedah Saleyards is part of Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2021-22 Operational Plan.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
June 18, 2021
Gunnedah Shire Council has celebrated success at the 2021 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards, held in Sydney on June 3. The annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements and promote innovation and continuous improvement within NSW local government.
Council Payroll and Accounting Officer Kayla Smith was nominated in the Professional Development category and was awarded Dux of the Finance in Local Government One Week Intensive Course.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Cr Jamie Chaffey congratulated Kayla on her achievement.
“This achievement is testament to Kayla’s talent and commitment to her work at Gunnedah Shire Council,” Cr Chaffey said.
“This is reflective of the great culture and opportunities for career growth we have here in local government.”
Kayla was born in Gunnedah and first started at Council in 2016 as a Customer Service Trainee. She has since progressed to roles in Council’s Finance team as a Financial Accountant and her current position of Payroll and Accounting Officer.
Kayla said working in local government had opened up opportunities to develop both professionally and personally.
“The Finance in Local Government course was a fantastic opportunity to build my skills and connect with finance professionals from Council’s across NSW,” Ms Smith said.
“I am supported by a great team of people here at Council and I’m excited to see where my career in finance will take me.”
Gunnedah Shire Library was also represented at the awards ceremony, having been nominated in the category of Special Project Initiative – Population under 100,000 for their work in championing the Panorama Booklet project.
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council payroll officer Kayla Smith received her award from Lyndy Philpot, Chair of the Finance Professionals Member Network Executive.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
June 17, 2021
Council supports memorial project
Gunnedah Shire Council will support a move to create a lasting memorial to World War I nurse Annie Egan. Annie was born on August 22, 1891, and lived at Emerald Hill after her family moved to the property “Rosewood” from Gundagai.
Annie contracted Spanish flu while nursing soldiers with the Australian Army Nursing Service and died on December 3, 1918, at the age of 27. Annie, a Catholic, was refused the Last Rites. This caused national outrage and clergymen were then permitted into the hospital.
She was buried with full military honours at North Head’s Third Quarantine Cemetery in NSW.
Council has approved a request to provide in-kind support for the installation of a memorial plaque for Annie beside the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum and hold a civic reception to mark its opening.
New Council remuneration rates set
Councillor and Mayoral fees will be updated in the 2021/22 financial year in line with the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.
The tribunal has awarded an annual fee increase of 2 per cent to come into effect from July 1, 2021. The increase was approved at the June Council Meeting this year and will take the annual Mayoral allowance to $27,060 and Councillor fees to $12,400 a year.
Council prepares for clearer broadcasting
Gunnedah Shire Council will be looking at improved audio and video broadcasting for meetings in the Council Chambers following an approved budget allocation this week.
A report to Council noted that video conferencing provisions had become more mainstream and webcasting of Council meetings had become “the new normal” since the start of COVID-19. Instead of renewing the current audio equipment, Council voted to make an additional funding allocation to provide clearer broadcasts from the Chambers to make the meetings more accessible to Gunnedah Shire residents.
Support for village upgrades
Gunnedah Shire Council has endorsed a recommendation to seek Crown Reserve Improvement Fund grants for three village projects.
Council will submit an upgrade to the Mullaley Park toilet block, the Carroll Park toilet block and the Hamilton Park boundary fence at Curlewis for grant funding.
The Crown Reserve Improvement Fund, along with other funding programs, has helped implement significant infrastructure upgrades at the Gunnedah Showground over the past two years, including a new rodeo arena, new main arena lighting, upgraded amenities buildings and a new kitchen for the Griffiths pavilion.
Caption: The Annie Egan Memorial will be constructed beside the Gunnedah Water Tower Museum in Anzac Park.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
