22 June 2018

Councillors unanimously adopted Gunnedah Shire Council’s 2018/19 Operational Plan at Wednesdays Ordinary Meeting in Breeza.

The Operational Plan forms part of the ten-year Community Strategic Plan (CSP) and identifies the services and activities that are to be carried out by council over 12 months in the Gunnedah Shire.

Included in the Operational Plan is the annual budget and Fees and Charges.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey looks forward to delivering on the community’s vision for the Gunnedah Shire.

“We continue to deliver a number of significant and positive outcomes for our community and we are confident that in the year ahead, we will complete this work and realise our community’s vision for the Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The past 12 months were a successful and defining year of significant achievements for the Gunnedah Shire and its residents and 2018/19 is shaping up to be another year full of substantial delivery.”

Significant activities in the 2018/19 Operational Plan include the Memorial Pool Complex Upgrade, the completion of the Curlewis Pipeline Project, Gunnedah’s Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground and a range of infrastructure projects.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s General Manager Eric Groth said it is important to have an Operational Plan that ensures Council can maintain services and renew existing assets, including future infrastructure projects.

“The revised Delivery Program and this year’s Operational Plan again demonstrates our ongoing commitment to getting value for money and delivering quality services for the community of the Gunnedah Shire,” Mr Groth said.
 
Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey and General Manager Eric Groth look forward to delivering on the 2018/19 Operational Plan.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

22 June 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council received a project update at Wednesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting at the Breeza Hall, outlining key milestones on the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex Upgrade, with the dates set for the heated pool enclosure refurbishment.

Improvements to the Eric Arnold Heated Pool enclosure will commence from 23 July 2018 as part of the scheduled works. The work will involve a complete refurbishment of the existing amenities and replacement of the sanitation and filtration plant that services the 25-metres heated pool.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Special Projects Manager Michael Silver said patrons are still encouraged to use the facility as the heated pool will remain open for much of this period, while the male, female and access amenities are refurbished.

“The heated pool will be closed for installation and commissioning of the new filtration plant from Monday, 12 September until Friday, 5 October, with final works completed by October 8,” Mr Silver said.

The modernisation of the existing change facilities will bring a fresh look for regular users and visitors. 

“Upgrading the heated pool enclosure forms parts of stage 1a of the overall master plan for the complex and was identified by the community as an area needing improvement. The upgrade works will significantly improve the heated pool water quality and the amenities for patrons,” Mr Silver said.

The update also noted challenges with retention of the existing basement structure of the Main Pavilion that have led to a revised contract completion date of 22 November 2018.

Mr Silver said despite this delay, significant progress is being made on the Main Pavilion with the concrete floors being poured this week and preparations for the floor slab for the new Plant Room well advanced.

“We will continue to keep the community informed on the progress of the pool with regular updates and we are hoping to host an Open Day soon where community members can see the development first hand,” Mr Silver said.

Photo caption: Eric Arnold Heated Pool enclosure is receiving a facelift.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

19 June 2018

Gunnedah’s title as Koala Capital of the world will be cemented for the future as $6.48 million for a world-class Koala Park and Education Centre was earmarked for the project in the state budget.

The news was announced today by Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, on the back of the state budget for 2018/19 through the Regional Social Benefit Infrastructure Fund.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the funding success comes as welcome news for the tourism, economic development and education sectors.

“During consultation for the 10-year Community Strategic Plan (2017-2027), the community and Council identified the need to look forward and plan for the future,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Council put a strong case forward for this project and today’s announcement is not only a relief but an exciting opportunity, with the Koala Park and Education Centre to provide jobs and a positive economic impact on the community.

“Thank you to the Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson for backing this project - it is a testament to what we can achieve when levels of government work together.”

Director Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said Council began the process for applying for grants through the NSW Government in August 2017.

“This announcement is significant for our Shire and will be the birth of a new industry in Gunnedah, bringing both jobs and conservation to the Koala Capital,” Mr Formann said.

“Gunnedah has created a brand as the Koala Capital of the World and it will be exciting to retain this status into the future.”

Photo caption: Gunnedah on the way to a Koala Park and Education Centre.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey (02) 6740 2100.

18 June 2018

Community members, businesses and organisations are invited to share ideas about the future of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund (GCSF).

The ‘Big Ideas Session’ run by the GCSF Working Group will ask people to bring forward ideas on how to fundraise effectively to ensure the continuation of the Fund.

GSCF is a community-run initiative that is designed to give financial aid to students in Gunnedah that are looking to further their tertiary education after the HSC.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong said the Fund has been an integral part of many students’ lives for over 14 years, giving them a financial boost and allowing them to further their education.

“The Big Ideas Session will open a platform for people in the community to bring forward suggestions about continuing the financial support of the Scholarship Fund,” Ms Emojong said.

“Gunnedah has so many talented young people, and by engaging the wider community on the future fundraising possibilities, we hope to get more people involved and excited about education past High School.”

Ms Emojong said many students that go away for tertiary education come back to town, enhancing local skills and creating more exciting job opportunities.

“Businesses, organisations and the whole community can benefit from these students returning to the Gunnedah Shire, so we encourage everyone to attend to have input on how the program can grow.”

Twenty-two students received a share of more than $22,000 for 2018, with 2019 expected to be even bigger.

“All are welcome to attend and participate,” Ms Emojong said. “Food and drinks on the night should help fuel your thoughts.”

The ‘Big Ideas Session’ will be held at The Smithurst Theatre, Conadilly Street, on Thursday, 21 June 2018, from 5:30pm-6.30pm (nibbles available from 5pm).

To RSVP for the evening, please contact Youth Development Officer Sewa Emojong on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo Caption: Twenty-two local students following tertiary studies in 2018 were awarded scholarships from the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

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Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

15 June 2018

The Gunnedah Waste Management Facility (GWMF) will be upgrading the cells on the facility weighbridge on Thursday, 28 June and Friday, 29 June 2018.

The weighbridge is an essential piece of infrastructure which is required to be in good working condition in order for the GWMF to operate effectively and efficiently. Therefore, it is important that the weighbridge is maintained.

Interruptions may occur and charges will be applied on these days, however staff will be submitting hand written receipts upon arrival which will be later recorded into the computer program.

Council asks that all visitors to the facility please take care entering the site and exiting as there will be a change to the flow of traffic.

12 June 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council officially opened the ‘Faces, Places and Spaces’ Photography Exhibition on Friday night at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, where judge Andrew Pearson announced the winners of the competition.

Budding photographers were asked to snap pictures of the landscape around them; flora and fauna; tourist destinations and the CBD; community events; community, culture and lifestyle; villages; commercial and industry; and a creative depiction of what the photographer loves most about where they live. All photos were to be taken in the Gunnedah Shire and could be used for future promotion of the Shire.

Catherine Fogarty was named the overall winner, with her photo “What I love most about where I live”. Judge Andrew Pearson said the photo was quintessential Gunnedah and “stood out to him” as soon as he entered the gallery. Catherine also received first place in the events (Laughter); community, culture and lifestyle (Feels Like Home); and flora and fauna (Kangaroos on Lincoln) sections.

Jen Shorter received first place in the villages section with her photo “Curlewis Silos”, as well as first place in the tourist destinations/CBD section with “Full Moon Miner”.

“The Snow Crop” by Trish Worboys took out first place in the commercial/industry section, with Trish also placing first in the “What I love most about where I live” section, with “Sunset and Farming”.

Cheryl Nugent placed first in the landscape section, with “Gunnedah Magic” – a photo depicting one of Gunnedah’s famous sunsets.

Mr Pearson also awarded 12-year-old Emma Doyle an encouragement award for her photos and said she “had a great talent for someone so young”.

Council’s Acting Manager Communications and Cultural Services Ashley Gardner congratulated the winners and thanked all entrants for supporting the inaugural competition.

“We wanted photographers to tell their story of Gunnedah and its people through their lenses. The essence of Gunnedah Shire was well and truly captured in the wonderful entries we received,” Mrs Gardner said.

“Thank you to everyone who supported the competition.”
A People’s Choice Award is still up for grabs with voting open at the gallery until June 28. The winner will receive a $100 Gunnedah Gift Card.

Photo Caption: Acting Manager Communications and Cultural Services Ashley Gardner, Judge Andrew Pearson, Cheryl Nugent and Catherine Fogarty (standing).

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

12 June 2018

The late William Ronald Clegg MBE, OAM – five-term deputy mayor, former mayor (1969-80), State Emergency Service Namoi Division Controller, dedicated community member and decorated civil servant.

The Medal of the Order of Australia recipient’s memory has been honoured with a road name tribute in the nation’s capital. Clegg Lane has been identified and dedicated in the suburb of Strathnairn, Belconnen ACT.

Gunnedah Shire Council was contacted by the ACT Place Names Committee to review the proposal and put its support behind the commemoration.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said roads in Strathnairn are named in accordance with the theme ‘Primary Industry and Regional Service’.

“It is a fitting tribute to a community member and long-standing Councillor who has been remembered as a great figure in the history of not only Gunnedah but the north-west,” Mr Johns said.

Mr Clegg was elected to Gunnedah Municipal Council in 1956 and retired in 1999. He was the Namoi Division Controller for the SES in the 1970s, and helped found the North West Tourist Association in 1963. Mr Clegg also served on the executive of the NSW Council of Regional Tourist Associations.

He was awarded an OAM in 2003 for his service to Gunnedah through Local Government and the development of tourism in the area.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Mr Clegg’s legacy is marked across the Shire.

“There was hardly a local organisation that did not benefit from Mr Clegg’s energy, experience and enterprise – the war memorial pool, indoor heated pool and Remembrance Grove, to name a few,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Mr Clegg dedicated his life to serving the Gunnedah community, creating jobs and advancing the town – I am pleased to see this worthy commemoration take place.”

Photo Caption: The unveiling of the WR Clegg Emergency Services Centre in 2000. Pictured from left, former Mayor and current Deputy Mayor Gae Swain, William Ronald Clegg and former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson. Photo courtesy of Gunnedah Historical Society.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council accepted a tender of $11.4 million from Hines Constructions of Bathurst to complete Stage 1a of the Master Plan at the Council Ordinary Meeting on 16 August 2017. Construction started on the project on 16 October 2017 and progress is well underway.

Gunnedah Shire Council is keeping the community updated with regular newsletters on the progress of the project. Hard copies of the newsletter are available at Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building, Visitor Information Centre and the Heated Pool Complex.

For the latest online version of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Renewal Project Newsletter click here.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH

Monday 1 October 2018
Collection will be on Tuesday 2 October 2018.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS

Monday 1 October 2018
Collection will be on Wednesday 3 October 2018.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Should you have any enquiries regarding the Recycling collection during the June Long Weekend please contact RECYCLIT on 67421522.

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND GREENWASTE COLLECTION

Please ensure bins are placed out the night before collection date, as contractors are not obliged to accept late bins.

If you have any enquiries regarding these changes please contact Council’s Customer Services Team on (02) 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager

1 June 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council’s multi-million dollar works to reduce the impact of flooding from Blackjack Creek is complete and has come in significantly under budget.

The Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project commenced in November 2017, with works undertaken by Daracon Group Gunnedah. Council was successful with a grant from the Office of Environment and Heritage for the $3.2 million development. The project was finalised in May 2018, and was under budget by more than $200,000.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Development and Planning Carolyn Hunt said the project was a recommendation of the Blackjack Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan 2010 to ensure one-in-100 year flood events are contained and surrounding properties are protected.

“The Blackjack Creek channel reconstruction is the culmination of years of investigation, consultation, surveying, planning and design,” Mrs Hunt said.

“The project involved creating channel banks and deepening; widening and the realignment of 1.9 kilometres of Blackjack Creek, between McCalls Road and Oxley Highway, to increase capacity. It also included the installation of storm water pipes under Wandobah Road, and associated road works, as well as the removal and replanting of trees in the area.”

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Gae Swain thanked the Flood Mitigation Working Group for its commitment to the project.

“There has been a huge amount of work go into this project over a number of years and it is wonderful to see the finished product come in under budget and I commend everyone, both current and past, involved,” Cr Swain said.

Moving forward, it is Gunnedah Shire Council’s intention to seek funding to initiate a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan review to assess flood prone land maps.

Blackjack Creek Aerial Photography - 7 November 2017  |  Blackjack Creek Aerial Photography - 9 May 2018

Photo Caption: Daracon Group Construction Manager Adam King, Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Development and Planning Carolyn Hunt, Deputy Mayor Gae Swain and Office of Environment and Heritage Senior Floodplain Officer Ivan Rivas Acosta.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.