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April 21, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council will apply for an Additional Special Variation of rates following a change to the rate “pegging” process that could lead to Council being unable to deliver all services and maintain assets in years to come.

Council this week voted to apply for a permanent Additional Special Variation of 2.5% to rates in line with its budget predictions for the next few years. The 2.5% figure was the long-term modelling percentage recommended by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), the body responsible for rate “pegging”, or setting the maximum amount for rate increases by NSW councils.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said recent changes to the way IPART calculated rate pegging meant the maths was based on significantly flawed figures. Gunnedah, along with many other Shires across the state, was assigned its lowest ever rate increase cap of 0.8%.

“A difference of 1.7% (between 0.8 and 2.5%) might not seem a lot, but that adds up to $236,000 less in Council’s revenue in the next year, and $2.65 million over the next 10 years.

“As the bottom line in our application for this rate variation will show, that figure means there would not be enough funding available for the maintenance of Gunnedah’s essential assets and for all of the community services we provide. It’s just not responsible financial management for our Shire.

“The IPART calculations have been based on cost trends that have now completely turned around. Instead of Council costs going down, they have - like expenses everywhere - skyrocketed. Fuel has gone up, construction costs have gone up, labour costs have gone up – and our Shire is growing. This is no time to be reducing our operating budget.”

In recognition of the all-time low rates cap, the NSW Office of Local Government has advised councils of a one-off Special Variation Process for 2022-23. Council must show it has budgeted for an income above its record low rates peg and that the new figure would either mean an Operating Performance Ratio (OPR) of 2% or lower over the next five years, or that the OPR needs to be higher to meet capital funding requirement.

Cr Chaffey said the budgeted 2.5% increase sought by Council would equate to an increase of about 27c a week ($14.27 a year) for residential areas, and 35c a week ($18.22) for rural properties. Council has a Hardship Policy in place to assist ratepayers who are having difficulty meeting their payments.

“IPART has also agreed to review this methodology,” Cr Chaffey said.

“That’s an essential step in helping make sure councils across the State don’t face this situation again.”

Fast facts on the process:

  • The IPART rate-peg methodology assumed an increase of 1.2% in employee costs. The 2020 NSW Local Government Award includes a 2% wage increase and another 0.5% increase in superannuation.
  • The methodology assumed an increase of 1.5% in business expenses. The ABS Producer Price Index has increased 3.7%, with insurance increasing by 11%.
  • The methodology assumed a decrease of between 6.6% and 2.4% in electricity, water, sewerage and fuel. NSW recorded quarterly wholesale price increases of 130.5% with an annual electricity cost increase of 22%.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council will apply for an Additional Special Variation of rates following a change to the rate “pegging” process that could lead to Council being unable to deliver all services and maintain assets in years to come.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

19 April, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking members to join the Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the working group provided an exciting opportunity to strengthen ties with our existing Sister Cities, and to explore new possibilities.

“The working group’s purpose is to look at the Sister City relationships we already have and to look at other partnerships that might lead to exciting things for Gunnedah Shire,” he said.

“The working group will help make this happen this by bringing together local schools, volunteer and cultural groups, business and other interested parties to work with our Sister Cities and tap into economic, educational and tourism opportunities.”

Nominations are invited from school-based representatives, volunteer groups, and community representatives. Forms can be obtained from Council’s Customer Service Team at 63 Elgin Street Gunnedah or on Council’s website: https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/ 

Completed nomination forms need to be submitted to council@infogunnedah.com.au by 5pm on Friday, 29 April, 2022.

For more information on the Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group, contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: The Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group helps to foster existing relationships and seek out new partnerships.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

13 April, 2022

The Gunnedah Shire has been announced as a finalist in the 2022 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Tourism Team Leader Nikki Robertson said she was thrilled that the Shire has made the cut, alongside its neighbour Tamworth, in the category for more than 5000 residents.

“It’s fantastic to be in the finals and it shows that we can mix it with well-known destinations,” she said.

“We have quirky and beautiful attractions that reflect Gunnedah and show people what we’re all about.

“We are a destination for events like AgQuip, our wonderful Gunnedah Show, and Weeks of Speed, and we can continue to grow from here.”

The winners will be decided by popular vote and a judging panel, and Ms Robertson is encouraging residents to get on board.

“We now need everybody’s help to vote for us,” she said.

“We’re asking people to show their pride for their Shire and vote for Gunnedah.”

Public voting is open until 5pm, Wednesday 27 April, 2022. To vote, visit www.businessnsw.com/top-tourism-town-awards-2022

The winners will be announced at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference on 17-19 May, 2022. Winners in each category will go on to represent NSW at Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards to be held later in the year.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire is home to many attractions, including the award-winning Dorothea Mackellar mural painted by street artist Heesco.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

April 13, 2022

There are many ways you can honour our ANZACs in Gunnedah Shire this April 25.

Gunnedah RSL sub-branch Vice-President John Atkin said the RSL was encouraging people who could not make it to a service to continue the newer “Light up the Dawn” tradition.

“In the last couple of years, people have not been able to get out and Light up the Dawn has become popular,” he said.

“People can stand in their garden or driveway at about 5.30am, just as dawn is breaking and the sun is coming up, and maybe light a candle or, if they have an Australian flag, fly it at half-mast until the sun is up.

“We will also have full services this year with no restrictions in place.”
Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Light up the Dawn allowed people to commemorate this important day in their own way.

“There are people who just can’t make it to a service,” he said. “With Light up the Dawn, everyone has the option to pay their own tribute together with the nation, even while they are alone.

“Whether you mark this day by yourself, with your family, or at one of the services that always brings us together as a community, ANZAC Day remains one of the most important days in the Australian Calendar.”

Here are 10 ways you can pay tribute to those who have served this ANZAC Day, April 25:

1. Join the Light Up the Dawn with your own small tribute in your garden or driveway as the sun comes up
2. Attend the Dawn Service in Curlewis at 5.15am at the Curlewis Cenotaph
3. Attend the Dawn Service in Gunnedah at the Cenotaph in Conadilly Street at 5.30am
4. Attend the Dawn Service in Tambar Springs at 5.30am
5. Attend the Service at the Breeza Cenotaph at 8.30am
6. Attend the Service at the Curlewis Cenotaph at 9am
7. Join or watch the ANZAC Day march that starts in Marquis Street, Gunnedah at 10.30am and continues down Conadilly Street (assembly point is the corner of Marquis and Elgin streets at 10am)
8. Attend the Service at Gunnedah Cenotaph in Conadilly Street at 10.45am
9. Attend the Tambar Springs Service at 11am
10. Buy an ANZAC Day poppy to remember those who have served.

Caption: The ANZAC Day parade in Gunnedah brings the community together to pay tribute to those who have served.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking community feedback on how it can enhance safety in the Shire.

Council is undertaking a review of its Crime Prevention Plan and has created a survey as part of the consultation process.

“The Plan highlighted the key priorities for enhancing community safety relevant to our Shire and how Council, in partnership with the Crime Prevention Working Group and other government and community organisations, could work to address local concerns about crime and community safety at that time,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“While much has been done over the last four years, it is now time to evaluate if the views and perceptions of the community have changed since we last undertook this survey.

“If you reside within the Gunnedah Shire, we invite you to complete the community safety perceptions survey to assist us to define the actions and set the direction of the new four-year Plan.”

To complete the survey, click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/crimeandsafety

Further information is available by contacting Council’s Community and Social Planner, Debra Hilton, on 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council has launched a survey to capture the community’s thoughts on crime prevention.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

April 12, 2022

The Gunnybalds has showcased the “astonishing” talent and creativity of local artists in this year’s exhibition.

The exhibition officially opened on Friday at Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery and 41 entries were installed, waiting to be discovered.

The Gunnybalds is our tribute to the famous Archibald Prize and a new medium, digital works, was included this year.

Lauren Miller took out first place in the Open Section with a portrait of Lance Spradbrow, and Josephine Heath won the Junior Section with Planes of My Face. Entries were judged by Marie Low, Alyssa Barwick, Pat Tobin and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Robert Hoddle.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said it was a fantastic exhibition.

“This exhibition has really showcased the creative fabric of Gunnedah and it is excellent to see so many junior entries,” she said.

“The calibre of talent in Gunnedah is really astonishing. There are so many great quality artworks in the exhibition and I strongly encourage everyone to come down and appreciate the creativity of our community.

“Exhibitions like this foster a creative society and provide creative opportunities within the Shire, and it’s wonderful to know that the creativity will continue into the future.

“A huge thank you to all the artists who participated, and to the judges for completing the hard task of picking winners for this exhibition.”

Winners:

Open Section

1st Lauren Miller, Lance Spradbrow

2nd Elizabeth Emmerson, Doug

Highly Commended: Belinda Sims, Gae Swain In Her Garden

Junior Section

1st Josephine Heath, Planes Of My Face

2nd Jada Villegas, Mind Artwork

Highly Commended: Annily Barr, Mum Drinking Tea

Packer’s Prize

Clare Chapman, 20 Years or more

Caption: The Gunnybalds exhibition is waiting to be explored at Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

April 8, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Deputy Mayor is “shocked and bitterly disappointed” with the Independent Planning Commission’s “April Fool’s Day” decision to short-change the Gunnedah Shire in its approval of Whitehaven’s Narrabri Underground Stage 3 Project.

“This approval will see the Gunnedah community subsidising the development impacts to the tune of $2 million,” Councillor Rob Hooke said.

“The IPC has taken Whitehaven’s offer as the preferred position, thereby clearly siding with the applicant and leaving little room for us to negotiate.”

Council argues that the Shire is entitled to more than the $1.4 million offered, based on an independent impact report Council commissioned to help negotiate the Planning Agreement with Whitehaven Coal.

The Infrastructure Services Impact Model (ISIM) was based on the Environmental Impact Statement and Social Impact Assessment used by the IPC to determine the application, and Cr Hooke said the report made it clear that the Planning Agreement fell well short of the actual impact that would be felt by the Shire.

 “This ISIM highlighted that the impact of the development on the roads of the Gunnedah Shire alone, was more than $3.3 million,” Cr Hooke said.

 “This represents just 35 per cent of the pool of funds available, despite the Social Impact Assessment highlighting that almost 50 per cent of workers and contractors of the new development will be domiciled in the Gunnedah Shire.

“It is incredulous for anyone to think that a developer undertaking a $404 million development, and whose product value per train load dwarfs the requested contribution, cannot afford that which the community is seeking and is entitled to.”

Cr Hooke said the IPC had ignored Council’s well-informed submissions, despite acknowledging Council’s position in the statement of reasons for the approval.

“For the IPC to be taken seriously and as a genuinely independent body, it must enforce realistic, meaningful and equitable compensation via the Planning agreement process for Local Government Areas that are impacted by State Significant Developments,” he said.

“Council and the community are left feeling that the NSW Department of Planning and the IPC are walking away from their responsibility to uphold NSW legislation and associated frameworks to ensure that all developers enter into appropriate planning agreements and not leave communities bearing the cost of developer’s profits.

“Council calls on our local member to make representations to the NSW Planning Minister to review the process which allows this injustice to occur.”

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council says the Gunnedah Shire community deserves better.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

April 8, 2022

It will be flat-out Friday for Gunnedah Shire’s youth with a free colour run, outdoor cinema and the PCYC Youth Hub opening.

Join the fun in the colour run today at Longmuir Playing Fields from 4pm then head along to the Gunnedah PCYC for its Youth Hub opening, followed by a free screening of Space Jam: A New Legacy.   

Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said it was a great chance for youth to get together in their community.

“The Colours for Nourishment provides an opportunity for Gunnedah young people to participate in an exciting and fun event in the spirit of community,” Ms Mackley said.

“In order for the event to run smoothly, it is essential that all participants sign and submit a waiver at the event. Participants under 17 years of age must submit a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.”

Ms Mackley said the new Youth Hub would also provide a good opportunity for youth to connect and make new friends.

“This space is an activities room, chill-out zone and drop-in centre housed with fitness equipment, comfortable seating, video consoles and free Wi-Fi,” she said.

“This is the combined vision of so many organisations in Gunnedah and will be supported by these organisations to provide a safe and secure space for Gunnedah’s Youth, which will include Friday night programs and activities in the near future.”

After the hub opening, youth can take in the new Space Jam movie and enjoy a free barbecue, popcorn and water. If it rains, the event will be moved inside.

 “This is a real community driven project and shows how collaborative and driven the Gunnedah Shire community is,” Ms Mackley said.

“The organisations that have been instrumental  in the success of this activity, include Joblink Plus, PCYC Gunnedah, Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Gunnedah Shire Council, Homes North, Gunnedah Family Support and TFSS.

“The cinema event is a real chance for everyone to connect and engage with services and engage with our young people in a really positive way, so bring a chair, bring some blankets, get comfy, sit back and relax and enjoy this great movie.”

Caption: Chase the Rainbow in today’s Colour Run.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

April 7, 2022

Regional areas are calling a halt to a crime surge across North-West New South Wales.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah was among a number of Shires experiencing a worrying sustained rise in the number of crimes including car theft and break and enters, with perpetrators becoming more and more brazen.

“The 2021 figures show a collection of crime hotspots across this region,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Last year, Gunnedah Shire’s rate of car theft was 323 per 100,000 population, that’s 2.5 times higher than the statewide rate of 128 per 100,000. That is worrying enough, but this year has seen a huge leap in crime.

“While the official figures are not yet available, anecdotally we are hearing of a car theft every other day. Perpetrators are stealing and breaking and entering any time of the day or night, and are actively seeking out police pursuits. If this continues, we will see a 200-300% increase in our already high car theft rates.

“Our community is very concerned. We need to feel safe in our homes, our streets and our businesses. In feedback to our consultation on Council’s review of our Community Strategic Plan, residents have told us that they do not feel safe in their own homes.

“Many other neighbouring shires are facing a similar situation.

“We are calling on people to lock up, to watch out for and report criminal behaviour, to look after themselves and their neighbours.

“I know our police are working hard to combat this crime surge and are absolutely focussed on tackling the situation. But I am calling on the Police Minister to help our community and our valued police officers. We need 24-hour policing. We have a new station designed for the purpose and we need the staffing levels to make this happen – as soon as possible.”

People who see suspicious activity can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report crime or suspicious activity online at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

You can also contact Gunnedah Police on 6742 9099 and remember to call 000 if it is an emergency.

Note: Official crime statistics are available from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) at crimetool.bocsar.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

6 April, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council’s school holiday program has arrived and it is chock-a-block with activities, from whipcracking to candle-making, and movies to fun with clay.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Customer and Community Relations Charlotte Hoddle said whatever your child’s interests, they are sure to find a fun activity during the holidays.

“What a fantastic start to the Easter holidays with the Youth Week Colour Run – Colours for Nourishment at 4pm on Friday at Longmuir Fields. It’s a colourful way for the whole family to join in,” Ms Hoddle said.

“This will be followed by the free Outdoor Cinema event at PCYC Gunnedah at 6pm, with a screening of Space Jam: A New Legacy, incorporating the PCYC Youth Hub opening.

“The $10 movie for school holiday Thursdays is back, with The Bad Guys on the first week and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the second week.

“Sporting kids have a range of options this Easter break, they can enjoy a netball clinic, skateboarding, tennis, cricket at Carroll or AusKick AFL.

“Artistic kids can get their creative juices flowing with Crafty Creations at the Library, a Candle Wax Beads Workshop, a Polymer Clay Workshop and a Composition Workshop at the Conservatorium.

“The very popular Junior Engineers returns for another year, this time teaching kids to Code with Minecraft Education where kids can modify their own Minecraft world over two days.”

The Easter School Holiday program includes:

  • Friday, April 8: Colours for Nourishment Colour Run at 4pm at Longmuir Oval. Free.
    • Friday, April 8: Outdoor Cinema – Space Jam: A New Legacy at 6pm at the PCYC in View Street. Free
    • Monday, April 11: Gunnedah NetSetGo School Holiday Clinic, at Gunnedah Netball Courts, Longmuir Fields, View Street 10am – 12pm
    • Tuesday, April 12: Free Skate Workshop with Totemskateboarding.com – between 10am and 12.30 with various workshops
    • Wednesday, April 13 and Tuesday, 19 April: PCYC Kids Holiday Camp, various times
    • Thursday, April 14: 2nd Annual Carroll Cricket Day at the Carroll Community Ground from 11am to 2pm.
    • Tuesday, April 12: Whip Cracking Workshop with the Wicks Family at the Griffith Pavilion over two sessions between 1.30pm and 2.30pm and 3pm to 4pm. Free
    • Thursday, April 14: Tennis Skills Coaching Clinic at the Wolseley Park Tennis Courts from 9am
    • Thursday, April 14 & 21: $10 Holiday Movies at the Civic.
    • Friday, April 22: Candle Wax Beads Workshop over two sessions in the Studio Room at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street – free with Creative Kids voucher. Sessions at 9am and 11am.
    • Tuesday, April 19: Polymer Clay, Sculptures and Charms Workshops over two sessions at the Studio Room at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street - at 11am and 12.30pm
    • Wednesday and Thursday 20 – 21 April: Learn to Code with Minecraft Education at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery from 8.30am to 4.30pm
    • Wednesday - Friday, April 20-21: Composition and Music for Young People Workshops with the Gunnedah Conservatorium, various workshops
    • Thursday April 21: AusKick AFL Holiday Clinic, 9am at Wolseley Oval

To find out more and to book for the events that need you to reserve a place, visit Gunnedah Shire Council’s Facebook site or www.thecivic.com.au/youth

The full program is here.

Caption: The Junior Engineers workshop proved a big hit with kids in last year’s school holidays program.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.