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.

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.