18 June, 2020

Twenty two local businesses will be given a helping hand to build their online presence in the latest round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

Last night Councillors approved more than $32,000 in funding under the special COVID-19 round of the program, focussed on helping develop digital capacity and online trading platforms.

Successful applicants represented a range of industries, including some of those hit hardest by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Applicants from local hospitality, fitness, beauty and retail sectors have been allocated funding to develop new websites, online stores and digital marketing campaigns.

Gunnedah Business Partner Program advisory group chair Cr Ann Luke said while the COVID-19 pandemic forced many local businesses to close their doors and move online, they have continued to adapt and offer valuable services to the community.

“This funding will assist these local businesses become strong players in the digital sphere and build resilience,” Cr Luke said.

“A digital presence means businesses and products can be seen 24 hours a day and is a helpful marketing platform.

“A strong online business community in Gunnedah will not only benefit local consumers by offering greater flexibility and convenience, but will also create opportunities to reach new customers outside our Shire.

“A further underlying outcome is maintenance of employment in the Shire.”

Applications that did not meet the criteria for the COVID-19 round of the Business Partner Program have been encouraged to reapply under the general round, which is designed for new business initiatives that support local employment and growth.

Since its inception the Business Partner Program has assisted more than 65 local businesses with over $240,000 in funding.

Applications for round one of the ordinary program are currently open and businesses have until June 30 to apply. For further information visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

17 June, 2020

The Gunnedah Shire loves its opens spaces, and Gunnedah Shire Council is asking for your ideas to ensure this love affair only grows in the years ahead.

Council is conducting the Open Space Strategy Community Survey to learn more about how residents use our open spaces and their ideas for improving them.

Open space land is land that is set aside for public recreation and can include recreation parks and playgrounds, sports fields and courts and green corridors with pathways or trails.

Council Public Facilities Manager Ashley Gardner said parks, sporting fields and playgrounds played an important role in people’s lives.

“Our open space land is where people play sport, kids play, people exercise their dogs and go for bushwalks,” Mrs Gardner said.

“They provide important social, health, economic and environmental benefits to people of all ages.

“We are inviting people to help us to put together a shared vision for the future that will ensure our sport and recreation areas are the best that they can be. We really need to know how people are using these spaces so we can plan for the years ahead.”

The survey is part of Gunnedah Shire Council’s community consultation to provide information towards developing the Open Space Strategy, a 10-year blueprint for the Shire’s parks, gardens, sporting fields, reserves and other open spaces.

To take part in the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OpenSpaceStrategy_CommunitySurvey

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

15 June, 2020

A reproduction artwork from the successful Back to Burra Bee Dee exhibition now has a permanent home at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery thanks to a donation by the artist.

Gunnedah Gomeroi artist Warwick Keen has donated a digital photographic print on archival rag paper to the Gunnedah Community Collection.

Mr Keen worked at The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Art & Design campus during 2014 to create the body of work Back to Burra Bee Dee - a collection of 17 digitally manipulated photographic prints.

Back to Burra Bee Dee was on exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery in 2015, but has also been on exhibition at Coonabarabran, Armidale, Goulburn and Tamworth, as well at NSW Parliament House.

Warwick Keen was the winner of the 2013 COFA Aboriginal Arts Residency Award in the Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Art Prize.

Back to Burra Bee Dee was inspired by Mr Keen’s great-great-grandmother , Mary Jane Cain. In the 1890s, Mary wrote to Queen Victoria’s representative in Australia, the Governor of NSW, asking for a parcel of land to be given back to the Aboriginal people of the Coonabarabran area. Mary’s persistence in advocating for the rights of her people caused the Governor to bequeath a total of 600 acres to Mary Jane with the proviso that it be shared and utilised for the good of the entire Aboriginal community.

This Aboriginal land was probably the first such example of freehold title being granted to an Aboriginal community under British law.

Gunnedah Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said Mary Jane was a land rights activist who had the tenacity to stand up for her people in the name of creating a more just and equitable lifestyle for the entire Indigenous community.

“This artwork is of significant cultural and community significance to Gunnedah,” Ms Mackley said.

“Warwick grew up within the Gunnedah Shire and his 40-year arts career saw him teach at the Gunnedah TAFE for a number of years inspiring and empowering many of our community’s artists and individuals.

“Warwick’s own formidable contribution to the Indigenous community and to the community of Gunnedah is now a living memory in the Gunnedah Community Collection through this artwork, but there is also one of his murals in D Block at the Gunnedah TAFE Campus.”

Mr Keen’s artworks are in collections across Australia, including the Mosman Art Gallery, the Australian Institute for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies in Canberra, Wollongong City Art Gallery and the Armidale Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place.

Gunnedah Shire Councillor Owen Hasler welcomed the addition to the Gunnedah Community Collection.

“I had the privilege of witnessing Back to Burra Bee Dee when it was hung in Coonabarabran in 2014, and was very excited to be able to open the exhibition when it exhibited in Gunnedah in 2015,” Cr Hasler said. “It represented a significant piece of Aboriginal history for this area and the Gomeroi peoples, and is a wonderful collection of artwork combining old photos with modern artwork to create 17 stunning pieces.

“I also attended the presentation of the NSW Parliament of NSW Aboriginal Art awards in 2015 where Warwick’s artwork featured, and I attended the Mosman Gallery where his Scarred Tree artwork stands at the entrance to the gallery. It is a stunning recognition of his skills and the importance of such cultural items for Aboriginal communities.

“It is a great honour to have this artwork featured at our gallery next to the Rainbow Serpent Water Feature (soon to be opened) and Namoi River Mural in the Mooki Room, all of which acknowledge and recognise the importance of Aboriginal culture within our community. It is a very generous donation by Warwick for our residents.”

The Gunnedah Community Collection has more than 100 artworks that have been acquired and donated to the Gunnedah community over the past 20 years. The collection is currently housed at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery and includes work by Anne Knight, Pat Tobin, Maree Kelly and the late Pat Rowley and Jean Isherwood.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Artist Warwick Keen, Lauren Mackley and Cr Owen Hasler with the donated artwork.

Request for Quotation

Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking quotations from suitably qualified and licenced company to develop a comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan for 2020 – 2024.

The strategy should seek to nurture an innovative, vibrant and diverse economy and grow the capacity and resilience of the Gunnedah Shire.

Quotation submissions will be received until 5pm, Friday June 19.

Quotation documentation can be found on council’s website at: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Enquiries should be addressed to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on 02 6740 2100.

Council is not bound to accept the lowest or any quotation. Canvassing of Councillors or Council staff will disqualify prospective providers.

To view the project brief, click here: 2020-24 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan Brief.pdf

 For further information and to submit a quotation, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/council-information/tenders-quotations-eoi

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

June 5, 2020

Roads projects are powering ahead in the Gunnedah Shire, despite the challenges of COVID-19.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah was continuing to make inroads into providing a significantly improved road network for the post Corona-virus period and well beyond.

“While this time has presented challenges, Gunnedah Shire has managed to not only ensure major projects are on track, but to keep the pedal to the metal on providing a road network that will cater for all road users for many years to come,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This planning, design and construction work is retaining jobs in our shire, but it is also greatly improving safety, and is paving the way for more residents, more business, more industry and more jobs in the future.

“Some of the work that is going ahead is on freight routes that will increase opportunities for productivity and could attract new business.

“We are also at work on projects such as Clifton Road. Residents have been advocating for an upgrade for more than 10 years. The NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads contribution of $8.56 million to this project worth almost $10 million will help deliver an upgrade that will be life-changing for those residents.

“We are actively working with the state and federal governments for funding for roads where the need is greatest.

“I’ve have been in regular communication with Kevin Anderson, our local State Member to make good the NSW government’s promise for an upgrade to Rangari Road, and I have recently written to the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads about this important freight route and community link.

“Gunnedah Shire will continue to deliver on roads projects, and will continually monitor traffic movements and safety concerns to ensure we are seeking assistance from all tiers of government where it is needed.”

Progress on other roads projects within Gunnedah Shire includes:

• Grain Valley Road – an additional 5.6 km of road has been sealed, taking the total sealed to 7.6km. The remaining 3km at the Mullaley end is expected to be sealed within the next five weeks, and work will begin on the remaining 7km at the Boggabri end.
• Boundary Road roundabout – the final base layer of concrete has been completed. Kerb islands and stormwater works are now being installed. The kerb will be constructed over the next few weeks.
• Highway works around Mystery Road – The first segment is now ready for sealing.
• Mystery Road – a draft plan is being reviewed by all stakeholders.
• Kamilaroi Highway near saleyards - under construction, with reshaping, stabilising and pavement strengthening underway.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

June 5, 2020

Changes to the pedestrian zone in Gunnedah will not only improve safety, but allow the town centre to develop as a community hub, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey says.

Gunnedah Shire Council was successful in securing $106,000 from Transport NSW’s Centre for Road Safety to extend the town’s high pedestrian activity zone and make a number of safety changes.

“Our community had expressed concern after a number of near misses in the CBD,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The centre of Gunnedah is a hub for community and cultural activities, and the safety of both adults and children is critical. People should feel safe when they are on their way to the movies, going to the newsagents, visiting markets or any of the many reasons people gather in the town precinct.

“While transport is an important part of any town and any shire, it is not the only part. Making the area safer will encourage placemaking and community building – helping make the most of everyone’s experience in Gunnedah.

“This will remind motorists that this is a place for people, and it is essential to drive with care.”

A road safety audit in the central business district was completed after safety concerns were raised. After the audit was reviewed by the Local Traffic Committee, Council and Transport NSW, Transport NSW requested a design for the extension of the high pedestrian activity zone.

Council sought funding to complete the design, which was approved by Transport NSW’s Centre for Road Safety.
Among the changes to be made are:

• The extension of the 40km/h high pedestrian activity zone from along the CBD section of Conadilly Street to the zone between Little Barber Street and Little Conadilly Street, ending at the Gunnedah Services and Bowls Club at one end and the Town Hall roundabout at the other, with new signage and road painting to reflect the limits. Marquis Street from Conadilly Street through to the Barber Street roundabout will also be 40km/h.
• New raised concrete pedestrian blisters and kerb ramps in Abbott Street near Little Conadilly Street; in Conadilly Street near Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club; in Elgin Street near Little Barber Street; and in Chandos Street near Little Barber Street
• New “big eye” stickers near pedestrian crossings to remind people to stop to “Look out before you step out”.

“Transport NSW statistics show that crashes involving pedestrians where the vehicle is travelling at 40km an hour compared to 50km an hour actually halves the risk of a fatality,” Cr Chaffey said.

“That is one very good reason to lower the speed limit in the town centre.”

Adding to the safety and liveability of the town hub is a new cycleway now under construction along South Street between View Street and Marquis Street with the assistance of NSW government funding.

Cr Chaffey said Council had once again been successful in working with the NSW Government to progress important projects for the Shire, securing a 50% co-contribution funding from the Active Transport Program to construct the “missing link” in the town’s network of pathways.

The cycleway will be a shared pathway for pedestrians, runners and cyclists.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

3 June, 2020

It’s now easier to keep old electronics out of landfill with Gunnedah Shire Council’s new E-Waste drop off.

New electronic waste bins have been placed at the Gunnedah Shire Waste Management facility, allowing Shire residents to deposit unwanted electronic items free of charge.

E-Waste refers to any item that needs a battery, power cord or a plug that is no longer wanted or working. These items contain potentially toxic metal elements and need to be separated from general waste.

Council’s Waste Manager Sheridan Cameron is encouraging local residents to take advantage of the free program, and said it will help prevent items ending up in landfill and reduce impact on the environment.

“As with any product, we encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and repair before recycling,” Mrs Cameron said.

“Those electronic items unable to be re-used or repaired can now be disposed of responsibly. Under our new E-waste collection program, deposited items can go on to be manually disassembled and sorted into various components. These individual parts will be processed for use as raw materials in new products.

“Research shows the average Australian household produces 73kg of e-waste every year, most of which ends up in landfill. This new recycling program will provide greater flexibility in recycling electronic waste, helping keep it out of landfill and preventing illegal dumping.

“Anyone concerned about dropping off items with their personal details can be assured data on devices is destroyed during the dismantling process. But for peace and mind they may wish to reset and wipe data from devices before dropping them off.”

Four separate cages have been placed at the Waste Management Facility to deposit E-Waste across several different categories. The following items can be deposited in each bin:

• CRT Televisions, CRT Computer Monitors, Flat Screen TV’s – LED, LCD or Plasma, Flat Screen Monitors –LED, LCD or Plasma.
• Desktop Printers, Fax Machines, Multi-Function Devices, Scanners, Sound Equipment, Cameras, Networking Equipment, Routers/switches, Gaming Consoles, Computer Peripherals (keyboards, mice, joysticks, webcam), UPS Units, Landline Phones, Tablets/I-pads/I-pods.
• Computer towers, laptops, mobile phones.
• Electrical and electronic tools - sewing machines, drills, saws, welding tools, electric mowers and tools for other gardening activities. Small household appliances - kettles, toasters, irons, vacuum cleaners, carpet sweepers, irons, electric knives, electric.

E-Waste can be deposited during opening hours at no charge at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility, located at 418 Quia Road.

For further information about Gunnedah Shire Council’s waste management facilities and programs, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

2 June, 2020

Gunnedah Shire businesses have until the end of the month to apply for funding through round one of the Business Partner Program.

While the special additional COVID-19 round of the program has closed, applications remain open for round one – providing a great opportunity for new businesses and those that are exploring something new.

Businesses can apply for funding for initiatives that will encourage local employment and help build the Shire’s strong business base.

The Business Partner Program has given more than 65 local businesses a helping hand with a total of more than $240,000 in funding since the program began.

If you would like some advice about how to put together an application for the Business Partner Program, you can send an email to council@infogunnedah.com.au

Applications are assessed by a panel and funding is recommended based on estimated economic or employment benefit to the Gunnedah Shire community and will be awarded based on the funding available.

Applications close on 30 June.

To apply for round one, visit https://gunnedah.smartygrants.com.au/BPP2021-R1

Caption: Brad and Stacie Crane of B.P. Crane Contracting Pty Ltd. B.P. Crane Contracting was among the successful Business Partner Program applicants in the last round.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

June 2, 2020

A load limit is now in place for the Orange Grove Road bridge located 30km from the Kelvin Road turn-off and 6km from the Rushes Creek junction.

The bridge now has a gross 20 tonne maximum limit to ensure safety for road users.

The bridge includes a timber structure that is close to 100 years old, with a concrete deck added in the past two decades.

Gunnedah Shire Council chief engineer Daniel Noble said the age and condition of the structure meant it was a necessary safety precaution to introduce a weight limit.

But Mr Noble stressed the bridge remained safe for vehicles less than the 20 tonne maximum limit to use.

“The load limit will remain in place for the foreseeable future,” Mr Noble said.

“Heavy vehicles with a gross tonnage of less than 20 tonnes can continue to use the bridge.

“Heavy vehicles with a gross tonnage more than 20 tonnes, will need to find an alternative route such as Kelvin Road, Bloomfield Street and the Oxley Highway.”
The school bus route will not be impacted.

Residents within the area who would like to be kept updated on the Orange Grove Road bridge can send an email to council@infogunnedah.com.au or contact Gunnedah Shire Council on 6740 2100.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

29 May, 2020

With COVID-19 restrictions beginning to ease, Gunnedah Shire Council has set out a plan for reopening services and facilities.

Updates to services will be communicated through a ‘traffic light alert’ confirming whether a service is currently open, open with conditions, or closed. Additional information will outline any conditions for visiting a facility.

Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said given the ever-shifting nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, service changes would be considered on an individual basis following Government advice.

“We are taking a considered approach to reopening Council facilities to the public, with the health and safety of our staff and community at the forefront of all decisions.

“Following the release of a public health order, it is a matter for Council’s to decide what should be open and the conditions to be applied. Factors to be considered include the size of the space, number of visitors, the needs of stakeholders using a facility and safety of both staff and the public.

“Given recent announcements from the NSW Government, Gunnedah residents can expect to see a return to face-to-face services at locations like the Gunnedah Shire Library and the Administration Building from Monday, June 1.

“This will be a cautious reopening, and it won’t be pre-Covid-19 business as usual. Social distancing protocols, hand hygiene stations and visitor limits will be part of our new normal.

“We are encouraging the community to put the safety and well-being of all, and particularly the vulnerable, in the community first by continuing to make payments and enquiries online or by phone wherever possible. This will help limit the risk of infection.

“We know the Gunnedah community is eager to get back into their regular routines, but we must continue to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community even as business reopens.

“We thank the community for adapting to new ways of conducting business with us, and for their patience as we all continue to navigate a complex situation.”

From Monday, June 1 service changes at the following Council facilities will apply:

• Elgin Street Administration Building reopening to the public for essential purposes.
  • Modified opening hours from 9am to 4pm will allow for extra cleaning.
  • Enquiries and payments should continue to be completed over the phone or online if possible.
  • Please phone ahead for all appointments including for Planning, Rates, Water and Animal Control as teleconferencing is still being utilised for some of these services.
• Library reopening to the public to resume normal business hours.
  • Limit of 15 people in the library at one time,
  • All returned books will be quarantined before re-entering circulation.
  • Library group programs are suspended, but housebound services are still available.
• Reopening of the Visitor Information Centre and Gunnedah Bicentennial Arts Gallery are also planned for Monday, pending the release of relevant public health orders.

For the current status of all Council services, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/gunnedah-shire-covid-19-advice

To keep up to date with new service changes, follow Gunnedah Shire Council on Facebook.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.