Disclaimer

The road closure information is as accurate as possible at the time it is entered. However as conditions change quickly, this information should be used as a guide only. Council makes no statements, representations or warranties about the accuracy, currency, reliability or completeness of the information.

Road users are reminded deliberately disobeying of road closure signs may result in police prosecution.

Large volumes of Traffic are expected in the Gunnedah area on the Oxley Highway and Kamilaroi Highway Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd August 2018.

Speed restrictions are enforceable. Please follow directions from Traffic Control Staff and Police at all times.

20 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and insured companies for the design and construction of ‘Works Associated with Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground Gunnedah’.

Tender documents can be obtained by registering on the e-tendering portal at www.tenderlink.com/gunnedah to download the documents free of charge. Tender enquiries should be via the online forum accessed on the portal.

The Request for Expressions of Interest closes at 10.00am, Friday, 31 August 2018. For more information regarding this request for Expressions of Interest, please contact Council’s Community and Social Planner, Ms Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100 or email Council at council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Council is not bound to accept the lowest or any expression of interest. Canvassing of Councillors or Council staff will disqualify prospective suppliers.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

16 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is excited to announce that as part of its Parks Playground Equipment Improvement Program, new playground equipment will be installed next to the amenities block at Donnelly Fields.

Council’s Manager of Public Facilities Geoff Phillips said the equipment was going to be a great addition to the park.

“Installing a playground at Donnelly Fields will not only enhance the facility, but provide a fun and safe space for children to play while the sporting fields are in use, or for the community to enjoy at any time,” Mr Phillips said.

The new playground forms part of the upgrade to the riverine and sporting precinct and Council is calling on the community to have their say on which design they prefer.

“We want the community to decide what sort of playground equipment they would like to have installed in the area. Be sure to show the family or anyone who will use the park, and take a vote,” Mr Phillips said.

There are three different equipment options, with the most popular option as voted by the community to be installed.

Closing date for submissions is 31 August 2018. Votes will be counted via a survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/donnellyfield 

For more information please contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: The three options for playground equipment, with the most popular option as voted by the community to be installed. Overseer Sports/Open Spaces Craig Dixon at the site of the proposed playground.

ENDS

Media contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

16 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has joined other local governments and public libraries in a united effort across NSW to call for a doubling in State Government funding to resolve a shortfall that threatens the long-term viability of local public libraries.

Council’s Director, Corporate and Community Services Colin Formann said the local library is a valued place for the community to meet, access knowledge and share ideas.

“Providing high quality library services is a job we take very seriously, that’s why we’re proud to support Renew Our Libraries,” Mr Formann said.

At last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors voted to join the campaign promoted by the NSW Public Libraries Association and Local Government NSW to improve State funding for public libraries.

Mr Formann said the demand for local library services has increased, but NSW Government funding is failing to keep up.

“While public libraries do receive State funding, the level of this funding as a portion of overall expenditure on libraries has gradually declined,” Mr Formann said.

“In 2015/16, State funding for Public Libraries covered only 7.5% of the total costs of operating the 368 libraries across NSW. At Gunnedah Shire Council the State contribution is approximately 9% of the total library budget.”

The NSW contribution to libraries is the lowest in Australia, behind Victoria (18 per cent) and Queensland (12 per cent).

“Neither this Council nor the broader NSW Local Government sector can plan with confidence considering the high degree of uncertainty about the level of ongoing funding for public libraries,” Mr Formann said.

For more information visit www.renewourlibraries.com.au 

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Library activities in doubt if funding shortfall continues. At the Knit and Natter, Colour and Chatter launch with Olwyn Jones, Gunnedah Shire Council Librarian Christiane Birkett and Acting Cultural Precinct Supervisor Lauren Mackley.

ENDS

Media contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100

Gunnedah Shire is in drought and many people are either wanting to help or wanting to access help. If you know of more organisations or assistance, please give Gunnedah Shire Council a call and we can add it to the list.

INFORMATION FOR FARMERS AND APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE

NSW DPI Primary Porducers Assistance Guide

Drought Relief Handout for the NSW DPI Rural Resilience Program – Listen, Learn & Link to create opportunities for Farmers & Farming Communities.

Drought Hub NSW

DroughtHub provides a one-stop online destination for information on a vast range of services and support available to primary producers, their families and communities to prepare for and manage drought. DPI makes every attempt to ensure the information supplied is current, however the individual circumstances of DroughtHub users should be taken into account when considering the linked services.

Website: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub  - There is a link in Support for Primary Producers Box that has contact details, links and further information for various organisations and support for farmers.

LLS are organising events and activities to increase their visability to customers, provide drought specific advice, pass along information and assist customers to find the support they need through through connecting them with other government agencies, not for profit groups and business partners. More events are being planned. You can view their Drought Activities plan on their website or call.

Phone: 02 6742 9220
Website: www.lls.nsw.gov.au

NSW Rural Assistance Authority

In broad terms the function of the Authority is to administer a wide range of assistance measures to the rural sector. These assistance measures are both Commonwealth and state funded. Whilst the rural sector is its core client, the Authority is also responsible for small businesses that have suffered loss or damage due to natural disaster.

Phone: 1800 678 593
Email: rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au
Website: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/assistance/emergency-drought-relief

NSW Rural Assistance Authority - Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme

Eligible Primary Producers can claim a rebate of 25% of the cost of purchase, delivery and if applicable, the labour cost to engage a person to install water infrastructure for animal welfare needs.

Phone: 1800 678 593
Email: rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au
Website: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/assistance/emergency-water-infrastructure-rebate-scheme

Rural Financial Counselling Services

Rural Financial Counselling Services is a local non-profit organisation that hosts government funded programs to foster regional economic development in the north eastern region of New South Wales. They support eligible farmers, fishers, forest growers, harvesters and small related rural businesses who are suffering financial hardship, and who have no alternative sources of impartial support, to manage and adjust to the challenge of industry and climate change. Sarah Goulden provides a free, confidential, impartial and independent service to assist farmers in applying for Government grants in relation to the drought.

Phone: 02 6761 3336 or 0427 924 798
Email: tamworth@rfcsnr.org.au
Website: www.rfcsnr.org.au

Freight to drought areas

Roads and Maritime Services is working with the freight and agricultural industries to support access for heavy vehicles carrying larger loads to safely and efficiently move feed, water and stock in drought affected areas. Information contained on this website will assist freight operators delivering to drought affected areas, including an overview of available Notices and Permits for the transport of drought relief hay. In partnership with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator we have also improved and streamlined the assessment of drought relief permit applications.

Phone: 1800 952 292
Email: roadfreight@rms.nsw.gov.au
Website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/drought-freight/

Virtual Psychologist

Virtual Psychologist offers 24 hour psychological counselling services to drought affected farmers via SMS, Chat, Email, Phone and where applicable face to face.

Phone: 0404 032 249
Email: dervla@virtualpsychologist.com.au
Website: www.virtualpsychologist.com.au

WAYS TO DONATE AND APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE

Rural Women's Network

The Rural Women's Network (RWN) is a state-wide government program within the Department of Primary Industries. The small RWN team works in innovative ways to share information and promote action on rural women's issues, often in partnership with individuals, groups and non-government and government agencies.

Phone: 02 6391 3620
Email: rural.women@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Website: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/rural-support/rural-womens-network

Country Women’s Association

CWA of NSW Drought Aid grants Assistance to help meet household expenses for drought affected families, up to a maximum of $3,000 per family/household, is available to eligible applicants. Expenses can include grocery bills, vehicle maintenance, school, electricity, rates, telephone, dental and medical.

Phone: 02 8338 1595
Email: drought@cwaofnsw.org.au
For those who wish to donate, go to https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/donate and select "Disaster Relief Fund" from the "Donate to" drop down.
Website: https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/droughtaid.html  (To register for Drought Aid grants)
Local: www.cwaofnsw.org.au/branchlist.php?groupnumber=18&id=7

Aussie Helpers

Provides assistance to primary producers. Donate: Accepts donations of perishable and non-perishable goods. Any donations of goods or fodder welcome.

Phone: 1300 665 232
Email: admin@aussiehelpers.org.au
Website: www.aussiehelpers.org.au
Visit: 44 Conadilly St, Gunnedah

Rural Aid

Rural Aid was founded in 2015 to provide a holistic support program to rural Australia. The starting point for the charity was the success of the Buy a Bale campaign, which to date has received over $4.5 million in donations and distributed this through fodder, hampers and more. We understand the needs of our primary producers and aim to lend a helping hand when times are tough.

Phone: 1300 327 624 or 07 3054 5979

Drought Angels

Drought Angels supports Aussie farmers and their rural communities with meaningful and personalized assistance. We provide food hampers, care packs, prepaid visas, local store vouchers, stock feed and hay.

Phone: 0409 548 414 or 0447 129 681
Email: operations@droughtangels.org.au
Website: https://www.droughtangels.org.au/

Lions Need for Feed

Need For Feed has been the major supplier of emergency fodder & transport, outstripping the State Government and Other Agencies combined. We are supplying the stock & animal feed needs of affected larger properties by semi loads & supplying smaller properties by ute convoys. We continue to raise funds to support all farmers in fire, drought and flood affected areas each year as required as they struggle to rebuild properties and livelihoods in times of crisis and natural events.

Phone: 0459 444 111
Email: Lionsneedforfeed@yahoo.com.au
Website: www.needforfeed.org

Vinnies NSW Drought Appeal

With 99% of New South Wales affected by drought, Vinnies has launched its NSW Drought Appeal to raise vital funds for rural communities in need. The difficulties and hardships for farmers and their livestock caused by this drought will have ongoing ramifications for the affected communities. Through your kind donation, Vinnies will be involved in the recovery of these communities, helping to keep the hard-working farms of the NSW regional area afloat as they care for their land, their livestock and crops, and most importantly their families, with financial aid and emotional support.

Phone:13 18 12
Website: www.vinnies.org.au/drought
Local: Gunnedah St Vincent De Pauls 02 6742 1836

Rotary Club of Gunnedah 2380

Vouchers and financials assistance for food, water, petrol, medicine and day to day needs. Email with your details or those family and friends that need help.

Email: gunnedah2380@gmail.com

Salvation Army – Gunnedah

Provides drought affected farmers in remote locations with grocery store vouchers and cash grants.

Phone: 02 6742 0540 or 0407 034 604
Sydney office: 02 8757 8088
Website: www.salvos.org.au/about-us/latest-news/disasters-other-appeals/2018-droughts/

15 August 2018

Now is the perfect time to visit the largest agricultural based exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.

The 2018 AgQuip Field Days have remained industry relevant, evolving and a great platform for new technology and information within the agricultural sector each year, and Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the dry times make that even more important.

“AgQuip means different things to different people, but the one thing we all have in common is coming together for a shared event,” Cr Chaffey said.

This year Gunnedah has had a spotlight on the Shire as a hub for community efforts in providing drought relief.

Cr Chaffey said while these are welcome initiatives to help the farmers, there is something else the rest of Australia can do to help regional towns the most.

“If there is a message I would like to get across at AgQuip this year and beyond, make sure you tell your friends and family not to stay away just because it is dry, but to visit in a regional town,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We are so proud to showcase Gunnedah and our region to the many visitors to the area. We have this one opportunity a year to get this great exposure and even though the region is drought, this year will be a great event. Encouraging people to take a rural holiday will go a long way to help regional towns in drought,” he said.

“To ensure the business doors stay open, locals continue to have jobs, people and businesses continue to invest and the primary producers have somewhere to buy and sell; visit a regional town like Gunnedah. You can help mitigate the economic downturn of a rural town by bringing your family to see all the sights there is to see regardless of the drought.”

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey as set up begins for AgQuip 2018.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

15 August 2018

GoCo Community Care invites Gunnedah Shire’s elderly residents to discuss what health and wellness means to them.

GoCo, in partnership with NESST, is hosting a Wellness Day on Tuesday, 28 August from 10.00am to 3.00pm at the Gunnedah Shire Band Hall.

GoCo CHSP Co-ordinator Nicole Shields invites residents to take the opportunity to discuss and discover potential health and wellbeing opportunities.

“Join us for a conversation about what you want to see in the community’s health and wellbeing space,” Ms Shields said.

“The idea behind this program is to start the conversation with residents to find out what resources are necessary to not only maintain wellbeing and to stay healthy, but for residents to stay connected with their communities.

“It’s an interactive session, which allows the elderly community to work together to come up with ideas that can support them into the future.”

Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Attendees are not required to be GoCo clients.

For more information or to RSVP (Thursday, 23 August), contact GoCo on (02) 6740 2240.

When: Tuesday, 28 August from 10.00am to 3.00pm.
Where: Gunnedah Shire Band Hall

Photo Caption: GoCo staff preparing for an upcoming Wellness Day, from left, GoCo CHSP Co-ordinator Nicole Shields, GoCo Community Transport Officer Kerry Steele and GoCo Administration Officer Jocelyn Porter.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

15 August 2018

With dry conditions continuing across the NSW, Local Government Authorised Weeds Officers are reminding stock producers to be aware of the risk of weed seed in fodder such as hay, grain or cottonseed imported from other parts of NSW and interstate.

Gunnedah Shire Council Weeds Officer Lee Amidy said today that as feed supplies continue to become scarce and more expensive, farmers desperate to feed hungry stock are looking further afield to secure drought fodder.

“As the importation of feed from outside the region increases, so does the risk of new weeds being spread throughout the North West,” Mr Amidy said.

“Many weed species have been bought into the state over past years, particularly hay, from outside the region. Increased movement of hay particularly poorer quality stubble and pasture from south east Queensland dramatically increases the chance of weeds such as Parthenium entering NSW.”

Mr Amidy said the new Biosecurity Act 2015 placed certain obligations on both vendors and purchasers who sell, purchase and transport fodder within NSW and interstate.

Biosecurity in the fodder industry will largely be managed through the General Biosecurity Duty (GBD) where everyone has a duty to minimise the impact and risk of weeds.

For example a seller of fodder cannot knowingly spread weeds. The seller should also disclose if a weed may be present in the fodder and advise the buyer how to treat the product to ensure that any germinated weed seeds are unviable.

The buyer on the other hand has an obligation to be vigilant and treat weeds should they germinate.

Importantly, buyers should also consider that the movement of fodder onto their property increases the risk of transferring weeds and pests and ensure that this is mitigated by purchasing from a reliable source.

It is the buyers choice whether to ask for a vendor declaration detailing the likelihood of weed contamination and what weeds to look for.

Liverpool Plains Shire Council Authorised Officer Michael Whitney said it was important to ensure vehicles and equipment carrying fodder are cleaned before entering their property to reduce the spread of pests, diseases, weeds and contaminants.

“It is important to remember that land managers are within their rights to request this and refuse entry of vehicles that represent an unreasonable risk,” Mr Whitney said.

“Producers can also reduce the risk of new weed incursions by feeding in areas that can be easily identified and monitored for new weeds following the drought.”

He said the importance of keeping livestock from other parts of the state yarded until they empty out is also critical in the reduction of weed spread. Plants such as Tropical Soda Apple may be transported in the guts of animals, spreading once those animals are released onto new country.

“While it is understandable that producers are being forced to be less selective as feed continues to become scarce, it must be remembered that new incursions of weeds such as Parthenium could have a serious effect on farm biosecurity long after the drought is over,” Mr Amidy concluded.

For further information on Weeds and the new Biosecurity Act 2015 contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Weeds Officer Lee Amidy on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo Caption: Farmers and producers are asked to watch out for weeds in their feed as the importation of feed from other areas is on the increase.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey (02) 6740 2100.

14 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council Planning and Environmental Services Team held a community workshop titled “Unlocking the Potential of your Backyard” as part of Local Government Week recently.

The aim of the workshop was to notify Gunnedah residents of the potential opportunities for additional residential accommodation in an effort to combat the housing shortage that Gunnedah is currently facing.

Gunnedah housing prices have seen significant growth, according to realestate.com the median sales price for houses in Gunnedah in 2017 was $317,500, a growth rate of 13.4 per cent over the last five years.

realestate.com.au data suggests the rental yield for houses in Gunnedah was 5.9 per cent with a median weekly rent of $248.

There is a need for home owners to encourage increased residential accommodation on existing blocks of land and unlock further rental opportunities and provide more places to accommodate our growing workforce.

Council’s Manager Development and Planning Carolyn Hunt spoke of the different types of developments, including attached dwellings, dual occupancies and secondary dwellings that may be suitable in Gunnedah.

“If you are unsure of the development that may be suitable on your block please call Council to make an appointment with the Duty Planner,” Mrs Hunt said.

She also provided advice of where information can be obtained before submitting a Development Application including Council’s website (www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au) and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (www.planning.nsw.gov.au) website.

Manager Building and Environment Blake O’Mullane discussed the variety of construction types available that may be suitable, including a growing trend towards pre-fabricated structures such as “granny flats”.

“Before diving into your development always ensure you know where the services like water, sewer and electricity are located on your block, in order to avoid pricy extensions later in the build,” Mr O’Mullane said.

Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns was pleased to see community interest and awareness in planning and environment.

“It is an object that Council ‘Encourage a mix of housing types that is affordable, adaptable, accessible and suited to community needs’ - this workshop aimed to help address this objective,” Mr Johns said.

For more information visit Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or make an appointment to discuss your development with the Duty Planner, Monday-Friday – 9.00am to 4.00pm on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Development and Planning Carolyn Hunt talking about the ways to unlock the potential of your backyard.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

7 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and experienced companies for the design and construction of Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground Gunnedah, with the EOI now advertised on the government Tenderlink portal.

Council is advertising locally, regionally and state-wide and the EOI will remain open for a minimum of 21 days with a closing date of 10.00am Friday, 31 August 2018.

Under Council’s Local Preference Policy, experienced local companies, which include companies that employ local people or proposals that source local materials, will be looked upon favourably by the assessment panel.

Chair of the Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground Working Group, Councillor Owen Hasler, said the goal is to move the project ahead as quickly as possible.

“Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground is a priority for the Gunnedah Shire Council and we look forward to progressing to the construction stage of this significant play space project for our Shire,” Cr Hasler said.

"We will be working with the successful contractor to ensure that the final design and selected equipment elements of the project will maximise usage and ensure appreciation of the playground facility by our residents as well as visitors to our community."

Livvi’s Place is being built at Wolseley Park after Gunnedah Shire Council applied for funding from the Stronger Country Communities program and was awarded $850,000 by Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson.

Playground Project Manager Debra Hilton said the playground is one step closer towards improving the liveability and attractiveness of the area.

“Things are moving forward as we send out the EOI and this is another step closer to a sod turning moment,” Ms Hilton said

For more information contact Council’s Community and Social Planner and Project Manager Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Councillors Owen Hasler and Colleen Fuller with Working Group Members Rebecca Ryan, Rebecca Dridan and Debra Hilton at the current playground site where Livvi’s Place will be built.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey (02) 6740 2100.