Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
Gunnedah Shire Council has commenced a water meter replacement program following the identification of issues with some of the smart water meters rolled out in late 2019.
Some of the smart meters have been found to be returning low or zero reads, which means some residents may have been undercharged for their actual water consumption. There are no incidences of over‐charging caused by the issue.
Council has been provided with replacement meters by the supplier at no cost to the ratepayer.
We have begun the process of replacing the meters which will look different but will have the same capability as the original smart meters. The replacement meters will have an antennae.
What does this mean for you?
If your water meter has been replaced, you will continue to receive water bills on a quarterly basis based on the new meter readings. The back of this notice contains information about how to read your water meter. You can review your water consumption at any time by reading your meter. You can find information about reading your water meter here.
If you have not received a water bill recently or it has been very low, your previous meter may not have been working. You may receive a higher water bill in future if this has happened.
How do I obtain further information?
For more information, contact Council’s Custom Service Team on (02) 6740 2100 or council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
10 July, 2024
Animal Welfare League NSW will offer a number of free veterinary services in Gunnedah on Saturday, 27 July.
The Animal Welfare League will be offering the following free services:
• Free health checks for dogs and cats
• Free microchipping for dogs and cats
• Free dog C3 vaccinations
• Limited free cat F3 vaccinations (kittens will be prioritised and adults will be vaccinated at the vet’s discretion due to a shortage in F3 vaccines).
The services will be offered between 8am and 12pm at the Gunnedah Showground South Street on Saturday, 27 July, 2024.
No appointments are required, but cats must be in carriers and dogs must be on leads. There is a maximum of three animals per household and people need to bring a mobile phone to sign in.
Gunnedah Shire Council Acting Manager Community Safety Toby Jaeger said Council encouraged responsible animal ownership as the first and most important step in a happy co-existence with the Shire’s pets.
“Pets that are happy, healthy and kept in accordance with New South Wales regulations are an important part of our lifestyle,” Mr Jaeger said.
“This visit by the Animal Welfare League NSW is a great opportunity to make sure your pet is healthy and to take advantage of the microchipping and vaccination options.
“Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, cats and dogs must be microchipped and registered so they can always be returned home if they are lost, injured or stolen.”
Caption: Gunnedah Shire residents visit the Animal Welfare League NSW at the Gunnedah Showground in 2023.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
8 July, 2024
Gunnedah Shire Council has endorsed the retention of Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas declarations in the Gunnedah Central Business District for a further four years under the NSW Local Government Act 1993.
Chair of the Gunnedah Shire Crime Prevention Working Group Cr Colleen Fuller has welcomed the retention of the declarations which have been in place in Gunnedah for more than 18 years.
“These declarations have successfully supported a broad array of collaborative approaches to making our community safe and preventing alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in the Gunnedah CBD and entertainment precincts,” Cr Fuller said.
“The identification of appropriate locations is a result of consultations with the Gunnedah Liquor Accord, NSW Police, Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council, community stakeholders and the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group.”
Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services, Andrew Johns said: “Council currently maintains 12 Alcohol Free Zones on footpaths, public roads and car parks within the CBD, with two Alcohol Prohibited Area declarations in place for the Wolseley Park Reserve inclusive of the grandstand, oval, Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground and Brocks Court and surrounds, and Kitchener Park Reserve inclusive of the grandstand, oval and surrounds.
“The renewal of these declarations until 30 June 2028 serves as a timely reminder that the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in these areas 24/7.
“User groups, sporting clubs, and community organisations wanting to stage alcohol-related events in those areas, must apply to Council at least three months in advance to seek a temporary suspension of the declaration for the duration of that event. Under the NSW Local Government Act 1993, suspensions can only be done via a resolution of Council, and on conclusion of a 28-day public exhibition period. Without the suspension, the consumption of alcohol in those spaces is an offence and subject to police enforcement.”
To find out more about the declarations, and obligations in relation to temporary suspensions, contact Gunnedah Shire Council Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on 6740 2100, or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.
Caption: Alcohol Prohibited Area Signage – Wolseley Park Reserve.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
8 July, 2024
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Access Working Group and community members staged an awareness raising event in Conadilly Street on Sunday, 7 July to highlight the issue of inappropriate use of designated access parking bays in the Gunnedah CBD.
The Access Working Group works to support the delivery of the Shire's DisABILITY Inclusion Action Plan and strengthen Council's commitment to being access champions.
Wheelchairs were parked in non-designated parking bays outside Gunnedah Town Hall, each bearing a “Laziness is not a disability” sign and references to common excuses used by drivers who choose to park in an access bay – excuses such as “But it’s close”, “I’ll be quick”, “Just picking my child up from school”, “I’ll only be 5 minutes”, “Nobody is using it”, “I didn’t see the sign” and “I don’t care”.
Drivers who genuinely need designated access parking spaces are often left with limited options and added stress.
"The event was staged as a result of feedback from frustrated community members, carers and the disability support sector during the development of the recently endorsed Gunnedah Shire DisABILITY Inclusion Action Plan 2024-2028,” Working Group Chairperson Councillor Colleen Fuller said.
“We hope to highlight to the broader community that designated access parking bays are allocated specifically for those who have a legitimate disability or impairment, and who display a NSW Mobility Parking Scheme Permit or an Australian Disability Parking Permit on their vehicle.”
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Community Safety reminded the community that the snap decision to park in a designated access parking bay could come at a cost.
“Fines carry a penalty of $680 and the loss of one demerit point, with these likely to be increased after 1 July 2024,” Mr Berryman said. “The person to whom the permit was issued must also be travelling in the vehicle.”
Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton said: "This initiative is also a timely reminder that permits are also issued to individuals with invisible disabilities or conditions that may not be apparent, and that it is important to be sensitive to others.
“It is the first of many activities to be undertaken to raise awareness of access and inclusion issues, with the Working Group rolling out a series of Access Audits in public spaces including Livvi’s Place, Pensioners Hill and Porcupine Hill, over the coming months.”
Caption: Gunnedah Access Working Group (from left Ingrid Allen-Thomas, Jasmine Alloway, Tammy McAllan, Cr Colleen Fuller and Debra Hilton) at the awareness activity in Conadilly Street yesterday.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
5 July, 2024
Council is seeking local donations for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.
The fund is an initiative of our local community and provides an opportunity for our local youth to succeed in their tertiary education by encouraging students to embark on a journey of lifelong learning by financially supporting those moving on to pursue tertiary studies.
Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 and has assisted hundreds of local students over the many years.
Scholarships have covered many disciplines including accounting, agriculture, allied health, animal science, law, architecture, arts/theatre, civil engineering, education, information technology, medicine, nursing and social work.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the fund, or for more information please contact Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au .
4 July, 2024
Gunnedah Shire is joining the celebrations of NAIDOC Week with the opening of the popular NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition 2024 on Friday, 5 July.
This exhibition is an eclectic collection of community works reflecting on the week that celebrates and recognises the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme for this year is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.
Cultural Precinct Team Leader Danny Hankinson said the exhibition was vibrant and varied.
“The NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition 2024 reflects on the rich cultures of our First Nations people, with artworks including everything from bark paintings to weaving and sculpture,” Mr Hankinson said.
“Students and schools from the region have created some beautiful works alongside more seasoned artists, and our community should be proud of this celebratory exhibition.”
The exhibition will open at 1pm on Friday, 5 July at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, and will remain open until Thursday, 8 August 2024.
4 July, 2024
Gunnedah Shire Council is asking the community – from skateboarders to parents and kids who just want to hang out with friends – to help build a vision for the Gunnedah Youth Space.
After extensive community consultation in the lead-up to the Gunnedah Shire Council Open Space Strategy, adopted in 2022, one of the key recommendations was to investigate upgrades to the Gunnedah Skate Park on the corner of View Street and Wandobah Road.
Council is now asking people of all ages what they would like to see as part of a redeveloped space, and has engaged experts in skate park design, construction, and planning, Convic, to develop a concept plan.
A new community survey is now available that will allow people to share their ideas.
“We encourage the community to take the opportunity to have their say and work with our consultant to help build a concept that includes the features they are interested in,” Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said.
“The survey looks at the sort of activities people are using the space for now, and what they hope to see in the future. The survey includes examples of skatepark designs and additional activities and allows people to expand on their ideas.”
The concept will be used to source grant funding to create the new-look Gunnedah Youth Space in the future.
The Gunnedah Youth Space survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BBKFDMM and everyone who has an interest in the space is urged to complete it.
There is currently a concept plan under development for the Gunnedah Youth Space. The purpose of the plan is to create a long-term plan or vision for the skate park area.
The plan will be completed by an external consultant and will involve engagement with community members to get input into what could be included in the design.
Members of the community are invited to the first consultation workshop which will be held at the Gunnedah Skate Park on Tuesday July 2 from 3pm-5pm.
An on-line survey will also be made available soon.
GoCo is inviting the Gunnedah community to look at its updated Community Care building (pictured) that now reflects its vision for the future.
GoCo Executive Manager Bruce Mercer said the newly furbished Gunnedah headquarters at 80 Marquis Street marked a milestone in GoCo’s journey.
An opening for the community will be held between 10am and 2pm on Thursday, 4 July.
“This building is more than just a physical space,” Mr Mercer said.
“It symbolises inclusivity and accessibility and stands as testament to our collective ambition, vision and determination as a leader in the aged care industry.
“With its sustainable features and thoughtful design, it sets a benchmark for environmental stewardship and community engagement. It is a place where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can feel welcome.”
The two-year project is the culmination of a partnership between a huge team of people, from architects and engineers to project managers and community members who have all contributed their expertise and passion to achieving this milestone.
It was part funded by the Department of Regional NSW under Round Four of the Stronger Country Communities Fund in partnership with Gunnedah Shire Council.
To celebrate the occasion, GoCo is holding an open day between 10am and 2pm on Thursday, July 4 when people can come along to see the transformation and meet other great service providers in town, from exercise physiologists to dieticians, a retirement village and a representative from Scooters and Mobility.
GoCo’s community care finder will also be on hand for advice about aged care services.
GoCo has specialised in providing personalised aged and community care services across the New England and North West regions of NSW for more than 30 years, supporting older people in the community to live their life the way they choose.
GoCo is an approved provider for Home Care Packages, is funded to deliver Commonwealth Home Support Program services, is a provider of Community Transport and is a partner in the delivery of services for the Carer Gateway.
To find out how GoCo can become your aged care provider, call us on 6740 2240.
Non-residents of the Gunnedah Shire are permitted to enrol and vote in the September 2024 local government elections if they meet eligibility criteria and submit the necessary forms to Gunnedah Shire Council.
You are eligible to vote as a non-resident in a council area if you are:
• an owner of rateable land in the council area, or
• an occupier or rate-paying lessee of rateable land in the council area.
Non-residential rolls are prepared and certified by each council's general manager, and the NSW Electoral Commissioner must confirm that the voters listed are eligible for enrolment on the non-residential roll. However, you are responsible for checking that you are eligible for inclusion in the non-residential roll for a council when you make an application.
You can apply to be included on the non-residential roll of another ward or council area by contacting the local council office or visiting their website.
To enrol to vote as a non-resident, please complete and submit the applicable form below. Submissions close 6:00pm, Monday 5 August 2024.
Form - Non-Residential Roll - Joint Corporate or Trustees.pdf
Form - Non-Residential Roll - Individual Owners Occupiers and Ratepaying Lessees.pdf
For more information visit the NSW Electoral Commission website https://elections.nsw.gov.au/voters/enrolment/other-enrolment-categories/non-residential-enrolment .
