Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to adopt the following draft policies for public exhibition:

• Draft Cultural Precinct Venue Hire Policy;
• Draft Arts and Cultural Grants Policy; and
• Medical Professionals Accommodation Policy

Council calls for public submissions in relation to the policies up to 5:00pm Friday 15 December 2017. The policy is on display at Council Administration Building, Library and Community Care centre and can be viewed online under Draft Documents and Exhibition.

Should any further information or assistance be required, please contact Council 02 6740 2100.

November is National Asbestos Awareness Month and Gunnedah Shire Council is urging homeowners, renovators and tradies to take asbestos warnings seriously when renovating or maintaining homes and learn how to manage it safely.

“Australia was among the largest consumers of asbestos-containing materials in the world, with asbestos used in the manufacture of a broad range of building and decorator products that can still be found in one in three brick, weatherboard, fibro and clad Australian homes,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron said.

“It can be in any home built or renovated before 1987; lurking under floor coverings, including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, home extensions, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels.

“Asbestos was used everywhere. So, if you’re a homeowner, renovator or tradie, and you don’t know the risks, the products to look for or how to manage asbestos safely, you could be risking your life and the lives of others if you disturb asbestos-containing materials and release fibres into that air that can be inhaled.”

Well-maintained and undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to pose a health risk, however, if disturbed they can cause disease.

“When it comes to asbestos, don’t cut it, don’t drill it, don’t drop it, dismantle it or demolish it, and definitely don’t dump it.”

To find out how to safely dispose of asbestos locally, contact Gunnedah Waste Management Facility on (02) 6742 3943.

To learn more about managing asbestos handling and removal safely please visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au 

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

An official sod turning ceremony was held yesterday to mark the commencement of construction works for the $3.2 million Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project.

The site was declared open for construction by Deputy Mayor Gae Swain and Daracon Group’s Construction Manager Adam King.

The project was a recommendation of the Blackjack Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study to reduce the impact of flooding from Blackjack Creek and to protect surrounding properties.

Gunnedah Shire Council accepted a tender in June from Daracon Group for $1.958 million, for the creation of channel banks and deepening, widening and the realignment of 1.9 kilometres of Blackjack Creek to increase capacity.

The project also includes the installation of storm water pipes under Wandobah Road and associated road works, as well as the removal and replanting of trees in the area. “I extend my appreciation to the Flood Mitigation Working Group, both current and past, for their commitment to this project,” Deputy Mayor Gae Swain said.

“We are proud to be at this stage to see the works start on this project.”

The project will commence on 13 November and is expected to take approximately 16 weeks.

Photo Caption: Deputy Mayor Gae Swain and Daracon Group’s Construction Manager Adam King turn the sod on the Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Farmers, fishers, and community and industry groups in the Gunnedah Shire can apply for grants of between $5000 and $100,000 to assist them to protect and improve the condition of natural resources.

Applications are open for the Federal Government’s $50 million Smart Farms Small Grants Program, through the National Landcare Program. Gunnedah Shire Council is offering assistance to anyone who would like to apply in completing their applications.

“It is a great opportunity for our farmers to tap into much-needed funds to help them to diversify or run their businesses more efficiently and sustainably,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

“Our agricultural sector is a large part of our economy and the flow-on effect from it thriving is extremely rewarding for our entire community.

“If anyone is interested in finding out more information regarding this grant or if they need any assistance in completing an application we are available to help.”

For information on how to apply for the Smart Farms Small Grants Program, please contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100.

Applications close 7 December, 2017.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce 2017 Christmas Lights Competition is officially open. A number of Gunnedah Gift Cards are up for grabs across six categories – Best Decorated House, Best Nativity Scene, Best Christmas Theme in a Village, Santa Street, Judges Choice Award and Best Dressed Shopfront Window.

The competition closes at 5:00pm on Friday, 1 December 2017. Judging will take place on Monday, 4 December 2017 and winners will be announced at the Gunnedah Christmas Fair on Friday, 8 December 2017.

Download a 2017 Christmas Lights Competition Entry Form here.

For more information please contact Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Works for the Curlewis Pipeline Project, which proposes to connect Gunnedah’s town water supply to Curlewis, has gone to tender. The $5.9 million project will improve water quality, storage capacity and security for the village.

This major project will involve the installation of a 15.8 kilometre pipeline from Wandobah Road, via Blackjack Forest Road, Booloocooroo and Preston roads to Curlewis, the construction of two 500 kilolitre storage reservoirs and a disinfection dosing station.

“Council has consulted with Curlewis residents over a long period of time, with a key piece of feedback being concern with water quality in the village. The pipeline was Council’s preferred option and would allow us to deliver a solution that will greatly improve Curlewis’ water and cater for a future increase in population growth,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The project will create social and economic benefits for Curlewis and help to attract families to the village, which will create a flow-on effect for local businesses and the school. Curlewis is a high potential residential, industrial and economic growth area, with affordability and access to services attractive to investors and people looking to reside in the Gunnedah Shire.”

Gunnedah Shire Council was successful in obtaining $2.6 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. Council is also seeking funding under the NSW Safe and Secure Water Program for the project.

The project is expected to commence in late January 2018 and construction is projected to take 12 to 18 months.

Tender documents can be obtained by registering on the e-tendering portal at www.tenderlink.com/gunnedah. The closing date for submissions is 5:00pm on 24 November 2017.

Submissions are also currently open to design, develop and construct a four megalitre water supply storage reservoir at Apex Road, Gunnedah. Tenders for this project close at 5:00pm on 17 November 2017.

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

NSW Health has been working with Gunnedah Shire Council to consider fluoridation of the Gunnedah town water supply.

Council endorsed a recommendation for NSW Health to undertake community consultation regarding the fluoridation process and implementation at its October Ordinary Meeting.

NSW Health says water fluoridation is the process of adding fluoride to a public drinking water supply and that it protects against tooth decay – one of the most common health problems in Australia.

“Over the next two months, NSW Health will provide the Gunnedah community with information about water fluoridation. The community will have an opportunity to have their say through submissions during this consultation process,” Acting Director Infrastructure Services Edward Paas said.

“A fact sheet prepared by NSW Health has already been distributed with Gunnedah Shire’s quarterly rates notices to give our community access to information on the matter. A website with further information and to accept submissions has also been launched by NSW Health to make it easy for our residents to have their say.

“Following the consultation period, NSW Health will prepare a report for Council, and a decision is expected to be made at Council’s December Ordinary Meeting.”

If introduced, this would also apply to the Curlewis water supply following the planned Curlewis Pipeline Project, connecting Curlewis to Gunnedah’s town water supply.

Submissions will be taken until 8 December 2017. For more information or to make a submission please visit www.gunnedahfluoride.com.au 

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Trains can take up to 14 rugby fields to stop at a level crossing. Which means even if they can see you, they can’t stop. Always take care at level crossings.

Look for approaching trains and obey the road rules, or you not only risk a fine of $439 and three demerit points, but your next crossing could be your last.

Be aware police are now targeting level crossings in the Gunnedah and Curlewis areas over the next few weeks.

As a result of representation made during Gunnedah Shire Council’s delegation to China in March, Gunnedah played host to a return Chinese delegation recently. The delegations continue to build agricultural links and put Gunnedah on the world map.

The high level delegation visited Adelaide, Sydney, Kempsey and Gunnedah and has expressed interest in trade and investment opportunities in the Gunnedah Shire.

Representatives from six agricultural-based companies from across eastern China toured farms in the Shire before attending a seminar at Gunnedah Shire Council with primary producers from the region.

The forum was addressed by Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns, and each visiting company was provided the opportunity to address the group outlining its interests in Australian agricultural produce.

“The delegation was in awe of the quality of the soil and the scale of our farms. Many of the companies were looking to secure vegetable crops and expressed a desire to trial some crops in the Gunnedah Shire on different soil types,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said.

“These plots would only consume small amounts of land and the primary producers at the seminar all expressed interest in becoming involved in the trials.

“The delegation was also interested in existing commodities that our region is famous for such as beef, lamb, cotton seed, barley, wheat, faba beans, sorghum, and hay to name a few. Their keen interest in our commodities has the potential to boost our economy and support our local producers.”

A number of representatives have expressed interest in visiting Gunnedah again in the near future to discuss further opportunities.

Photo Caption: The Chinese delegation toured a number of local properties as part of their visit.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah's Cultural Precinct is located on the corner of Conadilly and Chandos Streets and includes: Gunnedah Town Hall, Smithurst Theatre, Civic Theatre, Creative Arts Centre, and the Visitors Information Centre

The cultural precinct requires a new planning approach, one that focuses on redevelopment, revitalisation and growth. It is of key importance to Council that user groups and communities work together to plan the next steps in the development of the Gunnedah cultural precinct.

As users of these facilities, and as a member of the community, we would like to invite you to contribute.

Tuesday 14 November, 3pm  |  Civic Theatre, Chandos Street, Gunnedah.

The desire is to move to an integrated precinct which will connect the spaces between the physical buildings, the collections, programs and people within them.By doing this, the cultural precinct will present a vibrant visitor experience for tourists and locals alike, celebrating and recognising the diversity, heritage and strengths of five facilities in the one location.

If you are unable to attend the public meeting but would like to contribute to the discussion, written submissions will be accepted by email.

For further information contact meeting co-ordinator
Angela Brown  |  Studio Two Architecture  |  Ph 0412 357 006  |  info@studiotwoarchitecture.com.au