Updated Strategy currently being developed - need to check with Blake.

Gunnedah Shire Council's Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) has been developed to comply with the requirements introduced by the Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2011 (POELA Act) to prepare and implement a pollution incident response management plan.

The objectives of the plan are to:

• Ensure timely communication about a pollution incident to workers and visitors on site, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), other relevant authorities and community members who may be affected by the impacts of the pollution incident;
• Minimise and control the risk of a pollution incident at the facility by requiring identification of risks and the development of planned actions to minimise and manage those risk
• Ensure that the plan is properly implemented by trained employees, identifying persons responsible for implementing it, and ensuring that the plan is regularly tested for accuracy, currency and suitability

The Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2011 (POELA Act) introduced the new requirement that holders of an environment protection licence make their pollution monitoring data publicly available in a timely manner. The intention of this requirement is to improve the general public's access to information about the environmental performance of licensed facilities. This is in addition to other information that the EPA includes on its public register.

Gunnedah Shire Council is the licensee of multiple environmental protection licenses relating to water treatment and waste disposal. To find the environmental monitoring data required by each licence, click the corresponding link from the pages below:

Gunnedah Shire Council operates facilities that have environment protection licences regulated by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). As a licensee, Gunnedah Shire Council makes environmental monitoring data required under each licence publicly available.
Please click the link below to access monitoring data from the facilities operated by Council.

Garbage collection service

Gunnedah Shire Council provides residential households a kerbside waste collection service for residences within the town boundaries of Gunnedah, Carroll and Curlewis. For more information please see the Gunnedah Greenwaste Calendar and Gunnedah Greenwaste Collection Maps included in the below document.

Collection Days

Gunnedah Shire Council provides a weekly general household waste bin (red lid) which is collected on the same day each week. The recycling bin (yellow lid) and greenwaste bin (green lid) are collected fortnightly with your household bin on alternating weeks. For more information on your collection dates, please input your address in the schedule above or download the Recycle Coach app.

• On collection days, place bins at least one metre apart and clear of cars, trees and other obstacles. 
• Your bin lids should close completely and nothing should protrude out of the top. 
• Face bin openings to the road and place bins no further than one metre from the kerb or road’s edge.
• So you don’t miss a collection, remember to place your bin(s) at the kerb the evening before collection.

Missed Household, Recycling or Greenwaste Collection

To report a missed service contact JR Richards on 1800 208 141.

Please note your bin will not be collected for any of the following reasons:

• if your bin was not put out on the kerb before the truck serviced your street (bins should be placed out the night before);
• if you used an old style bin (black base) or old 120L recycling bin;
• the bin does not have a coloured lid;
• the bin contained items that are not permitted; and/or
• if your bin is too heavy or overfilled.

Household Chemical Cleanout

Gunnedah residents now have two FREE services for the disposal of household chemicals and problem waste. Household chemical Clean out dates are set annually by the EPA. Please visit www.cleanout.com.au. Certain problem waste items are able to be dropped off all year round! Farm chemicals: These can be disposed of through the ChemClear Program.

WHERE ARE THE WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES LOCATED?

Gunnedah and the surrounding villages are well-equipped with a number of Waste Management facilities for resident's convenience:

WHEN ARE THE WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES OPEN?

Gunnedah Shire Council operates eight waste management facilities across the shire. The facilities vary in the way they operate with some facilities being transfer stations.

 PLEASE NOTE: If you have concerns about asbestos in mulch, please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/environment-land-and-water/asbestos-mulch 

GUNNEDAH COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRE (CRC)

Gunnedah Shire Council has made recycling easier for householders to recycle and remove problem wastes from kerbside bin systems by establishing a drop off centre also known as a Community Recycling Centre (CRC).

 What is accepted from households, free of charge are at the CRC (Gunnedah Waste Management Facility only):

• Car batteries (lead acid)
• Household single use batteries
• Gas cylinders (including fire extinguishers)
• Fluorescent tubes and compact Florescent lighting (mercury containing lamps)
• Gas bottles
• Used oils (petroleum oil)
• Smoke detectors
• Paint (oil and water based)
• Other oils (cooking)
• Aerosols

The centre is a collaboration between Northern Inland Regional Waste, NSW EPA and Gunnedah Shire Council and is open Tuesday - Sunday from 8.00am to 4.00pm.

A number of smaller Community Recycling Stations are located across the Shire where you can safely dispose of small household batteries, compact fluoro globes and smoke detectors.

They can be found at the following locations:

• The Cultural Precinct
• Gunnedah Shire Library
• Carroll Rural Waste Depot
• Curlewis Rural Waste Depot
• Mullaley Transfer Station
• Tambar Springs Transfer Station

RECYCLIT BOWERBIRD SHOP

The Bowerbird Shop is the public retail outlet of Recyclit. People do not just dispose of waste, but also of items no longer required in their lives which are in perfectly good condition, and of use to someone else who may need them. These items are either donated to the shop, or retrieved for resale at very low prices from deposited waste.

The Bowerbird Shop is located at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility within Recyclit Shed, based on Quia Road, Gunnedah. Any enquiries for the Bowerbird shop please call (02) 6742 1522.

WHAT IS ASBESTOS

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that can typically be found in rock, such as Serpentinite, in parts of New South Wales as shown in this map. Asbestos becomes a health risk to humans when its ‘fibres’ are released into the air and are inhaled. Exposure to asbestos fibres, dusts or powders can cause lung diseases, including cancer.

Asbestos was considered a versatile product, because it can withstand heat, erosion and decay AND has fire & water-resistant properties.

Because of this, Asbestos has been used in a variety of building products. Some of these uses were in wall, flooring & roof sheeting (flat “fibro” and corrugated ‘Super Six”), along with water pipes, drainage pipes, flue pipes and even some floor tiles may contain asbestos.

In NSW, the use of asbestos was discontinued in sheeting and other building products by the mid-1980s. After this, asbestos continued to be used principally in friction products such as brake and clutch linings.

Asbestos that has been used in common building materials is described as either “non-friable” or “friable“.

Non-Friable Asbestos is any material (other than friable asbestos) that contains asbestos. Non- Friable asbestos cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry. Non-Friable Asbestos is sometimes called ‘Bonded’ Asbestos.

If fire, hail, or direct activities such as water blasting and drilling damages Non-Friable / Bonded Asbestos, it may become “Friable” asbestos material.

Friable Asbestos material is any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder OR can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder, by hand pressure when dry.

Friable Asbestos was not commonly used in residential homes; but more often in industrial applications such as pipe lagging, sprayed limpet and asbestos cloths and ropes.

Council also has an Asbestos Management Policy which can be viewed below and further information can be obtained by contacting Council's Customer Service Team on 02 6740 2100.

If you have concerns about asbestos in mulch, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/environment-land-and-water/asbestos-mulch

Alternatively, more information can be found by visiting the following websites:

• Asbestos in NSW
• NSW Environment Protection Authority
• SafeWork NSW

 ASBESTOS AND YOUR HOME

If your home was built or renovated before 1990, then it’s likely to contain some type of asbestos building product.

IDENTIFYING ASBESTOS

Before renovating or planning to renovate you should have your house inspected for asbestos by a licensed asbestos removalist or an asbestos assessor. The only definitive way to tell if a building material contains asbestos is through sample analysis under microscopic examination at a registered laboratory.

Fibrous cement sheeting made with asbestos in the early 1980s looks the same as that made in the mid 1980s without asbestos. Vinyl tiles and sealants often require further testing using x-ray diffraction or scanning electron microscopy to confirm asbestos content.

BUILDING DEMOLITIONS AND
RENOVATIONS CONTAINING ASBESTOS

Some types of building renovation, demolition work or earthworks require Council consent before work starts. Where asbestos material or naturally occurring asbestos is present, Council will place general conditions about safe work practices for asbestos on the consent, requiring compliance with relevant Australian Standards, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and Guidelines.

REMOVING ASBESTOS

Homeowners can presently remove less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos (‘fibro’), that is in good condition, provided appropriate safety precautions are used. However, it is recommended that non-friable asbestos removal work is carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist.

ONLY a licensed asbestos removalist can remove greater than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos, from your building.

ALL work involving the disturbance of friable asbestos can only be completed by a licenced asbestos removalist. There are no licence exemptions for homeowners who may wish to undertake this type of work themselves.

There are two types of removal licences, Class A (Friable) and Class B (Non-Friable) issued by SafeWork NSW:

• Class A (Friable) asbestos removalist is licenced to remove, repair or disturb any amount of friable asbestos, such as fire damaged fibro houses, sprayed limpet, asbestos cloth, mill board and pipe lagging.
• Class B (Non-friable) asbestos removalist is licenced to remove, repair or disturb more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos material such as fibro, corrugated cement sheeting and asbestos cement pipes.

Check with your builder or maintenance contractor to ensure they are licensed to handle asbestos AND that they are disposing of the material at a waste management facility where asbestos disposal is approved.

For homeowner advice about how to remove, handle and store non-friable / bonded asbestos visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au.

COUNCIL'S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Concerns or complaints regarding the inappropriate handling of asbestos, illegal dumping of material containing asbestos, or handling of material containing asbestos at non-work sites can be referred to Council for investigation.

For more information please visit the Reporting Issues section of Council's website.

Council may authorise work to rectify any unsafe or unhealthy conditions or arrange for the material to be collected once it has been rendered safe to handle and disposed of at Council's waste disposal facility.

Generally, where waste material containing asbestos is dumped or otherwise contained on private property, the material remains the responsibility of the property owner.

Where a complaint is made to Council with respect to waste asbestos material on private property, Council may investigate the complaint and, if necessary, direct the property owner to remove and safely dispose of the asbestos material.

Sites where work is being carried out by employees or a self-employed person(s) are considered workplaces. Workplaces are regulated by WorkCover NSW. If Council becomes aware of non-compliance at work sites, Council officers will refer the matter to WorkCover NSW.

ASBESTOS DISPOSAL IN THE GUNNEDAH SHIRE

Asbestos waste can only be disposed of at specific landfills located in various regions of in NSW. In the Gunnedah Shire Council area, asbestos can be disposed at:

Gunnedah Waste Management Facility
418 Quia Road, Gunnedah

A pre-arranged booking (with a minimum of 24 hours notice – 48 hours being preferred) must also be made to ensure correct preparations can be made at the site to safely handle and dispose of the asbestos material. Bookings for receival of asbestos are scheduled between 8am – 4pm ONLY.

Asbestos can not be lawfully disposed at any of Council’s rural waste facilities (landfills), nor any Waste Transfer Stations or Mobile Waste Service drop off points. Asbestos must NOT be deposited into your mobile garbage bin, recycling bin or street litter bins.

Significant penalties apply for the incorrect handling and disposal of asbestos or asbestos containing materials.

DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

To dispose of asbestos at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility (Gunnedah Landfill), you must arrange a booking by calling (02) 6742 3943.

Staff will require you to confirm the following actions have been completed AND may request additional details (to be provided to Council in writing) before a booking is scheduled.

1. MINOR LOADS (LESS than 100kgs OR LESS than 10 square metres of asbestos waste):

• Material must be packaged in two (2) sealed, heavy duty bags made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) at least 0.2mm thick.
• Each bag will have maximum dimensions less than or equal to 1.2m in height and 0.9 m in width and have a maximum weight of 15kg.
• Each bag must be marked “CAUTION ASBESTOS” in letters of not less than 40 mm in height.
• These sealed bags must be able to be placed on the ground in a manner which prevents their rupture and / or creation of dust.

2. GENERAL LOADS (MORE than 100kgs OR 10 square metres of asbestos waste – up to 10 tonnes), must, in addition to the requirements for MINOR LOADS above, also:

• Ensure compliance with the NSW EPA’s WasteLocate tracking requirements (refer to NSW EPA web page http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/wasteregulation/wastelocate-asbestos.htm)

3. MAJOR LOADS (MORE than 10 tonnes OR multiple truck load of asbestos containing materials) OR FRIABLE ASBESTOS:

• A disposal booking will only be offered once the Customer / Waste Generator provides Council with written details of the proposed means of transporting, packaging and unloading the asbestos containing material, which Council considers satisfactory. This documentation must include:
  • The origin of the waste AND the demolition permits / consents or conditions that may apply to the property or works which generated the asbestos waste;
  • The class of asbestos material to be disposed (Friable / Non-Friable) including a description of the materials such as “bonded sheets”, “floor tiles”, “lined pipes”, “soil” (as examples); AND
  • The total volume of asbestos containing material to be disposed; AND
  • The likely time of day and duration of the deliveries (if staged over several days / weeks); AND
  • The proposed packaging arrangements; AND
  • The type of vehicle in which the asbestos will be transport to the site including an unloading procedure which must prevents packaging ruptures and / or the generation of dust or the stirring up of dust; AND
  • Confirmation that the delivery vehicle has functional remotely operated body / tailgate locks (if a standard tipping body) to avoid drivers needing to exit the vehicle in / near disposal activities; AND
  • Incident management / public safety arrangements that are proposed, should a spill / rupture occur which results in the potential / actual release of asbestos dust in transit or on while site; AND
  • Vehicle decontamination requirements after unloading (if necessary); AND
  • Contingency arrangements for deliveries that may be cancelled by Council due to unfavourable weather conditions and / or unplanned waste facility operating disruptions.
  • Compliance with the NSW EPA’s WasteLocate tracking requirements (refer to NSW EPA Tracking asbestos waste using WasteLocate)

While reasonable steps will be made to accommodate the disposal of MAJOR LOADS in a timely manner, bookings will be scheduled by Council at times that do not conflict with general operational needs OR create additional safety risks during disposal activities.

As such, Council may impose acceptance conditions for any booking AND / OR may suspend or defer receival due to non-compliance with disposal conditions or because of unforeseen circumstances including (but not limited to) weather conditions and equipment breakdown.

LOAD REJECTION & KEEPING DISPOSAL RECORDS

Council staff may reject the asbestos waste from the facility AND may report the waste generator / transporter to the NSW EPA / WorkCover NSW / SafeWork NSW for regulatory action, where asbestos waste is:

• not correctly packaged and handled during delivery and disposal, AND/OR
• is not disclosed by the transporter as being asbestos or asbestos containing materials, AND/OR
• arrives without a prior disposal booking.

Following appropriate disposal at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility, it is wise to keep copies of receipts from the landfill as regulatory agencies (NSW EPA, WorkCover NSW, SafeWork NSW etc) may require you to produce these receipts as ‘proof of proper disposal’.

  The Community Strategic Plan identifies the long term aspirations of our community. The Strategic Plan covers the next ten years, identifying the outcomes and long term strategic responses needed to achieve the agreed directions and meet the community’s values. It demands strong leadership from Council and working with others to grow our Shire into the future.

  The 4 year Delivery Program links the provisions of the long term Strategic Plan with the implementation of the Operational Plan. It is the strategic document that guides the organisations work program over the Councillor’s four year elected term. The Delivery Program sets out clear priorities, ongoing activities and specific actions Council will undertake, within its responsibilities and capacity, towards achieving the community’s outcomes.

  The Operational Plan allows for the implementation of key strategic documents, and outlines all of Council’s services activities for the year. Both ongoing activities and specific tasks contribute to the implementation of Council’s Delivery Program. The Operational Plan details the annual Capital Works Program and the annual Fees and Charges as well as containing detail about Council’s revenue policy including rating.

  The Strategic Asset Management Plan, Workforce Plan and Long Term Financial Plan outlines Council’s capacity and necessary resources required to manage assets and deliver services into the future. In preparing the resource plans, Council has determined the necessary workforce capacity, financial resources and asset management regime to achieve a sustainable organisation.

Further information on the IP&R process can be obtained by following this link.

For general information about local government please click here.

The Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex underwent a multi-million dollar upgrades in 2017/2018 and the state-of-the-art facility was reopened to the public in December 2018.

The complex, owned and operated by Gunnedah Shire Council, is located in the middle of town among a beautiful setting of trees and lawns. The complex was originally established in the mid 1950s and was built as a war memorial largely funded by community donations and voluntary labour. The upgrades saw the large war memorial located at the entrance to the pavilion retained to continue to pay tribute to those who served.

The complex features:

• a Fina-compliant competition eight lane, 50 metre outdoor swimming pool;
• 25-metre indoor heated pool complex;
• kids' water playground area;
• kids' dry playground area;
• brand new pavilion and amenities;
• kiosk/cafe facilities;
• seating and shaded areas; and
• Large open irrigated grassland areas.

The complex supports Council’s vision for creating liveable communities by providing a modern, family-friendly pool complex which encourages participation in recreational activities and promotes community well-being.

View the COVID-19 Safety Plan - Swimming Pools here. The indoor heated pool is open to the public with restrictions. Please phone ahead if possible to ensure space is available – (02) 6740 2215.

View the COVID-19 Safety Plan Restaurants and Cafes including Food Courts here. 

Swimming Carnivals

Each year the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex hosts various local school and club swimming carnivals. The general public can continue to access the splash pool, kiosk; and 25-metre indoor heated pool (except during the Challenge Carnival when the outdoor pool will remain open) during carnivals, however, are advised areas of the complex may be congested.

Fees & Charges

For information about fees and charges, see pages 38-40 of the 2024-25 Fees and Charges Schedule PDF below.

Council manages a total of 108 hectares of sporting fields for the benefit of the Community. Major sporting fields are equipped with picnic/BBQ areas, children's play equipment, amenities blocks and lush fully grassed fields, all of which are maintained to a high standard.

Major Sports Fields:

• Wolseley Park
• Kitchener Park

Swimming Pool Complex:

• Please click here for more details

Sports Heritage Wall & Awards:

• Gunnedah Sports Heritage Wall

Gunnedah is well recognised in the region as a town which has excellent Sporting Facilities and caters for the majority of sports with a major focus on Cricket, Rugby league, Rugby Union, Soccer, Tennis, Netball, Swimming, triathlon/athletics, AFL.

Booking a Council Sporting Facility:

Council requires all organisations to complete and submit an Agreement for Use of Council's Facilities form along with a current copy of the organisation's public liability Insurance. Please Download the Agreement Form below (and contact Gunnedah Shire Council on 02 6740 2100 whilst completing the Agreement form).

Most Requests for Tenders (RFT’S), Requests for Quotations (RFQ’s) and Expressions of Interest (EOI’s) are listed on Council’s e-tendering website. For a listing of Tenders Received please click here.
Click here to view a list of Currently Open Tenders, Quotations and Expressions of Interest or visit the TenderLink website.

You can view Gunnedah Shire Councils Purchasing Terms and Conditions below.

Who can submit a Tender, Quotation or EOI?
Gunnedah Shire Council invites any interested business to bid for the supply of goods, materials and/or services contained in the Tenders, RFQ or EOI advertised.

Using the e-tendering website
Council’s e-tendering website provides Council suppliers, contractors and other interested businesses easy access to a range of Tendering, RFQs and EOIs opportunities.
Go to https://www.tenderlink.com/gunnedah/ 

This website allows businesses to:

1. Register their details and establish profiles to automatically receive relevant Tenders, RFQs and EOIs as they become available.
2. View tenders online and/or receive them via email notification.
3. Download documentation directly from the website.
4. Post requests for further information or seek clarification on aspects of a tender directly to the website and receive replies back via the website.
5. Receive addendums and other information issued on current tenders.
6. Respond to tenders via the Electronic Tender Box, rather than having to post or deliver responses to Council’s Office. (Responses can still be posted or delivered if preferred.)

Tender deposit payments
Where a tender deposit is required as part of the tender submission, the amount and how to pay will be specified in the Conditions of Tendering section of the tender.

Contracts Register
You can view Gunnedah Shire Council's contracts register for contracts over $150,000 below.

              Currently Open Tenders, Quotations & Expressions of Interest

Below is a listing of all currently open Tenders, Quotations and Expressions of Interest. To download and view any of the files, please click their respective links.

              Tenders Received

Below is a listing of all of the recently closed Tenders that Gunnedah Shire Council has received. To download and view any of the files, please click their respective links.

Gunnedah Shire Council Vendorpanel

Gunnedah Shire Council has more opportunities to work with local businesses following the introduction of an innovative digital marketplace. VendorPanel is a purchasing and procurement platform that allows local businesses to register for a broad range of Council tenders.

VendorPanel Marketplace then uses geolocation to help Council staff pinpoint businesses that Council can collaborate with. The platform is free and available to all suppliers with an Australian business number and public liability insurance. Once registered, suppliers can receive invitations to quote on work across dozens of categories.

The platform provides suppliers with direct access to procurement opportunities and suppliers can elect to receive SMS or email notifications for upcoming tenders. The project has been developed in collaboration with Namoi Unlimited, a joint organisation of Councils across the Namoi region. Once established, Vendor Panel will provide Gunnedah Shire businesses further opportunity to compete for tenders in neighbouring areas.

Local businesses ready to sign up for VendorPanel can visit www.vendorpanel.com.au/marketplace. Those with further queries can also contact Council through vendorpanel@infogunnedah.com.au.