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…

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…

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…

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…

Construction of the $11.375 million Gunnedah Memorial Pool Renewal Project is now officially underway, with a sod turning ceremony held on Tuesday afternoon to mark the occasion. Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Gunnedah Memorial Pool Working Group Chair Councillor Owen Hasler, Deputy Mayor Gae Swain and Hines Constructions Director David Hines turned the first sod on site, marking the start of the 12-month project. “This week marks a significant occasion for the Gunnedah Shire,…

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…

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…

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…

On the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba (31 October 2017), soil was collected at seven sites in the Gunnedah Shire to contribute to the state-wide collection for the Anzac Memorial Centenary Project. The Gunnedah Shire Council Anzac Working group selected the date given its significance in Australian history. Many members of the 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments came from the North West area of NSW and were part of the famous charge.…

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…