Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging residents not to be ‘tossers’ by taking responsibility for their rubbish and either putting it in a bin or taking it with them.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Building and Environment, Blake O’Mullane said that from this week, the Hey Tosser! state wide marketing campaign will roll out across the state, on TV, radio, social media, billboards, and newspapers to remind people that throwing your rubbish anywhere other than in a bin is unacceptable.

“The objectives of the Hey Tosser! litter campaign are to drive a change in social norms around litter by raising awareness about littering and its impacts, and reducing littering behaviour,” Mr O’Mullane said.

“Litter damages our natural environments, harms wildlife and sea creatures, can injure people and makes our public spaces less safe. Litter is not just unsightly – it’s also very costly. More than $180 million a year is spent managing litter in NSW. Our Council commits a significant amount of resources to managing litter in our region. Money that could be much better spent for the community elsewhere.”

Research consistently identifies littering as an area of concern across NSW. The Hey Tosser! Campaign is part of the NSW State Government’s comprehensive anti-littering program that aims to reduce litter by sending a clear message that littering is unacceptable.

This timing of the current campaign will leverage the increase in travel during School Holidays, Easter and the Anzac long weekend period and focus on highways and driving to raise awareness about reporting littering from vehicles.

More information about the campaign is at www.epa.nsw.gov.au/heytosser.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.

Australia Day 2017 Award nominations are now open. The Australia Day Committee is seeking nominations for people or groups who exhibit good citizenship and community qualities. This year the focus will be on those who are seen as good ‘role models’ in the wider Gunnedah Shire Community and who have made outstanding contributions and/or accomplished outstanding achievements in their particular areas of interest.

Nomination can be made in a variety of categories. This year the categories are:

• Citizen of the Year Award
• Young Citizen of the Year Award
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy
• Community Achievement Award
• Cultural Award
• Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award
• Ivan Towns Memorial Award
• Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award
• Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year Award
• Female Sportsperson of the Year Award
• Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year Award
• Male Sportsperson of the Year Award
• Junior Sports Team of the Year
• Sports Team of the Year

Nomination forms are now available online or from the Gunnedah Shire Library Conadilly Street, The Civic Centre on Chandos Street or the Gunnedah Shire Council Building on Elgin Street.

{rsfiles path="GunnedahShireCouncil/COUNCIL/KEEP-IN-TOUCH/News-and-Media/Media-Releases/Australia Day Awards Nomination Form 2017.pdf"}

“There are so many people in the Gunnedah Shire who are community minded- high achievers. This is the perfect opportunity to recognise their contribution.” Gunnedah Shire Council Events Officer Laurieann Boag said.

“We all notice amazing people from time to time, and quietly appreciate their efforts. This is a way to publicly thank them for all they do. It’s always nice to receive a ‘thanks’ for your hard work, no matter how much of a quiet achiever you may be” she concluded.

Award winners will be announced in January 2017 during our Australia Day Celebrations. All community members are encouraged to come along and enjoy the festivities. Please note nominations close Friday 16 December 2016, so get in early to avoid missing out.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100

The coordinators of the National Dorothea Poetry Awards are celebrating an early success with a spike in entries for the 2016 competition, having already received over 11,7666 entries from young Australian poets.

“Poetry is a form of artistry that over the years, appeared to be losing its place in Australian culture. The upwards trend in entries is a heartening indicator that poetry is clawing its way back into Australian schools and finding its way back to the youth of our nation”, Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society Chairperson Philippa Murray said.

“For many entrants, poetry is much more than simply words on a page. It’s the tool they use to express their feelings, to navigate their challenges, to share their experiences and adventures and gives voice to their dreams for tomorrow,” Ms Murray continued.

“The power of poetry and this competition as a vehicle for self-expression cannot be underestimated and we are delighted with the support the awards have received this year”, Ms Murray concluded.

The winners of the 2016 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Award will be announced at a ceremony to be held in Gunnedah on September 2, with finalists from far and wide attending.

Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society patrons Margaret White, Mark Vaile and Peter Shergold have also confirmed their attendance in what is a major boost for the awards and poetry in Australia.

Head to www.dorothea.com.au or contact the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards Head Office on 02 6742 1200 to find out more information.

ENDS

Media Contact: Pip Murray 0427 426 722.

‘Around and About’ an exhibition of printmaking, etching and sculpture by popular and respected local artists Eileen Mair and Martine Moran will be exhibited from 9th September to 9th October 2016 at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, Chandos Street Gunnedah.

‘Around and About’ features artworks which question the present health of our earth and the way humanity impacts our environment.

Martine investigates discarded and abandoned belongings which she reinvigorates with new life, transforming them into whimsical, and sometimes quirky, sculptures that possess a unique artistic charm. Martine looks at interactions between people, objects and the natural world, using a wide variety of mediums. Her works range from artistic constructions to body adornments.

Eileen explores urban spaces and the way birds interact with our world. Her ‘Rooftop’ series of prints focus on how the birds have adapted to today’s ‘urbantopias’. Her etched collection ‘Into the frying pan’ questions how global warming is affecting life in the animal and plant world.

“Around and About’ is a collection of captivating and playful works that are thought provoking and insightful. Eileen and Martine are very active and passionate members of Gunnedah’s Arts Community. I encourage all members of the community to come and see this wonderful collection” said Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural officer, Lauren Mackley.

The exhibition officially opens at 6pm on Friday, 9th September, 2016. Wine and cheese platters will be provided.
For further information please contact Council’s Cultural Officer, Lauren Mackley on 6740 2100 or laurenmackley@infogunnedah.com.au.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100

Nominations are invited from interested members of Gunnedah Shire for five (5) community orientated representative positions on the Gunnedah Floodplain Management Committee.

The following provides an outline of the Committee’s responsibilities:

PURPOSE:
Assist in the implementation of policy and strategy planning relating to land use planning relative to floodplain development, consideration of tenders, funding of floodplain management plans, urban design, open space and recreational service.

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA:
This is primarily an urban flood management Committee with particular focus on the town of Gunnedah and the village of Carroll. Accordingly, persons who live in these centres and have knowledge of flood management issues are encouraged to nominate for the Committee.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:
The Committee will consist of two (2) councillors, four (4) technical representatives comprising two (2) Gunnedah Shire Council employees, one (1) Department of Water and Energy representative, one (1) State Emergency Service representative and up to five (5) community members.

MEETINGS:
Generally meetings will be held quarterly at 4.00pm at the Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah.

NOMINATIONS:
Nominations for membership should be addressed to: General Manager, Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
Nomination forms may be obtained from Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah or Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

Nominations for membership are to be submitted by 5:00pm on Friday 9 September 2016. Applicants should detail community involvement and outline experience in community and social impact or flood management issues.

Further information about this Committee may be obtained from Council’s Project Town Planner, Mr Brendan Williams on (02) 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager

Keeping old or unwanted agricultural and veterinary chemicals stored in your shed presents an unnecessary risk to staff, family, livestock, pets and the environment. Don’t leave them lingering for the next person, manager or generation to deal with, book them in now for ChemClear’s upcoming collection.

Farmers and other agvet chemical users across New South Wales have another opportunity to dispose of their unwanted chemicals as ChemClear schedules a collection through the state commencing in October.

This year’s run will be NSW’s 6th state collection since the program kicked off in 2003. Over 136 tonne of chemical has been collected from NSW for safe disposal and a total of 527 tonne nationally through the stewardship program.
Over 100 chemical users have got in early and registered for this collection with registrations received from farmers, golf courses, schools, bowling greens, chemical distributors, turf and pest management organisations. With this excellent early response ChemClear is anticipating this year’s collection to be one of its biggest yet. Waste holders must take an inventory and register with the program on or before close of business 2nd September to be included in the October collection.

ChemClear’s National Manager Lisa Nixon said the program strives to help chemical users make good purchasing, storing and disposal decisions with their agvet chemicals.
“Before this stewardship program kicked off farmers and other chemical users across Australia had very limited opportunities to dispose of their unwanted, unstable, inherited and unknown chemicals,” she said.

“So the containers continued to sit and gather dust in chemical sheds across Australia. Simply storing the chemicals isn’t a long term viable solution, especially for those farmers and businesses who are audited against quality management systems, certifications or workplace safety programs on an annual basis.”

The chemicals ChemClear collects are classified as either Group 1 or Group 2 under the program. Group 1 are collected free of charge to chemical users as a levy has been paid on these products at the point of sale.

Participating manufacturers’ chemical drums display a logo which denotes to the ChemClear and drumMUSTER program eligibility. 121 manufacturers of agvet chemical are voluntary members of the program, showing exemplary corporate responsibility for the industry.
Group 2 chemicals include unlabeled, out of date, deregistered or mixed chemicals and chemicals from non-participating manufacturers. Group 2 products attract a fee per litre charge for disposal.

The team from ChemClear will be on the road from mid-October and will spend about 4 weeks safely collecting and disposing of agvet chemicals from hundreds of registered participants. The ChemClear team collaborates with local councils to arrange centrally-located collection sites for registrants to drop off their chemicals to their specialized team.

ChemClear’s National Program Manager Lisa Nixon says “It is a great opportunity to clear your property of hazardous chemicals and dispose of them in a responsible and environmentally-friendly way.”

People who are bringing chemicals to the collection site must ensure they transport them safely.
“We use the mantra ‘Ute it don’t boot it’. Always transport chemicals in the back of a ute or truck. Do not place them in the boot of a car or in the back of a station wagon,” Lisa says.

This collection comes off the back of a successful campaign in Western Australia in June where the ChemClear truck collected more than 14 tonne of product for disposal.
Ninety eight per cent of the chemical collected is used as an alternative fuel source in the manufacturing of cement. Most of the material is destroyed in kilns which reach temperatures in excess of 1800°C.

To register your unwanted chemicals call the hotline on 1800 008 182 or visit www.chemclear.com.au.
ChemClear is Australia’s only Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program operating for obsolete agvet chemicals and works in conjunction with the drumMUSTER program which recycles empty cleaned agvet chemical containers.

For more information regarding this press release, contact:
Marcin Zygmunt
Marketing & Communications Officer | Agsafe Ltd
P: 02 6206 6888 E: marcin.zygmunt@agsafe.com.au W: www.agsafe.com.au 
ChemClear NSW October 2016

Gunnedah Shire Council is looking to develop its first Inclusive Playground in the Shire and is seeking the input of the local community to develop a design concept for the proposed play space.

“The possibility of establishing an Inclusive Playground in Gunnedah evolved historically from an approach to Council from local resident, Ms Ashley Bender with support from the Touched by Olivia Foundation”, Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner and Project Coordinator, Debra Hilton said.

“For some time now Ms Bender and the Gunnedah community in a broader sense have campaigned for an inclusive play space that can be enjoyed by all children of different abilities, developmental levels and ages within our community”.
“Council agreed to investigate the potential to install an inclusive playground in Gunnedah and established the Inclusive Playground Working Group to progress the initiative”, Ms Hilton said.

“The Gunnedah Inclusive Playground supports Council’s vision for creating accessible and liveable communities by providing a unique and fun public space that encourages participation in recreational activities. Inclusive playgrounds have the potential to provide a balance of play experiences to build the physical, cognitive, sensory and social skills of children as well as an opportunity for children and families of all abilities to learn, play and grow together” Chair of the Inclusive Playground Working Group, Councillor Rebecca Ryan said.

“In order to determine public preference and help shape the development of the design concept, we will be utilising a number of engagement methods, including a public survey, to encourage the community to have their say”, Clr Ryan concluded.

Gunnedahs Inclusive Playground Project Survey can be found here:

{rsfiles path="GunnedahShireCouncil/COUNCIL/KEEP-IN-TOUCH/News-and-Media/Media-Releases/Survey - Gunnedahs Inclusive Playground Project FINAL.pdf"}

Or you can complete it online at Survey Monkey here, and paper copies are available at the Council Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah, The Civic, 81 Chandos Street and the Shire Library in Conadilly Street. Survey closes Friday, 02 September 2016.
If you would like to find out more about the project and how you can get involved, contact Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Ends

Contact: Eliza Gallen 02 6740 2100

Council and Committees

Gunnedah Shire has nine elected representatives in total who serve a four year term. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by fellow Councillors annually. The key function of the Councillors is to represent the diverse interests of the residents and ratepayers of Gunnedah Shire in determining Council policies and strategies. This assists Council to achieve the vision and goals as outlined in the Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan. The documents can be viewed on the Intregrated Planning and Reporting page. 

Meeting Information

Council Standing Committee Agendas and Business Papers

Agendas and Business Papers are prepared and distributed on the Friday prior to each meeting. Council minutes are prepared and distributed on the Friday following each meeting. These documents can be viewed on the Council and Committee Meetings page, or at the Council Administration Building. Minutes of meetings are confirmed at the next meeting of Council.

Ordinary Council Meetings

Council Ordinary Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month, with the exception of August which is determined in relation to the scheduling of Ag-Quip and December which is determined in relation to Christmas.

Extraordinary Council Meetings

The General Manager or Mayor may call an Extraordinary Meeting of Council. The notice of the meeting shall state the objective and reasons for calling the meeting.
However, if the Mayor receives a request in writing signed by at least two Councillors, the Mayor must call an Extraordinary meeting of the Council to be held as soon as practicable but in any event, within 14 days after receipt of the request. The request shall state the objectives and reasons for calling the meeting.

Venue

Council meetings will be held in the Council Chambers, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah unless otherwise advised on the meeting notice or in extraordinary circumstances. Council reserves the right to hold meetings in different locations from time to time and endeavours to hold at least two meetings per year in a Shire Village. Council ensures the venue is acceptable for people with disabilities, is adequate in size, has adequate facilities and has suitable acoustics.

Audio Recording

In accordance with the Audio Recording of Council Open Meetings policy, Council audio records all Council Ordinary, Extraordinary and Planning Environment and Development Committee open meetings. The purpose of audio recording is to assist, where necessary, in the checking and confirmation of minutes and to ensure the recording, handling, access, storage and disposal of information is in accordance with best practice and statutory compliant.

Council Meeting Streaming

Gunnedah Shire Council knows how important the workings of Council are to the community. We also know that not everyone can make it to the meetings so as part of our philosophy of transparency Gunnedah Shire Council live streams Council Meetings on the Council Meetings, Agendas and Minutes page.

Meeting Procedure

Public Participation

Members of the public can address Council on any matter on the Agenda, for a maximum of five minutes. The addresses usually commence at 4:30pm. When addressing the meeting you must speak to the Chairperson, normally the Mayor. Councillors will not enter into debate with the presenter, however will have the opportunity to ask questions at the conclusion of the presentation.

Anyone wishing to address Council must complete a Request to Address Council and Standing Committee Meeting Application Form and forward to the General Manager by 12:00pm on the day of the meeting.

Meeting Procedure

Council’s meetings are governed by a Code of Meeting Practice, which outlines rules for submissions of business items, attendance, debate and declaration of interest.

For questions regarding meeting proceedings, please contact Council on 02 6740 2100.

There has been a number of water meters disappear from building sites in recent times, the removal of which is being investigated by police. We’re calling for community assistance and ask that all missing water meters be reported to the Police as soon as they are noticed by residents.

Water usage and conservation is important to our community in order to preserve our water supply and ensure all residents have fair access to water resources.

The Shire of Gunnedah is situated in the north-east of New South Wales, 425 kms north west of Sydney and covers nearly 5,000 square kilometres of land. Within the Shire’s boundaries the township of Gunnedah is the major population hub and also includes the townships of Curlewis, Breeza, Carroll, Mullaley and Tambar Springs.

Gunnedah is a commodity hub and major destination around 80 km west of Tamworth on the intersection of the Kamilaroi Highway Touring Route and Oxley Highway, surrounded by the fertile, expansive Liverpool Plains and framed by the Nandewar Ranges. With a population of around 13,000 people, Gunnedah Shire Council is committed to creating a liveable and accessible community for all ages and demographics.

The GSC is situated in the centre of the highly productive Liverpool Plains, and hosts a diverse agricultural industry including grains, cotton and beef cattle. The surrounding area is also rich in coal and natural gas reserves. Further support from strong manufacturing, tourism and retail trade sectors provide a diverse array of employment and investment opportunities within the Shire.”

For detailed information about the Gunnedah Shire economy visit: economy.id.com.au/gunnedah