June 5, 2020

Roads projects are powering ahead in the Gunnedah Shire, despite the challenges of COVID-19.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah was continuing to make inroads into providing a significantly improved road network for the post Corona-virus period and well beyond.

“While this time has presented challenges, Gunnedah Shire has managed to not only ensure major projects are on track, but to keep the pedal to the metal on providing a road network that will cater for all road users for many years to come,” Cr Chaffey said.

“This planning, design and construction work is retaining jobs in our shire, but it is also greatly improving safety, and is paving the way for more residents, more business, more industry and more jobs in the future.

“Some of the work that is going ahead is on freight routes that will increase opportunities for productivity and could attract new business.

“We are also at work on projects such as Clifton Road. Residents have been advocating for an upgrade for more than 10 years. The NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads contribution of $8.56 million to this project worth almost $10 million will help deliver an upgrade that will be life-changing for those residents.

“We are actively working with the state and federal governments for funding for roads where the need is greatest.

“I’ve have been in regular communication with Kevin Anderson, our local State Member to make good the NSW government’s promise for an upgrade to Rangari Road, and I have recently written to the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads about this important freight route and community link.

“Gunnedah Shire will continue to deliver on roads projects, and will continually monitor traffic movements and safety concerns to ensure we are seeking assistance from all tiers of government where it is needed.”

Progress on other roads projects within Gunnedah Shire includes:

• Grain Valley Road – an additional 5.6 km of road has been sealed, taking the total sealed to 7.6km. The remaining 3km at the Mullaley end is expected to be sealed within the next five weeks, and work will begin on the remaining 7km at the Boggabri end.
• Boundary Road roundabout – the final base layer of concrete has been completed. Kerb islands and stormwater works are now being installed. The kerb will be constructed over the next few weeks.
• Highway works around Mystery Road – The first segment is now ready for sealing.
• Mystery Road – a draft plan is being reviewed by all stakeholders.
• Kamilaroi Highway near saleyards - under construction, with reshaping, stabilising and pavement strengthening underway.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

June 5, 2020

Changes to the pedestrian zone in Gunnedah will not only improve safety, but allow the town centre to develop as a community hub, Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey says.

Gunnedah Shire Council was successful in securing $106,000 from Transport NSW’s Centre for Road Safety to extend the town’s high pedestrian activity zone and make a number of safety changes.

“Our community had expressed concern after a number of near misses in the CBD,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The centre of Gunnedah is a hub for community and cultural activities, and the safety of both adults and children is critical. People should feel safe when they are on their way to the movies, going to the newsagents, visiting markets or any of the many reasons people gather in the town precinct.

“While transport is an important part of any town and any shire, it is not the only part. Making the area safer will encourage placemaking and community building – helping make the most of everyone’s experience in Gunnedah.

“This will remind motorists that this is a place for people, and it is essential to drive with care.”

A road safety audit in the central business district was completed after safety concerns were raised. After the audit was reviewed by the Local Traffic Committee, Council and Transport NSW, Transport NSW requested a design for the extension of the high pedestrian activity zone.

Council sought funding to complete the design, which was approved by Transport NSW’s Centre for Road Safety.
Among the changes to be made are:

• The extension of the 40km/h high pedestrian activity zone from along the CBD section of Conadilly Street to the zone between Little Barber Street and Little Conadilly Street, ending at the Gunnedah Services and Bowls Club at one end and the Town Hall roundabout at the other, with new signage and road painting to reflect the limits. Marquis Street from Conadilly Street through to the Barber Street roundabout will also be 40km/h.
• New raised concrete pedestrian blisters and kerb ramps in Abbott Street near Little Conadilly Street; in Conadilly Street near Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club; in Elgin Street near Little Barber Street; and in Chandos Street near Little Barber Street
• New “big eye” stickers near pedestrian crossings to remind people to stop to “Look out before you step out”.

“Transport NSW statistics show that crashes involving pedestrians where the vehicle is travelling at 40km an hour compared to 50km an hour actually halves the risk of a fatality,” Cr Chaffey said.

“That is one very good reason to lower the speed limit in the town centre.”

Adding to the safety and liveability of the town hub is a new cycleway now under construction along South Street between View Street and Marquis Street with the assistance of NSW government funding.

Cr Chaffey said Council had once again been successful in working with the NSW Government to progress important projects for the Shire, securing a 50% co-contribution funding from the Active Transport Program to construct the “missing link” in the town’s network of pathways.

The cycleway will be a shared pathway for pedestrians, runners and cyclists.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

3 June, 2020

It’s now easier to keep old electronics out of landfill with Gunnedah Shire Council’s new E-Waste drop off.

New electronic waste bins have been placed at the Gunnedah Shire Waste Management facility, allowing Shire residents to deposit unwanted electronic items free of charge.

E-Waste refers to any item that needs a battery, power cord or a plug that is no longer wanted or working. These items contain potentially toxic metal elements and need to be separated from general waste.

Council’s Waste Manager Sheridan Cameron is encouraging local residents to take advantage of the free program, and said it will help prevent items ending up in landfill and reduce impact on the environment.

“As with any product, we encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and repair before recycling,” Mrs Cameron said.

“Those electronic items unable to be re-used or repaired can now be disposed of responsibly. Under our new E-waste collection program, deposited items can go on to be manually disassembled and sorted into various components. These individual parts will be processed for use as raw materials in new products.

“Research shows the average Australian household produces 73kg of e-waste every year, most of which ends up in landfill. This new recycling program will provide greater flexibility in recycling electronic waste, helping keep it out of landfill and preventing illegal dumping.

“Anyone concerned about dropping off items with their personal details can be assured data on devices is destroyed during the dismantling process. But for peace and mind they may wish to reset and wipe data from devices before dropping them off.”

Four separate cages have been placed at the Waste Management Facility to deposit E-Waste across several different categories. The following items can be deposited in each bin:

• CRT Televisions, CRT Computer Monitors, Flat Screen TV’s – LED, LCD or Plasma, Flat Screen Monitors –LED, LCD or Plasma.
• Desktop Printers, Fax Machines, Multi-Function Devices, Scanners, Sound Equipment, Cameras, Networking Equipment, Routers/switches, Gaming Consoles, Computer Peripherals (keyboards, mice, joysticks, webcam), UPS Units, Landline Phones, Tablets/I-pads/I-pods.
• Computer towers, laptops, mobile phones.
• Electrical and electronic tools - sewing machines, drills, saws, welding tools, electric mowers and tools for other gardening activities. Small household appliances - kettles, toasters, irons, vacuum cleaners, carpet sweepers, irons, electric knives, electric.

E-Waste can be deposited during opening hours at no charge at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility, located at 418 Quia Road.

For further information about Gunnedah Shire Council’s waste management facilities and programs, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

2 June, 2020

Gunnedah Shire businesses have until the end of the month to apply for funding through round one of the Business Partner Program.

While the special additional COVID-19 round of the program has closed, applications remain open for round one – providing a great opportunity for new businesses and those that are exploring something new.

Businesses can apply for funding for initiatives that will encourage local employment and help build the Shire’s strong business base.

The Business Partner Program has given more than 65 local businesses a helping hand with a total of more than $240,000 in funding since the program began.

If you would like some advice about how to put together an application for the Business Partner Program, you can send an email to council@infogunnedah.com.au

Applications are assessed by a panel and funding is recommended based on estimated economic or employment benefit to the Gunnedah Shire community and will be awarded based on the funding available.

Applications close on 30 June.

To apply for round one, visit https://gunnedah.smartygrants.com.au/BPP2021-R1

Caption: Brad and Stacie Crane of B.P. Crane Contracting Pty Ltd. B.P. Crane Contracting was among the successful Business Partner Program applicants in the last round.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

June 2, 2020

A load limit is now in place for the Orange Grove Road bridge located 30km from the Kelvin Road turn-off and 6km from the Rushes Creek junction.

The bridge now has a gross 20 tonne maximum limit to ensure safety for road users.

The bridge includes a timber structure that is close to 100 years old, with a concrete deck added in the past two decades.

Gunnedah Shire Council chief engineer Daniel Noble said the age and condition of the structure meant it was a necessary safety precaution to introduce a weight limit.

But Mr Noble stressed the bridge remained safe for vehicles less than the 20 tonne maximum limit to use.

“The load limit will remain in place for the foreseeable future,” Mr Noble said.

“Heavy vehicles with a gross tonnage of less than 20 tonnes can continue to use the bridge.

“Heavy vehicles with a gross tonnage more than 20 tonnes, will need to find an alternative route such as Kelvin Road, Bloomfield Street and the Oxley Highway.”
The school bus route will not be impacted.

Residents within the area who would like to be kept updated on the Orange Grove Road bridge can send an email to council@infogunnedah.com.au or contact Gunnedah Shire Council on 6740 2100.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

29 May, 2020

With COVID-19 restrictions beginning to ease, Gunnedah Shire Council has set out a plan for reopening services and facilities.

Updates to services will be communicated through a ‘traffic light alert’ confirming whether a service is currently open, open with conditions, or closed. Additional information will outline any conditions for visiting a facility.

Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said given the ever-shifting nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, service changes would be considered on an individual basis following Government advice.

“We are taking a considered approach to reopening Council facilities to the public, with the health and safety of our staff and community at the forefront of all decisions.

“Following the release of a public health order, it is a matter for Council’s to decide what should be open and the conditions to be applied. Factors to be considered include the size of the space, number of visitors, the needs of stakeholders using a facility and safety of both staff and the public.

“Given recent announcements from the NSW Government, Gunnedah residents can expect to see a return to face-to-face services at locations like the Gunnedah Shire Library and the Administration Building from Monday, June 1.

“This will be a cautious reopening, and it won’t be pre-Covid-19 business as usual. Social distancing protocols, hand hygiene stations and visitor limits will be part of our new normal.

“We are encouraging the community to put the safety and well-being of all, and particularly the vulnerable, in the community first by continuing to make payments and enquiries online or by phone wherever possible. This will help limit the risk of infection.

“We know the Gunnedah community is eager to get back into their regular routines, but we must continue to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community even as business reopens.

“We thank the community for adapting to new ways of conducting business with us, and for their patience as we all continue to navigate a complex situation.”

From Monday, June 1 service changes at the following Council facilities will apply:

• Elgin Street Administration Building reopening to the public for essential purposes.
  • Modified opening hours from 9am to 4pm will allow for extra cleaning.
  • Enquiries and payments should continue to be completed over the phone or online if possible.
  • Please phone ahead for all appointments including for Planning, Rates, Water and Animal Control as teleconferencing is still being utilised for some of these services.
• Library reopening to the public to resume normal business hours.
  • Limit of 15 people in the library at one time,
  • All returned books will be quarantined before re-entering circulation.
  • Library group programs are suspended, but housebound services are still available.
• Reopening of the Visitor Information Centre and Gunnedah Bicentennial Arts Gallery are also planned for Monday, pending the release of relevant public health orders.

For the current status of all Council services, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/gunnedah-shire-covid-19-advice

To keep up to date with new service changes, follow Gunnedah Shire Council on Facebook.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

27 May, 2020

Small businesses in the Gunnedah Shire have an opportunity to grow their digital capabilities through the Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) Digital Solutions program.

The ASBAS program is funded by the Federal Government and offers small businesses high quality advice on a range of digital solutions to meet their business needs.

The program was rolled out at a local level two years ago and during the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended to offer businesses up to 24 hours of free digital advice. 

Small businesses with fewer than 20 full time employees and sole traders can access the service and there is no application process.

The program incorporates a mix of one-on-one consultations, webinars and group training sessions. Topics covered include:

• Websites and selling online,
• Social media and digital marketing,
• Using small business software, and
• Online security and data privacy.

Hugh McKellar from the Northern Region Business Enterprise Centre is the region’s local ASBAS Digital Solutions provider and said the program had allowed many small business owners how to take control of their online presence.

“I have helped people learn how to build and edit their websites, perfect their next social media post and transition offices to secure remote working arrangements,” Mr McKellar said.

“In this time of change, the ASBAS Digital program is here to help you with straight forward practical help and advice.”

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager of Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle is pleased this support is available at a time when the business community is facing unprecedented challenges.

 “Accessing business support and building digital capacity will help place businesses in the best possible position to navigate through this crisis and will better prepare them to take advantage of the recovery,” Ms Hoddle said.

For further information on the ASBAS program visit https://www.business.gov.au/Expertise-and-Advice/Australian-Small-Business-Advisory-Services-ASBAS-Digital-Solutions

To access the program you can contact local digital business advisor Hugh McKellar directly on 0417 274 447, (02) 6297 3121 or by email on hugh@nrbec.com.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

26 May, 2020

Gunnedah residents have had their say and helped Gunnedah Shire Council develop a statement that sets out the community’s land use aspirations for the next 20 years.

The Draft Future 2040 – Gunnedah Shire Local Strategic Planning Statement is now on public exhibition.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the plan provided a vision and framework to guide detailed land use planning to help the shire grow in a vibrant, competitive and sustainable way.

“This important document will help Gunnedah Shire Council prepare for the next 20 years,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Future 2040 will ensure growth happens in a sustainable and consistent way, while maintaining low unemployment.

“It will help inform any changes to the Shire’s Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan.

“The community has taken part in extensive public consultation to help put Future 2040 together as a road map that takes on board the ideas of our residents and aligns future land use with the Shire’s strategic plan.

“Times have been difficult, but the Shire continues to show its resilience, to grow and to attract infrastructure development and investment. This plan will help us guide that growth effectively and responsibly into the future.”

All councils are required to have to have a Local Strategic Planning Statement under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Gunnedah Shire’s Future 2040 aims to:

• Strengthen Gunnedah Shire’s productivity and competitiveness
• Nurture quality lifestyles and sustain population growth
• Value, protect and diversify Gunnedah Shire’s primary production land and natural resources
• Promote regional connections to ensure a diverse industry base with a skilled and stable workforce
• Build effective responses to climate change and natural hazards
• Preserve the environment and protect the heritage, history and character of Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah’s Vision Statement for Future 2040:

“By 2040, Gunnedah Shire will enjoy exceptional lifestyle opportunities and a prosperous and diverse economy built upon our education, skills, natural resources, rich cultures and heritage.

The idyllic, liveable and close communities are the heart of our beautiful, healthy and unique rural character which attracts residents and visitors who seek a sense of belonging.

Our community is a leader in sustainable and innovative approaches so future generations and Traditional Custodians can continue to enjoy abundant and healthy natural environments and a desirable climate.

Together we see a future beyond 2040 where we continue to harness connections that provide pathways for goods, services, information and people to move into and around the Shire.”

Fast facts:
• 60 community members were involved in workshops
• 1,200 issues and opportunities were raised in the workshops
• 80 people responded through surveys
• 1,308 visits to the social pinpoint site
• 141 comments on the social pinpoint site
• 507 social pinpoint interactions

Submissions on the Draft Future 2040 – Gunnedah Shire Local Strategic Planning Statement close on Thursday, June 25. The document can be viewed here.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH
Monday 8 June 2020
Collection will be on Tuesday, 9 June 2020
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS
Monday 8 June 2020
Collection will be on Wednesday, 10 June 2020
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Should you have any enquiries regarding the Recycling collection over the long weekend period please contact RECYCLIT on 67421522.

THERE WILL BE NO CHANGES TO THE HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND GREENWASTE COLLECTION

Please ensure bins are placed out the night before collection date, as contractors are not obliged to accept late bins. If you have any enquiries regarding these changes please contact Council’s Customer Services Team on 6740 2100

Eric Groth
General Manager

22 May, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is planning to advance to the second stage of the COVID-19 Business Support Package and is inviting local businesses to help pave the way.

The initial COVID-19 Business Support Package, adopted at the April Ordinary Council Meeting, is progressing well with many initiatives rolled out and a COVID-19 specific round of the Business Partner Program open for applications.

The $1.6 million response included moving to freeze interest accrual against rates, fees and charges, a reduction in business fees and extension of existing grants programs to help businesses struggling due to COVID-19.

Council Manager of Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said that following the successful rollout of the Support Phase, the second phase, the Recovery Phase will be targeted at assisting local businesses during their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 “For the next stage we are focusing on identifying what additional assistance businesses require as we move into the recovery phase of our crisis response. We want to hear directly from our local businesses about how the pandemic has affected them, and use this feedback to shape the next round of Council support,” Ms Hoddle said.

“While the Federal and State Government have introduced packages and subsidies to help, we are hoping to identify gaps where Council may have capacity to provide assistance.

“The first step in this process is geared towards gaining feedback from the community. We are inviting local businesses to participate in a survey to identify where they need support.

“Once this feedback is received, we will use it to tailor a recovery package to the needs of the Gunnedah community, helping to plan and refine ongoing response efforts.

“I encourage all business owners to complete the survey so we have broad representation of the needs of our diverse business community.”

The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and will close on Wednesday June 3 2020.

Businesses that complete the survey will also go into a draw to win a $200 Gunny Money voucher. The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/businesscovid

Gunnedah Shire Council has dedicated officers to assist businesses who are struggling at this challenging time. To get in touch with the Economic Development team phone (02) 6740 2100 or submit an online enquiry at www.gunnedah.nsw.com.au

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.