GSC Admin
21 February, 2022
Gunnedah Shire Council has partnered with local businesses and organisations to present a full calendar of events for NSW Small Business Month in March.
With more than 1100 small businesses in the Shire – everything from retailers to trades and services – Gunnedah knows the power of small business.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the program of events reflected the NSW Small Business Month theme of “Rebuild, Recharge, Renew”.
“Small business is big business in Gunnedah, and we are happy to be able to support our small business operators with a range of tools through this program of events,” Mr Johns said.
“We have partnered with local businesses and organisations to present a range of in-person and online events – all of them free. We have experts in their field lined up to assist our own innovative business owners, as well as Gunnedah people who will share their experiences.
“Events range from a Men in Small Business presentation to an Instagram in a Day session and a webinar on Pitching for Rural Talent.
“March is the month to help our small businesses grow stronger in both their confidence and their results.”
The NSW Small Business Month Gunnedah program includes:
- Tuesday, March 1 at 7.30am: Launch breakfast at the Smithurst Theatre
- Tuesday, March 8 at 5.30pm: Men In Small Business – A-Z Small Business Start Ups! at the front gallery, The Civic
- Thursday, March 10 at 5.30pm: Economic Outlook for Small Biz Gunnedah – 2022 and Beyond webinar
- Tuesday, March 15 at 8.30am: How to niche your regional Business, find your ideal client and uncover your unique selling point workshop with Taylah Hudson at the Smithurst Theatre
- Thursday, March 17 at 5.30pm: Gunnedah Business Platform – Localised webinar
- Monday, March 21 at 10.30am: Pitching for Rural Talent webinar
- Wednesday, March 23 at 9am: The Gram School: Instagram in a Day with Tori Packer from The Small Business Community session at the Civic Theatre.
- Tuesday, March 29 at 10.30am: Business Partner Program information session, the front gallery, The Civic
- To find out more and book tickets, visit www.thecivic.com.au
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
February 21, 2022
Gunnedah Shire Council has a new roadmap for economic development for the next five years.
Council this week adopted the Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2022-26, a document that provides Gunnedah Shire Council with strategic direction for economic development, promotion and facilitation.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Economic Development Strategy 2022-26 had been developed in consultation with business and industry stakeholders and the community over the past 18 months.
“Gunnedah Shire has a strong and vibrant economy and is looking at an exciting future,” Cr Chaffey said.
“The Economic Development Strategy 2022-26 is a living document that is our plan of action to build on and strengthen partnerships between Council, government, industry and the community.
“The economic future of our Shire goes beyond the scope of local government. This is a practical way we can get a very clear direction of the way the Shire wants to develop, and how we can help it get there.
“We already have more than 1500 businesses here, more than 5000 jobs, and an enviable unemployment rate of just 4.3%. We have so many opportunities to explore and expand.
“While the region has experienced the significant challenges of COVID-19, drought and floods, thanks to our diverse economy we continue to demonstrate our resilience, and the Gunnedah Shire is primed to take advantage of the significant economic opportunities on our doorstep.”
The strategy includes four key themes:
- Promote economic diversification in Gunnedah Shire’s key industries
- Enable prosperity through investment in Gunnedah Shire’s strategic infrastructure
- Support Gunnedah Shire’s micro-to-medium sized businesses to prosper
- Promote Gunnedah Shire’s appeal as a place in which to live, learn and prosper.
The Economic Development Action Plan included in the strategy states 40 actions, with 10 priority actions:
- Support work towards the establishment of a processing precinct and abattoir
- Investigate interest in the establishment of a working group to explore the concept of a Gunnedah Shire food product innovation cluster
- Finalise the redevelopment of the Gunnedah Saleyards
- Review the 2015 Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan
- Continue plans for the Gunnedah Intermodal Freight Terminal
- Work with AusIndustry to investigate the business case for a Gunnedah Business Start-Up Program and Workspace
- Support the implementation of a Gunnedah Shire Local Housing Strategy
- Explore options for a campaign to promote the Shire’s small regional city lifestyle to prospective skilled workers/professionals/creative and their families
- Support implementation of the Gunnedah Shire Workforce Plan 2020-24
- Explore the concept of establishing a Country Universities Centre in Gunnedah.
To take a look at the Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2022-26 here.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
15 February, 2022
Orange Grove road residents will have some improvement to access with Gunnedah Shire Council implementing temporary pedestrian access across the closed Orange Grove Bridge.
Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the bridge had been closed to traffic since January after vandals set fire to its timber foundations, and it would remain closed until a new bridge was built.
“We have been able to open the bridge for safe pedestrian access as a temporary solution for the people who live surrounding the bridge to make it easier for residents, including children who need to get the school bus,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Unfortunately, this is only a temporary solution as pedestrian access will not be possible after the remainder of the bridge is demolished towards the end of April.
“We understand the community’s frustration, with residents who live on the road needing this bridge for school bus access, work commitments, operating their business and the list goes on. Council’s Infrastructure Services team have tried hard to improve access and have attempted varying ways to find a solution to reopen this bridge however unfortunately the extend of the damage is too great and the bridge is unsafe for motorists.
“Community members have also asked us if it is possible to open part of the bridge to traffic. While it is difficult to see the extent of the damage if you are looking at the concrete layer that lies across the top of the timber structure, the fire has burnt supporting girders that are critical to the structural integrity of this bridge.
“The bridge was built in 1929 and due to its age and design, the damage means no part of the structure is safe enough to take the weight of a vehicle. If it was opened, it could operate without incident for some time, but it could also collapse. We can’t open it if we cannot ensure the safety of motorists.
“This is a major inconvenience for people along Orange Grove Road, but unfortunately, it is unavoidable.”
In March 2021, Council announced it had been allocated funding through the NSW Fixing Country Bridges Program funding and the Federal Bridge Renewal Program to replace the bridge at a cost of about $1.2 million. The remainder will be met by Gunnedah Shire Council.
Where the bridge is located in close proximity to Lake Keepit means that construction timetable is determined by the variable river flow for irrigation and other purposes.
Construction for the new bridge is due to start before May this year, work is unable to start earlier due to unpredictable Namoi River levels and water allocations in the first part of the year. The bridge replacement is expected to be completed in mid-2022.
Check out the factsheet: Orange Grove Bridge - Know the Facts
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
The Gunnybalds are returning to Gunnedah this year, and the call is out to artists to start creating their masterpiece of a local person.
The Gunnybalds – our tribute to the famous Archibald Prize for portraiture – will be an exhibition of artworks celebrating people from Gunnedah Shire
Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Jacinta Cipolla urged both established and emerging artists and even absolute beginners to have a go at capturing the spirit of a friend or family member – or someone in the public eye.
“We are really excited to bring the Gunnybalds back to Gunnedah,” Ms Cipolla said.
“This is a way to celebrate both our local characters and our artists in a memorable exhibition.
“We are hoping our community really embraces this opportunity to create from the heart. We want everyone who likes to paint or draw to go wild with their creativity and help pay tribute to our community.”
The exhibition will include two categories – junior (17 and under) and open (18 and over), with works to be submitted by April 4, 2022. All artworks must depict an image of a local Gunnedah Shire community member past or present, and the artist must reside in Gunnedah Shire.
More information and the entry form is available at The Civic, Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Centre in Elgin Street, and online at www.thecivic.com.au
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
Gunnedah students considering study are encouraged to apply for Scholarship Fund
Now that the Higher School Certificate marks are out, young people will be now finalising their options for further learning in this year and still have time to apply for the 2022 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.
Many of our local students have benefited from the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund with some of the previous recipients have entered the workforce and are filling skilled roles in Gunnedah and giving back to our community.
The Community Scholarship is a great way for local people under 25 who are embarking on their tertiary education adventure to get a financial helping hand. This fund can act as an extra help-up at an expensive time for our students as they settle into their studies.
Since the fund’s inception 19 years ago, more than $370,000 across more than 387 scholarships has been awarded to local students. Scholarships have covered many disciplines including accounting, agriculture, allied health, animal science, law, architecture, arts/theatre, civil engineering, education, information technology, medicine, nursing and social work.
Applications for the Scholarship Fund will close this Friday at 5pm January 28, 2022. It is open to all local students under 25 wanting to further their training and education at university, TAFE, or an accredited training organisation.
A scholarship can help with expenses like:
- Purchasing textbooks,
- Relocation and other travel costs,
- Living expenses, and
- Contribution towards tuition fees.
Applications can be submitted via https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/m12qkoss1gdeca5/
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Youth Development Officer on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.
January is the perfect month for summer fun, and Gunnedah Shire Council has the School Holiday Program to keep the kids busy.
Between January 10 and January 21, the School Holiday Program will include movies, a whip cracking workshop, tennis, soccer, art and even rock climbing.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Customer and Community Relations, Charlotte Hoddle, said the program included a super schedule of activities to suit students of all ages and tastes.
“There is so much fun to be had these school holidays, kids can do everything from watercolours and weaving to rock climbing,” Ms Hoddle said.
“The program caters for just about every child of every age, whether they are creative or sporty – or both! Our very popular holiday movie sessions are back, and so are our library activities, and the tennis coaching clinic. But there are a few new things in the mix including an art workshop, whip cracking workshop and rock climbing in conjunction with the Gunnedah Country Markets. For creative kids, a Beginner Songwriters workshop with
E.S. Malaika is on the program which sounds like a great opportunity.
“The Gunnedah Shire Memorial Pool is always a popular place to spend summer days, it is open every day except Christmas Day”
Gunnedah Shire Council has released its School Holiday Program which includes booking details and other information for each activity. The program is available at the Council administration building in Elgin Street, the Visitor Information Centre, Gunnedah Shire Library and on our website.
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740
Notice is hereby given that a Planning Proposal is being placed on public exhibition. The Planning Proposal seeks to amend the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Gunnedah LEP 2012).
SUBJECT LAND: The ‘Subject Site Particulars’ list is available at Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah and on Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
PROPOSAL
The Panning Proposal seeks to amend the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan 2012 so that all privately owned agricultural land that is currently zoned E3 Environmental Management and is located more than 5 kilometres from Gunnedah, is rezoned to RU1 Primary Production, consistent with the historical agricultural protection zone of the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan, 1998.
INTENDED OUTCOME OF PROPOSAL:
Planning proposal seeks to:
- (a) Amend the following Land Zoning Map(s) to rezone the ‘subject land’ from E3 Environmental Management to RU1 Primary Production:
- (i) LZN_001;
- (ii) LZN_002;
- (iii) LZN_003;
- (iv) LZN_003A;
- (v) LZN_004;
- (vi) LZN_005;
- (vii) LZN_005A; and
- (viii) LZN_006.
- (b) Include Terrestrial Biodiversity overlay map(s) on the ‘subject land’ which excludes cleared agricultural land used for residential or farm infrastructure purposes, intensive animal production, the grazing of modified pastures, mining and utility infrastructure; and
- (c) Include a Terrestrial Biodiversity clause that will apply to land shown on the terrestrial biodiversity overlay map. This clause includes objectives that protect native fauna and flora, and the ecological process necessary for their continued existences. It also encourages the conservation and recovery of native fauna and flora and their habitats.
The Planning Proposal and supporting documentation will be on public exhibition during Council’s current office hours (9:00am-4:00pm) at Council’s Administration Building, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah. The information will also be available on Council’s website.
Written or electronic submissions are invited during the public exhibition period. The exhibition period ends on Friday, 14 January 2022.
Gunnedah Shire Council has been authorised to be the Local Plan Making Authority for this Planning Proposal. As such, persons wishing to make a submission should do so in writing and address to:
General Manager
Gunnedah Shire Council
PO Box 63
GUNNEDAH NSW 2380
or email council@infogunnedah.com.au
Please note that, in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act 1998, written submissions received by Council containing personal information may be made public when the matter goes before Council for consideration, as it may be included in Council’s Business Papers. Persons have the right to remain anonymous if they so choose by refraining from submitting their personal information, however, the submission may be given less weight in the overall assessment and consideration of the Planning Proposal.
Council would like to make you aware that as of 1 December 2021 changes to the Environment Protection zone within the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan has occurred. As of 1 December a reference to an Environment Protection zone E1, E2, E3 or E4 in a document should be taken to be a reference to a Conservation zone C1, C2, C3 or C4. For further information please see Standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plans) Amendment (Land Use Zones) Order 2021.
Further information may be obtained from Council’s Planning and Environmental Services Department on (02) 6740 2100
Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER
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AgQuip Field Days
AgQuip has been running since 1973 and is located on a permanent site at 134 Blackjack Road, west of Gunnedah. The annual event showcases over 3,000 products and services and attracts over 100,000 visitors.
AgQuip is the largest agricultural and rural marketplace in Australia and among the biggest in the world. The field days are staged over a three day period.
Participating companies use the field days as a launching pad for new products and services, in the process using unique opportunities offered by AgQuip to make direct contact with their customers.
AgQuip is also a great day out for families, with lots to see and do both out at the field days site and in town including the AgQuip Rodeo held at the Gunnedah Showground.
ACM Rural Events have announced that the 2024 AgQuip field days will be August 20, 21 and 23.
Further information for exhibitors is available at acmruralevents.com.au/agquip/home.
If you require further information on accommodation options in Gunnedah during AgQuip, please contact the friendly team at the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre on 02 6740 2230 or tourism@infogunnedah.com.au.
The Gunnedah Showground is located on the Oxley Highway in Gunnedah. It hosts a variety of community events including the annual Gunnedah Show and is home to the Gunnedah Show Society, Riding for the Disabled, Gunnedah Pony Club and various sporting and cultural organisations.
The showground has recently undergone a significant refurbishment. The main arena is suitable to host a variety of large scale horse events including pony club, showing, dressage and jumping. The upgraded works to the softfall arena include a new suface and grand stand seating surrounding the ring making it suitable for rodeos, clinics and campdraft event.
The showground has a ample amenities including and shower blocks and accessible picnic tables making it suitable for event campers.
The showground is also home to the South Street RV Park, offering low cost camping for RV travellers.
Bookings
For booking enquiries related to the showground arena and camping, please contact Gunnedah Shire Council. Enquires for the soft fall arena, bull shed, stables and stallion boxes are taken by the Gunnedah Show Society on (02) 6742 1867.
For enquiries relating to the various sports facilities at the Showground, please contact the relevant local sporting organisation.
AgQuip Camping
Camping is available at the Gunnedah Showground during AgQuip for exhibitors and visitors. Council will have an onsite caretaker at the showground.
The entrance for camping is via the showground main gates in South Street (Oxley Highway).
Camping will be available from Friday, 16 August to Sunday morning, 25 August.
Fees
Both powered and unpowered sites are available and the cost per site is:
- Unpowered sites $25 per night; and
- Powered sites $30 per night.
Bookings
No bookings. Sites are allocated on a first-in first-served basis.
Camping Facilities
Toilet and shower facilities are available on site and in the grandstand building for campers to use.
An RV and caravan dump point is located just inside the main entrance to the showground, immediately on the left after entering through the gates in South Street.
Pets
Pets are permitted but must be on a lead and secured on the camping site when unattended.
Cooking Fires
Campers wishing to have a fire for the purpose of cooking must check with the onsite caretaker.
