Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
On Monday, 30 June, from 6am to 12pm, Conadilly Street will be closed for the NAIDOC Unity Street March between Abbott Street and just past Chandos Street. Parts of Abbott and Chandos streets will be included in the closure. Signage for detours will be in place.
Businesses along the route are advised to ensure their vehicles are not on the street, and parents and carers are urged to make sure they take into account the road closures at school drop-off time.
This event is run by the Gunnedah Naidoc Committee.
19 June, 2025
Gunnedah Shire Council has adopted final Master Plans for the Gunnedah Showground and Riverine Precincts following extensive community engagement.
The Master Plans provide a clear vision for the future development and ongoing operation of the Gunnedah Showground and the Riverside Precinct, which includes Donnelly Fields, Namoi Fields and the Woolshed Reserve.
Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Colleen Fuller said the Master Plans were informed by research, site investigations and strong community input.
“These Master Plans consider what is already in place in these areas that are so important to our community, include feedback from the people who use them and identify new opportunities for the future,” Cr Fuller said.
“They will be used to ensure the Gunnedah Showground and the Riverine Precinct are developed in a planned and future-forward way, and to assist when seeking funding for particular projects.”
The Showground and Riverine Precincts were two of four sporting and community precincts identified for Master Plans in the 2023/24 financial year.
While Master Plans for Wolseley Park and Kitchener Park have already been adopted, community feedback highlighted that further work would benefit the Showground and Riverine Precinct plans. As a result, two design options for each precinct were developed by the consultants, and following additional stakeholder consultation, Council resolved in March 2025 to proceed with Option 1 for both plans.
Council also committed to investigating a number of recommended modifications, which have since been incorporated. The final drafts were presented to Council at its June Ordinary Meeting this week.
With the adoption of the Master Plans, Council can now seek to secure funding and begin implementing proposed improvements to the areas.
Caption: The master plan for the Gunnedah Showground includes an upgraded main arena and netball facility, and a new multi-purpose community building.
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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
19 June, 2025
Gunnedah Shire Council’s key documents to guide the way forward for Council in the next few financial years have been adopted.
At the June Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors endorsed the 2017-2019 Community Strategic Plan, the 2025/26-2028/29 Delivery Program, the Operational Plan 2025/26 and the Fees and Charges 2025/26. Council also endorsed the adoption of the Special Rate Variation as approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
The documents had been on public exhibition for five weeks over April and May, 2025.
Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Colleen Fuller said the documents provided a framework for Council priorities and decisions in the next financial year and beyond.
“The 2017-2019 Community Strategic Plan is a critical document that aligns Council’s priorities with the organisational vision and values that have been set in partnership with our community,” Cr Fuller said.
“Our vision is to be a prosperous, caring and proud community reflected in the achievements of the people, and the Community Strategic Plan is the path that guides us.
“This 10-year plan and the four-year Delivery Program are our key strategic documents supported by the day-to-day practical information included in the Operational Plan. The fees and charges are reviewed each year, and the draft fees and charges have been exhibited for public feedback.
“This year, we also have the IPART-approved Special Rate Variation that looks to ensure Council’s financial sustainability and continued ability to provide services to the community. This, combined with the concerted effort to identify costs savings that has been ongoing and will continue into the future, is the responsible way to go forward.”
Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting documents can be viewed by clicking here.
At the June Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors also adopted the Gunnedah Shire Council Development Control Plan 2025, a document that provides detailed guidelines for development to complement the provisions in the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan.
The plan was developed based on engagement with key stakeholders including real estate agents, land development and environmental consultants, the Chamber of Commerce, and internal staff, and was on public exhibition for 28 days.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
19 June, 2025
Council supports reinstatement of helicopter pad
Gunnedah Shire Council will write to the New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park and State Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson to seek the urgent reinstatement of the helicopter pad at Gunnedah Hospital.
Councillors endorsed a Notice of Motion by Councillor Robert Hoddle to support the call to enable NSW Ambulance to continue air ambulance operations from the landing pad.
Mayor and Councillor fees determined
The annual Mayoral and Councillors fees were determined at the June Gunnedah Shire Council Meeting in line with the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal determination for the 2025/26 year.
The annual fees effective from 1 July, 2025 will be capped at 3% in line with the annual increase determined by the Tribunal.
Fee waiver and community support resolutions on exhibition
Council has placed on public exhibition a Council resolution to subsidise Gunnedah MS Incorporated as follows:
- By covering the 75% discounted Community Fee of $140.25 for the hire of the Smithurst Theatre from the Facility Hire Fund for the Gunnedah MS Fashion Parade to be held on 18 October 2025; and
- By covering the $271.50 fee for the hire of the Griffith Pavilion from the Facility Hire Fund for the 2025 Gunnedah MS Christmas Fair.
- That, in accordance with section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council publicly exhibit the proposed financial assistance for a period of 28 days, and the financial assistance be endorsed if no submissions are received.
- Staff develop a written agreement with Gunnedah MS Incorporated.
Council has also placed on exhibition a resolution to endorse a waiver of fees for the Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts deferred Weeks of Speed event as follows:
- That Council endorse a waiver of fees to hire Council aerodrome and terminal facilities for one day with $863.64 (GST exclusive) to be drawn from the 2025-26 Tourism Community Programs and Events budget;
- That, if endorsed, staff develop a written agreement with the Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts.
Council has further placed a resolution on public exhibition to support a Gunnedah Golf Club request for sponsorship as follows:
- That Council support the Gunnedah Golf Club’s Junior Golf Open 1-3 August 2025 with a contribution of $1,000 plus GST with funds to be drawn from the 2025/26 Tourism Community Programs and Events budget;
- That, if endorsed, staff develop a written agreement with the Gunnedah Golf Club.
All submissions are due to Council by 5pm on Thursday, 17 July, 2025. If no submissions are received, the financial assistance will be endorsed. To view the resolutions, click on the ‘Draft Documents and Exhibition’ tile on Council’s website: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
Policies on public exhibition
Four Gunnedah Shire Council reviewed policies are currently on public exhibition. They are:
- Draft Policy – Asbestos Management. A policy to ensure the safe administration and regulation of asbestos-containing materials within Council workplaces and the broader community.
- Draft Policy – Councillor Expenses and Facilities. A policy to ensure accountability and transparency in the reasonable and appropriate reimbursement of expenses and provision of facilities to Councillors to help them undertake their civic duties.
- Draft Policy – Code of Meeting Practice. A policy to provide a consistent framework for Council meetings promoting transparency, information sharing, inclusivity, respect, effectiveness and order.
- Draft Policy – Code of Conduct and Administration Procedures. A policy to establish and maintain high standards of conduct for Council officials, thereby promoting public confidence in local government. It aims to ensure that Council officials understand and comply with ethical and behavioural standards, act honestly and with reasonable care, and contribute to a positive public perception of local government.
The policies and information about how to provide feedback can be viewed by clicking the ‘Draft Documents and Exhibition’ tile on Council’s website: www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions will be open until 5pm, Thursday, 17 July, 2025.
Youth Working Group nominations
Gunnedah Shire Council has endorsed two new faces for the Gunnedah Shire Youth Working Group.
They are youth representative Chelsea Riley and Yooralahni Griffiths from the Winanga-li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre.
There are now 19 members of the new Youth Working Group and members will continue to be added as suitable nominations are received.
Road closures for community events
Part of Conadilly Street will be closed for the NAIDOC Unity Street March on Monday, 30 June, 2025.
Conadilly Street will be closed between Abbott Street and just past Chandos Street, with parts of Abbott and Chandos streets to be included in the closure, from 6am until 12pm on that day.
Businesses along the route are advised to ensure their vehicles are not on the street, and parents and carers are urged to make sure they take into account the road closures at school drop-off time.
As part of a separate event - the Multicultural Festival – a section of Chandos Street in front of The Civic building will be closed for part of Saturday, 21 June.
Caption: Conadilly Street will be closed between Abbott Street and just past Chandos Street for the NAIDOC Community March on Monday, 30 June.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
Seen an abandoned Coles trolley? To ensure shopping trolleys are kept off the streets and in stores for customers to use, Coles has developed a new method of reporting abandoned Coles shopping trolleys.
To report an abandoned trolley, download the ‘Coles Supermarket’ app from your app store and select the ‘Report an abandoned trolley’ function and follow the prompts.
For more information visit www.coles.com.au/customer-service/abandoned-trolley or phone 1800 876 553.
What is an Underground Petroleum Storage System?
Underground Petroleum Storage Systems (UPSS) are a widely used method for storing fuel beneath the ground surface at facilities such as service stations, airports, car dealerships, work depots, golf courses, and other places where fuel may be used or stored.
UPSS can leak and contaminate surrounding land and groundwater, creating risks to human health and the environment.
The UPSS Regulation
The purpose of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Underground Petroleum Storage Systems) Regulation 2019 is to ensure all UPSS are constructed, operated and maintained to prevent fuel leaks. The UPSS Regulation also requires close monitoring for fuel leaks so that they are detected and fixed early, minimising contamination.
The UPSS Regulation can be read in full on the NSW Legislation website.
Responsibility for UPSS
The person responsible for a UPSS is the person who has ‘management and control’ of the system. The person responsible must have procedures and systems in place to detect and fix any fuel leaks as early as possible.
Further Information on FSOPs is also available on the NSW EPA Website.
The UPSS Regulation requires that a duly qualified person carry out certain activities such as designing, installing, modifying or decommissioning a UPSS. Any testing, repairs and ongoing maintenance of the storage system must also be undertaken by a duly qualified person.
Most sites with a UPSS located in the Gunnedah Local Government Area are now regulated by Gunnedah Shire Council.
The NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) remains the regulatory authority for UPSS sites that are:
- Operated by public authorities; and
- In the unincorporated areas of NSW; and
- Subject to an environment protection licence.
Leak Notification Requirements
The person responsible for the UPSS must immediately notify Council of a leak or spill, whether through loss monitoring of tanks and piping, inventory control, discrepancy or loss investigation, or some other method. You must complete the Leak Notification Form and return it to Council within 7 days when:
- A leak from a UPSS, verified in accordance with loss detection or incident management procedures that is causing or threatens material harm to human health or the environment.
- There is evidence at the site of free-phase hydrocarbons in surface water and/or groundwater.
- There is evidence that offsite migration of hydrocarbons could occur, is occurring, or has occurred.
It is against the law to allow or ignore contamination resulting from a leaking or faulty UPSS. The person responsible for the UPSS has a duty to immediately notify pollution incidents to Council.
In some circumstances landowners and parties responsible for land contamination must also report the contamination to the NSW EPA based on the significance of contamination and other factors.
More information the duty to report under the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 can be found on the NSW EPA website here.
Compliance
The ‘Person Responsible’ is the person who has management and control of the storage system. A copy of the UPSS operators’ obligations can be found here.
The NSW EPA has provided a self-evaluation compliance checklist to provide UPSS operators with a quick and simple way to review their compliance with environmental requirements for UPSS in NSW.
As the appropriate regulatory authority Council may conduct inspections of UPSS sites to ensure compliance with the Regulations. We will generally contact the person responsible for the UPSS prior however, inspections may occur without prior notice where there is a concern over the operation of the system, or in response to complaints.
Decommissioning of UPSS
An underground storage tank should be decommissioned if it has not been used to store petroleum product for two years or is not intended to be used again to store petroleum product.
The person responsible for the UPSS must notify Council at least 30 days in advance prior to the decommissioning of a UPSS, or as soon as possible for an urgent or unforeseen decommissioning.
SafeWork NSW must also be notified when a UPSS in a workplace is to be decommissioned.
Post-decommissioning the person responsible for UPSS must provide a report to Council no later than 60 days after the tank or system is decommissioned, or any necessary remediation work is completed.
The report must be prepared by a duly qualitied person who is competent and experienced in: describing the processes used to decommission the system, assessing the extent of land contamination, and describing any remediation work carried out.
Further information on decommissioning an underground petroleum storage tank or system is available on EPA Factsheet 6 - Decommissioning an underground petroleum storage tank or system.
4 June 2025
Gunnedah Shire’s annual bin inspection has shown most of our community are doing the right thing with their recycling bin – but there is room for improvement.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Waste Sheridan Cameron said 65% of the recycling bins inspected had no or low levels of contamination, showing most residents know their stuff when it comes to what can go in the recycling bin.
“The majority of our community who have a bin service know what can be recycled,” Mrs Cameron said. “However, the inspection also found 14% of bins had high or gross levels of contamination.
“That’s still too high.
“The biggest culprit in recycling bins was soft plastics, including plastic bags, plastic wrap, bubble wrap and soft plastic packaging. It was found in 30% of all recycling bins inspected.
“Bagged material was the second-biggest contaminant (15%), which means unknown waste material had been placed into a plastic, textile or paper bag. Bagged items of any kind can’t be successfully recycled.
“It’s great to see that most people are keeping us green by keeping it clean, but it would be great to see 100% of people getting it right in our next annual bin inspection.”
The biggest contaminants found in recycling bins were: soft plastic (34%), bagged material (15%), tissues (11%), non-recyclable plastic (10%), food (4%), followed by textiles, foam, receipts, composite paper, coffee cups, soiled paper, wipes, metals and other items including e-waste, garden waste, nappies, non-recyclable glass, pill packets and timber.
Mrs Cameron said one of the key issues was that many people don’t know which labels to look out for when it comes to recycling items.
“It’s a common misconception that any triangular symbols with arrows on them indicate that an item can be recycled, however, only the Australasian Recycling Label is relevant. The Australasian Recycling Label will indicate specific instructions for each component of the item, e.g. the box might have a fully recyclable symbol, while the lid might have a bin symbol which represents non-recyclable.
“Have a good look at the item for the instructions.”
Appropriate bottles, cans, containers, paper and cardboard can be placed in the yellow-lid recycling bin. The contents are sent to the Recyclit Materials Recovery Facility where recyclables are sorted into different material types. Each material is then sent to another factory to be recycled into new products.
Paper and plastics are remade into new cardboard sheets and plastic bottles. Glass is crushed and used in road base. Aluminium and steel are infinitely recyclable and are turned into new items such as cans and machinery.
To find out more about your waste and recycling, visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/everyday-living/waste-recycling/bins
Caption: The Australasian Recycling Label will indicate specific instructions for each component of the item.
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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
27 May 2025
Three unsealed road gravel causeways will be upgraded to concrete causeways over the next two months.
Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said Trinkey Forest Road, Barwicks Road and Prairies Road would each have a new concrete causeway to improve resilience to washouts, particularly during times of flood.
“Extreme weather over the past few years has shown us that washout damage at these locations can cause lengthy closures,” Mr Bartlett said.
“By replacing the gravel causeway with a concrete causeway, we will reduce the need for repeated reconstruction following significant rainfall and flood events.
“Once the water recedes to a manageable depth, users of these roads will experience fewer road closures at these locations and much easier access to their destinations.”
Weather permitting, work on Trinkey Forest Road (at a point 2.9km from Wandobah Road) will begin in early June and finish in late June. Work on Barwicks Road (1.4km from Kelvin Road) is expected to start in late June and finish in mid-July, and work on Prairies Road (0.85km from Kelvin Road) will take place during July.
These works have been funded through the Regional NSW-Infrastructure Betterment Fund (NSW Betterment Programs).
Captions:
The Trinkey Forest Road causeway following floods in 2022.
ENDS
Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
22 May, 2025
Seventeen members approved for new Youth Working Group
Gunnedah Shire Council has approved 17 people to become members of the new Youth Working Group.
They are: Neville Adams, Joanna Biggar, Jessica Blair, Michael Broekman, Phoebe Dowling, Cassandra Dunstan, Lisa Hagley, Kel Harrison, Tyler Harrison, Angie Hickey, Cloey Kook, Emma Pearson, Tara Small, Shannon Thorsby, Natalie Walters, Neiva Walton and Dr Sarah Woodford.
Members will continue on the working group for a term of two years, with further nominations to be considered in coming months.
The working group will provide a forum for discussion of youth issues and provide advice and recommendations on youth matters. It will also be a forum for young people to develop skills in areas including leadership, communication, advocacy, governance and administration, and will partner with other organisations and community members to assist in the delivery of youth programs and initiatives.
Community members join committee and working group
Council has appointed two community representatives to the Gunnedah Flood Risk Management Committee at the May Council Meeting.
Denise Roberts and Paul Smallpiece will join Councillors Tammey McAllan and Robert Hooke on the committee that will support flood studies and plans being delivered in the Gunnedah Local Government Area.
Council also endorsed a recommendation for Marc Eisenhauer to join the Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group.
Council to investigate holding Christmas Fair
Gunnedah Shire Council will investigate the costs and details involved with holding a Christmas Fair in 2025.
Council passed a resolution at the May meeting calling for a report into a Christmas Fair to bring the community together to celebrate Christmas 2025.
A report will be presented to a future Council meeting.
Information Day for Koala Sanctuary
Gunnedah Shire Council will also look at the possibility of holding an Information Day at the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary to mark the completion of stage two.
Councillors endorsed a motion calling for a Council report into hosting an Information Day. The report will be presented to a future Council meeting.
Riding for the Disabled financial assistance on public exhibition
A Council resolution to endorse one-off financial assistance to Riding for the Disabled Gunnedah to cover the group’s licence fee for the Alford Road Licence Agreement allowing horses to use a paddock in Alford Road.
The assistance is in the amount of $607.14 for the 2024-25 financial year.
The resolution will be on public exhibition for 28 days, and can be viewed in full with links for submissions on the Draft Documents & Exhibition section of Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
Council to support call for drug and alcohol detoxification centre
Gunnedah Shire Council will write to the NSW Premier, the NSW Minister for Health, and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson to advocate for the repurposing of the soon-to-be vacant Banksia building at Tamworth Base Hospital into a drug and alcohol detoxification centre.
In a Mayoral Minute at the May Council Meeting, Mayor Colleen Fuller said Councillors had a responsibility to represent their community’s needs and to advocate on behalf of their health, safety and wellbeing.
“Our community deserves access to these very important services in a timely manner, and in a location that is relatively close to home,” Cr Fuller said.
Council supports motion re Intervalley Pipeline Plan
Council has endorsed a motion to be submitted to the Murray Darling Association meeting to be held on 22 May.
The motion is: “In relation to Water NSW’s planning options to augment Tamworth City water supply, Gunnedah Shire Council does not believe that an option involving taking water from Keepit Dam or Split Rock Dam is an appropriate or effective solution. Gunnedah Shire calls on the Murray Darling Association to support and endorse the position of Gunnedah Shire that new infrastructure is the appropriate solution, and especially the augmentation of Dungowan Dam in respect of Tamworth’s water needs.”
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council will look at the possibility of holding an Information Day at the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary to mark the completion of stage two.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
21 May 2025
It is National Volunteer Week 2025 – a great time to celebrate everything volunteers do for our community!
Gunnedah Shire is home to people who are more likely to put their hands up for volunteering than your average New South Wales Shire – 17.1% of the population compared to 15.5% statewide.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said volunteers enriched our lifestyle in Gunnedah Shire.
“We have selfless and passionate people who volunteer in sporting organisations, cultural organisations and community organisations,” Cr Fuller said. “And there are people who volunteer to help in vital roles that keep us safe and healthy.
“Volunteers contribute so much to our every-day lives by generously sharing their knowledge and skills, and we thank them.”
Volunteers help at GoCo Community Care in many ways, including driving seniors to appointments, offering friendly chats and helping at events.
GoCo Executive Manager Bruce Mercer said volunteers made a difference to the lives of many clients.
“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do,” Mr Mercer said. “We thank every one of our volunteers for the huge range of things they do.
“We know the satisfaction they get from helping others plays a role in their lives too. And there is always room for more volunteers!”
Gunnedah Shire Library also benefits from the work of volunteers who help bring the benefits of reading, studying and social gatherings to our Shire.
Librarian Christiane Birkett said volunteers made the Library an even better place to be by assisting in a huge range of tasks – including being part of this week’s National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday!
Volunteers also play a vital role on our working groups and committees, including on Village Progress Associations and Hall Committees.
If you would like to make a difference at GoCo, you can fill in a Volunteer Application Form available on GoCo’s website at https://gococare.com.au/ If you would like to volunteer at Gunnedah Shire Library, please talk to Library staff or email council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
National Volunteer Week 2025 runs from Monday, 19 May to Sunday, 25 May.
Captions:
Library volunteer Di Doohan reads to children at National Simultaneous Storytime 2025 this week.
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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
