1 August 2018

The Gunnedah Shire Council Airport has provided an unusual opportunity for donating 285 round bales of hay and grass to Australian charity Aussie Helpers Ltd to be distributed to local farmers.

The grass in the Gunnedah Airport had been getting long and rather than mowing the grass, it was baled and Councillors at tonight’s Extraordinary Council Meeting voted to donate the bales to the Australian farming charity Aussie Helpers.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey is aware that many members of the local farming community are in drought, and he hopes the small amount of feed that came from the Gunnedah Airport could keep some local livestock alive.

“The impact of the drought is in the forefront of our minds” Cr Chaffey said.

“Evidence of the hardship experienced during drought is not just in the pictures you see on the TV; it is in the voice of the farmer, in the eye of retailer, in the hands of the truck driver and in the spirit of all the people in our Shire.

“By baling and donating what would otherwise be slashed grass to Aussie Helpers, we hope the hay will be distributed locally and bring a small amount of relief to our farmers.”

The baling news comes only days after official contact was made Friday, 27 July from Lane Cove Council Mayor Pam Palmer to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Deputy Mayor Gae Swain communicating Lane Cove’s intention to assist their Sister City with the drought.

Cr Swain said the relationship of the Sister Cities helps to “bridge the divide” between regional and city areas.

Lane Cove Council and Gunnedah Shire Council are in continuing discussions to see what assistance can be provided.

Cr Chaffey, along with the Gunnedah Ministers Fraternal has organised a Prayer for Drought to be held Sunday, 5 August. Cr Chaffey said the lingering drought conditions are terrible but it has been heartwarming to experience the bond the community has created through a unified experience,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The idea to have the Prayer for Drought came because people want to get together and support each other.

“This is open to the whole community to attend on Sunday, 5 August 2018 at 4.00pm at the Smithurst Theatre.”

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey at the Gunnedah Airport looking at the bales of hay ready to be donated to registered charity Aussie Helpers Ltd.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council hereby calls for Expressions of Interest for the management and operation of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Kiosk for the 2018-2019 season.

Management and Operation of the Gunnedah Swimming Pool Kiosk Expression of Interest documentation is available in the Council > Council Information section of our website under Tenders, Quotations & EOI, or hard copies will be available at Councils Administration Reception, 63 Elgin Street Gunnedah.

Submissions addressing the selection criteria must be completed and returned to Council via email council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Closing date for submission 4:00pm, Friday 7th September 2018.

Initial enquiries for documents should be directed to the Manager of Public Facilities, Geoff Phillips on 6740 2100 or by emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

1 August 2018

Gunnedah residents will have the opportunity to see construction work on the upgrade of the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex up close this Saturday morning, 4 August.

An open day will be held between 9.00am and 12.00pm at the pool complex, with visitors able to view the progress of works from the northern embankment of the facility.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said there is a lot to see at the site.

“The 50 metre pool structure has been completed, tiling is about to begin and the Main Pavilion walls and structural steel are well advanced,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Saturday’s open day will allow the community to gauge the scale of the project, particularly the new eight lane 50 metre pool and the Plant Room that will house the complex’s filtration equipment.

“This is the largest community facility renewal project Council has ever undertaken so I encourage the community to come and see the progress of works,’ Cr Chaffey concluded.

Pedestrian access to the complex will be through the northern gate off South Street opposite the Band Hall. Car parking will be available in the main carpark off Anzac Parade as South Street between the carpark and Henry Street will be closed to traffic.

A sausage sizzle conducted by the Gunnedah Swimming Club will be available to visitors.

The Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex Upgrade is part of the Councils record proposal of infrastructure program that are being undertaking over four years to improve the services and liveability of Gunnedah Shire.

Photo caption: Work continues at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

1 August 2018

Local community and sporting groups will benefit from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Section 356 Small Grants Program, with more than $35,000 recently endorsed by Council for a range of projects and initiatives across the Shire.

A total of 12 community and sporting groups were successful in receiving grants.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey acknowledged the quality of the applicants and projects that will benefit from the Section 356 Small Grants Program.

“The financial assistance program has been in place for more than a decade, and to date has distributed more than $355,289 to local organisations and groups,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The program is designed to support the work of local charitable and not-for-profit organisations, through projects that meet the need of our growing community.”

Members of the Section 356 Committee, Councillor Ann Luke, Councillor David Moses and Councillor Colleen Fuller met to assess a total of 16 applications against the priorities and eligibility criteria outlined in the guidelines, and in the context of the funds available.

The level of funding available under the program is dependent on the project but Cr Chaffey said it can be up to $5,000.

“Priority was given to those applications that not only benefited their organisation but also the broader community,” Cr Chaffey said.

Successful community organisations included Riding for the Disabled, Lake Keepit Sailing Club, Big Sky Trailblazers, Gunnedah Tennis Club, Namoi Horse Association, Gunnedah and District Pony Club, Presbyterian Church, Gunnedah Pottery Club, Gunnedah Early Childhood Intervention, Challenge Community Services, Water Tower Museum and the Gunnedah Salvation Army.

A presentation of the grants took place at the Smithurst Theatre Courtyard as part of the Local Government Week Free and Friendly Breakfast on Wednesday, 1 August at 9.00am.

For further information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo caption: Recipients of the Section 356 Small Grants Program are presented with their certificate.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

26 July 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council has thrown its support behind the 2018 Gunnedah Business and Service Awards.

In August 2018, the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host over 250 guests at the gala event to be held on Friday, August 10 at the Gunnedah Town Hall, with a focus on recognising and celebrating excellence in local business, industry, innovation and the people driving success.

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved at last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting to support the Gunnedah Chamber as major sponsors for the Business Awards.

Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle is excited to see Gunnedah Shire Council as a partner for the Business and Service Awards, promoting local business and industry.

“We have some thriving and innovative local businesses that are starting to gain recognition on the world stage,” Ms Hoddle said.

“The Chamber Awards is a great opportunity to recognise these businesses as well as draw out some of our new and emerging talent.

“By supporting the Business Awards, Council wants to ensure the health and prosperity of the Chamber, recognising the important work it does for business and economic growth in Gunnedah.”

For more information about the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visit gunnedah.org.au 

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry are big winners at the NSW Business Chamber Awards for 2017, taking home the Business Chamber of the Year Award.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100

1 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking quotations from suitably qualified, licenced and insured companies for the Fire Equipment/System Maintenance Pressure Test/Tag and Inspection Service of Council’s key assets.

The scope of works document can be found in the Council > Council Information section of our website under Tenders, Quotations & EOI, or obtained from Council’s Elgin Street Office. Quotations should be addressed to the General Manager, Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, Gunnedah NSW 2380, and will be received until 11.00am Friday, 17 August 2018.

For more information regarding this position, please contact Council’s Manager Public Facilities, Mr Geoff Phillips on 02 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

26 July 2018

Community members can learn about the untapped potential of their own backyard at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Local Government Week information session “Unlocking the potential of your backyard” on Tuesday, 31 July.

The information session from 5.30pm at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery Meeting Room is being hosted by Council’s Planning and Environmental Services team and will feature a number of presentations, aimed at giving residents an idea of “what they can do and how they can go about doing it”.

Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said the information session is aimed at letting people know about the type of development opportunities available and making the process less “daunting”.

“Different types of residential accommodation built alongside existing dwellings can generate potential revenue streams and help the Shire cope with housing affordability and availability,” Mr Johns said.

“We hope people will leave the information session filled with ideas, but also more knowledgeable about what needs to be considered in the planning of a development.

“Servicing the development with water, sewer, storm water, electricity and telecommunications are just some considerations we will cover in the information session.”

Mr Johns said the backyard opportunities will also extend beyond the “Colorbond fence” to other opportunities within the “Gunnedah backyard”.

“The Business Partner Program, Easy to do Business and economic development opportunities are a few other things we will cover, so make sure you come along to the information session to find out more.”

An overview and positive impacts of the inclusive playground, crime prevention and safety in the CBD will also be included in the information session.

The evening will incorporate the introduction of the team and Council’s services such as the duty planner, DA tracking and what forms to use on the website to support different types of developments.

There will also be the opportunity for questions to staff.

What: Planning and Environmental Services Information Day Unlocking the potential of your backyard

When: 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Tuesday, 31 July

Where: Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery Meeting Room

Photo Caption: Some of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Planning and Environmental Services team Charlotte Hoddle, Carolyn Hunt, Wade Hudson, Blake O’Mullane, Andrew Johns, Gayan Wickramasinhe and Debra Hilton.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100

Don't miss Race Revolution Half Mile at Gunnedah Airport on Saturday September 1, 2018. See Australia's fastest Cars racing from 8.30am! Pits open to the public from 12.30 - 1.30pm. Food and Coffee vendors on site and Event Merchandise stalls will be available.

Spectator Entry - Adults $15.00, Children (5-16) $10.00, Children under 5 are free. Family Pass (2 adults 2 Children under 16) $45.00 and each additional child with Family Pass is $5.00.

For more information check out www.racerevolution.com.au 

20 July 2018

An official sod turning ceremony was held today to mark the commencement of construction works for the $5.2 million Curlewis Pipeline Project.

The site was declared open for construction by Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.

The Project involves 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 concrete storage reservoirs and a disinfection dosing station to improve the water quality and storage capacity for Curlewis.

Gunnedah Shire Council accepted a tender from TCM Civil Pty Ltd, a highly reputable construction company based at Cooranbong (Newcastle). TCM Civil Pty Ltd is the preferred contractor for Hunter Water, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Water NSW and Lake Macquarie City Council.

Cr Chaffey said by connecting Curlewis to Gunnedah’s town water supply it will greatly improve water security and quality for the village.
“Our villages are very important to the economic development and culture of Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

“By improving the infrastructure services of Curlewis we are promoting growth of the town so it remains a stable part of Gunnedah Shire’s future.

“Congratulations to TCM Civil Pty Ltd – we are looking forward to seeing the commencement of works on this significant infrastructure project.”

Acting Director of Infrastructure Services Daniel Noble said the project is identified in the Water Services Quality Management Plan.

“The project will result in a higher quality water supply to Curlewis that meets all Australian Drinking Water Guidelines including aesthetic values,” Mr Noble said.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor Gai Swain, TCM Civil Pty Ltd Director Colin Kiely, Councillor Rob Hooke, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Councillor Colleen Fuller, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and Councillor Owen Hasler at the Curlewis Community Hall for the official sod turning of the Curlewis Pipeline Project.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

18 July 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council will now consider all feedback received from community consultation on the proposed dog-off leash area at Athol Gallen Park.

A high number of submissions were received by Council during the survey process. Council is now considering alternative location options. Acting Director Infrastructure Services Daniel Noble said during consultation for the Community Strategic Plan the need for a fenced off-leash dog area was identified.

“Over the years Council has received consistent calls for an off-leash dog area,” Mr Noble said.

“The Open Space Strategy identified Athol Gallen Park as a suitable area, however a recent survey conducted on the proposal showed that community members preferred other locations and a number of suggestions were put forward.

“We will now go through the feedback and investigate other options before the proposal goes back to Council for consideration at the August Ordinary Meeting.”

The community will be kept informed as the proposal progresses.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.