Council is creating a Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), which is a planning blueprint to guide the future of the Gunnedah Shire to 2040, and we need our residents and businesses to be part of this process. This will be our Shire’s first ever LSPS, so it is important to us to hear your views on what our land use vision and planning priorities might look like. The feedback you provide will be used to finalise this document.

What is the LSPS?

The Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) is a document that will:

Determine how Gunnedah Shire Council will manage land in the Shire for the next 20 years

Tell us how growth and change will be managed in the future

Describe the special characteristics and community values of the area that should be retained

Support the priorities of our Community Strategic Plan
State agencies will use the LSPS to inform their infrastructure planning and service delivery for schools, hospitals and transport.

Have Your Say - You can get involved in a number of ways:

• Complete the Online Survey
• Attend a Community Session at the Council’s Training Centre, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah NSW 2380. Numbers are limited to 2 per organisation. RSVP to planning@infogunnedah.com.au or phone: (02) 6740 2120
• Thursday 17 October, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
• Thursday 17 October, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
• Friday 18 October, 12.00pm to 2.00pm
• Visit us at the Community Markets at Wolseley Oval, Conadilly Street, Gunnedah NSW
  • Saturday 19 October, 8.00am to 11.30am
• Use our online social pinpoint mapping tool
• Email us at planning@infogunnedah.com.au

Tell your friends and help us spread the word to anyone who might be interested in having their say on the planning future of Gunnedah Shire.

30 September 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council hereby calls for expression of interest for the operation of Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Canteen, Kamilaroi Highway, Gunnedah.

The Saleyard canteen is required to provide breakfast, morning tea and lunch for the weekly Tuesday sales and any store sale days. There is an option to extend trading hours in consultation with Council.

The contract is for the period of 12 months with the possibility of extension.

Expressions of Interest should be lodged with Council before COB on Friday 11th October 2019.

Should you have any additional enquires regarding the contract / agreement or any other queries please contact Gunnedah Regional Saleyard Manger Mr Doc Morrison on 0428 458 824 or email docmorrison@infogunnedah.com.au

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

30 September, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is getting behind its small businesses by holding a full program of events for NSW Small Business Month in October.

Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said there were more than 1100 small businesses in the shire, and they contributed not only employment, but a wealth of diversity and services to the community.

“The Gunnedah Shire has a strong small business base,” Ms Wilson said.

“It’s a critical part of our economy and covers a hugely diverse range of products and services. We have many clever people who turn their talents to running their own small businesses.

“Council would like to help support existing and aspiring business owners by holding a number of events that will allow them to build on their knowledge, access services and skills, and connect with other small business owners to create a support network.

“It can be tough weathering the challenges a small business can present, particularly during this severe drought.

“We hope the events planned for Small Business Month might help build stronger businesses or assist those who are looking to get a new business up and running.”

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Small Business Month Program includes:

Friday, October 4: A free Business Planning Essentials Workshop from 9am to 3pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. Business plans serve as the framework for your unique business and can provide benchmarks to see if you’re moving toward your goals. Lunch is provided. Bookings through https://www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au/event/business-planning-essentials-workshop/

Tuesday, October 8: A free Managing Employment Law Risks in Small Biz Webinar from 8am to 8.30am in the training room at Council’s admin building. The webinar will be presented by one of Australia’s most experienced HR experts.

Tuesday, October 8: A free Using Break Even Analysis Webinar from 1pm to 1.30pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. Breakeven analysis is a powerful tool that can help you manage costs, plan for profit, set prices and more.

Thursday, October 10: Chamber Connect Networking Event from 5.30pm to 7pm at the Gunnedah Hotel. The Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce hosts these events to provide an opportunity for local businesses to meet, share and provide support to each other.

Friday, October 11: Gunnedah Business Brekkie from 7.30am to 8.30am at Jack and Jill’s Café. An informal chance for businesspeople in Gunnedah to sit down and have a chat with like-minded people.

Monday, October 14: A free Lean Canvas Workshop presented by Dimity Smith from UNE Smart Region Incubator from 10am to 12pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. The Lean Canvas workshop aims to help someone with any start-up or business idea to develop a one-page business model to ensure they are ready to pitch their base level idea. Refreshments provided. Bookings through https://www.businessmonth.nsw.gov.au/event/business-planning-essentials-workshop/

Tuesday, October 15: A free Sidestep Pay Compliance Risks for Small Biz Webinar from 8am to 8.30am in the training room at Council’s admin building. This webinar is with one of Australia’s most experienced compliance experts – John Arraj. This webinar will provide practical ways to manage your HR policies, procedures and guidelines, so that you can sidestep pay compliance risks.

Tuesday, October 15: A free Purchasing Business Assets Webinar from 1pm to 1.30pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. The dilemma of whether to purchase more assets for a business can be reduced somewhat by understanding what drives the need for assets, how they will support the business in generating income or efficiencies, and what are the key considerations when buying and funding your business assets.

Thursday, October 17: A free Guide to Self-Managed Super Fund Webinar from 1pm to 1.30pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. Explore the basics of establishing and managing a self-managed super fund to see whether it may be suitable for you.

Thursday October 17 - Friday October 18: Digital Bootcamp for Small Business Owners at Gunnedah TAFE. $99. A comprehensive program to deliver awareness and deep insights of what’s required to succeed in the digital world. Register https://www.netstripes.com/bootcamp-gunnedah-october-2019

Tuesday, October 22: A free Managing Employee Performance in Small Biz Webinar from 8am to 8.30am in the training room at Council’s admin building. The webinar is with one of Australia’s HR experts – Sobha Nair. This webinar will provide you with the confidence to manage your staff effectively and minimise the risk of poor performance.

Tuesday, October 22: A free Starting a Business Webinar from 1pm to 1.30pm in the training room at Council’s admin building. This webinar will help to focus your thinking and provide valuable sources of information to help you get started.

Wednesday, October 23: A free Social Media Marketing Webinar from 10am to 11am in the training room at Council’s admin building. This webinar will look at the building blocks of an effective social media strategy and how to deliver content that will resonate with your customers.

Friday, October 25: Gunnedah Business Brekkie from 7.30am to 8.30am at Bitter Suite Café. A chance for businesspeople in Gunnedah to sit down and have a chat with like-minded people.

Tuesday, October 29: Gunnedah Women in Business Event from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Arts Gallery. This exciting event provides an opportunity for like-minded businesswomen to engage and establish valuable connections, and hear from local inspiring business women. The Women in Business Event is an evening of networking and celebrating the important role women play in our local business community. $15 per person includes light refreshments and a gift. Find the Gunnedah Women in Business Event on Facebook to book.

If you have a Small Business Month event you would like to add to the program, please contact our Economic Development Team on 6740 2100.

To find out more about Gunnedah Shire Council’s Small Business Month Program, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au, email council@infogunnedah.com.au or call Council’s Economic Development Team on 6740 2100.

Photo caption: A small business workshop in action.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

26 September, 2019

As the drought continues and Lake Keepit sits at below 1 per cent, a surprising amount of activity is going on at the Lake Keepit Sailing Club.

The club is in the process of upgrading its clubhouse and facilities after successfully applying for a federal government Drought Communities Programme Extension grant.

The grant will see a significant upgrade to the iconic A-frame clubhouse that overlooks the lake.

The extension will include:

• An increase in the boat storage area
• Improved shower and toilet amenities on the top deck
• An automated in-ground watering system for the lawn and rigging area
• An upgrade to the guard rails between the disability access road and the parking area.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director Corporate and Community Services Col Formann said it was great that the club had managed to maintain its focus and optimism despite the current conditions.

“This upgrade will help make the club more family-friendly, with improved accessibility to facilities for all visitors and provide for future growth,” Mr Formann said.

“The guard rail changes will also ensure inclusive and safe access for drivers and people with mobility challenges.

“The Lake Keepit Sailing Club is a net contributor to the economic activity of our region and their annual Keepit Kool event brings hundreds of people to the region each year”

“All the work on the site has been undertaken by Gunnedah locals and this project tops off an impressive list of projects that were delivered by Council and community groups under the Grant Programme”

The Drought Communities Programme Extension aims to deliver support to drought-affected areas of Australia by funding local community infrastructure and other drought relief projects.

Photo caption: Sailing Club updates in action

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza

25 September, 2019

There is still time to apply for Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program, with applications closing on October 31.

The Business Partner Program has given more than 60 local businesses a helping hand with a total of more than $200,000 in funding since the program began.

One of the businesses to benefit from one of the 2018-19 rounds of funding was Ameliorate Yoga.

“Since receiving the grant, I have had business cards created, a flyer produced for drought support yoga in Mullaley, a new Gunnedah timetable formatted and printed, registered a domain name, and most importantly, had a website built,” Amelia Smith from Ameliorate Yoga said.

“The Business Partner Program has allowed me to do things for the promotion of my yoga classes and business that I might not have been able to do without the grant.”

Amelia said a key milestone in her business journey was attending the Digital Bootcamp in Gunnedah, a course that helped her crystallise what she needed and how to go about it.

The Digital Bootcamp returns to Gunnedah for NSW Small Business Month on October 17 and 18.

If you would like some advice about how to put together an application for the Business Partner Program, you can make an appointment with Emily Wilson by calling 6740 2100 or emailing 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.

Business Partner Program guidelines and application forms, as well as information about Small Business Month, are available online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

For further details about the Business Partner Program, contact Council’s Economic Development team on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo caption: Amelia Smith shows off her new website for Ameliorate Yoga.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH

Monday 7 October 2019
Collection will be on Tuesday 8 October 2019.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION - CURLEWIS

Monday 7 October 2019
Collection will be on Wednesday 9 October 2019.
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 during the June Long Weekend 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 (02) 6740 2100.

Eric Groth
General Manager

24 September, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council has an action-packed program of school holiday events coming up for the spring holidays – including a return of the very popular neon bubble soccer.

Teen yoga, boxfit, crafty creations, live theatre – it’s all happening from Monday, September 30.

Council Manager Communications and Cultural Services Eliza Gallen said Council was excited to offer one of its most varied programs yet.

“There is something for everyone, from Toddler Time at Gunnedah Shire Library, to school holiday movies, teen yoga with Amelia Smith and the Gunnedah Art Showcase,” Ms Gallen said.

“The program caters for just about any age and a whole range of interests.

“The activities include a live theatre performance of You’ll Never Guess Where I Hid the Cheese, an interactive comedy show for kids and adults.

“There is also a chance for young people to display their artistic talents at the Gunnedah Art Showcase, and their performing talents at the Gunnedah Talent Showcase.”

Activities included as part of the program are: A theatrical music-making workshop with an infants’ workshop and another for primary-aged children; card making for ages 12 and above; Crafty Creations for ages 7-12; Toddler Time; Gunnedah Art Showcase with the work of artists aged 12 to 25; a school holiday showing of Angry Birds; live theatre performance; lunchtime boxfit; bracelet making, with a session of primary students and another for secondary students; Gunnedah Talent Showcase; neon bubble soccer, a showing of Dora and the Lost City of Gold; and teen yoga.

To find out session times, booking information and other details, view the Spring 2019 School Holiday Program here or phone Council’s Customer Service Team on 6740 2100, or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Photo caption: The neon bubble soccer has proven a hit in the past.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

18 September 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council residents will soon receive their first water notices following the installation of new water meter devices.

Water notices were deferred while the meters, which accurately measure water use in each individual household, were installed in about 4500 households across the shire.

This means that water notices will cover a longer timeframe than usual - up to five months instead of the usual three.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan said the new “smart water meters” allowed more accurate water management in a much faster timeframe.

“The meters have already proven their worth in detecting a number of water leaks that were adding to bills of Gunnedah households and businesses,” Mr Sheridan said.

“In this time of severe drought, it is critical to not only manage our water resources, but to ensure ratepayers are not paying extra for water leaks.”

What to expect on your bill
Your bill covers a longer timeframe than usual, so will be higher than usual. The dry conditions may also mean that your household has used more water.

What if I have trouble paying my bill?
Due to the larger bill, we’re extending the due date. We also understand conditions are extremely tough at the moment and we’ve got a number of ways we can help including arranging payment plans, assist you in applying for hardship and refer you to agencies that can offer support. We know it can be daunting to ask for help – but please be assured that as always, your request will be treated with confidentiality and respect.

Where is my water meter and how do I read it?
The water meter is usually found close to the front boundary of your property. The digital display records the kilolitres (top) and litres (bottom) used by each household. The kilolitres shown on the top are used to calculate each bill. For the following bill, householders will pay the difference between the current reading and the previous reading.

Why were the meters installed?

• The new meters play a critical role in the conservation of water by tracking leaks, illegal water use and providing timely data on overall water use
• They allow householders to track their own water use and see first-hand the benefits of wise water use
• The system allows Council to better monitor peak demand and plan for water upgrades.

How the new meters have already helped:
The water meters offer close to real-time monitoring of water use. The data means unusual spikes in use – that may point to a leak - can be identified. Since the meters were installed, Council has already contacted a number of householders and businesses to let them know they may have a costly water leak. This information has saved some water customers hundreds of dollars. The new system can also identify if water is being used illegally and may help to prevent tampering with water meters.

How Gunnedah Shire uses water:
Households and Business in our Shire are heavy users of water in comparison to many other regional government areas, but our water costs remain in the lowest 20 per cent of councils. We are lucky to have our ready source of water, and it is critical to use it wisely. We all need to be mindful of conserving this important resource.

Are there tips for wiser water use?
There are many ways you can reduce your water use. Check Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or visit www.smartwatermark.org 

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

19 September 2019

NightQuip will become a fixture on the Gunnedah calendar following feedback on the success of the inaugural markets this year.

Gunnedah Shire Council voted to make NightQuip an annual event to be held on the first Tuesday of AgQuip at this week’s Council Meeting after hearing survey results from those who attended and businesses who participated in the August 20 night markets.

The Conadilly Street event was an initiative of Gunnedah Shire Council in partnership with the Service NSW Easy to do Business Program.

“The survey results backed up the overwhelmingly positive feedback we had already been hearing about NightQuip,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

“All of the retailers and stallholders who completed the survey said they would participate in NightQuip again. Eighty-five percent of the 94 community members who responded said they would definitely come back next year, with another 14 percent saying they might be back – that’s a 99 percent result.

“The total direct economic impact of NightQuip is estimated at $250,000 – and this does not include the positive flow-on effect of after sales for local retail businesses and food outlets. We have also had positive feedback about just how many people came back after the event.”

Twenty-three retail stores extended their trading hours for NightQuip, 10 existing food outlets did a roaring trade, three cafes stayed open, and there were 44 market stalls set up on Conadilly Street. There were also two food vans, an ice-cream truck and three busking groups.

Ms Hoddle said NightQuip had obviously hit the mark in providing an opportunity for local retail and food outlets to increase sales during AgQuip and creating a great night-time event for locals and visitors.

“The atmosphere was fantastic,” she said. “It’s been a tough time for Gunnedah and a lot of people told us they felt a real lift in spirits through this community event.

“A big thank you to all those who came and our retailers and stallholders for making this a night to remember.”

Here are some comments from the survey:

“The atmosphere was wonderful and full of energy.”

“Bringing and engaging the public into the CBD. Enabling local businesses to capitalise on the AgQuip crowds, showcasing local products and capabilities.”

“Positive community spirit, great stalls, browsing stores which I usually don’t get a chance to do during the day because of long work hours. It was a really great night with my family. I am hoping to see it every year!”

“It was a great event! I’ve been in town 12 months and never shopped in the Main Street until NightQuip. It was a great event and great turn out!”

“The atmosphere, seeing the community out and about enjoying the evening together. The fairy lights were great. The live music and the food vans.”

Photo caption: NightQuip Stall

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

19 September, 2019

The new masterplan for Gunnedah Regional Saleyards is just the beginning of exciting developments which will secure Gunnedah's spot as a national leader in the beef industry.

Gunnedah Shire Council adopted the masterplan for the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards this week. The $17.5 million Masterplan includes:

• A state of the art Office, Cafe and Education Centre
• Construction of major structures to place under roof an entire hectare of primary work areas and cattle holding yards
• Major biosecurity improvements including a Drive-Through Truck Wash facility capable of taking road trains
• Major upgrade of the additional 4 bay truck wash facility
• Installation of technology infrastructure and high speed internet capability to allow smart technology applications and stream of on-line content
• Fenced containment of the site and major security upgrades
• Sealing of internal roads, lighting upgrades
• Upgrades of all loading ramp facilities
• Surface and gate renewal programs
• Public access gantry and other access improvements
• Making the site completely self-sufficient through the installation of up to 1 megawatt of solar panels and major stormwater harvesting and reuse facilities.

The saleyards are already among the country's top 10 cattle-selling centres, with more than $100 million worth of cattle sold each year.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the significant improvements in the masterplan were a major step in cementing the shire's future role as a beef hub.

"We are a resilient community and by diversifying our economy and building on our strengths, we will ensure a strong future for Gunnedah Shire," Cr Chaffey said.

"This masterplan is an important blueprint for the saleyards and will mean the facility is positioned to meet the needs of the future and open to all opportunities.

"We are poised to realise our potential as a national leader in the beef industry, but the saleyards are only one piece in the puzzle.

"We are working hard to attract investors to a new abattoir; there is strong interest in new feedlots and in expanding existing feedlots within the shire.

"There is a very clear direction for Gunnedah to become a major centre for beef, providing we have the support of the state and federal governments."

Cr Chaffey said the fact that there were no formal submissions about the Saleyards masterplan during the period of public exhibition was tribute to the fact there had been strong involvement from the community and stakeholders during its development.

The masterplan includes a number of infrastructure projects including removal of the sheepyards, relocation of the carpark and canteen as part of a multi-use building on the same side of the highway as the saleyards, yard expansion and technology improvements.

Gunnedah Shire Council voted to start work on developing the masterplan into one or more "shovel-ready" projects to seek grant funding, and to look at options for multi-purpose use of the upgraded buildings included in the masterplan.

Photo Caption: saleyards in action

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.