20 December 2017

A Development Application (DA) to expand Carroll Cotton Gin’s production to 100,000 tonnes per year of raw cotton product has been approved by Gunnedah Shire Council at its December Ordinary Meeting.

Development approval was granted in 1999 for the production of 11,350 tonnes of processed lint cotton per year (28,375 tonnes of raw cotton product), which resulted in the addition of the gin’s fourth stand. A DA was lodged with Council in August 2017 to expand current production and approvals.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the $19,000,000 major upgrade project will not only increase cotton ginning production, but increase the speed of the process, maximising return on investment for growers in the region.

“This is a family-owned and operated business by the Davies family, and their innovation and dedication is a credit to them to be looking to the future with their expansion,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Council has a strong focus on economic development and this upgrade is an investment in the Gunnedah Shire economy.

“The annual production figures for Carroll Cotton Co will increase from approximately $65 million to $110 million – a huge plus for our Shire, local growers and the cotton industry,” he said.

“This will also have a flow-on effect into allied industries.”

Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said work on the Carroll-based gin is proposed to begin in 2018 across three stages.

“The DA for Carroll Cotton Co was referred to Council as it is considered a major development. Stage one involves the construction of a farm building for the storage of machinery and other equipment,” Mr Johns said.

“Stage two will see the conversion of a farm building and the construction of another to accommodate the expansion. This stage will also see the installation of new ginning equipment, as well as water storage to support the upgrade. Stage three will see the installation of additional ginning equipment,” he said.

“Council has previously issued approvals for other buildings and structures associated with the gin facility on this site. These structures will be retained and utilised as part of the development.”

Carroll Cotton Co Directors Scott and Trudy Davies welcomed the news.

“This is a culmination of 18 months of work to get us to this point and we look forward to moving on with this project in due course,” Mr Davies said.

“A big thank you to staff and consultants who have worked with us on this process – it is very satisfying to have a positive outcome. There were also 43 submissions in favour of the DA, and we thank everyone for their support.

“The Carroll Cotton Gin has been in operation for 21 years and this will secure our future in the local community and the jobs we provide,” he said.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

19 December 2017

Gunnedah Shire Council will seek to make a decision regarding its current Shade Sail Installation Program at the December Ordinary Meeting (20 December), with proposals to fast track implementation to meet the needs of the community.

Council has allocated $30,000 in its Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) over the next four years (2017/18 – 2020/21) for the installation of shade sails over playground equipment in the Gunnedah Shire.

As part of the program, shade sails were constructed at Kitchener and Wolseley parks earlier this year.

Manager Public Facilities Geoff Phillips said during the consultation process for the Community Strategic Plan, Council received feedback on the need for shade over playground equipment within the parks across the Shire.

“It is important for the wellbeing of children and parents using our facilities to have shade and it also encourages the use of the Shire’s parks and playgrounds,” Mr Phillips said.

“With the program being well-received by the community, it has been recommended to Council to extend the program in this financial year by bringing forward the budget allocation of $30,000 from 2018/19 into 2017/18 and condense the project into a three-year program, with the program completion to be in 2019/20.

“Bringing forward the budget will mean Carroll and Mullaley parks will also see shade sails installed this financial year,” he said.

Council will make a decision on Wednesday night.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

12 December 2017

The Contract for the design and construction of a four (4) megalitre reservoir to be built off Apex Road adjacent to the existing reservoir in Bottlebrush Park was awarded to Hornicks Constructions at the Extraordinary Council Meeting on December 7.

The new reservoir is required to address current water security issues and to cater for the predicted population growth within the town of Gunnedah. The project cost is $2.5 million and will be fully-funded by Gunnedah Shire Council.

“Since the planning stages, significant work has been undertaken for this project, including land acquisition and consultation with the local Aboriginal community,” Gunnedah Shire Council Chief Engineer Daniel Noble said.
“As a result of this consultation, Council has discussed providing a symbol of recognition at the site of the traditional owners of the land.”

The project involves the construction of a concrete reservoir, which will be approximately 27.5 metres in diameter and approximately eight metres high. The reservoir has been designed to have the same roof level as the existing reservoir and will incorporate aesthetic improvements, including white roof sheeting to reduce glare to surrounding residences.

“The reservoir has been designed to minimise the overall impact on local residents, including obstruction to their views. As a result, significant earthworks are needed to accommodate the new reservoir. This will require the excavation and removal of approximately 2300 cubic metres of rock,” Mr Noble said.

The expected construction phase of the project is 36 weeks, with works planned to start in February 2018. Working hours will be undertaken between 7:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday and between 8:00am and 1:00pm on Saturdays.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

13 November 2017

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton will officially open Simson Bridge at Breeza on December 19 after major upgrade works have been completed.

Simson Bridge is located approximately 2.9 kilometres north of Breeza, over the Mooki River on Clifton Road. The bridge was a wooden/concrete composite, single lane structure linking Carroll and Breeza, and was well towards the end of its serviceable life.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure Services Edward Paas said the upgrade project has involved constructing a new dual lane concrete bridge to facilitate increasing productivity for heavy vehicles, including higher mass loads and reduced travel times.

“The opening of the new Simson Bridge over the Mooki River at Breeza ticks all the boxes for what road users want in an infrastructure project. It is a quintuple win for the community in terms of better safety with the widened bridge, improved flood immunity, reduced travel times, improved freight efficiency and increased load limits,” Mr Paas said.

“The works have come in on time and under budget and are a tribute to the team of bridge contractor Murrays Constructions and Council staff involved in the design and construction of the new road approaches. The agricultural and freight industry along Clifton Road, between Carroll and Breeza, will now have significant improvement in their operations as a result of this project.”

Photo: Simson Bridge was officially opened on December 19 by Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey. Councillors, Council Staff and local families were also in attendance.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

13 November 2017

Sporting groups in Gunnedah will soon have the option to play under lights at Donnelly Fields after Gunnedah Shire Council awarded the contract for the supply and installation of lighting to REES Electrical Pty Ltd at the Extraordinary Council Meeting on December 7.

The $770,000 project will be fully-funded by Gunnedah Shire Council after the need for lighting at Donnelly Fields was identified in Council’s Community Strategic Plan and the Riverine Landscape Masterplan for the Namoi River Foreshore and Parklands in Gunnedah Shire.

“The project is necessary to accommodate the needs of current sporting groups and to create an opportunity for increased use by organisations that will soon be able to utilise the facility under lights,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Chief Engineer Daniel Noble said.

“The project will improve the grounds for a variety of sports including touch football, softball, and night cricket.”

The project involves the installation of six, 30 metre high lighting poles with the entire playing area expected to be under light.

The lighting phase forms part of the overall Riverine Landscape Masterplan. The Masterplan has already seen the installation of a Gross Pollutant Trap, shelters on Namoi Playing Fields, a cycleway, bollards to restrict vehicle access to the river, an extension of Donnelly Fields by 22 metres, irrigation upgrades to automatic systems, kerb and guttering and road upgrades, sealing of road entrances, tree planting, extensions to Donnelly Fields amenities, top dressing to level both fields, picnic shelters, provision of car parking and bins, and a new turfed cricket wicket.

Council has also purchased a vacant block on the corner of Tempest and Bloomfield streets for potential sports field developments in the future.

The construction phase of the project is approximately 20 weeks, with work to upgrade the current electrical supply scheduled to commence in February 2018. The project is expected to be completed by July 2018.

Photo Caption: Manager Public Facilities Geoff Phillips and Chief Engineer Daniel Noble discuss lighting plans for Donnelly Fields.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

11 December 2017

Gunnedah Shire Council has been recognised with a Community Engagement Award for its part in promoting waste education as part of the national Garage Sale Trail. Gunnedah Shire Council joined the Trail for the third year in a row this year, with a one-day mega garage sale held at the Gunnedah Showground.

Now in its seventh year, the event broke all preceding records, with over 379,959 Australians choosing to reuse by participating at over 15,469 garage sale events across the country on one weekend in October. The annual event saw over 2.4 million items listed for sale with a total approximate value of over $15 million.

Garage Sale Trail recently announced the winners of its annual Local Government Awards Program. Gunnedah Shire Council was awarded the Community Engagement Award for outstanding achievement in increasing community participation and community engagement for the event.

“It is a grassroots program powered by Local Government that encourages communities to rethink what they waste through the simple act of buying and selling at a garage sale instead of filling up landfill. It comes back to that saying ‘Someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure’. We were more than happy to once again join the Trail and promote waste education,” Waste Management Superintendent Sheridan Cameron said.

“It is something we are very passionate about and to be recognised for our efforts is very rewarding.”
Garage Sale Trail Co-Founder Andrew Valder said it is inspiring to see Councils continue to embrace the program in new and innovative ways.

“We would like to extend our congratulations to Gunnedah Shire Council for the way in which they have led the charge in 2017 by promoting and encouraging reuse in their local community.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

11 December 2017

The coveted Santa Street crown has returned to Kamilaroi Road again this year, with residents working hard on their winning Christmas lights displays for weeks.

The announcement was made at the Spirit of Christmas Fair on Friday night, where six houses (13, 15, 17, 40, 42 and 44) were awarded a winners plaque and a $100 gift voucher, sponsored by Gunnedah Shire Council.

The 2017 Christmas Lights Competition’s major sponsor was Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc, who provided prizes for the “Best Decorated Houses” sections.

Kamilaroi Road impressed the judges across the board, as first prize of $200 for the best decorated house went to the Laws family for their magnificent display set up at 42 Kamilaroi Road. Second place, with a $100 Gunnedah Gift Card went to Dave and Maryanne Grosser, at 17 Kamilaroi Road. Third prize of $50 was awarded to Wendy Hatch and family at 25 McAndrew Street.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey thanked everyone for their ongoing support of the Christmas Lights Competition.

“On behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council and all of our sponsors I would like to thank everyone who entered this competition and hope to see you all again, plus more, next year. We would also like to thank and acknowledge Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc, the major sponsor, for their support each year, as well as our other sponsors, Petries Mitre 10, JA Berry Home Timber and Hardware and Plants for You,” Cr Chaffey said.

Other prizewinners included the Thomas family, of 376 and 374 Conadilly Street, who received the Judge’s Choice Award, a $50 gift voucher, sponsored by Petries Mitre 10 Gunnedah. Kate and Ray Knight, of 405 Conadilly Street were also awarded Judge’s Choice, taking home a $50 voucher.

Raelene Higgins, of Furphy Road, Curlewis was awarded the Best Christmas Theme in a Village prize of a $50 gift voucher, sponsored by JA Berry Home Timber and Hardware, for her display.

The Judge’s Encouragement Award of a $50 gift voucher, sponsored by JA Berry Home Timber and Hardware, went to three residences (18, 16 and 14) in Warrumbungle Street.

“I would encourage everyone to take the time to drive around and see these magnificent displays that light up our Shire at night on the countdown to Christmas. It’s certainly worth a look and adds that something special during the festive season,” Cr Chaffey said.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES

Please be advised that the following facilities will be closed on Christmas & New Year’s Day:

• Gunnedah Waste Management Facility

RECYCLING COLLECTION - GUNNEDAH

Monday 25 December 2017
Collection will be on Wednesday 27 December 2017.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Tuesday 26 December 2017
Collection will be on Wednesday 27 December 2017.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Wednesday 27 December 2017
Collection will be on Thursday 28 December 2017.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Wednesday evening as collection will begin early on Thursday.

Monday 1 January 2018
Collection will be on Tuesday 2 January 2018.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Monday evening as collection will begin early on Tuesday.

RECYCLING COLLECTION – CURLEWIS

Monday 25 December 2017
Collection will be on Wednesday 27 December 2017.
Residents are requested to place their recycling bins out on Tuesday evening as collection will begin early on Wednesday.

Monday 1 January 2018
Collection will be on Wednesday 3 January 2018.
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 Christmas/New Year 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

6 December 2017

Gunnedah Shire Council in collaboration with the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group is reviewing its Crime Prevention Plan. As part of the review, Council is encouraging the community to have their say in a new community safety survey.

In 2014, Council conducted a community safety survey to determine what local residents thought about crime and community safety in the Gunnedah Shire.

“Over 300 residents completed the survey and the feedback helped in the development of a realistic Action Plan, which later resulted in the Attorney General Department’s endorsement as a Safer Community Compact – allowing Council to apply for funding to implement strategies,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“A lot has been done since the Plan was developed, not only by Council and the Crime Prevention Working Group, but by organisations and businesses across the Shire. With the plan currently under review, we are keen to see if the community’s perception about crime and safety has changed in the last three years.”

Crime Prevention Working Group Chair Colleen Fuller said the survey will aid the Group in building on priorities and actions identified by community engagement and provide them with a clear set of goals to ensure the Shire remains safe for residents and visitors.

“Our aim is to work towards a crime free community and I encourage residents and stakeholders across the broader Shire to actively participate in the survey,” Crime Prevention Working Group Chair Colleen Fuller said.

The survey can be accessed online, until 5pm on Friday, 12 January 2018. Hard copies can be obtained from Council’s Administration Building or the Gunnedah Shire Library.

For more information please contact Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah Shire Council is urging property owners to ensure they are up-to-date and comply with safety standards for private swimming pools.

Homeowners are required to obtain a Certificate of Compliance before selling or offering a property to rent with a pool.

In NSW, a swimming pool or spa is also required to be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register. Additionally, before erecting or installing a new swimming pool, homeowners must obtain either Development Consent and a Construction Certificate or a Complying Development Certificate.

“In NSW, an average of 11 children under five years of age drown annually, with a further 62 children being admitted to hospital each year for near drowning. Approximately 70 per cent of drowning deaths occur in swimming pools,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Building and Environment Blake O’Mullane said.

“These statistics are a stark reminder of the importance of pool safety. It is extremely important all pool owners check their swimming pools regularly throughout the year, especially in the months leading up to summer to ensure all safety measures are in place.”

In 2014, Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to adopt a Swimming Pool Barrier Inspection Program, following changes to state legislation.

“The aim of the inspection program is to identify swimming pools that are not protected by a child resistant barrier in accordance with legislative standards; to take appropriate action to ensure identified non-compliant swimming pool barriers are brought into compliance with the required standards; and to establish an adopted inspection program as required under Section 22B of the Swimming Pools Act 1992,” Mr O’Mullane said.

“The overall aim being to reduce drowning and near drowning instances of children.”

For more information on requirements for development or building works visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Applications for Certificates of Compliance and information on the fees applicable are available by contacting Council on (02) 6740 2100.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.