19 March 2025

The Planning Institute of Australia has confirmed there is a “critical national shortage” of town planners impacting on Councils across the country, but Gunnedah Shire Council says lodgement of comprehensive and accurate applications ensures the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Development Assessment Wade Hudson said in the 2023-24 financial year, Council approved close to 150 development applications worth more than $31 million.

“Local government authorities across Australia are well aware there is a shortage of town planners that can lead to delays in approvals,” Mr Hudson said.

“However, the bulk of applications impacted by delays are those that do not include the necessary information and need to be sent back to the applicant for more information.

“The assessment of development applications is a necessarily regulated process, and applications must comply with pre-set criteria included in State Policies and the Local Environmental Plans. Applications cannot be approved unless they meet these criteria.

“We know it can be a daunting task for people who are looking to renovate, build, subdivide or maybe put in a pool, so Gunnedah Shire Council offers a number of services to help get an application right.”

A new system recently introduced by the NSW Government – the “Council League Table” available at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/faster-assessments-program/council-league-table - has placed a heavy emphasis on the number of days the determination of development applications process takes.

Mr Hudson said the “League” system did not take into account the lengthy delays that occurred when applications were missing vital information and needed to be sent back to the applicant.

“To meet performance criteria, Councils now have to reject or refuse development applications at an earlier stage than we might have done in the past, meaning there is a higher chance of early refusal of an application,” Mr Hudson said.

“To avoid this, we are ensuring we have a number of services in place to help applicants get their application right the first time.”

Council has information and application forms available on our website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au under “Development”, but also offers further services:

• A free Duty Planner Service is available by appointment between the hours of 9am and 1.30pm from Mondays to Fridays to speak with a Duty Planner for general planning enquiries, pre-lodgement discussion and development application lodgement. Appointments are available on request outside of the hours, and can be made on (02) 6740 2100.
• For those who would like written advice and would like to ensure planning, engineering and design issues are addressed before a development application is submitted, Pre-Development Application Services are available for a fee. To fill in a form for this service, you can contact (02) 6740 2100.

“We would like to make this process as easy as possible for applicants, and encourage people to take advantage of the services available,” Mr Hudson said.

People who go ahead with developments without the necessary approvals could face stop-work notices or penalties, and may be forced to remove structures.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

19 March 2025

The Gunnedah Shire community is being asked to have their say about a proposed Bill to split the Hunter New England Health District into two separate districts.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said the region had faced its share of challenges with health services, with a general practitioner shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disappointing downscaling of the new hospital.

“In 2004, two health districts were combined to form the Hunter New England Health District,” Cr Fuller said.

“It is the largest health district in New South Wales and includes a population of close to one million people.

“I am advised it is the only rural health district that is administered from a metropolitan base.

“Gunnedah Shire Council intends to put in a submission to NSW Parliament about the Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District Bill, but we are also giving the community the opportunity to tell us their own thoughts and experiences. Unfortunately, there is only a short window of time here, so we urge people to take a look and have their say.”

The Gunnedah Shire Council survey about the Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025 is available through Gunnedah Shire’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LL5ZVRT

The survey will close at midnight on Sunday, 30 March, 2025.

People and organisations who would like to learn more about the Bill or put in their own submissions can do so through https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/Pages/inquiryprofile/health-services-amendment-splitting-of-the-hunter-new-england-health-district-bill-2025.aspx#tab-submissions

Submissions will close on 17 April, 2025.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

17^th March 2025

A series of waste education and composting workshops will be held from Monday 31 March to Wednesday 2 April in Gunnedah.

Anyone with questions about household waste or looking to upscale their recycling is encouraged to attend these free sessions.

Attendees will be able to check out a pop-up display and chat to waste educators between 10am and 2pm at Coles Shopping Centre, Gunnedah. Or join a composting and worm farming workshop at The Civic Theatre on Wednesday 2 April at 6.30pm.

“Sustainability is such an important focus for communities these days and this initiative is a fantastic opportunity for people to pick up some invaluable tips about household waste management and composting,” said Gunnedah Shire council Manager Waste, Sheridan Cameron.

Spaces are limited for the workshop and registrations are essential. To register go to:

https://gunnedahcompostingwormfarmworkshop.eventbrite.com.au

5th March 2025

Gunnedah Shire Council is now inviting the community to participate in the Gunnedah Rural Waste Services Survey.

The survey, produced by ASK Waste Management in collaboration with the Gunnedah Shire Council), will help guide consultation for the Waste Management Strategy and Rural Waste Facilities Study project.

Council has engaged ASK Waste Management to develop its Waste Management Strategy with the key aims of the project to develop a 10-year Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy, evaluate current facilities, and recommend future actions aligned with the NSW Waste and
Resource Recovery Strategy and Council’s Community Strategic Plan.

The project will be completed in four stages and a ‘Coffee Table’ summary will be created for public exhibition and feedback.

Council currently operates its main site, the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility, and several other smaller, rural waste facilities. It also provides a three-bin or two-bin kerbside service to most residents except for some rural properties that are required to self-haul their waste to Council facilities.

The survey will be live for the next 21 days and can be accessed via this web link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GunnedahRuralWasteSurvey OR printed copies can be obtained from Council’s Customer Service team at the Elgin St office.

28 February 2025

Gunnedah’s popular annual Youth Expo is set to take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

This year the Youth Expo will feature different employers, organisations, and tertiary education providers, encouraging students to envision their futures and make informed decisions about their education and career paths.

The event, held at the Gunnedah Town Hall, is aimed at Year 10, 11, and 12 students and promises to be an engaging and informative experience, providing a platform for students to explore various opportunities, connect with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights into potential career paths.

“We look forward to welcoming students from around the region, including those that are home schooled, at the Youth Expo and fostering a day of inspiration and exploration,” said Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Colleen Fuller.

Stall holders at the expo will have the opportunity to connect with future talent by meeting and interacting with young individuals who are considering their future career paths.

Organisations and businesses will also be able to showcase their services and demonstrate their role in shaping the future workforce and highlight opportunities within their specific industry.

The expo is also a prime opportunity to strengthen community presence by supporting youth education and career development.

Anyone interested in having a stall at the expo can complete an application here: https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/rv91zua0mulouz/ .

For any further information schools should contact Nina Jordan, Events and Engagement Officer at Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100.

20 February 2025

Gunnedah Shire Council has approved nominations for three working groups and dissolved the Business Partner Program Advisory Group.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said all Council working groups and committees were dissolved in line with NSW local government election protocols in September 2024.

“Following the election, the local community, community organisations and business sector were invited to nominate for positions on the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group, the Access Working Group and the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group for a period of two years,” Cr Fuller said.

“We were very pleased to receive nominations from people who are passionate about making a difference in each of those three areas.”

At the February Ordinary Council Meeting this week, Councillors endorsed nominations of the following people in each working group:

• Access Working Group: Ingrid Allen Thomas, Ange Wilson, Amanda Cooper, Max Lee, Peter Jones and Sonya Lodge
• Crime Prevention Working Group: Inspector Michael Wurth, Caitlyn Butler, Jessica Blair/Dakota Durrant (alternate member), Joshua Launders, Sharon Aldridge/Sally Wilson (alternate member), Vanessa Hodges Schembri, Brett Daley, John Harford, Amanda Cooper, Kath Wilkinson and Tammy White.
• Gunnedah Shire Council Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group: Cassandra Aldridge and Troy Silver.

Following a Notice of Motion brought by Councillor Rob Hoddle, Council also voted to dissolve the Business Partner Program Advisory Group and the Business Partner Program.

Cr Hoddle said a report to Council last year showed the program was not as effective in supporting businesses as originally intended.

Councillors also endorsed a nomination for Cr Juliana McArthur to join the Rural Roads Working Group.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

February 20, 2025

Council approves funding for pool hoist

An allocation of $21,280 in funding (excluding GST) for a new pool hoist has been approved by Gunnedah Shire Councillors at the February Ordinary Meeting.

Council was approached by a disability carer in April 2024 to upgrade the disability hoist at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool’s indoor pool to a Pelican pool sling hoist. The carer later provided a petition to Council signed by more than 200 people. The petition noted the current hoist was not fit-for-purpose and should be replaced by a sling hoist.

The new hoist will benefit people with disability, the elderly and those requiring injury recovery therapy and will allow single person operation.

Council presents six-monthly progress report

Council’s six-monthly progress report on the Delivery Program 2022/23-2025/26 shows Council has successfully delivered a broad range of services and made significant progress on landmark projects in the past six months.
In addition to extensive community engagement on the need for a Special Rate Variation, local government elections were held with a new Council elected, and a high level of compliance was achieved in areas including aged care services, planning and regulatory services, roads, public facilities, water and wastewater, waste collection and disposal, governance and finance.

Significant Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement works were undertaken, the small grants program was provided, an upgrade to the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility Deposition Area was completed, the Off Leash Dog Park was opened and work on the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary and Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Development progressed.

The full report is available attached to the February Council Meeting agenda on www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Council considers revaluation of Shire land

Gunnedah Shire Council this week reviewed a report by the NSW Valuer General that showed total land value for all properties had increased 16.34% from $3,586,420,300 to $4,172,434,460 between 1 July 2022 and 18 November 2024.

Council General Manager Eric Groth said this increase in unimproved land valuations would not impact on Council’s total rate income, which does not change because of a revaluation. The way the total is allocated does change based on valuation changes within each rate category.

Council also noted any increase in general rate revenue would be limited to the approved rate peg of 4.7% for the 2025-26 financial year, or any approved Special Rate Variation.

Council supports alternative sewerage plan

Council has supported the preliminary design and investigations associated with a new Intermittent Decanted Extended Aeration Decanted (IDEA) process plant for sewerage treatment.

This will allow Council to pursue grant funding for the design and construction of a new (IDEA) process plant should it be required.

The process plant would provide an alternative option for wastewater treatment that could be necessary in the future, depending on the continuation of current reuse contracts and future methods of discharge of treated effluent.

Council will seek grants for project costs of up to $25 million for an IDEA process plant that, if approved, would be delivered over three-four years.

Submission to Office of Local Government

Gunnedah Shire Council will lodge a submission to the Office of Local Government with concerns about several proposed changes to the Model Code of Meeting Practice.

Council’s key concerns include the impacts of:
• The proposed removal of the need to consider resources when determining Notices of Motion, Mayoral Minutes and Amendments;
• The ability of Councillors to obtain information and make informed decisions should pre-meeting briefings be removed.
• The proposed removal of restrictions on asking questions with notice that imply complaints or alleged wrongdoing by staff.
• Proposed restrictions on the ability of Councillors and staff to attend meetings by audio-visual link.
• Proposed shifting of responsibility for determining staff attendance at meetings to Council and not the General Manager; and
• The proposed removal of foreshadowed motions.

Submissions on the Model Meeting Code Amendments are due to the Office of Local Government by 28 February 2025.

Conflict of Interest Policy on exhibition

Gunnedah Shire Council’s draft Conflict of Interest Policy is now on public exhibition.

The policy has been developed to provide guidance on identifying, disclosing, managing, recording, and resolving conflicts of interest. It is applicable to all Council Officials, including Council officers, administrators, members of staff, contractors, and delegates.

The policy is available on Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and feedback will be accepted for 28 days, closing at 5pm on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Burial Rights fees and charges change on exhibition

Following advice from the Australian Taxation Office, a change to Gunnedah Shire Council’s fees and charges schedule relating to burial rights is on public exhibition.

The amendments show GST is not payable on burial rights fees.

The amended fees and charges are available to view on Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and feedback will be accepted for 28 days, closing at 5pm on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Caption: The Off-Lease Dog Park was one of the projects completed in the past six months and included in the six-monthly progress report on the Delivery Program 2022/23-2025/26.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.

19 February 2025

Gunnedah Shire will be paying tribute to International Women’s Day in March with an exhibition celebrating the diverse talent of artists in our community.

Artists have been asked to create something special to for the exhibition, which has proven to be a popular and diverse exhibition in past years.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Colleen Fuller said Gunnedah Shire was home to women from a huge range of backgrounds and cultures, with a great diversity of interests.

“The theme for International Women’s Day in 2025 is #AccelerateAction,” Cr Fuller said.
“Our community includes women who excel in all areas of life and who deserve to be recognised for all that they do. This exhibition is a way to celebrate the intrinsic role women play in our Shire, and everything they mean to each one of us.

“It will include a variety of mediums and has always proven to be a very colourful and interesting exhibition.”

In conjunction with the exhibition, a Self Love Workshop will be held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Sunday, 16 March from 1pm to 3pm with afternoon tea provided. Local artist Jade Punch will facilitate the gathering where participants will create a self portrait. Tickets are $20 and are limited to 14. Bookings can be made through www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1350520

There is still time for artists to take part in this exhibition. Ready-to-hang entries with a completed submission form are due to be delivered to the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Monday, 24 February, 2025.
The exhibition will open at the gallery at 6pm on Friday, 28 February and continue until Friday, 4 April, 2025.

Submission forms are available on the Civic website www.thecivic.com.au

Caption: Visitors enjoy the opening of the International Women’s Day Exhibition in 2023.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

19 February 2025

Gunnedah Shire has recognised its strong connection with Sister City Kolomotu’a, in the Kingdom of Tonga, with a new street name.

The roadway that runs along the Namoi River from Maitland Street has been named “Kolomotu’a Drive” in a gesture of respect for our friends in Kolomotu’a.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said the Shire’s relationship with the Tongan region had only grown since the signing of the Sister City Agreement in June 2022.

“At a recent quiet ceremony attended by the Acting High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia and several representatives from the Kingdom of Tonga, including a number of people working in Gunnedah Shire, we celebrated the naming of Kolomotu’a Drive,” Cr Fuller said.

“This is wonderful recognition of the many good things that are a result of this great relationship.”

Acting High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia Curtis Tu’ihalangingie said the naming of the road was testament to the relationship between Gunnedah and Kolomotu’a, and confirmed Kolomotu’a held a “special place in the hearts of the people of Gunnedah, just as Gunnedah is cherished in Kolomotu’a”.

He said members of the Tongan community from Sydney had visited the newly named road to express their love and appreciation for the kindness shown by Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunnedah residents.

“During the event, I had the privilege of representing Her Royal Highness The Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho, the Patron of Sister City relations, as well as the Kolomotu'a Council and the people of Kolomotu'a,” Mr Tu’ihalangingie said.

“It was a profound honour for me to represent such esteemed individuals and organisations. I felt a great sense of pride and humility in honouring Kolomotu'a in Gunnedah and Australia alongside Mayor Cr Fuller, her esteemed council, and the people of Gunnedah.

“I hope that Gunnedah will serve as a beacon for the rest of Australia, fostering and enhancing relationships between our two countries.

“Tonga and Australia share a long history of partnership and mutual support. For instance, this year, Tonga will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its Constitution, which was inspired by the New South Wales Constitution of 1875. Additionally, we will mark the 55th anniversary of our formal diplomatic relations between Tonga and Australia and the 50th anniversary of the Consul-General Office of Tonga in Sydney, NSW.

“These milestones exemplify the extraordinary relationship shared between Australia and Tonga, which Gunnedah has joined in building through outstanding diplomatic and people-to-people connections.

“I hope that Kolomotu'a Drive will be a safe passage and a refuge for those seeking shelter from harm.”

The Gunnedah Shire-Kolomotu’a Sister City Relationship has seen a number of visits between the two regions, with two visits to Gunnedah by Sister City patron Her Royal Highness The Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho.

Kolomotu’a surprised Gunnedah Shire delegates in the Kingdom of Tonga with the naming of Gunnedah Avenue in October 2023.

Caption: Kolomotua’n and Gunnedah Shire representatives at the newly named Kolomotu’a Drive in Gunnedah.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

5 February, 2025

Part of resilience is good mental health, and Gunnedah Shire Council will offer the community another fun and effective way to support mental health through two Words for Wellbeing – Journalling workshops.

On Wednesday, 19 February and Thursday, 20, March, facilitator Lucy Gallagher, who is a farmer and a writer, and has experience as a counsellor/registered nurse in rural mental health, will lead two FREE interactive and evidence-based six-hour workshops at the Gunnedah CWA rooms. The workshops will empower participants to develop a journalling habit that helps to strengthen skills in gratitude, empathy and forgiveness, and promote overall mental wellbeing.

“I want to share these skills with others, giving them accessible tools to support their mental health,” Lucy says.

“While not a replacement for professional mental health services, journaling is a simple and effective practice that anyone can incorporate into their daily lives.

“Mental health services are often difficult to access in rural and remote areas. These workshops aim to fill a gap by offering tools and strategies that are practical, affordable, and accessible to individuals in the bush.”

Lucy says the workshops emphasise the importance of social connection, offering a supportive space for participants to share experiences and connect with others in their community.

“The goal is for participants to leave the workshops feeling ‘lighter’ and better equipped to handle life’s challenges,” she says.

“There is extensive evidence showing that intentional journaling can be a highly effective tool to support mental health. These workshops are based on my personal experience and the proven benefits of reflective writing to improve wellbeing.”

The sessions, to be held from 9am – 3pm, include a journal, pen and workbook. Tea and coffee is provided, and participants are asked to bring along a plate to share for morning tea.

Tickets are available through https://www.trybooking.com/CWUWN

This is a free community event supported by the Australian Government and the NSW Government, through the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Caption: Lucy Gallagher.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au