September 16, 2021

Council takes action to support main street traders

Gunnedah Shire Council has resolved to once again waive application fees for street trading and footpath dining applications in the 2021-22 financial year.

This will be the third consecutive year Council has waived the fees in a move that was originally brought in to help businesses during the drought, and then extended to assist businesses impacted by pandemic restrictions.

Close to $3000  in fees were waived in the last financial year to support businesses during a year or challenges including lockdowns.

Business Partner Program guidelines updated

The Business Partner Program guidelines have been amended to strengthen the program.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors last night voted to revise the eligibility criteria to provide clarity for applicants and to assist the Business Partner Program Advisory Group in their assessments.

The revised forms will be available on the Gunnedah Shire Council website.

The latest round of the Business Partner Program is now open to applications.

The Business Partner Program has assisted many new and expanding businesses over the years, including a super-charged year in 2020-21 which saw more than 65 projects assisted by Gunnedah Shire Council. The program was established to support new and expanding businesses, with a view to nurture economic activity and increase employment opportunities.

Applications for the current round must be in by 5pm, Sunday, October 31.

Caption: Application fees for footpath dining in the 2021-22 financial year will be waived.

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

September 16, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council is working with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and encouraging operators of underground petroleum storage systems (UPSS) used for heating oil, waste oil or fuel for back up generators to register their system, following changes to an exemption order for their use.

UPSS systems are governed under the Protection of the Environment Operations Regulation 2019. The EPA have advised previously issued exemption orders under the regulation expired on August 31, 2021, with local operators asked to ensure their systems are registered with Council.

Gunnedah Shire Council Coordinator or Regulatory Services Wade Berryman said it was important to know where these UPSS are located and for operators to have a current Fuel System Operation Plan in place.

“The storage systems impacted by the regulation change are likely to be used as a back-up generator in a commercial or residential premise, for heating oil in residential premises and for waste oil,” Mr Berryman said.

“While storage systems used for back-up generators, heating oil and waste oil storage may pose a lower risk, leaks from UPSS are a common source of land and groundwater contamination. This change will make sure leaks are prevented, or if they do occur, they are found and fixed early.

“There may also be cases where we need to reissue an exemption order for a system, and if so we will work with the operator and EPA to ensure that is up to date.”

Operators of the affected UPSS are encouraged to contact Council’s Regulatory Services team on (02) 67402100 or by email at council@infogunnedah.com.au to ensure their system is registered. A self-evaluation form that allows operators of any UPSS to review their compliance can also be found at https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/contaminated-land/upss.

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

September 10, 2021

Gunnedah artists Helen Stanley and Brad White will bring a collection of their works together in an upcoming exhibition at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery called “A Mix of Marks”.

The two are artists of very different kinds who have shared their mutual love of art since their children became friends at preschool. This exhibition is the realisation of a long-held ambition to show their work together.

Helen Stanley has honed her talent since completing a degree in Fashion and Textile Design at Winchester School of Art in Hampshire, United Kingdom, while Brad White is largely self-taught and enjoys challenging himself to create artworks with a difference.

“I am quite controlled in my art, with a playful use of mixed mediums,” Helen says. “My art is influenced by my upbringing in England, and it is a little wacky.”

Brad, on the other hand, has a contemporary style he laughingly describes as “loose and rough”. He experiments with shape and form, working in both oils and acrylics, and has recently discovered an interest in sculpture.

Helen’s gentle and whimsical style will create an interesting contrast to Brad’s more bold and confronting style.

“A Mix of Marks” will open at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery at 6pm on Friday, September 17 with light refreshments, with the exhibition continuing on until Sunday, October 24.

For bookings to the opening, visit www.thecivic.com.au

ENDS

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

September 10, 2021

Following news that the Gunnedah Shire Local Government Area will be released from lockdown this Saturday, September 11, Gunnedah Shire Council will reopen face to face services and public facilities.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said the lifting of lockdown would come as a relief to residents and businesses.

“On behalf of Gunnedah Shire Council I want to thank the community for complying with the most difficult and necessary restrictions. This is wonderful news and I hope residents can enjoy spending time catching up with friends and family in the coming days.

“From tomorrow, Council will transition back to the yellow phase of our Coronavirus Response Strategy with the reopening of many of our face-to-face services. Measures like QR code check-ins, mask wearing and capacity limits will remain in place.

“While we can resume many of the things we love, and hopefully many of our ways of doing business, it is also essential to keep doing the right thing.

“The NSW Government have announced a road map for reopening the state that is centred upon freedoms for the fully vaccinated. It’s important we continue to lift our vaccination rate so we are well protected and in the best possible position moving forward.

“I encourage residents to talk to their GP or pharmacist about getting vaccinated, or attend one of the pop-up vaccination clinics planned throughout the Shire in the coming weeks.

“We must also continue to come forward for testing, even with only mild symptoms. This will help to ensure any potential future outbreak can be stopped at the source.”

The following Gunnedah Shire Council services and facilities will reopen and resume normal operating hours:

• Elgin Street Administration Building,
• Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre,
• Gunnedah Shire Library,
• GoCo Aged Care & Community Transport,
• Waste management facilities,
• The Civic Cinema (reopening on Thursday, September 16),
• Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery (reopening on Monday, September 13),
• Gunnedah Memorial Indoor Swimming Pool,
• Sports fields (please note: community sport is not permitted under current regional restrictions),
• The showground, caravan parks, camping grounds, public toilets, community halls and facilities will also reopen for use compliant with regional restrictions.

For further information, including a list of upcoming pop-up vaccination clinics, click here.

ENDS

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

September 9, 2021

Gunnedah’s Koala Sanctuary remains something significant to look forward following the pandemic, but will have new operators at the helm.

Gunnedah Shire Council has received notification from tourism operator The CaPTA Group it has been forced to withdraw from the project due to the “huge toll” the pandemic has taken on the Australian tourism industry.

The CaPTA Group, which is based in Far North Queensland, advised it had “no choice” but to withdraw, but wished Gunnedah Shire Council every success with the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary project, and hoped for a solution that would be in the best interests of our wild koalas and beautiful region.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said while the news was disappointing, the Koala Sanctuary project would continue for Gunnedah.

“The tourism industry has faced enormous challenges during this pandemic, and we understand the need for operators to concentrate on their existing attractions,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have been lucky enough to have the ear and advice of this very experienced tourism group during the critical design phase of our Koala Sanctuary, and we intend to continue with progress on this important project. The development application was lodged with the NSW Government in February and when it is approved, we are poised to start on the next part of the project.

“Our intention is to look at alternate arrangements for its operation. We can’t say at this stage what that will look like, but it does give us the opportunity to look at all kinds of options.

“We remain committed to this project, and excited about what it will mean for both the region’s koala population, and for Gunnedah.”

The planned Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary is located on a 50-acre bushland site on the Oxley Highway, and includes a koala hospital and sanctuary. About 10,000 trees have already been planted for use as food trees at plantation sites for the koalas.

The Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary project secured $6.48 million through the NSW Government’s Regional Social Benefit Infrastructure Fund. Council has also applied for $1.75 million through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund to allow the full project to proceed as soon as possible.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson view plans for the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary.

ENDS

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

September 7, 2021

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) are bringing pop-up vaccination clinics to the Gunnedah Shire during September, with residents encouraged to come forward to receive their first or second Pfizer jab.  

The RFDS will host clinics in Gunnedah, Mullaley and Curlewis over a 5 day period from September 13-17, with anyone aged 12 and over able to attend.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said these mass vaccination clinics will help boost the local vaccination rate and ensure residents are well protected.

“As of September 5, 62.9% of eligible Gunnedah Shire residents have had at least one dose of a vaccine, compared to the NSW average of 74%. We have seen a big improvement in our vaccine rate in the last few weeks, thank you to everyone in the community for coming forward to get vaccinated,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We are very grateful to the RFDS for bringing this vital service to the Gunnedah Shire community. It is clear that the only way for us to move forward is through vaccination and I encourage all residents to come along to get their jab.

“This service is targeted at helping our Shire lift vaccination rates, so we kindly ask that residents from outside the LGA wait for future clinics planned across the North West.

“Children aged 12 and over are eligible to be vaccinated at these clinics, so I encourage parents to bring their children along to ensure they are protected when they return to school.”

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has been in consultation with Cr Chaffey for some time about bringing a mass vaccination clinic to Gunnedah, and said he is pleased that the RFDS has been able to provide this opportunity.

“The Gunnedah community has been calling for this for weeks and after consultations with the RFDS and council, I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure these clinics,” Mr Coulton said.

“With COVID-19 now in the regions, it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

“I encourage all eligible people to go along and take advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

Clinics will be held on the following dates:

• Gunnedah Showground - Monday September 13, 9:30am to 4pm
• Gunnedah Showground - Tuesday September 14, 9:30am to 4pm
• Gunnedah Showground – Wednesday September 15, 9:30am to 4pm
• Mullaley Hall – Thursday September 16, 10am to 4pm
• Curlewis Hall – Friday September 17, 10am to 4pm

Bookings are not required. Residents should ensure they are wearing a mask and bring their Medicare card, a hat and sunscreen.

ENDS

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

September 1, 2021

Today’s announcement by NSW Health that fragments of the Covid virus have been detected in a sample from the Gunnedah Sewage Treatment Plant is a stern reminder we need to do the right thing, Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

This is the first time the virus has been detected in a Gunnedah sample.

“This is news that no one will be happy to hear, but it is good to get an early warning for our community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is a strong reminder for us to follow the restrictions, get tested if we have symptoms, and to get vaccinated. I can’t emphasise that enough. We have been lucky to date, but we need to take steps to remain that way.

“If you have been hesitant about getting vaccinated, it’s time to stop waiting, come forward and protect both yourselves, your family and your community.

“I know our GP clinics and more recently our pharmacies have been working extraordinarily hard to ensure as many people are vaccinated as possible. They can’t work any harder than they do.

“I hope this will signal to Hunter New England that our community needs more opportunities to get vaccinated. We need Hunter New England Health to provide regular walk-up opportunities for people to get their vaccinations - whatever their age, circumstances or work rosters - to increase our rate of protection. We are still in a vulnerable position in Gunnedah should an outbreak occur.”

Cr Chaffey said Gunnedah’s vaccination rates were rising, with the latest figures (August 27) showing 52.8% of the population in the Gunnedah Shire aged 15 and over had received one dose, while 26.5% were fully vaccinated. The Tamworth figures are 57.4% for the first dose (aged 15 and over) and 30.3% for the second dose.

“This is positive, but the rate of vaccination needs to grow significantly,” Cr Chaffey said.

Hunter New England Health are hosting AstraZeneca vaccination clinics across the Gunnedah Shire on the following dates:

• Curlewis - Saturday 11 September from 9am
• Tambar Springs – Saturday 18 September from 10am
• Carroll – Saturday 25 September from 9am
• Rural Health Centre, Gunnedah – Saturday 16 October from 10am
• Curlewis – Saturday 23 October from 9am
• Tambar Springs – Saturday 30 October from 10am
• Carroll – Saturday 6 November from 9am

Bookings for all clinics are essential. To book, contact Gunnedah Hospital on 6741 8000 on weekdays between 8am and 4pm. GP clinics and pharmacies are also continuing vaccinations and you can contact your doctor or pharmacy for details.

It is also essential that anyone with Covid symptoms is tested as soon as possible. You can visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics for online bookings.

Testing centres are:

• Ochre Health - Gunnedah Respiratory Clinic at Gunnedah Showground. Open Mondays and Wednesdays from 12.30-4.30pm. Bookings can be made via the Ochre website or call (02) 6760 9765. If this clinic is unavailable, you can book at another Ochre Health Boggabri clinic.
• Gunnedah Laverty Pathology Drive-through Clinic at Rosemary Street, Donnelly Fields. Open Monday-Friday 8am to 2.30pm and Saturdays and Sundays 9am to 2pm. No appointments necessary.
• Gunnedah Hospital in Marquis Street, Gunnedah. Open Monday to Friday 2.30-3.30pm. Bookings required, call (02) 6741 8000.
• Ochre Health - Boggabri Respiratory Clinic, Kamillaroi Highway, Boggabri Golf Club. Open Fridays 9am-1pm. Bookings required, call (02) 6760 9765.
• Boggabri Multi-Purpose Service, 3 Wee Waa Street, Boggabri. Open Monday to Friday 11am-12pm. Bookings required. Contact (02) 6749 7000.

For more information about COVID-19, visit or call:

• NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au
• Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
• Service NSW COVID-19 Hotline - 13 77 88
• Head to Health - www.headtohealth.gov.au

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

August 27, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council’s “roadmap” for the Shire’s economic prosperity for the next five years is now on public exhibition, and people are urged to have their say.

The Draft Gunnedah Shire Economic Development Strategy 2022-26 outlines Council’s key priorities for helping build an even stronger and more resilient economy, following consultation with businesses and the community.

Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said a robust and growing economy was the key to a cohesive and vibrant community.

“Our economy is surviving and thriving against the odds,” Cr Chaffey said. “Look at what our community has endured over the years – industry shutdowns, drought, floods and a pandemic.

“The industries and businesses that we have in our Shire are testament to the staying power and the innovation of our people. This economic development strategy is the roadmap that will guide us to even better things.

“In consultation with businesses and industry and the community, we have taken a good, hard look at where the focus should be and where our resources will get the best result. Council cannot build an economy alone, but with a strong plan can work in partnership with other levels of government, the community and business to create greater incentives and opportunities for Gunnedah.

“I urge everyone to have a look at this important document and have your say to help us finalise the strategy.”

The strategy includes 41 actions for Gunnedah Shire under four themes:

• Economic diversification
• Investment in infrastructure
• Supporting micro to medium businesses; and
• Focusing on Gunnedah’s appeal as a great place to live, learn and prosper.

The strategy identifies 10 priority actions to be targeted in the first 12 months:

• Support the establishment of a Processing Precinct and Abattoir
• Investigate interest in the establishment of a working group to explore the concept of a Gunnedah Shire Food Product Innovation Cluster
• Finalise the redevelopment of the Gunnedah Saleyards
• Review the 2015 Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan
• Continue plans to construct the Gunnedah Intermodal Freight Terminal (GIFT)
• Working in collaboration with AusIndustry, investigate the business case for a Gunnedah Business Start-up Program and Workspace
• Support the implementation of a Gunnedah Shire Local Housing Strategy
• Investigate a campaign to attract skilled workers
• Support implementation of the Gunnedah Shire Workforce Plan 2020-24
• Explore the concept of establishing a Country Universities Centre in Gunnedah.

To read the full draft strategy, click here. This document is in draft form only and has not yet been fully formatted. Feedback can be sent to council@infogunnedah.com.au with the subject line Draft Economic Development Strategy.

Submissions close at 5pm on Monday September 27, 2021.

ENDS

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

August 27, 2021

Two preferred names for the new second road over rail bridge were selected by Councillors at Wednesday’s August Ordinary Council Meeting.

Council chose to put forward both an Aboriginal and European name, with the preferred name being the Reginald Talbot and Doc Anderson Bridge.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said Reginald Talbot and Doc Anderson’s outstanding contributions to the community during their lifetimes made them worthy choices.

“There were so many deserving names put forward in the submissions, making this decision a very difficult task,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The two individuals chosen helped shape the Gunnedah we know today and it would be fitting to see their contribution recognised through the naming of the Gunnedah Bridge.

“Reginald Talbot was a Gamilaraay Elder, traditional custodian of the area and founding member of the Red Chief Aboriginal Lands Council. He established the Gunnedah Gunya Aboriginal Corporation and facilitated the Community Development Employment Projects scheme in Gunnedah, helping provide local Aboriginal youth with gainful employment.

“Reginald Talbot was a valued member of many community groups including the National Parks and Wildlife Management Committee and helped form the Gunnedah Min Min Aboriginal Corporation. He is remembered for his dedication to making a better life for his people and was well respected by both the Aboriginal and broader Gunnedah communities.

“Doctor Colin Anderson was a surgeon in World War I and was awarded a Military Cross for his distinguished service. His career as a general practitioner in Gunnedah spanned 47 years from 1920 to 1967, during which he helped to deliver a remarkable 3,500 babies.

“Doctor Anderson was a valued member of many community organisations including the Rotary Club, Show Society, Ambulance Society and Red Cross, and helped to establish the Returned Servicemen’s League in Gunnedah.”

Gunnedah Shire Council will now recommend these names to Transport for NSW for final consideration.

Caption: The Reginald Talbot Bridge and Doc Anderson Bridge was the preferred name for the new Gunnedah bridge.

ENDS

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

26 August, 2021

Seven Gunnedah Shire businesses will benefit from the latest round of the Gunnedah Shire Council Business Partner Program, for projects as diverse as infrastructure expansion to a business and marketing plan.

Chair of the Business Partner Program Advisory Group Cr Ann Luke said $29,000 in funding had been approved for initiatives that met the key criteria of supporting new business opportunities or expanding existing businesses.

“The 17 applications were considered on their merits, with priority given to the projects that clearly demonstrated benefit and economic growth,” Cr Luke said.

“We are looking to support ideas that will have benefits that spread throughout the community, whether that is in terms of new employment or value-adding for other businesses.

“Last year was a special boosted year for the Business Partner Program that  saw more than 65 projects assisted by Gunnedah Shire Council, including an amazing 45 successful applicants for the round dedicated to street beautification and activation.

“This year, we are pleased to be able to continue with our standard Business Partner Program. Our congratulations to the successful applicants. It will be exciting to see these projects get under way at a time when economic resilience is so important.”

The successful applicants for this round of the Business Partner Program are:

• Many Fabrication and Engineering – partial funding for fabrication facility expansion $25,000 which is anticipated to lead to significant new employment opportunities
• Blush and Bloom Skin & Beauty – partial funding for flooring $500
• Bubbles and Bones Pet Grooming (mobile) - partial funding $750
• Haidn Kelly Plumbing – partial funding for an invoicing system $750
• Fogarty Fotos – partial funding for updating old computer infrastructure $750
• Raw Confetti – partial funding for The Daily Collab $750
• Sunburnt Treasures – partial funding for a business and marketing plan $500.

Businesses and organisations that would like to know more about funding available at every level of government can visit the Gunnedah Shire Council Funding Finder at https://gunnedah.grantguru.com.au/

Caption: Successful recipients of the previous round of the Business Partner Program.

ENDS

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