14 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council Planning and Environmental Services Team held a community workshop titled “Unlocking the Potential of your Backyard” as part of Local Government Week recently.

The aim of the workshop was to notify Gunnedah residents of the potential opportunities for additional residential accommodation in an effort to combat the housing shortage that Gunnedah is currently facing.

Gunnedah housing prices have seen significant growth, according to realestate.com the median sales price for houses in Gunnedah in 2017 was $317,500, a growth rate of 13.4 per cent over the last five years.

realestate.com.au data suggests the rental yield for houses in Gunnedah was 5.9 per cent with a median weekly rent of $248.

There is a need for home owners to encourage increased residential accommodation on existing blocks of land and unlock further rental opportunities and provide more places to accommodate our growing workforce.

Council’s Manager Development and Planning Carolyn Hunt spoke of the different types of developments, including attached dwellings, dual occupancies and secondary dwellings that may be suitable in Gunnedah.

“If you are unsure of the development that may be suitable on your block please call Council to make an appointment with the Duty Planner,” Mrs Hunt said.

She also provided advice of where information can be obtained before submitting a Development Application including Council’s website (www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au) and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (www.planning.nsw.gov.au) website.

Manager Building and Environment Blake O’Mullane discussed the variety of construction types available that may be suitable, including a growing trend towards pre-fabricated structures such as “granny flats”.

“Before diving into your development always ensure you know where the services like water, sewer and electricity are located on your block, in order to avoid pricy extensions later in the build,” Mr O’Mullane said.

Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns was pleased to see community interest and awareness in planning and environment.

“It is an object that Council ‘Encourage a mix of housing types that is affordable, adaptable, accessible and suited to community needs’ - this workshop aimed to help address this objective,” Mr Johns said.

For more information visit Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or make an appointment to discuss your development with the Duty Planner, Monday-Friday – 9.00am to 4.00pm on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Development and Planning Carolyn Hunt talking about the ways to unlock the potential of your backyard.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

7 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and experienced companies for the design and construction of Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground Gunnedah, with the EOI now advertised on the government Tenderlink portal.

Council is advertising locally, regionally and state-wide and the EOI will remain open for a minimum of 21 days with a closing date of 10.00am Friday, 31 August 2018.

Under Council’s Local Preference Policy, experienced local companies, which include companies that employ local people or proposals that source local materials, will be looked upon favourably by the assessment panel.

Chair of the Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground Working Group, Councillor Owen Hasler, said the goal is to move the project ahead as quickly as possible.

“Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground is a priority for the Gunnedah Shire Council and we look forward to progressing to the construction stage of this significant play space project for our Shire,” Cr Hasler said.

"We will be working with the successful contractor to ensure that the final design and selected equipment elements of the project will maximise usage and ensure appreciation of the playground facility by our residents as well as visitors to our community."

Livvi’s Place is being built at Wolseley Park after Gunnedah Shire Council applied for funding from the Stronger Country Communities program and was awarded $850,000 by Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson.

Playground Project Manager Debra Hilton said the playground is one step closer towards improving the liveability and attractiveness of the area.

“Things are moving forward as we send out the EOI and this is another step closer to a sod turning moment,” Ms Hilton said

For more information contact Council’s Community and Social Planner and Project Manager Debra Hilton on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Councillors Owen Hasler and Colleen Fuller with Working Group Members Rebecca Ryan, Rebecca Dridan and Debra Hilton at the current playground site where Livvi’s Place will be built.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey (02) 6740 2100.

The Gunnedah Waste Management Facility holds an Environment Protection Licence (EPL 5940) issued by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to operate as a General Solid Waste (Putrescible) Landfill.

The EPL permits the acceptance, storage and/or disposal of a very specific set of waste types which refer to EPA’s ‘waste classifications’.

‘Soil’ or ‘Dirt’ are common names that customers use when seeking to deposit waste material at Landfills. To a lesser extent, names such as ‘Spoil’, ‘Clean Fill’, ‘Topsoil’ and ‘Gravel’ or combinations of these, may also be used by a customer to describe visually similar materials.

The EPA waste classifications for excavated materials are describe as the waste type in the below table or you can visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au for information.

>> Download Gunnedah Shire Council Fact Sheet - Disposal of Soil PDF <<

CLASSIFYING YOUR WASTE

The waste classification depends on the location and type of site the material has come from.
All waste must comply with the general solid waste requirements of the NSW EPA Waste Classification Guidelines Part 1: Classifying waste. Waste generators need to follow the steps outlined until the waste classification has been identified. Transporters should also be aware of these requirements under the Classification Guidelines and Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014. For further information please visit Part 1: Classifying waste

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTING EXCAVATED MATERIAL (SOILS) AT GUNNEDAH WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY AND CHARGES

From 1 July 2018 Gunnedah Shire Council refined on how soil/dirt type waste is accepted at the Waste Management Facility:

Residential Quantities (<50T) Clean Fill

For residents and local businesses wishing to deposit less than 50T of ‘Clean Fill’. You must complete the Certification form (‘Clean Fill’ from Residential Premises) and provide this to the weighbridge attendant at the time that 'Clean Fill' is to be deposited at the waste facility.

Clean fill is primarily soil and rock / gravel that has emanated from minor excavation works at a residential property. Clean fill should not contain other visually obvious wastes such as concrete, brick, timber, plastics, metals, asphalts, OR liquids such as herbicides, pesticides, fuels or oils.

*Please note that council has the right to request a Waste Classification Certificate for quantities less than 50T

Commercial Quantities (>50T) Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) and Excavated Natural Material (ENM)

If the quantity is larger than 50T, a waste classification report prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced consultant and/or laboratory is needed to ensure it meets the EPA’s General Solid Waste Guidelines (Non-Putrescible / Putrescible). If it meets the requirements, it will be charged and recorded as Domestic Waste – Non-Recyclable. Please also note that loads over 50T need to be authorised by the operations supervisor at the Gunnedah landfill and the report must be forward to Council for consideration at least 1 week prior to disposal at council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

If a load does not meet the above requirements, it may be possible, assuming the waste complies with EPA’s waste classification requisites as General Solid Waste (Non-Putrescible / Putrescible), that it can be received, charged and recorded as Domestic Waste – Non-Recyclable.

For further enquiries please call Gunnedah Waste Management - Operations Supervisor - Waste services on (02) 6740 2100.

Please note: 
* The Gunnedah Waste Management Facility is not licensed to accept liquid waste or restricted waste. 
** Tonnage limits apply and must be approved by Operations Supervisor before the disposal and with supporting documentation (classification report).

No sludge material will be accepted because this is classified as liquid waste if it meets the below definition.

LIQUID WASTE DESCRITPION

Liquid waste means any waste (other than special waste) that includes any of the following:

1. Anything that:
   1. has an angle of repose of less than 5 degrees above horizontal, or spadeable
   2. becomes free-flowing at or below 60°C or when it is transported, or
   3. is generally not capable of being picked up by spade or shovel
2. Anything that is classified as liquid waste pursuant to an EPA Gazettal notice.

It’s an offence to supply false or misleading information to another person, including information about the type, classification, characteristics, composition or quantity of waste under the POEO Act. 

Knowingly providing false information could result in both Council and YOU facing regulatory breaches for which there are significant penalties (fines) attached.

RESOURCES

• Ballina Shire Council
• NSW EPA Waste Classification Guidelines
• Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014.
• Logicus Environmental
• NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
• Solid Waste Management Guidelines 2016

1 August 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

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

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

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

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

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

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

1 August 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo caption: Work continues at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

1 August 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.

26 July 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100

1 August 2018

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

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

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

Eric Groth
GENERAL MANAGER

26 July 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There will also be the opportunity for questions to staff.

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

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

Where: Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery Meeting Room

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

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100