July 21, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has joined the region’s front line in calling for more police to help bring an end to a growing crime surge in the Shire.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey yesterday called on fellow Councillors at the July meeting to support the Gunnedah Branch of the Police Association’s call for:

• Two additional general duties constables
  • One general duties sergeant
  • One full-time general administration support officer (GASO), and
  • At least three proactive crime team members to be based at Gunnedah Police Station with the priority being to service Gunnedah and the south-western area of the Oxley Police District.

Cr Chaffey said the latest NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data from April 2021 to March 2022 was very worrying.

“The data shows a significant increase in break and enter dwelling of 135.1%,” Cr Chaffey said. “Stealing from a dwelling increased by 51.2%, motor vehicle theft increased by 55%, stealing from a motor vehicle increased by 80% and fraud increased 47.5%.

“Drug use and possession is also on the rise.

“We echo the community’s concerns for the ongoing health, safety and mental well-being of our police force. As crime has increased, our already stretched policing staff are being forced to do the work of two police officers in other parts of the country.

“We need action, and we need it now. Council is calling on both the NSW Minister for Police and the Shadow Minister for Police to show bipartisan support for a full complement of police in our area. Our community deserves to feel safe.

“I fear for what is to come if swift action isn’t taken to arrest the increase in crime and return the Shire to one of confidence in personal safety.”

Cr Chaffey said the NSW Police Force Annual Report 2020-21 stated there were 17,727 police officers (excluding administrative officers) across a statewide population of about 8.1 million.

This meant there was a statewide ratio of one police officer to every 457 people. In the Oxley Police District, that ratio is one police officer to every 601 people. In Gunnedah Shire, that figure expands to one police officer for every 748 people.

“It’s not good enough,” Cr Chaffey said. “Why should our hard-working men and women in Gunnedah be asked to do 65% more than officers in other areas? Why should each one of them be responsible for 65% more people than some of their colleagues?

“We are understaffed, crime has been skyrocketing, and something needs to be done. We have listened to our front line, the people on the ground here, and we are supporting them in their calls for the measures they feel are absolutely necessary.”

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

July 15, 2022

UPDATE: This meeting has been deferred until later in the year.

Gunnedah businesses will see an opportunity for labour discussions, quick off the back of the heels of Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho visit to Gunnedah to sign the Sister City agreement with Kolomotu'a, Tonga.

Gunnedah Shire Council are welcoming a visit from Tongan Cabinet ministers - Minister of Internal Affairs, the Honourable Sangster Saulala, and Minister of Labour, the Honourable Dr Viliami Uasike, and the CEO of Internal Affairs, Dr Fotu Fisiiahi in Gunnedah next week.

Gunnedah Shire’s business community is invited to meet with Tongan government officials to discuss new opportunities between our two nations. Business owners are invited to meet with the delegation at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Wednesday, July 20 from 8am.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was exciting to receive a visit from Tongan officials so soon after formalising the Sister City Agreement.

“This is a very welcome next step forward in our partnership with Tonga,” Councillor Chaffey said.

“Our new visitors are members of the Cabinet that approved the Sister City Relationship and they will report back to the Cabinet when they return.

“This visit is the ideal time to introduce these key decisions-makers to our business community to discuss first-hand the many opportunities to be found in our Shire.

“I encourage business owners to come along on July 20 and meet our new Tongan friends and find out for themselves the many possibilities that can be explored in this exciting new Sister City Relationship.”

What: Business meeting with Tongan government officials

When: Wednesday, July 20, from 8am.

Where: Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, 83 Chandos Street

RSVP: council@infogunnedah.com.au

Caption: Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho of Tonga and her delegation, meeting local workers from Tonga, we will welcome visitors from our new Sister City next week to discuss business opportunities.

ENDS

July 14, 2022

Australia’s native animals are at the heart of a children’s live theatre show coming to The Civic, Gunnedah on Tuesday, August 2.

The Owl’s Apprentice is a playful, interactive production for ages 3-12 that combines shadow and hand puppetry, physical comedy and great storytelling skills.

The 40-minute production follows the story of a young owl Poot Poot who is on his way to Owl School to study. Along the way he meets an echidna, a wombat, a kookaburra, a lyrebird, a kangaroo and a platypus and learns a little something from each of them. What he has learnt is put to the test when the forest is in danger of perishing.

The show will be brought to life by Jenny Ellis, a puppeteer with more than 20  years experience, who weaves the whole story together with a single set of hands, playing multiple characters at once.

The Owl’s Apprentice was created when Ms Ellis was mentored by internationally-regarded shadow puppeteer Richard Bradshaw. Throughout her mentorship, Ms Ellis went through a learning process and this is mirrored in the story of Poot Poot the owl.

Council’s Acting Cultural Precinct Team Leader Madeline Buhagiar said it was a good opportunity for families, day cares, pre-schools and primary schools to book tickets for the upcoming show.

“Live theatre is a fantastic way to engage children and tells a story in a different medium. The Owl’s Apprentice is an ideal production for children because it uses minimal props and encourages them to use their imagination,” she said.

“Come along and meet Poot Poot and all his Aussie friends as he journeys to Owl School and makes some important discoveries along the way. Book your tickets now on The Civic website.”

What: The Owl’s Apprentice

When: Tuesday, August 2. Doors open at 10:30am. Show starts at 11am.

Where: The Civic Theatre, 83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah.
Duration: 40 mins plus Q&A
Recommended age group: 3-12 years

Book tickets: https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/54386

Caption: The Owl’s Apprentice is an interactive live theatre production for children.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

July 8, 2022

Gunnedah Shire’s kids will soon be able to enjoy a new road safety bike park on Stock Road.

Gunnedah Shire Council will start construction on the park in Stock Road between Bridge and Rodney streets this month. It will take about eight weeks to complete.

The road safety park will sit alongside the existing bitumen path and feature concrete paths with intersections, a roundabout, traffic islands, miniature road signs and seating. Landscaped buffers will also be created to separate it from the roadway.

The project is funded by Transport for NSW and will complement the existing cycleway and outdoor fitness equipment in the park.

Council’s Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said the new infrastructure would enable children to learn about safe road use in a fun space.

“The road safety park will be a safe environment for children to learn the principals of road rules in a controlled, traffic-free environment,” Mr Bartlett said.

“The Stock Road pathway is a much-loved open space and is well-used by residents who enjoy walking and cycling in this leafy street.”

The project further activates the open space on Stock Road; a key vision for the area identified in Council’s recently adopted Open Space Strategy, which highlights cycling as a rising interest and popular recreational activity for children in regional areas.

“The road safety park will be an exciting addition that is sure to be a hit with families. We hope it will encourage kids to build their confidence and skills to ride safely and become independent road users in the future,” Mr Bartlett said.

 “Its close proximity to Gunnedah South School also makes it ideal for school children as an educational tool.”

Caption: The new road safety park will include a roundabout, cycleway, traffic island, and miniature road signs.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

July 6, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey has welcomed with caution an announcement the NSW Government will proceed with the Rangari Road upgrade.

Transport for NSW and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson announced this morning the NSW Government would take over the upgrade and sealing of Rangari Road.

Cr Chaffey said the upgrade had been unable to proceed because full funding had never been allocated.

“Ultimately, all we have wanted for many years is to have Rangari Road sealed,” Cr Chaffey said. “We have continually lobbied the NSW Government to make this happen to ensure the safety of those who travel along this road daily, but never, despite the 2019 election promise, has the full funding been available for this important project to start.

“We are extremely delighted to learn the NSW Government will take on this project, but are unclear about whether the full scope of the project has been fully funded, and are yet to hear details about how it will proceed.

“We are also deeply disappointed that the Member for Tamworth has seen fit to lay the blame for the delay at the door of local government. This is unfair and unwarranted when it would have been irresponsible for our councils to proceed with this project without the full funding.

“Again and again we have gone back to the NSW Government to fulfil this election promise, but the commitment has never been fully honoured. It is not the role of local government to fund the election promises of a local member.”

Rangari Road upgrade timeline:

• Prior to 2019 election commitment – Gunnedah Shire Council and Tamworth Regional Council seek NSW Government funding for the Rangari Road upgrade through the Resources for Regions program. Council advised application had been withdrawn as project would be funded by Transport for NSW. Project cost estimated at $12.9m at that time.
  • March 2019 – Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson makes election commitment to seal Rangari Road.
  • July 2020 – NSW Government announces $9m for Rangari Road upgrade – leaving a shortfall of $3.9m.
  • November 2020 – NSW Government commits a further $1.4m through the Resources for Regions program, still leaving a $1.6m shortfall for the project based on 2019 cost estimates.
  • September 2021 – NSW Government commits a further $1.6 million.
  • Early 2022 – First tender process reveals project could no longer be delivered for 2019 estimate and available funding. Project scope redefined by councils prior to running a second tender process.
  • May 2022 – Second tender process reveals redefined project scope also cannot be delivered within funding made available by the NSW Government.
  • June 2022 – NSW Budget delivers additional $3.3m (not $3.6m as announced by the Member for Tamworth), still short of the required amount to enable councils to enter a contract.
  • June 2022 - Both councils contact the Member for Tamworth, the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, and Transport for NSW seeking certainty that the full funding would be forthcoming to enable councils to responsibly award a contract.

“The latest Budget announcement was welcomed, but again failed to deliver the full amount,” Cr Chaffey said. “This has led to delay after delay with this project. We are still unsure how that shortfall will be met, and whether funding has also been allocated for any potential variations or cost overruns.

“We will carefully monitor delivery of this promise. What we are thankful for is that, through this announcement, the Gunnedah community cannot be left with the shortfall.

“It has been a frustrating and disappointing process. We look forward to an end to politics on this important issue, and a completion of the upgrade of Rangari Road.”

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

 July 1, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council is inviting stallholders to be part of the second-ever NightQuip on Conadilly Street on Tuesday, August 16.

The evening promises to be a vibrant evening festival that fills Gunnedah’s main street with music, market stalls, food and late-night shopping on the first night of AgQuip.

Council’s Director of Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said NightQuip will be a highlight on Gunnedah’s calendar during Australia’s biggest agricultural field days.

“NightQuip was a great success when Council launched it in 2019 and promises to be even better this year when August 16 rolls around,” Mr Johns said.

“The influx of visitors from AgQuip provides the perfect opportunity for locals to showcase our Shire and catch up with friends, old and new, at this fantastic community event.”

There are no fees to set-up a stall at NightQuip, and Mr Johns said this was Council’s way of giving the community an opportunity to soak up the AgQuip atmosphere in the heart of town.

“We are looking for a mix of stallholders to provide a great variety of food options, local crafts and the quality goods that this region is known for,” Mr Johns said.

“NightQuip is also a great opportunity for locals to showcase their talents and entertain the crowds by signing up to be a busker.”

NightQuip 2022 will be held on Tuesday, August 16 and is just one of the activities planned in Gunnedah during the AgQuip week.

To apply to be a stallholder, visit https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/2022-nightquip-stallholder-application-form/

To apply to be a busker, visit https://bit.ly/3OZPXZ4 or for more information on NightQuip 2022, contact Council on (02) 67 40 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au

Caption: NightQuip is the ideal opportunity to catch up with family and friends and discover a treasure trove of local goods.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

June 30, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has adopted a new suite of strategic documents to take Gunnedah into the new financial year and beyond.

At the extraordinary Council meeting this week, Councillors adopted five documents:

• the 2017 ‐ 2027 Reviewed Community Strategic Plan (CSP), “Together We Achieve Great Things”;
• the 2022-23 ‐ 2025-26 Delivery Program;
• the 2022-23 Operational Plan;
• the 2022-23 Fees and Charges; and
• the 2022-23 – 2031-32 Long Term Financial Plan.

The reviewed version of the 2017-2027 CSP, “Together We Achieve Great Things”, is a 10-year document that sets the direction for Gunnedah between 2017 and 2027.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Councillor Jamie Chaffey said the vision statement was based on extensive community engagement over the past two years that helped shape the Shire’s priorities.

“This document contains a true reflection of the community’s desire for the future of Gunnedah Shire,” Cr Chaffey said. “The articulation of this vision provides Council with an excellent framework to deliver its commitments effectively and efficiently.”

This first Delivery Program for the new Council sets out the work plans and what we want achieve and our priorities as outlined in the Community Strategic Plan.

The Operational Plan sets out budgeted actions Council will undertake as part of the Delivery Program in the new financial year.

“This Operational Plan demonstrates that Gunnedah Shire Council remains Fit for the Future amid a tremendous time of change and challenge,” Cl. Chaffey said. “The 2022‐23 financial year sees the continuation of the substantial and accelerated delivery of capital works totalling $13.8 million, ($47.2 million for 2021-22). The capital expenditure over the next 10 years, by comparison, is estimated at $100 million for the entire 10-year period.”

The 2022-23 Fees and Charges sets out the specific fees and charges applicable across all Council services in the next financial year.

Gunnedah Shire Council also voted to reduce the water rate charges for sporting groups and charities to a flat $1 per kilolitre.

The Long Term Financial Plan for 2022-23 to 2031-32 confirms Council’s financial objectives, forecasts and guides the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. This document identifies risks and ensures Council compliance with key financial indicators.

“It is pleasing to see such ambitious plans for the future of Gunnedah while ensuring that the organisation maintains a financially stable, Fit for the Future Council,” Cr Chaffey said.

“With the framework of these documents, we are already on our way to an even stronger future for Gunnedah Shire.”

To view the IP&R documents, click here.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

June 28, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has temporarily closed the drop-boxes at its Animal Impound Facility because of an outbreak of canine parvovirus.

A number of dogs have been surrendered anonymously through the facility’s surrender boxes recently and some of these young dogs have been positive to parvovirus.

To better manage symptomatic animals and reduce the risk of parvovirus affecting other seized dogs in the Animal Impound Facility, the surrender boxes on Quia Road were closed last week until further notice.

Gunnedah Shire residents who want to surrender or deliver a companion animal to Council will need to contact Council’s Regulatory Services team during business hours on (02) 6740 2100 to discuss their options.

Canine parvovirus is a serious and often fatal gastrointestinal viral disease that impacts unvaccinated puppies and dogs.

Vet Chelsea Mitchell said Gunnedah Veterinary Hospital has treated about 14 cases in the last month and some of the dogs had to be euthanised.

Ms Mitchell said the virus was generally spread in contaminated faeces by unvaccinated dogs, many of whom have been roaming around town.

“Clinical signs are pretty consistent - lethargy, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhoea. Not all dogs will vomit and not all dogs will have diarrhoea. If it’s quite severe, they will have blood in the diarrhoea.”

Ms Mitchell said there was no cure, so hydration was vital to survival.

“Because they aren’t able to keep down water… they’re severely dehydrated and usually get secondary bacteria infections, and that’s usually what kills them,” she said.

If owners suspect their dog has parvovirus, Ms Mitchell advised to call the veterinary clinic, not visit, so a test can be organised before the animal enters the clinic.

Prevention is the key to keeping dogs safe, and puppies should be vaccinated at six, eight and 12 weeks, then they should receive a yearly booster.

“Vaccination is 99.9 percent effective in preventing parvovirus infections, so ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date, and if you have a puppy that hasn’t had the full course, make sure it isn’t being taken out and exposed.” Ms Mitchell said.

Council’s Regulatory Services coordinator Wade Berryman said vaccination was strongly encouraged as part of responsible pet ownership.

“Pet owners are reminded that the health and well-being of their animals is their responsibility under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act NSW,” Mr Berryman said.

“Owners who want to surrender healthy pets should first contact an approved rehoming organisation to find their dog or cat a ‘furever’ home.”
To find out more about canine parvovirus, visit the RSPCA website.

Caption: Vaccinations are the most effective way to keep dogs safe from canine parvovirus. Pictured are Gunnedah Veterinary Hospital’s Chelsea Mitchell with Milly.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

June 28, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has been successful in its application for an Additional Special Variation (ASV) of rates to continue to support the delivery of services and maintenance of assets in the years to come.

Council resolved on April 20, 2022 to make an application for the ASV, and was among many New South Wales councils to apply for a variation following recent changes to the way the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal NSW (IPART) calculated the rates increase cap.

The changes resulted in the lowest ever rate increase cap of 0.8%, significantly below the 2.5% figure originally set and advised by IPART, for long-term modelling by councils including Gunnedah. The cap would have left Gunnedah Shire’s services significantly underfunded for planned community services and works over the next 10 years.

“IPART has approved applications by 86 NSW councils to increase their rates above the level of the annual rate peg,” IPART announced in a fact sheet this week.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s application for a rates variation was found to meet the three criteria set by the Office of Local Government: 1. Council had planned for a 2.5% increase in income; 2. Council supported the planned increase in income; and 3. Council demonstrated financial need.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey welcomed the decision he said was necessary to maintain Gunnedah’s essential assets and the provision of community services.

“The original IPART calculations did not take into account the burgeoning costs the state and country is facing at the moment with construction and material costs, fuel cost and labour costs,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Our Shire is growing and this approval was critical for delivering for our community.”

IPART approved a permanent 2.5% Additional Special Variation in 2022-23 (including the rate peg) that will become part of the permanent rate base.

Council continues to have a Hardship Policy in place to assist ratepayers who are having difficulty meeting their payments.

The rates variation will allow Council to deliver services and capital works as outlined in Gunnedah Shire Council’s draft Operational Plan, which will be considered at an extraordinary meeting on June 29.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.

June 28, 2022

Gunnedah Shire has welcomed a new Sister City after signing an official agreement with Kolomotu’a, Tonga, on Friday.

Gunnedah welcomed Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, the High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Tonga, to the Commonwealth of Australia last week to recognise and formalise the relationship between Kolomotu'a and the Gunnedah Shire.

 “We are excited, and honoured to welcome Kolomotu'a as our new Sister City. Gunnedah is, in fact, the first to sign a Sister-City Agreement with the Kingdom of Tonga, which is a great privilege,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“This is a special moment in the history of Gunnedah and our horizons for this wonderful Sister City relationship are endless. We have so much to offer, and so do our friends in Kolomotu’a.

“Both of us have a love of the land and a strong tradition of agriculture. We are both passionate about the future of our homes, and enthusiastic to form a partnership that will further our economies and the cultural richness of our communities.

“There are significant employment opportunities here in Gunnedah, both in agriculture and far beyond, that can provide experience and support for Tongan workers and families. We can share skills, training, culture and tourism.

“I look forward to this relationship growing and strengthening, and exploring all the possibilities it opens to both of us.”

Her Royal Highness shared her excitement at visiting the Shire and said it was wonderful to be able to see and learn first-hand the needs of its people.

“The opportunities Gunnedah is providing for Kolomotu’a is where supply meets demand in areas such as a wide range of administrative, economic, investment, trade, agriculture, tourism, education, cultural, labour  mobility and other activities of mutual exchange benefit.  This is also where our friendship begins and our people to people relations are strengthened,” she said.

“We hope that we will positively continue and progress in the spirit of the Sister City friendly relations step by step into the future to learn and help each other.”

Cr Chaffey said Tongans had been part of the Shire community for many years, and they had shown themselves to be hard-working, trustworthy, and a kind, caring and loyal people.

“This loyalty has been further demonstrated in Tonga’s commitment to finalising its Sister City Relationship with Gunnedah, despite numerous requests from other councils in Australia,” Cr Chaffey said.

During their time in Gunnedah, her Royal Highness and the official party visited Li’l Achievers Early Learning Centre and Gunnible Pastoral Company, and enjoyed performances by the Gunnedah Conservatorium, Gunnedah High School, Carinya Christian School, and the Tongan community.  

Gifts of cultural significance were also exchanged between the Shire and the Tongan delegation and a Eucalypt tree was planted at Wolseley Park to signify the lasting friendship established between the two regions.