Customer Relations, Communications & Lifestyle
Drinking Water Monitoring Reports
Water samples are regularly taken from the Water Treatment Plant and the reticulation system for testing to ensure they meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and specific NSW Health requirements.
Tests are performed on water being treated at the plant and approximately 40 tests per week are carried out on water taken from the reticulation systems. In addition, Gunnedah Shire Water Quality Team takes an average of four samples per week from the reticulation system covering Gunnedah, Curlewis, Mullaley and Tambar Springs for testing on behalf of NSW Health.
The Gunnedah Water Treatment Plant uses specialised online analysers which test some of the samples automatically on-site, and the results are used to assist with maintaining the operations of the Water Treatment Plant and the reticulation system.
The tests measure factors such as:
- Chlorine level
- pH level (which indicates water acidity/alkalinity)
- Fluoride level
- Turbidity (water cloudiness)
- Coliforms (which indicates the level of bacteria in the water)
- E-coli presence (E-coli bacteria can cause stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea).
Drinking Water Monitoring Report 2023.pdf
Drinking Water Monitoring Report 2024.pdf
Summary of the PFAS Testing
Gunnedah Shire Council has received the results from recent PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) testing in the local drinking water supply, offering assurances to residents that there is no cause for concern.
Council provides safe and reliable drinking water to properties located in the service areas of Gunnedah, Curlewis, Mullaley and Tambar Springs. Curlewis is supplied by Gunnedah Water Supply system.
Our drinking water is regularly tested and analysed by independent NATA accredited laboratories to comply with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) 2011. Council closely works with NSW Health to make sure Council supplied water is safe to drink.
Council has developed a Drinking Water Management System with the assistance from NSW Health to comply with NSW Guidelines for drinking water management systems.
Gunnedah Shire Council participated in the NSW Health arranged PFAS screening for its water supply systems. Under the program, water samples were collected from Gunnedah, Mulley and Tambar Springs water supply systems on 10 December 2024.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing results
PFAS chemicals - or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances - are synthetic chemicals found in many everyday products. They have been widely used in many industrial and consumer applications as they are effective at resisting heat, stains, grease and water. The guideline values show the amount of PFAS in drinking water that a person can consume on a daily basis over a lifetime without any appreciable risk to health
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHRMC) has stated that drinking water supplies that comply with the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) are safe to drink.
The proposed drinking water guideline values are a draft and will not be considered final until they are published by the NHRMC, which is anticipated for April 2025. The existing PFAS guideline values remain current until the updated values are finalised and published.
18 December 2024
Gunnedah Shire Council is looking for interested community representatives aged 18 and over to contribute to established Working Groups.
These groups allow Councillors, staff, and community to collaborate and focus on specific priorities and objectives.
Members are sought for:
The Access Working Group - Meets quarterly to support the ongoing implementation of Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
The Crime Prevention Working Group - Meets bi-monthly to improve the safety amenity of the Shire and demonstrate a whole of community, collaborative approach to the reduction and prevention of crime.
The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group which considers matters relating to maintaining a scholarship fund for the benefit of local students, encourages and assists local students to continue their education at a tertiary level and assesses and determines applications to the fund.
The Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group which brings together local schools, volunteer and cultural groups, businesses and interested parties to foster existing and targeted Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships both nationally and internationally.
The Australia Day Working Group which coordinates promotes and supports events and activities to celebrate Australia Day.
Group members are appointed for two-year terms, and the Working Groups generally meet bi-monthly. Successful nominations will first need to be endorsed by Council at an Ordinary Meeting.
Nominations for each working group close at 5pm on Monday 6 January 2025. Application forms are available at the Council Administration Centre in Elgin Street prior to Friday 20 December 2024, or on http://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
Further information is available by contacting Council on (02) 6740 2100 prior to 12pm Friday 20 December 2024.
17 December 2024
Applications for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund will close on January 8, and young people are reminded to apply before the deadline.
The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund has awarded close to 500 scholarships since it began more than 20 years ago, and has seen local young people go off to a huge range of studies and careers.
The fund is a partnership between business, the local community and Gunnedah Shire Council that assists students with expenses such as textbooks, relocation, living expenses or tuition fees.
Gunnedah Shire Council can now add a new scholarship to its extensive list – "The Pamela Helen Rickard Scholarship".
Very generous sponsors, who have asked to remain anonymous, have donated a substantial amount of funds for this scholarship, which are to be disbursed as $2,500 per student, per year, with a maximum of three full-time students per scholarship year, to attend the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, preferably to study Asian Studies, Economics or Business Management. In the event that no student is looking to undertake studies in these areas, there is the potential to look at a scholarship for a student who will be enrolling in any other ‘full-time’ course at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. The funds will be disbursed each year until all expended.
The sponsors have created the scholarship in honour of Pamela Helen Rickard, who was the Dux of Gunnedah High School in 1969. Pamela attended the Australian National University from 1970 to 1972, undertaking a combined Asian Studies/Economics degree and was a prize-winner in Economic History.
Pamela spent many years in administration at Monash University, including in the role of assistant to the Dean of the Faculty of Law in the 1990s, utilising her strong personal skills backed by her academic studies, including a Graduate Diploma in Business Management.
The sponsors said Pamela was always very proud of her Gunnedah roots, and believed deeply in the value of education and the encouragement and provision of opportunities for young people.
Young people can apply for this or another Gunnedah Community Scholarship and take a look at the guidelines online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on Wednesday, 8 January 2025 at 5pm to allow time for students to receive university offers. Applicants will need two references with at least one from an education institution.
In 2024, 28 young people were assisted in starting their education adventure through the fund.
If you, your business or community group would like to become a sponsor of the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund, please contact Council on (02) 6740 2100 or council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
16 December 2024
Summer is here and so is the Summer School Holiday Program with activities running from 6 January through to 30 January.
There is something for arty kids, sporty kids, little kids and kids who love to bake in this Gunnedah Shire Council program.
Gunnedah Shire Library will hold its well-loved Book Buddies and Crafty Creations sessions. Book Buddies is a great free storytime and craft session for 0-7 year-olds, while Crafty Creations keeps children from 7-12 busy with activities and handicrafts for just $3 per participant.
Other activities include the free Epic Cupcake Decorating Workshop on Monday, 13 January where kids can learn cool decorating techniques and create great cupcake designs.
Two free art sessions with Jade Punch – Mixed Medium Art with Jade on Wednesday, 15 January and Print Making Art with Jade on Wednesday, 22 January – will encourage children to discover their creativity in a two-hour workshop.
There will be a free Fitness and Yoga Workshop for young people aged 12-24 at Gunnedah Health & Fitness Co on Friday, 17 January.
Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economy & Growth Susan Frater said school holiday activities were a great way to keep children entertained over the summer holidays.
“We have a number of very varied free activities in our program to suit kids who have all sorts of interests,” Mrs Frater said.
“There are a few other activities that children can do at any time – they just have to pop along to the Civic Theatre to find out how to participate. There’s a Furry Frenzy Seek and Find and Town Bus Bingo.
“Of course, the Gunnedah Memorial Pool is also a great way to cool off, and it’s open every day except Christmas Day.
“Even if the activities are free, you will need to book a spot while places are still available.”
To find out more information, visit www.thecivic.com.au/youth
Caption: Children enjoy unleashing their creativity at a Gunnedah Shire Library Craft Creations session.
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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
12 December 2024
Gunnedah Shire Council has released a Concept Design for a new Gunnedah Youth Space that would not only deliver new skate park facilities, but would take a staged approach to an exciting new precinct.
One of the key recommendations of the Gunnedah Shire Open Space Strategy 2022-2032 was to investigate upgrades to the popular existing Gunnedah Skate Park on the corner of View Street and Wandobah Road.
The Gunnedah Youth Space Draft Concept Design was presented to Councillors this week in the first step towards endorsing a design that would assist Council to apply for State or Federal funding.
The design includes new skate facilities, car park, toilet block, a hang-out hub and lighting in Stage 1, and a pop-up kiosk area, bike loop, basketball half-court, ping-pong table, seating, bike skills track and skate bowl area in Stage 2.
The staged approach was taken to assist in securing funding for this important youth project.
The concept, which is on public exhibition and open for submissions until 5pm, Thursday, January 16, was developed by award-winning specialists CONVIC. CONVIC have created more than 800 skate parks and youth spaces around the world.
“CONVIC was asked to develop a concept for a new youth space that would replace the current Gunnedah Skate Park with a contemporary facility that would provide the Shire’s young people with an amazing place to go,” Gunnedah Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Jeremy Bartlett said.
“The concept was delivered after community consultation that included a well-attended open design workshop at Gunnedah Skate Park, an online survey with 285 responses, and a session held by Gunnedah High School.
“The result, combined with the possibilities and limitations of the site and the expert knowledge of the consultants, is a very exciting concept design.
“We are hoping to receive more community feedback during the exhibition period before the design goes back to Council to endorse. The concept gives us a great basis to seek funding to develop this site.”
People can take a look at the full design and report here or by request at Council’s Elgin Street Administration Centre. Submissions are due by 5pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Caption: A concept design showing the two stages proposed for the new Gunnedah Youth Space.
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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
12 December, 2024
Council considers freezing Waste Management and Sewerage Charges
Gunnedah Shire Council this week voted to freeze increases to Waste Management and Sewerage annual charges during the proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) implementation period, subject to the SRV being approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal and those service areas maintaining a financial sustainable outlook.
Councillors made the decision in a move towards limiting the increases in costs to ratepayers should the SRV application be successful.
You can find out more about the Special Rate Variation proposal here.
Asset Management Plans on public exhibition
Eight Gunnedah Shire Council Asset Management Plans are on public exhibition.
The over-arching document – the Strategic Asset Management Plan – is a high-level plan to implement Council’s Asset Management Policy and outlines how assets will be managed.
The individual Asset Management Plans are for transport, buildings, stormwater, open space, recreation, airport and saleyards.
These plans can be viewed online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or are available on request at the Elgin Street Administration Centre. The public exhibition period will close on Thursday, 9 January 2025.
Village Council meetings for Curlewis and Piallaway
Gunnedah Shire Council has endorsed plans to hold the March Ordinary Meeting on 19 March at the Curlewis Community Hall hosted by the Curlewis Progress Association, and the September Ordinary Meeting on 17 September at the Piallaway Hall hosted by the Piallaway Progress Association.
Council had resolved to hold two Council meetings in villages in 2025 and sought expressions of interest from progress association. Only two were received – from the Curlewis and Piallaway progress associations.
Weeks of Speed support on public exhibition
Council will place on public exhibition a resolution of support for the 2025 Weeks of Speed.
Council resolved this week to endorse the waiver of 50% of fees to hire Council facilities and equipment for events as requested, with $3,476 to be drawn from the 2023/24 Facility Hire Fund.
Council also resolved to endorse expenditure for road closure costs of up to $5,000 for the Community Street Parade to be held on Saturday, 1 March 2025, from the 2024/25 Tourism Community Programs and Events budget.
This financial assistance is subject to Council being recognised as a equivalent to a major sponsor.
This resolution will be on public exhibition until 5pm on Thursday, 9 January, 2025 and is available to view at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
Caption: The Weeks of Speed Community Street Parade is a feature of the Weeks of Speed.
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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
11 December, 2024
The Gunnedah Shire Library has been recognised with two statewide awards.
This month, Librarian Christiane Birkett was announced as the winner of the inaugural NSW Library & Information Excellence Award by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).
The award acknowledges dedication, innovation, and excellence in the library and information sector, and celebrates the achievements of those who have made a significant impact.
Judges noted the task was made more difficult by the “exceptional quality of entries and the passion expressed by the respective nominators”.
“The nominations showed dedication and creativity, and reflected the talent across our field,” ALIA said.
Mrs Birkett was nominated for her role in making the Gunnedah Shire Library an integral part of the Gunnedah Shire community.
“Since starting work at the Gunnedah Shire Library, Chris Birkett has revitalised the library service; it's not just a book place, but a people space, a community hub for information and recreational reading, and also for social contact,” the nomination notes.
“She is unstinting in her help to other libraries, librarians, departments, groups, and organisations.
“Many of her innovative programs have spread throughout NSW and Australia. The 1,000 Books before School, Brain training @ the Library, and Senior Engagement Talks are easy to implement, can be utilised/adapted by any library, and are inexpensive to run. They also emphasise language, literacy, and social connection, the mainstay of any library service.”
Gunnedah Shire Library has also recently won the Innovations in Outreach Services with the Seniors Engagement Talks at the NSW Public Libraries Association Switch Conference.
The Innovation in Outreach Services Awards provide recognition for the high-quality outreach programs and services provided by public libraries across New South Wales.
Mrs Birkett said it was wonderful recognition for the Library to win the two awards.
“The mark of any good library is its connection with its community, and we are delighted that we have been able to fulfill that aim with some success,” she said.
“I’m thrilled to have won the inaugural NSW Library & Information Excellence Award. I love to come up with ideas that could be valuable to our community, but our Library has an excellent team who put those ideas and many others into practice.
“We believe there are opportunities to enrich the lives of all Gunnedah’s community, whether it is young children or seniors.”
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Librarian Christiane Birkett accepts her NSW Library & Information Excellence Award last week. She is pictured with NSW ALIA Convenor Vicki Edmunds and NSW State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowden.
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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
5 December 2024
At its November Ordinary Meeting the Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to award Rice Constructions the contract for the Gunnedah Indoor Pool Ceiling Replacement and Associated Works Project.
These works will mean that the indoor heated swimming pool will be CLOSED from January 13, 2025, and re-open in early March 2025.
These works will include full replacement of the indoor pool ceiling, replacement of the front roof and gutters and the installation of an extra support pillar above the children’s play area, new wiring in the ceiling, and a full epoxy coating of the indoor pool which will extend the life of the indoor pool facility.
4 December, 2024
Gunnedah Shire Council’s administration building will be closed for the Christmas-New Year period from Friday, 20 December at 12pm and will reopen on Monday, 6 January at 9am.
GoCo and the Gunnedah Shire Library will also be closed during this time (the Library will open at the regular time of 9.30am on 6 January).
Your general waste, recycling and green waste pick-up days will remain the same over Christmas and New Year.
Other Gunnedah Shire Council Christmas closures:
• The Civic Theatre – Closed: Mondays to Wednesdays as usual, with the additional closure day of Thursday, 26 December.
• Gunnedah Memorial Pool – Open throughout the break except for the reduced hours of 9am to 5pm on Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas Day.
• Gunnedah Waste Facility – Open throughout the break except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
• Rural Waste Facilities – Open on usual times and days.
• The Visitor Information Centre and Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery – Open throughout the break except for Christmas Day.
• The Gunnedah Saleyards – final sale for 2024 is on Tuesday, 17 December (weather permitting), and the first sale for 2025 will be on Tuesday, 7 January.
If you are in need of urgent assistance on the days we are closed, please phone our after hours service on 02 6740 2100.
Gunnedah Shire Council wishes you, your family and friends a safe and wonderful Christmas and New Year break. We look forward to seeing you in 2025.
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For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
4 December, 2024
The Gunnedah Shire Council Community Safety Team has issued a local resident with a $1000 fine for illegal dumping.
Residents notified Council that they had witnessed two men in a small four-wheel drive vehicle dumping a lounge suite on a Gunnedah footpath outside a vacant lot at about 8am yesterday. The vehicle they were driving was described as an early model Nissan X-trail, brown or tan in colour and towing a box trailer with a cage.
After reviewing private CCTV footage, Compliance Officers identified a suspect who was the passenger in the vehicle. The 56-year-old man was later spoken to, and he admitted to the dumping.
Compliance Officers are still seeking the driver of the vehicle and are asking anyone with information to contact Council on 6740 2100.
The NSW Government significantly increased the on-the-spot fines for illegal dumping and waste dumping offences in May this year. Illegal dumping and illegal waste costs Council and the community several thousand dollars per year to clean up and dispose of.
“Across NSW, it costs millions of dollars to clean up and there is often harm done to the environment and risks posed to people’s lives.
Illegal dumping also undermines legitimate businesses,” said Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Community Safety Wade Berryman.
Any information regarding illegal dumping can be reported confidentially or anonymously to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Community Safety on 02 67402100, the NSW EPA Environment Line 131 555, or www.ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au.
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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au
