Farmers, fishers, and community and industry groups in the Gunnedah Shire can apply for grants of between $5000 and $100,000 to assist them to protect and improve the condition of natural resources.

Applications are open for the Federal Government’s $50 million Smart Farms Small Grants Program, through the National Landcare Program. Gunnedah Shire Council is offering assistance to anyone who would like to apply in completing their applications.

“It is a great opportunity for our farmers to tap into much-needed funds to help them to diversify or run their businesses more efficiently and sustainably,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said.

“Our agricultural sector is a large part of our economy and the flow-on effect from it thriving is extremely rewarding for our entire community.

“If anyone is interested in finding out more information regarding this grant or if they need any assistance in completing an application we are available to help.”

For information on how to apply for the Smart Farms Small Grants Program, please contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100.

Applications close 7 December, 2017.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

The Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce 2017 Christmas Lights Competition is officially open. A number of Gunnedah Gift Cards are up for grabs across six categories – Best Decorated House, Best Nativity Scene, Best Christmas Theme in a Village, Santa Street, Judges Choice Award and Best Dressed Shopfront Window.

The competition closes at 5:00pm on Friday, 1 December 2017. Judging will take place on Monday, 4 December 2017 and winners will be announced at the Gunnedah Christmas Fair on Friday, 8 December 2017.

Download a 2017 Christmas Lights Competition Entry Form here.

For more information please contact Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Works for the Curlewis Pipeline Project, which proposes to connect Gunnedah’s town water supply to Curlewis, has gone to tender. The $5.9 million project will improve water quality, storage capacity and security for the village.

This major project will involve the installation of a 15.8 kilometre pipeline from Wandobah Road, via Blackjack Forest Road, Booloocooroo and Preston roads to Curlewis, the construction of two 500 kilolitre storage reservoirs and a disinfection dosing station.

“Council has consulted with Curlewis residents over a long period of time, with a key piece of feedback being concern with water quality in the village. The pipeline was Council’s preferred option and would allow us to deliver a solution that will greatly improve Curlewis’ water and cater for a future increase in population growth,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“The project will create social and economic benefits for Curlewis and help to attract families to the village, which will create a flow-on effect for local businesses and the school. Curlewis is a high potential residential, industrial and economic growth area, with affordability and access to services attractive to investors and people looking to reside in the Gunnedah Shire.”

Gunnedah Shire Council was successful in obtaining $2.6 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. Council is also seeking funding under the NSW Safe and Secure Water Program for the project.

The project is expected to commence in late January 2018 and construction is projected to take 12 to 18 months.

Tender documents can be obtained by registering on the e-tendering portal at www.tenderlink.com/gunnedah. The closing date for submissions is 5:00pm on 24 November 2017.

Submissions are also currently open to design, develop and construct a four megalitre water supply storage reservoir at Apex Road, Gunnedah. Tenders for this project close at 5:00pm on 17 November 2017.

For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6740 2100.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

NSW Health has been working with Gunnedah Shire Council to consider fluoridation of the Gunnedah town water supply.

Council endorsed a recommendation for NSW Health to undertake community consultation regarding the fluoridation process and implementation at its October Ordinary Meeting.

NSW Health says water fluoridation is the process of adding fluoride to a public drinking water supply and that it protects against tooth decay – one of the most common health problems in Australia.

“Over the next two months, NSW Health will provide the Gunnedah community with information about water fluoridation. The community will have an opportunity to have their say through submissions during this consultation process,” Acting Director Infrastructure Services Edward Paas said.

“A fact sheet prepared by NSW Health has already been distributed with Gunnedah Shire’s quarterly rates notices to give our community access to information on the matter. A website with further information and to accept submissions has also been launched by NSW Health to make it easy for our residents to have their say.

“Following the consultation period, NSW Health will prepare a report for Council, and a decision is expected to be made at Council’s December Ordinary Meeting.”

If introduced, this would also apply to the Curlewis water supply following the planned Curlewis Pipeline Project, connecting Curlewis to Gunnedah’s town water supply.

Submissions will be taken until 8 December 2017. For more information or to make a submission please visit www.gunnedahfluoride.com.au 

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Trains can take up to 14 rugby fields to stop at a level crossing. Which means even if they can see you, they can’t stop. Always take care at level crossings.

Look for approaching trains and obey the road rules, or you not only risk a fine of $439 and three demerit points, but your next crossing could be your last.

Be aware police are now targeting level crossings in the Gunnedah and Curlewis areas over the next few weeks.

As a result of representation made during Gunnedah Shire Council’s delegation to China in March, Gunnedah played host to a return Chinese delegation recently. The delegations continue to build agricultural links and put Gunnedah on the world map.

The high level delegation visited Adelaide, Sydney, Kempsey and Gunnedah and has expressed interest in trade and investment opportunities in the Gunnedah Shire.

Representatives from six agricultural-based companies from across eastern China toured farms in the Shire before attending a seminar at Gunnedah Shire Council with primary producers from the region.

The forum was addressed by Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns, and each visiting company was provided the opportunity to address the group outlining its interests in Australian agricultural produce.

“The delegation was in awe of the quality of the soil and the scale of our farms. Many of the companies were looking to secure vegetable crops and expressed a desire to trial some crops in the Gunnedah Shire on different soil types,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said.

“These plots would only consume small amounts of land and the primary producers at the seminar all expressed interest in becoming involved in the trials.

“The delegation was also interested in existing commodities that our region is famous for such as beef, lamb, cotton seed, barley, wheat, faba beans, sorghum, and hay to name a few. Their keen interest in our commodities has the potential to boost our economy and support our local producers.”

A number of representatives have expressed interest in visiting Gunnedah again in the near future to discuss further opportunities.

Photo Caption: The Chinese delegation toured a number of local properties as part of their visit.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

Gunnedah's Cultural Precinct is located on the corner of Conadilly and Chandos Streets and includes: Gunnedah Town Hall, Smithurst Theatre, Civic Theatre, Creative Arts Centre, and the Visitors Information Centre

The cultural precinct requires a new planning approach, one that focuses on redevelopment, revitalisation and growth. It is of key importance to Council that user groups and communities work together to plan the next steps in the development of the Gunnedah cultural precinct.

As users of these facilities, and as a member of the community, we would like to invite you to contribute.

Tuesday 14 November, 3pm  |  Civic Theatre, Chandos Street, Gunnedah.

The desire is to move to an integrated precinct which will connect the spaces between the physical buildings, the collections, programs and people within them.By doing this, the cultural precinct will present a vibrant visitor experience for tourists and locals alike, celebrating and recognising the diversity, heritage and strengths of five facilities in the one location.

If you are unable to attend the public meeting but would like to contribute to the discussion, written submissions will be accepted by email.

For further information contact meeting co-ordinator
Angela Brown  |  Studio Two Architecture  |  Ph 0412 357 006  |  info@studiotwoarchitecture.com.au 

On the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba (31 October 2017), soil was collected at seven sites in the Gunnedah Shire to contribute to the state-wide collection for the Anzac Memorial Centenary Project.

The Gunnedah Shire Council Anzac Working group selected the date given its significance in Australian history.

Many members of the 4th and 12th Light Horse Regiments came from the North West area of NSW and were part of the famous charge.

The project is the multi-million dollar redevelopment of NSW’s pre-eminent memorial to the contribution of NSW and Australian Veterans to the First World War in Hyde Park, Sydney. It will feature an artwork developed by artist Fiona Hall alongside Sydney architect Richard Johnson, displaying soil collected from approximately 1700 locations across NSW, to be completed next year.

“Soil was collected from Curlewis War Memorial, Emerald Hill Hall, Breeza War Memorial, Mullaley War Memorial, Carroll Public School, Tambar Springs Public School and the Kelvin Hall, and will be recognised with plaques and soil samples in the new Memorial,” Gunnedah Anzac Working Group Chair Owen Hasler said.

“It’s a significant moment in history and a proud moment for Gunnedah and the chosen villages. Descendants of soldiers who participated in World War I, school children and residents were invited to participate, which makes the occasion even more significant locally and acknowledged each district’s contribution to military operations.”

The Anzac Memorial Centenary Project is expected to be completed towards the end of 2018.

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Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100

Works to protect the Wandobah Road area from future flood events is set to commence during the week beginning 13 November.

Gunnedah Shire Council resolved to accept a tender from Daracon Group Gunnedah to undertake works on the Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Planning and Development Carolyn Hunt said the project aims to reduce the impact of flooding from Blackjack Creek to properties and residences in the Wandobah Road area.

“The $3.2 million Project is a recommendation of the Blackjack Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan 2010 to ensure one-in-100 year flood events are contained and surrounding properties are protected,” Ms Hunt said.

The Project involves creating channel banks and deepening, widening and the realignment of 1.9 kilometres of Blackjack Creek, between McCalls Road and Oxley Highway, to increase capacity. It also includes the installation of storm water pipes under Wandobah Road, and associated road works, as well as the removal and replanting of trees in the area.

“Revegetation works in Wandobah Reserve and along Wandobah Road will be staged throughout the Project, with approximately 500 trees to be planted in the area, creating a potential koala corridor,” Ms Hunt said.

A sod turning ceremony will be held on Tuesday, 7 November 2017 from 11:00am at Blackjack Creek near the Lions Club Rest Area on Mullaley Road. Gunnedah Shire Council and Daracon Group will officially declare the site open for construction.

For more information on the project contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100 or view the Blackjack Creek Flood Mitigation Project FAQ Sheet.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.

To celebrate the pool upgrades that are now underway, we’re taking a trip down memory lane with the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Photo Competition.

We invite you to celebrate with us and share your memories of the pool – you also have a chance to win a family pass to The Civic!

To enter, email your photo with a caption and your contact details to council@infogunnedah.com.au by 30 November 2017.

For more information please give us a call on (02) 6740 2100 or visit our website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au