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.

June 21, 2022

Locals can now catch a free bus to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow on Thursday night.

Community members can jump on a bus in Carroll and Curlewis to catch the roadshow at the Gunnedah Town Hall at 8pm.

The show will be emceed by comedian Brett Blake - a self-confessed “smoko” lover who flaunts an impressive mullet – and this year’s line-up includes comics Blake Freeman, Bronwyn Kuss, Frankie McNair and Luka Muller.

“I encourage locals to take advantage of the community bus so they can enjoy a great night out and get home safely,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said.

The bus will depart from Carroll fire shed at 6.40pm and the Curlewis Commercial Hotel at 7.20pm. A bus will depart from Gunnedah Town Hall for Curlewis at 11pm, and 11.30pm for Carroll.

To book bus tickets, click here: https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/75901

Discover vouchers can be redeemed against the purchase of Comedy Festival tickets at the Gunnedah Visitors’ Information Centre at The Civic, Gunnedah. Full bar facilities will be available at the event and tickets are $35. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.

“Time is running out to reserve your seats, so jump on The Civic website and book your tickets. Don’t forget you can use NSW Discover vouchers before they expire next week,” Ms Mackley said.

Performances often contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 16 years or older.

To book, visit https://augsc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/51826

Caption: This year’s festival line-up includes Brett Blake, Blake Freeman, Bronwyn Kuss, Frankie McNair and Luka Muller.

ENDS

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

June 21, 2022

The Gunnedah Shire community is invited to witness the signing of a Sister-City agreement with Kolomotu'a, Tonga, on Friday, June 24.

This week, Gunnedah will welcome her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho from the Kingdom of Tonga to recognise the relationship between Kolomotu'a and Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Council first reached out to Tonga in June 2019, writing to Mr Curtis Tu’ihalangingie, High Commission of Tonga, to explore the possibility of establishing a Sister-City Relationship between Gunnedah and Tonga.

Representatives from the High Commission of Tonga visited Gunnedah in April 2021 to meet with local businesses to discuss employment opportunities.

Four months later, Council received an official letter from the High Commission of the Kingdom of Tonga confirming that His Majesty’s Government of the Kingdom of Tonga had approved the proposed Sister-City Relationship between Gunnedah and Kolomotu’a, Nuku’alofa.

“When representatives from the High Commission of Tonga visited Gunnedah in 2021, it marked the beginning of a valuable friendship and we have built on this since, so I am very excited to share this fantastic news with our community,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“There is a strong alignment of needs between Gunnedah and Tonga. Gunnedah relies heavily on its agricultural industries and has hosted a number of seasonal workers from Tonga on local farms over the years, many of whom have established long-term ties to our local area.

“The establishment of the relationship would assist in helping local businesses access seasonal workers and in return, provide meaningful support to the citizens of Tonga. It will also go beyond this to build valuable cultural and educational bonds between our two regions. It is a strong partnership with our Tongan friends.

“We look forward to formalising our relationship with Kolomotu'a this Friday and invite community members to come along.”

What: Signing of Sister-City Agreement with Kolomotu'a, Tonga.

When: 10:30am, Friday, June 24, 2022.

Where: ANZAC Park in South Street, Gunnedah.

Caption: Representatives from the High Commission of Tonga first visited Gunnedah in April 2021 to meet with local businesses to discuss employment opportunities.

ENDS

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

June 20, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council will write to the NSW Shadow Minister for Health and the Regional Minister for Health to seek a commitment that the new Gunnedah Hospital will retain all its existing services and be funded and constructed if there is a change of government at the March 2023 State Election.

Gunnedah Shire Councillors voted unanimously to support the motion put forward by Mayor Jamie Chaffey for the hospital build to go ahead regardless of government, and to retain its existing 48 beds and include renal and chemotherapy services.

“It is necessary that council, on behalf of the community, seeks to have bipartisan commitment for this critical project. We need certainty that, should there be a change of Government at the forthcoming State election, Gunnedah and the wider community will still receive the much-needed updated infrastructure to provide for the health and medical needs of our community for generations to come,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The timelines for the hospital redevelopment are of concern. The NSW Health Infrastructure team has indicated construction will begin in September 2023 for a 12-month construction process and commissioning of the facility before opening. Contracts may not be awarded for a successful tenderer to construct the new hospital before the caretaker period ahead of the March 25, 2023 State Election.

“Additionally, when the NSW Government announced in 2019 that it had made a commitment to build a new hospital for Gunnedah, with $53 million to get it under way, the promise was made that we would not go backwards in the services our hospital provides. The new hospital would provide all the services of our existing hospital – emergency, medical imaging, maternity, birthing and the inpatient unit, and administration - along with community health and outpatient clinics. But the state government went further to promise the addition of new, much-needed services including renal and chemotherapy services.

“Despite this promise, we now know from the NSW Health Infrastructure team that there will be 19 beds in Maternity and In-Patients, 6 beds in Day Surgery and 5 beds in Emergency, with the addition of 6 infusion chairs. This means there will be a total of 30 beds in the new hospital, not the 48 beds we currently have. We are losing beds.

“The argument that some are not in use is ridiculous in the face of the facts that people are often forced to go to Tamworth Hospital instead of our own. Patients are not given the option to remain in Gunnedah.

“As a Council, we will pursue this matter and demand that the new hospital precinct provide all of the current services, including the 48 beds and the inclusion of renal and chemotherapy services, as promised.”

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking a commitment that the Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment will go ahead with all of its existing services.

ENDS

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

June 16, 2022

Gunnedah Shire Council has adopted the Gunnedah Shire Open Space Strategy 2022-2032 to steer the direction for the Shire’s parks, reserves and playing fields for the next 10 years.

The strategy, put together by consultants Ross Planning, will allow the strategic planning, designing, development and management of open space.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said research by the consultants had shown Gunnedah had a generous provision of open space when compared with other local government authorities. A provision of 3.5-4ha per 1000 people was typical for most shires, where Gunnedah had 6.4ha per 1000 people.

“Open spaces are part of Gunnedah Shire’s appeal,” Cr Chaffey said. “We rated particularly highly in the provision of sports areas.

“Our reserves, our parks and our sporting fields are all part of the reason people love to live in Gunnedah, and we need to keep it that way. We need to plan ahead to ensure our open spaces are a reflection of what our community wants and needs.

“This document included extensive consultation through workshops, interviews and surveys. A community survey brought responses from 270 residents, where people let us know that their favourite activity for open spaces, other than organised sport, was walking, followed by playing in the park. About half the respondents said they participate in organised sports in Gunnedah.

“We asked people to name their favourite open space or park and Livvi’s Place came out on top, followed by Wolseley Park, Porcupine Lookout, Stock Road walking path and the Namoi River walking path.

“We asked people to tell us what our open spaces were lacking. This information helped inform the Strategy, and will help guide us in the future.

The draft Strategy went on public exhibition in November 2021 and submissions were considered in drafting the final document.

“A huge amount of time and research has gone into putting together this Strategy which will help guide the future of our open spaces in a cohesive and exciting way,” Cr Chaffey said.

To view the adopted Open Space Strategy, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/council-information/strategies-plans

Caption: Livvi’s Place is one of Gunnedah Shire’s most popular open spaces.

ENDS

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

June 15, 2022

The Country Mayors Association of NSW held a Rural Health Forum on May 26 following the tabling in Parliament of the Legislative Council Inquiry into Health Outcomes and Access to Health and Hospital Services in Rural, Regional and Remote NSW on May 5, 2022.

Association Deputy Chair and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the forum in Sydney was well attended, with excellent presentations by Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor, Shadow Minister for Health and Mental Health Ryan Park, Rural Doctors Network CEO Richard Colbran, and Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart, National Rural Health Commissioner of Australia.

“Both Minister Taylor and Shadow Minister Park listened and heard our argument that it is critical to approach regional and rural health on a bipartisan basis,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The situation is urgent and needs to be brought before parliament as early as possible.

“Unsurprisingly to anyone who lives in regional New South Wales, the Inquiry found health and hospital services in country NSW were below standard when compared to service levels in metropolitan areas. It’s not acceptable. People deserve access to health care regardless of their postcode.”

Cr Chaffey is urging all regional and rural councils to get behind the efforts of the Country Mayors Association of NSW in its efforts to ensure all 44 recommendations of the Inquiry are adopted by Parliament. He urged councils write to the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition demanding action by adopting the Inquiry’s recommendations that will ensure a marked improvement in the delivery of all aspects of health care to country NSW residents.

“This is our opportunity to make a difference to regional and rural health delivery,” Cr Chaffey said. “Our communities deserve equity and access to the services that could save their lives.”

ENDS

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