Council News 22 August 2018
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COUNCIL NEWS 22 AUGUST 2018
Member for Cootamundra the Hon Stephanie Cooke MP and Assistant Minister for Skills the Hon Adam Marshall MP visited Grenfell on Friday 10 August 2018 to ‘Turn a Sod’ prior to the commencement of the construction of Grenfell’s new, modern vocational education campus, called a Connected Learning Centre (CLC).
The construction of the CLC will ensure high quality training and services continue to be accessible to allow students the opportunity to obtain the skills they need to get the jobs they want. It is very exciting that the NSW Government is committed to delivering one of these innovative, next generation learning environments in Grenfell.
Students will experience digitally enabled facilities capable of reflecting real-world work and social environments. Students will also have access to a flexible learning and assessment model that will provide personalised and connected learning experiences, better access to teachers both on and off site, and the skills they need for real life jobs in regional communities.
In addition to providing local students with access to a greater range of learning and course options, the CLCs are designed to be easily reorganised to suit a variety of community needs. This approach, supported by the NSW Government, will allow TAFE NSW to significantly enhance its service and presence across regional NSW.
It is anticipated construction of the CLC will take approximately eighteen (18) weeks and be ready to open early 2019.
As previously advised the Federal Government is also providing drought relief with the Prime Minister the Hon Malcolm Turnbull together with the Federal Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Michael McCormack MP recently meeting with farmers to announce additional drought support measures.
The announcement of a $190 million immediate-relief package brings the total support provided by the Liberal and Nationals’ Government to households and communities during the current drought to more than $576 million.
Also announced were further significant changes to the existing Farm Household Allowance scheme which will provide two lump sum supplementary payments worth up to $12,000 for eligible households. The Government is also changing the assets test to allow thousands more farmers to access support.
The immediate relief measures announced include additional support for mental health services and the Federal Government will continue to work with farmers to provide further support measures in the near future.
Member for Cootamundra the Hon Steph Cooke MP also welcomed the NSW Government’s new improved access for heavy vehicles carrying supplies and stock to drought-affected areas.
The new NSW Class 3 Drought Assistance Dimension Exemption Notice, which will come into effect by 15 August, will allow more hay to be transported per truckload, reducing costs for farmers.
It has been recognised that there has been a greater demand to transport hay in the Cootamundra electorate because of ongoing drought conditions with freight being a huge cost, so the more hay in one load the cheaper it is for our farmers.
The NSW Nationals and Liberals have committed more than $1 billion in drought assistance to date. This is another step designed to help farmers in the Cootamundra electorate at this very difficult time.
Drought applications are being prioritised through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) portal, by including the word DROUGHT in the reference section of the application.
The new NSW Class 3 Drought Assistance Dimension Exemption Notice will:
Allow eligible vehicles transporting hay to travel under notice and without a permit, including B-doubles up to 26 metres long Up to 2.83 metres wide on all approved roads Up to 4.6 metres high, on the approved 4.6 metre high network On a case-by-case basis, allow access permits for road trains on roads not currently approved for road trains On a case-by-case basis, provide access permits for trucks transporting loads of hay in excess of 4.6 metres high Refund or waive National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Roads and Maritime permit fees for drought relief applicationsA dedicated hotline (1800 952 292) and website (www.rms.nsw.gov.au/drought-freight) will address any questions or queries transport operators or farmers may have.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW Central Region have previously advised Council that Financial Counsellor, Peni Usumaki, visits Grenfell on the first Thursday of each month.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides free impartial and confidential services to farmers and small agricultural businesses.
They also provide information and assistance with farm innovation funds, natural disaster assistance and can assist in helping clients with a better understanding of their financial position.
Peni is scheduled to visit Grenfell on Thursday 20 September 2018 and will be located at the Local Land Services building 20 Warraderry Street, Grenfell.
Appointments are necessary and can be made on Ph 1800 940 404 or mobile 0408 973 723.
While the upgrade of the Lignum Creek Bridge is in progress there are a number of other major capital projects in progress. Council’s works program is continuing and the following works have been completed, are currently in progress or about to commence:
Bewleys road construction completed Martins Lane and Young Road intersection widening completed Guard rail installed - Bumbaldry Road Quandialla Caragabal Road heavy patches completed Heavy patches completed Muncks Lane Grading of Lynch’s, Maddens, Gaults, Reeves, Nealons and Napiers Lanes Emu Creek Rehabilitation continuing Quandialla footpath construction continuing Quandialla drainage works continuing Caragabal Park upgrade works continuingThese works are all part of Councils works programme and are vital to ensure our assets are upgraded and maintained for the benefit of our residents.
The coming months will continue to be very busy with a number of events taking place, detailed in the updated event schedule below:
Art and Science: The Nature of Documentation – Grenfell Art Gallery Exhibition – 24 July – 2 Sep Let’s Talk Mate, with Sally – 24 August Western NSW Integrated Care Meeting – 28 August Greenethorpe Drum Muster Collection Day – 28 August Annual Combined Churchman’s Dinner – 30 August Grenfell Show – 31 August – 1 September Caragabal Sheep Races – 8 SeptemberThere is certainly a lot happening in the next month which is excellent as these events are very important to the economic and social fabric of our Shire.
A reminder that Council appoints community representatives to a number of its committees and these representatives are due to be appointed at Council’s September Meeting for the period 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2020. Accordingly nominations are currently being invited for the following committees:
Heritage - 3 positions
Tourism - 3 positions
Art Gallery - 3 positions
Bogolong Dam - 3 positions
Written nominations close this Friday 24 August, 2018. A form is available at the Council Chambers or clicking here.
The current exhibition at the Art Gallery is " Art and Science: The Nature of Documentation" in a joint exhibition by artists Matt Georgevits and Lanny Mackenzie. The exhibition opened 24 July and is on display until 2 September 2018.
Matt’s work explores his fascination with birds, and the different interpretations that artists have taken to a supposedly emotionless art form of documentation in ornithology. Matt is exploring how people in this area approach the plight of the artist - taking what they see around them & bringing a little something extra to it.
Lanny uses past memories to create her bespoke, woven art using all materials available to her, both natural and recycled. Using intricate weaving techniques, she attempts to explore the space between concept and expression to bring to life her colourful whimsical creations.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Art Gallery to view the new exhibition.
The Art Gallery is open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm & Sunday 10am -2pm.
Dates to Note
Friday 24 August 2018 –Recycling Collection (Grenfell East)
Monday 27 August 2018 – Recycling Collection (Grenfell West)
Street Stalls
Thursday 23 August 2018 – Grenfell Show Society
WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL
WEDDIN LOCAL HERITAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Council is seeking expressions of interest from owners of property who may wish to undertake conservation works on structures that could be classed as having historic or heritage value. Conservation work includes repairs, replacement, painting or removal of inappropriate alterations additions.
Each application will be treated on its merit and all ratepayers are eligible to apply.
Applications need to be returned to Council by the 31 August 2018.
Application forms may be obtained from the Shire Office, website, by telephoning the Office on 63431212 or emailed if requested.
WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES FOR COMMITTEES
Council appoints community representatives to a number of its committees.
Council’s committees are due to be reappointed at its September Meeting for the period 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2020. Accordingly nominations are invited for these committees, being:
Heritage - 3 positions
Tourism - 3 positions
Art Gallery - 3 positions
Bogolong Dam - 3 positions
Written nominations close on 24 August 2018. A form is available at the Council Chambers or Council’s website www.weddin.nsw.gov.au
PO BOX 125 AUTHORISED BY
GRENFELL GLENN CARROLL
GENERAL MANAGER