Council News 11 July 2018

Council News 11 July 2018

COUNCIL NEWS 11 JULY 2018

The beginning of the new financial year on 1 July 2018 has seen the continuation of Councils Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) process.  Council has developed the following plans which continue to be and are effective from 1 July:  

2017-2026 Community Strategic Plan – Weddin 2026 2017-2021 Delivery Program 2018-2019 Operational Plan Resourcing Strategy (including the Asset Management Plan (AMP), Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) and Workforce Plan.)

While Council has developed a strategic direction for a ten year period the 2017-2021 Delivery Program outlines various projects to be undertaken in this four year period. The 2018/2019 Operational Plan details various projects that will be undertaken during this financial year. It is very pleasing to advise that of the top three (3) priorities in the Delivery Program, one has been completed being the Grenfell Aquatic Centre, one is in progress being the Grenfell Medical Centre with planning of the Grenfell Main Street upgrade in progress which is a real credit to Council. 

The projects in progress together with various other projects are detailed below: 

Grenfell Medical Centre development, Grenfell Main Street Upgrade, Sewerage Treatments Works upgrade, Facilitating Weddin Shire Health needs study maintenance and capital works on Council road network, Weddin Waste Facilities upgrades provision of funds for the future Taylor Park toilet upgrade, administration projects such as the replacement of IT equipment, systems review, LEP review, organisational review, projects emanating from the Innovation Fund program’s new Improvement Plan, provision for floodplain maintenance from the Grenfell Flood Study, continuation of strong support for the Henry Lawson Festival as well as other events.

It will be critical that we allocate our human, financial and physical resources in an efficient and cost effective manner to ensure we are able to continue to achieve our strategic objectives as detailed in our strategic plans.

In regards to dot point 4 above, Council has prepared a draft Weddin Wellness Plan to assist in better facilitating coordination of health services in the Weddin Shire and to better understand the future health needs of our ageing community.

The plan is also seen as being important to provide data for informed advocacy and improved health service delivery. The plan is seen as an important way of communicating to potential investors in health-related services from medical to aged care, from suicide prevention and support to improved access to services such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The development of the Draft Plan involved a wide range of service providers. This engagement has highlighted a number of opportunities to capture resources to improve wellness outcomes for the community.

The Weddin Wellness Plan responds to Council’s concern for the health of the community and an increasing ageing population, increasing numbers presenting with chronic disease, high suicide rates, a significant number of people requiring assistance or with a disability. Weddin Shire Council is determined to ensure that community amenity across all areas is the best it can be to support our community.

The draft Weddin Wellness Plan is currently on public exhibition for comment prior to the plan being resubmitted to Council for formal adoption.

The Member for Cootamundra the Hon Stephanie Cooke MP visited the Weddin Shire last week and attended a number of significant ceremonies.

On Monday 2 July 2018 Steph joined representatives from the RMS and Weddin Shire Council to mark the commencement of construction at the $6.7 million Lignum Creek Bridge replacement. On Saturday 7 July 2018 Steph attended the announcement of the site for the new Grenfell Ambulance Station which will be in the Grenfell MPS precinct.

Both these announcements will see further upgrades to our infrastructure assets which will be significant for transport and health services in the Weddin Shire.

Another significant ceremony which occurred last Friday 6 July 2018 was the flag raising ceremony held at the Council Chambers as part of NAIDOC Week which was conducted in a very dignified and respectful manner

NAIDOC Week which is being held from the 8-15 July 2018 celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. NAIDOC Week is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The flying of the Aboriginal flag will assist in the reconciliation process which promotes and facilitates respect, trust and positive relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Australian Federal Government has announced $22.5 million for round four (4) of the Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) in the 2018/2019 budget.

Round four will provide grants between $2,500 and $20,000 for every electorate. The programme’s intended outcomes are to improve or update public facilities which can help boost tourism, local volunteerism or build a stronger local community.

Council has applied for funding to install a bollard and chain barrier in the open area between Memorial Park and Armstrong Court.

The NSW State Government has announced that the 2018 Community Building Partnerships Program has opened which has been designed to deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

The programme will fund small capital projects and will contribute up to 50% of eligible project costs with

the average grant awarded being around $20,000.

Council is currently applying for funding to finalise the Caragabal Park project. The activities involved are;

A safety perimeter fence on two sides Restoration work to existing concrete seating shelters New facilities including a picnic setting, bin and water tap

The application has been lodged and Council is currently awaiting the outcome.

The Grenfell Kart Club held the Bob Hinde Memorial race meeting on the 7-8 July 2018 at the Bogolong Kart Track and it was an outstanding success.  The member for Cootamundra the Hon Stephanie Cooke MP also attended this event which is held annually in honour of the late Bob Hinde and is one of a number of events to be held at the Bogolong track this year.  Congratulations to Craig Sargent, Cathy Logan and the Grenfell Kart Club Committee and volunteers who all did a fantastic job in making the 2018 Bob Hinde Memorial race meeting a great success.

The current exhibition at the Art Gallery is "Commonality " by local artist Brent Logan which opened Wednesday 13 June and is on display until 22 July 2018.   

Brent’s work aims to explore the human condition in an ever changing society through environmental     portraiture. He uses photography as a story telling tool to showcase diversity throughout the community, but most importantly to show the common goal of acceptance and inclusion to all that emerges through our differences.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Art Gallery to view the exhibition.

The Art Gallery is open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm & Sunday 10am -2pm.

 

Dates to Note

Friday 13 July 2018 –Recycling Collection (Grenfell East)

Monday 16 July 2018 – Recycling Collection (Grenfell West)

Street Stalls

Friday 13 July 2018 – Grenfell Arts and Crafts

Monday 16 – Thursday 19 July 2018 - Rotary

WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL

DRAFT WEDDIN WELLNESS PLAN

Resident are hereby advised that a Draft Weddin Wellness Plan has been prepared to assist in better facilitating the coordination of health services in the Weddin Shire and to better understand the future health needs of our community.

The draft Plan will be on public exhibition for comment from Wednesday 11 July 2018 to Friday 10 August 2018. 

Submissions will be received up until 4.00 pm on Friday 10 August 2018. The draft plan can be viewed at the Council Chambers or on the website www.weddin.nsw.gov.au

 

WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL

OVERSEER

Council is seeking a highly motivated person to join Council’s Engineering Department as Overseer. 

A formal qualification as an Overseer may be an advantage but is not essential. WH&S and Workplace Trainer/assessor qualifications would be an advantage.

The position is classified between Grade 13- 16 on Councils salary system with a salary range of

$1,152.45 - $1473.45 per week depending on qualifications and experience. This position is open to 4 x 2 ½ % salary increments subject to performance and Council’s satisfaction.

An information package may be obtained by contacting Maegan on 02 63431212 or . Enquires should be directed to Director Engineering - Mr Raju Ranjit.

Applications should address the selection criteria in detail and provide the names of at least two referees. Applications close at 4:00 pm on Friday, 27 July 2018.

PO BOX 125                                                                                                AUTHORISED BY

GRENFELL                                                                                                   GLENN CARROLL

                                                                                                                     GENERAL MANAGER