Council News 19 September 2018

Council News 19 September 2018

COUNCIL NEWS 19 SEPTEMBER 2018

Residents may recall the Mid Lachlan Alliance Councils of Parkes, Forbes, Lachlan and Weddin previously established a Centroc Drought Sub-Committee chaired by Ex-Mayor Maurice Simpson and included Parkes Shire Councillor John Magill who with their committee were able to obtain assistance for many rural residents through the previous crippling drought.

The good news is the Drought Sub-Committee has been reactivated with Councils current Mayor Cr Mark Liebich together with other Central West Mayors as well as Maurice and John attending a Central NSW JO (Centroc) Drought Sub-Committee meeting in Parkes on Tuesday 14 August 2018 with the following discussed:

100% of the State is in drought. As of August 2018, we are in an emergency situation. This drought is totally different because both the stock and grain producers are affected. In the media we hear about the $300 a head for lambs. Below that there are a lot of lambs being sold in poor condition as low as $14 a head. Prices for all lambs and sheep is dropping significantly. The next major and imminent catastrophe is running out of hay and feed grain. If there is a sorghum crop in the north of NSW this may be alleviated. If not, the situation will be desperate. While we are not importing internationally, grain is coming in from Western Australia. This is anticipated to continue where we are competing with the Asian market and paying freight. As this money is being spent by farmers with no return, there is no money being spent in town. Exceptional Circumstances was very important in the previous drought with 33% of businesses retained as a result of the support. Concern was expressed that the current measures are not going to ensure the viability of rural communities. A vast majority of farmers are proud, good, innovative business people struggling with unprecedented tough times. For Parkes there has not been a rainfall event above 10ml since May last year. Parkes are considering potential support that falls broadly under headings like: Mental Health Support e.g. Opening Swimming Pools Advocacy Support This is a drought like no other – there is no precedent. When spring comes and it warms up the problems will become exponential. The whole state is about to run out of stock feed. Centroc is lobbying on your behalf to the decision makers. Biggest cattle sell off in NSW history will happen over the next 5 years. Need to release Wyangala water now to support feed growth. In medium term need to raise the wall at Wyangala.

Summary of Potential Actions:

Pursue a regional approach under Natural Disaster Funding. Lobby State Government for: Rates relief Cost of water Release of water from Wyangala Cost of pumping - electricity Increase the refund on freight from $20-$40K Reduce the conditions for household support More case workers on the ground

Summary of Immediate Actions:

Delegation to see the Prime Minister Develop an Issues Paper - needs to describe the scenario over the next 5 years Develop a Solutions paper Investigate the National Disaster Framework Develop a One pager Fact Sheet

It is really good that Maurice and John are attending the meetings as their experience and guidance will be invaluable for the committee.

Council at its August 2018 Council Meeting considered the above points and resolved to support the potential and immediate actions of the Central NSW JO (Centroc) Drought Sub-Committee.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP recently announced that farming communities facing pressure in the wake of severe drought conditions will have access to 20 new ‘farm gate’ counsellors and frontline mental health workers as part of a $6.3 million commitment from the NSW Government, with one counsellor to be based in Temora. 

Ms Cooke announced that more people in drought-affected areas will now have access to additional mental health supports thanks to an injection of funding by the State Government. It is often difficult to seek help when living in remote and rural areas, and this new funding will link people struggling with their mental health into services appropriate to their needs.

The district was successful in receiving more than $700,000 over two years to fund three Farm Gate Support Clinicians in Murrumbidgee as part of the NSW Government’s Emergency Drought Relief Package.

These clinicians, who are sensitive to the local needs of the farming communities, will bring a ‘farm gate and kitchen table’ conversation approach to engaging with those whose mental health is at risk due to drought conditions.

The work of these clinicians will build on the other mental health support announced by the Government to help build stronger, healthier, interconnected and resilient communities. Minister for Mental Health the Hon Tanya Davies said the funding over the next two years will ensure individuals, families and businesses have access to 44,000 hours of crucial mental health support close to home.

For crisis support please phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information on mental health services please contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511, or visit www.crrmh.com.au for rural mental health information.

A reminder to residents that the Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW Central Region have previously advised that Financial Counsellor, Peni Usumaki, visits Grenfell on a regular basis.   

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.

Appointments are necessary and can be made on Ph 1800 940 404 or mobile 0408 973 723.

The NSW Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) have announced grant funding is available for war memorial conservation projects and projects that promote remembrance.

The Community War Memorials Fund provides grants of up to $10,000 for projects seeking to protect, conserve and repair local war memorials.  The program aims to ensure that important places of remembrance retain their cultural significance and has funded a wide range of projects including condition assessments of war memorials, honour roll repair, arborist advice for war memorial avenues and conservation works to war memorial halls.

The Anzac Community Grants Program provides grants of up to $2,000 for a range of projects that commemorate and educate New South Wales communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former military servicemen and women. The program supports projects such as local community historical research, the preservation or display or war memorabilia and public commemorative events.

Applications will be accepted through its two grant programs until 5pm on Remembrance Day, 11 November 2018 and can be lodged online at veteransnsw.smartygrants.com.au.

You can contact the OVA by calling 1300 838 233 or (02) 8061 9288. Questions regarding the Community War Memorials Fund or the Anzac Community Grants program can also be emailed to 

Nominations are now open for the NSW Children’s Week Awards 2018. The awards are designed to recognise the achievements and contributions of children and young people as well as the adults who make positive impacts on the lives of children and young people. Any children, young people and adults can nominate an inspiring individual, group, service or project that falls within the below award categories.

Children and young people awards (Nominees must be children and young people under the age of 18)

Community Art Award: For those who inspire through art including painting, drawing, digital art, photography, performance, dance and music. Bravery Award: For those who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, strength or determination. Act of Kindness Award: For those who have or continue to offer acts of kindness by helping and supporting those around them. Giving Back to the Community Award: For those who give up their time for their community through volunteering, programs and every day behaviours. Environmental Award: For those who help support the environment through a range of acts, decisions and initiatives. Newly Arrived Migrant or Refugee Award: For those who have made a positive contribution to their local community, region or state. Voice Award: For those who use their voice to bring change, inform others, and raise awareness.

Adult Awards (Nominees must be adults over the age of 18)

Inspiring Mentor Award: A person or group who supports, encourages and guides children and young people. Foster Parent/Guardian Award: A person who is committed to helping the lives of children and young people in out of home care.

The award winners will receive their award and prize at a special award ceremony event which will celebrate their achievements.

Nominations for awards close on Sunday 7 October 2018. For more information and to submit a nomination visit https://www.nswchildrensweek.org.au.

As previously advised Round 2 grants were announced to assist sporting clubs across NSW to purchase and maintain Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) in NSW.  The first eight minutes after a person has a cardiac arrest are the most critical and early access to CPR and defibrillation can increase the likelihood of survival by up to 75 per cent. More than 2500 AEDs will be rolled out over four years, under the Local Sports Defibrillation Program, which will also see community members trained in how to use them.  Council has submitted an application to obtain an AED to be placed at Lawson Oval and is currently awaiting the outcome.

The current exhibition at the Grenfell Art Gallery is "The Call of the Wild" by a group of creators in NSW called the Wilderists which is on display until 14 October 2018.

"Wilderism" n. represents artists that go into the wilderness to seek inspiration and connection to 'place' through direct experience. These artists then create from their heart without regard for accepted ways of creating but rather seek to develop through loose and energetic techniques the raw forces seen in nature itself.

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

 

 

 

Dates to Note

Friday 21 September 2018 –Recycling Collection (Grenfell East)

Monday 24 September 2018 – Recycling Collection (Grenfell West)

Street Stalls

Friday 21 September 2018 – St Josephs P&F

WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL

HEAVY PATCHING

Residents are advised that Weddin Shire Council will be carrying out heavy patching works on the Mid-Western Highway approximately 25km west of Grenfell and on the Newell Highway 50km south of Forbes between 18 - 25 September, 2018.

Council apologises for any inconvenience.

 

 

WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING & ASSESSMENT ACT 1979

DA 49/2018

Council has received an Application for a Single Storey Ambulance Station with 3 internal parking bays and internal facilities for administration, storage spaces and amenity facilities over LOT: 59 DP: 739569 21 Sullivan Street (Cowra Road) GRENFELL 2810.

Inspection:      The application DA 49/2018 for a Single Storey Ambulance Station with 3 internal parking bays and internal facilities for administration, storage spaces and amenity facilities may be viewed between the hours of 9.00 am to 4.00 pm from 17 September 2018 and 8 October 2018 at the Council’s Office, Camp Street, Grenfell.

Submissions:   Any person may make a submission in writing to the Consent Authority within the advertised period.  Submissions objecting to the development are required to specify the grounds for objection.

Written submissions are to be received at Council by 4.00 pm on 8 October 2018

 

 

WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL

POSITIONS VACANT

Council invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following position: -

Loader Operator Laborer General

Please submit written applications with details of qualifications, drivers licence, WorkCover Certificates and work experience together with written references and/or the names of two people who may be contacted for work references.

Further information and a job description can be obtained by contacting Maegan Rassack or Katherine Baker during business hours on (02) 6343 1212.

Applications for the position should be sent to the General Manager, Weddin Shire Council at the address below and will close at 2 pm on Wednesday, 10 October 2018.

The Weddin Shire Council is an equal employment opportunity employer and provides a smoke free work environment.

 

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GRENFELL                                                                                                   GLENN CARROLL

                                                                                                                    GENERAL MANAGER