Council News 21 November 2018

Council News 21 November 2018

COUNCIL NEWS 21 NOVEMBER 2018

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has announced a 2.7% rate pegging limit for Councils for the 2019/2020 financial year. The rate peg is determined by IPART using the Local Government Cost Index (LGCI) with the main contributors to LGCI over the year ending September 2018 being:   

increase of 2.4% in employee benefits and on-costs, measured by the ABS wage price

index for the NSW public sector

increase of 14.4% in electricity and street lighting charges, measured by the ABS

consumer price index for electricity costs – Sydney, and

increase of 2.4% in construction works – roads, drains, footpaths, kerbing, bridges costs,

measured by the ABS producer price index for roads and bridge construction – NSW.

The rate pegging limit of 2.7% is up from 2.3% for the 2018/2019 financial year which reflects the increase in the LGCI.  It needs to be noted that the LGCI only reflects movements in underlying costs. It does not reflect increased costs arising from the need to expand services to meet growing demands or the need to increase infrastructure spending to address backlogs or growth. These needs are to be met by way of special rate variations (SRV) under the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) which allows a Council to increase its general income by more than the rate peg.

In this regard the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has previously approved a special rate variation application from Council to increase our income above the rate peg from 1st July, 2015.  Council subsequently received approval from IPART for four (4) consecutive increases of 6.4% in 2015/2016 and 7% in each year from 2016/2017 to 2018/2019 which all include the rate peg. This has been generating additional revenue which is assisting Council in funding the new Grenfell Aquatic Centre and Grenfell Medical Centre which are and will be great assets for our community.  It has been previously illustrated that Weddin Shire rates have been historically much lower than surrounding Shires. If we were to remain financially sustainable or viable in the long term it was critical that we applied for and gained approval for this special rate variation. The decision to apply for a special rate variation was a very tough decision. However, the decision clearly demonstrates that Council is serious about our long term financial sustainability, upgrading our infrastructure assets such as our Aquatic and Medical Centres and remaining as Weddin Shire Council in the long term. 

Residents are invited to join Central West Local Land Services staff and Mikla Lewis as they explore the native woodland of Dicks Bridge Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR) and learn about the plants and animals that make it their home.

TSRs are parcels of Crown land reserved for the use of travelling stock. These reserves line road corridors and contain a number of valuable native plants and animals. Dicks Bridge TSR is a great example of a Box-Gum Grassy Woodland – an Endangered Ecological Community (EEC). Dominant Tree species within this community include Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa), Fuzzy Box (Eucalyptus conica) and Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliadora).

Reserves such as these are often the last remaining examples of common woodlands, grasslands, shrublands and contain important habitat for wildlife such as mature hollow bearing trees, understory plants, fallen timber, native grasses and much more.

Aboriginal and European cultural heritage features are also commonly found within these reserves.

Where:  Dick’s Bridge TSR

When:   Wednesday, 21 November 2018

Time:    8.30am – 11.00pm

Getting there:

Drive approximately 12kms from Grenfell on the Mary Gilmore Way (Bimbi Rd). Look for the field day signs.

What to bring?

Sturdy walking shoes Water Sunscreen & hat Chair for morning tea

Morning tea and refreshments will be provided.

Contact: Catie Guise on 0429 982 197 or to RSVP or for further information.

Essential Energy has advised that as their network covers most rural communities throughout NSW, safety on the land is something they always want to be mindful of. With the commencement of the 2018 harvest they are asking you to consider the part that you can play in ensuring that this season – and every season is safe and incident-free.  When it comes to the potential dangers of working around powerlines and other network infrastructure, there are some key safety messages to keep in mind. Take a moment to get to know these safety considerations as they could help to save a life – if not your own, someone who you care for – when working on the LAND. 

Look up and live. Overhead powerlines should be identified and marked at ground level. Always be aware. Before accessing paddocks and work areas, check the location and condition of poles and wires. Need to know. Know the height of farm machinery in raised and lowered positions so you can maintain safe clearance distances from powerlines. Don’t disembark. If your machinery comes into contact with overhead powerlines, stay in the vehicle, if safe to do so, and call Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.

Essential Energy’s Powerline Hazard Assessment is available at: www.essentialenergy.com.au/content/agribusines and can help you identify and assess potential electrical hazards on your property and help you to stay safe this harvest.

The Quandialla Pool Committee recently held their Annual General Meeting and advised Council of their appointed executive which is as follows: -  

President: Mrs Jennifer Kelly

Vice President: Mrs Kim Broomby 

Secretary: Mrs Bronwyn Morley  

Treasurer: Mrs Francesca Taylor

Apart from a Council subsidy the pool is operated from funds raised solely by the committee. To be able to provide an excellent recreation facility for our Quandialla and Caragabal residents in this manner is a remarkable achievement and the committee should be congratulated.

Nominations for the annual Weddin Shire Australia Day Awards are currently being invited and interested persons and organisations are invited to make nominations for the 2019 awards within the categories detailed below:- 

- Citizen of the Year  

- Senior Citizen of the Year 

- Community Event/Organisation of the Year  

- Community Achievement Awards in any category.  

Nominations forms are available at the Council Chambers or Council’s website:  www.weddin.nsw.gov.au and will be accepted up until Friday 7 December 2018.  Residents are encouraged to nominate community members who they think are deserving of an award in any of the categories.

A reminder that the Mobile Blood Service will be visiting Grenfell Tuesday 4 December 2018 and will be stationed at Vaughn Park. Blood donations will be accepted from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service encourages anyone who wishes to make a blood donation to: 

Drink up! – Have 3 or 4 glasses of water or juice in the hours before you donate. Eat! – Have a good sized breakfast or lunch. Bring photo I.D. with you.

Every blood donation saves three lives so by rolling up your sleeve and giving blood you are helping make a huge difference in the lives of many people. To make an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au   

The current exhibition at the Grenfell Art Gallery is "Poppies for Remembrance" conducted by the Grenfell Garden Club which will be on display until the 25th November, 2018.

The exhibition is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the first Armistice Day and the Flanders Poppy and includes a display of memorabilia, posters and photos from WW1, a large display of knitted & crochet poppies as well as an exhibition/competition of poppy art.

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

The next film to be screened at the Grenfell Cinema will be “Plane, Trains and Automobiles” at 6.45pm Saturday 24 November, 2018.  Please see the adjacent advertisement for further details.

 

Dates to Note

Friday 30 November 2018 –Recycling Collection (Grenfell East)

Monday 3 December 2018 – Recycling Collection (Grenfell West)

Street Stalls

Friday 23 and Saturday 24 November - Grenfell & District Senior Citizen’s Welfare Committee Inc

WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL

STREET STALLS 2019

Applications may now be lodged with the undersigned for allocation of dates for street stalls during 2019.  It is anticipated that an allocation of dates will take place in December 2018.

Applications close on Friday, 7 December 2018 and can be emailed to

WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL

AUSTRALIA DAY 2019 AWARDS

Interested persons and organisations are invited to make nominations for the Weddin Shire Australia Day 2019 Awards.

Categories are:        -      Citizen of the Year

                               -      Senior Citizen of the Year

                               -      Community Event/Organisation of the Year

                               -      Community Achievement Awards in any category.

                               -      Achievement Award – each secondary and primary school in the Shire.

                               -      HSC Academic Award – Henry Lawson High School

Nominations forms are available at the Council Chambers or Council’s website www.weddin.nsw.gov.au and will be accepted up until 7 December 2018.

November Movies

Come and enjoy a movie or two

Free entry FOGL will be running a candy bar. No hot food allowed Bring your own, bean bag or cushion

  Sessions

Family movie night Saturday 24 November

6.45pm for a 7pm start – Plane, Trains and Automobiles

 

PO BOX 125                                                                                               AUTHORISED BY

GRENFELL                                                                                                   GLENN CARROLL

                                                                                                                    GENERAL MANAGER