Council News 25 March 2020

Council News 25 March 2020

The COVID-19 Coronavirus is really beginning to have an impact on communities with the Minister for Health and Medical Research, the Hon Brad Hazzard giving a Public Health order under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, that a person must not hold a public event at which there are, or are likely to be, 500 people or more in attendance at any one time.  Section 10 of the Public Health Act 2010 creates an offence if an individual fails to comply with a direction with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 6 months or a fine of up to $11,000 (or both) plus a further $5,500 fine each day the offence continues. Corporations that fail to comply with a direction are liable to a fine of $55,000 and $27,500 each day the offence continues.

This order has had a direct impact on many events across NSW and in particular the Henry Lawson Festival and the Grenfell Picnic Races which have been cancelled.  This is very unfortunate as both committees were doing an excellent job in organising their respective events.  It is important to realise that this is out of our control and the Minister has made this decision in a responsible manner to protect the health of residents and to endeavor to limit the spread of this potentially deadly virus.

The Prime Minister the Hon Scott Morrison also recently announced that all non-essential indoor events of more than 100 people have been banned effective immediately and subsequent to that he has announced all non essential services such as restaurants and cafes, bars, pubs, clubs and religious venues will be required to close from midday Monday, 23 March to assist in eliminating this virus.  

To assist in eliminating or reducing the risks associated with the virus Council is currently considering operational aspects of Council whereby it is critical that various services continue as well as initiating precautionary measures to safeguard the health and well being of Councillors, staff and community members.  Protecting the health and safety of these groups is a top priority as is protecting the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

If the situation deteriorates essential services such as the sewerage works and garbage service will need to be maintained and arrangements will have to be put in place to enable this to happen.  The provision of other services is being monitored with consideration given to reducing or discontinuing services for a specified time period if required.  The upcoming Art Gallery, Heritage and Tourism meetings have all been cancelled with the next quarterly meetings to be held in June to be assessed in due course.  The Local Traffic Committee and Noxious Weeds Meetings have also been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.  Both the swimming pools have been closed as well which was earlier than scheduled.

There are a number of measures we can all take to eliminate or reduce the risk of contracting this potentially deadly virus such as:

undertake social distancing measures whereby we reduce the number of close physical and social contacts we have with one another and by attempting to keep a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and other people where possible avoiding mass crowds and gatherings avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces avoid shaking hands or generally having contact with other people avoid visiting vulnerable people such as those in aged care if possible Regularly wash hands with a hand sanitizer pay accounts via phone and internet banking

As this is a very difficult time it is important that we are patient, caring and respectful of each other in dealing with this pandemic. 

In the meantime we will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions accordingly.

Wednesday, 18 March 2020 was a great day for the Weddin Shire with the Member for Cootamundra the Hon Steph Cooke MP attending Bogolong Dam and officially announcing that Council’s grant funding application under Round 3 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) was successful with Council and Community groups to receive $766,618 as follows:

Project Title

Grant Value

Bogolong Dam site upgrade

$300,000

Grenfell’s Main Street renewal

$179,961

Caragabal Memorial Hall refurbishment

$134,778

Grenfell Country Club – repairs to roof, air conditioner and solar power system

$101,879

Grenfell Rugby Union Football Club – all weather BBQ and dining site

$50,000

It was terrific that Weddin Shire and Community groups that received funding were represented at Bogolong Dam extending their appreciation and thanks to Steph and the State Government for the grant funding, as well as Council for their assistance with the grant funding application process.  This funding will be tremendous for the Weddin Shire as it will enable us to continue to upgrade Council and Community assets to give every person in the Weddin Shire access to ‘State of the Art’ facilities.

As previously reported the Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Riverina the Hon Michael McCormack MP recently announced that Weddin Shire has been granted $1m grant funding under the Federal, Liberal and National Governments Drought Communities Program (DCP) - Extension.

At the March 2020 Council Meeting, Council resolved to adopt the following projects to receive funding under the Program.

Project Description

Funds requested

Grenfell Main Street upgrade – trees purchasing/planting

$200,000

Leash free dog area – fencing, seats, trees

$100,000

Quandialla Hall – painting inside and out

$36,750

Grenfell Kart Club –facilities upgrade

$80,000

Upgrade to Company Dam Amenities

$100,000

Caragabal Country Club – Multi purpose shed

$31,500

Restoration of Heritage Advertising Signs in Grenfell

$50,000

Bogolong Dam upgrade

$100,000

Grenfell Racecourse – new toilet block

$105,000

Caragabal – Historic signage park, median strip etc

$25,000

Civic Sign at Railway Park

$10,000

Other events support in the Shire

$50,000

Works at Grenfell Railway Park (sealing area adjacent to amenities area)

$30,000

Grenfell Aquatic Centre - additional shade area

$30,650

Henry Lawson Oval – top dressing

$30,000

Cleaning of Community Curtain at Grenfell Art Gallery

$8,500

Contribution to Scout/Guide Hall air conditioned room project

$12,600

$1,000,000

A grant funding application will be required to be submitted to ensure the projects applied for meet the grant funding criteria.  The grant funding deed will then be signed after approval.  

Council in conjunction with Community groups is required to complete the projects by 31 December 2020.

The current exhibition at the Grenfell Art Gallery is “Our Changing Landscape”.  Ted Lewis and William (Bill) O’Shea are both highly recognised Australian artists and are well known for their love of the Australian landscape.

William (Bill’s) artwork distinctly embodies the love he has of rural Australia – nature, landscapes, homesteads, pubs, woolsheds and farming life in general and Bill takes pride in his ability to help preserve part of Australia’s heritage on canvas.

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

The next movie to be screened at the Grenfell Cinema will be advised in due course.

Dates to Note

Friday – 3 April 2020 – Recycling collection (Grenfell East)

Monday – 6 April, 2020 – Recycling collection (Grenfell West)

Street Stalls

Weds 25 - Grenfell Amateur Swimming Club

Thurs 26 - Red Cross Calling

Fri 27 - Grenfell & District Senior Citizens Welfare Committee Inc

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DRAFT WEDDIN LOCAL PLANNING & STRATEGIC STATEMENT (LSPS) 2020-2040

In March 2018, amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) introduced new requirements for councils to prepare and make Local Strategic Planning Statements.

Local Strategic Planning Statements (LSPS) will set out the 20-year vision for land use in the local area the special characteristics which contribute to local identity, shared community values to be maintained and enhanced, and finally how growth and change will be managed into the future.

The LSPS is broken down into the four main themes of:

Infrastructure Economy Community Environment

The process has progressed to a point where draft documentation has been adopted by Council to engage in public consultation.  To this effect, Council has placed these documents on public exhibition for 28 days seeking comments.  The documents are available on Council’s website www.weddin.nsw.gov.au or at Council’s administration building for review.

Submissions will be received up to 4pm, Wednesday, 8th April 2020.

POSITIONS VACANT – STOREPERSON AND GENERAL LABOURER

Council is inviting applications from motivated and enthusiastic persons to fill the following positions:

Storeperson General labourer x 2

Appointment to the positions will be in accordance with the Local Government (State) Award, 2017.

Further information and job descriptions can be obtained by contacting Tamara during business hours on (02) 6343 1212, email or visit Council’s website at www.weddin.nsw.gov.au

Applications for the above positions close 4.00 pm, Wednesday, 15 April 2020 and can be forwarded to the undersigned via email or to the address below.

PO BOX 125                                                                                                        AUTHORISED BY

GRENFELL                                                                                                           GLENN CARROLL

                                                                                                                             GENERAL MANAGER