Council News - 18 March 2020

The big news of the week was the announcement by the Prime Minister the Hon Scott Morrison that due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus events with crowds greater than 500 people will not be able to be held. 

This may directly affect events such as the Henry Lawson Festival, the Grenfell Picnic Races in the Weddin Shire and the ABBA Festival in the Parkes Shire.

This is a very difficult situation as at this point in time there doesn’t appear to be an end date as nobody knows exactly when the epidemic will be over.

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

The 2020/2021 Operational Plan process will commence on Thursday, 26 March 2020 with a workshop to be held at the Council Chambers to consider and discuss the list of projects that have been proposed.

In accordance with the Division of Local Governments Meeting Practice Note No. 16, the workshop will be an informal meeting conducted by staff to enable Councillors to discuss and ask questions about the list of possible works and projects for 2020/2021. The workshop cannot make decisions or determine priorities.

The Extra Ordinary estimates meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, 9 April 2020 at the Council Chambers and this is the meeting where the priorities and funding will be determined.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has announced a 2.6% rate pegging limit for Councils for the 2020/2021 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 June 2019 being:

 increase of 2.6% in employee benefits and on-costs, measured by the ABS wage price index for the NSW public sector

 increase of 3.7% in building – non dwelling costs, measured by the ABS produces price index for non-residential building construction – NSW.

 increase of 3.8% 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 2.6% is down from 2.7% for the 2019/2020 financial year taking into account the changes to 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 which allows a Council to increase its general income by more than the rate peg.

A reminder that Youth Week is fast approaching and will be held from 1-9 April 2020. This year, the NSW Youth Week theme is:  Speak up. Be involved. Get connected.  Have fun.  To celebrate NSW Youth Week this year, the Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP) is inviting young people between 12 and 24 years of age to enter the NSW Youth Week Design Competition.  Designs can include drawings, paintings, photographs and digital illustrations.  It’s not about being a good artist, it’s about young people showing what inspires them.  Young people of the Shire are encouraged to enter.

To learn more about Youth Week or to find activities visit: www.youthweek.nsw.gov.au

With effects of the drought still being felt residents are reminded that the Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW Central Region have advised that Financial Counsellor, John Beer is available to visit Grenfell.  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 Grenfell Goanna Poker Run was held on Saturday, 7 March 2020 with over 260 bikes registered and over 300 people participated which was up 80 bikes on last year.

Congratulations and well done to the Grenfell Goannas Rugby League Club in conducting this tremendous event which not only provides a great social day out for motorbike riders it also has a tremendous economic benefit for our town.

The Grenfell Car Club’s new mural project which is displayed on the former TF Armstrong and Son building in the Main Street looks great.  Well done and thank you to the Grenfell Car Club for taking the initiative to carry out this project which is a great addition to the Main Street.

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 - 20 March, 2020 – Recycling collection (Grenfell East)

Monday – 23 March, 2020 – Recycling collection (Grenfell West)

Street Stalls

Thursday – Red Cross Calling

Friday/Saturday – St Joseph’s Parish Grenfell

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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:

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.

PO BOX 125                                                                                                          AUTHORISED BY

GRENFELL                                                                                                           GLENN CARROLL

                                                                                                                                GENERAL MANAGER