Council in brief

December 17, 2020

Funding secured for Local Housing Strategy

Gunnedah Shire Council has endorsed a plan to fund the development of a Local Housing Strategy, with $73,180.80 allocated to the project from proceeds of the sale of a Council owned property.

The wide ranging strategy will identify key priorities, objectives and initiatives for the delivery of affordable housing within the Gunnedah Shire.

Gunnedah Shire Council Director of Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said that with funding secured, Council will now be able to progress to the development phase of the strategy.

“In developing this strategy, Council will consider factors including demographics, local land use opportunities, housing supply and demand and how this may change over time,” Mr Johns said.

“The strategy will identify areas of cultural, environmental, heritage or local character significance, and outline actions to address issues of housing affordability.”

The remaining funds from the sale of the property at 61 Lincoln Street, Gunnedah, have been reserved to use for implementing initiatives that arise from the development of the strategy.

New members join Skills and Training Working Group

Gunnedah Shire Council’s newly formed Skills and Training Working Group has welcomed the addition of four community representatives.

One representative from Gunnedah High School, Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Gunnedah Community College and Ooranga Family Mobile Resource Unit will now be added to the group.

They will join Council representatives Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Deputy Rob Hooke and Cr Colleen Fuller and seven other community representatives from Gunnedah TAFE, the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and local businesses.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor and Working Group Chair Cr Jamie Chaffey welcomed the new members and said they will assist Council in reaching more of the community.

“The Skills and Training Working Group aims to connect the initiatives of education providers, local industry and government with the needs of the community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Growing a skilled and sustainable workforce is one of our key priorities for the New Year. We want as many people as possible to develop their skills and seek out opportunities right here in Gunnedah.”

The Skills and Training Working Group will meet monthly and appoint additional members as required.

Plans progress for new Recreational Vehicle Park

The Development Application for a proposed Recreational Vehicle Park was approved at last night’s Council meeting, paving the way for a new accommodation option close to the CBD.

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) plans to establish the new park at 107-109 Chandos Street, forming part of a network of low-cost commercial RV parks across Australia.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said the new park will promote Gunnedah to the CMCA’s large member base as a favoured destination.

 “The park supports Gunnedah Shire Council’s destination plan by providing infrastructure and services that grow the tourism sector and improve the accommodation base of the Shire,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I look forward to having more visitors staying in town where they can enjoy our fantastic local shops and restaurants.”

As part of the proceedings, Council will now submit a proposal to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for a Gateway Determination permitting the park to be used by caravans, in addition to stand alone motor homes.

Submissions open following presentation of Financial Statements

The December Ordinary Council Meeting included the presentation of the audited Financial Statements and the Auditor’s reports for last financial year.

Copies of the full statements can be viewed or at the Gunnedah Shire Council Administration Building in Elgin Street.

Anyone wishing to make a written submission to Council regarding the Audited Financial Statements of the Auditor’s report should do so before submissions close on December 23, 2020.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications team (02) 6740 2100.