minutes community services and planning...

Community Services and Planning Committee - 14 March 2019 Gwydir Shire Council

This is page number 1 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 14 March 2019 Chairman ……………………………………………………………………………………

MINUTES COMMUNITY SERVICES AND PLANNING

COMMITTEE

GWYDIR SHIRE COUNCIL

THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2019

COMMENCING AT 9.49 AM

BINGARA OFFICE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ______________________________________________________________ Present:

Councillors: Cr. John Coulton (Mayor), Cr. Catherine Egan (Deputy Mayor), Cr. Stuart Dick, Cr Marilyn Dixon OAM, Cr. Geoff Smith, Cr. David Coulton, Cr Tiffany Galvin and Cr Frances Young

Staff: Max Eastcott (General Manager), Leeah Daley (Deputy General Manager), Richard Jane (Director Technical Services) and Helen Thomas (Manager, Finance)

Public: Mrs N Williams (The Gwydir News)

Visitor: Nil



DISCLAIMER No responsibility whatsoever is implied or accepted by the Gwydir Shire Council for any act, omission or statement or intimation occurring during and Council or Committee meetings. The Council disclaims any liability for any loss whatsoever and howsoever caused arising out of reliance by any person or legal entity on any such act, omission or statement or intimation occurring during Council or Committee meetings. Any person or legal entity who acts or fails to act in reliance upon any statement, act or omission made in a Council or Committee meeting does so at that person’s or legal entity’s own risk. In particular and without derogating in any way from the broad disclaimer above, in any discussion regarding any planning application or application for a licence, any statement or intimation of approval made by any member or officer of the Council during the course of any meeting is not intended to be and is not taken as notice of approval from the Council. Gwydir Shire Council wishes to advise that any plans or documents contained within this agenda may be subject to copyright law provisions and that the express permission of the copyright owner(s) should be sought prior to their reproduction. Members of the public should note that no action should be taken on any item discussed at a Council or Committee meeting prior to written advice on the resolution of council being received. Agendas and minutes are available on the Council’s website http://www.gwydirshire.com/



OFFICIAL OPENING AND WELCOME – MAYOR APOLOGIES Cr Stuart Dick and Cr Jim Moore

THAT the apologies of Cr Stuart Dick and Cr Jim Moore are accepted. (Moved Cr Young, seconded Cr Galvin)

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES

THAT the Minutes of the previous Community Services and Planning Committee Meeting held on Thursday 13 September 2018 as circulated be taken as read and CONFIRMED. (Moved Cr Egan, seconded Cr Smith)

PRESENTATION NIL CALL FOR THE DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST NIL ADDITIONAL/LATE ITEMS

THAT the item, Bush Fire Risk Warialda, is accepted as a late item onto this Agenda for discussion. (Moved Cr Egan, seconded Cr Smith)

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

THAT the Committee resolve into Confidential Session, Committee of the Whole and that in the public interest and in accordance with Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act, 1993, the public and press be excluded from the meeting to consider the items listed on the agenda. (Moved Cr Galvin, seconded Cr Smith)



ADOPTION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONFIDENTIAL SESSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:

THAT the recommendations of the Confidential Session, namely:

February 2019 Monthly Confidential Organisation and Community Development Report

THAT the February 2019 Confidential Organisation and Community Development report be received. Committee Reports THAT the report regarding a personnel issue is noted.

are adopted. (Moved Cr Galvin, seconded Cr Smith)



Item 1 Councillor Activity Statement for January and February 2019

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 4. Proactive Regional and Local Leadership

OUTCOME: 4.1 WE ARE AN ENGAGED & CONNECTED COMMUNITY

STRATEGY: 4.1.2 Enable broad, rich and meaningful engagement to occur - GM - external

The Councillors’ activity schedule for January and February 2019 commitments are outlined below:

January and February 2019

Councillor Event Date

Cr J Coulton (Mayor)

Special Meeting of Council - Bingara 24th Jan.

Australia Day - Warialda 26th Jan.

BROC Meeting - Inverell 15th Feb.

Show & Trust Meeting – Warialda 20th Feb.

Meeting North Star – Simon Doolin 21st Feb.

Bingara Sporting Awards – Bingara Sporting Club

22nd Feb.

Ordinary Council Meeting - Warialda 28th Feb.

Cr Catherine Egan (Deputy Mayor)

Special Events Committee Aust. Day Recipient Judging

22nd Jan.


Australia Day – Bingara 26th Jan.

Namoi Unlimited Board Meeting - Quirindi 5th Feb.

Water for the Future Project - Bingara 7th Feb.

William Hunter Scholarship Presentation – Moree Town & Country Club

8th Feb.

Vision 2030 AGM – The Roxy – Bingara 11th Feb.

Showground User group Meeting - Bingara 12th Feb.

CHSP Committee Meeting – Naroo Warialda 19th Feb.

Bingara Sporting Awards – Bingara Sporting Club

22nd Feb.


Cr David Coulton


Australia Day 26th Jan.




Cr Stuart Dick



Fire Infrastructure Upgrade Project – Copeton Dam

6th Feb.


Cr Dixon OAM

Warialda Rail Meeting – Warialda 15th Jan.

Special Events Committee Aust. Day Recipient Judging

22nd Jan.


Australia Day - Bingara 26th Jan.

Ordinary Council Meeting 28th Feb.

Cr T Galvin

Special Meeting of Council – Bingara CHSP Committee Meeting – Naroo Warialda

24th Jan. 19th Feb.


Cr J Moore




Cr G Smith

Special Meeting of Council 24th Jan.



Cr F Young



Arts North West - Inverell 4th Feb.

Strategic Advisory Council Meeting – Inverell 4th Feb.

Namoi Unlimited Board Meeting - Quirindi 5th Feb.

Cacti Control Coordinator Steering Committee Meeting - Bingara

6th Feb.

Water for the Future Project - Bingara 7th Feb.

Murray Darling Association Region 11 Meeting Gunnedah

12th Feb.

BROC Meeting – Inverell 15th Feb.


OFFICER RECOMMENDATION

THAT the Councillor Activity Statement for January and February 2019 report be received



COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: THAT the Councillor Activity Statement for January and February 2019 report be received. (Moved Cr Young, seconded Cr Galvin)



Item 2 Monthly Executive Report for February 2019

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 5. Organisational Management

OUTCOME: 5.1 CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

STRATEGY: 5.1.3 Administrative functions - GM - internal

AUTHOR General Manager

DATE 4 March 2019

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

The monthly Executive report details the activities carried out by the Department during the months of February 2019.

BACKGROUND

The monthly Executive report forms part of a regular reporting regime. The purpose of the report is to inform Council of the activities carried out within the Department.

PLANNING and DEVELOPMENT

The following Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) and Development Modification (s96) applications have been approved for the month of February 2019.

No. Property Description

Development/Work

$ D/A S96 CDC

01/2019 Lot 10 Sec B DP 6251 1 Mornington Street

Warialda Rail

Timber framed shed for use as a workshop and

storage area

$12,000 - -

02/2019 Lot 8 Sec 4 DP 758471 16 Warialda Street

Gravesend

Dwelling additions – lounge and alfresco area

$36,000 - -

The following Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) and Development Modification (s96) applications remain outstanding for the month of February 2019.

No Property Description and Description of Work

Reason D/A S96 CDC

5/2018 AT Pearlman 1135 Croppa Creek Road North Star

- Modification to correct spelling mistake in Schedule of Conditions for

a 500,000 tonne/year Hard Rock Quarry

On Exhibition and being notified to neighbours for 14 days as required by

Schedule 1 of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

and Assessed

- -

35/2015 Copeton Dam State Park 3533 Copeton Dam Road Copeton

- Continued use of existing caravan & camping facilities

Development being assessed as an existing use

- -



49/2016 Ceres Ag ‘Gunyerwarildi’

1470 North Star Road Warialda - Continued occupation/use of rural

worker accommodation being the installation of a number of premanufactured cabins

Approved in principal awaiting compliance certification or

engineering certification for the cabins

- -

2/2018 G & L Hosegood ‘Barrak’

163 Upper Whitlow Road Whitlow - 20,000m3 quarry for Council use

Awaiting Environmental Impact Statement as the quarry is considered

designated development

- -

4/2018 Yolarno Pty Ltd (Bindaree Beef) ‘Myola’

651 Croppa Creek Road North Star - Increase in capacity of Myola Cattle

Feedlot from 20,000 to 35,000 Head

EPA Requested amended and detailed Noise Assessment

- -

30/2018 M A Spencer ‘Log Cabin’

2213 Gulf Creek Road Gulf Creek - 15,000m3 quarry for Council use

Request for additional information regarding compliance with

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2017 for the removal of vegetation

- -

35/2018 B Hutchins 63 Bingara Street Warialda

- Mixed residential and commercial development including the opening of

‘Gully Pub’ with a small bar licence and retail antiques business

Request for additional information regarding whether the existing

building meets or can meet current fire safety requirements under the

National Construction Code for mixed commercial and residential use

- -

46/2018 G Kelly Acacia Crescent Warialda

- New Single Storey Dwelling

Request for Additional Information – Biodiversity Development

Assessment Report

- -

03/2019 Roman Catholic Church 29 Geddes Street Warialda

- 2 Lot Subdivision

Being notified to adjoining neighbours and exhibited on Council’s website for

a period of 14 days

- -

04/2019 Gwydir Shire Council 1730 Delungra Road Myall Creek

- 15,000m3 Shale Quarry


a period of 14 days

- -

05/2019 Gwydir Shire Council Hospital Park Warialda - Amenities Building


a period of 14 days

- -

06/2019 N R Bomford 5309 Trevallyn Road Upper Horton

- New Dwelling and demolition of existing dwelling


a period of 14 days

- -

07/2019 A T Pearlman 1135 Croppa Creek Road North Star

- 2 Lot Rural Subdivision


a period of 14 days

- -

There were no Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) or Development Modification (s96) applications approved and not previously reported to Council for the month of February 2019.

There were no Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) and Development Modification (s96) applications were refused(R)/ withdrawn (W)/ Cancelled (C) for the month of February 2019.

There were no Complying Development (CDC) application/s approved by Private Certifiers and lodged with Council for the month of February2019.

There were no Development (D/A) and Complying Development (CDC) applications determined where there has been a variation in standards under SEPP 1 or clause 4.6 of the Gwydir Local Environmental Plan 2013 for the month of February 2019.



There were no Subdivision Certificates issued for the month of February 2019 nor in the previous seven (7) months.

The following graph shows Conveyancing Certificates issued for February compared to the previous seven (7) months.

The following graph shows the number of Conveyancing Certificates issued up to and including the month of February 2019 compared with the same period in 2017.



The table below shows a comparison between total applications lodged for the month of February 2019 compared to the last two years (excluding private certifier lodged applications).

The table below shows a comparison between total applications lodged for the month of February 2019 compared to the last two years (excluding private certifier lodged applications).



Development Applications Received for the year by locality – February 2019 (includes private certifier lodged applications)

Development Applications received for the year by type – February 2019



Development Applications – nine (9) months (excludes private certifier lodged and approved applications)

Complying Development Applications – nine (9) months (excludes private certifier lodged and approved applications)



GWYDIR LEARNING REGION

Automotive Trade Training Centre, Warialda – December and January

Heavy Vehicle Training

Gwydir Learning Region’s annual self-audit for 2018 was completed and forwarded to RMS as required by the end of February. A total of 79 Final Competency Assessments (FCAs) were completed for this period. There were a number of additional clients both internal and external who also completed FCAs and received competency based training during this timeframe. This group is in addition to those within the report and are not recorded in the above audit.

Eleven private clients have completed their FCAs during February. Three Heavy Combination, two Heavy Rigid, and six Medium Rigid truck licences were completed.

Learner car

Five clients have received lessons during February 2019.

A number of enquires have been made for car Learner Driver training in Inverell including with Best employment. It may be worthwhile setting one day a week aside to provide lessons in Inverell. Advertisements would need to be made prior to arranging working day trips.

TAFE - Automotive Vocational Preparation Certificate II

There are now two classes co-joined into one single entity this year. More than one subject at a time is being taught in a single class sitting to mixed classes. This has been a cost saving measure introduced by TAFE and has been delivered this way over the past few years. Although mechanical type subjects are mostly delivered they greatly vary in subject material and structure. Running combined classes have proven to be quite challenging and time consuming. There is a relatively large class this year and it is well attended.

Night Welding Classes

There have been a number of new enquiries made for welding classes. Preparation will soon be made and advertisements sent out for the coming year. Classes will be organised dependent upon interest and student numbers. A new MIG welding station has been purchased and is awaiting installation by the electrician. Welding consumables (rods, wire and tips etc.) have also been purchased. A small amount of steel will also need to be bought in anticipation of classes for 2019.

The Living Classroom (TLC) Usage during February 2019

Regional Scout Leaders held a conference and overnight stay at TLC – 10ppl.

Bingara Community College conducted a ‘Paddock to Plate’ preliminary meeting -10.



GSC Parks and Gardens Managers met at TLC to consider changes in site maintenance – 4.

Local Community Services Association held a regional meeting – 15.

Bingara CWA conducted their monthly meeting – 10.

Dept Education and Training Hospitality teachers from across the region held a training day – 10.

The planned Regenerative Agriculture Forum with Colin Seis and Charles Massy planned for TLC was relocated to the Roxy due to the overwhelming numbers (90). Col and Charles visited TLC after their Forum.

Department of Primary Industries held a Tropical Grasses information day at TLC – 15.

Members of the Kandos School of Cultural Adaptation as partners in the “An Artist, a Farmer and a Scientist walk into a bar…” program (AFS) stayed at TLC to further their works – 5.

Author and historian Bruce Pascoe joined with Indigenous artist Karla Dickens, videographer Brendan Blacklock and AFS committee leader Laura Fisher to produce a film about Valuing Country. They had cooperation from Bingara Central School and seven students over two evenings - 12.

Historian Bruce Pascoe, AFS leader Laura Fisher, artist Karla Dickens and videographer Brendan Blacklock with local children involved in a film making project at TLC.

The AFS art work “The Long Sleep” has been transported to ArtBank in Sydney as part of a five month display. The work by artist Georgie Pollard is on loan from The Living Classroom and is due to return in June 2019.

Warialda Community College manager visited TLC to plan for the “Paddock to Plate” program – 2.

The “Paddock to Plate” program commenced as part of a seven week, two days per week, program through Community College. An area of the Kitchen



Garden and some space in the Nursery have been allocated to them for their work – 8.

The Australian Defence Forces held an information evening at TLC - 10.

McCarthy Catholic College (Tamworth) Year 12 Geography students visited Bingara for a day of field work to examine Bingara as a resilient country town. They met at TLC and were given an overview of the town, its history, and industry before visiting the Roxy and exploring the CBD – 11.

Year 12 students and teachers from McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth visited Bingara for

their studies.

Other GLR matters

The GLR staff held their Annual General Meeting at the Warialda Automotive Trade Training Centre in February.

Six Gwydir Shire staff members have commenced upgrades of their Cert IV Training and Assessment qualifications to the new TAE40116 level.

CARAVAN PARKS

Bingara Riverside Caravan Park

From 1 July 2018 to 28 February 2019 the Bingara Caravan Park recorded a net operating profit of $6,733. These figures include all oncosts, interest on loan repayments and depreciation to date.

Warialda Caravan Park

From 1 July 2018 to 28 February 2019 the Warialda Caravan Park recorded a net operating loss of $16,541. These figures include oncosts, interest on loan repayments and depreciation to date.

Please note that these figures include the amount recorded in the Warialda Visitor Information Centre monthly report.

Operating income and expenditure for the two caravan parks is shown in Attachment 1.




THAT the Executive report for February 2019 be received

ATTACHMENTS

AT- Caravan Parks Income and Expenditure COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: THAT the Executive report for February 2019 be received. (Moved Cr Smith, seconded Cr Galvin)

Community Services and Planning Committee - 14 March 2019 Monthly Executive Report for February 2019.DOC

Attachment 1 Caravan Parks Income and Expenditure




Item 3 Monthly Organisation and Community Development report for February 2019

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 5. Organisational Management

OUTCOME: 5.1 CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

STRATEGY: 5.1.3 Administrative functions - GM - internal

AUTHOR Organisation Development Director

DATE 4 March 2019

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

The monthly Organisation and Community Development report details the activities carried out by the Department during February 2019.

BACKGROUND

The monthly Organisation and Community Development report forms part of a regular reporting regime. The purpose of the report is to inform Council of the activities carried out within the Department.

COMMENT

Incidents and Near Misses

There were 5 incidents reported in February 2019. There was 1 Council vehicle damage incident, 2 near misses (small fires of unknown origin), 1 personal injury and 1 environmental incident (contractor paint spill). The total number of incidents is summarised below.

New significant Incidents - Nil



THE ROXY COMPLEX

Theatre Wednesday 13 February – Northern Slopes Landcare event – 90pp Friday 22 February – Big Country Show – 95pp Sunday 24 February – Film Club – 35pp

Conference Room Friday 8 February - Family and Community Services – 10pp Thursday 14 February – Vision 2020 Annual General Meeting – 20pp Thursday 21 February - Department of Education – 40pp North West Theatre Company – various bookings

The Big Country Show

By popular demand following the very successful 2018 show Dustier than Ever, the Chris Cook band returned to the Roxy to perform their Big Country Show.

The show was well attended and the response from patrons positive.

TOURISM

With the assistance of Norm Headford, the Tourism Department has been negotiating with the Local Land Services (LLS) to relinquish ownership of two parcels of land to Council.

The first area is located beyond the fence line at Cunningham’s Rest along Reedy Creek in Warialda for the purposes of 7 day free camping; the second parcel of land is the Glacial Area on the Narrabri Road west of Bingara. Following a meeting with relevant stakeholders, Council was advised that LLS will proceed with arrangements to either relinquish ownership of the Glacial Area to Gwydir Shire Council, or develop an alternative management



agreement which will allow Council to make changes and upgrades to the current infrastructure at that site. LLS also indicated that under no circumstances will they be relinquishing ownership of the Cunningham’s Rest site as it is a vital access point for the Travelling Stock Route near Warialda.

The Tourism department is planning to develop proposals for upgrades to the Glacial Area which include new signage, an upgrade of the access road, access stairs and a viewing platform. These plans will then be ready if suitable funding becomes available for such a project.

Warialda Visitor Information Centre

Dec 2018 Jan 2019 Feb 2019

Opening hrs = 112.50 Opening hrs = 157.50 Opening hrs = 150

Volunteer hrs = 39.5 Volunteer hrs = 32 Volunteer hrs = 18.5

Bingara Visitor Information Centre

Dec 2018 Jan 2019 Feb 2019

Opening hrs = 115 Opening hrs = 165.5 Opening hrs = 130

Volunteer hrs = 40 Volunteer hrs = 22.5 Volunteer hrs = 32

Income – Warialda VIC $ Dec $ Jan $ Feb

Caravan Park 530.00 170.00 435.00

Plants of Gwydir Shire/Cunningham’s Track 20.00 40.00 0.00

Centre hire 80.00 0.00 32.00

Merchandise sales 2,378.60 1,629.55 1,559.25

Goods on consignment sales 0.00 100.00 0.00

2019 Honey Festival 0.00 40.00 557.00

Subtotal $3,008.60 $1,939.55 $2,583.25

Less Caravan Park Money Banked 530.00 170.00 435.00

Less 2019 Honey Festival Banked 0.00 40.00 557.00

Total Monthly Income $2,478.60 $1,729.55 $1,591.25

Income – Bingara VIC $ Dec $ Jan $ Feb

Products on consignment 14.00 56.00 0.00

Merchandise 414.00 580.00 477.50

Subtotal $428.00 $636.00 $477.50

Less payments to consignees 9.80 33.65 0.00

Total Merchandise sales/income $418.20 $602.35 $477.50

Commission received on event bookings 138.11 - 96.67

Roxy Tour income $55.00 $130.00 $94.50



Total Monthly Income Bingara VIC $611.31 $732.35 $668.67

Cranky Rock Sites Dec Jan Feb

Powered sites 49 41 12

Unpowered sites 17 6 8

Total 66 47 20

Visitors at Warialda VIC Dec Jan Feb

Visitors 206 245 307

RMS clients 273 313 299

Cafe 175 171 296

Total Warialda VIC 654 729 780

Visitors at Bingara VIC Dec Jan Feb

276 414 315



Commonwealth Home Support Program Report for February 2019

BINGARA CHSP

CTABS transport program has been implemented with tablets in our three vehicles being used. Bingara staff attended the Community Transport Forum in Barraba on 13 February. It transpires that issues with the new transport program are widespread and there are many offices having difficulty with their reporting requirements. Attendance at such forums benefits staff by sharing ideas and learning how other centres operate.

Thanks to our volunteer drivers – February was a very busy month with 137 trips out of town; many days the three vehicles are all out of town in separate directions.

A Meals on Wheels forum was held at the Bingara office on 21 February where we learnt that we there will be a Quality Aged Care Review in the near



future. There is no requirement to provide notice of when the review will occur.

Meals on Wheels numbers have increased slightly with 5 regular clients.

Tuesday’s morning teas continue to attract large numbers, having increased to an average of 15 to 16 clients. Clients have been busy with knitting, crocheting and other handcrafts during February with the intention of selling the items at the Orange Festival.

Bingara centre held a luncheon in the Lingalonga Room on Thursday 28 February with 18 clients attending. Thanks to the volunteers for their assistance at these events.

Bingara centre has commenced referrals for all clients to ‘My Aged Care’ portal for new assessments; this will ensure all clients are receiving all the services they are entitled to receive.

WARIALDA / DELUNGRA CHSP

Centre based meals are held every Monday with 20 to 22 clients for morning tea and lunch.

Transport remains busy and Warialda centre has had to borrow the Naroo car on occasions, with 91 out of town transports during February.

An advertisement was placed in the local newspaper seeking more volunteers to assist with Meals on Wheels. Manager of CHSP in Warialda has been needed to deliver Meals on Wheels on a weekly basis due to insufficient numbers of volunteers.

Clients enjoy their trips to Inverell shopping every fortnight on the community bus.

Warialda staff attended food forum at Bingara CHSP centre on 21 February.

Warialda centre has commenced referrals for clients to ‘My Aged Care’ portal.

BINGARA DELUNGRA WARIALDA DAY CENTRE Total active clients 100 20 121 Clients receiving service 44 13 55 Total Meals 55 52 152 Hours Clients Receive in Centre

348 137 366

SOCIAL SUPPORT No of Clients 44 13 55 Individual Hrs 180 0 40 Group Hrs 168 137 326 Total Hours Received 348 137 366 FOOD SERVICE (Meals on Wheels)

Clients 5 0 5



Meals 106 0 63 TRANSPORT Number of Clients 37 3 16 Number of Trips 137 10 91 TRANSPORT - YOUTH Number of Clients 0 0 0 Number of Trips 0 0 0 ACCESS BUS - INVERELL Number of Clients 17 1 5 Number of Trips (per month) 2 4 10 VOLUNTEERS No. of Volunteers 6 4 56 Hours 685 37 270 ACCOMMODATION UNITS FOR AGED

Occupancy 6/6 0 13/13

SOCIAL SERVICES

Bingara Neighbourhood Centre Funding body – Family and Community Services

Bingara Neighbourhood Centre has seen 46 clients throughout February. The main focus for the centre has once again been assisting with navigation of drought relief.

Be Connected (Broadband for Seniors)

During February Be Connected had two new learners for their first sessions and two returning learners. The numbers were low this month because the service was closed for two weeks. Topics covered during this time ranged from learning about ICloud, changing your desktop background, how much data you use while on Facebook and installing applications.

Month Number of participants

December 5

January 5

February 6



Youth Service Funding body – Family and Community Services

Young people from Bingara Central School and Warialda High School have combined to form the 2019 Gwydir Shire Youth Council. There have been meetings held with each school to select participants and start planning for the first project of the year. This event will fall during National Youth Week. A joint meeting is planned for 7 March at Warialda High School so that the students can collaborate and put their plans in motion.

An afternoon youth program will commence in March, looking at mentoring and counselling skills for young people. The service will also be asking for input and suggestions in relation to the Youth Space as this will recommence on a Tuesday afternoon in the Bingara Library at the beginning of Term 2.

Bingara Toy Library Funding body – Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate NSW Department of Education and Communities

The Toy Library was only open for two weeks in February and saw the return of the Rural Outreach Service Inverell. This service attends on the last Tuesday of the month to support our families in parenting skills, relationship building, cooking skills and budgeting.

The Kool Skool Kids Program is full on Thursdays with only a few positions still available on Tuesdays. The children enjoyed games, craft, kinetic sand, loom band making, homework help and Valentine’s Library Lovers visit to the Public Library.

Particulars December January February

Toy Library Members- children utilising the service

35 children 34 children 22 children

Toy Library Members - Parents/Adults Attending

42 KSK program

10 KSK program

70 KSK program

Total memberships at Bingara Toy Library

31 adults 18 adults 20 adults

Toys returned 15 borrowers 14 borrowers 16 borrowers

Toys borrowed 21 non borrow 23 non borrower 21 non borrower

Children/ Group using toys (members)

3 birth 2 birth 2 birth

Craft/songs/stories/Free play

9 4 10



Supported Playgroup Development Worker

Funding body – Family and Community Services

Warialda Toy Library December January February

Total daily attendance count for children, (no. of children having utilised the service calculating each day over the month)

203 72 191

Full borrowing members (new) 0 0 0

Non borrowing members (new and/or renew)

0 0 0

Casual borrowing members (new or renew)

0 0 0

Commemorative Birth Certificate applications received

5 7 16

Toys returned 13 9 2

Toys borrowed 9 0 0

Groups using the service (FDC carers, Church and Pharmacy)

4 4 13

Monday group activity morning 56 19 4

Tuesday group activity morning 50 16 47

Wednesday group activity 0 9 68

Thursday group activity morning sessions

47 9 33

Friday group activity morning 50 19 43

13 children attended the Warialda Toy Library on Monday 4 February; families were provided with speech pathologist recommended booklists for specified age groups.

17 children visited the service on Tuesday 5 February participating in sensory play experiences; face painting and playdough creations, followed by making their own placemat for home.

Cooking for morning tea took place on Friday 8 February. 12 children attended the toy library morning session on this day.

14 children attended the service Tuesday 12 February; mud goop and jungle animals were provided to the children to engage their sensory play skills.

Thursday 14 February - Helen Seage from the town library joined the service to provide a story time and craft experience. A total of eight children were in attendance on this day.

14 children attended on Monday 18 February and families were provided with a handout discussing screen time and setting limits.



A teddy bears picnic took place on Tuesday 19 February. A total of 27 children took part in play experiences on this day, with a special visit from Inverell District Family Services and two of their local family day care carers joining this session.

A commemorative birth certificate ceremony took place on Friday 22 February. Cr Marilyn Dixon presented certificates to 9 of the 16 applicants that were able to attend on this day. 19 children were in attendance on this day.

Monday 25 February - CPR for children handout was discussed and provided to families that joined the play session; 10 children attended on this day.

Playgroup Location December January February

Warialda – Monday morning

56 19 47

Gravesend – Wednesday morning

16 holidays 18

Bingara – Thursday morning

11 9 28

Total 83 36 93

During February, Playgroups across the Shire have focused on building familiar routine for new and returning families and establishing relationships with those new families joining the service.

Gravesend Playgroup has been successful in making contact with new families having just moved to the area or having recently welcomed new babies into their families, some being first time parents. A younger group of children has been noted in playgroup sessions this year, and as such, experiences facilitating age appropriate, emergent development is being catered for through programmed activities.

Warialda Playgroup farewelled a significant number of members who now attend primary school. In order to maintain a strong attendance base this year, work has been in progress to seek and welcome new families into playgroup sessions. The influx of new babies to the Shire, (as noted by the number of applications for commemorative birth certificates) and a pleasing number of new families having made contact with the service, indicates a plentiful member list for 2019. Playgroup sessions have focused on establishing routines for the children with an emphasis on family networking and relationship building amongst members. The implementation of enriched play experiences, facilitating emergent development remained evident each



week as the children settle into and become familiar with playgroup and its surrounds.

Bingara welcomed town library staff, Gail Phillpott to Playgroup this month for a story time session. Water play, sensory play and colour matching were an emphasis during Playgroup sessions in February.

Splash and Play

Splash and Play held four sessions throughout February. Attendance has changed this year due to children starting school. Sessions have now finished for the season.

Number of children & families Enrolled for Splash and Play 2018/2019 Season (Nov – Feb)

Bingara 2 sessions February

Warialda 2 Sessions February

19 families 5 families 4 families

22 children 6 children 4 children

7 girls 1 girls 0 girls

15 boys 5 boys 4 boys

44pts of contact 6pts of contact 4pts of contact

Bingara Preschool

Funding body - Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate NSW Department of Education and Communities

Bingara Preschool has successfully secured $14,500 in grant funding to upgrade the facility with a new shed, air conditioning in the office and new furniture for the children. This comes on top of an additional $11,000 in drought relief funding. The Preschool is working on extending the transition to school program with Bingara Central School as this will enhance our children’s learning and ability to transition to school as easily as possible.

Days February

Tuesday 16

Wednesday 20

Thursday 20

Friday 20

The year started with a bang at Bingara Preschool; the children celebrated Chinese New Year and learnt about other cultures and traditions. Playgroup joined Preschool for morning tea and games during the first week also.

Registered Nurse, Maria Coote, from the Bingara Medical Centre attended Preschool in the second week of term to talk about her occupation. Maria was able to allow the children to listen to their own heart beat and talk about how to stay healthy. Bingara Preschool is establishing strong community



connections by inviting and involving members of the community in the children’s learning stories.

Preschool held their first excursion for 2019 on Wednesday 13 February. The children travelled on the bus to Bingara Central School to attend the show ‘Deadly Australians’. This was an interactive show to educate the children about dangerous animals that live in Australia. The highlight of the excursion was being able to touch the turtle, blue tongue lizard and the python. The Preschool was given a poster outlining the deadly animals that live in Australia.

February 25th was the start of evacuation week which meant the service was lucky enough to have a visit from the Fire Brigade. Steve Apthorpe (Eva’s Pop) and Dave Sullivan (Koen’s Dad) showed the children how to ‘Get down low and go, go, go!’ Dave dressed up to show the children what he has to wear to a fire. He also taught them not to be afraid. The children rode in the fire truck, used the hoses and each received a fireman’s helmet.



Tharawonga Mobile Resource Unit

Funding body – Department of Education | Department of Employment Australian Government

February has been a difficult time for Tharawonga as families are still coming to terms with the new Child Care Subsidy. Many families are finding it difficult to link to the service and the digital sign-in that is required by the Government is torturous due to the instability of internet service in our remote towns and villages. A submission has been sent to the Federal Department of Education to provide further support to transition this service to the new platform.

Day Venue Attendance

Monday Yetman 8

Tuesday North Star 15

Wednesday Yallaroi 11

Thursday Tulloona 4

Thursday Gravesend 8

Friday Gravesend 11

Friday Crooble 6

CONCLUSION

The activities carried out by the Organisation and Community Development Department are in line with the 2018/2019 Operational Plan and otherwise as directed.

CONSULTATION

Consultation has occurred within the Organisation and Community Development Directorate.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Policy implications are those relating to the 2018/2019 Operational Plan and the Policies of Gwydir Shire Council.

FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC and RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (including Asset Management)

The activities carried out by the Organisation and Community Development Department are in line with the 2018/2019 Operational Plan.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS (Social and Environment)

The activities undertaken by the Organisation and Community Development Department regarding social and environmental factors are targeted in line with the 2018/2019 Operational Plan.




THAT the Organisation and Community Development report for February 2019 be received

ATTACHMENTS

There are no attachments for this report. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: THAT the Organisation and Community Development report for February 2019 be received. FURTHER that Amber Brown, Georgia Standerwick and Nikki Adams are congratulated on their outstanding effort during the running of the Honey Festival Event. (Moved Cr Young, seconded Cr Smith)



Item 4 Bush Fire Risk Warialda

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 1. A healthy and cohesive community

OUTCOME: 1.2 OUR COMMUNITY IS AN INVITING AND VIBRANT PLACE TO LIVE

STRATEGY: 1.2.2 A shared responsibility for community safety - OCD - external

AUTHOR General Manager

DATE 11 March 2019

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION TABLED ITEMS Nil BACKGROUND Cr Smith has emailed me regarding his ongoing concern of the catastrophic consequences to Warialda if an out of control bush fire was to threaten that community. Cr Smith is concerned that the recent devastation that occurred in Victoria or more locally the Tingha fires could happen in Warialda. In both these cases there have been accusations that more could have been done sooner to reduce the fire risk. Following receipt of Cr Smith’s email I contacted SMK Consulting with the following email:

The Councillors are concerned that Warialda is in danger from an uncontrolled bush fire. They would like a significant fire break created around Warialda where possible using the by-pass route and also on the western side. Can you please provide an indicative quotation to undertake the environmental study to support the Council in its quest for better fire break protection?

The initial response from SMK Consulting is attached. The fire break would also need to protect the southern side of Warialda as well and this extension to the brief would increase the quoted price.



COMMENT The quoted price is basically to establish a lawful process that the Council can follow without the excessive cost involved if the proposed work falls under the requirements of the Biodiversity Conservation Act. If some kind of biodiversity offset is required this could cost around $500,000 or a significant time delay to establish an offset area to be placed under the Stewardship of the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. CONCLUSION Step one in the process is to confirm whether the inclusion of the southern side of Warialda in the study are will alter the quoted price of $6,550 (excl GST).


THAT the General Manager confirms that the southern side of Warialda will be included in the study and at what additional cost. FURTHER that SMK Consulting be appointed to undertake the Investigation of a fire break around Warialda. FURTHER that the project be co-ordinated by a small group of interested Warialda based Councillors, chaired by Cr Smith.

The General Manager confirmed that the quote from SMK Consulting included the southern side of Warialda.

ATTACHMENTS

AT- SMK Consulting Fee Proposal Cr Moore indicated that he will be available to join the Committee once formed. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: THAT SMK Consulting be appointed to undertake the Investigation of a fire break around Warialda. FURTHER that the project be co-ordinated by a small group of interested Councillors, chaired by Cr Smith. FURTHER that the current status of the Shire wide fire plan adopted in April 2018 be outlined in a report to Council at the March 2019 Meeting. (Moved Cr Smith, seconded Cr Egan)

Community Services and Planning Committee - 14 March 2019 Bush Fire Risk Warialda.DOC

Attachment 1 SMK Consulting Fee Proposal




General Manager

My Community Grant The General Manager tabled the following memorandum for discussion:

MEMO TO: ALLCOUNCILLORS MEMO FROM GENERAL MANAGER SUBJECT: My Community Project DATE: 14th March 2019 The following funding announcement was made by the NSW State Government prior to entering its caretaker period. All the internet connections take you to a site that now simply announces that the State Government is in caretaker mode. My Community Project is a new NSW Government funding program opening soon and I’m writing to let you know how you can get involved. My Community Project will enable individuals to put forward ideas for projects in their area, and a public vote will show which projects have the most community support to receive funding. Successful projects will receive funding between $20,000 and $200,000. People can nominate projects together with the support of a local organisation as the project sponsor. Local councils can sponsor projects – maybe you or someone else in your office has a project idea that the council is willing to sponsor. Council may also be approached by people within your community to support their ideas. Some examples of projects that could be funded include playgrounds, community transport services, public gardens, upgrades to local sporting or community facilities, public art, cultural festivals, programs for youth and health initiatives. Project applications open on 2 April 2019 for six weeks, closing on 15 May. The public vote will be open for four weeks from 15 July to 15 August. The projects with the most support in the community vote will be funded. To raise awareness of My Community Project in your local area and give people the best chance to get involved, we’ve provided website and Facebook tiles, a DL flyer and an A3 poster for you to use. You can download these items here. The program guidelines and fact sheets together with more information about the program is available at nsw.gov.au/mycommunityproject. My Community Project is all about local ideas, local projects and local decisions. I encourage you and others in your community to start thinking about project ideas to be ready when applications open on 2 April. Please note that the current program dates may change, so to keep up-to-date with



the latest information head to nsw.gov.au/mycommunityproject or register for email updates about My Community Project and other relevant NSW Government programs. If you require more information, please call 13 77 88. However, assuming that the funding program continues I am suggesting a project for the Council’s endorsement. At the Gwydir Health Alliance meeting Dr Di Coote put forward her intention to seek funding for an upgrade to the Warialda Medical Centre to better accommodate the existing services, especially acupuncture, and also additional medical staff that will be arriving from the graduates of the New England University Course. I suggest that this could be the community project linked into the development of a town house or villa development for doctors’ accommodation. The Council’s contribution to this application will be the proceeds from the sale of 123 High Street Warialda. A conservative estimate of the net value of this property would be $180,000. One important aspect to remember about these grants is that they are State Electorate wide competitive grants and that residents will need to vote online for his or her favourite grant option. I believe that we could rely on Dr Coote and the Warialda Medical Centre staff to encourage their patients into voting for this project. RECOMMENDATION

THAT Gwydir Shire Council sponsor a grant application for $200,000 for the Warialda Medical Centre upgrade and accommodation project with the Council’s contribution being the funds received from the sale of 123 High Street Warialda and the value of the land to locate the proposed doctors’ housing.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:

THAT Gwydir Shire Council sponsor a grant application for $200,000 for the Warialda Medical Centre upgrade and accommodation project with the Council’s contribution being the funds received from the sale of 123 High Street Warialda and the value of the land to locate the proposed doctors’ housing.

(Moved Cr Young, seconded Cr Smith)

Cr Catherine Egan

Vision 2020 Meeting Cr Egan gave a brief report about her attendance at the most recent meeting of Vision 2020. The meeting was advised that the group will be conducting a three day Pulse Festival in September.



Cr Geoff Smith

Potable Water Deliveries Cr Smith advised the meeting that he has been advised that the Council’s ongoing water deliveries for domestic use have been gratefully acknowledged within the rural community. The Mayor suggested that Willoughby City should be advised of this, which will be done.

Cr John Coulton

Recent Community Drought Assistance Training provided by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program The recent training undertaken in both Bingara and Warialda was discussed with both negative and positive feedback being provided.

Cr John Coulton

Drought Focussed Community Meetings The Mayor reminded the meeting of the following proposed community meeting dates throughout the Shire: Community Meetings Gravesend 27th March 2019 Gravesend Hotel Upper Horton 28th March 2019 Sports Club Bingara 29th March 2019 Sporting Club Warialda 2nd April 2019 Golf and Bowling Club Coolatai 3rd April 2019 Coolatai Hotel North Star 10th April 2019 Croppa Creek 11th April 2019 Bowling Club The Mayor requested that Councillors should attempt to attend as many as possible

Meeting closed 11.38 am

minutes community services and planning...

Documents