Council Meeting Highlights - February 2022

28 February 2022

Council Meeting Highlights - February 2022 - Post Image

WARREN SHIRE COUNCIL MEETING

Thursday, 24 February 2022, 8.30am

 

MEDIA PRECIS
 

Warren Shire Council meets on the fourth Thursday of every month, with the exception of November, which is replaced with a meeting on the first Thursday of December.
 

All Council meetings are filmed and stored online. To view these proceedings please visit warren.nsw.gov.au/council/meeting-videos
 

Please find following a selection of highlights from this month’s meeting:

 

 

REPORTS OF THE GENERAL MANAGER

 

Infrastructure Progress Updates – Item 3

 

  • Warren Airport Upgrade

Upgrade works for Warren Airport are in the final stages with the remaining drainage improvements scheduled for early 2022 and construction of the new terminal due to be complete by March 2022.

 

  • Warren Showground/Racecourse Upgrade

Several projects funded through the NSW Government’s Showground Stimulus Funding Program, Phase 2C are progressing with works underway:

  • Work to renew all concrete and asphalt floors is complete;
  • Work to replace amenities in the Cattleman’s and Horse Sports Camping Area continues with demolition and fit out throughout February.
  • Installation of a new septic tank for the Main Pavilion amenities commenced in January 2022;
  • Renovation to the men’s amenities in the Main Pavilion commenced in February 2022;
  • Installation of a new septic tank with a grease trap for the canteen waste in the Centre Arena is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2022; and
  • Quotes from local suppliers and rural fencing contractors for refencing of the Showground perimeter are being arranged.

 

  • Groundwater Augmentation

As part of the Critical Drought Initiative administered by the NSW’s Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), work across Bore Flat and Ellengerah continues with tanks constructed and installed, pumps tested, manifolds installed, and 2,400 metres of pipe laid. Flow meters and level sensors have been installed and the system has been tested between Bore Flat and Ellengerah. Once approved by DPIE, the purchase and installation of chlorination equipment will commence. 

 

  • Grant Applications

A grant application for $79,705 to the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Program for an Accessible amenities block at Warren Pony Club and for $54,545 to the Crown for the replacement of the Showground female amenities has been successful. 

 

Council is awaiting responses for the following grant applications:

  • $250,000 to the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Program for stage 2 of the Racecourse Bar and Viewing refurbishments.
  • $500,000 to the NSW Government’s Tourism Activation Fund for improvements to Window on the Wetlands including road upgrades, carpark areas and improved access to Tiger Bay.
  • $500,000 to NSW Government’s Tourism Activation Fund for improved road access, carpark construction and creation of an interactive augmented reality education program at Burrima Walkway.
  • $1,800,000 to the Australian Government’s Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Program: Large Grants to upgrade the Bryan Egan Weir (Lower Warren Weir) to include the appropriate fish passage to be developed to ‘shovel ready’ status.
  • $352,274 of $622,202 to the Australian Government’s Preparing Australian Communities – Local Stream for a flood mitigation study in partnership with the Australian National University. 

 

Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program – Phase 3 Grants – Item 4

Council has endorsed funding under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program – Phase 3 Grant to be allocated a number of community infrastructure projects to improve facilities for Warren Shire. These projects include: 

  • $95,944 for final improvements to the Equestrian Arena; 
  • $72,000 for solar panels on Council’s Works Depot and $53,000 for solar panels on Council’s Administration Centre to improve environmental sustainability and reduce building operations costs;
  • $40,000 for an Accessible toilet upstairs in the Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre; 
  • $40,000 for improvements to the retaining wall, second/third tier replacement and accessible concrete paths at the Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre;
  • $9,572 for a sound mixer system and external speakers at the Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre. 

 

 

REPORT OF THE DIVISIONAL MANAGER OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
 

Librarian’s report on the Warren Shire Library Operations – Item 7

Warren Shire Library is continuing its customer-focused approach to deliver events and services to the Warren community including outreach to Warren Preschool, Little Possums, St Mary’s, Warren Central School, Vacation Care and pop-up libraries for pre-schoolers and at Calara House. 

 

In addition to the Outreach Services, the library provided Brain Training Packs to all Calara House residents, which were positively received. The packs included an activity book, mindfulness colouring book, pen and colouring pencils, large print playing cards and instructions, and jelly beans.

 

Online story time will continue, with North Western Library signing an agreement to extend the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)’s pilot scheme for 2022. Warren Library films online story time every Monday, which is uploaded to the Warren Shire Library YouTube channel to ensure more children and families can participate in the joy of storytelling.  

 

Grants

The library has applied for a grant through the Public Library Infrastructure Grants 2021/22 for $315,723 for an ‘Open-Air Library’ to improve access to the entrance of the library and create an open air space to benefit the community. Currently awaiting a response on the application.

 

A successful application to the Regional Youth Summer Holiday Break Program grant has enabled the program “Lets game it out at WDL!” to run throughout February. The program includes access to a selection of electronic game systems including virtual reality technology along with a variety of board games.

 

Events

The Warren Shire Library has a number of upcoming events to engage the community, which include:

  • April – Local History workshop
  • May – National Simultaneous Storytime. This annual event by ALIA is designed to promote the values of reading, literacy and the fun of books in libraries, schools and homes all over Australia and around the world. The title for the 2022 is Family Tree written by Josh Pyke and illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh.
  • July – North Western Stock Rotation
  • August – Leather workshop
  • 1,000 Books Before School 

 

To find out more details on these events, follow Warren Shire Library’s Facebook page.

 

 

REPORT OF THE DIVISIONAL MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES 

 

Works Progress Report: Roads 

 

Road works completed in January:

  • Collie-Trangie Road – part primer seal
  • Colane Road – grading
  • Marra Road – grading 
  • Johnsons Lane – grading 
  • Booka Road – grading 
  • Notts Lane – grading 

 

Road maintenance and construction schedule 

 

Construction for Ellengerah Road throughout March and April.

 

Grader crews will be carrying out emergency flood and storm damage repair works until the end of April. Initial roads listed for emergency works include:

  • Oxley Road
  • Catons Road
  • Duffity Road
  • Gillendoon Road
  • Gradgery Lane
  • Cullemburrawang Road
  • Rothsay Road
  • Castlebar Road
  • Pleasant View Lane
  • Yungundi Road
  • Merrigal Road
  • Boss’ Lane
  • Christies Lane
  • Oakley Road
  • Elsinore Road
  • Buddabadah Road
  • Pineclump Soldiers Road
  • Kiameron Road
  • Cremorne Road
  • Radnedge Road

 

 

Road maintenance works may be subject to change with any inclement weather.

 

 

Capital Works in Progress

  • Rehabilitation to the Collie-Trangie Road Regional Road No.347 (Segment 14) is underway with work recommencing in mid-January. This work is funded through unspent 2020/21 Transport for NSW’s REPAIR Grant.
  • Rehabilitation to the Collie-Trangie Road Regional Road No.347 (Segment 16) $800,000 in project funding is now available and work commenced in January. The project is funded with $400,000 under Transport for NSW’s REPAIR Program and $400,000 under the 2021/2022 Regional Roads Block Grant.
  • Remarking of school zones will take place from January to April.
  • Warren kerb and gutter replacement will commence in March.
  • Investigation and design for CBD Improvement Program work.

 

 

All works listed are in addition to the regular maintenance, patching, edge repairs, slashing and mowing works carried out across all Council facilities. 

 

Grant applications 

  • Rehabilitation of Warren Road, Regional Road 7515 – Consultation has been ongoing with the Federal Government, Infrastructure NSW, Transport NSW and Coonamble Shire Council representatives to progress a new scope of works and additional funding.
  • Application for $1,255,400 to the Federal Road Safety Program Tranche 4 and 5 for shoulder widening and linemarking on RR333 Carinda Road.

 

Council has also received detailed traffic classifier reports for some Shire roads. To view these in full or for further details on current and future road works in Warren Shire view: WSC February Business Paper.

 

Works Progress Report: Town Services – Item 2

 

  • Nevertire Reservoir Refurbishment

Refurbishment work including roof repairs and painting is now all complete and the reservoir returned to service in December 2021. 

 

  • Water Assets Revaluation

Through the Orana Water Utilities Alliance, APV have been engaged to undertake Council’s Water Assets Revaluation, with the final report expected in May/June 2022.

 

  • Grant applications

Council is awaiting responses for the following town services grants:

  • Warren Levee Rehabilitation: In addition to applications submitted through the NSW Government to the Commonwealth Government for required works, Council met with a National Recovery and Resilience representative to review levee repairs and improved disaster preparation. 
  • Tiger Bay Wetlands Effluent Reuse Scheme for Drought Protection: Funded under the Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants, this $504,000 project will enable the installation of an Ultraviolet Disinfection System and pipeline the new Sewerage Treatment Works and Tiger Bay. The project also includes the construction of a Reed Bed at Tiger Bay Wetlands.
  • Stormwater Quality Improvement for Warren: The $1.72M project funded under the Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants will enable the installation of 25 Stormwater Quality Improvement Devices at stormwater locations that discharge directly into the Macquarie River and Gunningbar Creek. 

 

Expression of Interest for one vacant Community Member Other Users position on the Showground/Racecourse Committee

Council has endorsed Mark Beach to the vacant Other Users position on the Showground/Racecourse Committee. Mr Beach is a former Councillor and also chaired the Showground/Racecourse Committee so will bring vast knowledge to the group. 

 


 REPORT OF THE MANAGER HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 

 

Works Progress Report: Health and Development Services – Item 2

 

  • Waste Transfer Station at Ewenmar Waste Depot 

Final designs are complete for construction of the Waste Transfer Station at Ewenmar Waste Depot. Work to install drainage was scheduled for late 2021 and delayed due to wet weather, however this is now nearing completion.

 

  • Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre

A contractor has been appointed to carry out works to improve the roof and guttering at the Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre. This work is scheduled for early March.

 

  • Possums in the Park

As part of the Warren Support Services program, the Possums in the Park event which was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions will be held in the coming months.

 

 

POLICY REPORT OF THR MANAGER HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

A number of Warren Shire Council polices will be on public exhibition throughout March. These include:

  • Local Approvals Policy;
  • Warren Shire Council Code of Conduct and Procedures of the Administration of the Code of Conduct;
  • Councillors Expense Policy; and
  • Gifts and Benefits Policy.

 

To view public exhibitions, please visit Warren Shire Council’s website throughout March or follow Council’s Facebook page for updates.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

WARREN PUBLIC ARTS COMMITTEE – January 

 

Election of Chairperson – Item 1 

At the first Warren Public Arts Committee meeting for 2022, Councillor Katrina Walker was elected Chairperson of the Warren Public Arts Committee.

 

Victoria Oval and Oxley Park Sculptures – Item 7.1

Funded under the Drought Communities Extension Program, sculptures for Victoria Oval and Oxley Park are nearing completion and will be installed by Council. 

 

 

WARREN PUBLIC ARTS COMMITTEE – February 

 

Nevertire Water Tower Mural – Item 5.1

Council has endorsed the final revised draft concept design produced by Paint the Town Murals for the Nevertire Water Tower Mural. The concept design will now begin community consultation in March.

 

Public Art on Private Property Murals – Item 5.2

Council has endorsed the concept designs for public art on private property, with community consultation due to commence in March.

 

 

PLANT COMMITTEE MEETING

 

Election of Chairperson – Item 1

In the first Plant Committee meeting for 2022, Councillor Andrew Brewer was elected Chairperson of the Plant Committee.

 

Hybrid Powered Vehicles – Item 7

Council has endorsed the recommendation for the light plant replacement program to include hybrid vehicles in addition to the current diesel vehicles. 

 

 

ROADS COMMITTEE

 

2021/2022 Road Construction Program Renewal – Item 6.2

A renewed Road Construction Program and the 2021/2022 Bitumen Resealing Program have been confirmed. The majority of bitumen resealing works are complete with an exception to some of the Warren Street bitumen reseals which will take place in 2022/2023 due to kerb and gutter works to be undertaken and a required further allocation of funds.

 

March 2021 Flood and Storm Damage Restoration Program – Item 6.7

The further draft of the March 2021 Flood and Storm Damage Restoration Program has been developed by Built Environment Collective (BEC) with work estimated over $5,062,000. BEC is reviewing the plan to ensure all works have been included. 

 

 

EWENMAR WASTE DEPOT COMMITTEE

 

Clean Up Australia Day – Item 6.3 

Clean Up Australia Day will be held on Sunday, 6 March, with Warren Shire Council promoting the event and sourcing and collecting collection bags.

 

 

MANEX 

 

Human Resources – Item 4.6

The position for Divisional Manager Engineering Services is currently being advertised with applications open until 10 March 2022.

 

 

SPORTING FACILITITES COMMITTEE

 

Action Checklist – Item 5

The following improvements works to sporting facilities across the Shire are scheduled to be complete in 2022:

  • Remedial works to the internal pool surface at Warren War Memorial Pool
  • Carter Oval LED sports lighting
  • Carter Oval Soccer field lighting 
  • Roof and gutter improvements at the Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre
  • Electronic score board
  • Delivery of the Carter Oval Youth Sports Precinct Masterplan 
  • Victoria Oval and Oxley Park Plan of Management 
  • Purchase of lockers and changeroom seating at the Warren War Memorial Swimming Pool
  • Planting of trees surrounding Carter Oval sporting precinct 

 

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE

At the first Economic Development & Promotions Committee meeting for 2022, Councillor Sarah Derrett was elected Chairperson.

 

 

WATER AND SEWERAGE COMMITTEE

At the first Water and Sewerage Committee meeting for 2022, Councillor Ron Higgins was elected Chairperson.

 

 

TOWN IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE

 

Election of Chairperson – Item 1

At the first Town Improvement Committee meeting for 2022, Councillor Kevin Taylor was elected Chairperson.

 

Warren Lawn Cemetery Expansion – Item 6.5

Feedback on the Warren Lawn Cemetery Expansion will be open with community consultation on the Masterplan scheduled to commence in March.

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