Council Meeting Highlights: July 2024
27 June 2024
Warren Shire’s Ordinary Council Meeting was held on Thursday 25 July 2024. Highlights from this meeting included:
ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR POOL AND VICTORIA PARK
Due to changes in site conditions, an additional $81,000 has been allocated to upgrade the Warren War Memorial Swimming Pool amenities and club room. Additionally, Precinct Commercial Pty Ltd's tender of $593,334.88 has been accepted to construct the Victoria Park Female Friendly Amenities Block, with an additional $202,549.88 from the same reserve to cover the funding gap.
SEVERAL KEY COUNCIL POLICIES ON PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Council’s renewed Social Media Policy and CCTV and Workplace Surveillance Policy and Code of Practice will be on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. The Social Media Policy includes the establishment of new social media platforms and expected commencement use of Instagram for tourism and visitation promotion. The CCTV policy includes provisions to enable the NSW Police Force direct access to footage with the new CCTV system that is being installed around Council’s CBD and facilities. To view the draft documents and submit feedback, click here. An amended Working with Children (child protection) policy has now been adopted.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Approval has been granted for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, one interested Councillor, and the General Manager to attend the 2024 Local Government NSW Annual Conference in Tamworth, as well as future conferences. The event will take place from 17-19 November at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre and is an opportunity for Councillors to debate critical issues and influence local government policy platform and advocacy priorities.
MARRA FIELD DAY, MINISTERIAL VISITS AND OFFICIAL OPENING OF WARRAAN WIDJI ARTS CENTRE
In mid July, a number of Councillors attended the Marra Field Day to man a Council information stand. Council received a visit by the Member for Parkes, The Hon. Mark Coulton MP and the Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Member for Page, The Hon. Kevin Hogan MP, where a number of matters including economic development and visitation, road funding by the Commonwealth Government and flood damage works timing were discussed.
Council also received a visit from the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, The Hon. Jenny Aitchison and the Member for Barwon, Mr Roy Butler MP, where projects such as Warren roundabout reconstruction, Gunningbar Creek railway bridge replacement, roads grant funding and state highway rest area Improvement were discussed. Councillor Andrew Brewer and General Manager, Gary Woodman also attended the official opening of the Warraan Widji Arts Centre
FIXING FLOOD DAMAGED ROADS
- Council has received approval of its first submission for flood damage funding amounting to $6,076,500 to address issues from the September 2022 floods.
- Wet weather is delaying the rehabilitation of the SR 58 Nevertire–Bogan Road and reconstructing the SH 11 Oxley Highway ‘Milawa’ section.
- Efforts are underway to secure reimbursement for previous flood damage repairs.
- Scoping is also underway for the gravel resheeting program and local roads, regional roads and urban roads bitumen reseal program to improve and maintain road infrastructure across the region. Read the latest Roads Report on Council’s website.
MULTIPLE MAJOR CAPITAL WORKS IN PROGRESS
Major works on the Carter Oval Youth Sports Precinct, Warren Showground / Racecourse, and the Warren War Memorial Swimming Pool are nearing completion. The Warren Airport Terminal project has been completed, despite major delays. The terminal building now features a combined Aero Club training room with two office spaces, an entry foyer with a covered walkway, a kitchenette, and amenities, including a shower in the unisex accessible toilet. The airport terminal building will be officially opened on 22 August by Roy Butler MP, Member for Barwon and Milton Quigley, Mayor of Warren Shire.
The Carter Oval Youth Sports Precinct amenities building project is forecast to be completed by September 2024. Construction of the exclusion fencing around the perimeter of the Showgrounds has commenced. Upgrades to Warren Memorial Swimming Pool's amenities, change rooms, canteen, and clubhouse, including modern "all access" facilities, are expected to be completed by mid September.
ORDER IN WHICH TO DISPOSE OF YOUR WASTE AT THE EWENMAR WASTE DEPOT
Residents are encouraged to sort their waste in the following order to align with the one-way clockwise direction of deliveries, with general rubbish being the last delivery: 1) green waste 2) concrete waste 3) steel waste and 4) pallet heap. General rubbish will still be delivered as normal to the main pit until the transfer station is complete. Please remember this when loading vehicles and trailers to make unloading easier.
Council appreciates your co-operation and patience while these changes are happening. For further information please contact Council’s Manager Health and Development Services, Mrs Maryanne Stephens on (02) 6847 6600 during office hours.
Construction of the Waste Transfer Station is on track for an opening in late August, but could be delayed due to wet weather.
The Ewenmar Waste Depot Committee will continue to investigate establishing a Return and Earn Recycling Facility to improve recycling options and sustainability at the depot.
There is a discussion paper circulating on the extension of the waste levy which would include the NetWaste Area that Warren Shire is part of. NetWaste will object to the extension of the waste levy area.
CALL OUT FOR INDIGENOUS ARTISTIC INPUT
The Warren Public Arts Committee are seeking expression of interest for the concept design of Aboriginal art on the Victoria Park Precinct's new female amenities building façade. This will honour First Nations people and include signage in Aboriginal language and English.
CERTIFICATION OF COUNCIL DRONE PILOTS
Council drone pilots are now certified to fly the Council drone, with annual audits to be undertaken by CASA.
AGREEMENT FORGED FOR WOW PRECINCT CENTRE
An agreement between Council and RiverSmart Australia Ltd has been signed to develop education, recreation, heritage and tourism as part of the Windows on the Wetlands (WOW) Precinct Centre, the Macquarie River and Macquarie Marshes.
COUNCIL RECRUITMENT FOR POSITIONS VACANT
Recruitment for a number of positions is ongoing, including:
- Team Leader Utilities Maintenance,
- Team Member Utilities Maintenance,
- Light Plant Operator – Relief,
- Light Truck Driver – Water,
- Light Plant Operator – Roller (2),
- Pavement Maintenance Team Leader,
- Roadside Maintenance Team Operator,
- Heavy Diesel Mechanic and
- Assets Technical Officer – Roads.
NEVERTIRE-WARREN TRANSPORT SURVEY
Representatives from Transport NSW discussed the issue of community transport between Nevertire and Warren with the Warren Youth Foundation. A survey will be conducted both online and in person to assess the demand for the service and preferred days of operation. The Youth Centre’s bus may be used for this service, which is funded for two years but will need to become self-sustaining long term. The possibility of a fee for the bus service was discussed. The Warren Health Action Committee (WHAC) will be invited to the next meeting in August 2024.
The next Council Meeting will be held on Thursday 22 August 2024.-ENDS-
Enquiries:
Gary Woodman
General Manager, Warren Shire Council
gary.woodman@warren.nsw.gov.auPh: 02 6847 6600