Council News Edition 34 March 7 2015

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

Council NewsFIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 7 MARCH 2015

WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL Issue 34

Weekly information from us to you

On the surface, it might not look like much has changed.

But beneath the ground, thousands of tonnes of contaminated material has been removed from the former Tarcutta Street gasworks site as part of the remediation project, which

began in March 2013.“About 14,000 tonnes of tar-

impacted material has been removed from the site as part of Council’s commitment to protect groundwater and the surrounding environment from contaminated material,” Wagga Wagga City Council’s Manager Environmental and Recreation

Services Mark Gardiner said.“This has been a huge project for

Council, with four main excavations along with several smaller trenches to remove the source of contamination and prevent it from spreading.”

The gasworks started in the 1880s and ceased operating in 1964. Over

the decades, the coal gasification process created by-products such as ash, tar pitch, coke, cyanide and more – which were disposed of into a former creek and then drained into the Murrumbidgee River.

The gasworks site was gradually extended towards the creek channel and ash, coke and various other

production wastes were used as backfill material.

After the closure of the gasworks there have been several clean up events between the 1960s and 1990s, often during demolition or construction works.

In August 2012, Council appointed Continued page 2

CLEAN UP COMPLETE

SOLD OUT

2015

For further information please call Donna at Wagga Wagga City Council p. (02) 6926 9133 e. [email protected]

Register online at www.businesswaggawagga.com.au $45 per person

Friday 13 March 2015 7.30am - 9.00am Wagga Wagga Country ClubThe 2015 Big Business Breakfast will feature Charlie Brown, a leading commentator on the latest technology innovations.

great agency great ideas

NOW AND THEN: The reinstated Cross Street car park from above following the Gasworks Remediation and the site during the project (inset).

Gasworks project removes 14,000 tonnes of tar

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

Gasworks remediation complete

Invitation to apply for funding from the ClubGRANTS Scheme2015 Category 1 Funding Applications

Online applications will be received via the Wagga Wagga City Council website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/clubgrantsApplications open 9am Monday 2 March 2015 and close 5pm Friday 24 April 2015.

For enquiries please contact Michelle Castle at Wagga Wagga City Council on 1300 292 442 during office hours.

Community organisations are invited to apply for funding towards your local community service needs and priorities from the ClubGRANTS scheme. The ClubGRANTS scheme allows registered clubs with annual gaming machine revenue exceeding $1 million to apply a percentage of that revenue to specific development and support projects. At least 50% of funding from each club is to be allocated to Category 1 projects.

Local projects will be considered for the following priorities under Category 1 funding:• Respite care• Women and family health and well being• Disadvantaged groups• People with disabilities• Children and youth services• Drought/Flood Relief

denise drysdale

Civic Theatre Booking OfficePh: 6926 9688 or Email: [email protected]

One of Australia’s most enduring and recognised talents.

www.civictheatre.com.au

all tickets$20

Thursday 11.00am19 MARCH 2015

THIS IS A SENIORS WEEK ACTIVITY Morning tea from 10am

27TH FEBRUARY –22ND MARCH 2015

Museum of the Riverina, Historic Council ChambersCnr Baylis & Morrow Sts, Wagga Wagga

FREE ENTRYPh: 6926 9655 | www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum

The Museum of the Riverina is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW

The popular Friends of the Wagga Wagga City Library Book Sale is on again.

Earlybirds can grab a bargain on Friday 13 March from 4pm to 6pm, with the sale continuing on Saturday 14 March from 9am to noon.

Don’t miss your chance to take home some great reads for a great price. The Library’s car manual collection will also be on sale.

The bargain books will be located downstairs in the children’s area of the Library.

Popular book sale on again

Continued from page 1 Enviropacific Services Pty Ltd (EPS) to undertake the remediation project, which would include the installation of a water treatment plant, creating a Cutter Soil Mix (CSM) concrete retaining wall to shore up excavation, and digging out tar and tar-impacted material to be taken to a treatment facility.

“The 80 tonne CSM piling rig, along with a 40 tonne crane, was used to create the CSM

wall – a protective underground wall around part of the remediation site to maintain the structural integrity of the Playhouse and the levee during remediation works,” Mr Gardiner said.

Sixty-one CSM concrete panels were installed up to 14 metres into the ground with soil anchors drilled up to 16 metres through the concrete wall.

The wall was designed to withstand a flood the same height as the levee and also

ensure the Playhouse was not impacted by the excavations, despite being within two metres of its external walls.

The final steps of the remediation project were to restore the site with over-burden and capping, followed by reinstating the more than 200 capacity car park and the installation on monitoring wells.

A community information session will be held on Thursday 2 April at the Civic Centre to discuss the project in detail.

1878: Gasworks established by Wark Brothers, under the Wagga Wagga Gas Act.1888: Council took over ownership of gasworks business.1888-1960: Site operated as a gasworks and included coal gas plant, coke production, tar and pitch distillation and production.Early 1960s: Relocation of the gasworks site to Chaston Street.1960-1965: Demolition of some site facilities.Early 1970s: Site cleanup.1974: Major flood inundated the site.Early 1980s: Demolition of more site structures.1989: Last remaining aboveground structure on site demolished.1990s: Numerous environmental site investigations and remediation to confirm presence of contaminated groundwater and soils.1994: Groundwater interception trench installed.2007: State Government declaration as a remediation site.2007-2009: Monitoring, research and modelling of contamination on the site.2009: Remedial Action Plan developed.2011: Environmental Impact Assessment Report completed and submitted to NSW Department of Planning.2012: Contract entered into with Enviropacific Services to remediate site.

The gasworks used a process of coal gasification where coal is heated in the absence of air to produce coal gas.

This heavy raw gas is then cooled down and purified, creating numerous by products including ash, tar pitch, coke, ammonium, cyanide, sulphides, heavy metals, phenols

and some lighter hydrocarbon liquids.

Liquid, solid and metallic wastes were periodically disposed into the former creek and to the site drainage, which eventually drained into the Murrumbidgee River.

Light oils and naptha-oil were also disposed via injection wells into groundwater.

March/April 2013: Site establishmentApril/May 2013: Construction of water treatment plantMay/June 2013: Installation of Cutter Soil Mix (CSM) wallsJune 2013 to April 2014: Remediation PhaseSeptember 2013 to May 2014: Staged Interim Site ValidationOctober 2013 to July 2014: Site BackfillingDecember 2014: Site Reinstatement including car parkDecember 2014: Onsite Completion

Gasworks Site History

Gasworks explained• Enable the NSW

Environment Protection Authority to remove (wholly or partly) the declaration of the site as being significantly contaminated and avoid the issue by the NSW Environment Protection Authority of a management order in respect of the site.

• Risks to human health from vapours or contact with

contaminated materials would be minimised.

• A reduction in groundwater contamination that has the potential to impact on the Murrumbidgee River.

• Potential cost savings by remediating sooner rather than later.

• Provide a site that is suitable for future use by the community.

Gasworks timeline

Remediation benefits

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

COMING UP THIS WEEK:VEGE SWAP OR BUYSat 7 March 9am - 12pmDemonstration Gardens, cnr Albury and Shaw Streets. Ph: 0411 417 956

DOWNSIDE BUSH DANCESat 7 March 7.30pm - MidnightDownside Hall, off Coolamon Rd. Ph: 6925 4800

ODYSSEY: WAGGA WAGGA ART SOCIETYFrom Sat 7 MarchShowcases the diverse skills of the Society’s talented members, their achievements and their contributions across our region. Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. Ph: 6926 9600

TAKING IT EASY IN WAGGAUntil Sun 22 MarchHistoric Council Chambers. Photographs and postcards of Wagga

relaxing over the decades. Presented in conjunction with Charles Sturt Regional Archives; curated by Dr. Nancy Blacklow. Ph: 02 6926 9655

TRAVELLING FILM FESTIVALTo Sun 8 MarchA selection of the best films from Australia and around the world, showcasing acclaimed and award winning titles that would otherwise not be available. From $10. Forum 6 Cinemas, 77 Trail St. Ph: 8220 6605

HELI HEATWAVETo Sun 8 March 9am-5pm dailyA fun fly weekend. An American professional will be attending to conduct workshops and demonstrate extreme flying. Free entry. Connorton Field, Olympic Highway (south of Wagga Wagga, before Uranquinty). Ph: 0437 869 733

WAGGA PACERS CUPSat 7 March 6pm - 11pmCost: Adult $10, Children free. The

biggest harness racing event in the city. Former Australian Idol runner-up Luke Dickens will perform. Children’s entertainment as well as the chance to win a major prize during the Carnival Of Cups. Wagga Paceway, Wagga Showground, Bourke Street. Ph: 0404 497 216SKYDIVE OZSat 7 MarchEnjoy floating down over the beautiful countryside soaking up spectacular views of the Murrumbidgee River. Ph: 1300 185 180

MTC TAB RACE MEETINGFri 13 MarchMurrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers St. Ph: 6921 2151

EAT LOCAL THURSDAYThur 12 March 2.30pm - 6.30pmFree entry. Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers St. Ph: 0427 441 107

GRAEME CONNORS: “NORTH”, 25 YEARS ONThurs 12 March 7:30pmJoin Australia’s greatest storyteller, Graeme Connors, live on stage with his legendary band. Civic Theatre. Ph: 6926 9688

For support in organising your event, contact Council’s Events Unit at [email protected] or 1300 292 442 Monday - Friday.

To promote your event or for a complete list of events go to: visitwagga.com or call 1300 100 122.

facebook.com/waggaevents

www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/floodfutures

The Listies bring chaotic comedy to Wagga’s kids

This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.

Renovating? Need to dispose of asbestos?

wagga.nsw.gov.au/asbestosOR Call 1300 292 442FOR MORE INFORMATION

Wagga Wagga City Council & NSW EPA are piloting a Household Asbestos Disposal Scheme offering free disposal of bonded asbestos

from across the Local Government Area.You only have until the end of June to make the most of this scheme!

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS: LEVEE UPGRADES Detailed design update & alternatives for North Wagga Wagga Wagga City Council is hosting a series of community information session to update residents and businesses on the progress of the detailed design process for the Main City and North Wagga Levees.

WHEN WHO WHERE TIME10 March 2015 Oura Oura Community Hall 7pm11 March 2015 Gumly Gumly East Wagga Football Club 6pm12 March 2015 North Wagga North Wagga Hall 6pm17 March 2015 East Wagga Council Chambers 6pm18 March 2015 Eunony Historic Council Chambers 5.30pm19 March 2015 General update Council Chambers 6pm

Want to know more?EMAIL: [email protected]: Lauren Fitzgerald, Community Engagement Officer on 6926 9197

wagga.nsw.gov.au/floodfutures

It’s time to weed out Wagga.Starting this week, Council News will

be placing a number of noxious weeds firmly in the community’s crosshairs with the aim of reducing the impact of weeds in the local government area.

The worst weeds of each season will be featured, starting this week with spiny burrgrass, a Class 4 Noxious Weed-Locally Controlled Weed.

Spiny burrgrass can be hard to tell apart from other exotic annual grasses like hairy panic when it is first emerging. That’s why early detection when spikelets containing the burrs first emerge is crucial for correct identification.

For more information on spiny burrgrass and on weed control, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/environment.

Residents and businesses across the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area will get an update on the detailed design process for the Main City and North Wagga levees and hear about alternative flood management options for North Wagga.

A series of community

information sessions will be held over the coming weeks across suburbs and villages, along with a general update for the rest of the community.

Since 2009, Wagga Wagga City Council has been investigating the feasibility of upgrading these levee systems

and responding to the requirements related to the project.

The detailed designs are being undertaken by NSW Public Works and are based on extensive geotechnical surveys and detailed investigations carried out over the past six months.

The cliché might be “there’s something for everyone”, but no one told The Listies.

The duo will be bringing a dash of mayhem to the Civic Theatre with their silly, out of control comedy show The Listies Make You LOL!

A few years ago, Rich and Matt decided to shake up the world of kids’ comedy and The Listies were born. Since then they have become Australia’s most sought-after family comedians.

Hilarious, messy and decidedly insane, The Listies have sold out shows all over Australia, New Zealand and the UK, delighting audiences and critics alike.

Imagine The Young Ones hosting Play School – if The Young Ones had downloaded two gigabytes of fart noises.

The Listies’ show features alien attacks, toilet paper guns, spew, the rudest word in the world and the most disgusting pair of undies you have ever seen in your entire life.

The Listies Make you LOL! is raucous, unruly and guaranteed to have the whole family (even dads) LOLing, ROFLing and ROFLSHALBOWCOing* (*Rolling On the Floor Laughing So Hard a Little Bit of Wee Came Out).

The Age gave the award-winning show a four-and-a-half star rating, highlighting that “nobody else does comedy for kids this brilliantly, but what’s more astounding is that adults have just as much fun”.

This show is rated S for Stupid and is coming to the Civic Theatre at 6pm on Saturday 14 March.

Visit www.civictheatre.com.au for more information and to book tickets.

Noxious weeds are in Council’s firing line

Levee information sessions to be held

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL: The Listies are bringing their unique brand of comedy to the Civic Theatre on March 14.

WHAT IS IT? Class 4 Noxious Weed – Locally Controlled Weed.WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? Spiny burrgrass is an erect or spreading annual grass up to 60cm in height and flowers in summer and autumn. Distinguishing features are spiny burrs in tall spikelets protruding from the plant.WHERE IS IT FOUND? The weed is found in light arid sandy soils

including roadsides and areas with good drainage and little organic matter.HOW IS IT SPREAD? By its burrs that attach to vehicles, animals, people etc. Seeds can remain in the soil for up to three years.WHAT CAN I DO? Manually dig out the plant when burrs are green and not fully developed. Herbicides can be used for spot spraying, being mindful of

surrounding vegetation. Perennial pastures such as Lucerne can also be sown to compete with spiny burrgrass. Reduce movement through infested areas to minimise the spread of burrs.

SPINY BURRGRASS CENCHRUS LONGISPINUSwanted

wagga.nsw.gov.au/environment

Council News - A Wagga Wagga City Council publication

p 1300 292 442e [email protected] www.wagga.nsw.gov.aua Civic Centre Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts PO Box 20 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

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Public NoticesRFT 2015/019 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AT GWMCSuitably endorsed Tenders marked “RFT 2015/019 Environmental Monitoring at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre” are invited and will be received by the undersigned until 2pm Wednesday 25 March 2015. Submissions are sought from suitably qualified providers for the sampling, laboratory analysis and reporting for groundwater, surface water, dust and gas at its Gregadoo Waste Management Centre. Enquiries should be directed to Chris Coombes via email [email protected] Specifications at nil cost can be accessed on the following web address: www.tenderlink.com/wagga

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO SERVE ON WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL’S FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEEThe Wagga Wagga City Council Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee is made up of Council and Emergency Management staff and various stakeholder representatives overseeing the implementation of the objectives of the Floodplain Risk Management Plan in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. The Committee meets every two months to discuss issues and to progress agreed actions. The duration of the committee meetings is approximately two hours.One (1) vacancy exists on the Committee and applications are now invited from persons interested in contributing to the work of this committee in a voluntary

position that attracts no remuneration.Applications will be received up to 5pm on Friday, 20 March 2015, from interested persons to serve on the Committee. Application forms are available from the Customer Service Centre at the Civic Centre, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga or from Council’s website www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/floodfutures.Applications should be addressed ‘Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee’ and returned to PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, or emailed to [email protected] must clearly outline in their application:• An understanding of the floodplain and

associated issues• A willingness to contribute to the

community in the best interest of the community

• The ability to inform the local community of the deliberations of the committee

• The ability to facilitate representations to the committee on behalf of the local community

Further information regarding this Committee may be made by contacting Jessica Crawford at Council on 1300 292 442.

NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALWagga Wagga City Council has received the following application to carry out “Development” under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.DA14/0607, Residential Subdivision, Residue Lot Bradman Dr BOOROOMA NSW 2650 Lot 66 DP 1193816, Applicant: Diocese Of Wagga Wagga Name of Consent Authority: Wagga Wagga City CouncilThe subject application and

accompanying documentation, may be inspected at the following address until the closure of exhibition.Submission Period: 09/03/2015 to 23/03/2015Where: Wagga Wagga City Council, cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga (Customer Service Counter).When: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays).Any person seeking to make a submission in relation to the abovementioned development should address all correspondence to the Consent Authority to be received prior to 5:00pm on the final day of the exhibition period. If any submission is made by way of objection, the grounds of objection must be specified in the submission.Persons lodging submissions are required to declare political donations (including donations of more than $1,000) made in the previous two years. For more details, including disclosure form, go to www.planning.nsw.gov.au/donations.Persons making written submissions regarding the above development are advised that any submission received within the submission period will be subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPPA) and may be attached to the final report, in its entirety or in part, to Council unless explicitly requested by the person making the submission that they do not wish this to occur.Enquiries: Further details relating to the matter can be obtained by contacting the Council’s Development Services. If you have any enquiries regarding the application, or about making submission, please telephone Development Services on 1300 292 442.

Phil Pinyon, GENERAL MANAGER

Meet Bilbo, this week’s Pet of the Week.A male beagle, Bilbo is looking for a more relaxed family but would still to get his exercise every day. He is a lovely dog with a great temperament and would fit into most families. Bilbo can be adopted $291.18, which includes vaccinations, desexing, worming, microchipping, lifetime registration and a vet check.You can meet Bilbo and his buddies at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter from Monday to Saturday, 1pm to 4.15pm. For more information, contact the friendly Animal Management Rangers on 6971 4651 or visit www.rescuerex.webs.com.

Meet Bilbo

epa.nsw.gov.au/litter

Litter fines average $200.Don’t be a tosser, take your rubbish with you.

HEY TOSSER!You know it’s wrong

www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/litter

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT - MAYORRemuneration: Min $1,155.70 gpw + superEnquiries: Scott Gray - 02 6926 9295Closing Date: Monday 23 March 2015

CORPORATE SYSTEM ANALYST Two (2) Positions AvailableRemuneration: Min $1,318.84 gpw + superEnquiries: Reece Hamblin - 02 6926 9243Closing Date: Friday 20 March 2015

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER - PARKS STRATEGIC OPERATIONSRemuneration: Min $966.91 gpw + superEnquiries: David Walker - 02 6926 9630Closing Date: Monday 16 March 2015

careers at councilWAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL

VACANCIES

To view these opportunities and apply, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs

Values - Part of everything we do Trust • Respect • Innovation • Teamwork

Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer

Access Council News from Council’s website, subscribe to get it emailed direct to your desktop or mobile device and follow @waggacouncil on Twitter and Instagram to get a complete Wagga View. Share your stories and images by using #waggaview and open up a whole new way to take part in your local community.

Share your #waggaviewInternational Women’s Day to be celebratedInternational Women’s Day (IWD)

will be celebrated around Wagga Wagga with a number of events.

Each year, IWD is celebrated in March to mark the economic, political and social achievement of women throughout history and across the world.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of IWD and the Museum of the Riverina will be presenting two special programs, while the Civic Theatre will host a high profile panel debate in partnership with Charles Sturt University.

At the museum, curator Michelle Maddison will present a free talk in association with the exhibition Worth Their Weight in Gold – Wagga’s Women in WWI on Saturday 7 March from 10.30am at the Botanic Gardens site.

“International Women’s Day 2015 is a perfect opportunity to

remember the contribution that women made to the war effort 100 years ago,” Ms Maddison said.

“It is a chance to reflect upon those who enlisted with organisations like the Australian Army Nursing Service, as well as those who worked tirelessly on the home front, in organisations like the Red Cross and Soldiers’ Comforts Funds.”

On Sunday from 11.30am, the Museum’s Historic Council Chambers will host the launch of The Country Wife, the memoir of heartbreak and triumph of the city’s first social worker, Anne Gorman.

Former long-standing president of the Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre Jan Roberts will also be on hand to share the history of women’s health in the city.

At the Civic Theatre on Tuesday 10 March from 7pm, an expert panel will debate and discuss

issues and solutions relating to gender equality through a regional lens.

Featuring on the panel are Women’s Health NSW CEO Denele Crozier, Commandant of the Army Recruit Training Centre Kapooka Steve Jobson, CSU Council Member and Researcher Rowan O’Hagan, Ogilvy PR Director Kieran Moore, Indigenous Allied Health Australia CEO Donna Murray and TAFE SA Acting CEO Miriam Silva.

The Q&A panel will be chaired by Jane Singleton AM, currently the Director for Sydney Peace Foundation, former presenter and reporter for ABCTV’s 7.30 Report, and recipient of the Member of the Order of Australia for services to women, media, development and the community.

Visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/museum and civictheatre.com.au for more information.