The Valley Views

Mayor’s Message

The Valley Views Issue 34 | July 2019

Mayor’s MessageAt the May meeting Council adopted our Operational Plan for the 2019/2020 financial year, which will see a new wave of projects start rolling out across Yass Valley from July. Before we look ahead I wanted to take this opportunity to look back on some of the projects we have achieved in the current financial year.

• Replaced the Binalong Recreation Ground amenities building, with construction underway on the new Sutton amenities building.

• Conducted four sustainability workshops and a school education program to help reduce household waste going to landfill.

• Resurfaced level two of the Yass Netball Courts at Joe O’Connor Park, Yass.

• Adopted Yass Valley’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, developed in partnership with the local Aboriginal community. Mayor Rowena Abbey

• Large road rehabilitation projects on Gundaroo Road & Good Hope Road.

• Conducted works under the ‘Safety Around Schools’ Program in Sutton and Yass (Berinba Primary School).

• Walker Park and Murrumbateman Rec Ground lighting installation and upgrades.

• Sealed the remaining 2.1km of Mulligans Flat Road and replaced the aged timber road bridge.

• Commenced the replacement of three load-limited timber bridges – Yass River Road, Black Range Road and Leake Street.

• Construction commenced on the Yass to Murrumbateman Water Pipeline project, with this major infrastructure project to be completed in 2020/2021.

• 19 community groups and organisations assisted with over $60,000 in Council grant funding.

The above list is just a snap shot of some of the projects achieved in 2018/2019 and shows the diverse ways in which your

209 Comur Street YASS

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Yass Valley Council

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ContactYASS VALLEY COUNCIL

‘Your Council ’ CELEBRATING LOCAL GOVERNMENT WEEK 2019Local Government Week (29 July - 4 August 2019) is a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate the work and services councils across NSW provide to their communities. Many councils use the week to encourage their community to explore the ways in which local government is part of their lives, and what their council does. The LG Week theme ‘Your Council’ presents an opportunity to move the conversation beyond roads, rates and rubbish and highlight how closely Your Council is involved in your community.Activities for Yass Valley residents:• Tuesday, 30 July – Explore the Yass Water Treatment Plant

and understand how Council’s infrastructure delivers water to your home, business or school.

• Thursday, 1 August – Understand what happens after you flush the toilet, with a tour around the Yass Sewage Treatment Plant.

• Friday, 2 August, 11am – 12pm – Get to know your local Councillors with a morning tea at the Yass Library.

For more information about the above activities, please visit: www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/our-council/news/article/354

Council is providing a service to the Yass Valley community.

Cr Rowena Abbey

Yass Valley Mayor

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During March and April Councillors conducted 10 community meetings throughout Yass Valley with close to 300 residents attending to hear about Council’s 2019/20 Operational Plan. Council’s Operational Plan details the projects, activities, budget, rates and charges for the next financial year and is based on the community’s 20 year Community Strategic Plan and Council’s four year Delivery Program.The 2019/20 Operational Plan went through a period of public consultation (4 March – 12 April 2019) with Council seeking feedback and comments from the community to help shape the document which will determine the projects and activities to be undertaken during the upcoming financial year.At the May 2019 Council meeting Councillors adopted the 2019/20 Operational Plan after reviewing the submissions made during the consultation period. Below is a list of major projects which will be carried out over the coming 12 months, with the full list of projects available: https://tinyurl.com/y547t4t3 • Local Roads (resealing & rehabilitation) - $1,010,000• Regional Roads (resealing, heavy patching and

rehabilitation) - $980,000• Timber Bridge Replacement Program (second year) -

$3,010,000• Yass to Murrumbateman Water Pipeline (design, easements

and construction) - $5,275,000• Water Quality Improvement (business case and design of

new Yass Water Treatment Plant) - $1,200,000• Watermain Replacement Program - $200,000• Yass Transfer Station weighbridge - $150,000• Sutton & Gundaroo Amenities Buildings - $1,110,000• Coronation Park Playground replacement - $260,000Council’s Operational Plan includes a detailed annual budget and Statement of Revenue Policy, including the confirmed rates, fees and charges for the financial year. With the adoption of the Operational Plan Council has resolved to make the Ordinary Rates for 2019/20, which includes a rate increase of 8.5 per cent, in accordance with the four year special rate variation awarded by the Minister for Local Government.

Do you understand where Council gets its funding from?Most people would probably assume that the majority of Council’s income comes from property rates, but this is not the case. 27% of Council’s annual income comes from rates, with the inclusion of annual charges (water, sewer and waste) increasing this figure to 43%. (Water, sewer and domestic waste collection are funded on a user-pays principle). The second largest contributor to Council’s income is through the sourcing of State and Federal Grants, which contributes to 40% of Council’s annual income.

For every $100 spent, understand what is funded by rates and other revenue

Are you a part of a book club and looking for your next great book or are you interested in starting a book club with your friends? Yass Valley Library have over 90 book club kits available and are taking registrations from anyone who is interested in taking advantage of this resource. If you are interested but are not currently a member of a book club, the Library are collecting names of people who would like to join a group. Established book clubs are also encouraged to register (max.

BOOK CLUB KITS now available AT YASS VALLEY LIBRARY10 people per club). To register please call Yass Library on 6226 1305, email [email protected] or drop in to chat with our friendly Library staff at 88 Comur Street, Yass. There is an annual fee of $100 for each club ( just $10 per member, if you have a club of 10) which is used to purchase new book club kits for our club members.All kits are able to be reserved online via www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/library using your Book Club Membership Card.

Looking ahead to 2019/2020 – WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YASS VALLEY?

Walmsleys Bridge on Yass River Road is an aged timber bridge with a load limit of 2 tonne. It will be replaced with a steel bridge and will open to traffic from July 2019.

The brand new amenities building in Binalong was officially opened by the Mayor of Yass Valley, Rowena Abbey on Saturday, 25 May 2019, coinciding with a Binalong Brahmans home game. “A new amenities building has been on the Binalong community’s wish list for many, many years and I am very proud to be officially opening this building,” said Yass Valley Mayor, Rowena Abbey. “Sport and social activities are so important for small communities such as Binalong and I cannot thank the NSW Government enough for understanding this importance and providing us with the funding to achieve this project.”Binalong is the first of three amenities buildings to be opened under the $1.65m Yass Valley LGA Facilities Upgrade Program, which was funded under NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.Wendy Tuckerman, Member for Goulburn, is pleased the project has been completed so quickly. “I’m sure the new building will be greatly appreciated in the peak of rugby league season - usually coinciding with the

THE FIRST OF YASS VALLEY’S THREE NEW AMENITIES BUILDINGS OPENED IN BINALONGcoldest time of the year. “The NSW Government’s significant investment in improving facilities across Yass Valley are set to benefit our residents and visitors alike. “The Stronger Country Communities fund is a once-in-a-generation investment and I’m excited to see these projects being completed and opened,” Mrs Tuckerman said.“This new amenities building will mean that Binalong’s primary school and sporting teams will be able to host more events and our town will be able to welcome visitors with new and clean facilities,” said Libby Elliot, President of Binalong Progress Association.“The community of Binalong is extremely thankful to the NSW Government and Yass Valley Council for the investment in our village.” Construction of the Sutton amenities building is well and truly underway, with the building anticipated to be opened for the community in September 2019. Construction of the Gundaroo amenities building will take place in the 2019/2020 financial year, with the finalisation of plans currently underway.

Cr Geoff Frost, Cr Mike Reid, Libby Elliot (Binalong Progress Association), Mayor Rowena Abbey, Ali Giles (Binalong Brahmans), Jack Trethowan & Alivia Kruger (Binalong Primary School) and Leon Arabin (Binalong Bushrangers).

Are you a senior Yass Valley resident looking for an interesting weekly activity with like-minded people? Friday Club may just be the answer you are looking for!

Since 2016 Friday Club has been bringing together senior citizens from all walks of life to share interesting discussions, talks and activities. From open gardens to kinesiology, genealogy to art classes and presentations from occupational therapists, authors and politicians, participants enjoy a wide variety of activities every week.

A four hour get-together with activities specifically designed to help older people continue living independently, the Friday Club is held every Friday from 10.30am till 2.30pm at the APEX Seniors Hall, Rossi Street. Transport is available by the 2582 Bus.

Contact Yass Valley Home Living Support Service on 6226 4555 for more information.

July 2019 Program

• 5 July - ‘Health & Make-up Makeover’ - Priceline Pharmacy

• 12 July - ‘Of cockle shells and pretty maids’ - Peter Bindon

• 19 July - ‘Footsteps Counselling’ - James Crocker

• 26 July - ‘World Travel’ - The Travel Compass

PROGRAM SNAP-SHOT: Friday Club

Members celebrating Friday Club’s fourth birthday

AUGUST1 Yass CWA Meeting - 9.30am CWA Hall, Banjo

Paterson Park, Yass.

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Free Tax Help - Appointments available every Thursday at Yass Library, 10am-6pm until 31 October 2019. Bookings essential.

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Tech Help - Make an appointment on Thursday afternoon to speak to one of our knowledgeable Library staff members. Bookings essential.

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Lego Club - 4pm every Thursday at Yass Library. (Not held during school holidays).

2 Business Chamber Breakfast - Meets the first Friday of every month at 7.30am for breakfast. All welcome. Check Chamber website for location of breakfast.

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

Friday Club - 10.30am-2.30pm – Friday Club is a fun and engaging club for older people to participate in a range of activities. Call 6226 4555 for more information.

3 & 17 Yass Community Market - 10am to 1pm @ Yass Soldiers Memorial Hall, Comur St, Yass.

5, 12, 19 & 26

Pre-School Story Time - 9.30am every Monday at Yass Library, except school holidays.

5 Movie Monday - First Monday of the month at 10.30am at Yass Library. This is a free event, however bookings are appreciated.

7, 14, 21 & 28

Mini Music - Free event for children aged 0-4 years and their parent/s or carer/s, held at 9.30am (except during school holidays) at Yass Library. No booking required.

10 & 24 Murrumbateman Village Markets - 9am-1pm @ Murrumbateman Rec Grounds.

11 Yass Music Club Concert - More information: https://yassmusicclub.com/

11 Yass Rural Australians for Refugees meeting - Bringing justice and relief to asylum seekers.

12 Library Knitting Group - Meet every second Monday of the month at the Yass Library from 10am-12pm. Everyone is welcome, just bring along your wool and knitting needles!

15 Yass Probus Club Meeting - Yass Probus meets at the Soldiers Club on the third Thursday of the month at 10am.

19 Dementia Coffee & Chat Group - 10am–12pm @ Roses Café, everyone welcome.

22 Red Cross Meeting - Meetings held at the Yass Soldiers Club on the 4th Thursday of each month at 2pm and always welcome new members.

SEPTEMBER2, 9, 16 & 23

Pre-School Story Time - 9.30am every Monday at Yass Library, except school holidays.

2 Movie Monday - First Monday of the month at 10.30am at Yass Library. This is a free event, however bookings are appreciated.

4, 11, 18 & 25

Mini Music - Free event for children aged 0-4 years and their parent/s or carer/s, held at 9.30am (except during school holidays) at Yass Library. No booking required.

5 Yass CWA Meeting - 9.30am CWA Hall, Banjo Paterson Park, Yass.

5, 12, 19 & 26

Free Tax Help - Appointments available every Thursday at Yass Library, 10am-6pm until 31 October 2019. Bookings essential.

5, 12, 19 & 26

Tech Help - Make an appointment on Thursday afternoon to speak to one of our knowledgeable Library staff members. Bookings essential.

5, 12, 19 & 26

Lego Club - 4pm every Thursday at Yass Library. (Not held during school holidays).

6 Business Chamber Breakfast - Meets the first Friday of every month at 7.30am for breakfast. All welcome. Check Chamber website for location of breakfast.

6, 13, 20 & 27

Friday Club - 10.30am-2.30pm – Friday Club is a fun and engaging club for older people to participate in a range of activities. Call 6226 4555 for more information.

7 & 21 Yass Community Market - 10am to 1pm @ Yass Soldiers Memorial Hall, Comur St, Yass.

8 Yass Rural Australians for Refugees meeting - Bringing justice and relief to asylum seekers.

9 Library Knitting Group - Meet every second Monday of the month at the Yass Library from 10am-12pm. Everyone is welcome, just bring along your wool and knitting needles!

13-15 Irish & Celtic Music Festival - Celtic and Irish music will be performed by Australian and International artists across a variety of Yass venues. Fun for the whole family. https://irishcelticmusicfestival.weebly.com

14 & 28 Murrumbateman Village Markets - 9am-1pm @ Murrumbateman Rec Grounds.

14 Australian Cool Climate Wine Show - Book now for the annual national Australian Cool Climate Wine Show’s public events – the public tastings or indulge yourself at the Long Table Wine Luncheon. https://www.accwineshow.com.au/

15 Yass Lawn Tennis Club - 120th Celebration - For more information, visit the Club’s Facebook page.

16 Dementia Coffee & Chat Group - 10am–12pm @ Roses Café, everyone welcome.

19 Yass Probus Club Meeting - Yass Probus meets at the Soldiers Club on the third Thursday of the month at 10am.

21 Red Cross Spring Garden Stall - Come and visit the Red Cross spring garden stall at the Yass Community Markets. Contact Cath Williams 0408 289 906.

26 Red Cross Meeting - Meetings held at the Yass Soldiers Club on the 4th Thursday of each month at 2pm and always welcome new members.

Events Calendar

*The Valley Views newsletter is compiled a number of weeks before delivery. Please be aware that information may have changed and you should seek clarification from Council - 6226 1477 / [email protected].

To find out more information about these events, or to promote your upcoming community event please visit: https://www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/our-community/whats-on/

Send in your community events so we can help you promote them – [email protected]