Summary of Correspondence to Be Presented to the Ordinary Meeting of the Weddin Shire Council

QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

Council has resolved that a ten minute “question time” be allowed at the beginning of each meeting, where members of the public can put their concerns before Council for discussion on the following basis:

• Requests to speak to be submitted in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.
• Requests to be accompanied by a copy of any questions.
• Each speaker to be allowed three minutes.

The following requests have been received:-

Nil

SUMMARY OF CORRESPONDENCE TO BE PRESENTED TO THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL HELD, 14 FEBRUARY 2007.

SECTION A - Matters for information

1. LGSA, A3.9.1: Forwarding Weekly Circulars numbered02/2007, 03/2007, 04/2007 and 05/2007.

Note: Councillors may obtain copies of selected items from the Secretary.

1. LGSA, C1.7.11: Highlighting some useful information that may assist your council in planning for population ageing.

Local Government has a role to play in shaping built environment outcomes through its land use strategic planning, development assessment and building approval responsibilities. Therefore planning for population ageing goes across various council areas and as such Planning and Community Service teams would benefit form the following initiatives.

• Planning for Population Ageing – Regional Seminars

A series of seminars were held in regional centres in July 2006.

• Age-Friendly Built Environments – Opportunity for Local Government/ALGA 2006

The paper consists of six (6) fact sheets which cover a range of age-friendly built environment issues, which are relevant to local government.

• Local Government Ageing Toolbox: A Guide to Action/ALGA 2006

The toolbox is an initiative of the Australian Local Government Population Ageing Action Plan and is a practical aid for those Councils interested in developing a strategic response to population ageing.

Referred to Director Environmental Services

1. Caragabal Water Progressive Association, U1.7.1: Concerning funding for new pumps.

The association requires a multi stage pump to replace present pump which is 30 years old.

We wish to apply for a grant if available on a 50:50 basis. The cost of replacement is $2032.69.

Referred to Director Engineering

1. Land and Property Information NSW, E3.3.2: Forwarding Certificate(s) of Title for four (4) lots comprising part of the Grenfell Garbage depot.

1. NSW Department of Primary Industries, A3.6.45: Calling for funding applications for projects that benefit recreational fishing in NSW.

Fisheries enhancement projects, including recreational fishing access and facilities have been identified as a high priority for funding.

I encourage you to apply for funding from the Trusts for projects to improve recreational fishing. Matching funding is encouraged and can be provided as in-kind support, such as voluntary labour etc.

The closing date for applications is 7 March 2007.

Note: copies forwarded to local fishing clubs.

1. United Services Union, P1.2.2: Advising that, with the final increases under the Local Government (State) Award 2004 having been paid in November last year and the notional date for the award due to expire on 31 October 2007 the USU has now filed an application before the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales for a new state award.

Unfortunately there is continuing uncertainty regarding the issue of state versus federal jurisdiction.

Local Government stakeholders, employees and employers alike, deserve to have the uncertainty surrounding the issue of jurisdiction resolved as soon as possible. To this end the USU will now take the appropriate steps to seek a declaration concerning the extent of coverage of the Local Government (State) Award. We ask council to give early consideration to this issue.

Note: under consideration.

1. Goulburn Mulwaree Council, C2.7.9: Forwarding the Mayor and General Manager an invitation to a Mayoral Round Table on Friday 2 March 2007 at Goulburn.

The Hon. Ian Macdonald MLC will be attending the meeting.

1. Department of Local Government, C2.2.4: Thanking you for your interest in attending the Department of Local Government’s regional workshop at Dubbo.

Because of the wide interest, we have had to limit the numbers attending to no more than five persons per council.

Could you please provide details of your amended registration, including the groups your five representatives wish to attend.

1. NRMA, C1.7.8: Concerning community help grants.

Through the community help Grants program, NRMA Insurance offers grants of between $500 and $5,000 to groups undertaking projects in areas of crime prevention, injury prevention, emergency services and the environment.

We invite you to contact local groups in your electorate to apply for a grant.

Applications for NRMA Insurance community help Grants close on Friday 30 March 2007.

Copy forwarded to Neighbourhood Watch Committee

1. RTA, R2.51.11: Concerning the 2006/2007 Regional Roads Repair Program. The 2006/07 REPAIR Program has now been finalised and the following project has been selected for funding under the program.

MR 236 - Sealing and Widening of both sides of shoulders between 7.3 km and 13.3 km from Melyra Street, Grenfell towards Gooloogong, $190,000.

Council is required to complete the approved works within the 2006/07 financial year.

Referred to Director Engineering

1. The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts, C1.4.1: Writing on behalf of the Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Committee, to ask permission to have the road from the Showground to Company’s Dam closed for the Fun Run.

The Fun Run will be held at the Showground this year and is held on Saturday 9th June starting at 10.00 am and finishing at approximately at 11.15 am.

Referred to Director Engineering

1. Tami Stewart, R2.10.139: Writing regarding Stewarts Lane at Wirriny.

This is a road we travel on four times a day and it needs attention now.

There is also a sign on Stewarts Lane that says Muffets Road. Can you please remove it because that is not Muffets Road.

Referred to Director Engineering

SECTION B - Matters referred to Committees

1. Grenfell Rugby League Football Club, P2.1.6: Applying for the hire of the Henry Lawson Oval Number One (1) Oval for the upcoming Rugby League season.

The Grenfell Rugby League Football Club has hired this ground in previous years and hopes to continue to do so again.

The draw for this season will not be available for another month.

Referred to Director Engineering

1. Grenfell Rugby Club, P2.1.6: Applying for the use of LawsonPark for Saturdays and on Thursday nights from approximately 7 pm – 8.30 pm.

The duration would be from 1 February to 31 August 2007.

The reason for this application is because of the deteriorated condition of the ground at Bembrick Field (due to the lack of water) and the associated risk of injuries due to the hard surface.

Referred to Director Engineering

1. Grenfell Rugby Union Club, C1.2.4: Requesting the pipe inside the well at Companys Dam be connected, so as to allow flow of water to R B Bembrick rugby ground. The Grenfell Rugby Club have already installed the external connecting pipe to the inlet hose at Companys Dam and would be prepared to reimburse council for costs incurred for the connection to well. As this connection would benefit both our club and the WeddinShireCaravanPark, we ask that this cost may be shared.

Referred to Director Engineering (TWC)

1. Grenfell Business Development Committee, C2.6.33: Advising it has discussed several issues affecting business in Grenfell. Two of the items mentioned in the business forum were the Christmas Lights on Main Street and parking for caravans. These are outlined below.

Christmas Lights – the GBDC would like to see the lights used for tourism throughout the year. Would it be possible to use an electronic timer to have the lights activated at night for a few hours on certain days of the week. The Main Street is seen as a draw-card for tourism and the lights would enhance its presentation at night.

Caravan Parking – caravans are often observed driving around the streets looking for parking to gain access to the business district. Does Council have a policy on caravan parking or any suggestions for future arrangements.

Referred to Director Engineering (TWC)

1. RTA, T3.4.1: Regarding the proposed school bus service extension involving Martins Lane and Henry Lawson Way.

I refer to previous correspondence/application in 2003 from the subject Bus Proprietor and Transport NSW involving the same location. At the time the application was rejected based on deficient sight distance. To date I am not aware of any upgrade of the location to warrant a review of the matter. In that regard I oppose the application, based on significant safety concerns with regard to the turning manoeuvre. It is appreciated that the Proprietor has endeavoured to seek an alternative route but perhaps a broader review of the route could be employed in conjunction with other Bus Companies.

Referred to Director Engineering (LTC)

1. Railway Hotel, H1.4.2: Concerning the Alcohol Free Zone.

The alcohol free zone is working beautifully. It is utilized extensively on weekends with very favourable comments from patrons and travellers.

However, we are experiencing problems with the 9 pm curfew especially now daylight savings is with us. Patrons are half way through a meal and we have to remove their alcoholic drinks or move them inside to finish their meal.

We are seeking a change of time to say 11 am to 11 pm. To date we have not had any problems with underage or excessive drinking on the footpath.

Referred to Director Environmental Services (TWC)

1. NSW Department of Primary Industries, E3.1.6: Advising that the Minister for Primary Industries is proposing to declare galvanised burr as a Control Class 4 noxious weed under the provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.

As your organisation may be impacted by this proposal, you are invited to make a written submission no later than Wednesday, 21 February 2007.

Referred to Director Engineering (NWC)

1. The Grenfell Shed, C1.3.31: Asking if there could be a sign indicating the location of The Grenfell Shed to traffic passing through town. Such signage has been observed in other towns and by all accounts has proved most helpful.

Referred to Director Engineering (TWC)

1. Five Concerned Shop Holders in the Main Street, R2.12.2: Writing this letter to request that the areas around the seating in the Main Street be cleaned more often.

The shop holders sweep the footpaths in front of their particular shops on a daily basis, but food and beverages spills do not sweep away. The area where people wait for the taxi and the bus is a particular concern.

We would appreciate your consideration in this matter as we feel it would truly benefit the town.

Referred to Director Engineering (TWC)

1. Alan R Lindsay, H1.1.7: Concerning the proposed Grenfell Medical Centre and forwarding possible floor plans for conversion of the CWA building in Weddin Street Surgery building, to a new Medical Centre.

I also provide the following remarks for the CWA building, Weddin Street building and Greenfield site for your consideration.

To be referred to Property and Development Committee

SECTION C- Matters with recommendations.

1. The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts, C1.4.1: Advising it is again organising the Henry Lawson Festival of Arts, to take place on the 9, 10 and 11 of June. We are seeking the usual generous assistance of the Weddin Shire Council.

1. Underwriting the Awards Dinner on the Saturday night.
2. Allowing us to use the Library.
3. Erecting the lights and bunting.
4. Arranging for the closure of the Main Street and the relevant sections of Burrangong Street on Saturday 9 June.
5. Could it be possible to have the Main Street footpaths and gutters cleaned.
6. Sponsoring an acquisitive prize in the Traditional Section of the Art for $1000.

Details of the proposed activities will be forwarded as they are organised.

RECOMMENDATION: that items 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 be approved, and Council offer no objection to the street closures subject to the approval of the Police and Local Traffic Committee.

1. Jardine Lloyd Thompson, A3.11.2: Concerning the Local Community Insurance Services.

When the public liability insurance crisis occurred in 2002, the impact on community groups caused significant hardship through limited public liability market capacity and substantial increase in premium, driving many community groups to cease operating or continue to operate without adequate insurance protection.

The Insurance industry responded to the needs of community groups throughout Australia with the establishment of the Community Care Insurance Agency (jointly underwritten by QBE, IAG and Allianz).

The Community Care Insurance Agency is due to cease operations effective 1 February 2007.

We are pleased to advise that JLT has once again reinforced our commitment to the community group sector by creating a specialist business unit to expand the services that we are able to offer.

Effective from 1st December 2006, Local Community Insurance Services (LCIS) will commence operations through a strategic alliance with one of Australia’s leading insurers, QBE Insurance, and will take over the portfolio previously administered by the Community Care Insurance Agency.

It would be appreciated if you could advise community groups in your Council area of the availability of this facility.

RECOMMENDATION: that the facility be duly publicised.

SECTION D - Matters for determination or consideration.

1. Cowra Shire Council, T4.4.1: Advising it has received Development Application No. 14/2007 from applicant FerroMin Pty Ltd for a designated development on land known as Lot 168 DP 42954, Lot 115 DP 752932 and Lot 1 DP 1044550 Mid Western Highway, Broula via Cowra.

The development proposes the operation of a magnetite and limestone mine, including rehabilitation, over a period of approximately 20 years, recovering approximately 1.3 million tonnes of magnetite, 0.15 million tonnes of haematite and 0.9 million tonnes of limestone.

A copy of the application details relating to this development proposal are attached for your information and you are invited to comment on the development by 19 February 2007.

Referred to Director Environmental Services

1. Ken Tuckey, C1.1.2: Advising that since 1995 I have been raising money for the Cancer Council of NSW ($10,000) and The Children’s Cancer Institute Australia($240,000). A total of $250,000 has been raised by way of me riding motor bikes and walking camels 16,000 kilometres throughout Australia.

This year I will leave Coolah on 1 May. I will be riding the same Quad bike 10,000 kilometres, endeavouring to raise money for Breast Cancer.

This 2007 trip is planned to commence in May and be completed within four months. I am planning to pass through towns in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. Main towns on-route, in NSW, will be Coolah, Dubbo, Cowra and Wagga Wagga.

I require assistance with funds to pay for food for four team members, fuel for two escort units and fuel for the Quad bike.

Should you be willing to sponsor me in any way, I will gladly provide media coverage and prominent signage on my trailer for your business during my trip.

1. Australian Red Cross NSW, C1.3.0: Inviting Weddin Shire Council to become a Local Government Friend of Australian Red Cross. This follows the resolution at last year’s Local Government Conference in NSW where this resolution was passed: ‘That the Local Government Association become ‘Local Government Friends of Red Cross’ and ipso facto all NSW Local Governments if they choose to be, and thus engage in shaping the future of our organisations in the context of community building and governance’.

Copy forwarded to Councillors

1. Cindy and David Taylor, T4.3.1: Advising my father Roger McDougall is 62 years old and is embarking on a 4,200 km unsupported bicycle journey from Bondi Junction to Fremantle commencing March 2007.

It is his intention to complete this trip in 62 days and his is hoping to raise $50,000 for the MS Society.

He has a planned stop over in Grenfell on 16 March 2007 and any help you can provide in terms of sponsorship or generation of local interest is much appreciated.

Note: the event will be included in local publicity announcements.

1. CENTROC, C2.7.16: Advising that at the meeting of the CENTROC Board of 7 December 2006, it was resolved as follows that CENTROC commend to member Councils of Weight of Loads that they consider funding the purchase of a set of scales for the Weight of Loads group in their next budgeting round with an estimated cost of $2,500.

To that extent General Managers and Mayors of the 13 Local Government Areas of the region have considered the Weight of Loads suggestion for the purchase of scales and request that council, as a member of the group, give consideration in your 2007/2008 budget round to such a purchase.

The cost estimated by the Weight of Loads Committee would be $2,500 to each member Council.

RECOMMENDATION: that the request be considered for the 2007/2008 budget.

1. Temora Shire Council Mayor, T2.3.1: Concerning State Government Planning Reforms and Rural Subdivision.

Copy forwarded to Councillors

1. Central NSW Tourism, T4.1.6: Advising that Weddin Shire Council is a member of Central NSW Tourism.

I am writing to you now to advise you of your membership fee for 2007-2008, which will be $1,532 plus GST which has been calculated as the 2006/2007 figures plus a CPI of 3.5%.

Note: 2006/2007 membership fee $1,480 (GST Exc)

1. Dr Charles Ma, P2.4.2: Advising of my intention to discontinue my service to the Grenfell area.

Copy forwarded to Councillors

Reported in Director Corporate Services report.

SUMMARY OF LATE CORRESPONDENCE TO BE PRESENTED TO THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL HELD 14 FEBRUARY 2007.

1. Department of Transport and Regional Services, T4.5.8: Forwarding two copies of a proposed Funding Agreement Variation.

The Variation amends the project milestones, payment, reporting and project completion dates in the Schedule to the Agreement, following your advice regarding the building re-designs.

Could you please arrange for execution of the Variation by Council.

RECOMMENDATION: that the Variation be signed on behalf of Council.

1. Caragabal Country Golf Club, C1.2.7: Concerning the loan of $20,000 and submitting the following names as guarantors for the loan.

Note: copy forwarded to Council’s solicitor

RECOMMENDATION: that the loan documents be signed under seal of Council, further that approval be given to advance the loan on the completion of the documentation.

1. Cowra Shire Council, T4.4.1: Concerning the Development Application 14/2007 for a Magnetite and Limestone Mine and advising that the exhibition period has been extended to 5 March 2007.

1. NSW Department of Planning, A3.6.36: Forwarding information regarding the Central West Rural Lands Panel.

The purpose of the Panel is to investigate, report and make recommendations on land use planning in the cental west region of the State, giving particular regard to balancing the protection of agricultural lands with other competing interest.