A selected snapshot of some current projects and works by our Technical Services Department...

PROJECTS• An estimate and program is being finalised for the Nimmie-

Caira project.

• Stage 1 of the Gonn Street Stormwater Gravity Project is complete with Stage 2 expected to be finished by the end of November.

• Road construction works/reconstruction works has started on sections of MR341 Deniliquin Road and Noorong Road.

• Drainage works in Moulamein Road in Barham are in progress.

• Barham Cemetery improvements will proceed following the appointment of Council’s new Design Engineer.

Water supply and sewerage projects• Quotes have been received and approved for the replacement

of the raw water pump at Murray Downs.

• Sewer relining works in Murray Downs are ongoing.

• Membranes are in transit from Germany for the Wakool Plant membrane replacement. The replacement is anticipated to start in February 2016.

• Membranes are also in transit from Germany for the enhancement of additional filter capacity for the Tooleybuc water treatment plant. Works are expected to start in February 2016.

• The Murray Downs membrane replacement has been rescheduled to March 2016 to allow for the import of membranes.

• The Tooleybuc raw water pump enhancement has been rescheduled to start in February 2016.

• Mains replacement/renewal at Moulmein is complete.

GENERAL• Roadside shoulder grading is in progress.

• Gravel resheeting and formation improvements are complete on Nacurrie Road North, Miller Road and Thomas Road.

• Resheeting for Coobool Siding Road is on hold until the Coobool Siding Road Bridge is complete.

• Footpath works in Moulamein-Barham Road, Carne Street, Morago Street, Barratta Street and Broughham Street are in progress.

• Ongoing minor bridge maintenance, bridge inspections and regional road inspections are being conducted.

• Ongoing routine maintenance has taken place in each township of the Shire.

• Following notification from a member of the public regarding distressed trees, Council has suspended weed spraying activities. The EPA has conducted an inspection and Council is currently waiting on the recommendations of the report, due back to Council by the end of the year, depending on test times.

Wakool Shire Council has welcomed the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) final report, which has assessed that Wakool is Fit for the Future as a Rural Council.

Wakool submitted its Rural Council proposal to IPART at the end of June. The proposal was formally adopted by Council at its June Ordinary Meeting following a community consultation period.

Wakool Shire Council Mayor Neil Gorey said Council was pleased that it had been deemed Fit for the Future.

“We certainly welcome the IPART assessment that Wakool Shire Council is Fit for the Future as a Rural Council,” Cr Gorey said.

“The IPART Report specifically acknowledged that Wakool satisfies the Rural Council characteristics. It also meets the overall financial criteria and the criteria for sustainability, infrastructure and service management and efficiency.”

Council has made a submission to the New South Wales Government confirming its Fit for the Future Rural Council proposal.

“Council will also urge the state government to make the necessary legislative and regulatory changes to reduce the compliance burden on Rural Councils,” Cr Gorey added.

“It will also seek the government’s support to establish a Mid-Murray Joint Organisation, capable of performing the higher-level strategic functions envisaged in Council’s Rural Council proposal.”

IPART’s final report Assessment of Council Fit for the Future Proposals, found that of the 139 councils assessed, 60 per cent were found to be Not Fit. Nine of the Rural Council proposals were deemed to be Fit while 11 were Not Fit.

The New South Wales Government released its Fit for the Future package in September 2014 after a three-year independent review of Local Government in New South Wales.

Moulamein Races, second Saturday of DecemberKick up your hooves at the annual Moulamein Races. A day jam packed with racing, fashion and fun for the whole family. For more race information call Tarsh on 03 5034 0591.

The Barham Koondrook photographic and video competition, January through to MarchFor entries of photographs taken in and around the Barham Koondrook area. Entries open 1 Jan 2016 and close 2 March 2016. Visit http://barhamkoondrook.com.au/ for more information.

Koondrook Barham Farmers Market – third Sunday of every monthA monthly market held on the bank of the Murray River in Koondrook. The stallholders pride themselves on the region’s unique produce. Meet them in person from 8.30am to 1pm. Visit www.kbfarmersmarket.org.

Great Aussie Lilo Race, Australia Day Weekend - Koondrook BarhamThrow your lilo, tube or any other floating device into the Murray and see who makes it to the end of the course first! A local fundraiser and great event suitable for the whole family. Keep an eye out for details locally closer to the event.

Barham Rock and Roll Festival, first weekend in FebruaryOnce again cluBarham hosts some of the best rock and roll bands during this fantastic weekend. For more information phone 03 5453 2159.

Barham Country Stampede, fourth weekend in FebruaryAnother action packed week at cluBarham with a program which promises well known artists performing on a number of stages each day. For more information phone 03 5453 2159.

Koondrook Barham Fishing Comp, last weekend in FebruaryGreat weekend of fishing for all. Excellent prizes. Contact the Footy Club.

WAKOOL SHIRE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER www.wakool.nsw.gov.au

december 2015

Also in this issue

Timber bridge replacement program

Tooleybuc Bridge update

Christmas/New Year holiday closures

What’s on in the Wakool Shire

Cr Anthony Jackson PO Box 252Barham NSW 2732Ph 0427 533 097Fax 03 5453 1452

Cr Lois Lockhart“Old Goodnight”Goodnight 2736Ph 03 5030 5544Fax 03 5030 5544

Cr Neil Gorey (Mayor)PO Box 117Barham 2732Ph 0428 536 513Fax 03 5453 6513

Cr Katarni Lipp 64 Tallow StreetMoulamein 2733Ph 0427 184 174Fax 03 5887 5155

Cr Colin Membrey39 Punt RoadBarham NSW 2732Ph 03 5453 1408Fax 03 5453 1024

Cr Ann Crowe(Deputy Mayor) PO Box 1458Swan Hill VIC 3585Ph/Fax 5033 1734Ph 0438 331 733

Wakool Welcomes Fit For the Future report

HOW DO I LIST MY EVENT?Events will only be listed if details have been forwarded for the next edition. Even if your events are run annually it will not be included unless your club or organisation contacts Council with details to ensure they are current from year to year. This also gives the opportunity for smaller, non-annual events to submit details too. Please email your listings to mail@wakool.nsw.gov.au. You may also include one picture of your event. Shire Wire editions are generally mid February, mid May, mid August and mid November.

For Your inFo:

COUNCIL MEETINGSLocations of the monthly Council meetings will rotate across the Shire for 2015/2016.

ORDINARY MEETINGSBarham (9th December – 9.30am)

Moulamein (17th February) Murray Downs (16th March)

Council’s Ordinary Meetings generally start at 2pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend these monthly meetings. Council meetings agendas and minutes are available from the Barham or Moulamein Offices or on Council’s website. If there’s information you can’t find, call our administrative services team on 03 5887 5007 and they will pass the information to you.If you’re interested in addressing Council on any matter, this needs to be discussed with our Executive Assistant who can be contacted on 03 5887 5007 during business hours.

Kick up your hooves at the Moulamein Races on the second Saturday of December.

YOUR COUNCILLORS

Reconstruction works have started on sections of Noorong Road. A list of frequently asked questions regarding the Fit for the Future

process and Wakool Shire becoming a Rural Council can be found inside this edition of Shire Wire.

As part of its participation in the Small Business Friendly Council Program (SBFC), Wakool Shire is assisting community members and local traders with the coordination of the inaugural Barham Christmas Festival.

The 2015 Barham Christmas Festival will be held in the town on Friday, 4th December from 5pm to 9pm.

The festival will see over 30 local traders and home-based businesses join together in a street-trading festival, coupled with food stalls, kid’s activities and local entertainment.

Via the event’s Facebook page and media articles, residents have been encouraged

to “shop local” and do their Christmas present shopping on the night.

By bringing the stores out onto the street, Council and the local traders also see the event as a great opportunity to reacquaint locals with the variety of products the stores have on offer.

Council has been working with the community to coordinate the event over the past couple of months and is pleased that it has provided a platform to collaborate with local businesses on small-scale economic initiatives.

The SBFC Program is supported by the NSW Business Chamber and encourages Council to engage in practices that support

and encourage the local small business community.

Wakool’s World of Works

Don’t miss the Barham Christmas Festival

Roads and Maritime Services, in partnership with VicRoads, is planning to replace the Murray River bridge on the Mallee Highway at Tooleybuc.

The yellow option, a high level bridge downstream of the existing bridge, has been identified as the preferred option.

Approximately 100 community members attended an information night on Wednesday, 28th October at the Tooleybuc Sports Club.

Roads and Maritime would like to thank community members for their involvement in the consultation process and looks forward to continuing this throughout the concept design phase of the project.

The tone of the meeting was lively with lots of questions and open discussion.

The Roads and Maritime project team reiterated that the intersection at Murray Street will allow for all turning movements and direct access to the shopping area.

Roads and Maritime is committed to continuing to work with the community on design of the intersection, including ensuring

ease of access between the highway and shopping area for caravans.

The team invited feedback from the community about relocating the boat ramp and fire shed, and talked about using the bridge pier nearest to Tooleybuc to create a wharf for recreational fishing and mooring houseboats. This would be done in conjunction with council.

The Tooleybuc Bridge project is part of the NSW’s Government Bridges for the Bush initiative, which aims to improve freight productivity in regional areas.

maYor’s messaGeAs we head towards the end of the year and into 2016, it’s timely to acknowledge the year that has been for Wakool Shire and our community. One of the biggest challenges we faced this year (as did councils across New South Wales) was the continuation of the Fit for the Future process. After submitting its Rural Council proposal to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in June (following community consultation), it was very pleasing that Wakool was assessed as Fit for the Future as a Rural Council.Council has confirmed its Fit for the Future Rural Council proposal to the New South Wales Government and we are now waiting for further information around the next steps regarding Fit for the Future. This is expected to happen by the end of the year.In acknowledging the Fit for the Future process, I would like to thank Council staff for their hard work in preparing the comprehensive Rural Council proposal. I would also like to recognise the support of Council throughout the process and the community for their valuable feedback. In May this year, IPART announced it had approved Wakool Shire Council’s application for a special rate variation of 7% (inclusive of rate pegging).The decision to apply to IPART for a special rate variation followed the Federal Government’s May 2014 announcement

of a freeze on the indexation of Local Government Financial Assistance Grants for three years. This had the potential to severely impact on revenue and affect Council’s service levels. The special rate variation approval enabled Council to restore existing service levels to our local road network and maintenance of infrastructure in towns and villages. It also ensured that Council was in a good position throughout the Fit for the Future process. There has also been the continuation of projects within the Shire – including the timber bridge replacement program and the replacement of three bridges in Waugorah as part of the Nimmie-Caira project (an estimate and program is currently being finalised). Additionally, Roads and Maritime Services has announced the yellow option for the Tooleybuc Bridge as its preferred option. Council, together with RMS, will work with the Tooleybuc community regarding opportunities around the project. In addition to projects and other infrastructure works (including water infrastructure renewal), Council’s budget allocated $1.315m for rural roads and bridge maintenance, $9.162m for new and renewal works and $360,500 for gravel re-sheets and formation works. In reflecting on just some of the highlights and challenges this year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Councillors, Council staff and the community for their continued support.

The yellow option has been identified as the preferred option to replace the Murray River bridge at Tooleybuc.

Tooleybuc Bridge update

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the Fit for the Future process and how it will affect Wakool Shire Council.

What is Fit for the Future?The New South Wales Government released its Fit for the Future package in September 2014 after a three-year independent review of Local Government in New South Wales.

Among the Independent Local Government Review Panel’s recommendations was the consideration of councils to merge, to become a Rural Council or to establish regional Joint Organisations.

How will it affect Wakool Shire Council?The Independent Local Government Review Panel recommended two alternate options for Wakool Shire Council:

• Become a Rural Council in a Mid-Murray Joint Organisation; or

• Potentially merge with Murray, Conargo and Deniliquin councils.

Wakool Shire Council resolved to pursue the option to become a Rural Council.

Wakool submitted its Rural Council proposal to IPART at the end of June. The proposal was formally adopted by Council at its June Ordinary Meeting following a community consultation period.

What is the Rural Council proposal and what does it mean for Wakool Shire?The Rural Council option would see Wakool Shire Council work with other similar-sized councils within the Mid-Murray group (Joint Organisation).

The Rural Council proposal enables Wakool Shire to retain its identity and local representation and decision-making, as well as local access to facilities and service delivery. It also retains alignments with the Victorian cross-border councils of Swan Hill and Gannawarra.

Working with other councils in a mid-Murray Joint Organisation provides the opportunity to access shared skills in strategic planning and policy development, to a wider knowledge base of creativity and innovation, and to group advocacy. It also provides the chance to grow local tourism and expand on cross-border alliances, such as waste management (Gannawarra Shire) and library services (Swan Hill Rural City Council).

Additionally, it provides the opportunity for Wakool to deliver speciality services such as external accounting/IT services and to become a centre of excellence for small bridge construction and health and building surveying.

What was the consultation process in the lead up to the submission of Wakool’s Rural Council proposal?Flyers regarding Council’s position and an invitation to discuss the Rural Council option with a Council Officer (and provide feedback) was sent to all rateable properties. Information was also made available through local broadcast and print media.

A series of pop-up shops were also held at centres across the Shire. The pop-up shops included a display stand where residents could find further information, while a Council representative was available to discuss the Fit for the Future process and Council’s proposal.

Following the submission of the Rural Council proposal, Wakool Shire Council and IPART invited ratepayers and stakeholders to provide comments regarding Fit for the Future proposals.

What was the feedback from the community?Of the 45 submissions received, more than half had no objection to the Rural Council proposal and formally rejected the merged council option. Another 10 submissions had no objection to the proposed Rural Council option.

Will any services be affected by Wakool becoming a Rural Council?In determining its response to the Fit for the Future package, Council considered two important principles – services to its communities and community representation.

The Rural Council model retains local representation and decision-making as well as local access to facilities and service delivery. Council remains strongly committed to ensuring residents and ratepayers receive acceptable levels of service and did not propose the option of shared administration in its Rural Council submission.

As part of a Rural Council in a mid-Murray group, there is an opportunity to share other services such as internal auditing, procurement arrangements, strategic planning for water utilities, asset management, weed management and Work Health and Safety.

What was IPART’s response to the Rural Council proposal?IPART’s final report assessed that Wakool is Fit for the Future as a Rural Council.

The report specifically acknowledged that Wakool satisfies the Rural Council characteristics. It also meets the overall financial criteria and the criteria for sustainability, infrastructure and service management and efficiency.

What happens next?Council has made a submission to the New South Wales Government confirming its Fit for the Future Rural Council proposal. It has also urged the state government to make the necessary legislative and regulatory changes to reduce the compliance burden on Rural Councils.

Council also sought the government’s support to establish a Mid-Murray Joint Organisation, capable of performing the higher-level strategic functions set out in Council’s Rural Council proposal.

Following consideration of council responses, the government will provide information to councils and the community regarding the next steps by the end of the year.

Where can I find more information? More information is available from the IPART website www.ipart.nsw.gov.au or follow the link from Council’s website www.wakool.nsw.gov.au. Councils’ proposals and assessments of each proposal (including Wakool Shire’s proposal) are available from the IPART website.

Fit for the Future FAQsWorks are underway at Coobool Siding and Coobool Island bridges. Both the old bridges have been removed and pile installation started in early October.

In addition to Coobool Island and Coobool Siding bridges, Council has allocated funding in its 2015/2016 budget towards the replacement of Officers Road Bridge.

Works were completed earlier this year on the replacement of two bridges – Nacurrie Road North Bridge and Marunda Bridge.

Wakool Shire’s 2015/2016 budget includes $493,000 to replace the Gee Gee Bridge on Noorong Road, increasing to $9,713,000 in 2016/2017 (fully funded by Roads and Maritime Services) and $1,675,420 for 2017/2018. Council will maintain this bridge after construction is complete.

Council also has agreements in place to replace three bridges in the Waugorah area as part of

the Nimmie-Caira project’s Sustainable Rural

Water Use and Infrastructure Program. An

estimate and program for the Nimmie-Caira

project is being finalised.

Timber bridge replacement program update

Works are taking place on Officers Road Bridge as part of the timber bridge replacement program.

Tooleybuc opportunitiesOn the 28th October, Roads and Maritime Services held a community information night outlining the preferred option for the Tooleybuc Bridge replacement. Roads and Maritime representatives outlined the process so far and asked the community for feedback into key areas of the project.

With a target start for the project in the next couple of years, there is an opportunity for the Tooleybuc community to look critically and strategically at what the future layout of the town might be.

Undoubtedly access to the Murray River is a key element for the town’s prosperity, with a new location for a boat ramp being discussed, in addition to feedback on a wharf development.

Council will continue to work with the Tooleybuc community as well as Roads and Maritime Services to realise these opportunities in the area.

Helping control fruit flyThe Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area Industry Development Committee partnered with the Barham Koondrook Lions Club, Wakool Shire Council and local commercial fruit growers to help control Queensland Fruit Fly in the region.

To combat outbreaks in home gardens and the region, fruit fly traps were delivered to Barham Koondrook residents in August to help catch migrating fruit flies.

Fruit flies destroy fruit and vegetables grown commercially and in home gardens. While commercial growers have strategies in place to control fruit fly on their farms, outbreaks can’t be controlled in home gardens.

Fruit fly activity is not strictly seasonal, so if you have fruit trees you should:

• Prune them regularly, keeping the tops of the trees to a manageable height.

• Remove fruit as it

ripens and before it

falls to the ground.

• Collect any fallen

fruit immediately,

place unwanted fruit

in a black sealed

plastic bag and leave

in the sun for 10 days. This will kill any

maggots that may be in the fruit. The bag

should then be placed in the bin.

• If you don’t have the means to take care of

your fruit trees, consideration should be

given to removing them.

To find out more about how to combat fruit fly

visit www.preventfruitfly.com.au.

Barham MPS to enhance local health services

Landfill sites operating hours

A change in the hours of operation for Council’s landfill sites was approved by Council in August. The changes come after a review of the facilities’ hours of operation and exhibition of these new operating hours for public comment. The hours of operation are:

Koraleigh

Wednesdays: 9.30am to 12.30pm

Sundays: 1pm to 5pm

Goodnight

Sundays: 9am to 12pm

Moulamein

Wednesdays: 1pm to 5pm

Sundays: 1pm to 5pm

Wakool

Wednesdays: 9am to 12pm

Sundays: 9am to 12pm

Barham

Wednesdays: 12pm to 5pm

Sundays: 12pm to 5pm

For further details please contact the Technical Services Department on 03 5887 5007.

Holiday closures during

Christmas/ New Year

The following closures of Council offices and services will take place during the Christmas/New Year period:

• The Moulamein Council office will close from 5.00pm on Thursday, 24th December (doors will be closed to the public from 12.30pm), and re-open on Monday, 4th January 2016.

• The Barham office will close from 5.00pm on Thursday, 24th December (doors will be closed to the public from 12.30pm), and re-open on Monday, 4th January 2016. The Barham office will open during the break on Wednesday 30th December from 10.00am to 3.00pm, for RMS and V-Line transactions.

• The Moulamein Business Centre will be closed from 1.00pm on Thursday, 24th December and will re-open on Monday, 4th January 2016. The business centre will open for one day during the break on Wednesday, 30th December for normal hours.

• The Moulamein Library will close from 6.30pm on Tuesday, 22nd December and re-open during normal hours on Tuesday 5th January 2016.

• The Barham Library will be closed from 5.00pm on Tuesday, 22nd December and re-open during normal hours on Tuesday 5th January 2016.

• The Tooleybuc and Moulamein HACC Offices will close from 12.30pm on Thursday, 24th December and will re-open on Tuesday, 5th January 2016.

• The Barham HACC offices will close from 12.30pm on Thursday, 24th December and re-open on Monday, 4th January 2016.

• Council depots will close for the Christmas break from 5.00pm on Thursday, 24th December and re-open on Monday, 4th January 2016.

The proposed new Multipurpose Service (MPS) for Barham will provide enhanced healthcare services for the local community, said Murrumbidgee Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Ludford.

Ms Ludford said the MPS will continue to provide emergency, inpatient care and aged care as well as a range of primary and community health services in cooperation with the Primary Health Network.

In late 2014, the NSW Government announced more than $15 million for the Barham MPS.

Ms Ludford said the project is in the final planning stages with additional stakeholder consultation underway to ensure the proposed facility meets the specific needs of the Barham and district community.

The community will be updated on the project early in the New Year.

Barham MPS is one of 13 across NSW approved for planning as part of the $300 million MPS Strategy to upgrade existing or build new MPS facilities in rural and remote communities.

The MPS Strategy aims to enhance the sustainability and coordination of local healthcare services in these communities.

Multipurpose Services provide the opportunity for a range of coordinated inpatient, residential aged care and community health services to be located together, allowing access to quality, timely health care closer to home.