Media releases

Monthly Council meeting

In response to submissions from the community, Dubbo City Council has stipulated that the proposed McDonalds development in west Dubbo includes three-metre high barrier fencing on one of its boundaries.

Council – at its monthly meeting this week – has approved the development application for the construction of a McDonalds Restaurant in Whylandra Street, the site of the former Ashwood Motel Resort.

The development is subject to a number of conditions, including one that requires the fencing adjoining the West Dubbo Primary School boundary be no less than three metres high and made of solid masonry (or similar).

Mayor Greg Matthews said the condition was included by Council after consideration of submissions from neighbouring schools and the Department of Education and Training.

“The fence will have no openings or gaps and must ensure the amenity of the adjoining school development is maintained,’’ Cr Matthews said.

He said the development application includes the demolition of the existing Ashwood Motel and a 60-space car park and outdoor seating area on the 4532 square metre site.

“The site is zoned Tourism and Leisure under Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and fast food outlets are permissible in this zone,’’ Cr Matthews said.

“The City’s Urban Areas Development Strategy recognises that this area should specialise in providing services to travellers and visitors to the city.

“Therefore, a fast food outlet such as McDonalds is compatible with this Strategy. He also added that the redevelopment of large commercial sites such as this one demonstrated continued commercial confidence in the City which is pleasing to see.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Mayor Greg Matthews can be contacted on 0418 639 053.

The City’s level one water restrictions will be lifted, Sunday 1 March 2009 marking the end of the summer months, a typically high water usage period.

Council’s Director Stewart McLeod said that the water restrictions were put in place to remind residents to be water conscious during the summer months when individual water use is typically high.

“Public response to the water restrictions has been very positive and Council would like to commend the community for the responsible manner in which it responded to using water wisely,” Mr McLeod said.

Although the restrictions will be lifted Council still encourages residents to be mindful of the amount of water that they use around the house.

“Even though water restrictions have been lifted I am confident that residents will continue to observe water wise practises.

“Regardless of the enforced water restrictions, water is a precious resource that residents have become accustomed to preserving in recent years, the days of hosing driveways and other wasteful practises are fast becoming a thing of the past” Mr McLeod said.

Typically with the onset of cooler weather, the city’s water usage lowers. Statistics on the Council website reflect this with this week’s usage being measured no more than 508L per person per day.

MEDIA CONTACT: Council’s Director Technical Services, Stewart McLeod 6801 4000.

Monthly Council meeting

The City’s rural roads capital program has been amended with the latest quarterly report to Council on the Dubbo City Council 2008/2009 Management Plan.

Due to delays caused by environmental impact studies and the likelihood of further applications for regulatory approvals, the Old Mendooran Road/Talbragar River crossing project has been deferred to 2009/2010.

A portion of the funds allocated for this project will be reallocated as follows:

• Old Mendooran Road – a further 760m seal extension
• Lagoon Creek Road – 1km seal extension
• Obley Road reconstruction – upgrade of 2.6km section south of Dilladerry Road.

The changes will be publicised through Council’s next Village Newsletter, which is delivered to all villages in the Dubbo Local Government Area, and website.

The Rural Consultative Working Party will also be advised of the changes.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephen Clayton, Manager Civil Infrastructure and Solid Waste, phone 6801 4000.

Monthly Council meeting

Council has resolved to reduce the price on three blocks of land in Keswick Estate in an effort to help stimulate the local building industry and measure market demand.

Council tonight resolved that potential buyers who meet set criteria would be eligible to purchase the Keswick Estate blocks by way of public ballot for $20,000 less than the original asking price.

Buyers who qualify for the ballot – which will be publicised in due course – are:

• people who qualify for the first home buyers’ grant, and
• those who have relocated to Dubbo in the past six months, and
• those who will be relocating to Dubbo within the next six months.

Mayor Greg Matthews said the knowledge gained from the sale process would help Council finalise a review of the Keswick Estate Masterplan – with a report due to Council in May 2009.

“Many of the initiatives put before Council tonight were recommended by Council’s Corporate Development Division, which manages the Estate,’’ he said.

“I requested a report so we could consider options and strategies around increasing the sale of residential land in Dubbo. When you consider that of the 8000-plus first home buyer grants achieved in NSW, less than three per cent were used to construct a new home.

“Given that Dubbo city is the home of such a strong building industry, it is important that we do everything we can to ensure we maintain the strength of that industry. It is also an important employment sector in the local economy.’’

Cr Matthews said research showed Dubbo had wide range of residential land for sale - located in some 11 estates - with blocks selling for an average price of $111, 436; and as at the June quarter 2007, Dubbo recorded a median price of $230,000 for established houses.

Lots 79, 80 and 81 in Stage 2 Release 3 of Keswick Estate will be offered through ballot at the reduced price of $72,500 to those who meet the criteria, with construction of the dwelling to commence six months from settlement of the purchase. The public ballot will be promoted through the local media in due course.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mayor Greg Matthews can be contacted on 0418 639 053.

‘Wear a helmet: strap it on your brain!’’. That's the message to cyclists from Dubbo City Council Road Safety Officer Kristine Long as part of the WATCH OUT PEOPLE ABOUT CAMPAIGN!

"Bicycle riders are more vulnerable in traffic than motorists,’’ Ms Long said. “In NSW it is compulsory for a cyclist and any passenger to wear an approved bicycle helmet correctly.

"A helmet, when fitted correctly, can reduce the risk of head and/or brain injury by up to 85 per cent."

Helmets basically consist of a foam shell which is designed to absorb the impact of the head on a hard surface, and a retention system (the straps), which are designed to hold the helmet on the head in the event of a crash.

When choosing a bicycle helmet, Ms Long said the helmet should fit comfortably on the head. A helmet not worn correctly does not provide enough protection.

"Firstly, ensure that the helmet is not too heavy,’’ she said. “The straps should not be twisted and should not cover the ears. The strap, when done up correctly, should provide a snug fit over the ears and under the chin.

“A helmet that is not done up correctly does not provide maximum protection for your head if you crash. It's also a good idea to choose a bright, light-coloured or reflective helmet to make you more visible to other road users.’’

Ms Long said that by law, you must wear an approved bicycle helmet while cycling in NSW. Approved helmets are marked with an Australian Standard Approved notification. This symbol can be red or black. Always check the helmet before purchasing to ensure that it is an approved helmet.

If a helmet has been dropped onto a hard surface or involved in a crash, has cracks in the foam or the straps are frayed, it needs replacing.

"Also remember if you are cycling with a passenger on a tandem, tag-along or bicycle trailer, your passenger must also wear an approved bicycle helmet,’’ she said. “The fine for not wearing a bicycle helmet is $54.’’

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristine Long can be contacted on 6801 4000.

Council’s Works and Services Committee last night determined to reinstate a plan that excludes skateboards and bicycles from the City’s busiest footpaths.

The Committee agreed that the ‘No bicycle riding on footpaths plan’ adopted by Council in 2000 – relating to the Central Business District (CBD) – be reinstated with greater emphasis on prohibiting skateboards and scooters.

Works and Services Committee Chairman Cr Allan Smith said the proposed plan would include the erection of supplementary regulatory signage in the Cyril Flood Rotunda and surrounding area.

“The Committee also recommended that implementation of the plan be accompanied by appropriate media publicity and educational initiatives targeted at the relevant age group to increase awareness of prohibited areas and to ensure the safety of those on the streets,’’ Cr Smith said.

“The recommendations reflect complaints from the community about increased levels of bicycles, skateboards and scooters on busy footpaths in the CBD.’’

The recommendations will be put to Council’s monthly meeting on Monday, 23 February 2009.

Allan Smith

Chairman, Works and Services Committee

Phone: 0428 638 210

On behalf of the local community, Dubbo City Council is donating 230 bales of silage to farmers affected by bushfires in Victoria.

The silage is being transported, free of charge, to Victoria on two B-doubles donated by Fred’s Transport, of Shepparton, and a semi-trailer donated by Bill Fraser and Sons, of Dubbo.

Dubbo Mayor Greg Matthews said the Victorian Farmers Federation would receive and distribute the silage to farmers affected by fires in the Beechworth area.

“The donation includes 122 bales of oaten silage and 108 bales of lucerne silage from Council’s “Greengrove” property, 13km north of Dubbo,’’ he said.

“This donation is on behalf of the Dubbo community and I am encouraged by the transport companies’ support.

“It is only with the community’s assistance that Council is able to support the needs of the fire victims in Victoria on behalf of residents of Dubbo.’’

MEDIA CONTACT: Mayor Greg Matthews can be contacted on 0418 639 053.

Please note: fodder produced on the property is done so in accordance with the environmental guidelines ‘Use of Effluent by Irrigation’, produced by the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

Local community groups have the opportunity to obtain their share of $10,000 in funding, now available from Dubbo City Council.

In September 2008, 18 community groups received a share of $10,000 in the first round of funding offered by Council.

Council’s Director of Community Services David Dwyer said applications from local community groups wishing to access the second round of financial assistance would be received up until 5pm on 27 February 2009.

“Each year Council invites applications from local community groups in need of financial assistance for worthwhile community projects,” Mr Dwyer said.

“Successful applicants need to demonstrate to Council how financial assistance would benefit the Dubbo community through their organisation.

“In past years, Council has only offered this type of financial assistance annually, but this year however Council will have offered two rounds of funding each to the value of $10 000.’’

Groups that have previously received funding through this Council initiative include service and community groups, churches, charities, musical groups, children and youth groups as well as cultural and arts groups.

“The funding is designed to assist local community groups in developing initiatives that will benefit members of the wider Dubbo community and encourage involvement in the many community programs within the City,’’ Mr Dwyer said.

Applications for funding, including eligibility criteria and funding guidelines are available from Council’s Customer Service Centre or by phoning 6801 4000.

MEDIA CONTACT: Council’s Director Community Services David Dwyer 6801 4000.

The community has one more week to submit comments about a proposal to ban alcohol consumption between the hours of 9pm to 9am in all public parks and reserves under Council’s ownership, control and care.

At its December 2008 meeting, Council resolved to invite public comments on the proposal to broaden the ban which had previously only applied to specific parks and reserves.

“Certain incidents have prompted a review of the rules governing the consumption of alcohol in Council’s parks and reserves,’’ Mayor Greg Matthews said.

“The exception to the proposal is Victoria Park No. 1 Oval and the East Dubbo Sporting Complex (Apex Oval), given the fact that sporting events, which see spectators consume alcohol, often go past 9pm.

“It is acknowledged that there will be occasions when there is a requirement to extend and / or vary the ban at parks and reserves. Council’s General Manager would be delegated the authority to vary the times of the proposed ban for a temporary period – where required.’’

Cr Matthews said if the proposal is adopted by Council at a future meeting following the public exhibition period, on-the-spot fines of $110 could be imposed by police to persons in breach of the bans.

“Submissions will indicate whether there is a case for standardising the bans across all Council parks and facilities, or introducing specific site solutions with the aim of preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour, making it easier for police to regulate,’’ he said.

The public exhibition period is now open and finishes on Friday, 20 February 2009. Members of the community can have a say by posting their comments to Dubbo City Council, PO Box 81, Dubbo NSW 2830 or emailing dcc@dubbo.nsw.gov.au

Council will consider all submissions received at its March 2009 Ordinary Council Meeting.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mayor Greg Matthews can be contacted on 0418 639 053.

Council is reminding people to LOOK up and scan their environment before crossing a road.

Council's Road Safety Officer Kristine Long has observed many pedestrians walking onto the road environment with their heads down, often distracted by their iPods or mobile phones.

She said they often failed to check if it was safe to cross the road and if motorists have seen them.

“Many pedestrians are often distracted by their own thoughts or their mobile phones and iPods, " Ms Long said.

"Technology is smaller and more mobile, however this type of convenience should not come at the cost of safety."

Ms Long advises that when crossing a road, pedestrians should choose the safest place to cross and check if other road users have seen them. She said a pedestrian crossing or a refuge was usually the safest place to cross.

"There is no guarantee motorists will see a pedestrian, therefore it is a pedestrian's responsibility to check motorists have seen them," Ms Long said.

“The only way you can achieve this is to use your senses to scan your environment rather than being distracted by technology or even your own thoughts. Become more aware of where you are and what you are doing."

To help remind people to LOOK up and check if it is safe to cross the road, fluorescent stickers have been placed on parking poles in Talbragar and Macquarie streets, Dubbo. Council has also stencilled bright yellow LOOK signage in the central business district and in locations where there are high pedestrian volumes. There are also plans to stencil in school zones.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristine Long can be contacted on 6801 4000.