Media releases

Two horticulturalists have travelled all the way from Japan to Dubbo to share their knowledge and host a tea ceremony with Dubbo City Council’s Parks and Landcare Services.

Highly regarded landscape professionals Yoshinori Kagiya and Yasuhiro Kondoh will train staff and volunteers in traditional Japanese gardening techniques and advise about the ongoing maintenance of Dubbo’s Shoyoen Gardens, sharing their specialist knowledge with the team.

Manager Parks and Landcare Operations Murray Wood said the City was privileged to have these special guests, who would only be here until 5 August.

“We are honoured to have their skills and tuition in the cultivation of Japanese plants at the Shoyoen Gardens,” Mr Wood said.

“It is particularly important because the gardens were a gift from Dubbo’s Sister City Minokamo – a relationship which has shown peace and goodwill between the two cities for more than two decades.”

The trip to Dubbo, now in its third year, has become an annual event. The main advantage of the expertise offered by the visiting horticulturalists is that they are graduates of the Kamo Agricultural and Forestry High School, whose head of school designed the Shoyoen Gardens in 2001.

“We have had a good relationship with Kamo since the garden’s inception and we hope to continue these valuable visits,” Mr Wood said.

Mr Wood said the shared expertise would ensure Shoyoen’s place as a first-class regional tourist attraction.

“Shoyoen has been named as one of the most authentic Japanese Gardens in the State so these visits will ensure that Council maintains this standard of excellence,” he said.

Mr Kagiya and Mr Kondoh were accompanied on their journey by Yumi Takeda from the Minokamo International Exchange Association. Mr Wood thanked local translator Miho Kuroki for her assistance and the Dubbo host families who had welcomed the Japanese visitors into their homes.

MEDIA CONTACT: Manager Parks and Landcare Operations Murray Wood, on (02) 6801 4000.

Dubbo City Council is set to start receiving Wellington Council’s residual waste at its Whylandra Waste Depot as part of a five-year agreement set to benefit both parties.

Adopted by Council last month, the agreement will begin in August and officially terminate on 30 June 2014, with an option for a further five year extension.

Council’s Manager Civil Infrastructure and Solid Waste Steve Clayton said Dubbo City Council has the capacity to accept additional waste and would be paid for the service.

He said general household, commercial and industrial waste would be included in the agreement less recycling done at the Wellington Resource Recovery and Transfer Station.

“The acceptance of Wellington’s waste is permitted under Council’s EPA licence conditions and there is adequate long term capacity to landfill the additional 3500 tonnes per year expected at the Whylandra Waste Depot,” he said.

“Approximately 50,000 tonnes of waste is landfilled at the site annually.

“Receival of Wellington’s solid general waste at the Whylandra Waste Depot would also add in excess of $150,000 of income per year to the Other Waste function budget to assist in meeting the operating and capital expenses of the function.”

Mr Clayton said the agreement was a sign of Dubbo City Council’s place as a regional centre for waste management.

“The Whylandra Waste Depot is well-placed to become a regional resource recovery and waste disposal facility due to a combination of factors; including its central location and the large potential capacity of the site to operate well into the future.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Manager Civil Infrastructure and Solid Waste Steve Clayton on 6801 4000.

Monthly Council meeting

Dubbo City Council has resolved to dismantle the Heritage Grandstand at Dubbo Showground but will resubmit a $2M funding application for its adaptive recycling.

Mayor Greg Matthews said Council’s previous application had been very strong.

“Funding for the adaptive recycling is proposed to again be sought under the Federal Government’s 2009/10 Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program,” he said. 

“Last time, Council’s application made it through the final culling process to be considered by Federal Cabinet – where the final determination on successful projects is made.”

It was also decided that the structure would be dismantled and various aspects kept until the funding application outcome was known.

“Items that can be used in the adaptive recycling will be preserved,” Cr Matthews said.

“The Showground Grandstand was built in 1893 and as such is a valuable part of Dubbo’s history,” he said.

“Generations of families have witnessed its grandeur over many years.

“A memorial will be designed for the Showground, commemorating the Heritage Grandstand and its place in the Dubbo community.”

Cr Matthews further advised that a Development Application (DA) would need to be lodged in respect of the dismantling. He also said that a public consultation process would be undertaken in conjunction with any DA assessment for the site.

“This DA will also have to include determination of any new structure, buildings or items, in accordance with the Local Environment Plan.”

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

Monthly Council meeting

Dubbo City Council has resolved not to proceed with a bird hide area as part of the Troy Junction Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade unless funding becomes available.

Director Technical Services Stewart McLeod said building the facility would depend on a $457,000 grant application made under the Federal Government’s ‘Local Jobs’ Fund Program.

“A funding application for a bird wading area with viewing hide was sent on 22 May,” Mr McLeod said.

“Council is yet to be advised on the success of its application.”

Mr McLeod said a further report which assesses the viability of a bird wading facility at Troy Junction Sewage Treatment Works would be presented to Council in the future.

“This will provide alternative options for achievement of compliance with the original Environmental Impact Assessments approval for the site,” he said.

The development forms part of the 2009/10 Sewerage Supply Services Strategic Business Plan, Management Plan and Budget.

Other projects contained in the Plan include the completion of the Wongarbon Sewerage Scheme and construction of the Miriam Sewage Pump Station.

An upgrade of the Troy Junction Sewage Treatment Plant is set to commence in 2010/11.

MEDIA CONTACT: Director Technical Services Stewart McLeod on 6801 4000.

Monthly Council meeting

At Monday night’s meeting, Dubbo City Council resolved to approve the traffic management plan for the proposed McDonald’s Restaurant in Whylandra St, West Dubbo.

Manager Technical Support Jock Smith said the final traffic management proposal was adopted following ongoing consultation between the Roads and Traffic Authority, Council and the developer’s consultants.

“The traffic management proposed for the development incorporates a centre median extension and lane realignment in Whylandra St north and south of the East St intersection, along with associated signposting with separation islands, right turn lane and parking changes in East St,” he said.

Mr Smith said it was important to have an adopted traffic plan in place.

“McDonald’s Restaurants are recognised as traffic-generating developments. As such, there is a requirement to provide and maintain a safe road environment where the identified traffic and road safety impacts are minimised,” he said.

“The implementation of additional traffic facilities will coordinate traffic movements to and from the development and encourage a safe and lower speed environment in East St.”

Road safety issues raised by Dubbo West Public School regarding the potential increase in traffic speed and the schoolchildren’s pedestrian safety environment have been referred to the Roads and Traffic Authority for consideration and will be monitored by Council.

MEDIA CONTACT: Manager Technical Support Jock Smith on 6801 4000.

Monthly Council meeting

Dubbo City Council has moved to change the Dubbo Regional Livestock Market’s Monday sheep sale start time to 11am.

Mayor Greg Matthews said a recommendation from the Saleyards Advisory Committee to change the start time from 10.30am to 12noon was not adopted.

“However, we have now reached a workable compromise,” he said.

“I would like to thank the agents and producers for their show of good faith. This solution partially addresses everyone’s concerns.”

Cr Matthews said it was a positive sign that stakeholders were working together towards a common goal.

“Agents and producers indicated that they supported the amendment in the spirit of cooperation,” he said.

Council will also begin upgrades at the facility during August, a condition of the new sheep sale starting time.

The work includes:

• Sheep-proofing the cattle yards to include receival yards 410 to 417 and 634 to 676
• Completion of catwalks above all existing lamb and sheep selling pens
• Upgraded lighting in the sheep yards

The new sheep sale start time will be activated two weeks after upgrade works are completed and publicised accordingly.

Cr Matthews said the 2009/10 Saleyard Regulations would be amended to reflect the changes.

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

Dubbo City Council is busily preparing to host an exciting new event throughout the month of August.

For the first time this year, Council’s Ranger Services in conjunction with the RSPCA and participating businesses, will host the inaugural Dubbo Pets Month during August 2009.

Manager Environmental Control Amy Nalder is excited about the upcoming experience.

“This fantastic initiative aims to encourage people to love their pets and look after them through proper care and attention,” she said.

“Council will be looking at topics such as getting the right equipment, advice and vet treatment to ensure that pet ownership is as much fun as possible.”

During the next month, Council will provide information on everything from getting the right gear to seeking advice and treatment.

“Don’t miss out on the great hints and tips for pet ownership which will be provided thanks to Ranger Services as well as our participating sponsors,” Mrs Nalder said.

“There is a lot more to pet ownership than meets the eye, so we would like to encourage people who have pets to really think about what they’re doing to ensure the best life for their faithful friend.”

Dubbo Pets Month is proudly sponsored by Dubbo City Council, Dubbo Veterinary Hospital, Dubbo Photo News, Don Crosby Veterinary Surgeons, Ross Pedrana, Merooka Cattery & Kennel, Duncan McGinness, Pinecrest Kennels, Furneys Pet Xtra and RSPCA NSW.

MEDIA CONTACT: Manager Environmental Control Amy Nalder on 6801 4000.

22 July – 3 August

The life work of one of Australia’s most esteemed citizens is now on display atMacquarie Regional Library Dubbo Branch.

The exhibition uses pictures and stories to outline the life and achievements of the late Fred Hollows and the continuing work of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

MRL Manager Information Services Lindy Allan said the library was fortunate to host the display.

“Fred Hollows was a passionate ophthalmologist who became known for his work helping restore the eyesight of people in developing countries and his passionate plight to improve indigenous health in Australia,” Ms Allan said.

“Local residents now have the opportunity to see for themselves the work he did and the achievements of the Fred Hollows Foundation since his death in 1993.

Professor Hollows’ widow Gabi Hollows hopes people can learn more about Fred’s dream of eradicating avoidable blindness and improving indigenous health.

“The exhibition gives people the chance to learn more about Fred’s life and the work of The Foundation, which I think is extremely important given that he remains a very significant person in Australian history,” she said.

Following its display at Dubbo Library, the exhibition will continue to tour regional and metropolitan libraries in NSW throughout 2009/10.

To support The Fred Hollows Foundation by calling 1800 352 352 or visiting www.hollows.org.au

What: Life and Work of Professor Fred Hollows Exhibition
Where: Dubbo Library cnr Macquarie and Talbragar streets
When: 22 July to 3 August 2009

MEDIA CONTACT: Macquarie Regional Library Manager Information Services Lindy Allan on 02 6801 4510 or The Fred Hollows Foundation Andy Nilsen on 02 8741 1960.

A map of the proposed 11 address localities for the Dubbo Local Government Area (LGA) is on public display across the City until August 28.

Council’s Director Environmental Services Melissa Watkins said the revised map GNB3695-2 was proposed by the State’s Geographical Names Board under the Geographical Names Act 1966.

“The map includes Dubbo and the villages and identifies the localities of Ballimore, Beni, Brocklehurst, Elong Elong, Eumungerie, Minore, Mogriguy, Rawsonville, Toongi and Wongarbon,” she said.

“Locality names for the Dubbo LGA were originally gazetted between 1976 and 1986 but the boundaries were never formalised.

“After considerable community consultation with rural residents over many years, 11 localities are proposed for final approval.”

The process of determining boundaries is one of acknowledging existing names and formalising their extent, according to common usage.

After the locality boundaries have been approved and gazetted, the locality name will be legally recognised as that place.

Ms Watkins encourages local residents to view the map before the closing date.

“Public comment is invited on this proposal and can be made up until August 28,” she said.

Copies of the map are on display at:

• Dubbo City Council Civic Administration Building
• Macquarie Regional Library Dubbo Branch
• Ballimore Inn
• Wongarbon and Eumungerie post offices

Geographical Names Board Office, Bathurst

Submissions can be made online at www.gnb.nsw.gov.au or in writing to the secretary:

Geographical Names Board
Land and Property Information
346 Panorama Ave
Bathurst NSW 2795

MEDIA CONTACT: Director Environmental Services Melissa Watkins, on (02) 6801 4000.

The Bathurst Orange Dubbo (BOD) Alliance will begin searching for independent members to be part of its Internal Audit and Risk Management Committees this weekend.

The Alliance is comprised of Bathurst Regional Council, Orange City Council and Dubbo City Council. Independent members are being sought along with a Chairperson’s position, with advertising to start this Saturday.

Dubbo City Council’s Director Corporate Development Megan Dixon said the new chairperson would have a critical role.

“They will be required to give independent advice on risk management plans, internal audit and governance as well as other reports,” Ms Dixon said.

“The Committee will also regularly report to Council about audit and risk management activities, issues and recommendations.”

The appointment is a requirement of the Independent Audit and Risk Management Committee Charter, revised according to the Department of Local Government Best Practice guidelines and adopted by Council in June 2009.

The Audit and Risk Management Committee was established to assist Council in the delivery of financial reporting, risk management, internal audits and ethical development.

“Council has constituted the Audit and Risk Management Committee as part of its governance obligations to the community,” Ms Dixon said.

If a chairperson to oversee all three committees is not found, each body will appoint a suitable candidate.

MEDIA CONTACT: Dubbo City Council Director Corporate Development Megan Dixon on 6801 4000.