Media releases

Twenty-five per cent of the City’s domestic waste is expected to be directed away from landfill with the introduction of a fortnightly kerbside recycling service in the Dubbo Local Government Area by 1 July 2010.

Mayor Allan Smith said with the kerbside recycling tendering process scheduled to be finalised by early November 2009, the proposed new charges for the service will be placed on public exhibition throughout October.

Cr Smith said in the 2007 Community Attitude Survey, local residents rated recycling as the service most in need of attention among 49 other services provided by Council. He said this support had also been reflected in other biennial customer surveys conducted specifically on Council’s waste management functions.

“Eighty-four per cent of respondents to the Community Attitude Survey supported introducing a kerbside recycling service in Dubbo even with the suggested increase in charges, which at that time was estimated at around $104 a year.

“The latest figures indicate that domestic waste management charges will need to increase by between $99 and $106 a year to support the service, and this cost will depend on whether Wellington and Narromine councils also sign up to the contact.’’

Council’s proposed domestic and commercial waste management charges for the 2010/2011 year – including kerbside recycling - will be placed on public exhibition from Thursday, 1 October until Wednesday, 28 October 2009 (see over page for locations). Members of the community are encouraged to make comment on the proposed changes.

Fast facts:

• Kerbside recycling is proposed to get underway in Dubbo by 1 July 2010.
• Each year, Council’s recyclables drop-off centres currently receive 1448 tonnes of paper, cardboard, glass, plastics and ferrous and non-ferrous metal containers. By comparison, a City-wide fortnightly kerbside recycling service will collect about 3900 tonnes of domestic recyclables annually from residential premises alone.

MEDIA CONTACT: MAYOR ALLAN SMITH ON (02) 6801 4101.

Council will proceed with using treated effluent for irrigating open spaces in Wongarbon as part of a major sewerage construction project in the village.

Council’s Director Technical Services Stewart McLeod said the initiative was a first for Council and may be used on other parks throughout the Dubbo Local Government Area in the future.

“Without this ready resource of water, Council would have to use precious town water on these facilities,’’ he said.

Mr McLeod said the reticulation system would collect sewage from Wongarbon and transport it to the Wongarbon Sewage Treatment Plant at the Council-owned property “Pine Avon.’’

“The first area to receive the effluent irrigation will be Centenary Park,’’ he said. “The Wongarbon Sewerage scheme will be expanded over time to irrigate the Cricket Ground and eventually the remainder of the Wongarbon Sports Ground.’’

Mr McLeod said that Council would adopt sub-surface irrigation via a network of underground pipes, located 300mm below ground and spaced about 500mm apart.

“These pipes “leak” water into the surrounding soil, directly at the root zone of the grass. This ensures evaporation losses are minimal,’’ he said.

“The system will recycle effluent safely and provide restriction-free water for parks in Wongarbon. This is the first time that Council has decided to irrigate a park with effluent and may well set the direction for other parks in the future”. 

Council’s Works and Services Committee Chairman Cr Mathew Dickerson said while the cost of this project was higher than first anticipated, Council had made a commitment to the people of Wongarbon to pursue this unique project.

“The Committee reviewed a report at its meeting last week and recommended that with the irrigation proposal, Council also seek funding to help subsidise the ongoing costs associated with the project.’’

MEDIA CONTACTS: Director Technical Services Stewart McLeod, (02) 6801 4000 or Cr Mathew Dickerson, phone 0418 628 439.

The community is encouraged to view the proposed revenue policy (fees and charges) for the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC), which is scheduled to be opened by April 2010.

The Policy outlines proposed new fees and charges for hiring the new multi-purpose venue for shows and events, film screenings, rehearsals, and conferences and meetings, as well as equipment hire.

Mayor Allan Smith said it was important that interest groups such as arts, theatre, event managers and schools familiarise themselves with the proposed policy while it was on public exhibition.

“This will ensure that user groups are familiar with the proposed charges associated with the DRTCC,’’ he said.

“Council believes the fees and charges represent value and a reasonable level of cost-recovery for the facilities and services provided. They are also comparative to other Council-managed theatres and function and entertainment centres.

“However during the exhibition period, user groups have the opportunity to make comment and provide feedback before the Policy is presented to Council for adoption.’’

Cr Smith said although the DRTCC would not be officially opened until April 2010, bookings for the next two years were being taken in advance.

“On occasions, there will be a need to vary fees for event bookings,’’ he said. “For example, fees for a major conference attracting a large number of delegates over multiple days – which would be beneficial to both the Centre and the City – may need to be negotiated as an incentive to secure the booking,’’ he said. “In this regard, it is recommended that in some circumstances the General Manager be delegated authority under Section 377 of the Local Government Act to set the fees for conference packages and commercial hire of the DRTCC.’’

Cr Smith said ticket prices for touring company performances were not included in the proposed DRTCC Revenue Policy.

“The ticket price for each show entrepreneured by the Centre will be calculated separately and will depend upon the cost of bringing the show to Dubbo, staff costs for ushering, ticket sales, technical assistance for sound, lighting and audio visual, popularity of the show and the cost of royalties,’’ he said.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: DUBBO MAYOR ALLAN SMITH ON (02) 6801 4101.

Finance and Policy Committee

The second phase of the 2008-2011 Dubbo Crime Prevention Plan will focus on domestic violence awareness. A six-month review of the City’s Crime Prevention Plan was presented to last night’s Finance and Policy Committee.

Committee Chairman Cr Richard Mutton commended the “Love Bites” initiative - a key action of the crime prevention plan - aimed to educate young people about the criminality of domestic violence.

“The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) is currently rolling out the Love Bites program in Dubbo’s high schools, with 51 workers being trained to deliver the program,’’ he said.

“Already, 38 students at Delroy High School have completed the Love Bites initiative, with posters and a hip hop song being developed by students to use in community awareness campaigns.’’

Cr Mutton said domestic violence was a priority issue in the Dubbo Crime Prevention Plan.

“There is a perception that many people ignore violence that occurs to them and people they know,’’ he said.

“An objective of the crime prevention plan is to raise awareness about the criminality of domestic violence and the services available to assist victims in the Dubbo Local Government Area.’’

Cr Richard Mutton
Chairman, Finance & Policy Committee
Phone: 0428 228 209

Works and Services Committee

Council’s Works and Services Committee is recommending that Council upgrade the City’s sewage treatment plant to service Dubbo’s projected population of 55,000.

Committee Chairman Cr Mathew Dickerson said the $24.8 million construction project would see sewerage treatment capacity upgraded to 18 megalitres per day.

“Various options have been identified and evaluated by a consultant for the augmentation of the Troy Junction Sewage Treatment Plant,’’ he said.

“A workshop of Councillors in August 2009 considered the consultant’s report and agreed that the fourth option would best suit the City’s needs. Council’s approved budgets for 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12 currently includes a total allowance for $24.8 million for this work.’’

Cr Dickerson said the Plant’s current operating capacity of 11 megalitres per day was unable to cope with Dubbo’s ongoing growth and development.

“The John Gilbert Water Treatment Plant has been significantly upgraded, now we need to focus on the City’s growing sewerage demands to ensure we can continue to accept new housing and business development.’’

Cr Mathew Dickerson
Chairman, Works & Services Committee
Phone: 0418 628 439

Finance and Policy Committee

A six month review of the City’s Crime Prevention Plan has highlighted progress in strategies to increase community safety.Finance and Policy Committee Chairman Richard Mutton said the 2008-2011 Dubbo Crime Prevention Plan aimed to address issues linked to community safety and local crime.

“Crime statistics and community consultation have resulted in two key priority areas for the Plan: domestic violence and theft from motor vehicles in the Dubbo Local Government Area,’’ he said.

“Through the grant application process, the NSW Government provided $41,000 for Council to employ a temporary Community Safety Officer to assist with the strategies associated with reducing theft from motor vehicles – the first phase of the Crime Prevention Plan. Domestic violence will be targeted in the second phase of the Plan.’’

Strategies to reduce the incidence of theft from motor vehicles include:

• Increasing awareness of vehicle owners on how to secure their property;
• Auditing hotspots for crime in car parks and implementing educational signage in these areas.

“In 2004, there were 870 incidences of theft from motor vehicles reported in the Dubbo Local Government Area (LGA), with Dubbo ranked two out of the top 50 LGAs for thefts,’’ Cr Mutton said. However, we’ve seen a great turn around in these figures with 451 incidences in 2008, reducing Dubbo’s ranking in the top 50 LGAs to 16.

“The most common method of stealing from a motor vehicle is to smash a window to gain entry. In response to this, Council will soon be launching an awareness campaign called “Park Smarter”, educating motorists about how to prevent their vehicle being targeted – we expect to then see a dramatic drop in this type of crime.’’

Cr Richard Mutton
Chairman, Finance & Policy Committee
Phone: 0428 228 209

NSW Bike Week: 26 September – 4 October 2009
RAINBOW RIDE September 27

Dubbo City Council employees are joining the ranks of local cycling enthusiasts in anticipation of the Rainbow Ride, a Council initiative funded by the Roads and Traffic Authority and supported by Dubbo bicycle retailers.

Local residents of all ages are also encouraged to dust off their bikes and get ready for the annual event which is aimed at promoting road safety and cycling for its transport and recreational value.

Dubbo City Council Road Safety Officer Kristine Long said $3100 funding had been secured from the Roads and Traffic Authority to raise the profile of cycle use as a fun and friendly pastime. She hopes to welcome lots of participants to the annual fun day.

“Everyone is welcome to participate in The Rainbow Ride,” Ms Long said.

“It’s a great opportunity for the community to join in an educational and fun event while enjoying Dubbo’s great outdoors.”

The emphasis on the day will be on fun and brightly coloured clothing, rather than a competitive race. The distance ridden is optional and participants can ride as little or as far as they like around the Tracker Riley Bike Track.

“Participants are also encouraged to dress in their favourite colour so that a sea of colour will be seen trailing along the bike track after the starting gun fires.”

Cyclists will receive morning tea after the Bike Week activity and prizes will be presented to the most colourful entrant, thanks to event sponsors. Participants will also be given a new Dubbo City Council bike map and safety information from the RTA.

The ride starts at 9am on Sunday 27 September 2009 at the Ollie Robbins Oval picnic area. Entry is FREE but helmets are COMPULSORY. In the event of a rainy day, the Rainbow Ride will be cancelled.

MEDIA CONTACT: Road Safety Officer Kristine Long, (02) 6801 4931 or 0417 667 984.

Western Plains Cultural Centre and Western College have forged a link that not only defies the global financial crisis but will benefit both in the future.

Western College’s recent offer of sponsorship was readily accepted by Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) whose representatives welcomed the support.

The new sponsorship is in addition to 14 other corporate partnerships which provide an annual financial boost in excess of $140,000.

Acknowledging existing sponsors, Manager WPCC Brigette Leece said such opportunities have made a huge difference.

“The importance of sponsorship and partners to facilities such as WPCC is absolutely vital to everyday operations,” she said.

“Without it, the Centre would be forced to charge visitors an admission fee which would be a major deterrent to the more than 66,000 visitors who enjoy the WPCC each year.”

Western College CEO Ron Maxwell said the training institution was proud to be a supporter of the WPCC.

“For us, it’s about supporting local projects and the local community. Western College wants to encourage development in all areas of our community and economy,” Mr Maxwell said.

“The Arts and culture is an integral part of regional development and partnering with the WPCC is a logical way to contribute.”

WPCC also has the support of various industry organisations and government partnerships while Western College is a proud sponsor of Dubbo Jazz Festival.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Manager Western Plains Cultural Centre Brigette Leece, on (02) 6801 4444 or Western College marketing assistant Louise Lewis on (02) 6884 2899.

Recycle, re-use and adaptation day

19 September

A creative textile workshop incorporating the theme of ‘Recycle, Re-use and Adaptation’ will be held at Western Plains Cultural Centre Wet Studio from 9am to 3.30pm this Saturday, 19 September.

The one-day session, which is funded by Dubbo City Council, will particularly focus on transforming clothing and household linen from trash to treasure.

Workshop organiser Lee Cooper explained that billions of tonnes of clothing is discarded and becomes landfill each year.

“In thriftier times, clothing and household linens were used until worn out and then recycled into other usable items such as lining a blanket to keep a child warm,” she said.

“Today, clothing is freely discarded and growing into billions of tonnes of landfill, which contributes to greenhouse gases and places added pressure upon our fragile environment.”

Dubbo Mayor Allan Smith was enthusiastic about the project.

“This is a fun one-day workshop encouraging participants to rethink the way they see everyday items. It’s a wonderful exercise in learning about reusing and recycling rather than throwing things away.”

The textiles workshop will feature well known Gilgandra artist Tanya Coxsedge and is suitable for beginners, sewers and non-sewers, artists and those born with two left thumbs – everyone is welcome.

“No particular artistic skills are needed, just an open-minded spirit of enthusiasm to recycle, re-use and adapt,” Ms Cooper said.

Items produced during the workshop are eligible for entry into ‘Waste2Art’ competition.

To make a booking, receive a requirements list or for more information please contact Lee Cooper on (02) 6884 3498 or June Wilson on (02) 6882 5366.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Asset Systems Engineer Michael McCulloch, on (02) 6801 4000; workshop organiser Lee Cooper on (02) 6884 3498.

Couture of Passion

19 September - 1 November

Opera legend Dame Joan Sutherland’s stage costumes will go on display for the first time in Dubbo as part of upcoming exhibition Couture of Passion: Costumes of Dame Joan Sutherland from the Opera Australia Collection.

Manager Western Plains Cultural Centre Brigette Leece is excited about the installation, which is sure to enthral Dubbo audiences. She said it is also a sign of the City’s future cultural experiences.

“Couture of Passion is a total escape from the everyday,” she said.

“The costumes worn by Dame Joan Sutherland in our very own Dubbo are larger than life, dramatic and over the top, and just a taste of the value the new Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre will bring to the city.”

Describing Couture of Passion as the Centre’s third blockbuster exhibition of the year, Ms Leece is grateful for the support of Opera Australia as well as local business Dubbo Terrazzo & Concrete Industries in bringing the display to the Dubbo region.

“The intricate designs of the costumes are mirrored in the video performances and stage sets on display – it’s simply stunning.

“And none of it would have been possible without the support from Opera Australia and Dubbo Terrazzo & Concrete Industries - they have made this exhibition in Dubbo free for everyone to enjoy and savour.”

Dubbo Terrazzo & Concrete Industries representative Margaret Patriarca said the company was thrilled to be involved in bringing opera to the City.

“It is with absolute pleasure that Dubbo Terrazzo & Concrete Industries sponsors this exciting exhibition,” she said.

“Whilst appreciating the wealth of materials and superb craftsmanship that has gone into the making of these wondrous costumes, we can also sense the excitement of the live performances given by Dame Joan Sutherland who herself was so aware when wearing these costumes of her personal responsibility to ensure each performance was a success.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Manager, Western Plains Cultural Centre Brigette Leece, on (02) 6801 4444.