Council Meeting Highlights - May 2021
31 May 2021
Warren Shire Council meets on the fourth Thursday of every month, with the exception of November, which is replaced with a meeting on the first Thursday of December.
All council meetings are filmed and stored online. To view these proceedings please visit warren.nsw.gov.au/council/meeting-videos
Please find following a selection of highlights from this month’s meeting:
REPORTS OF THE GENERAL MANAGER
Infrastructure Progress Updates – Item 3
- Warren Airport Upgrades
The $2.28M Warren Airport Upgrade is in its final stages, with the new terminal building frame designed and purchased, and quotations received for its construction.
- Warren Levee Rehabilitation
Member for Parkes, The Hon. Mark Coulton MP, visited the levee on 25 April 2021, following a briefing from the Mayor and General Manager. Council continues to seek seeking funding for this $6M project, with funding applications submitted to the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Communications.
- Carter Oval Development
Consultation continues with the community and user groups to develop a new Draft Masterplan for the Carter Oval Sporting and Recreational Precinct, including the Warren War Memorial Swimming Pool. Development of the soccer field has commenced and plans for the sporting precinct will be updated next month to allow for current and future construction for the area.
- Warren Showground/Racecourse Upgrade
The $1.4M Showground/Racecourse upgrade continues with access now available to the Ron McCalman Building, and completion of the water and electrical facilities at Showie’s Camping ground finished in time for the Warren Show. Following the Warren Show, work will commence on the electrical facilities upgrade for the Cattleman’s Camping Area.
The Warren Jockey Club has also been successful in obtaining a grant of over $40,000 from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Program to upgrade the judging and camera towers.
- Groundwater Augmentation
To deliver sustainable groundwater usage, a $1M augmentation project is continuing with chlorination systems ordered for Ellengerah and Bore Flat.
- Warren Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade
The $6.1M Sewerage Treatment Plant upgrade is progressing with 80% of the works now complete. In addition to the request sent to Infrastructure NSW for a funding contribution toward increased project costs, Council has endorsed the creation of an easement with Essential Energy for the installation of overhead powerlines.
- Warren Central Business District Toilet Installation
Land has been purchased and subdivided to commence the $160,000 project to install a toilet block to accommodate community members in the Warren Central Business District. A quotation for this work is currently with Vendor Panel.
- Grant Applications
Council has been successful in obtaining a grant of $841,500 (incl. GST) from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands Showground Stimulus Funding Program Phase 2. This grant will be used for the following projects at the Warren Showground/Racecourse:
- Proposal 654: Replace male and female amenities in cattleman's and horse sports camping area ($242,000 incl. GST);
- Proposal 656: Renovate male toilets at main pavilion ($110,000.00 incl. GST);
- Proposal 657: Install new septic receival tank for main pavilion toilets ($49,500 incl. GST);
- Proposal 658: Renovate toilet block at centre arena ($176,000 incl. GST);
- Proposal 659: Install new septic receival tank at centre arena toilets with grease trap for canteen waste disposal ($49,500 incl. GST);
- Proposal 661: Re-level all concrete and asphalt floors in all pavilions ($99,000 incl. GST); and
- Proposal 662: Re-fence showground perimeter with exclusion fencing ($115,500 incl. GST).
In addition to the grant applications reported last month, Council has submitted new applications for the following grants:
- $671,000 to the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund for change rooms, male and female toilets, a canteen and viewing area for Carter Oval Youth Sports Precinct; and
- $100,000 to the Crown Lands COVID-19 Recovery Support Program for an Accessible Amenities facility at Warren Pony Club.
Council continues to wait a response regarding grant applications submitted to the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program (Round 3) for projects including:
- $1M for Warren Showground/Racecourse Complex Improvement Program;
- $1M for Warren Shire Tourism, Business Development and Macquarie Marshes Signage and Shire Mural Program;
- $400,000 for the Carter Oval Lighting Project;
- $500,000 for the Monkeygar Creek Macquarie Marshes Bird Viewing Platform and Parking Project; and
- $900,000 for Bob Christensen Reserve Walkway and Improvement Project.
REPORTS OF THE DIVISIONAL MANAGER FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Works Progress Report: Finance & Administration Projects – Item 3
Upgrades to the Council Administration Building are in the final stages, with the additional office, front service area and new community room now fully operational and in use. With the new space, the General Manager, Mayor and Executive Assistant have relocated offices and the Engineering Services Department have moved from the Depot, creating a more efficient and collaborative workspace for Council staff.
Collie Community Shed – Donation of Annual Rates & Charges – Item 6
To support the Collie Community Shed Incorporated, Council will donate the annual rates and charges to the not-for-profit organisation to the value of $878 per annum, under an agreement to retain the vacant land for the future of the shed.
Service NSW Agency Agreement – 1 Year Extension – Item 7
Council has renewed the Service NSW agreement for an additional year from 1 July 2021 – 30 June 2022 to ensure the Warren community has access to this essential service.
REPORT OF THE DIVISIONAL MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES
Works Progress Report: Roads
Major works in progress
- The $1.5M upgrade to Wonbobbie Bridge, Wonbobbie Road in Marthaguy Creek is nearing completion, with line marking to be completed by the end of June.
- Carinda Road, Industrial Access Road – plans to designate the Access Road as a Heavy Vehicle Bypass as soon as possible.
- Ellengerah Road – the $432,000 rural road construction is nearly complete, with line-marking scheduled for late May.
- Old Warren Road – Segment 22 to 24 – the $710,000 rural road construction is nearly complete, with line marking scheduled for late May.
- Nevertire Bogan Road – Segment 02 – the $610,000 rural road rehabilitation is nearly complete, with line markings scheduled for late May.
- Tyrie Road – the $240,000 rural road construction is on hold until sufficient funds can be sourced from future grant submissions.
- Collie-Trangie Road – the $800,000 road rehabilitation is in progress, with preliminary designs underway.
- The $1.6M rehabilitation of Warren Road Regional Road, Segments 12 and 14 – consultation has been ongoing with the Federal Government, Infrastructure NSW, Transport for NSW and Coonamble Shire Council representatives to release the deeds. A resolution has yet to be determined and the project is included in the draft 2021/2022 estimates.
Gravel re-sheeting is underway on the following roads:
- Old Warren Road, Segment 28; and
- Canonba Road, Segment 12 and Segment 14, up to the boundary with the Bogan Shire.
Bitumen resealing is complete on the following roads:
- Ellengerah Road, Segment 04
- Old Warren Road, Segment 02
- Thornton Road, Segment 02
- Tottenham Road, Segment 30
- Tottenham Road, Segment 02
- Wambianna Road, Segment 18
Road maintenance and construction schedule for June - July:
Maintenance grade on the following shire roads:
- Ringorah Road
- Mullengudgery Road
- Buddabadah Road
- Elsinore Road
- Old Warren Road
- Killaloo Lane
- Booka Road
- Pleasant View Lane
- Castlebar Road
- Bundemar Road
- Wonbobbie Road
Work on the following regional roads:
- Marra Road – Maintenance grade
- Billybingbone Road – Maintenance grade
- Collie Trangie Road – Rehabilitation
All works listed are in addition to the regular maintenance, patching, edge repairs, slashing and mowing works carried out across all Council facilities.
Council has also received detailed reports on traffic data for major roads in the shire. To view these in full or for further details on current and future road works in Warren Shire view: WSC May Business Paper
Works Progress Report: Town Services – Item 2
- Warren Netball Courts
The netball court upgrade is in its final stages with the turf sprayed and a new irrigation system installed. The upgrade is funded through the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Program – Extension.
- Warren Cemetery Stage 3
Council is continuing to develop a Warren Cemetery Masterplan. Installation of an on-site sewer management system is now complete, with the toilet facility expected to be installed early June.
- Nevertire Reservoir Refurbishment
The $750,000 infrastructure upgrade has commenced, with a tender awarded to RMP Abrasive Blasting Pty. Ltd. for engineering works and repainting of the internal and external surfaces to improve the reservoir.
- Collie and Nevertire Water Supply
Council will apply for grant funding to improve the Nevertire and Collie chlorination system, including developing the required facilities in Collie. A grant will also be sourced to upgrade the water storage in Collie which includes replacement of the stands and tanks to ensure a consistent standard of pressure and manage electricity and mechanical failure.
Construction of Warren Waste Depot Transfer Station at the Ewenmar Waste Management Facility – Item 4
A tender was not awarded for the construction of the Warren Waste Depot Transfer Station, due to the only application for the works greatly exceeding the available budget.
Council will carry out further investigations to determine the best outcome for this project, with a further report to come back to Council in June.
REPORT OF THE MANAGER HEALTH & DEVELOPMENT
Works Progress Report: Health & Development Services - Item 2
Council have submitted a grant application to the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership for a wireless scoreboard at the Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre.
NSW Planning Portal and Grant Assistance – Item 3
Council is preparing for the introduction of an electronic planning portal. With assistance from the NSW Government’s $50,000 grant, Council is developing a consultation office to ensure a smooth transition, with staff assisting customers to use the online portal to lodge applications. The online planning portal will be in use from 1 July and will allow for better reporting and statistical data, greater transparency and an improved process for planning applications.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
SPORTING FACILITIES COMMITTEE
Action Checklist - Item 4
Victoria Park Masterplan
The draft Victoria Park Masterplan was circulated to the May 2021 Sporting Facilities Committee. Prior to implementation, the plan will be reviewed by stakeholders for final consultation.
Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre - Item 7
Council will consider setting aside $25,000 in the draft 2022/2023 Estimates to allow for Council co-contributions in applying for grant funding for maintenance of the Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre, to improve the roof downpipes and guttering. All other maintenance including water ingress in the mezzanine floor is expected to be remedied within the maintenance budget.
WARREN LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The RFS reported 38 incidents between October 2020 to March 2021, with the majority of these caused as a result of harvesting equipment.
It is noted that in June a new Police Sergeant will be commencing in Warren. Council looks forward to continuing to work with local law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of our shire community.
WATER AND SEWERAGE COMMITTEE
Failure of River Water Pumps at Ellengerah and Oxley Park Reservoirs – Item 5.3
Action be taken to replace the Ellengerah Road river pumps with like for like as soon as possible. Council is also investigating the current system at Oxley Park Pump Station to modify pipework and pumps, with the aim to use the same pump type at Ellengerah Road River Pump Station for improved efficiency.
MANEX
Warren Shire Council received minutes from Council’s most recent Management Executive meeting (MANEX) with the following Human Resources item:
Veterans Employment Program (VEP) – item 4.6
Council is participating in the Veterans Employment Program to provide job opportunities to local Veterans. This will include information on the Warren Shire Council website acknowledging Veterans and including a Veteran indicator question on job applications. It is hoped that participating in the program will attract a broad talent pool to Warren Shire Council.
More information on the program can be found at: careersatcouncil.com.au/opportunities-for-veterans