Council Meeting Highlights - May 2022

30 May 2022

Council Meeting Highlights - May 2022 - Post Image

MEDIA PRECIS
 

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

Works Progress Report - Infrastructure Projects – Item 3

  • Warren War Memorial Rose Garden

Council will construct a new rose garden at the Warren War Memorial, utilising funds from an ANZAC Community Grant. 


  • Warren Airport Upgrade

Upgrade works for Warren Airport are in the final stages; however, continuing unseasonal rain in recent months has delayed access for heavy machinery to complete these works.  The new terminal building frame has been delivered to the site, with the old terminal building demolished and removed.
 
 Following quotes for the new terminal building all being above budget, a redesign of the concrete slab has been completed, with Terminal Building work anticipated to be completed by the end of June 2022; however, Council continues to have difficulty sourcing an available and qualified builder for the construction and fit-out of this facility. 


  • Village Enhancements for Warren, Nevertire and Collie

More than $1.2M in village enhancements are underway for Warren, Nevertire and Collie including:

  • Kerb, gutter and footpath works in Nevertire are nearing completion.
  • New Toilet Block for Noel Waters Oval has commenced construction. 
  • New seating and bin enclosures have been delivered.
  • New electric BBQ for Nevertire Community Park has been delivered.
  • Survey work has been completed for a new access ramp at Lawson/Readford Streets.

Please note: Works in Warren are subject to external funding for the Warren roundabout reconstruction.


  • Carter Oval and the Development of the Surrounds

The $761,562 works funded under the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program – Improvement of Regional Structures Grant are continuing, with irrigation installed on Carter Oval and pathways constructed between sports areas. 

Construction of the cricket field and turf wicket are nearing completion, with further discussion to take place regarding funding sources for the practice cricket nets, as all quotes received were over budget. 

Construction is continuing on the soccer fields and junior cricket field, with additional pathways and a car parking area to be built following completion of earthworks, weather permitting. Little A’s, cricket and soccer storage facilities have all been re-quoted. 

Works are also underway on the 500 LUX LED cricket field lighting and poles, together with additional soccer field lighting, which includes Australian-made poles and 200 LUX LED lighting. Three out of four light towers have been installed, as well as the electrical switchboard, which is currently awaiting commissioning. The lighting project is funded under the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Extension Program and the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Fund, Round 3. 

Tenders for change rooms (with a focus on female competitors) and amenities (including a canteen and viewing area) at Carter Oval, went out this month. The $671,000 work is funded through the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Round 4.


  • Warren Showground/Racecourse Upgrade 

Several projects funded under the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund are now practically complete. These include: 

Equestrian Arena: Following completion of the covered Equestrian Arena, an order has been placed with Aqua West for installation of a dust suppression watering system and Council has obtained quotes for the supply and installation of kick rails. The sand floor will be re-laid with suitable sand from Narromine, selected by the Adult Riding Club. Council is working with Club representatives to ensure the project is suitable for handover. 

Pony Club Cross Country Facilities: Improvement works for the Pony Club Cross Country facilities were completed last month and are now ready for a final practical completion inspection.

GBS Falkiner Lounge and Viewing Area: Construction of accessible amenities and an existing amenities upgrade including painting, new carpet and tiling have been completed, with air conditioning installed and commissioned in April 2022.

Refurbishment of the Showground Ladies Toilets: Quotes have been received, with options being investigated and works scheduled to commence after the Warren Show.

Additional projects, funded through the NSW Government’s Showground Stimulus Funding Program, Phase 2C, are progressing with works underway:

  • Work to replace amenities in the Cattleman’s and Horse Sports Camping Area have been completed, with male and female toilets and showers, painting and construction of accessible amenities and laundry all practically completed this month;
  • Works have commenced for the installation of a new septic tank for the Main Pavilion amenities;
  • Renovation to the men’s amenities in the Main Pavilion to commence following the Warren Show; and
  • Council is still waiting on further quotes to re-fence the Showground perimeter from local suppliers and rural fencing contractors. 

 

  • New Warren Sewerage Treatment Plan Upgrade 

This $6,150,000 project is now at practical completion, with a Practical Certificate to be issued to allow for commissioning. 


  • Community Amenities

The final scoping of works is complete for the installation of the Lion’s Park Toilet Block, with funding for this community facility from a variety of sources. Council continues to seek funding for the installation of a quality amenities facility in the Warren Central Business District and has submitted a new application to the next round of the NSW Responsible Gambling Infrastructure Funding, following notification that its initial application was unsuccessful.  


  • Grant Applications

Council is awaiting responses for the following grant applications:

  • $250,000 to the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Program for Stage 2 of the Racecourse Bar and Viewing refurbishments.
  • $1,800,000 to the Australian Government’s Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Program: Large Grants to upgrade the Bryan Egan Weir (Lower Warren Weir) to include the appropriate fish passage to be developed to ‘shovel ready’ status.
  • $352,274 of $622,202 to the Australian Government’s Preparing Australian Communities – Local Stream for a flood mitigation study in partnership with the Australian National University. 
  • $300,000 to the Department of Primary Industry & Environment Open Spaces – Places to Play for an adventure playground including children’s bike training track for the Carter Oval Youth Sports Precinct development.
  • $50,000-$100,000 to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice – Expression of Interest Local Government Social Cohesion for upskilling opportunities within the Warren community. This community project is in collaboration with RiverSmart Australia Limited, with the application submitted earlier this month. 


2022 WESTERN DIVISION OF COUNCILS MID-TERM CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE REPORT – ITEM 4

Warren Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr Milton Quigley, and General Manager, Mr Gary Woodman, recently attended the 2022 Western Division of Council’s Mid-Term Conference held at Cobar. 

This event enables participants to positively network with NSW State Government Ministers, Opposition Spokespersons, Government Department and Agency Senior Staff, Ministerial Advisors and Local Members, both Commonwealth and State. 

It was found to be particularly worthwhile as a forum for positive and constructive conversations to advance many issues on behalf of Warren Shire, with the recommendation to open to all Western Councils for future events. 


ROAD MAINTENANCE COUNCIL CONTRACT - ITEM 6

Warren Shire Council has agreed to sign the Road Maintenance Council Contract (RMCC) with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for the commencement of contract work on State Highway 11 (The Oxley Highway) from 1st July 2022.

Council has been undertaking highway works for many years under a Work Order arrangement but withdrew in June 2020 due to increasing costs and compliance issues. 

Since this time, community feedback and recent events have indicated it would be beneficial for Council to continue this work, under a direct contract agreement with Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

Discussions with relevant TfNSW Officers concerning Warren Shire Council taking back over the RMCC for State Highway 11 (Oxley Highway) within the Warren Shire LGA have been positive, and a consultant has been engaged to make all preparatory arrangements for work to recommence on 1st July. 


REPORT OF THE DIVISIONAL MANAGER OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

ITEM 1 REVIEW OF COUNCIL’S SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY 

A review of Warren Shire Council’s Social Media Policy May 2018 has been undertaken, with an updated Policy created based on the Office of Local Government (OLG)’s ‘Model Social Media Policy’ and modified to suit Council’s objectives.

OLG’s Model Policy has been formulated by industry partners using best practice and extensive consultation with various stakeholders.

This updated draft Policy will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, after which it will be adopted, pending no adverse submissions are received. 


GENERAL RATES - ADDITIONAL SPECIAL VARIATION (ASV) FOR 2022-2023 – ITEM 5

Warren Shire Council will make an application to IPART for a permanent single year Additional Special Variation (ASV) of 1.2% for 2022/2023, in accordance with recent guidelines from the Office of Local Government (OLG).

The ASV is required to continue to provide the current levels of service to Warren Shire ratepayers and the broader community and will also help to ensure the ongoing financial sustainability of the Council.

If successful, the total 2022/2023 general rate increase will be 2.5% as identified in the Warren Shire Council Long Term Financial Plan 2021/22 to 2030/31 and Draft 2022/2023 Estimates.

Consideration has been given to the impact on both ratepayers and community members in 2022/2023 and in future years, with 2.5% considered to be a reasonable increase. 


REPORT OF THE DIVISIONAL MANAGER ENGINEERING SERVICES 

Works Progress Report: Roads - Item 1 

The 2021/2022 Roads Construction program is nearing completion, with the majority of works in recent months focusing on road grading, patching and repair due to the ongoing wet weather conditions. 

Recently completed works include:

Grading: Tabratong Lane and Cremorne Road. 

Rehabilitation: Ellengerah Road (Segments 24 and 26).

Floodway Repair: Duffity Road. 

Patching and repair: Collie-Trangie Road, Carinda Road, Warren Town Road, Ellengerah Road, private works, Marthaguy Road and Warren Road. 


Road maintenance and construction schedule 

Upcoming maintenance grading works scheduled for June 2022 include:

  • Dandaloo Road, Cathundral-Bogan Road, Tyrie Road, Kianga-Marebone Road, Old Warren Road, Hatton Road, Rothsay Road, Duffity Road, Ringorah Road.

 Road maintenance works may be subject to change with any inclement weather.


Capital Works in Progress

  • Construction for Ellengerah Road Segments 22, 24 and 26 are nearing completion with prime seal applied for all three segments, and Segments 24 and 26 currently awaiting a final seal. This $1.7M project is jointly funded with $698,771 from Fixing Local Roads Round 2, $174,693 in Council Contribution, $211,587 Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Phase 2 and $634,762 from Fixing Local Roads Round 3. 
  • Construction on Old Warren Road Segments 26 and 28 are practically complete with final seal now finished. Further works are subject to a variation request. This $1.6M project is jointly funded with $1,259,960 from Fixing Local Roads Program Round 3, $296,147 from Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Phase 2, and $123,840 Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Phase 3. 
  • Rehabilitation to the Collie-Trangie Road Regional Road No.347 (Segment 14) is now practically complete, apart from a final seal on the last 3 kms. This work is funded through unspent 2020/21 Transport for NSW’s REPAIR Grant.
  • Warren kerb and gutter replacement across multiple streets is scheduled for completion in June 2022.

All works listed are in addition to the regular maintenance, patching, edge repairs, slashing and mowing works carried out across all Council facilities.  


Successful Grant Applications 

Rehabilitation of Warren Road, Regional Road – Council has received confirmation that its grant application has been successful, providing an extra $2,000,320 from Transport for NSW to fully fund this project. This is the result of Council’s extensive lobbying and ongoing consultation with Federal Government, Infrastructure NSW, Transport NSW and Coonamble Shire Council to source additional funds. 

Collie-Trangie Road, Segment 18 – Council will receive $800,000 under the REPAIR Program 2022/23 for rehabilitation of Collie-Trangie Road, Segment 18; however, its application for the same amount for Segment 14 of the Carinda Road (RR333) has been unsuccessful. 


Other grant applications 

  • Council is awaiting approval on its application for $1,255,400 to the Federal Road Safety Program Tranche 4 and 5 for shoulder widening and line marking on RR333 Carinda Road.
  • Council has received notification it has been unsuccessful in its grant applications for $15,940,800 for the sealing of Gibson Way, from the boundary with Coonamble Shire, with the replacement of two bridges and construction of a new bridge and for $5,146,000 for the sealing of Marra Road, under the Remote Roads Pilot Program Grant.


Works Progress Report: Town Services – Item 2

  • Warren Lawn Cemetery Stage 3 

Upgrades to the Warren Cemetery are continuing, with the installation of the water main and drainage improvements commencing this month, following a project rescope. A Cemetery Masterplan will soon be exhibited for community consultation. 


  • CCTV and Smoke Testing – Warren and Nevertire Sewer

Quotation documentation is currently under development for CCTV and Smoke Testing of the Sewer at Warren and Nevertire. These works are scheduled to be undertaken in the coming months. 


Successful grant applications

  • Warren Levee Rehabilitation: $5.325 million in Commonwealth funding for the Warren Levee Rehabilitation was announced on 4th May 2022. This critical infrastructure project will help protect the Warren Shire community from future flooding events, with Council submitting multiple grant applications and lobbying for many years for this successful outcome. This $7.1M project requires $1.775M in additional funding, which Council has requested from the State Government. 


Other grant applications

Council is awaiting responses for the following town services grants:

  • Tiger Bay Wetlands Effluent Reuse Scheme for Drought Protection: Funded under the Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants, this $504,000 project will enable the installation of an Ultraviolet Disinfection System and pipeline the new Sewerage Treatment Works and Tiger Bay. The project also includes the construction of a Reed Bed at Tiger Bay Wetlands.
  • Stormwater Quality Improvement for Warren: The $1.72M project funded under the Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Program – Large Grants will enable the installation of 25 Stormwater Quality Improvement Devices at stormwater locations that discharge directly into the Macquarie River and Gunningbar Creek. 


REPORT OF THE MANAGER HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 

Works Progress Report: Health and Development Services – Item 2

Warren Shire Council has been successful in receiving $9,702 under the Community Building Partnership grant program for waterproof lockers and double-sided changeroom seating at the Warren War Memorial Swimming Pool. Council will match this grant funding amount to ensure the successful progression of this project. 


Energy Action Plan – Item 3
 Warren Shire Council has endorsed its Energy Action Plan and selected Option 2 for the installation of a Solar PV (Photovoltaic) System at five sites including: the Administration building, Council Works Depot, Ellengerah Water towers, Warren Shire Library, and Victoria Oval and Sporting Complex. 

This follows Council becoming a signatory to the Sustainable Councils and Communities (SCC) Program in 2018. The SCC program works with resource constrained Councils across NSW to improve the energy efficiency of Council buildings and infrastructure. It aims to help Councils understand, prioritise, and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, and realise cost savings. 

This program is funded by the Climate Change Fund and facilitated by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.


COMMITTEE REPORTS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE

ITEM 5.4 RECONNECTING NSW - COMMUNITY EVENTS PROGRAM

The Committee has recommended to Council that the $119,826 funding allocation for Reconnecting NSW – Community Events Program be prioritised to the following events:

  • Christmas 2022 Celebration ($45,726);
  • Opening of Carter Oval Youth Precinct (Cricket match) ($10,000);
  • U16 Rugby Union Championships or Rugby League or similar ($10,000);
  • Burrima Boardwalk Opening ($14,100);
  • Celebration of Warren Youth Festival ($20,000); and
  • Warren Chamber of Music Festival (Under the Western Stars) ($20,000).


SPORTING FACILTIES COMMITTEE

  • Remedial works to the Warren War Memorial Pool surface will be completed in July 2022. 
  • Installation of LED sports lighting at Carter Oval is scheduled for completion in the coming months.
  • Roof and gutter improvements at the Warren Shire Sporting and Cultural Centre will be completed in June 2022.
  • The electronic scoreboard will be commissioned next month, with a final report to Council in June 2022.
  • Council will seek Ministerial consent to adopt the Victoria Oval and Oxley Park Plan of Management.
  • Tree planting surrounding Carter Oval Sporting precinct fields will be made a priority project within Carter Oval Redevelopment Program.


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