TheThe ValleyValley ViewsViews Issue 35 | Spring 2020

COUNCIL WELCOMES MORE THAN $6.3 MILLION IN FUNDING TO BOOST LOCAL ECONOMY AND IMPROVE LOCAL ROADS

Mayor Rowena Abbey (centre) welcomed Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman, NSW Transport and Roads Minister Paul Toole, Nationals by-election candidate Trevor Hicks and Deputy FUNDING SNAPSHOT Prime Minister Michael McCormack to Yass on Monday, 29 June Application One: Resealing 56km of local roads • Total cost – $2,745,000. Yass Valley Council has of the program will be welcomed more than $6.3 $6,340,000 of which Council • Grant funding – $2,395,000. million in funding provided will contribute $800,000 • Council contribution – $350,000. by the NSW and Australian from the Development Application Two: Rehabilitation of 8kms of sealed roads Governments to improve local Contribution Reserve. • Total cost – $3,595,000. roads, accelerate community At the ordinary meeting on • Grant funding – $3,145,000. projects and support jobs Wednesday, 22 July, Council throughout the region. also accepted funding of • Council contribution – $450,000. The NSW Government made $857, 227 provided by the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program a $500 million commitment Australian Government • LED Upgrade of Council’s Street Lighting – $472,341* to improve council roads under the Local Roads and • Construction of a shared path between Nash Place to Yass across rural and regional Community Infrastructure Valley Way then to Grand Junction Road – 130m – $35,000. NSW under the Fixing Local Program. This program aims Roads Program in late 2019. to assist community led • Construction of a shared path in Dutton Street, Yass The Australian Government recovery from COVID-19 by between Rossi Street to Riverbank Park – 200m – $55,000. then announced an additional supporting local jobs, firms • Construction of a shared path in Victoria Street, Sutton from $191 million for the program and procurement. Sutton Public School to Bywong Street – 136m – $45,000. at a press conference held in Council will, where possible, • Construction of a shared path in Victoria Street, Sutton from Yass on June 29 2020. use local businesses and work Bywong Street to Recreation Grounds – 162m – $50,000. The Fixing Local Roads forces to deliver the projects • Construction of a shared path in Queen Street, Binalong Program is specifically aimed under the program to ensure from Fitzroy Street to Richmond Street, including ramps and at providing funding to stimulus funds flow directly refuge – 130m – $40,000. councils to repair, maintain into the Yass Valley. • Upgrade of BBQ equipment Coronation and Riverbank and reseal local roads. Council staff put forward a list Parks – $20,000. Council was successful in of potential work that could be • Playground Equipment replacement – Binalong – $60,000. securing round one funding of completed by 30 June 2021, $2,395,000 to reseal 56km of which will deliver benefits to • Roadside weed management program – $79,886. Council’s local road network the community and could be *Council also resolved that the savings from the LED upgrade and $3,145,000 to rehabilitate readily completed by local of street lighting be placed in an appropriate reserve for the 8km of road. The total cost businesses. provision of future community facilities. MAJOR Projects IN THE PIPELINE Council is busy working on a Timber Bridge replacement Coronation Park Playground Murrumbateman Amenities number of big projects. Here Burrinjuck Road (two Replacement Building is a handy breakdown so you bridges) and Garyowen History Board installation – Design – November 2020. know what is going on where Bridge (Binalong) October 2020. Community Consultation – in your town or village. Please Cost – $1.24 million (funded Slide converted to art piece September 2020. note these dates are estimates by Community Development installation – 2021 (pending re- Request for tender – May 2021. only. Timelines are dependent Grants Program). evaluation due to COVID-19). on a number of variables out Construction – July 2021. Design and tender advertised of Council’s control, including – September 2020. Completion – December 2021. weather and the continuing COVID-19 situation. Construction to start – late 2020/early 2021. Yass to Murrumbateman Pipeline Winery Trail Cost - $1, 583, 473. Cost - $2.29 million (funded by Building Better Regions The project was scheduled for Program and YVC). SwimmingSwimming completion in June 2020 but has been pushed back by about Design – underway. six months due to COVID-19. Tender – late 2020. SeasonSeason There has been uncertainty Construction – early 2021. regarding the delivery date Shingle Hill Way – of major equipment to the replacement of low level Morton Pump Station and crossing Chlorination Unit. The main pumps are manufactured Cost - $4 million (funded by in Italy and the chlorination Fixing Country Roads and YVC Opening Times equipment is from the US. funding). Border closures impacted Design – underway. YASS POOL BINALONG POOL the movement of staff. The Tender advertised and awarded 31 October – 24 December 31 October – 24 December focus has been moved to the – late 2020/early 2021. completion of all other works Daily: 11am – 6:30pm Weekdays: 3pm – 6:30pm associated with the project. Gundaroo Amenities Weekends: 1pm – 6:30pm Building Approval was granted by the 27 December – 28 February 27 December – 31 January Site Management setup – July Federal Government to vary Daily: 10am – 7:30pm Daily: 1pm – 7:30pm the completion date to late 2020. December 2020. Construction commencing – 1 March – 26 March 1 February – 26 March Yass Valley Way Road August 2020. Weekdays: 2pm – 6:30pm Weekdays: 3pm – 6:30pm Rehabilitation Completion – December 2020. Weekends: 12:30pm – 6:30pm Weekends: 1pm – 6:30pm Cost - $1.8 million (funded by Binalong Playground Morning Lap Swimming Fixing Country Roads Program Replacement 30 November – 12 March and YVC). Funding for this project Mon, Wed, Fri only: 6am – Contract awarded – September is under the Local Roads 8am (subject to weather) 2020. Community Infrastructure Works commencing – Program (LRCI), with project YVC Swimming Program September 2020. nomination forms submitted Commences on Monday, 9 November 2020 until Friday, pending approval. Nanima Road Rehabilitation 26 March 2021 Cost - $4 million (funded by Request for quote – August 2020. Swimming Lessons (Block 1 – 5 weeks) Fixing Country Roads Program Community Consultation – Commences on Monday, 16 November 2020 until Friday, and YVC) October 2020. 18 December 2020 Stage 1 – Barton Highway to Construction – February 2021. Aqua Aerobics Nanima Road: BBQ Replacement Day Class – 11am Wednesday and Friday only – commences Tender advertised – September Coronation & Riverbank Park Friday, 4 December 2020 2020. - the funding for this project Evening Class – 6pm Tuesday only – commences Tuesday, Contract awarded – October is under the LRCI Program, 1 December 2020 2020. with project nomination forms Intensive Swimming Lessons Program Construction to commence – submitted pending approval. Yass Binalong December 2020. Procurement – October 2020. Week 1: 4-8 January Week 1: 11-15 January Stage 2 – Remaining length of Installation/replacement – Nanima Road: November 2020. Week 2: 11-15 January Design – underway. Walker Park Grandstand Week 3: 18-22 January Construction – 2021. Tender closes – 30 July 2020. The above dates for the swimming program, lessons and Council Report – 26 August aerobics will be weather permitting and dependant on staff 2020. availability. Yass Valley Council will also closely monitor and Construction (if approved) – adhere to all strict COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions October 2020. as set out by the NSW and Australian Governments. Any changes to the above information will be communicated Completion – May 2021. via Council’s website and Facebook page. PARKWOODPARKWOOD GIVENGIVEN GREENGREEN LIGHTLIGHT Garage Sale Trail NEW DATES!

A major new residential area on the NSW/ 5000 homes, which will accommodate ACT border has been given the green light approximately 13,000 residents. It will with the NSW Government providing the also see 213 hectares protected for a go-ahead for the $1.89 billion Parkwood conservation corridor. Urban Release. The 380 hectare Parkwood Urban Release is The approval has involved rezoning part of ‘Ginninderry’, a larger urban release, more than 380 hectares, allowing for which straddles the ACT/NSW border. National event, Garage Sale Trail, is coming to the local area on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2020, with the support of FLOODING CAUSES MORE THAN $427,000 IN DAMAGE Yass Valley Council. TO ROADS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ASSETS With garage sales happening both online and in person, Garage Sale Trail 2020 will bring new safe and fun ways to join the Trail and be part of the country’s biggest weekend of money making, planet-saving and treasure-hunting fun. Being involved as a part of the Garage Sale Trail means you’ll get tips and support to make your sale contactless and COVID-safe for everyone. Council staff have completed an in difficult conditions to close roads and assessment of the damage around the crossings, evacuate livestock and vehicles, For more information: www.garagesaletrail. region following flooding across the and keep residents safe and informed,” com.au weekend of 7-9 August. said Mayor Rowena Abbey. More than $427,000 in damage occurred “Due to the significant amount of to roads, parks and infrastructure damage sustained from the flooding and following the flooding, resulting in the the subsequent disruption to Council’s declaration of a natural disaster zone for grading schedule following the event, COVID-19 challenges the Yass Valley. 125 millimetres of rain was we will be putting in a claim for disaster Councils have been vital in responding to recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology assistance funding for this repair work.” COVID-19, maintaining essential community for Yass Valley over the period from Following the heavy rain within the Yass facilities and services in the face of significant Friday, 7 August to Sunday, 9 August. Dam water supply catchment, Council restrictions and financial stresses. Floodwaters caused the Yass Dam water in conjunction with NSW Health, had level to reach 2.45m above Full Supply Yass Valley Council is constantly monitoring to introduce a Boil Water Alert for Yass, the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation Level and resulted in the closure of Binalong and Bowning. The flood waters and providing regular updates on our some 25 roads and crossings in the Local caused raw water to become extremely Government Area. turbid (not clear or transparent because website and Facebook page. When broad A number of these roads sustained of stirred-up sediment) and compromised Government restrictions forced the closure damage to culverts and with potholes the effectiveness of the treatment of some Council facilities, a handy table was forming as a result of the downpour. process. The Yass Water Treatment Plant set up on our website listing all disruptions There was significant damage to Shingle was brought back under control and the to Council services. The table is updated per Hill Way, where approximately 100m Boil Water Alert was withdrawn at 5pm on Government announcements and the NSW of sealed pavement was washed away, Thursday, 20 August. Public Health Orders and all information Murrumbateman Road, Sutton Road “The key challenge at the existing Water about the current status of a service can be Crossing and East Tallagandra Lane. The Treatment Plant is a high sediment load. found here: https://www.yassvalley.nsw.gov. total cost of damage to the local road The existing Water Treatment Plant is au/our-council/news/covid-19/ network is in excess of $248,000 and still not designed to effectively address these climbing with problems arising from the challenges. A new plant will significantly There is a red COVID-19 banner displayed at continued rainfall in the weeks following reduce the potential for any future the top of each page on the Council website, the flood event. The current cost of problems,” said Mayor Abbey. which leads you directly to the table and damage to regional roads is more than regular Coronavirus updates and messages. $42, 000. “Council is working with specialist consultants engaged to prepare a detailed “I’d like to thank the Yass Valley community Floodwaters broke the banks of the Yass design and Business Case for construction for its cooperation, care and common sense River and covered the play equipment, of an upgraded Water Treatment Plant. as we continue our fight against COVID-19,” BBQs and tables and chairs at Riverbank This work is expected to be completed said Yass Valley Mayor, Rowena Abbey. Park. The Recreational Vehicle Area and by early 2021. Current study will support roadway at the bottom of Joe O’Connor future construction works, subject to “We need to keep staying home when we are Park also sustained significant damage. availability of subsidy funding.” sick, get tested if we have symptoms, keep The combined parks and gardens damage our physical distance from each other and bill totals $137, 700. Yass Dam sustained bank erosion and damage to pipes and equipment in stay well-informed regarding Government “Thank you to our local SES volunteers the flood, the cost of which is yet be health advice and restrictions. We still have and the staff of Council who worked determined. a difficult path ahead of us but it is one we right across the weekend of 7-9 August will all tread together.” SUPPORTING COMMUNITY GROUPS AND LOCAL HERITAGE PROJECTS Council has provided more than $60,000 in financial support this year to a number The Binalong Court House of community groups and organisations under Grants Programs. Fourteen applicants received funding under two rounds of Council’s 2019/2020 Community Grants Program and six local heritage projects received $19,000 in funding under Council’s 2020/21 round of Local Heritage Grants Program. At the time of going to press, Council was also assessing applications for this financial year’s Community Grants Program. “Yass Valley Council is committed to supporting local organisations and community grants. Our Grants Programs are a wonderful way for us to provide financial assistance to help these • Murrumbateman Village Markets • 1st Yass Scout Group SAA – $4,000 – organisations continue their worthwhile Committee – MPA Inc. – $1,650 – removal and replacement of internal and generous work in the Yass Valley,” upgrade of interior and exterior asbestos panels. said Yass Valley Mayor Rowena Abbey. lighting of the Recreation Ground • Yass Community Radio Association Community Grants food shed. Inc. – $1,500 – upgrade of equipment. • Wee Jasper Community Association • Murrumbateman Mens Shed • Yass Netball Association – $2,300 Inc. – $4,000 for sanding and sealing of Committee – MPA Inc. – $4,000 - – storage cage for netball equipment. reverse cycle air conditioning. the Wee Jasper Hall dance floor and Heritage Grants kitchen floor. • Gundaroo Soldiers Memorial Hall Six local heritage projects received Management Committee - $3,000 • Murrumbateman Landcare Group - $19,000 in funding offers under Council’s - replacement of lighting and $3,200 for an ecological survey of 2020/21 round of Local Heritage Grants installation of fans. the Murrumbateman Bush Cemetery. Program: • Gundaroo Website Subcommittee • Yass Pony Club – $4,000 for the • The Binalong Court House – $4,000. purchase of equipment. GCA Inc – $2,000 – website development. • The Binalong Mechanics Institute – • Yass Railway Heritage Centre - $2,600 $2,900. for the construction of a replacement • Gundaroo Memorials Subcommittee roof for a display locomotive. GCA Inc. – $2, 200 – a memorial • The Royal Hotel Binalong – $3,200. • Murrumbateman Progress avenue of trees. • St Patricks Church Binalong – $3,500. Association Inc. – $4,000 – portable • 1st Yass Scout Group SAA – $4,000 – • Uniting Church Yass – $4,000. grandstands for use at events. painting of exterior of the Scout Hall. • Sutton Public School – $1,400. Scarred Tree Installation Project The Scarred Tree installation The design and construction of Contact project at Oak Hill Aboriginal the Scarred Tree installation has YASS VALLEY COUNCIL Reserve – on the corner of been funded by the NSW Office Orion Street and Cooks Hill of Environment and Heritage, Street Address: 209 Comur Street YASS Road, Yass – is complete. The South East Local Land Services, trees are currently partially Transgrid and Yass Valley Council. Postal Address: PO Box 6 YASS NSW 2582 covered with drapes, which Opening Hours: Monday to Friday will be removed for the Phone / email: 9am – 5pm opening. The installation displays three . Office / cashier: 9am – 4:30pm Aboriginal Scarred Trees, Phone: 02 6226 1477 which grew for more than a hundred years to the north of After Hours: Press 1 to be diverted to Oak Hill. The trees were felled Duty Officer by a developer in 2004 and Fax: 02 6226 2598 were subsequently retrieved by Yass Valley Council and Email: [email protected] treated and stored at its Website: yassvalley.nsw.gov.au depot. The protection and conservation of the trees has Yass Valley Council been a long-standing priority @YVC_Mayor of Council’s Aboriginal Consultative Committee Details for the official and the completion of the opening of the Scarred Tree *The Valley Views newsletter is compiled a number of installation is an important Installation Project will be weeks before delivery. Please be aware that information element of Council’s finalised soon. may have changed and you should seek clarification from Reconciliation Action Plan. Council - 6226 1477 / [email protected].