Murray Matters September 2018

Major Projects Updates | PAGE 4

Agri and culinary tourism on the menu | PAGE 6

Community Grants | PAGE 7

Community Services in Murray | PAGE 8

AND MORE… Bunnaloo Public School, Bunnaloo Pic: Mark Hardcastle Contact council MAYOR Councillor Chris BILKEY Phone 0439 163 272 Message from the Mayor [email protected] 1300 087 004 Elected September 2017 Ward Well, what a year it’s been! It’s almost a streamline our procedures to the benefit www.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au year since the current Council was elected of our staff and our residents. [email protected] DEPUTY MAYOR and a lot has happened. One of the key projects is the review and Councillor Gen CAMPBELL Some of it is what you would expect any harmonisation of our Local Environment Barham Office 0458 809 803 Council to do - the traditional roads, rates Plan (LEP) to better reflect the needs of 15 Murray Street [email protected] and rubbish responsibilities - but a lot has our communities, particularly the rural Elected September 2017 Moama Ward communities in the north west of the Barham NSW 2732 been merger-driven activity, and some new and exciting stuff directed at building Council. Mathoura Office Councillor Nikki COHEN a sustainable future for the Council and its New projects are being undertaken with 21-25 Street 0419 573 258 residents. an eye to the sustainability and resilience Mathoura NSW 2710 of our communities. Attracting new and [email protected] We have been spending substantial sums innovative industries is a focus to ensure Elected September 2017 Moama Ward on recreation, sporting and park facilities Moama Office we are less exposed to boom and bust 6 Meninya Street across the Council area, and will continue cycles, especially as it relates to water and Moama NSW 2731 Councillor Neil GOREY to do so. Funding from the merger process its availability. Supporting businesses that has allowed us to upgrade and, in some 0428 536 513 add value to what we produce, therefore cases, build new facilities. Many of these Office [email protected] generating more dollars from each projects have been completed, some are Tualka Terrace Elected September 2017 megalitre of water, is essential for our Moulamein NSW 2733 Greater Ward underway, and others are planned but not future. yet started. All will improve the liveability Mathoura Visitor & Business Centre in the communities and have been driven We have a committed and hard-working Councillor Tom WEYRICH group of Councillors supported by a by local input about the needs of these 0429 950 594 dynamic and focused executive leadership Mathoura NSW 2710 communities. [email protected] team. The next 12 months will see some of Moulamein Business Centre Elected September 2017 Harmonising the many systems within their work come to fruition. It promises to Greater Murray Ward Council that were different in the legacy be an exciting time. Street organisations is continuing. Financial Moulamein NSW 2733 Best Regards Councillor Tony AQUINO reporting, IT, Human Resources, records Cr Chris Bilkey 0417 856 199 management and a host of others still need more work, and its completion will Council meetings [email protected] Elected September 2017 Council meets on the third Tuesday of every Greater Murray Ward month, commencing at 1pm and alternating between Barham, Mathoura and Moama. Councillor Ann CROWE 0438 331 733 Keeping up-to-date with MRC news [email protected] Don’t read the local papers? No worries! Elected September 2017 Greater Wakool Ward Our website hosts all our latest media releases and items on public display, so if you don’t fancy reading through a Councillor Alan MATHERS paper to see what we’re up to, just jump online and you’ll 0427 209 806 find what you’re after. [email protected] Have other ideas of how you’d like to be kept up-to-date? Elected September 2017 Feel free to email us at [email protected] Greater Wakool Ward and we will work with you to ensure you stay informed!

Councillor Geoff WISE 0407 801 005 [email protected] LIKE US ON Keep an eye on updates or community information via our Elected September 2017 Facebook Page: Council. Greater Wakool Ward FACEBOOK Over the summer the population more than trebles with tourists accessing the Murray River for recreational and water sporting activities; the completion of this project will ensure this influx of tourists is met with attractive surrounds and facilities, encouraging them to return again and again. It will be a great spot The project for the locals too! updates… The update: Works at the site have now commenced! The With design, tender and now construction works kicking along, there has preparation of ground works including parking, Directional signage concepts for Picnic Point. been a lot of action happening on our Major Projects! Below is a snapshot of paths and services is underway. The works also include the installation of new barbeques, two of these exciting projects to give you an update of where they are at… shelters and paths. Play structure installation Updates in-brief will commence this month. Here is a quick status update of some Mathoura Picnic Point Barham Skate Park other Major Projects…. Picnic Point Reserve is a 2 hectare area located The skate park redevelopment project- Mensforth Park 10km’s east of Mathoura, at the end of Picnic driven by a youth-led committee- will be Design scope is being finalised to Point Road on the banks of the Murray River. a redevelopment of the existing site to allow for the implementation of the Improvements to the area over time have incorporate improvements and new facilities. construction program contributed to increased usage and in 2012 led We’ve briefly profiled this project before…but to the development of an overall Management since then there has been significant action at Barham Recreation Reserve – Plan that was developed with input from the site! Multipurpose Pavilion the community and was in turn adopted by The surrounding trees have been removed Will have design documents in September Council. along with the old skating bowl. Furniture and to call tenders for building contractors The final stages of the plan include works at landscape layouts have also been finalised. Mathoura Recreation Reserve – the North and South Beaches, inclusion of Most importantly, construction works of the pavilion kitchen renovations a playground within the reserve that can be skate bowl will commence in September! accessed by the public and general landscaping Preparing to tender out works to bring it all together. Moama Recreation Reserve – Multipurpose Pavilion Planning to have the updated costing and designs in September Moulamein Pre-School Preparing to tender out works and… The court resurfacing at , Barham, Wakool, Bunnaloo and Mathoura, which was funded under the Stronger Country Communities Fund, has either been completed or is currently Concepts for the newly introduced play Skate park design with landscaping. underway! equipment. A streamlined space for Community Grants Day Award our Moama Services Applications for ’s inaugural round of its Community Grants Murray River Council announced in June that Program are expected to open in September! nominations open next month it has purchased the remaining lease on the Rich River Golf Club’s ‘Moama Sports Club’ on The Community Grants program offers Nominations for Murray River Council’s Perricoota Road, commencing September 2018. financial support to not-for-profit 2019 Australia Day Awards will open next The space will eventually be reconfigured to community organisations for projects, month! be utilised as formal Council chambers and equipment, events, exhibitions or an office complex for Council staff and other Residents and community members are performances which contribute positively to professionals, allowing for future economic encouraged to nominate individuals or the Murray River Council community. growth in the town. groups who have made an outstanding The competitive grant round offers $30,000 contribution to the local community. It is also anticipated that the building will of funding in total, with individual grants of provide opportunities for community groups up to $3,000 available. Nominations will open on October 1 and organisations to meet. 2018 for the following award categories: Murray River Council Mayor, Cr Chris Bilkey Mayor, Cr Chris Bilkey said the decision came said the community grants program is in • Citizen of the Year following ongoing discussions to determine place to support not-for-profit community • Young Citizen of the Year the best outcome for the council and the groups to further their ideas or projects. • Sportsperson of the Year community. • Young Sportsperson of the Year “It has become increasingly difficult to deliver “Community organisations are the lifeblood • Community Event of the Year Council’s important services from the crowded of our area, so we’ve put this program in • Community Group of the Year Meninya St office.” place to support these groups in their efforts • Arts/Cultural Award (person or group) to grow and enhance their service provision Nominations close Wednesday “The acquisition of the Sports Club will enable a to the wider community.” Nomination forms will be available from 31 October 2018. more streamlined and accessible council facility to service the community,” he said. council’s customer service centres or via The Awards will be presented at the “Whether it’s an event people are looking council’s website at www.murrayriver.nsw. Australia Day ceremonies held across the The purchase provides Council with the to get off the ground or a new piece of gov.au council on Australia Day, 26 January 2019. opportunity to consolidate the whole area of equipment for a facility; if it is of benefit to the Moama Recreation Reserve into one lease, our local area I would encourage community which covers all of the facilities within Council groups to apply,” he said. care and control. These community grants are in addition to Whilst the facility provides an opportunity to funds currently being provided to recurring, provide a more user-friendly administration annual events such as the Southern 80 and Agri and culinary tourism on the menu centre, Council’s General Manager Des the Wakool and Barham Show Societies. MRC is involved in a region-wide project to realise the Murray region’s potential as an agri and Bilske said the new facility will not mean Further information, dates, as well as access culinary tourism destination. any foreseeable changes to the Mathoura, Moulamein or Barham staffing arrangements. to the online application form can be found The Murray Farm to Plate Program (F2P) is a collaboration between Murray Regional Tourism and on Murray River Council’s website: www. “The move will provide residents with a more murrayriver.nsw.gov.au its member councils. The project is a result of stakeholder input across a series of forums in 2016, attractive venue to deal with Council and testing the need and support for the concept. permit the consolidation of administration Applications will be assessed against a functions that are currently in Moama.” range of criteria, including demonstrated The objective of the program is to help grow both the agri-food and tourism industries and to community need, sustainability, community create collaboration across the region and these industry sectors. We want the Murray to be known “Our other office locations will still provide benefit, inclusiveness and more. as a high-quality food production region and for authentic agri and culinary tourism experiences… service points for our residents’ right across the Council area,” Mr Bilske said. so the F2P program is a great place to start! The initial stage of the project will be the The project is in year one, of a three year program. The current focus is to align activities providing preparation of concept design options for a level of planning and strategic intervention. This aims to demonstrate how it might be possible to office accommodation to meet Council’s activate the ‘farm to plate’ value chain across the Murray Region whilst highlighting the opportunity business needs, along with detailed cost and advantage of aligning different industry sectors. estimates.

For more information visit www.murrayregionaltourism.com.au Following the takeover of the lease this month, this is now all underway. Community Services Out and about with the New additions to Community Services team…. community transport

Murray River is committed to creating an age- Barham, Moulamein and Wakool Community friendly community, where older people are Services clients will have access to an empowered, actively involved and included improved range of services as a result of some new programs and exciting future in community life. The Community Services plans.

Department offers a range of services, support Those residents relying on community and wider information to access other agencies, transport in particular will now benefit from for you or an older person you may know or care expansions to the current service delivery, with clients now being able to access for, to optimise their healthy ageing. transport to regional services and shopping In July, the Tooleybuc Home Support Team locations. took a group to visit the Select Harvest This is in addition to the already existing Almond Processing plant in Wemen on the shopping bus-run schedule. Volunteer with us Happy Birthday to the Murray River. Select Harvest is Australia’s largest Almond producer. Murray River Council Mayor, Cr Chris Bilkey For many individuals, volunteering provides exercisers! said this will be a big help for those with an opportunity to be involved in activities limited transport options or assistance. and programs within Murray River Council. The Tooleybuc Home Support Team have Volunteering not only contributes to building just celebrated the 1st birthday of their Chair “By making these improvements to the strong and inclusive communities, but Based Exercise Class that runs on Wednesdays community transport services in Barham, also delivers mutual benefits to both the at the Tooleybuc Sporting Club. The regular Moulamein, Wakool and remote surrounds organisation and volunteers. Without our we are ensuring that people are not unfairly volunteers Council would not be able to attendees celebrated the ‘birthday’ with a disadvantaged for reasons of health or provide the extent of services currently on celebratory cake, and each attendee who has remoteness.” offer. Similarly, by coming on board our attended the classes over the past 12 months volunteers are sharing skills with each other has received a certificate. Congratulations to all “This is a great improvement to the service and also developing skills, which can provide who have been involved so far! already offered, so I would encourage potential pathways to employment. people to take advantage of the community If you are interested in becoming a Community Cuppa and Cards at Murray transport options when needed,” he said. Services Volunteer please contact Social Community services staff recently organised The expanded transport service will operate Respite Team Leader, Babs on 0419 612 827. Downs a scavenger hunt around Moama as part using a simple pre-booking system, with of “thank you day” for MRC’s wonderful and Tooleybuc seniors now clients required to book at least 2 days prior volunteers. By all accounts it was a fun and My Aged Care by calling 0427 991 842. have the opportunity to get together for eventful day! My Aged Care is the first step to seek a game of cards or a board game… along support for help in social/respite/transport/ domestic services/personal care support - with a cuppa of course…. once a month. for older people to remain living at home. Contact Home Support Coordinator Deb on Eligible households get up to 50% discount Older persons, their Carers or community Scheme to reduce power bills 0437 398 259 for more information on how when replacing their fridge or TV at The Good advocates are encouraged to check out the to get involved in this, or any of the social A NSW Government “new for old” appliance Guys store. My Aged Care Website for more information replacement scheme is saving low income opportunities on offer through the Tooleybuc www.myagedcare.gov.au households and pensioners significant dollars Low-income, concession card holders are Home Support office. on their power bills. eligible to apply, with additional support available for energy hardship customers. The Home Energy Action (HEA) appliance Regional and remote communities are also The community service department has permanent locations in replacement scheme provides funding to encouraged to apply. eligible households to exchange old, inefficient Moama, Barham, Moulamein, Mathoura and Tooleybuc. appliances for cheaper, more modern, efficient Eligible households can apply online at: CONTACT US Call 1300 087 004. ones – which in turn can reduce their bills. www.powertosave.nsw.gov.au/appliance A strategy for Economic A beacon for the future Development and Tourism generation Celebrating small businesses across MRC!

Murray River Council is in the process of Council is a supporter of the -Moama NSW Small Business Month 2018 will be developing a new Economic Development Beacon Foundation’s Real Futures Program, Strategy which will identify opportunities participating as a ‘Real Future’s Friend’ and held during October with numerous events for our community and business sectors to sponsor. being held in local communities across thrive. The Real Futures Program is run for students NSW. Murray River Council Mayor, Cr Chris Bilkey in the Echuca Moama area, with its primary To get involved, Murray River Council said the local community have been integral goal being that all students proceed to further is organising a business dinner on 25 to the development of the strategy thus far, education, training or employment at the following a series of forums held in August. completion of year ten. October with an agricultural theme, including special guest speakers and “The input from the community so far has In August, Council staff participated in the helped our Economic Development Team annual mock interviews day for students opportunities for Q&A’s. identify a range of issues, challenges and at Moama Grammar as part of the Beacon Please keep an eye out for more details, opportunities for sustainable tourism and Foundation program. economic development in the region.” coming soon! This initiative gives students the opportunity “Engaging with local business and to get a feel for career-based interviews, community sectors will ensure that and supports students to make positive and the strategy is relevant with achievable informed decisions about their education, outcomes, so I’d like to thank people for training and employment. their input thus far,” Cr Bilkey said. Here’s what a couple of the ‘candidates’ had to On the Agenda: The LEP If you didn’t get to a forum, there is still time say about the day: Murray River Council is currently reviewing key environmental planning documents that govern the to provide input via an online survey (which development and management of land in the Murray River Council area. closes 20 September). “The interviewer provided a safe environment in which I had the opportunity to learn” – Paddy The consultancy firm Zenith Town Planning Pty Ltd has been engaged to carry out this project over Feedback captured in the survey will three stages. also help inform the development of the “I received really good advice that has helped strategy. my confidence” – Ash The first stage is to prepare a Local Profile which describes the social, economic and environmental characteristics of Murray River. This was on display in August through to the start of this month. The survey can be accessed online at Well done to all involved! murrayriver.nsw.gov.au The Local Profile also identified issues to be considered in the second stage, which is to prepare a comprehensive Murray River Land Use Strategy. The Land Use Strategy will put our current Cr Bilkey is confident the development of situation and our future visions into context and highlight certain directions for growth and the strategy will shed some light on key development within the area. development opportunities for the council. The final stage is to combine the two local environmental plans (former Murray and Wakool) into a “In a time when the agricultural landscape single planning scheme that applies consistent zonings and development standards to the whole is changing dramatically, it is important that Murray River Council area. we examine what our future may look like.”

“A new Economic Development Strategy This ongoing project will identify new development opportunities in Murray River Council and will will provide Council with a road map that assist decision-making by providing guidance for land management. will help us stimulate growth in the local Residents and interested community members are encouraged to stay involved in all stages of economy through jobs growth, population ■ Council’s Human Resources Manager the process, like the recent consultation rounds for the Local Profile. Keep an eye out locally for growth and increased visitor numbers,” Cr Mary, with some interview candidates from opportunities to provide input or feedback as they arise, or contact our Planning and Environment Bilkey said. Moama Anglican Grammar participating in team. Staying involved in the process can help shape the final LEP. the mock interview day.. More than $1billion for our states drought stricken farmers

Member for Murray, Austin Evans last month • Drought Transport Subsidies; announced the NSW Government’s $500 million Emergency Drought Relief Package, • Waived Local Land Services annual rates, which will help farmers right across the Murray fixed water charges in rural and regional electorate. areas, as well as class 1 agricultural vehicle registration; This package now takes the Government’s drought support to more than $1 billion, with • Support services including counselling and $584 million announced in June 2018. mental health; With 99 per cent of the state now in drought • Community assistance including water and farmers facing one of the driest winters cartage and drought-related road on record, we know this package is essential infrastructure improvements; not just for our farmers but the continued • Animal welfare and stock disposal. productivity of our regional communities. For more information on the NSW The Emergency Relief Package provides key Government’s emergency drought relief support in priority areas including: package visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au.

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