NEWSLETTER MURRUMBIDGEE MAGAZINE May 2017

Volume 2 Issue 4

New courts officially opened

A $304,000 upgrade to the Netball Courts was officially unveiled by Member for , Greg Aplin on 22 April. The Monash Park netball courts and infrastructure represents collaboration between the NSW Government, Merger Infrastructure Funds, the Jerilderie Netball Club and Message from our the Federal Government. Administrator The opening took place following Jerilderie’s first home games for the 2017 Picola Tuesday 25 April marked a and District Football Netball League. proud occasion in our Mr Aplin said the two new courts and associated infrastructure were an example nation's history, with ANZAC of what can be achieved when “the community works together-just like an Day commemorations taking inspired sports team”. place around our region. Despite the wet conditions it More than 50 people attended the opening, including four Jerilderie Netball Club was good to see so many in life members Zenda Purcell, Kellie Thomas, Melinda Rorato and Bobbie Furletti. the Murrumbidgee Council Also present were supporters, Council staff, Local Representation Committee area take the time to reflect (LRC) members Ruth McRae, Gaila Smith and Faith Bryce, Jerilderie Football Club and remember the sacrifices president, Sam Catena, Picola District Football Netball League President, Denis made. Brooks, Operations Manager, Shane Railton and Board Member, Trish Wooden.

I’m happy to report that Following the official proceedings guests enjoyed afternoon tea provided by the Civica Pty Ltd has been Jerilderie Netball Club. awarded the contract to provide Council’s Computer Enterprise Business System. This is an exciting development because it means that our offices will be able to communicate more effectively as well as offer better engagement with our ratepayers. When we have this new system up and running residents will have greater access to a whole range of online transactions.

Regards, Council’s Administrator, Austin Evans, Member for Albury ,Greg Aplin and Austin Jerilderie Netball Club ‘s Tiffany Sutton at the official opening of the netball courts. 1 MURRUMBIDGEE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

DARLINGTON POINT WATER

As a directive from NSW Department of Primary Industries-Water and NSW Health, chlorination of the Water Supply is to be continued until further notice.

Recent Facebook discussion providing an example of dirty water was found to be isolated to one house in its internal system after being vacant for a period.

Providing residents with clean, safe drinking water is a top priority for Council and a rigorous water quality program is being maintained. An assessment of the Murrumbidgee Council’s newest citizen Nabeel Ahmed water supply assets across the Local Government Area Bhatti proudly took the pledge to become an Australian is currently being carried out to ensure continued citizen in last week. He is congratulated by compliance with Public Drinking Water Guidelines and Council Administrator Austin Evans. to maintain a potable water supply for all three towns. Residents will be notified of any planned permanent changes to the town water supply if that becomes Places Project necessary. Murray Local Land Services is funding a photographic essay to capture the great diversity of places and Community Grants Round 2 spaces along our vital and unique creek.

Forty six applications have been received in Round 2 Murray Local Land Services is funding Jumptree Studios of the Community Grants Fund. to create a photographic essay featuring 20 different places that have connection to The Billabong Creek. The majority of those applications are for new projects, with 10 carried over from Round 1. Council’s The images will be part of an online gallery and will be Local Representation Committee (LRC) will meet to featured in an exhibition in late 2017 to which all discuss the submissions on 9 May followed by a participants and communities along the Billabong Creek meeting of the Fund Assessment Panel, with the will be invited. results going to the next Council Meeting on 25 May. For this essay, they are seeking 20 properties/places $500,000 in total will be allocated to projects in Round (private or crown) located anywhere along the creek, 2, with 33 community groups awarded grants in from Walbundrie in the east to in the west. Round 1 amounting to $1million. The aim is to capture in images and anecdotes the essence of the Places of the Creek. To register your interest in being one of those 20 places shared or for more information please contact Helene Mortlock at [email protected] or on 0409 029 564.

The Lions Club of Coleambally have a new ride on mower Swimming Pool Fob reminder after receiving Community Grants Funding in Round 1. A reminder to all Jerilderie Swimming Pool users. Now Local Government elections will be held on 9 September that the swimming season in Jerilderie has finished could everyone please return their Fob to the Jerilderie Follow us: Office as soon as possible to ensure you receive your $50 deposit back. Thank you. MurrumbidgeeCouncil @MurrumbidgeeCouncil

2 MURRUMBIDGEE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER A new era of engagement

In an effort to improve levels of service to the community an agreement has been entered into with Civica Pty Ltd to provide Council’s Computer Enterprise Business System.

This is a major improvement work for the new Council in enhancing customer service for residents as well as helping cement as one organisation.

The decision was made at an Extraordinary Meeting of Council held on 19 April in Coleambally.

The new business system will be rolled out in the new financial year.

When it is in place the new system will simplify the process of engagement with Council, allowing residents to view rate information online and carry out a range of transactions including tracking Development Applications and complaints. It also means rates can be paid at any centre.

The former Murrumbidgee Shire and offices operated two different business systems, with those existing systems not able to integrate. Both systems were due for an upgrade and following evaluations by Council's ICT User Group it was found that Civica provided the best fit for Council.

Implementation of the new systems will be progressively introduced over coming months, information will be provided introducing enhancements. Open for business Positive outlook Residents in Darlington Point are now being offered There is a real buzz in the business community better customer service. across the Murrumbidgee Council area as signs of a The old practice of closing for lunch has been strengthening economy become apparent. abolished, with ratepayers now able to access the Claire’s Picture Framing has now opened in office from 8.30am right through until 5pm Monday to Coleambally and this means the Brolga Place Friday. The new office hours will help improve the way shopping precinct is now 100 per cent occupied. Council does business. This is just one example of the many positive things happening in the business sector around our region.

Above: Installation of the new office signs has commenced.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since 13 May 2016 Council has approved 63 Development Applications totalling $7million.

Coleambally Community Bank Manager, Chris Noack congratulates Claire Walsh on her new framing business.

3 MURRUMBIDGEE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER What’s on May/June

 Coming Together and Sharing Day Jerilderie, Thursday 4 May from 10.30am to 3pm

 Jerilderie Show ‘n’ Shine & Tractors Saturday 6 May from 10am

 Darlington Point Respite Group Youth Week event a big success Altina Wildlife Tour and Morning Tea 10 May Young locals leapt at the chance to have some fun during Youth Week.  Jerilderie Airstrip Official Opening

In line with this year's Youth Week theme, young people in the Friday 12 May Murrumbidgee Council area got the chance to "get involved, be  LRC Meeting 23 May 1pm heard and make a difference”. Darlington Point They did this with a trip to Shepparton’s Go Jump indoor trampoline park on Saturday, April 1.  Council Meeting 25 May 10am

The bus trip was planned and delivered by Council’s Darlington Point Administration and Finance Support Officer Tianni Given, who  ‘Cuppa and Chill Out’ Day Tuesdays thanked the 21 young men for taking the time to join in and help make the day a success. 10.30am to 11.30am at Council’s Darlington Point Office 27th Charity Golf and Bowls Day

A wonderful effort by the community will see just over $20,000 donated to this years Royal Children’s Hospital Fire and Emergency Services Levy Good Friday Appeal.

The Jerilderie Sports Club’s fun-filled day saw 184 golfers From 1 July 2017, the NSW Government is introducing a fairer system for funding our and 54 bowlers enjoy perfect weather to participate. All community’s fire and emergency services. entry fees as well as on course refreshment sales are donated to the appeal. With the generous support and At present, these services are funded by a levy on insurance, which will be removed from 1 July. donation of goods from local and neighbouring From this time, all properties, not just insured businesses, the raffle and auction held on the day, were properties, will directly contribute to the cost of once again keenly patronised. these services through the Fire and Emergency Services Levy (FESL). The Club thanks the ever-increasing number of people that make this day such a success, and to the Jerilderie The NSW Government’s rate protection commitment means residents of the new council Apex and Lions Clubs for their continued support. will pay no more for their rates than they would have under their old council for the next three years. Contacting your Council FESL is calculated based on unimproved land Murrumbidgee Council Branch Offices: value determined by the Valuer General, with Darlington Point - 21 Carrington Street different rates for residential, public benefit, commercial, industrial and farm land. Coleambally - Brolga Place Jerilderie - 35 Jerilderie St For more detailed information on the NSW Government’s Fire and Emergency Levy, visit: Phone: 1300 MRMBGE (676243) www.fesl.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 78 78 72. E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au

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