Murray MattersEdition 5 / October 2017

All correspondence addressed to:The Acting General Manager PO Box 21, Mathoura NSW 2710

Following the amalgamation and the September 9 elections the first Murray River Council has nine elected members with three from Greater Wakool, three from Greater Murray and three from Moama.

September 26 saw the first Council meeting held with Cr Chris Bilkey being the successful Mayoral candidate and Cr Gen Campbell as Deputy Mayor.

Cr Bilkey said he was grateful for the confidence that his fellow councillors had placed in him for the Mayoral role. He also thanked the Acting General Manager and the staff of Murray River Council for their tireless efforts over the past eighteen months.

Cr Bilkey said that there is now a chance to be a better and more cohesive council area and he sees the opportunity as a significant one where everyone can work together and leave a legacy as a council that is the envy of others.

Cr Bilkey was elected to the former Murray Shire Council in a by-election held in 2013 and served one term as Deputy Mayor September 2014 – September 2015.

Cr Gen Campbell was elected to the former Murray Shire Council in 2012 and served one part term as Deputy Mayor September 2015 - February 2016.

First Mayor and elected members of Murray River Council

■ Murray River Council Councillors… Tony Aquino, Ann Crowe, Neil Gorey, Mayor Chris Bilkey, Deputy Mayor Gen Campbell, Tom Weyrich, Alan Mathers, Geoff Wise and Nicole Cohen.

Contact councilPhone

1300 087 004www.murrayriver.nsw.gov.auadmin@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au

Operating hours

Barham Office15 Murray StreetBarham NSW 2732Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm

Mathoura Office21-25 Conargo StreetMathoura NSW 2710Mon-Fri: 9.30am to 4pm

Moama Office6 Meninya StreetMoama NSW 2731Mon-Fri: 9am to 4pm

Moulamein OfficeTualka TerraceMoulamein NSW 2733Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm

Mathoura Visitor & Business CentreCobb HighwayMathoura NSW 2710e: info@mathoura.com.auMon-Fri: 8.30am to 4.30pm

Moulamein Business CentreMorago StreetMoulamein NSW 2733Mon-Fri: 9am to 1pm

Council meetingsDetails about the next council meetingcan be found in public notices or at www.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au

Council meetings are open to the public and residents are encouraged to participate during question time.

Murray River CouncilExecutive Structure

DES BILSKEActing General Manager

SIMON ARKINSTALLDirector of Planning, Environment

& Economic Development

JOHAN LOUWDirector of

Engineering

LESLEY PALMERDirector of Corporate

Services

Des Bilske – Acting General Manager

Des joined us on Monday 4 September as the new Acting General Manager for the Murray River Council. Des comes to Murray River Council with nearly twenty years of experience in Local Government gained from working for a number of Councils in NSW as well as Victoria having been the General Manager at Balranald, Chief Executive Officer at Gannawarra, Deputy General Manager at Broken Hill before General Manager at Deniliquin followed by Interim General Manager at Edward River.

Holding a number of formal qualifications including a Bachelor of Business from the University of SA as well

as a Graduate Certificate in Finance and Accounting and a Graduate Certificate in Commercial Law both from the Charles Sturt University, Des is also a Graduate from the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Des stated that whilst there has been significant progress with the implementation of the merger of the two former Councils of Murray and Wakool, he is looking forward to working with the elected members on the development and finalisation of the Community Strategic Plan to establish priorities for advancing the communities into the future. Continued input into this plan from all

areas of the community is paramount.

Des will make himself available to meet with community members as often as possible and will continue to travel to all areas of the Council on a regular basis to facilitate this contact

Lesley Palmer – Director of Corporate Services

Lesley joined us on Monday 21 August and has settled in to her new hometown of Moulamein.

Lesley comes to us from Northern  Peninsula Area Regional Council in Queensland where she was the Executive Manager of Corporate Services.

In addition to being a very experienced corporate service professional, Lesley knows this region well having been the General Manager of the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Management Authority between 2010 and 2012.

With a friendly manner and ‘hands on approach’ we’re sure Lesley will embrace the challenges that come with both a new role and a new council.

■ LESLEY PALMER Director of Corporate Services

■ DES BILSKE Acting General Manager

Moulamein South Recreation Reserve upgrade of sporting facilities $410,812 This project is the result of a schedule of works developed by the Reserve Management Committee to improve the reserve’s overall amenity and functionality for its user groups.

Project outputs

• Re-surface the two asphalt netball courts to improve functionality, safety and appearance.

• Upgrade the oval to install and improve drainage

• Replacement of football posts and netting behind the goals.

• Upgrade of perimeter fencing

Tooleybuc River Precinct Redevelopment $650,000The Tooleybuc Piangil Action Group coordinated the precinct project to enhance the existing attributes of Mensforth Park’s setting to encourage more traffic to stop and enjoy the town, as well as providing recreational activities for the local community.

Project outputs

• Upgrade power, kitchen and deck at the existing Bridge Keepers Cottage:

• Install fencing around the playground equipment area:

• Develop a river walk / bike track: • Concreting extension and installation of

lighting • Seating • Signage outlining tooleybuc attractions,

native flora and fauna and historic facts • Sculptures of historic and local icons• Outdoor exercise stations

Moama Recreation Reserve Zone 1 $3,965,000The Zone 1 project is part of an overall master plan prepared by Murray River Council consolidated with input from the reserves user groups and the general community.

The project will work towards further developing the site as a regional sporting precinct.

Project outputs

The Moama Complex will include the following items:

Stronger Communities Fund Major Projects Program $9m

• Pavilion / function room

• Club rooms• Change rooms

(football/cricket/netball)

• Kiosk• Viewing areas• Public amenities• Storage• Car park• Landscape work

Barham Recreation Reserve Multi-Purpose Complex $2,000,000The Barham Recreation Reserve Committee are the drivers of this project, which will see the implementation of a multi-purpose facility for the immediate reserve users and the community at large.

Here is a snapshot of each of the Major Projects that will be delivered to the community… keep an eye on future editions for updates and more specific details as the projects progress!

Moulamein Pre-school Making room for the next generation $446,000Driven by the Moulamein Pre-school committee this project will see refurbishment works to the existing pre-school building to provide additional space for day care services.

Project outputs

Refurbish the existing building and construct extension at the rear.

The site will include:

Stage 1 - Multi Purpose Complex – Change rooms:

• Change rooms - players and umpires

• Toilets (players & public)

• Store• Timekeeper’s box• Office

Stage 2 - Multi Purpose Complex – Clubrooms:

• Function room• Toilets• Meeting room• Kitchen canteen• Cool room and bar

facilities

• Office• Store• Kitchen • Staff toilets• Sleep room • Change room

Mathoura Football Netball Club Kitchen Redevelopment $516,000Led by the Mathoura Football/Netball Club this much-needed redevelopment and extension to the clubroom kitchen will enable the club to continue to support the local sporting facilities and community.

Project outputs

Upgrade to clubroom kitchens includes:

• Building design and specifications works

• Commercial kitchen appliances

• Building extensions • Toilets

• Flooring• Cabinetry • Cool room • Access paths &

landscaping

Barham Skate Park Redevelopment $407,000Driven by a youth-led committee this project will be an extension of the existing site to incorporate improvements and new facilities similar to recent developments at Mathoura that will be more accessible and inclusive to all users.

Project outputs

• Partial retention of existing skate bowl as part of the overall layout

• Extended skate facility similar to Mathoura Skate Park layout

• Landscaping and associated amenities

• Fencing

Picnic Point Improvements $200,000This project will see the completion of the final landscaping works within the reserve as per the priorities nominated within the Picnic Point Management Committee’s management plan.

Project outputs

• General landscaping• Removal of pest plants and weeds• Improvement of pathways, shelters and

seating

Merran Creek Bridge $525,000The Merran Creek Bridge on the Swan Hill Road (MR 67) is the primary link from the Wakool Ward into Victoria at Swan Hill. Rehabilitation and restoration works will ensure the continued safety of the structure and preserve the life of the bridge to the original 100-year design life.

Project outputs

Works will include replacement of bearings and securing of panels to avoid future movement.

Restoration of the deck.

• External deck and ramps.• Pre-school room• Day-care room• Landscaping of the

building surrounds as required

Project outputs

Your newly elected Councillors

NEIL GOREYGreater Wakool Ward

ALAN MATHERSGreater Wakool Ward

ANN CROWEGreater Wakool Ward

GEOFF WISEGreater Murray Ward

TONY AQUINOGreater Murray Ward

TOM WEYRICHGreater Murray Ward

NICOLE COHENMoama Ward

CHRIS BILKEYMoama Ward

GEN CAMPBELLMoama Ward

National Recycling Week – 12 – 18 NovTake the quiz – how good are you at recycling?

1. How many tonnes of office paper could be saved each year if each Australian household used recycled toilet paper in just one bathroom?

a) 55,000 tonnesb) 55 tonnes c) 5,500 tonnes

2. What type of common plastic can be recycled at most metro Coles and Woolworths/Safeway supermarkets?

a) Plastic toys and dollsb) Plastic furniture c) Bread bags, pasta packs or biscuit packsd) None of the above

3. Australia Post enables people to recycle what products?a) Mobile phonesb) Nespresso Coffee capsules c) Printer cartridgesd) All of the above

4. What do 8 out of 10 councils say is the biggest recycling problem? a) Soft plastic and plastic bags in the recycling binb) Bins facing the wrong way for collection c) Taking bins out just as truck arrivesd) Half empty bins

Answers:

1a. If every Australian household used Naturale 100% Recycled Toilet Tissue in just one bathroom, we would save 55,000 tonnes – enough paper to fill 100 Olympic swimming pool.

2d. Soft plastics: You can recycle your bread, pasta, rice and cereal bags, as well as biscuit packs (not the tray), bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags and old green shopping bags through the REDcycle program at most metro Coles and Woolworths/Safeway supermarkets for recycling.

3c. All of the above: Australia Post helps people recycle unwanted mobiles, printer cartridges and Nespresso Coffee Capsules as well as Post packs.

4a. 8 out of 10 Australian councils report plastic bags as their biggest recycling problem. Soft plastics and plastic bags in the recycling bin are a big issue as they are caught in the sorting machines. Keep them out of your bin.

12–18 November 2017

Murray River Council has successfully gained funding to replace the timber bridges on Fountain Road over the Merran Creek and Colenso Park Road Bridge over the Yarrein Creek, both located on the Murray-Wakool flood plain, which is prone to flooding. Murray River Council is matching the Federal government’s financial commitment.

Merran Creek Bridge - committed funding $399,400

Built in 1912 the Fountain Road bridge runs over the Merran Creek. The bridge is closed as it has reached the end of its design life. The detour is a 15km round trip through farms and paddocks.

Yarrein Creek Bridge - committed funding $394,400

Built in 1930 the Colenso Park Road Bridge has a 2 tonne load limit and has reached the end of its design life. There is a dry weather detour through the paddock beside the existing bridge.

Council plans to replace both bridges with two-lane reinforced concrete bridges 28.1m long and 7.74m wide. These bridges are of high quality, durable and easy to build. The design caters for access for heavy vehicles and agricultural equipment, low maintenance and meets the requirements for a 100-year design life.

Bridge funding success

Community Consultations - Health and Wellbeing Residents, people with disabilities, carers, local

businesses, and special interest groups and

services providers participated in consultation

sessions between 25-28 September at Moama,

Mathoura, Bunnaloo, Wakool, Moulamein,

Murray Downs, Tooleybuc and Barham.

Feedback gathered at these sessions on the current services received from Murray River Council and other service providers will guide and inform future service delivery plans.

Murray River Council’s Community Strategic Plan will include the outcomes from these community consultations.

QUICK FACT

“Tourism is already a major contributor to the Murray River Council area with $133.8 million output attributed to the sector. Tourism puts $29.6 million in wages into the area, the highest of any industry sector, and employs around 650 people.”

Our Council falls within the Murray Regional Tourism (MRT) footprint, part of the Riverina Murray Destination Network.

MRT was established in November 2010 in partnership with Destination NSW, Visit Victoria and local government councils in the Murray region.

MRT has launched its new corporate website, www.murrayregionaltourism.com.au full of information, research and assistance for new and existing tourism operators.

Your tourism network

Have your say…During October and November, MRT will be seeking input to the next Destination Management Plan.

Destination Management Planning is a process that ensures tourism adds value to the economy and social fabric of communities. The plan draws on research, analysis and consultation to make recommendations relating to both the demand for and supply of tourism products and experiences within a region. This process also considers the economic benefits to a region attributable to tourism, in this instance through the attraction of both investment and additional visitation.

If you are an interested stakeholder or even an interested community member, this is the perfect platform to have your say on future tourism and product development in the region.

Dates and venues are still to be confirmed… touch base with one of our Economic Development team on 1300 087 004 for additional details.

Now is the time to enjoy the wonderful parks and gardens that our staff take great pride in maintaining for your enjoyment.

Spring has sprung in our parks and gardens and pollen is in the air

As beautiful as spring is for some, it can bring symptoms of — sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes and runny noses — making this a miserable time of year. Here are some tips that may benefit you outdoor lovers.

1. Know exactly what you are allergic to (trees, grasses, weeds and mould spores).

2. Know what type of vegetation, plants and trees are in the area that you are going to enjoy.

3. Listen to the weather forecasts for the pollen counts.

4. If possible, pick a time of day to enjoy the great outdoors when your allergy-inducted plants don’t pollinate. Such as, peak pollination times for grasses are in the afternoon to early evening, so you may want to avoid these times.

5. Protect yourself outdoors – wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, if gardening avoid touching your hands to your face and eyes.

6. Keep pollens out – keep the windows in your home and car closed as much as possible during the allergy season. Take a shower to wash the pollen off your skin and hair after working or exercising in the great outdoors and remember to remove your shoes and change your clothes once inside.

7. Develop an allergy plan that’s right for your lifestyle, sensitivities and symptoms.

This program is designed to help primary producers better manage their businesses principally through the management of their on farm risk and finances that drive their businesses.

Three professional development priority areas are:

• Risk management

• Financial and business management

• Farm business planning/drought preparedness

You may be eligible for reimbursement of costs up to a maximum of $5,000 per farmer or $9,000 per farm business, upon completion of a course/activity

Should this program be of interest, you can obtain further information from http://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/assistance/professional-development-program

GRANTS - Farm Business Skills Professional Development Program

Council have recently launched its Youth Engagement Program....or what we like to call YEP!YEP supports young people to engage in leadership, development, network activities and individual support.YEP provides youth with:• a central point for information on local events and activities relevant to young people• access to opportunities, resources and support• support to participate in various activities, events and programs specifically for young people• somewhere to discuss and progress issues, concerns and ideasNeed more info? Contact our Youth Engagement Officer at yep@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au

YEP = Youth Engagement Program

To the Householder

POSTAGE PAID

AUSTRALIA

Naming of our community newsletterFirstly, a big thank you to all who participated. It was great to see that there was interest from our staff and from our very dedicated constituents who take pride in who council is and what council does. The Executive management team voted on the suggested names and Murray Matters was the one chosen with a unanimous vote.

MURRAY MATTERS – Where did the name come from? Courtney Dean who works in our Economic Development & Tourism team (located in Barham) came up with this suggestion along with a number of others.

MURRAY MATTERS - why was it chosen? The Murray is part of the lifeblood of the region and it does matter. Agriculture and Tourism are the backbones of the local economy and the Murray plays an integral role in these areas. ‘Matters’ are generally something we like to read about, talk about, consider and sometimes, make a decision on. We aim to capture many of these aspects in the spirit of our community newsletter.

We hope you look forward to your edition of Murray Matters each quarter and enjoy the articles on what’s happening in and around Murray River Council.