Livestock Marketing Centre Sheep Yard concreting ramps up
Have your say on Council’s funding priorities, services & operations
Council is encouraging residents to give their feedback on four important planning documents focusing on the delivery of works and services to the community in the short and long term.
Residents across our local government area have the opportunity to have their say on the collection of documents, part of Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting framework which are currently on public exhibition: Delivery Program 2023/2026, Operational Plan 2023/24, Long Term Financial Plan 2023/24, Fees and Charges 2023/24.
Chief Operating Officer Scott Gray said under NSW Government legislation, councils must prepare a number of plans detailing how they intend to deliver works and services in the short and long term.
“These plans are based on the community’s priorities and present a balanced approach to planning that considers how our resources can be used to deliver community outcomes that align with the Community Strategic Plan 2040,” Mr Gray said.
The upgrade of the Livestock Marketing Centre (LMC) continues with the concreting of the sheep yards this week.
The existing bitumen surface of the sheep yards was laid more than 50 years ago in the mid-1970s during the initial establishment of the LMC.
It is now time to replace the surface so that visitors and livestock who come into the facility on a weekly basis are not at risk of tripping in this this fastpaced environment.
The removal of the bitumen and its replacement with concrete looks to rectify these issues by leveling out walkways where buyers move between pens, and smoothing out holding pens, reducing the risk of injury to livestock.
The holding pens also have textured surfaces to minimise slipping and directing waterflow to the drainage systems.
Excell Gray Bruni was awarded the $1.9 million concreting contract by Wagga Wagga City Council in August 2022 and the concreting of the sheep yards commenced in October 2022.
LMC Manager Paul Martin said it is being undertaken in stages between sales days to ensure the operations of the facility can continue with little or no disruption.
“We have been working with the contractor to coordinate the pour of the concrete and allow enough time for it to set between sheep and lamb sales days, which are held every Thursday,” Mr Martin said.
“It’s a tight schedule and is dependent on other factors such as the weather. So far it has gone reasonably smooth and is running on time.”
An estimated 60 cubic meters of cement is required for each of the 34 rows of pens.
The concreting of the sheep yards is another step in the overall upgrade of the LMC which commenced in 2017.
So far works have included the expansion of the cattle yards, relocation and roofing of the calf pens, and the installation of an elevated pedestrian walkway.
The LMC is the largest livestock sales facility in Australia in terms of animals that pass through each year, making it a leader
in the industry and an asset to Wagga Wagga.
Maintaining the functionality, appearance, and potential for growth of the facility is an investment into the future of the livestock industry in the region. In 2018/19 the value of the livestock sold through the LMC was $430 million. It is estimated this brings a contribution of $32.6 million to the local economy. The concreting of the LMC sheep yards is expected to be completed by the beginning of June 2023.
“They help Council discuss funding priorities and service levels with our community, from roadworks and waste management, to maintaining or improving existing facilities or how much certain services cost, like hiring a community hall.
“They also shape how we can work together to create a more sustainable future for our city and its surrounding villages and rural areas.”
Council’s draft Long Term Financial Plan 2023/24 details how its strategic aspirations can be achieved in terms of time, money, assets and people.
Capital works projects and programs account for more than $93 million of the planned activities for the 2023/24 financial year, including an allocation of $28.5 million for roads across our local government area.
The four planning documents are on exhibition until Thursday 25 May.
To access the plans and submit a response online, visit connect.wagga. nsw.gov.au/draftiprdocs23
Hard copies can be collected from the Customer Service desk at our Civic Centre on the corner of Morrow and Baylis streets.
such as computers, keyboards and TVs can be dropped off for free at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre or Kurrajong Recycling. E-Waste should not be placed in any of your kerbside bins.Council Works & Projects
Events & Tourism registration in before they close just before midnight on Tuesday 23 May.
In 2022, despite the torrential downfall, more than 300 competitors lined up in the chase for the green and gold jersey to wear for the following 12 months.
AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner described the course and facilities that were provided as second to none.
“We appreciate the assistance from Mountain Bike Wagga Wagga and the City Council in helping us deliver this event in a city known for its sporting achievements,” Ms Fechner said.
Marathon riders to tackle Wagga Wagga for second straight year
Australia's leading cross-country marathon mountain bike riders will once again tear up the trails of Pomingalarna Reserve in Wagga Wagga for the 2023 AusCycling Marathon National Championships in just over two weeks’ time.
For the second straight year the trails at the popular cycling venue will test the very best from 27 – 28 May 2023. Entries are now open for the event, and riders are encouraged to get their
“The event will also be a good starting point for those who will be competing at the 2023 UCI Masters World Championships to be held in Western Australia in September.”
The course will take riders on a journey with a magnificent network of purpose-built trails and tracks, whilst starting and finishing at the new Multisport Cycling Complex.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout is delighted AusCycling has once again chosen the city for its 2023 Marathon National Championships.
“We are looking forward to welcoming competitors from far and wide, as well as from across our local region, to the city for what will be a great weekend of mountain bike racing,” Cr Tout said.
“The feedback we received about our English performed by local Wiradjuri/ Wiradyuri youth, a Smoking Ceremony, local students speaking about Sorry Day, and a didgeridoo performance.
Council’s Social Planning Coordinator Sarah Lehman is encouraging the broader community to take the time to acknowledge this significant day.
“It’s 25 years since the first National Sorry Day was held, to coincide with the first anniversary of the 1997 Bringing Them Home report being tabled in the Federal Parliament,” Ms Lehman said.
“While it’s not possible for everyone to attend a National Sorry Day ceremony, it is an important day to reflect on how each of us can play a part in the healing process for our nation.”
National Sorry Day is followed by National Reconciliation Week 2023 from Saturday 27 May to Saturday 3 June.
$12-million Multisport Cycling Complex at Pomingalarna Reserve after last year’s event was really positive and the 2023 Championships will be another opportunity to showcase this state-ofthe-art facility.”
The Championship weekend will comprise practice sessions on Saturday 27 May, with racing in all categories on Sunday 28 May.
Council’s Manager Recreation & Economic Development Ben Creighton said the top-level competition will use the entire Pomingalarna precinct, including the criterion track, BMX track, velodrome and jump track.
“We encourage the community to head out and catch all the action, but we ask that you don't ride in any of the areas during the championship races on the Sunday,” Mr Creighton said.
“If you're out for a ride on Saturday, please be aware of organisers who will be setting up the event course and take care as there will be extra riders on the trails, practicing for the National Championship.”
Entries are open until 11.59pm on Tuesday 23 May for the Mountain Bike Marathon National Championship and the Wiradjuri Wander; two nonchampionship categories catering to riders aged from 15+ years.
Registration can be completed online at the AusCycling website: auscycling. org.au
the First Nations community when recognising these significant dates.
“With guidance from the local Mawang Gaway Elders group, Council has worked closely with the local Wiradyuri and First Nations Elders, community, and Aboriginal Education Consultative Group to involve the local Wiradyuri and First Nations youth in our events,” Mr Higgins said.
“Historically, Wiradyuri and First Nations people weren’t given opportunities to speak on issues that affected them so by actively creating these opportunities now, especially giving young people platforms to speak, we are putting reconciliation into action.”
Council is presenting a Wiradjuri/ Wiradyuri and First Nations led curated program of events across National Reconciliation Week 2023.
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Council will hold an event later this month to commemorate National Sorry Day 2023 at the Sorry Day Rock located in the Wollundry Lagoon precinct, adjacent to the Civic Theatre.
The ceremony will provide a chance for people to come together in the healing process for the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their family and communities.
The event, to be held from 10am on Friday 26 May 2023, will include an Acknowledgement of Country in Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Language and
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The theme for 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’, encouraging all Australians, from individuals, families, and communities, to organisations and government, to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in their everyday lives.
Council’s Aboriginal Development Officer Bernard Higgins notes the importance of collaboration with
Winter Exhibition LaunchEnviornmental Exhibitions and Program
SAT 13 MAY, 4PM - 6PM Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. P. 6926 9660
Mother’s Day at Bidgee Strawberries & Cream
SUN 14 MAY, 10AM - 2PM
and Identity
SAT 13 MAY, 2.30PM - 3.45PM
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. P. 6926 9660
Bidgee Strawberries and Cream, 4 Billagha St. P. 0480 311 643
Mother’s Day Lunch at The Charles SUN 14 MAY, 11.30AM - 1.30PM
The program is titled Nguluway – which translated from Wiradjuri/ Wiradyuri to English means Meeting
Each Other
Nguluway includes Cultural Walks and Smoking Ceremonies, an oral history session about the Cootamundra Girls Home, a local family's history regarding the Resettlement Program, a youth event with the Defence forces, documentary screenings, and a closing ceremony at Chambers Park in Tolland on Friday 2 June.
While all these events are free, some will require a booking to attend.
For more details, you can access the full program by visiting wagga.nsw.gov. au/reconciliationweek
The Charles, 82 Tarcutta St. P. 0408 542 481
Art Classes with Leigh Hewitt
MON 15 MAY, 6PM - 8PM
The Curious Rabbit, 44 Johnston St. P. 6921 5391
Lunchtime Concert No.4: Guitariffic featuring Contra Guitar Duo
THU 18 MAY, 1PM - 2PM Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. P. 6925 3522
Riverina Producers Market
THU 18 MAY,
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Labourer - Multiple Permanent Positions Available $1,957.26 gpf + super
Closing: Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Oasis Senior Lifeguard $2,407.57 gpf + super (inclusive of weekend penalty rates)
Closing: Sunday, 21 May 2023
Executive Assistant - Two Permanent Positions Available
$2,640.48 gpf + super
Closing: Monday, 29 May 2023
gpf = gross salary per fortnight
1PM - 6.30PM
Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. P. 0488 102 835
John Stephenson
6921 5391
For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events team: events@wagga. nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442. Mon - Fri. /waggaevents visitwagga.com
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Public Notices
ALL NOTICES NOW ONLINE AT: wagga.nsw.gov.au/ the-council/ news-and-updates/ public-notices
‘Be a Voice for Generations’: the challenge of National Reconciliation
Week 2023OFF & RACING: 2022 AusCycling Marathon National Championships at Pomingalarna Reserve.