Council News Issue No: 123
CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2016
Weekly information from us to you
HANGING OUT: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Manager Stephen Payne puts the finishing touches on the Archibald Prize exhibition.
PICTURE PERFECT Australia’s favourite art award, the Archibald Prize, has landed at Wagga Wagga Art Gallery for the first time since 2010.
The portraits are unpacked, hung and ready for thousands of locals and visitors alike to enjoy from today until Sunday 15 January. Awarded to the best portrait painting of the year, it’s a who’s who of Australian contemporary culture – from politicians to fashion designers, sporting heroes to artists. “We’re delighted to be hosting the Archibald Prize 2016 once again here at the gallery,” Manager Stephen Payne said. “This is always a great opportunity for Wagga Wagga art lovers to enjoy Australia’s favourite art exhibition, especially over the summer holidays when we have so many family members and friends passing through.” From 830 entries and 51 finalists, Louise Hearman’s portrait of one of the nation’s most acclaimed and beloved entertainers and satirists, Barry Humphries, claimed the top prize. “This year’s prize is a particular treat with such a broad range of subjects, styles and techniques,” Mr Payne said. “The winner, Louise Hearman’s Barry, is definitely a standout that showcases her painterly finesse as well a definite rapport with this beloved entertainer. “I’m also very drawn to Natasha Bieniek’s portrait of Wendy Whiteley – it’s one of the smallest works in the exhibition, only the size of a postcard, but the detail is so fine you can even tell the time on Wendy’s watch.” The Art Gallery of NSW exhibition can be enjoyed for free at the gallery, which is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 4pm and 10am to 2pm on Sundays.
Faster approval times on the way Faster approval times for a number of Development Application (DA) types are on the horizon for the Wagga Wagga community. A number of changes to the Development Control Plan are now on public exhibition, with residents and business able to share their feedback until 27 January. General Manager Alan Eldridge said the amendments will result in less DAs going to Council, which will make the approval process smoother and faster for the community.
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WAGGA SHOP V I S I TO R I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T R E 1 8 3 TA R C U T TA S T R E E T WA G G A WA G G A 1300 100 122
“This is the first big improvement put forward by the Planning Taskforce, which is undertaking a landmark review of Council’s planning framework,” he said. “Currently when planning controls are varied by more than 10 per cent, a DA must go before Council, which adds to the processing time. “For example, a shed that exceeded the 10 per cent variation took 84 days for approval, whereas applications that have not exceeded the variation have been approved in less than 12 days. “These amendments will reduce the number of applications being reported to Council, improve decision-making times, reduce costs for the applicant, and be a better use of Council resources.
• Ready-made and custom hampers • Local produce and gifts • Regional wine, beer and cider
The amendment includes development types such as dwellings, dual occupancies, multi dwelling housing and structures and outbuildings associated with these developments. The Development Control Plan is a nonlegal document that supports the Local Environmental Plan with more detailed planning and design guidelines. It is one of many planning tools that are currently being reviewed by the Planning Taskforce. “Since the Planning Taskforce was announced in March, they have been undertaking a review of the Local Environmental Plan, Development Control Plan (DCP) and Section 94 Plan. “We’re dedicated to taking a holistic
approach to our planning framework and making sure it’s guided by the new Community Strategic Plan ‘Wagga View’ and aligns with other important documents such as the Residential Strategy, the Recreation and Open Space Plan and the Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy. “Our goal is to build the best regional city in Australian and the important work that’s being done now is steering us towards that direction.” To view the Development Control Plan amendments, visit the Customer Service desk in the Civic Centre or wagga.nsw.gov. au. Submissions can be made in writing to the General Manager or emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au.