Council's Weekly Column 2nd October 2023

Published on 02 October 2023

NOTICE OF ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING

The Ordinary meeting of Walgett Shire Council scheduled for the 24th of October 2023 will now be held on the 26th of October 2023. The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers at 77 Fox Street, Walgett, commencing at 9am.

Council's business agendas and minutes can be accessed through the Council's website.

This meeting will be open to the public. Individuals desiring to address the Public Forum are kindly requested to complete the provided form or get in touch with the Council via telephone or in person. Those who have not registered to speak will not have the opportunity to address the Council. The open Ordinary Council meeting will be live-streamed, recorded, and made accessible to the public through the Council's website.

Hugh Percy
Acting General Manager

WALGETT CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Calling all stallholders, food vans, and entertainers!

Do you have unique crafts, delicious treats, or amazing talents to share? We invite you to be part of the magic at the Walgett Christmas Markets.

Date: December 9th
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Apex Park, Walgett
Cost: FREE

Are you a captivating entertainer capable of bringing smiles to people's faces, or perhaps you offer exciting attractions like jumping castles? We're actively seeking entertainment and engaging activities. If you possess something to offer, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We have a small pool of funding available.

Expressions of interest email tourism@walgett.nsw.gov.au or phone Sharon or Sherisse on 6828 6100

BORE BATH CLOSURES

Please be advised the Burren Junction Bore Baths will be closed from the 9th of October until the Easter Holidays in 2024. This date may be moved forward if there are any rain events or our evaporation ponds fill faster than expected. The Walgett Bore Baths will be remain open until the following week and close on the 13th of October. Please also note they will be closed to the public from 10:30am until 12:00pm on Tuesday 10th of October.

For further information please phone the engineering department on 6828 6100.

DIVE INTO A SAFE POOL SEASON

As the pool season is upon us, let's make safety our top priority with these essential tips:

Supervise: Never leave children unattended near the pool. Keep watch over them at all times.

Restrict: Ensure there is a barrier that restricts your child’s access to water sources. Check pool fences are compliant, ensures all latches work. Inflatable pools with a depth greater than 30cm also need to be fenced.

Teach: Teach your child water awareness. Establish rules such as no running or diving in shallow water. Teach them to swim and get them familiar with being in water.

Respond: Learn how to perform CPR and refresh your skills regularly. Ensure there is a CPR chart on site. Remember to always phone Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

Maintenance: Keep your pool area clean and maintained to ensure there are no slips or falls. Check drainage areas. Clean out skimmer boxes often and keep a watch for snakes and spiders. Perform regular water tests for a healthy swimming environment.

For more information regarding private swimming pool compliance in the Walgett Shire please speak with the Director of Environmental Services, Kimley Talbert on 6828 6100.

For resources such as checklists, statistics, guidelines and compliance you can also visit www.royallifesaving.com.au

SNAKE SAFETY ALERT FOR WALGETT SHIRE

As the warmer months approach, it's time to be snake-savvy! Here's what you need to know:

Garden Care: Keep the grass short, clear debris, and move wood and tin piles away from your home.

Watch Your Step: Whether on footpaths, roads, or in bushy areas, be mindful of where you walk.

Snake Sighting? Stay Back! If you spot a snake, keep a safe distance. Don't approach or harm it. Move children and pets away from the area.

All native snake species in NSW are protected by law under the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1974.

Spot a Snake in Public? While Council staff can't wrangle snakes, they can alert the community. If you see a snake in a public area, call our administration team at 6828 6100.

*Staff are not trained or authorised to handle or remove snakes.

In Case of a Bite: call 000 immediately for medical help.

MAGPIE SWOOPING SEASON SAFETY TIPS

Spring is here, and so are the magpies! Stay safe with these quick tips:

• Travel in groups, swooping birds usually target individuals.
• Carry an open umbrella above your head.
• Wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat.
• Do not act aggressively by waving arms or throwing items, magpies will remember you!
• Walk, don’t run.

Magpies are native birds protected by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Council are unable to assist in harming or destroying problem birds.

BIN COLLECTION SERVICES

Bin collection days across the Walgett Shire:

Council reserves the right to refuse collection if bins are not presented as follows:

• Bins must be spaced one metre apart from each other.
• Bins should be placed out the night prior or by 6am on collection day.
• Bins must be positioned away from trees, telegraph poles or other obstacles such as parked cars.
• Bins should not be overfilled or overflowing.
• Unathourised or additional bins may be refused. Most residential properties are entitled to one bin per household.

If you have any further questions regarding the collection service please phone 6828 6100.

PLACEMENT OF PLAQUES AT CEMETERIES

It has come to the attention of the Council, that some individuals, or organisations may be placing memorial plaques on unidentified grave sites in Council Cemeteries.

Council Cemetery policy indicates that any monument or memorial installed in cemeteries, is subject to pre-approval by Council before installation.

In the event an individual or organization wishes to install a memorial or plaque in Cemeteries within Walgett LGA, please visit our website www.walgett.nsw.gov.au and complete the “cemetery plaque application” form and return it to admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au or PO BOX 31, Walgett, NSW or via our offices in Walgett, Lightning Ride or Collarenebri.

Please be aware non-approved memorials or plaques may be removed at Councils discretion.

For further information please contact Bob Ironmonger or Lyn Douglas on 6828 6100 or email admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au.

WATER METER ACCESS

The Walgett Shire Council requests your cooperation in maintaining clear access to your water meters. This is vital for accurate readings, meter protection, and the safety of our staff.

Failure to access the meter may result in estimated readings, potentially impacting the accuracy of your water usage charges.

Please be mindful of obstacles such as locked gates, unsafe property conditions, aggressive dogs, overgrown gardens, high grass or meters buried under dirt or debris.

For further information contact our Engineering Department on (02) 6828 6100 or email admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au

ROAMING DOGS

At Walgett Shire Council, public safety and responsible pet ownership are our top priorities. To address concerns regarding roaming and nuisance dogs, our team conducts regular patrols throughout the Shire.

The Companion Animals Act 1998 states dog owners have a legal obligation to prevent their dogs from escaping the premises. Failure to do so could result in fines if your dog is seized.

Council strongly advises all pet owners to microchip and register their pets to ensure a swift reunion in case of separation.

Let's work together to promote a safe environment for everyone including your pets!

For more details contact Paul Flint on 0418684710 or email admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au.

EVENTS BULLETIN

 Information about events in our community can be found on our websites:

www.explorelightningridge.com.au   

www.walgett.nsw.gov.au/Events-Activities

We also provide a weekly e-bulletin sent every Wednesday after 5pm. To subscribe, simply email tourism@walgett.nsw.gov.au

If you have an event, activity or community news you would love to share with our growing list of 900+ subscribers, send an email to tourism@walgett.nsw.gov.au with the event details including any promotional materials or flyers.

* Please note: Council reserves the right to exclude any items as they see fit. Any inclusion of materials is not a direct endorsement by Council.