Mudgee’s new super sewer almost complete

Mid-Western Regional Council is in the

midst of a once in a lifetime infrastructure

upgrade.

A brand new, $15 million sewage plant is

due for completion in coming months, and

will be used by Mudgee residents before the

end of the year. The new sewage treatment

plant is part of the $23 million Mudgee

Sewerage Augmentation Project to upgrade

Mudgee’s sewerage services.

Mid-Western Operations Business

Manager Services, Claire Cam says the

biggest difference the new sewage plant

will make will be environmental.

“Residents won’t notice a difference

when they flush the toilet, but this plant

will utilise current technology to meet the

most stringent environmental standards,”

Mrs Cam said.

“The current sewage treatment plant at

Putta Bucca was built in the 1930s when

nutrient removal was not industry practice.

The quality of water discharged from the

new plant will be a vast improvement.”

The old Putta Bucca sewage treatment

plant will be decommissioned later this year,

once the new plant is up and running.

“We’re in the middle of construction

now. Most of the major civil works have

been constructed, mechanical and electrical

works are installed, roadworks and

landscaping will be last,” Mrs Cam said.

A pipe will deliver raw sewage to the new

site from the upgraded Putta Bucca sewage

pump station. Once there, the sewage will

go through a mechanical screen and a grit

remover to take out foreign objects, paper,

sand and sediment that can’t be processed.

From there, sewage will go to one of two

aeration tanks.

“Each of these tanks has capacity to

treat sewage from the equivalent of 8,000

people, so the total treatment plant has

the capacity to treat sewage from the

equivalent of 16,000 people. The old sewage

plant only had capacity for the equivalent of

9,000 people, so we’ve almost doubled our

capability,” Mrs Cam said.

The new sewage plant has also been

built with the long term option of adding

another aeration tank which would increase

capacity by the equivalent of another 8,000

people.

“The aeration tanks create optimal

conditions for micoorganisms to assimilate

wastes. The aeration process accelerates the

natural process of waste degradation in a

controlled manner,” Mrs Cam explained.

There are various treatment processes

including UV disinfection that the sewage

goes through before leaving the plant.

“After a settling period, left over sludge

is dried out and disposed of to landfill.

Treated water is discharged to the river

system. The quality of this water has to

meet stringent Environmental Protection

Authority requirements,” Mrs Cam said.

The new sewage plant has been designed

with a long term plan. “It has a life span of

50 years and Council has also purchased

land to the east of the plant to ensure there’s

capacity to develop as the town grows,” Mrs

Cam said.

The NSW State Government is a funding

partner on the project through the Country

Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program.

Community News — 1 / Mudgee Guardian, Friday, March 15, 2013 — 7Contributed by Mid-Western Regional Council, www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au

CENSUS STATSPOUND PUPSTOWN HALLOur workforce profilePage 3

Microchipping & adoption open dayPage 2

Your invitation to the Official OpeningPage 2

FRIDAY MARCH 15, 2013

Council is currently half way through a

colourful community consultation process

which will help set priorities for the next few

years.

Council’s leadership team is out on the

streets asking for input on six key issues and

giving residents the opportunity to provide

feedback about anything else they think is

important to the community.

Liz Densley, Mid-Western Regional Council

Manager Strategic Planning says that this

process is similar to one conducted in 2011.

“This community consultation process

has been designed to be bright, easy and

interactive. Participants are given coloured

beads to put into jars which represent issues

of high priority.”

“This way, Council and residents can

clearly see what the community believes

is most important and what we should be

focussing on,” Mrs Densley said.

Six separate issues will be represented

by a jar, including affordable housing, youth

services, tourism and events, supporting the

arts, pre-school and education, and roads.

“While we have identified six key areas, this

process also gives residents the opportunity

to give Council feedback on any issue. People

are invited to make submissions to Council

staff on the street about anything they would

like Council to consider,” Mrs Densley said.

In 2011, Council asked residents and

community groups about their vision for our

Region between now and the year 2030.

As a result, the Community Strategic Plan,

called “Towards 2030”, was created. This Plan

addresses social, environmental, economic

and civic leadership issues identified by the

community.

The “Towards 2030” Community Plan sets

priorities for the Region and determines the

services and projects Council will focus on.

Council is now reviewing the original

Community Plan as there are new Councillors

since September 2012. Community

engagement and consultation will be

undertaken as part of the process to update

the “Towards 2030” Community Plan.

“We have identified current issues that

we see as being of greatest importance to the

community. They are different issues to what

the community was asked about in 2011,

because priorities have changed since then,”

Mrs Densley said.

“These highest community priorities may

not necessarily be Council responsibilities.

Despite this, we can work on behalf of the

community to lobby or promote certain

outcomes even if Council isn’t able to provide

them directly,” Mrs Densley continued.

“We are facilitating movement towards

the vision of the Region within Council’s

capabilities.”

Council staff are on the streets now, with

Mudgee and Gulgong being covered this

week. Staff will be in Rylstone and Kandos

next Thursday and Friday respectively.

“Nearly 3,000 people participated in

the consultation process in 2011, which

represented about 1 in 5 adults in the Region.

We’re hoping for a similarly enthusiastic

response this time,” Mrs Densley said.

After feedback has been collected from

the community, a revised Community Plan

will go on exhibition for public comment. This

will be advertised so people are able to be

involved during the entire process.

Council hits the streets for community feedback: have your say

ALMOST FINISHED! MWRC’s Business Manager Services, Claire Cam surveys progress on the new sewage plant

SEEKING FEEDBACK: Understanding priorities

Council’s Economic Development

and Events team presented at

the Local Government and Shires

Association Tourism Conference this

week at Shoal Bay.

Hosted by Port Stephens Council,

the conference provided a platform

for Councillors and council staff to

meet, listen to experts and peers

and find out how other councils are

promoting their tourism industry.

Events Co-ordinator Alayna

Shackleton and Economic

Development Officer Julie Robertson

presented a case study on Glen

Willow Regional Sports Stadium and

how Mid-Western Regional Council

utilises the facility for the benefit of

local tourism.

“Since it was completed in

February 2012, Glen Willow has

been the draw card in attracting

some major sporting events to our

Region. These events deliver short

and long term economic benefits

and real tourism traction,” Miss

Shackleton said.

“After a community open day

and a number of test events last

year, our first major event was the

AAMI City v Country Rugby League

match in April 2012. This attracted

8,000 people and was a huge success

both on game day and in the week’s

lead up activities,” Miss Shackleton

continued.

The game was broadcast

nationally to a live audience of

almost 1 million viewers, and was

the only rugby league game in

Australia that weekend.

“It was great exposure for our

Region, and showed that we’re

capable of hosting sporting events

on the national calendar,” Miss

Shackleton told the conference.

Also held in April 2012, the

Trans Tasman Test Series saw the

best touch football players from

Australia and New Zealand play at

Glen Willow. Games were played

over three days and filmed for

delayed broadcast domestically and

internationally.

Miss Shackleton and Mrs

Robertson demonstrated during

their presentation the significant

marketing exposure for Glen Willow

Regional Sports Stadium and the

Mid-Western Region as a result of

these major sporting events.

“It’s an opportunity for out-

of-towners to attend the event

and enjoy other great tourism

offerings. To make the most of this,

we worked collaboratively with a

range of community and business

organisations to provide add-on

events and extend the length of

visitors’ stay,” Miss Shackleton said.

Complementary value-add

events included boutique food and

wine experiences, winery tours and

horse racing.

The conference heard that an

official opening was important to

the ongoing success of the facility

in securing major events.

“Because we launched with a

bang, we could showcase the ability

of the facility and the Region to

host major sporting fixtures,” Miss

Shackleton said.

The successful execution of

events already held has resulted in

Council securing further events of a

premium calibre, including an NRL

premiership match in 2013.

Glen Willow Regional Sports

Stadium will be the home ground

for the Parramatta Eels when they

play the Gold Coast Titans on

Sunday, 26 May.

“This is a huge coup for the

Region and demonstrates the

significance of the facility to local

tourism. It’s the first NRL match

to be played in a truly regional

location in more than 15 years, and

the crowd it brings will reflect that

significance,” Miss Shackleton said.

Mid-Western Regional

Council provided information to

conference delegates via the Glen

Willow Regional Sports Stadium

case study. This assisted other

Councils considering taking a more

proactive approach to marketing

and attracting major events in their

regions.

8 — Mudgee Guardian, Friday March 15, 2013 / Community News — 2 Contributed by Mid-Western Regional Council, www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au

COUNCILLORS

Local leaders in sports tourism: Glen Willow showcased

Cr Des Kennedy

Mayor

(02) 6378 2850

Cr John Webb

Deputy Mayor

(02) 6373 3951

Cr Paul Cavalier

0403 995 533

Cr Peter Shelley

0403 156 405

Cr Max Walker

(02) 6372 3490

Cr Esme Martens

(02) 6358 8237

Cr Percy Thompson

(02) 6374 0226

Cr John Weatherley

0408 867 644

Cr Lucy White

0417 410 244

TALK TO THE ANIMALS: Locals loved the opportunity to tour the new pound.

SHINING EXAMPLE: Alayna Shackleton and Julie Robertson presented at this week’s Local Government and Shires Association Tourism Conference.

Looking out for our furry friendsMid-Western Regional Council

recently celebrated the opening of

its new pound with an Open Day on

Saturday, 23 February.

Over 200 people toured the

facility throughout the day and a

number of pets found homes, with

six dogs and five cats adopted by

new owners.

The new pound has the capacity

to house up to 25 dogs and 10 cats,

many more than the previous site,

and in much more comfortable

conditions.

The new building is so well

insulated that on a hot day getting

up to 36 degrees outside, the

temperature inside the pound was

only 22 degrees.

The new pound is next to the

Mudgee Waste Transfer Station on

Hill End Road and is open Monday

to Friday from 7:30am to 4pm.

If residents can’t make it during

opening hours, call Mid-Western

Regional Council on 6378 2850 to

make an appointment.

Council Ranger Chris Burns

offered a special deal for dog and cat

owners who were able to have their

furry friend microchipped for just

$10. This proved very popular with

over 50 dogs and cats microchipped

at the Open Day.

“Microchipping is quick, painless,

and easy. It’s the easiest way a pet

can be returned home, so it should

be top priority for every pet owner,”

Mr Burns said.

The pound houses animals

which are lost or have been picked

up by the ranger. The pound is also

the place to go if you’re looking for

a dog or cat to adopt.

“Sadly, we often find dogs

and cats which are never claimed

by their owners, and sometimes

unwanted pets are left with us to

re-home,” Mr Burns said.

Mid-Western Regional Council

website has a current listing of

animals in the pound that are lost

or looking for a new home. Go to

www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au and

follow the link to ‘Dogs and Cats’.

If you find an animal, please

contact Council so that every effort

can be made to reunite it with its

owner.

MUDGEE TOWN HALL & LIBRARY

Official Opening Thursday, 11 April Official opening at 12 noon Library Tours

Friday, 12 April Library Tours and Events Youth Week Activities

Saturday ,13 April Library Tours and Events Mudgee Performing Arts Variety Concert

Community News — 3/ Mudgee Guardian, Friday, March 15, 2013 — 9Contributed by Mid-Western Regional Council, www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

Firstly, I wish to thank the three

show committees of Rylstone,

Gulgong and Mudgee for the

excellent shows that have been

held in our communities over the

last few weeks. It’s great to see

such large crowds attend, bringing

a good mix of people to appreciate

the diversity of our community.

Well done to each show

committee. Council is very proud

of the work you do and the many

voluntary hours you put into

making these shows the great

successes that they are.

EVENTSHigh profile events coming up

include MudFest at Bunnamagoo

Estate and the Clay Push Ceramics

Conference in Gulgong. These two

festivals have international acclaim

and will both attract considerable

numbers of visitors from outside

our Region.

I understand about 15 potters

from all around the world will show

their skills in Gulgong at the Clay

Push.

I encourage you to attend both

of these events if you can to and

appreciate some of the great talent

within our Region. MudFest is on

Saturday 16 March, and the Clay

Push is on 26-28 April.

UPGRADE: CHURCH ST, MUDGEEI wish to thank residents

and visitors to Mudgee for their

patience and tolerance during the

reconstruction of Church Street

between Mortimer and Gladstone

Streets. It can be difficult when

major works occur, and I’m fully

aware of the disruptions. However,

I’m pleased with the positive

feedback we have received from

businesses in the area, particularly

about the attitude and cooperation

that Council staff have provided for

those businesses.

EASTER BREAKEaster is only two weeks away

and traditionally this is the busiest

tourism period in the Region. We

look forward to greeting a lot

of new visitors and making the

most of the opportunity to display

the Mid-Western Region as the

fabulous place it is to visit. I hope

every resident and business will join

Council in this effort.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORMSThe State Government is

currently preparing a number

of documents recommending

reforms that will impact Local

Government. This includes re-

writing the Local Government Act

and the Environmental Planning &

Assessment Act.

There is also a separate

Independent Review Panel looking

at the effectiveness of Local

Government. One of the major

issues they are contemplating is

the most effective size of a local

government area. Without doubt,

there are going to be amalgamations

in NSW and we are unsure of how

this will affect Mid-Western Region.

This Council is concerned that

the Panel has stated that nobody

should travel more than two hours to

a Local Government Headquarters.

Two hours in my opinion is far too

large a distance, and could see this

Council area amalgamated with

Lithgow, Bathurst or Dubbo. This

Council has made a very robust

submission to oppose the Mid-

Western Regional Council becoming

any larger. In fact, I believe the 2004

amalgamation created the ideal

sized Council area.

We will keep you informed of

any developments and how our

Local Government area may be

impacted.

YOUR FEEDBACK PLEASEOver the next two weeks,

Council will be asking for feedback

on our Community Strategic Plan

and Operational and Delivery Plans.

The Community Strategic Plan sets

the scene for the future of our

Region from a Local Government

and State Government department

perspective. The Operational and

Delivery Plan sets out how Council

will deliver physical works and

services to our communities over

the next 1 to 4 years.

I encourage you all to participate

in this important public community

consultation process, and give us

your thoughts. It’s an opportunity

for you to contribute to the

direction of this great community

we call home.

Council Meetings:20 March

3 April

17 April

1 May

Village Forum: 10 AprilHargraves 11am

Pyramul 1pm

Windeyer 2.30pm

Meroo 4.30pm

Village Forum: 8 MayWollar 2.30pm

Cooyal/Botobolar 4.30pm

Cooks Gap 6.00pm

Our bustling Region: Lots of local goings-on

Wednesday 20 March 2013Council Chambers, 86 Market Street, Mudgee. Open Day – 5.30pm; Meeting to commence at conclusion of Open Day.

AGENDA ITEMSNotices of Motion

Fridge Buy Back Scheme

Application for Beverage Container

Recycling Grants 2013

Rescission Motion - Budget Variation to

2012/2013 Operational Plan

Rescisssion Motion - DA0149/2013

- Proposed Industrial Shed and light

Industrial Use, Lot 16 DP 1165148, 53-57

Depot Road Mudgee

Rescission Motion - Alternate Sites for

Temporary Workers Accommodation

ReportsDA 0200/2013 - Proposed Industrial

Workshop Building, Lot 17 DP 1165148,

47-51 Depot Road, Mudgee

DA0134-2013 - Proposed Dual

Occupancy - Lot 2 DP 700501 & Lot 1

DP202902 41 Madeira Road Mudgee

DA0135-2013 Proposed Multi Dwelling

Housing - Lot 2 DP 700501 & Lot 1 DP

202902 41 Madeira Road Mudgee

DP 0290/2013 - Proposed 2 Lot

Subdivision Lots 3B, 3C, 25, Sec 18 DP

758482 and Lot B DP 449202, 140-142

Mayne Street, Gulgong

Planning Proposal - Grimshaw Lane

Residential Area Gulgong

Planning Proposal - Motel 16 Sydney

Road Mudgee

Finance Policy Review

Request for Financial Assistance for the

Back to Gulgong Reunion 2013

Monthly statement of MWRC bank

balances and investments as at 28

February 2013

Eurunderee School (R88830) Reserve

Trust

Addition of General Contractor

Town Entrance Signage

Mudgee Skate Park Improvements

Cost to include Marshfield Lane to the

maintained road schedule

Tender for Supply and Delivery of Bulk

Fuels and Lubricants

Gulgong Sports Council

Mudgee Saleyards Management

Committee

Noxious Weeds Advisory Committee

Reports (closed)Blaxland Voluntary Planning Agreement

Mudgee Riverside Caravan & Tourist Park

Appeal by Mac Group Pty Ltd - Progress

Report

General Manager’s Performance Review

2012-13

Mine Rating Categorisation Update

This meeting is open to the public. Members

of the public may address the Committee

Meeting at Open Day. Speakers are given

5 minutes to outline any issue of relevance

to the Council. If you wish to speak at Open

Day please contact the Mayor’s Office on

1300 765 002 or 02 6378 2850 by 3.00pm

on the day of the meeting. Or, please make

yourself known to Manager Governance

prior to the start of the meeting.

The 2011 Census results

provide Mid-Western Regional

Council with a snapshot of

the Mid-Western Region Local

Government area with population

and demographic indicators.

On Census night, there were

22,318 residents in the Mid-

Western Region.

Julie Robertson, Economic

Development Officer, Mid-

Western Regional Council says

that compared with the majority

of rural and regional areas in

NSW, the Mid-Western Region

has experienced strong growth,

with a 5.1% population increase

since 2006.

On Census night, there were

8,689 people aged 15 and over

who were employed in the local

labour force. 55% were male and

45% were female.

Mrs Robertson says an

increasing number of people in

the Region are engaged in full

time work which is a sign of an

economy with strong employment

prospects.

“62% of all employees work

on a full-time basis which has

increased from 57% in the 2006

Census. 38% of employees

work on a part-time basis,” Mrs

Robertson said.

The top four employment

industries in the Mid-Western

Region in August 2011 were

mining, retail trade, agriculture

and health care. There have

been significant increases in the

number of people working across

all of these industries.

“While it’s not surprising to

see a growth in the number of

people working in the mining

workforce, there has also been a

significant increase in the number

of people working in agriculture.

This demonstrates the diverse

nature of the local economy

and the range of employment

opportunities available,” Mrs

Robertson said.

“Economic diversity is a key

competitive advantage of the

local economy. A major focus of

Council is to maintain this diversity

into the future by promoting and

supporting initiatives that balance

the needs of all industry sectors.”

Almost half the local workforce

indicated that they worked 40

hours or more per week.

“Those employees mainly

work in agriculture, mining,

manufacturing and construction,

which is consistent with the high

levels of business and economic

activity being experienced by

those industries. Longer hours are

required to increase production

and outputs,” Mrs Robertson said.

The Mid-Western Region

has a highly skilled workforce

which is demonstrated by the

large percentage of workers at

a manager, professional and

technical level.

Data shows that males are

more likely to be employed as

managers, technicians, machinery

operators and labourers. Females

are more likely to be employed as

professional, community workers,

administrative workers and sales

staff.

Census Stats: The Mid-Western Workforce COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

Male versus Female employment positions Industry of Employment

Proposed bridge name

Council proposes to formally name a bridge over Carwell

Creek on Cudgegong Road in the locality of CARWELL – Cuth

Foster Bridge.

New street name

Council proposes to formally name the two unnamed streets

in the Nurrowin Estate subdivision off Rifle Range Road in

Mudgee.

Submissions should be in writing, giving reasons and

addressed to the General Manager, Mid-Western Regional

Council, PO Box 156 MUDGEE NSW 2850. Submissions will

be accepted until Friday, 5th April 2013.

Should you have any queries or wish to discuss this matter

please contact Council’s Revenue and Property Department

on 6378 2850 or 1300 765 002.

RYLSTONE SHOW ART RAFFLE WINNERS

First Prize: Bird Painting, Red C89 - Ricardo Peach

2nd Prize: Print Rotunda Kandos, Green E13 - Robyne Beenewitz

3rd Prize: Red E46 - Glen Box

Aboriginal Sensitivity Mapping Project: Seeking

Urban and Rural Private Properties for Cultural

Survey, Ref. A0420248

Council is currently undertaking an Aboriginal Sensitivity

Mapping project funded by the Hunter-Central Rivers

Catchment Management Authority. It involves the

construction of local government area (LGA) wide mapping

which can generally predict the likely hood of relics and

artefacts being located in an area. From this council will

be able to improve decision making around its works and

development assessment programs to enhance protection of

our cultural heritage.

As part of the mapping project council would like to test

the mapping with two ground surveys. The ground surveys

would be undertaken over two days focusing on two urban

and two rural sites each time. i.e. a total of 8 survey sites. It

is hoped that these surveys would involve privately owned

land whose owners may be interested in developing in the

future or are interested in cultural heritage in general.

Accordingly, Council is interested in hearing from land

owners who may like to have their properties surveyed in

association with the project. For more information please

contact council’s Environmental Town Planner, Mr Alex

Noad, on 02 6378 2850.

SUPPLY & DELIVERY OF TRAFFIC & SAFETY

SIGNAGE; AND SUPPLY & DELIVERY OF

GALVANISED POSTS & CAPS, T231213HUN

Regional Procurement® on behalf of the Hunter Group of

Councils is calling tenders for:

T231213HUN

Category 1 - Supply & Delivery of Traffic and Safety Signage

Category 2 – Supply & Delivery of Galvanised Posts and Caps

Tender documents are $50.00 (non-refundable) available

from www.tenderlink.com/regionalprocurement.

Tenders are invited and will be received up to 10.00am

9 April 2013 for the above tender. For any inquiries please

contact Leanne Roberts on 02 4978 4017.

SUPPLY & DELIVERY OF READY MIXED CONCRETE

T331213HUN

Regional Procurement® on behalf of the Hunter Group of

Councils is calling tenders for:

T331213HUN – Supply and Delivery of Ready Mixed Concrete

Tender documents are $50.00 (non-refundable) available

from www.tenderlink.com/regionalprocurement.

Tenders are invited and will be received up to 10.00am

9 April 2013 for the above tender. For any inquiries please

contact Leanne Roberts on 02 4978 4017.

PROVISION OF HYGIENIC SERVICES

T301213HUN

Regional Procurement® on behalf of the Hunter Group of

Councils is calling tenders for: T301213HUN – Provision of

Hygienic Services

Tender documents are $50.00 (non-refundable) available

from www.tenderlink.com/regionalprocurement.

Tenders are invited and will be received up to 10.00am

9 April 2013 for the above tender. For any inquiries please

contact Leanne Roberts on 02 4978 4017.

Warwick L Bennett

GENERAL MANAGER

10 — Mudgee Guardian, Friday March 15, 2013 / Community News — 4 Contributed by Mid-Western Regional Council, www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au

Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC) Community News is the

official newsletter of Mid-Western Regional Council, published

monthly and distributed as part of the Mudgee Guardian as

well as to all homes and at Council Service Centres and libraries.

Copyright MWRC 2012.

Authorised by Warwick L Bennett, General Manager

Mid-Western Regional Council

86 Market Street, Mudgee NSW 2850

Printed by Regional Printers Pty Ltd

216 Macquarie Street

Dubbo NSW 2830

www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au

(02) 6378 2850

1300 765 002

CLASSIFIEDS

ALL RESPONSES TO BE ADDRESSED TO:

Warwick L Bennett GENERAL MANAGER

PO Box 156

86 Market Street

MUDGEE NSW 2850

Ph: (02) 6378 2850

or 1300 765 002

Fax (02) 6378 2815

council@midwestern.nsw.gov.au

www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au

REQUEST FOR SUBMISSIONS

REQUEST FOR TENDER

PUBLIC NOTICE

MUDGEE TOWN HALL & LIBRARY

Official Opening Thursday, 11 April Official opening at 12 noon Library Tours

Friday, 12 April Library Tours and Events Youth Week Activities

Saturday ,13 April Library Tours and Events Mudgee Performing Arts Variety Concert