Council News 20 March 2019

COUNCIL NEWS 20 MARCH 2019 

The 2019/2020 Operational Plan process will commence on Thursday, 28 March 2019 with a workshop to be held at the Council Chambers to consider and discuss the list of projects that have been proposed.  In accordance with the Division of Local Governments Meeting Practice Note No. 16, the workshop will be an informal meeting conducted by staff to enable Councillors to discuss and ask questions about the list of possible works and projects for 2019/2020. The workshop cannot make decisions or determine priorities.  The Extra Ordinary estimates meeting has been scheduled for Thursday 11 April, 2019 at the Council Chambers and this is the meeting where the priorities and funding will be determined.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has announced a 2.7% rate pegging limit for Councils for the 2019/2020 financial year. The rate peg is determined by IPART using the Local Government Cost Index (LGCI) with the main contributors to LGCI over the year ending September 2018 being:

·         increase of 2.4% in employee benefits and on-costs, measured by the ABS wage price index for the NSW public sector

·         increase of 14.4% in electricity and street lighting charges, measured by the ABS consumer price index for electricity costs – Sydney, and

·         increase of 2.4% in construction works – roads, drains, footpaths, kerbing, bridges costs, measured by the ABS producer price index for roads and bridge construction – NSW.

The rate pegging limit of 2.7% is up from 2.3% for the 2018/2019 financial year which reflects the increase in the LGCI.  It needs to be noted that the LGCI only reflects movements in underlying costs. It does not reflect increased costs arising from the need to expand services to meet growing demands or the need to increase infrastructure spending to address backlogs or growth. These needs are to be met by way of special rate variations (SRV) under the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) which allows a Council to increase its general income by more than the rate peg.

As residents are aware Cr Brown is Council’s delegate on the Arts OutWest (AOW) Board and is representing Weddin Shire with distinction. Arts OutWest have recently advised that they are currently in the process of seeking people who are interested in becoming board members.

Arts OutWest is the regional arts development organisation for the NSW Central West and promotes, educates, facilitates and advocates for arts and cultural development. They are a not-for-profit incorporated association and the board positions are a two-year term and are voluntary, unpaid positions.

Three positions are currently open and AOW are looking for some specific skills in the areas of accounting, finance, law, marketing, human resources, arts industry knowledge, management (CEO or similar) experience, strategy development, experience as an arts practitioner, experience as an arts manager, fundraising, community work, Aboriginal cultural awareness or local government knowledge. As well as ensuring that the board has diversity across gender, location, age and cultural background. 

The board is responsible for overseeing the governance of the organisation and makes decisions about the strategic direction and ways of achieving the best outcomes for arts in the region. The Board meets four times a year in February, May, August and November, currently on the second Tuesday of the month at 5.00pm; twice in Bathurst and twice in Orange.  There is also an Annual General Meeting, usually held on a weekend in May each year.

Applications for board membership are currently open and must be received by Friday 3 May 2019. 

For further information visit: http://artsoutwest.org.au/applications-open-for-arts-outwest-board/

Residents are reminded that Youth Week is fast approaching and will be held from 10-18 April 2019. This year, the NSW Youth Week theme is: Coming together to Connect, Share, Speak out, and Celebrate. The theme was decided by the NSW Youth Advisory Council 2018.  

To celebrate NSW Youth Week this year, the Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP) invited young people between 12 and 24 years of age to enter the NSW Youth Week Design Competition. The winner will be presented with an award at the NSW Youth Week Forum at NSW Parliament House on Monday 8 April 2019.

To learn more about Youth Week or to find activities visit: www.youthweek.nsw.gov.au

The Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Riverina the Hon Michael McCormack MP recently advised Council that our grant funding application under the Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) Round 4 for the upgrade of the Cricket Pitch and Nets at Lawson Park was successful.

This will assist aspiring young cricketers from the Weddin Shire to reach their full potential.

Also a reminder that the Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW Central Region have advised that Financial Counsellor, John Beer is available to visit Grenfell. The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides free impartial and confidential services to farmers and small agricultural businesses. 

They also provide information and assistance with farm innovation funds, natural disaster assistance and can assist in helping clients with a better understanding of their financial position.  Appointments are necessary and can be made on Ph 1800 940 404 or mobile 0408 973 723.

The current exhibition at the Grenfell Art Gallery is a local exhibition by the Grenfell Community Art & Craft Group and will run until the 14th April, 2019.

The Grenfell Art Gallery is proud to showcase the recent works of our highly regarded local arts group. For many years they have been meeting at their Rose Street Rooms and enjoying friendship and art tuition.

This collection showcases their more recent works. These include still life, landscapes of local scenes in pastels, watercolours, acrylics and oils. Depending on the work in progress, there may also be some fine sketches and possibly charcoal works.

The Art Gallery is open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm & Sunday 10am -2pm.

Finally, congratulations to all the participants in the Cargo 2 Grenfell fundraising walk conducted from the 7th-9th March, 2019.

The next film to be screened at the Grenfell Cinema will be “A Simple Favour” at 10.00am Tuesday 9 April, 2019.  Please see the adjacent advertisement for further details.

Dates to Note

Friday 22 March 2019 –Recycling Collection (Grenfell East)

Monday 25 March 2019 – Recycling Collection (Grenfell West)

Street Stalls

Friday 22nd March -  Grenfell Historical Society

March Movies

Come and enjoy a movie or two

Free entry. Booking of seats in preferred.

FOGL will be running a candy bar.

No hot food allowed.

Bring your own bean bag or cushion for comfort. Chairs are provided. 

Sessions

Tuesday 9 April 10am for an 10.15am start – A Simple Favour

Saturday 13 April 7.45pm for a 8pm start – A Star is Born

Thursday 18 April 1.45pm for a 2pm start - Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Friday 26 April 1.45pm for a 2pm start - Mary Poppins Returns

PO BOX 125                                                                                                AUTHORISED BY

GRENFELL                                                                                                   GLENN CARROLL

                                                                                                                    GENERAL MANAGER