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Postage

PaidTO THE HOUSEHOLDER

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE MURRAY SHIRE

Like all other councils across the state, Murray Shire is currently playing the waiting game on amalgamation in the wake of its Fit For The Future submission.

The Independent Local Government Review Panel’s proposal for this area was an amalgamation between Deniliquin, Murray, Conargo and perhaps Wakool Councils.

However, decisions by Conargo and Wakool to make a bid for Rural Council status, left just Murray and Deniliquin.

With strong community preference for Council to take charge of its own destiny, Murray opted for a ‘Stand Alone’ position and lodged a submission accordingly.

The submissions are currently being assessed by Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) with its

COUNCIL’S WAIT TO LEARN ITS FATE

THE ENTERPRISESEPTEMBER 2015

PAGE 3:MOAMA REC RESERVE UPGRADE

PAGE 4:BRIDGE MILESTONE FOR MURRAY

PAGE 7:PLANS FOR MATHOURA MEN’S SHED

recommendations to government due by October 16. Following this, councils will be informed as to whether or not they have been identified as being Fit For The Future.

Whatever the outcome in that area, Council will still be required to form a Joint Organisation (JO) with other regional councils.

But with the JO’s Pilot program not yet finalised, boundaries and other issues remain as unknowns.

So it’s business as usual while awaiting the outcome of the assessment.

However, during the wait Council is preparing a regional innovation grant application to enable a review of all its processes and procedures to assist in making it as efficient as it can possibly be.

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COUNCILLORS &SENIOR STAFF

MURRAYSHIRECOUNCILCONTACT DETAILSAll correspondence addressed to: The General Manager, PO Box 21, Mathoura NSW 2710

Mathoura Head Office: (9.30am - 4pm) 21-25 Conargo StPhone Administration/General Enquiries: (03) 5884 3302Phone Engineering/Building & Planning: (03) 5884 3400F: (03) 5884 3417 E: admin@murray.nsw.gov.au www.murray.nsw.gov.au

Moama Branch Office: (9am - 4pm) 6 Meninya StPh: (03) 5482 3852 F: (03) 5482 4882

Mathoura Visitor & Business Centre: Cobb HighwayPh: (03) 5884 3730 F: (03) 5884 3720E: info@mathoura.com.auMon to Fri: 8.30am - 4.30pm Sat & Public Holiday: 10am - 2pm , Sun: 11am - 3pm

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY:Mathoura Water & Sewer: 0429 843 439Moama Water & Sewer: 0417 747 911Ranger: 0408 823 852

WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEM

Moama MathouraMonday 8am to 3pm ClosedTuesday 8am to 3pm 8am to 4pmWednesday 8am to 3pm ClosedThursday 8am to 3pm 8am to 4pmFriday 8am to 3pm ClosedSaturday 9am to 3pm ClosedSunday 9am to 3pm 8am to 4pm

MOAMA: 5480 0414 WASTE DISPOSAL DEPOTCENTRE ROAD, OFF COBB HIGHWAY MOAMA MATHOURA: 5884 3694TRANSFER STATIONCLIFTON STREET, MATHOURA

Cr William (Bill) R Anderson“Pine Hill”, RMB 130, Thyra Road, MOAMA NSW 2731Phone: (03) 5483 6252Email: banderson@murray.nsw.gov.au

Cr Christopher (Chris) R Bilkey Deputy Mayor42 Murray Street, MOAMA NSW 2731Phone: (03) 5480 0675Email: cbilkey@murray.nsw.gov.au

Cr Thomas (Tom) E Weyrich Mayor 47 Livingstone Street, MATHOURA NSW 2710Phone / Fax BH: (03) 5482 6500 Mob: 0429 950 594Phone Home: (03) 5884 3353Email: tweyrich@murray.nsw.gov.au

Cr John W Pocklington“Garvagh”, RMB 470, Bunnaloo via MOAMA NSW 27311Phone/Fax: (03) 5489 7287Email: jpocklington@murray.nsw.gov.au

Margot Stork General ManagerPO Box 21, Mathoura NSW 2710Phone: (03) 5884 3302 Fax: (03) 5884 3417Email: mstork@murray.nsw.gov.au

Phil J Higgins Director of Corporate ServicesPO Box 21, Mathoura NSW 2710Phone: (03) 5884 3302 Fax: (03) 5884 3417Email: phiggins@murray.nsw.gov.au

Cr Genevieve (Gen) S CampbellPO Box 660, MOAMA NSW 2731 Phone/Fax: (03) 5480 9809Email: gcampbell@murray.nsw.gov.au

Cr Geoffrey (Geoff) T Mackenzie67 Council Street, MOAMA NSW 2731Mob: 0409 575 335Email: geoffmack@bigpond.com

Cr Ian W Moon15 Simms Street, MOAMA NSW 2731Mob: 0409 428 596Email: imoon@murray.nsw.gov.au

Cr Betty M Murphy29B Livingstone Street, MATHOURA NSW 2710Phone/Fax: (03) 5884 3342Email: bmurphy@murray.nsw.gov.au

Leigh Robins Director of Engineering ServicesPO Box 21, Mathoura NSW 2710Phone: (03) 5884 3400 Fax: (03) 5884 3417Email: lrobins@murray.nsw.gov.au

Simon Arkinstall Director of Environmental ServicesPO Box 21, Mathoura NSW 2710Phone: (03) 5884 3400 Fax: (03) 5884 3417Email: sarkinstall@murray.nsw.gov.au

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The Moama recreation Reserve is to receive a major boost, thanks to ClubGRANTS Funding. Six separate projects are to be carried out, as a result of the $290,000 grant following a successful submission by Murray Shire Council and the Moama Recreation Reserve Committee

Development of a Riverine Precinct in the Moama Botanic Gardens will involve creation of a flexible, easily accessible recreation space where people not engaged in organised sport can get outdoors and active, interact with nature, learn more about the environment and participate in their community

Sporting, fitness and play activities will also benefit from the grant.

Children using the Adventure Play Park will be better protected from the effects of the sun with installation of a shade structure over the facility, while individuals and families from all walks of life will be able to test their fitness levels, or conduct obstacle races, with the installation of a permanent obstacle course of exercise equipment which will be free for use by the public all year round.

Prospective Olympic high jumpers will be able to hone their skills with the development of a permanent high jump area which will be readily available for use by various groups.

The local cycling club’s facilities will be boosted by construction of a safe, dedicated cycling criterion circuit available to all levels of riders. It is expected to see the cycling club organise club, community, regional and disabled events.

Construction of change rooms at Brick Alley Oval is also expected to promote increased use of the oval for competitions and events.

The funds have been allocated by NSW Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services, The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing through the ClubGRANTS Category 3 Fund.

Major upgradefor MoamaRec Reserve

HELLO, HELLOBUNNALOO

Bunnaloo district residents could soon be saving fuel – and blood pressure medication, with the impending solution to their mobile phone issues, a mobile phone tower base station in the area.

They will no longer have to drive around trying to get reception, or have their blood pressure rise from frequent drop-outs. Instead, they will be able to enjoy the benefit of mobile communication which has been ‘the norm’ for people in other areas for decades.

Business calls will no longer have to be made from home, and waiting around for return calls from suppliers will become a thing of the past. They will be able to make and take calls from their workplaces, whatever forms they may take.

The facility will also improve communication in emergencies, being able to call ambulances or fire trucks from the scene of an accident or emergency instead of having to seek out the nearest house to provide details and directions.

Provided under the federal government’s communication blackspot program, the Telstra tower will be among the first base stations to be rolled out and is expected to be completed in the current half of 2015. It will be constructed adjacent an existing tower inside the Bunnaloo Recreation Reserve.

It will be the culmination of a decade of representation by Council and the community, initiated by the late Cr Bob Caldwell, and the subject of several submissions by shire General Managers, Greg Murdoch, and his successor, Margot Stork.

COUNCILLOR RESIGNATIONCouncillor Gavin Burke resigned from Council on 21st August 2015. Cr Burke was elected at the 2012 elections and resigned due to ill health. The Council has applied to the Minister for Local Government for an order that the casual vacancy not be filled. This is due to the fact the next proposed general elections of the Council is due in a year. If this is successful the Council would operate with eight Councillors for the next twelve months.

Echuca Moama

ALL HOURS

ROB MARKS P: 5480 7011

LOOKING AFTER THOSE SELLING IN MOAMA AND MATHOURA

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A new phase of a major reform to the way Age Care Services are delivered in Australia was introduced on July 1 this year. My Aged Care Gateway caters for those people previously eligible for Home and Community Care Services, which is now known as Commonwealth Home Support Program.

CHSP will offer similar services to the frail aged, 65 +, Indigenous People 50+ and people identified as being included in a special needs group.

If people require new services they need to contact My Aged Care Services, phone 1800 200 422 or visit its websitewww.myagedcare.gov.au to discuss their needs. If assessed as eligible, they will be

Murray Shire Council is on track to achieve a significant milestone with its bridge replacement project.

The anticipated mid-September completion of the new Scotts Bridge will be the culmination of a long term project to replace all the timber bridges in the shire.

offered choices in regard to whom they would like to have their requests referred.

Murray Shire’s range of CHSP services includes Community Transport, Home maintenance and modifications – rails, ramps and steps, Meals delivered to your home, Social Support – (Individuals) including shopping or community access, Social Support (Group) Supported Activities Murray (SAM) and Flexible In-Home Respite (to relieve the carer by providing service to the recipient.

If people would like to be referred to these local services, they are asked to inform the MAC Operator that they would like to be referred to the Murray Shire Multi Service

CHANGES TO AGED CARE SERVICES

BRIDGE MILESTONE FOR MURRAY

Outlets for CHSP services. Local staff will be in touch as soon as referrals from My Aged Care are received.

Community Services Manager, Jackie Warren, hopes this article has been helpful to prospective clients in understanding the new system and assures them of every assistance in navigating the new way of requesting services and also encourages them to get their families to help them work things out.

Any further information can be obtained by calling the Moama office on 54823852 or Jackie on mobile 0427 806398.

The bridge over Bullatale Creek on Avendrina Road, which had served the area since 1948 and had a 20 tonne limit, was destroyed by fire in 2013.

Construction is well underway on its concrete replacement with piles driven,

abutments and headstocks positioned, bridge beams placed and guard fence secured.

Work on construction of the concrete deck was recently completed together with the guard rail and approach works.

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DESTROY THEDREADED PESTSTrees laden with an abundance of fruit are every home gardener’s dream. However, that dream can quickly become a nightmare through fruit fly infestation. And the ramifications are not restricted to the back yard, but can seriously affect, even devastate, the fresh fruit industry.

Orchardists have their own eradication programs, but now that government no longer takes responsibility for cleaning up the pests, home owners are being encouraged to take up the fight and ensure they are able to enjoy their harvest.

Advice on spraying is available from the NSW Department of Agriculture in Deniliquin, just by calling Julie Clark on 58819917. However, many home-grown solutions will be shared during an Open Day and Fruit Fly Workshop at the Moama Community Garden on Saturday, September 26.

Interested people are being invited to call in to the garden at the rear of the Moama Seniors’ Community Centre at 1 Martin Street, between 10am and 2pm. They can check out the garden as well as find out about memberships and garden plots available. Visitors don’t have to be gardening gurus, just enjoy getting their hands dirty. A barbecue will also be conducted.

The garden is open to people of all ages to allow them to experience the rewards of growing their own fresh food and the open day will help them learn about fruit fly issues relating to the local community and how to combat them

Further information about the garden – and the open day – can be obtained from Fran Galvin on 54825940.

LEARN MORE ABOUTOLDMOAMAWhere would we be without the people who ‘set out to discover the world’ – the brave souls who left the comforts of home to search out new horizons and set up new communities in distant places?

The pioneers of any area are to be commended for their foresight which has led us to where we are today.

And if they were alive today what stories they could tell of their experiences, of their journeys, their trials and their tribulations.

Locals and visitors will have the chance to hear some of these stories next month when The Friends of Old Moama conduct an Open Day at the Old Telegraph Station in Chanter Street.

The group is inviting one and all to come along, check out the building and the many treasures stored and displayed within as it celebrates the History of Old Moama.

The event, on Sunday, September 20, will run from 10am until 3pm with a barbecue, tea and coffee available.

Get Connected with Max Access!Study via video conferencing.Courses include RSA, RCG, Food Handling & Food Safety Supervisor.SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTRE 1-5 MARTIN STREET, MOAMA

Call 1300 823 374Visit www.rit.tafensw.edu.au

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SAFETYBOOST FROM ROAD FUNDS

Daily services to major citiesAlso available for Tours and Charters

Graham Street, MoamaP: (03) 5480 2139 or A/H V Line P: 136 196

The safety of road users will be the major benefit from a $250,000 funding boost to Murray Shire. The funds will greatly improve sections of the Perricoota Road each side of its intersection with Thyra Road.

Described as a local road blackspot, the area has been the scene of two serious accidents and several near-misses in recent years. Accessed by 400 vehicles daily, including local and tourist traffic as well as heavy vehicles carrying freight, grain and livestock, the road is a significant thoroughfare within Murray Shire.

Improvement work will include widening the shoulders and upgrading the superelevation of a combined three kilometres of the roadway.

The funding was announced by Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, together with Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jamie Briggs, who said blackspot projects aimed to save lives and reduce road trauma, ensuring the road network was safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

It has been welcomed by both Council and local police.

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PLANS ARE WELLADVANCEDFOR MATHOURAMEN’S SHEDMeetings to initiate the

proposal were well supported

and have lead to the election

of a core group of men

charged with progressing the

project. The proposal has also

received great community

support, including the offer of

land on which to establish the

facility.

In the interim, the core group

has been looking into other Men’s Sheds and the models

on which they operate.

This is designed to enable locals the opportunity to make

an informed decision on what they want in their own facility.

Meanwhile, prospective participants have been enjoying

bus trips to tourist attractions or to meet up with other

Men’s Shed participants to inspect their facilities, or to

enjoy a day out together.

Anyone interested in progressing the idea further should

contact Katrina Gibson at Murray Shire on 5884 3302.

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A new entrance to the popular Bert Dolan Reserve at Mathoura’s Picnic Point was officially opened in May.

The reserve is named in honour of Bert Dolan, a man of initiative and foresight whose contribution to the town and district was nothing short of phenomenal. Despite having only a basic education he had worked as a farm labourer, a sawmill hand, barber, newsagent and billiard room operator, also serving as Murray Shire President for a then record five consecutive years.

As a member of the Mathoura Progress Association and councillor, Bert had a special interest in a proposal for the Picnic Point area, initiated by the Mathoura Progress Association. The proposal called on Council to resume privately owned land between the Edward River and Gulpa Creek to be developed as a caravan park and picnic area. However, while Council did not support their initial proposal, it agreed, a few years later to support a revised plan, seeking resumption of five hectares of the land, as well as a request for the bush track to Picnic Point to be developed as a road.

Representations to government and price negotiations with the landholder delayed progress on the plan, but by the end of 1954, with a 280 pound state government grant, combined with financial contributions by the progress association and council, the 555 pound project was well underway.

However, well before the reserve was established, the area was a popular camping and picnic area, due largely to a nearby landholder, George Howat,

who planted the willows for which the area is renowned. During the severe drought of the 1930s several farming families decided to move out to the river at Picnic Point where Howat’s willows were well established and provided great shade. They set up camps, making tables and benches from local red gum trees. When the drought broke the families moved back to their farms, but by then the area’s popularity as a camping and picnic area had been well established.

It is fitting that the new arch at the entry to the reserve, initiated by the Mathoura Progress Association, was financed by an organisation of similar ilk, the Mathoura Chamber of Commerce and Citizens Inc. It was selected by the chamber as one of four major projects to utilise its accrued funds when it disbanded.

It commissioned three local artists Heidi Glenn, Julie Guinan and Donna

McCluskey, who used their skills to depict a collection of memories, places, scenes and activities which have been enjoyed by locals and visitors in the area since the late 1800s.

The commemorative arch was officially opened by two generations of Bert Dolan’s family. His son, Peter, was assisted by great grandsons, Connor and Bailey, in a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Picnic Point Management Committee hosted around 100 people for the ceremony, including more than 10 members of the Dolan Family who had travelled from Sydney, Melbourne and Bendigo for the occasion.

The guests were treated to some tasty soup and a barbecue lunch on the day and the committee is grateful to all who assisted in making it a great day for all.

NEW ENTRY FOR POPULAR RESERVE