Wingecarribee Shire Community Strategic Plan | Latest Forum Topics/News Articles

Comments sought on Draft 2012/13 Operational Plan and Budget

Project Coordinator — 2012-05-14 11:27:08 +1000

Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking comment from the community about the draft 2012/13 Operational Plan and Budget before adopting the final version next month. The 2012/13 Operational Plan is the final plan of the current Council to achieve the Projects and Programs of the 2011-2013 Delivery Program and goals and strategies of Wingecarribee 2031+ (W2031+).

Read the associated documents and have your say.

Council Operational Plan on exhibition

Project Coordinator — 2012-05-14 11:16:46 +1000

Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking comment from the community after councillors endorsed the draft 2012/13 Operational Plan and Budget before adopting the final version next month.

The Operational Plan presented highlights Council’s major program of works for the forthcoming financial year.

Key projects include:

• The construction of the Moss Vale Indoor Aquatic Centre
• Civic Centre refurbishment
• Pool renewal upgrade strategy
• Local roads resealing programme
• Robertson Sewerage Scheme

“The Operational Plan dictates where we will allocate financial, physical and human resources to meet our actionable projects,” General Manager Jason Gordon said.

“But it also prioritises community programs such as the Our Village, Our Future localised community engagement scheme and Community Information Kiosks.

“Other highlights of the Operational Plan include renewed focus on illegal dumping strategies and asset management, commitment to our tourism strategy, review of our Resource Recovery Centre Business Plan and implementation of our environment strategy,” he said.

Also on exhibition is the 2012/13 Budget which contains the proposed rates for the coming year.

“In total, it is proposed that residential rates will rise by 5.78% across the board,” the General Manager said. “This equates to approximately $2.56 per week.

“It should be remembered that these figures are based on average land values across the Shire. Some ratepayers will pay more, some less. Different rates apply for different categories,” Mr Gordon added.

The rating increase is designed to leave Council with a ‘modest’ $300,000 surplus and was determined in line with rate-pegging as set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) of New South Wales.

“Whilst this year’s increases are considerably lower than the past years, we recognise that any increase to the cost of living is difficult, and we remind anyone who is having difficulty in meeting their repayments to contact Council about repayment options,” Mr Gordon said.

The deadline for comments is 10 June 2012 before the final budget is adopted by Council at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Wednesday 27 June 2012.

The draft Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Policy can be viewed at Council’s Civic Centre, located on Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday or the Mittagong and Bowral libraries. An electronic version can also be viewed on Council’s website at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au under the What’s on Exhibition link.

For further information including Council’s Hardship Policy contact Wingecarribee Shire Council on phone 4868 0888.

Have your say about Council's collection of organic garden waste

Project Coordinator — 2012-03-09 16:21:35 +1100

Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking comments from the community regarding a proposal to offer regular green waste services. Feedback is being sought on the acceptance of such a service, preferred method of collection, frequency and costing.

At present, Council offers an organic garden waste collection service on a pay per use basis for current domestic waste users. Garden waste must not exceed two cubic metres and pick ups must be booked in advance. This service is in addition to our regular twice a year Clean Up service.

Options for future management of organic garden waste include a continuation of the current service, bi-annual kerbside cleanups, fortnightly collection of green bins and use of vouchers.

As part of its community engagement process Council will randomly issue 4,000 mail surveys to ratepayers but residents who don’t receive a survey in the mail can also participate by completing an online survey or a printed survey.

Information kits which explain current services, report how green waste is managed and explore the pros, cons and costs associated with different options, are available online or can be collected from Council’s Civic Centre in Moss Vale or Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale libraries.

Councillors will decide upon the preferred option once responses have been collated.

The deadline for return of surveys is Friday 30 March 2012.

To read the information kit, print a survey or complete an online survey CLICK HERE.

For further information contact Wingecaribee Shire Council on (02) 4868 0888 or email wscmail@wsc.nsw.gov.au.

Moss Vale Aquatic Centre LUA lodged

Project Coordinator — 2011-12-13 14:28:10 +1100

Following community consultation in October and November 2011, Council has now lodged a Land Use Application for the Moss Vale Indoor Aquatic Centre proposal. Significant changes have been made to the design of the centre following feedback from the community and Council's engagement of an architect.

New plans and supporting documents are available now for viewing online, at libraries, the Moss Vale Civic centre and all swimming pools.

Your comments and ideas can be added to the discussion forum but remember to make a formal submission (by 31 January 2012) in writing direct to Wingecarribee Shire Council to ensure your thoughts are considered when the application is assessed.

This consultation will conclude on 31 January 2012.

Dive In Today.........Have Your Say Wingecarribee!

Environment Levy survey now closed

Project Coordinator — 2011-12-12 17:39:01 +1100

If you completed the survey about Council's proposal to continue the Environment Levy, thank you very much.

If you missed out on the opportunity to complete a survey, please still visit the forums, read the associated documents and make a comment. We also encourage you to make a formal submission direct to Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141, Moss Vale 2577 or via email wscmail@wsc.nsw.gov.au before 27 January 2012.

An independent research company is now processing the results of 300 telephone surveys, 76 online surveys and over 700 postal surveys.

Closing date extended for Environment Levy survey and display locations announced

Project Coordinator — 2011-11-29 12:00:54 +1100

Wingecarribee Shire Council staff will be getting out and about over the coming fortnight to encourage more people to consider the proposed Environment Levy continuation.

The response to our random telephone and postal surveys has been great but we want to ensure as many people as possible are given the opportunity to be involved in this important decision.

Subsequently we have extended the survey closing date to Monday 12 December. Staff from the Environment Levy Project Team will also be visiting the Highlands Marketplace and local markets to encourage survey completion and talk about the numerous environmental projects funded by the levy.

Find our display and stall at:

Bundanoon Markets – Sunday 4 December from 8.30am to 2.30pm
Highlands Marketplace – Tuesday 6 December from 3pm to 6pm
Bowral Markets – Saturday 10 December from 8.30am to 2pm
Robertson Markets – Sunday 11 December from 8.30am to 2.30pm

Have your say about Council's proposal to renew the Environment Levy

Project Coordinator — 2011-11-09 09:55:34 +1100

Forums, surveys and information about a proposed continuation of the Environment Levy have now been posted on this website.

Check out the documents in the library and find out how this proposal affects you.

The opportunity to complete a survey closes on Friday 9 December 2011 (to allow time to compile and analyse survey responses) however you can continue to comment in other ways until 27 January 2012.

NOTE: Wingecarribee residents will be randomly selected to complete a survey by telephone or through the post in coming weeks. We appreciate the time it will take to complete the survey which is quite detailed. If you are not invited by phone or post to complete the survey, you can still complete one by downloading a copy here.

Council staff and displays at Family Fun Day

Project Coordinator — 2011-11-09 09:51:35 +1100

Want to learn more about the proposed Indoor Aquatic Centre or Environment Levy extension?

Wingecarribee Shire Council will have a marquee at the Family Fun Day being held at Kazcare (former Steiner School site), Kirkham Road, Bowral on Sunday 13 November, from 10am to 3pm.

Displays, surveys and associated documents will be available for viewing and completion.

Come along and chat to staff about the proposals or document your thoughts.

Come along to the Open House at Moss Vale Pool

Project Coordinator — 2011-11-04 17:34:18 +1100

Moss Vale Swimming Pool will be specifically opened on Thursday 10 November for the community to view the current facility and consider how the proposed indoor aquatic facilities will look and feel.

This will be a "drop-in" style of event from 4pm to 6pm, allowing people to view plans, discuss options and provide comment.

For further enquiries contact the Project Team on phone 4868 0806.

SH Regional Art Gallery Feasibility Study - Community Briefing and Workshop

Project Coordinator — 2011-10-27 09:03:41 +1100

The first draft report of the Feasibility Study into the development of a new Regional Gallery at the former Mittagong Bowling Club site (Alexandra Square) has been completed. You are invited to attend a Community Briefing and Workshop on Monday 31 October 2011 from 5.30pm to 7pm, in the Council Theatrette, Civic Centre entry via Donkin Avenue Moss Vale. Sue Boaden, Director Australia Street Company will lead the Briefing and Workshop to include building and operational matters related to the proposed new facility.

All welcome. RSVP ph: 4868 0761 or leesa.stratford@wsc.nsw.gov.au

For further information please contact Jenny Kena, Cultural Development officer - ph:48680855.

Dive in and have your say about the proposal for an Indoor Aquatic Centre at Moss Vale

Project Coordinator — 2011-10-18 10:55:50 +1100

This consultation has now concluded however you can still review associated documents and forum discussions.

Swimming pools are important recreation facilities but Southern Highlands residents have always been limited to a short swimming season because of the cool climate. Wingecarribee Shire Council has been grappling with issues around location, cost, maintenance and development of aquatic facilities for a number of years.

A Concept Plan and Business Feasibility Plan have recently been prepared and now Council is asking the community to guide the project to completion.

The opportunity to have you say will conclude on 21 November 2011.

Consultation drawing to a close next week

Project Coordinator — 2011-09-23 15:25:18 +1000

Click here to see how the online budget allocator is progressing.

To date 76 residents have used the budget allocator to identify which projects they favour. A number of printed surveys have been arriving in the post and these will be added to the final figures once the online forum closes on 30 September 2011.

Please note that the David Woods Playing Fields lighting proposal has been changed, with removal of the lighting concept, to an upgrade of the facilities. Residents are limited to one use of the budget allocator with their login. If you would like to change your preferences please email wscmail@wsc.nsw.gov.au

Progress of feedback from residents

Project Coordinator — 2011-09-07 09:45:34 +1000

Click here to see how the online budget allocator is progressing.

To date 51 residents have used the budget allocator to identify which projects they favour.

Residents are limited to one use of the budget allocator with their login.

Public Information Session results in change to proposal

Project Coordinator — 2011-09-05 12:55:22 +1000

Over 60 residents attended the information evening held at the East Bowral Community Centre on Thursday 1 September 2011.

Council officers outlined the 17 different proposals and answered questions. During the evening it became clear that the proposal for improved lighting at the sportsfields was not required, nor requested by the involved sporting groups, however improvements in the area would be appreciated.

Project sheet 11 and the budget allocator have subsequently been adjusted to reflect these sentiments.

Project coordinators would like to thank everyone who attended this meeting for their interest and feedback.

Regional Art Gallery : Feasibility Study for the former Mittagong Bowling Club Site

Project Coordinator — 2011-08-31 16:27:55 +1000

This consultation has concluded. You can still review the project and project comments.

Wingecarribee Shire Council recently commissioned a Feasibility Study into the development of a Regional Art Gallery on the site of the former Mittagong Bowling Club.

This follows online and submission-based feedback from the community earlier in 2011 in relation to the need for a regional art gallery, the suitability of the proposed site and other relevant comments.

Comments received at that time have been considered and now two community workshops have been scheduled to consider the matter further and to inform the Feasibility Study. See the Council report and resolution about this in the library.

You are invited to attend a workshop and provide comments via online forums.

The opportunity to have you say will conclude on 19 September 2011.

Come along to a workshop

Project Coordinator — 2011-08-31 15:36:16 +1000

Wingecarribee Shire Council is calling on residents to attend a series of workshops to have their say on a proposed Regional Art Gallery for the Shire.

The workshops form part of a preliminary Feasibility Study which will investigate the potential of the former Mittagong Bowling Club as the site for the proposed Gallery. Wingecarribee Shire Council has commissioned the Australia Street Company and TZG Architects to undertake the preliminary study which will investigate the benefits, costs, issues and opportunities of the Bowling Club site.

To enable Council staff to cater for the events please RSVP your attendance for either workshop by phoning 4868 0761 or via email to leesa.stratford@wsc.nsw.gov.au.

Workshop 1 will be held at Bowral Memorial Hall, Bendooley Street, Bowral on Tuesday 6th September 2011 from 10.30am to 1pm.

Workshop 2 will be held at Mittagong Community Centre, Queen Street, Mittagong on Saturday 10 September 2011 from 1pm to 3.30pm.

East Bowral residents have an opportunity to shape the way their neighbourhood is improved in coming years.

Project Coordinator — 2011-08-29 09:34:28 +1000

This online project has concluded. You can still review the project and project comments.

Wingecarribee Shire Council collects developer contributions to make improvements to infrastructure which benefit the wider community such as playgrounds, community centres, footpaths and other infrastructure.

Around $700,000 is left in developer contributions for East Bowral and a number of projects have been nominated by the East Bowral Community Group and Council staff which could be undertaken.

Unfortunately the ideas put forward exceed the money available so we are asking the community to prioritise them. It is now up to East Bowral residents to consider the proposed improvements and identify which projects are favoured.

The opportunity to have you say will conclude on 30 September 2011.

Information Evening at East Bowral Community Centre

Project Coordinator — 2011-08-18 14:42:24 +1000

We understand the 7.30pm timeslot is late but this was the only time free at the East Bowral Community Centre. Presentations will be completed by 8.15pm with question time....

To assist parents to attend, free childcare has been organised but must be booked by.... date... Call Leesa on...

RSVP to ensure a seat...

Council seeks your thoughts on the creation of a Regional Art Gallery.

admin — 2010-12-22 06:35:17 +1100

This consultation has concluded.

We seek your thoughts on the proposal to develop the former Mittagong Bowling Club as a Regional Art Gallery and invite you to have your say about the proposal in this online discussion forum.

Your thoughts and ideas are important, will be highly valued and will help guide Council in determining and establishing future opportunities. Council is keen to hear your thoughts and invites you to have your say.

Wingecarribee 2031+ adopted by Council

Project Coordinator — 2010-12-20 16:15:35 +1100

This consultation has concluded.

At it's meeting 15 December 2010 Council adopted the final W2031+ as developed by the community. W2031+ outlines the vision and goals of our community and strategies to achieve them.

This plan will provide a long term focus for decision making and resource allocation. Implementation of the plan will begin with the development of Council's medium and short term plans.

Other stakeholders such as community groups and government agencies also have a role in implementing W2031+. As a community we need to take steps together to ensure we are making progress towards the future outlined in this plan.

2031+ survey concludes

Project Coordinator — 2010-03-17 13:21:07 +1100

The results from the 2031+ discussion forum (on this website) and 2031+ survey (distributed in the February edition of Wingecarribee Today) will be used to plan the next stage of community engagement to develop a long term plan for the Wingecarribee Shire.

Workshops to further develop and discuss your thoughts and ideas will be held over the coming months.

Keep a look out for feedback on what you told us in the survey and workshop details.

Wingecarribee 2031+ project commences

Project Coordinator — 2010-02-18 10:20:35 +1100

Council is starting a conversation with the community about what you would like the Wingecarribee Shire to be like in 2031+. There will be many different opportunities and ways to have your say, however, to start the process there are some key questions we would like your feedback about.

How you can have your say:

Answer the questions in the 2031+ forum on this website.
Complete the 2031+ survey which is available in the Library on this website, in the February edition of Wingecarribee Today or email us at 2031@wsc.nsw.gov.au for a copy.
Register your interest for future workshops or focus groups on some of the issues identified through the fourm and survey.

CLICK HERE to HAVE YOUR SAY