Glen Innes Severn Council

KEEPING UP WITH COUNCIL INFORMATION
Each week you can catch up with Council's news and information to residents on the website:
https://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/…/weekly-our-council-informatio…
https://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/news/radio-interviews

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – ESCAPE ROOMS

Council is calling for Expressions of Interest for the management of a new local business and tourism attraction “Escape Rooms”. Council have received grant funding under the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grant – Stream 2 to the value of $145,000.  The funding is to be utilised for the purchasing of off-the-shelf games(s), props and technology as well as the construction of an Escape Room(s). Under the grant funding agreement, the contract for the management of the project should be executed by 30 November 2020 and the project completed by 30^th November 2021.

Expressions of interest require the following details prior to being considered and whether Council will request a further formal quotation.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of Escape Room(s) and their success factors
2. Provide ideas/options for a venue/location for the Escape Room(s)
3. Demonstrated business management experience in a similar venture or business
4. Demonstrated experience in writing business plans, project management, digital technology and marketing.
5. Demonstrated experience in delivering excellent customer service and experiences
6. Demonstrated experience in WHS and Human Resource Management
7. Holds a current Working with Children Check

Council will consider individual applications as well as partnerships, consortiums, social enterprises or cooperatives.

Written Expressions of Interest will be accepted until 5.00pm on Friday 2 October 2020 and should be addressed to the General Manager at P.O. Box 61 Glen Innes NSW 2371.

Questions regarding the EOI should be directed to Margot Davis, Manager Economic Development on 02 67 302 403 or mdavis@gisc.nsw.gov.au

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS 2021

Council is calling for nominations for the Australia Day Awards 2021. The aim of these awards is to honour, on Australia Day, the voluntary achievements of fellow citizens, community groups and community events.

There are six (6) categories of events: Citizen of the Year; Young Citizen of the Year; Community Event of the Year;  Voluntary Community Organisation of the Year; Emergency Service Volunteer of the Year; Environmental Citizen of the Year.

Nomination forms are available on Council’s website: https://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/council/community-committees-council 

Nominations close at 4.30pm on Tuesday, 8 December 2020. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING FOR THE ELECTION OF THE MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR

Council will hold an Extraordinary Council Meeting at 6.00pm on Thursday, 24 September for the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

The Extraordinary Meeting of Council will only deal with the following items of business:

1. Election Procedures for the Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor;
2. Election of the Mayor from Thursday, 24 September 2020 until Saturday, 4 September 2021 (Mayoral term).
3. Election of the Deputy Mayor from Thursday, 24 September 2020 until Saturday, 4 September 2021 (Deputy Mayoral term); and
4. Review of Annual Fee for Deputy Mayor Policy.

The September 2020 Ordinary Council Meeting will be held immediately following the Extraordinary Council Meeting. It is estimated that this will commence at approximately 6.30pm.

In compliance with NSW Department of Health advice and mandates about meetings, gatherings, events, functions and social distancing, Council meetings will not be open to the general public until further notice. This includes the Extraordinary Council Meeting and the Ordinary Council Meeting as advised above. Council meetings are live-streamed and can be viewed at: http://webcast.gisc.nsw.gov.au/

NEW ENGLAND WEEDS AUTHORITY PROPOSAL

Proposal to the Minister of Local Government to alter the constitution of the New England Tableland (Noxious Plants) County Council

This proposal to the Minister for Local Government under section 383(1) of the Local Government Act (1993) is to amend the constitution of the New England (Noxious weeds) County Council (Trading as the New England Weeds Authority (NEWA) to include Glen Innes Severn Council. This proposal sets out the impacts, benefits and opportunities of the new council.

The creation of this County Council will bring under a single authority, communities with similar expectations in terms of the management of priority weeds. The proposal has been informed by four years of operation under an MOU where Glen Innes Severn Council had delegated its noxious weeds functions (and subsequently its Biosecurity Act functions) to NEWA.

Anyone affected by the proposal may make submissions or comments on the proposal to the Minister for Local Government C/- Office of Local Government, Locked bag 3015, Nowra  NSW  2541 or by fax to (02) 4428 4199 or by email to olg@olg.nsw.gov.au

A hard copy of the relevant documents is available at Council's Town Hall and Church Street offices and at the Library. 

The closing date for submissions is Friday, 9 October 2020.

NEWA PROPOSAL

Public Notice

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - CODE OF CONDUCT REVIEWERS

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the role of Code of Conduct Reviewer. Council is establishing a panel of independent service providers to assess, investigate and report on allegations of breaches of the Code of Conduct by the Mayor, Councillors, General Manager and staff.

The information package can be viewed here.

Expressions of Interest marked “EOI - Conduct Review Panel” may be emailed to council@gisc.nsw.gov.au or submitted by post to Glen Innes Severn Council, PO Box 61, Glen Innes, NSW, 2370. Applications must be received no later than 5:00pm, Friday, 25 September 2020.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - AUDIT, RISK AND IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the role of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) members.  

Council is establishing an ARIC to keep under review the following aspects of Council’s operations: compliance, risk management, fraud control, financial management, governance, implementation of the strategic plan, delivery program and strategies, service reviews, collection of performance measurement data and any other matters prescribed by the regulation (i.e. internal audit).

Further information regarding EOI requirements may be found here.

Expressions of Interest marked “EOI - Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee” may be emailed to council@gisc.nsw.gov.au or submitted by post to Glen Innes Severn Council, PO Box 61, Glen Innes, NSW, 2370. Applications must be received no later than 5:00pm, Monday, 28 September 2020.

Expressions of Interest marked “EOI - Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee” may be emailed to council@gisc.nsw.gov.au or submitted by post to Glen Innes Severn Council, PO Box 61, Glen Innes, NSW, 2370. Applications must be received no later than 5:00pm, Monday, 28 September 2020.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – CROFTERS COTTAGE

Council is calling for Expressions of Interest for the lease of “Crofters Cottage” at the Australian Standing Stones in Centennial Park, Watsons Drive, Glen Innes, NSW. The vacant premises were previously leased as a café/retail business. Council’s preference is for a quick-service food & beverage business or combined use that enriches the experience of the Australian Standing Stones and Celtic History/Heritage/Culture. Other uses would be considered on their merit.

The internal floor space has seating capacity for approximately 30 people, whilst an outdoor area has the further capacity for 16 to 20 seats. The cafe includes a fitted out commercial kitchen however the lessee will need to provide furniture and any additional kitchen fit-out.

The successful applicant is required to:

• Meet Food Safety Standards if applicable;
• Maintain public liability insurance;
• Comply with all Special Conditions and Specifications in accordance with the Lease;
• Demonstrate experience in developing, delivering and managing a similar venture or business;
• Demonstrate ability to provide a sustainable business model;
• Detail the level of finish and furnishing to be provided.

Written Expressions of Interest will be accepted until 5.00pm on Friday 2 October 2020 and should be addressed to the General Manager at P.O. Box 61 Glen Innes NSW 2371. Expressions should be aware of future development concepts for Centennial Parklands by way of reviewing the Master Plan Concepts available through contacting Margot Davis on 0267302403.

SEPTEMBER ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING

The September Ordinary Council Meeting will be held at the Glen Innes Severn Library and Learning Centre on Thursday, 24 September 2020, starting at 6.00pm. The Business Paper will be available for viewing on Council's website from approximately 5.00pm on Friday, 18 Septembert 2020.

Council is continuing to practise Social Distancing as recommended by the NSW State Government during the Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, Council meetings are not open to public attendance until further notice. The provision of a Public Forum before the start of Council meetings has also ceased until further notice. 

However, in lieu of the Public Forum, members of the public may lodge an “Application to Speak at the Community Consultation Session Held Prior to the Ordinary Council Meetings” form and provide a written submission which will be distributed to Councillors prior to the Ordinary Council Meeting. Please note that any submissions to Council are not read out aloud at the meeting.

The application form must be received by Council by 12 noon on the Tuesday before the Council meeting. Therefore, for theSeptember Council meeting, the form must be received by 12 noon on Tuesday, 22 September 2020. 

Please also note that Council meetings will continue to be live streamed and viewable on Council’s website until the minutes of the meeting have been confirmed at the following meeting. Are you keeping up with news from Council? Check out the minutes from Council meetings on Council’s website

COUNCIL HAS FULLY REOPENED FOR BUSINESS

Council reminds residents that Council services and facilities are fully operational subject to satisfying the requirement to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines from the NSW State Government. Council’s Town Hall and Church Street Offices are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays. However, please observe social distancing requirements such as only two customers can be in the foyers at any one time. Where possible, please conduct business with Council online or by phone.

Please note that the conditions of operation of Council services and facilities are frequently changing. Therefore, Council recommends that residents check for information up-dates about the opening hours and conditions operating at the Glen Innes Severn Library and Learning Centre, the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre (V.I.C.), Life Choices – Support Services (LC-SS) and Glen Innes Landfill, on the Council website and the websites for the library, the V.I.C. (Glen Innes Highlands) and LC-SS.

Glen Innes Saleyards

Council would like to remind residents that sales scheduled at the Glen Innes Saleyards are strictly limited to agents, their nominated staff and potential buyers. The sales remain closed to vendors and the general public under current COVID guidelines. The 1.5 metre social distancing guidelines still apply to those in attendance at sales. Transporters are reminded that access to the saleyards is for drop off or collection of livestock only. Council thanks everyone for their assistance in adhering to these guidelines.

Glen Innes Landfill Tip Shop

The tip shop is open again to the public. 1.5 m distancing will still apply and it will be open during the same trading hours as the Landfill.

This means: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm and weekends 11.00am to 4.00pm

15 MINUTE PARKING ZONES INTRODUCED

From Friday, 26 June 2020 there will be new 1/4 hour (15 minute) parking zones effective on Grey Street applicable to four (4) parking spaces on the south side and three (3) parking spaces on the north side of the Bourke Street / Grey Street roundabout. These zones are applicable from 8.30am - 6.00pm, Monday to Friday and from 8.30am – 12.30pm on Saturday.

In April 2020 Council received a request from a resident for short term parking near the two (2) local pharmacies on Grey Street, to enable scripts to be easily picked up without leaving the vehicle. Due to COVID-19, the local pharmacies were delivering scripts to customers in their vehicles. In response, Council contacted both local pharmacies and both suggested that designated short term parking would be beneficial. Grey Street had short-term parking in the past however this was not re-instated after the Grey Street up-grade.

WATER RESTRICTIONS

Council advises that effective from Friday, 26 June 2020 the Glen Innes local Government Area has moved to LEVEL ONE (1) water restrictions.

Restrictions apply to the use of town water carted to rural properties and villages. Council encourages residents to refer to information on water saving tips at: www.nejo.nsw.gov.au/water-saving-tips/

Any changes to water restrictions will be communicated through Council’s website and Facebook page as well as through local media.

Further information on levels of water restriction can be found here.

COMMENTARY ON FACEBOOK POSTS

Council’s Facebook page is an important platform for information to be communicated from Council to residents. Council advises that any commentary posted on Facebook posts which does not relate to the subject of the post will be removed. The reason for this is so that the information in the post is not confused by unrelated commentary.
Council also advises that any commentary that is abusive, bullying, illegal or misinforms residents on any issue will also be removed. Any persons who regularly post abusive, bullying or illegal commentary, or who regularly misinform residents will be reported to Facebook for further action by Facebook and will be blocked from Council's Facebook page.
Council also reserves the right to take any legal action as may be required regarding the misuse of Council’s Facebook page and the interference of Council’s use of this platform for the communication of information to residents.

ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR PAYING COUNCIL RATES

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS: COVID-19 PANDEMIC (UP-DATED 05/08/2020)

Glen Innes Severn Council is a part of the local community and provides services to the community. Council’s priority is the local community. Therefore, Council is operating and making decisions during the Coronavirus Pandemic with the focus firmly on the community and Council’s role as a part of the community.

That’s why Council is implementing operational strategies specific to whatever stage of the Coronavirus Pandemic we all find ourselves in at any point in time. We are aligning how we work with up-dated guidelines issued by the Federal and NSW State Government.

Council has implemented social distancing strategies. We have re-opened the Town Hall and Church Street offices, however only two customers can be in attendance in the foyers at any one time. You can also contact Council by email or phone. You can also obtain information from Council’s website and Facebook page.

Council is also social distancing behind the scenes. Staff are working in smaller teams and in more locations. We are using our digital capacities to group together instead of in person. Most meetings are held digitally or over the phone.

Council has also implemented hygiene measures as advised by the NSW Department of health. This includes hand washing, extra cleaning, observing hygiene etiquette and being generally more conscious of how we interact. Indoor and outdoor staff who are ill will not be coming to the workplace. Where isolation is mandated, it will be abided.

Council urges our whole community to activate a way of living and working which shares the responsibility of minimising the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic here, in our Local Government Area. It’s up to all of us, individually and collectively, to contribute to as positive a road through this as possible.

Everyone must do a number of things until otherwise authorised by the NSW Department of Health and Federal Government. These include:

• Observe all NSW Department of Health guidelines and mandates;
• Seek medical advice or intervention if you have flu symptoms or are otherwise unwell. Phone your doctor first before attending a doctor’s surgery if you have flu symptoms and follow the instructions given.
• Be observant of protecting vulnerable residents such as the aged and the chronically ill;
• Practise social distancing and reduce social interaction generally including observing the rules in respect of how many people can be together at any time. 
• Observe hygiene measures such as washing hands, covering up sneezes and coughs and doing extra cleaning, particularly of hard surfaces.
• Take preventative measures such as using gloves, tissues (disposed of after use), disinfectants, hand sanitisers and masks (if you have flu symptoms).

Council takes this opportunity to thank residents for your patience and for understanding that we have had to take steps in the way we work and how we serve you, in the interests of the entire community.

Craig Bennett, General Manager

INFORMATION ON CORONAVIRUS FROM NSW DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Council urges residents to check up-to-date accurate information on Coronavirus at this website link:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

Council also urges residents to practice easy hygiene steps which may assist in staying healthy during the up-coming flu season:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/protect-yourself.aspx  

If you have any other concerns, please call the National Coronavirus Health information Line on 1800 020 080.    

EMERGENCY BUSH FIRE INFORMATION

Bush Fire Information Line: 1800 679 737 (1800 NSW RFS)

Fires Near Me NSW App

w.rfs.nsw.gov.au

facebook.com/nswrfs

twitter.com/nswrfs

Local radio, TV and news.

***AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION***