Alburyreport

What's On: Albury; There [3 Feb >]

2012-02-03T21:32:00.003+11:00

For dates and further informationabout activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer towww.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Live Events

GeorgeWashingmachine and his band ‘Feel the Manouche’ - Jazz Basement, LincolnCauseway Wodonga, Friday 3 February
TheSecret Sandwiches - Albion Hotel, Dean Street, Albury Friday 3 February
LiamDalby + DJ Zuckr - Paddy’s New Albury Hotel, Kiewa Street, Albury Friday 3February
TheSearchers - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 3 February
CrankySpanners - SS&A Club, Olive Street, Albury, Friday 3 February
TheUgly Bros - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 3 - Saturday 4February
AndrewWishart: X Factor runner up + Declan Sykes - SS&A Club, Olive Street,Albury, Saturday 4 February
DannyPhegan - Kinross Woolshed, Table Top Road, Thurgoona, Saturday 4 February

Exhibitions

DigitalOutdoor Gallery - QEII Square, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 3 & Saturday 4February
GreekJourneys Through Bonegilla - Bonegilla Migrant Experience, Bonegilla Road,Bonegilla
BlackVisions: Indigenous Photography - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury, fromSaturday 4 February
OrchestralNights: Classical Music in Albury exhibition - Lavington Library, GriffithRoad, Lavington
DesertPsychedelic - Arts Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets, Wodonga
Radius:Interpreting our Region - Creators Artspace Gallery, Gateway Village, LincolnCauseway, Wodonga
AlburyWodonga Artists Society Exhibition - Art Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell &Lawrence Streets, Wodonga
ContemporaryWoven Tapestries - Art Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets,Wodonga
MistletoeMenace - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
2012Albury Art Prize - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury
Hinduand Tibetan Buddhists Display - Buddha Shop, Dean Street, Albury, Wednesday

Local Events

Art Buzz : Creative activities for kids aged 3 to 6 -Art Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets, Wodonga, Friday 3February
Fluoro Friday Twilight Races - Albury Racing Club,Racecourse Road, Albury, Friday 3 February
Interclub CombinedCycling Race Night - Lavington Panthers Velodrome, Pearsall Street, Lavington,Friday 3 February
The Chemical Brothers: Don’t Think - Regent Cinema,Dean Street, Albury, Friday 3 February
Cinema Under the Stars: A Heartbeat Away - JelbartPark, Cnr Moore Street & Kaylock Road, Lavington, Saturday 4 February
Wodonga MoonlightCinema: Puss in Boots - Nell Wilson Pavilion, Wodonga Racecourse, BrockleyStreet, Wodonga, Saturday 4 February

Markets

HumeMurray Farmers Market - Gateway Island, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga, Saturday 4 February
MountBeauty Community Markets - Hollands Street, Mount Beauty, Saturday 4 February
MyrtlefordCommunity Produce Market - Clyde Street, Myrtleford, Saturday 4 February
BeechworthFarmers Market - cnr Ford & Church Streets, Beechworth, Saturday 4 February
TatongFarmers Market - Benalla - Tatong Road, Tatong, Saturday 4 February
RotaryCommunity Market - Taxation Office car park, Townsend Street, Albury, Sunday 5 February
CorowaFederation Market - Bangerang Park, Corowa, Sunday 5 February
WangarattaCommunity Market - Avian Park Raceway, Newman Street, Wangaratta, Sunday 5 February
QEIITwilight Market – QEII Square, Dean Street, Albury, Thursday 9 February

SurroundingAreas

YackandandahCinema: Puss in Boots - Memorial Hall, High Street, Yackandandah, Friday3 February
SpeedwayRacing - Wangaratta City Speedway, Shanley Street, Wangaratta, Saturday4 February
YackandandahIdentities: now and then - Yackandandah Museum, High Street, Yackandandah,Sunday 5 February
MurrayValley Bushwalkers - High Plains Creek Falls(Easy-Medium Grade), Sunday 5February
CorowaGolf Club: All Saints Day Competition - Hume Street, Corowa, Sunday 5 February
RickSteward: Homecoming Gig - North Eastern Hotel, Spearing St, Wangaratta, Monday6 February

For dates and further informationabout activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer towww.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Rubbish; Now Rates - Albury Council

2012-02-03T07:25:00.001+11:00

[edited]

Councillors apparently had an agreeable meeting on Monday 30 Jan 2012. Eight present for the decisions [Cr Duncan-Strelec an apology]. Meeting ended in 48 minutes.

The 'Kerbside Waste' plan was adopted, apparently without hesitation.

Extraordinary.

A multi-million dollar program for 12 years over the signature of a 'comparatively junior' Council official.
No input from 'Sustainability Team' on handling of organic and inorganic waste.
Consequences for city environs not considered.
Cumulative impact on Hamilton Valley an unknown [eg, lots of mercury buried there after collection from whole region].
I see no need to vary earlier comment.

All Agenda items agreed.

NEXT: Workshops on Council Budget this month - private sessions for Council officials. This process will determine expenditure against income. The paperwork for the $100,000,000 [plus] plan and program will ultimately be made available in toto to all mere mortals. A huge production that is. It will be 'on exhibition', and that is that.
I would think the best time to get meaningful community input is NOW. Too late once it is on paper.

Does Albury Council get best value for money from our public servants [!] and the community's assets?
Is Alburycity efficiently providing warranted service to the community but eliminating excessive expenditure [staff, plant, equipment, consumables, facilities, consultancy contracts]?
Are staff hours profitably used and kept to the minimum possible?
Ought some programs be cancelled in favour of others?
How well-founded and proportionate are the value judgements on which proposals to include and which to leave unfunded?
Are councillors really clear on the meaning and import of their budget documents?
Is Alburycity delivering its 'core business' and avoiding expenditure on 'luxuries'? Do optional functions or facilities actually operate as 'user pay', or are there hidden costs for the ratepayers?

Albury Council Prayer, as at December 2011

2012-01-29T10:34:00.000+11:00

Some folk may like to adapt the above local production. It is read at the start of Council meetings [not committee meetings].

SMELLY COUNCIL in ALBURY?

2012-01-28T20:07:00.000+11:00

Smelly Albury Council?

WASTE, WASTE NO HASTE

KEY ISSUES
from the report before Albury Council, 30/1/2012

A new kerbside waste collection contract is required – the current one ends 30 June 2012, just before the ‘new’ Council is elected.
Carbon emissions must be reduced to meet Government policy and reduce cost. The [apparently optional] diversion from landfill of our organic matter [clippings and peelings] will make it possible to reach the target.
The state target is for Albury to reduce its landfill waste by 3 times the current practice. The new plan will achieve that reduction.

Report: “The food and garden waste service will only proceed if both AlburyCity and Wodonga City collectively resolve to participate. Each participating Council will individually assess the contract and determine the best option for their respective communities during late January and February”! This statement no doubt reached councillors on 27 January, 2012, and the decision is wanted NOW – on the 30th!

Officers support a compulsory system

Weekly food and garden waste
Fortnightly recyclables
Fortnightly refuse

Many alternatives were offered by tenderers [eg a closed composting system, ‘Biodegma’]. The alternatives were discarded by the officers, so I will ignore them. [Makes it simpler.]

DISCUSSION

BINS. Tenderers put up the notion of using the existing bins. However, the report discards that, so effectively they recommended wasting waste bins could be approved! [The cash dollar cost of that would be buried in the contract, so no worry.] Not part of final recommendation.

CONTRACT. Tenderers want 12 years [not 7 with an extension]. That reduces comparative costs by $390,000 per annum.

CONTRACTOR. Transpacific Cleanaway gets the nod. Transpacific, an ASX listed company, says it employs 7,000 people across Australia and NZ and is the leading entity for these services.

GREENNESS. The contractors will use bio-diesel and will have more cleverly designed vehicles. Waste will be tracked by the internet! Less carbon emission will be generated.

SAVE MONEY. People [the 41%] who have green waste bins will pay less than they would under the existing system. Everyone else pays more.

TRIED AND PROVEN? Trial of organic waste collection at Norris Park, August 2011. Participants received kitchen tidy bin and biobag liners for it. Nice cool period.

LANDFILL LIFE EXTENSION. Less waste to landfill - the tip lasts longer. Somehow there will be less litter and traffic, and so on, as well.

THE MUNCHER CRUNCH:

Recommendation
That Council accept the alternative tender (defined as Alternative 6 in this report) from Transpacific Cleanaway for Contract No. 10/01249 – Regional Kerbside Collection Contract for a term of 12 years.

COMMENT

Will councillors take sufficient time over this?
How much appreciation have councillors and staff of what will be experienced? What will it mean in summer time for residents living beside other residents who are putting out disposable baby ‘nappies’?
Will residents be provided with the ‘biobag’ system?
What about people who want to continue to make use of their clippings and peelings [residents who have good use for their organic waste]?
How will current trends of dumping of discarded surplus, unserviceable and oversize residual waste [and the like] be fixed?
Is ‘community awareness and education’ the ultimate answer? If it does not work now, why will community education outcomes change?
Twelve year contract? Seems like a nice lot of security for the successful contractor. [Senators are elected for 6 years; even the NSW Legislative Council term is only 8 years.]
GREENNESS. Bio-diesel powered trucks - really green, or is it a waste and a misuse of resource?
DELAY. System will start in 2013-2014 financial year. Why then the rush over 4 days? Furthermore, what will happen after 30 June 2012 anyway? An unaccounted for 12 months!
Planning & Environment have no input?

I really hope people of Albury and of the surrounding council areas do not live to regret rubbish.

The Albury Council officer responsible for the report is Ms Andrea Baldwin [a ‘Team Leader’ I think]. Ms Baldwin operated in conjunction with representatives of neighbouring councils and with acknowledged contribution from AlburyCity personnel: Brad Ferris – Director, Engineering; Mauro Dei Agnoli – Group Leader Projects; Mal Dunstone – Group Leader Financial Services; Karyn Williams – Finance Reporting Officer; and Murray Teakel – Team Leader Fleet & Procurement, but, INCREDIBLY, not the Sustainability Team!!!!. No senior council officer put their name to the report, though doubtless the GM has read the report before sending it out [to councillors and the public domain].

The standing question of the impact of the loss of the 'hard waste' collection on the community and the environment remains unaddressed.

See previous post for more details of the plan.

Albury 30/1/2012 Council AGENDA notes

2012-01-28T15:43:00.000+11:00

Adapted by me from the 87 page Council Agenda for 30 Jan 2012. The actual Agenda and its attachments are easily available to you on the Alburycity.nsw.gov.au website: Council meetings>agendas

CM 8 – MINUTES OF OTHERCOMMITTEES & WORKING PARTIES

8A Minutes of the LocalTraffic Committee Meeting held on Thursday 15 December 2011 at 9.58am p 14 many,many issues, eg, certain school bus stops. Includes recommendations, which will be adopted as and if the report is adopted.

CM 9 – DOCUMENTS FOR SEALING p 31 headings only – the 'rubber stamp' job; neithercouncillors nor public get to read the documents being sealed.

CM 10 – OFFICERS REPORTS FORCONSIDERATION

10A Draft East AlburyIndustrial Precinct Masterplan p 33

10B Draft Policy on PlanningAgreements - Consideration of [NIL] Submissions [p 39] therefore adopt

10C Tender No. 11/00136Table Top Water Supply Augmentation Stage 4 - Supply and Delivery of DICL Pipeand Fittings p 42

10D NSW Local GovernmentRemuneration Tribunal – Fees for Mayors and Councillors p46

Albury wants fee for Deputy Mayor

10E – 10H ForthcomingConferences – Attendance by Councillors

10I Forthcoming Conferences – Attendance byCouncillors – Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) RegionalConference in Albury, with AlburyCity Directors speaking p 56

10J Contract No. 10/01249 Regional Kerbside Waste Collection Contract p 58
lengthy discussion recommending new arrangements andcharges under a 12 year contract. Weekly food and garden waste; fortnightly recyclables or landfill. [Contract for 12 years - incredible!] See separate posts. [Hard waste matter apparently too difficult - or has it just gone away they think?]

CM 11 – OFFICERS REPORTS FOR NOTING p 81

11A NSW Department of Planning – Issues Paper of the NSW Planning SystemReview – December 2011 p 81 changesfor NSW anticipated with approval

OPINION: Looks to me like a fairly short meeting.

During meetings the gallery is usually polite and respectful. I have only once seen unruly behaviour from us. Sometimes councillor debate is edifying; sometimes tedious; sometimes alarming. Some decisions by Council make us feel proud. Some decisions by Council leave us feeling sad and disappointed. All part of our democracy. All are free to see for themselves.

You and I can read the results of the meeting in the [draft] minutes which will be available towards the end of the week. We will not know what was said by whom - at times that can be a relief. All councillors DO vote [make the decisions]. In most cases the individuals are not recorded.

Something SMELLY in Albury City?

2012-01-28T15:38:00.000+11:00

Albury City Council 30 January 2012

Council Agenda Item 10J - 22 page report

LINK for Kerbside Waste Collection

docs.google.com/open?id=0B4T0sQnMEl-mOGRkMWMzNTAtZTNlNi00NDQ3LWEyNTEtODFkMTg4YWFiODYw

LINK for the whole Agenda download option [87 pages; about 1 MB]

www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/www/html/349-agendas.asp?intSiteID=1

See forthcoming separate post for comment.

'RUBBISH' once was traditionally a major topic for Council. That is, not talking rubbish, but properly, economically and sustainably reducing, removing and rendering the unwanted products of our lifestyle.

Notices from ALBURY City

2012-01-27T09:00:00.001+11:00

From Alburycity.nsw.gov.au - but extended and re-arranged by me.

Oranges and Sunshine: Cinema Under the Stars - Albury Botanic Gardens, Wodonga Place, Albury, Saturday 28 January [pasted from Source: Visitor Information Centre] Doors open 7.30 pm; show starts approx 8 pm.

Public Notices

Council Meeting

The first Council Meeting for 2012 will be held on Monday 30 January at 6.00pm in the Council Chambers, ground floor, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury. All welcome.

Councillor Interviews

Councillor Philomena Sawyer will be available to speak to members of the public between 10.00am and 12 noon on Saturday 4 February at the LibraryMuseum, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury.

People wishing to make an appointment should contact AlburyCity Executive Support on
(02) 6023 8755.

Community Forum

The Community Forum to discuss the development application for the decommission of an existing service station, new 24 hour fuel facility and signage, 79 Union Road, North Albury is rescheduled for Monday 6 February 2012.

Grave and memorial site clean up

AlburyCity staff will carry out a bi-annual clean up from Monday 6 February to Friday 17 February of all grave and memorial sites at Glenmorus Memorial Gardens, Pioneer and Waugh Road Cemeteries.

Anyone wishing to keep decorations, personal mementoes or plastic flowers are asked to remove them before 7.30am on Monday 6 February as all items remaining will be disposed of. For further information phone (02) 6043 5655.

Water Meter Readings

The next round of water meter readings will begin on Monday 6 February and will take approximately two weeks, including weekends. The contractor for the readings will be Fieldforce Services.

Road Resurfacing Works

Ebden Street

Ebden Street, between Wodonga Place and Townsend Street, will undergo rehabilitation works commencing Tuesday 17 January 2012 for a period of two weeks, weather permitting.
Intermittent short delays may occur as a result of the works.

Belgravia Street

Belgravia Street will be closed to through traffic from Monday 6 February for a period of three weeks between 7.00am - 6.00pm to allow for road resurfacing works, weather permitting.

Independent Audit Committee Member - Expression of Interest

AlburyCity is seeking to appoint an independent Audit Committee member for a three year term.
An information package is available for download:

Independent Audit Committee Member - EOI (11KB)

Applications must be lodged by close of business Friday, 10 February 2012 and addressed to Director Corporate Services, Judy Charlton at info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Volt Lane Car Park Classification

Council is required to classify property it has recently become the owner of as either community or operational as defined in Chapter 6 Part 2 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Lot 14 DP1170273 has recently been transferred into Council's ownership. Lot 14 principally defines the position of the (5) car parking decks in Council's Volt Lane Public Carpark.

It is intended that Council will pass the following resolution classifying the (5) decks of the Volt Lane Public Carpark as operational property.
The Albury City Council classifies the following land as operational as defined in Chapter 6 Part 2 of the Local Government Act 1993:
1. Lot 14 DP1170273 which is principally the (5) concrete car parking decks and the complete lift well and fire escapes servicing the (5) decks of the Volt Lane Carpark in Albury, but not including the upper level of first deck of this carpark.

Council's surveyor Mr Chris Newnan will accept written submissions on this proposed classification until 18 February 2012. Submissions should be addressed to Chris Newnan, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury NSW 2640.

WHAT'S ON: Albury; There [27 Jan >]

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000+11:00

For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga
refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Live Events
• Live Music: Metal - Retro Youth Café, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 27 January
• Neoncity - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 27 January,
• Freeway - SS&A Club, Olive Street, Albury, Friday 27 January
• Killin’ Time - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 27 - Saturday 28 January
• Route 61 - Kinross Woolshed, Table Top Road, Thurgoona, Saturday 28 January
• Sounds of Summer: Live Music - Paddy’s Irish Bar, Kiewa Street, Albury, Saturday 28 January
Exhibitions
• Digital Outdoor Gallery - QEII Square, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 27 & Saturday 28 January
• Greek Journeys Through Bonegilla - Bonegilla Migrant Experience, Bonegilla Road, Bonegilla
• Hats Off! - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
• Desert Psychedelic - Arts Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets, Wodonga
• Evolve: TAFE Art & Design Graduate Exhibition - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury, until Sunday 29 January
• Humour from my Pen - GIGS Fine Art Gallery, Gateway Village, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga,
Friday 27 - Tuesday 31 January
• Radius: Interpreting our Region - Creators Artspace Gallery, Gateway Village, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga
• Albury Wodonga Artists Society Exhibition - Art Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell & Lawrence
Streets, Wodonga
• A Child Could Have Done It - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury, until Sunday 29 January
• Contemporary Woven Tapestries - Art Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets, Wodonga
• Experimenta Utopia Now - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, until Sunday
29 January
• Mistletoe Menace - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
• 2012 Albury Art Prize - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury, from Saturday January 28
Local Events
• Storybites - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Monday 9 - Friday 27 January
• Media Tykes Tour - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Monday 9 - Friday 27 January
• Knock Knock Who’s There - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Monday 9 - Friday 27 January
• Albury Prize: Winning Artist Talk - Art Gallery Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury, Saturday 28 January
• Lake Hume Open Water Bridge Swim - ‘The Pines’, Lake Hume, Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 January
• Oranges and Sunshine: Cinema Under the Stars - Albury Botanic Gardens, Wodonga Place, Albury, Saturday 28 January
• Community Wood Fired Oven - Hovell Tree Park, Wodonga Place, Albury, Sunday 29 January
• Hindu and Tibetan Buddhists Display - Buddha Shop, Dean Street, Albury, Wednesday 1 - Wednesday 29 February
Markets
• Rotary Community Market - Taxation Office car park, Townsend Street, Albury, Sunday 29 January
• Wangaratta Community Market - Avian Park Raceway, Newman Street, Wangaratta, Sunday 29 January
Surrounding Areas
• Semaine Federale: Cycling Festival - various locations, Bright, Friday 27 & Saturday 28 January
• Federation Festival - Bangerang Park, Corowa, Friday 27 - Sunday 29 January
• Mile High Dragon Boat Championships - Rocky Valley Lake, Falls Creek, Friday 27 – Sunday 29 January
• Bonjour Bright - Howitt Park, Howitt Street, Bright, Friday 27 - Sunday 29 January
• Indigo Summer Shorts Outdoor Cinema - Kiewa Memorial Reserve, Kiewa, Friday 27 January
• Indigo Summer Shorts Outdoor Cinema - Police Paddock, Beechworth Historical Precinct, High Street, Beechworth, Saturday 28 January
• Corowa Horse Race Meeting - Adams Street, Corowa, Saturday 28 January
• Border Bushwalking Club - Falls Creek: Spion-Kopje, Saturday 28 January
• Valhalla Slow Food Summer Dinner - Valhalla Wines, All Saints Road, Wahgunyah, Saturday 28 January
• Holbrook Miniature Railway - Ten Mile Creek Gardens, Holbrook, Sunday 29 January
• Murray Valley Bushwalkers - Spring Saddle Track (Medium Grade), Sunday 29 January
• Audax Alpine Cycling Classic - Howitt Lane, Bright, Sunday 29 January

For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga
refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Albury Council - VISION for Thurgoona

2012-01-20T19:34:00.000+11:00

I have to agree it is not easy to locate stuff on the alburycity website. [The site has a tremendous number of resources which can be obtained under various links.]

What about the Thurgoona/Wirlinga Precinct Structure Plan? Unfortunately, the name changed in 'Accent' - though not the concept, nor processes. So, on the front page of the website [alburycity.nsw.gov.au] we have the link to the 'VISION':

Hot Topics

Vacation Care

It looks like this:

So, click the link and there you are - almost:

http://www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/www/html/2124-your-vision-for-thurgoona.asp?intSiteID=1

Another link there:

http://www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/www/html/2125-thurgoona-community-workshops.asp?intSiteID=1

I believe it is worthwhile and important to look at this information. This applies to Thurgoona and to all ratepayers. After all, who will pay?

Notices 20/01/2012 - Albury Council

2012-01-20T11:02:00.003+11:00

Public Notices

Public Exhibition - DraftMurray River Flood Study

AlburyCity's Draft MurrayRiver Flood Study is now available for comment.

Copies are available fromthe Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, LibraryMuseum and LavingtonLibrary and can be viewed on our website here.

Comments will be received until close of business Monday 20 February andshould be addressed to Jeff Baldock, Team Leader Design, PO Box 323 Albury NSW2640 or via email info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Road Resurfacing Works -Ebden Street

Ebden Street, between WodongaPlace and Townsend Street, will undergo rehabilitation works commencing Tuesday17 January 2012 for a period of two weeks, weather permitting.
Intermittent short delays may occur as a result of the works.

Community Forum

The Community Forum todiscuss the development application for the decommission of an existing servicestation, new 24 hour fuel facility and signage, 79 Union Road, North Albury isrescheduled for Monday 6 February 2012.

Notice of Intention togive consent to a Lease of a Crown Reserve

Pursuant to Section 102(2)of the Crown Lands Act 1989, it is notified that the Minister for Landsintends, at the expiration of 14 days after the publication date of thisnotice,
give consent to the proposal by the Reserve Trust specified in Schedule 1 hereunder,to grant a lease in respect of the land specified in Schedule 2, as detailed inSchedule 3.
Shona Cowley, Group Leader, Department of Primary Industries, Crown LandsDivision, Cnr Johnston and Tarcutta Streets, Wagga Wagga NSW. PO Box 60 Wagga WaggaNSW 2650. Telephone (02) 6937 2700 Facsimile (02) 6921 1851.

Schedule 1

Albury City Council CrownReserves Reserve Trust (Albury City Council)

Schedule 2

Part of Reserve 73373 atLavington - Part Jelbart Park, Albury Soccer Club Inc Club Rooms.

Schedule 3

Lease for Club House for aperiod expiring 30 June 2020.

Independent AuditCommittee Member - Expression of Interest

AlburyCity is seeking toappoint an independent Audit Committee member for a three year term.
An information package is available for download here:

Independent Audit Committee Member - EOI (11KB)

Applications must be lodgedby close of business Friday, 10 February 2012 and addressed to DirectorCorporate Services, Judy Charlton at info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Volt Lane Car ParkClassification

Council is required toclassify property it has recently become the owner of as either community oroperational as defined in Chapter 6 Part 2 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Lot 14 DP1170273 has recently been transferred into Council's ownership. Lot 14principally defines the position of the (5) car parking decks in Council's VoltLane Public Carpark.
It is intended that Council will pass the following resolution classifying the(5) decks of the Volt Lane Public Carpark as operational property.

The Albury City Councilclassifies the following land as operational as defined in Chapter 6 Part 2 ofthe Local Government Act 1993:
1. Lot 14 DP1170273 which is principally the (5) concrete car parking decks andthe complete lift well and fire escapes servicing the (5) decks of the VoltLane Carpark in Albury, but not including the upper level of first deck of thiscarpark.
Council's surveyor Mr Chris Newnan will accept written submissions on thisproposed classification until 18 February 2012.
Submissions should be addressed to Chris Newnan, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury NSW2640.

[AH] PS: Council Meeting - Mon 30 January, 6 pm, 553 Kiewa St.

I do not know just when the above was posted to the Alburycity website - not more than 24 hours old.

What's On: Albury; There [20 Jan>]

2012-01-19T15:04:00.000+11:00

For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300 ALBURY

Live Events
• Rebel Rousers - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 20 - Saturday 21 January
• Ashtons Circus - Albury Showground, Mate Street, Albury, Friday 20 - Sunday 22 January
• Nirvana Tribute Show - SS&A Club, Olive Street, Albury, Saturday 21 January
• Josh McKellar - Kinross Woolshed, Table Top Road, Thurgoona, Saturday 21 January
• Ed Bonja: Images of the King, Elvis Show - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 January
• Off the Cuff - New Albury Hotel, Kiewa Street, Albury, Saturday 21 January
• A Candela Lie: Album launch - Albion Hotel, Dean Street, Albury, Wednesday 25 January
• Rodney Vincent on Australia Day - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Thursday 26 January
Exhibitions
• Digital Outdoor Gallery - QEII Square, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 20 & Saturday 21 January
• Greek Journeys Through Bonegilla - Bonegilla Migrant Experience, Bonegilla Road, Bonegilla
• Hats Off! - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
• Desert Psychedelic - Arts Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell and Lawrence Streets, Wodonga
• TAFE Art & Design Graduate Exhibition - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury, until 29 January
• Radius: Interpreting our Region - GIGS Fine Art Gallery, Gateway Village, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga
• Albury Wodonga Artists Society Exhibition - Art Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets, Wodonga
• A Child Could Have Done It - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury
• Contemporary Woven Tapestries - Art Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets, Wodonga
• Experimenta Utopia Now - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
• Mistletoe Menace - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
Local Events
• Storybites - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Monday 9 - Friday 27 January
• Media Tykes Tour - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Monday 9 - Friday 27 January
• Knock Knock Who’s There - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Monday 9 - Friday 27 January
• Cinema Under The Stars - Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole - Albury Swim Centre,
Wodonga Place, Albury, Saturday 21 January
• 300 Club Raceday - Albury Racing Club, Fallon Street, Albury, Saturday 21 January
• Tasty Food for Summer Nights - Lavington Library, Griffith Road, Lavington, Tuesday 24 January
• X-Men First Class: Free Movie Screening - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Tuesday 24 January
• Australia Day Celebrations - Noreuil Park, Wodonga Place, Albury, Thursday 26 January
• Australia Day Celebrations - Les Stone Park, Lawrence Street, Wodonga, Thursday 26 January
Markets
• Hume Murray Food Bowl Markets - Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga Place, Albury, Saturday 21 January
• Bright Market - Howitt Park, Howitt Street, Bright, Saturday 21 January
• Twilight Bush Market on the Fairway - Howlong Country Golf Club, Golf Club Drive, Howlong,
Saturday 21 January
• Twilight Markets in the Vines – Upper Murray Estate, 8792 Murray River Road, Walwa, Saturday
21 January
• Rotary Community Market - Taxation Office car park, Townsend Street, Albury, Sunday 22 January
• Wangaratta Community Market - Avian Park Raceway, Newman Street, Wangaratta, Sunday 22 January
Surrounding Areas
• Opera in the Alps - Mayday Hills Oval, Albert Road, Beechworth, Saturday 21 January
• Sweet Valley Sounds Festival - Hillside, Mount Beauty, Saturday 21 January
• Border Bushwalking Club - Back Wall, Mount Buffalo, Saturday 21 January
• Howlong Bush Bash Festival - Howlong Country Golf Club, Golf Club Drive, Howlong, Saturday 21 January
• Murray Valley Bushwalkers - Mount Buffalo, waltzing to Lake Catani, (Easy Grade) Saturday 21 January
• Holbrook Miniature Railway - Ten Mile Creek Gardens, Holbrook, Sunday 22 January
• Semaine Federale: cycling festival - various locations, Bright, Sunday 22 - Saturday 28 January
• Indigenous Australians at War - Burke Museum, Loch Street, Beechworth
For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300 ALBURY

AlburyCity Notices @ 14/01/2012

2012-01-14T09:25:00.000+11:00

Apart from my PS, this is as per the AlburyCity website:
Public Notices
Public Exhibition - Draft Murray River Flood Study
AlburyCity's Draft Murray River Flood Study is now available for comment.
Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website here.  Comments will be received until close of business Monday 20 February and should be addressed to Jeff Baldock, Team Leader Design, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or via emailinfo@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Notice of Road Naming
Notice is given as required by section 9(a) of the Roads Regulation 2008, that council has named the following roads.
Gehrig Lane
The road running perpendicular to the northern end of Spencer Street, Albury. This is the road running between Reece Plumbing and Andrews Office Supplies. The complete length of this road between Macauley and Young Streets is named Gehrig Lane.
Noreuil Park Road Names
The roads through Hovell Tree and Noreuil Parks, Albury are Hovell Tree Drive, Hume Street and Noreuil Parade.

Road Resurfacing Works - Ebden Street
Ebden Street, between Wodonga Place and Townsend Street, will undergo rehabilitation works commencing Tuesday 17 January 2012 for a period of two weeks, weather permitting.  Intermittent short delays may occur as a result of the works.

Community Forum
The Community Forum to discuss the development application for the decommission of an existing service station, new 24 hour fuel facility and signage, 79 Union Road, North Albury is rescheduled for Monday 6 February 2012.

PS: COUNCIL MEETING 30 January 2012, 6 pm. Can you attend?

WHAT'S ON: Here & elsewhere [Jan 13>]

2012-01-12T13:06:00.000+11:00

For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer to

www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Live Events

• New Direction live + DJ Zuckr - New Albury Hotel, Kiewa Street, Albury, Friday 13 January

• Overtime - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 13 & Saturday 14 January

• Ash & Phil + DJ Candy B - New Albury Hotel, Kiewa Street, Albury, Saturday 14 January

• Josh McKellar - Kinross Woolshed, Table Top Road, Thurgoona, Saturday 14 January

Exhibitions

• Digital Outdoor Gallery - QEII Square, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 13 - Saturday 14 January

• Greek Journeys Through Bonegilla - Bonegilla Migrant Experience, Bonegilla Road, Bonegilla

• Hats Off! - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury

• Desert Psychedelic - Arts Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell and Lawrence Streets, Wodonga

• TAFE Art & Design Graduate Exhibition - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury

• Radius: Interpreting our Region - GIGS Fine Art Gallery, Gateway Village, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga

• Albury Wodonga Artists Society Exhibition - Art Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell & Lawrence

Streets, Wodonga

• Nalda Searles: Drifting In My Own Land - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury, until Sunday 15 January

• A Child Could Have Done It - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury

• Contemporary Woven Tapestries - Art Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets, Wodonga

• Experimenta Utopia Now - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury

• Mistletoe Menace - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury

Local Events

• Victorian Junior Grasscourt Championships - Kelly Park Tennis Complex, cnr Melrose Drive and

Lawrence Street, Wodonga, Friday 13 - Sunday 15 January

• Albury Harness Club Twilight Race Meeting - Albury Showground, Mate Street, Albury, Saturday 14 January

• Albury Wodonga Adult Riding Club Rally - Albury Wodonga Equestrian Centre, Corrys Road, Albury, Saturday 15 January

• Storybites - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Monday 9 - Friday 27 January

• Media Tykes Tour - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Monday 9 – Friday

27 January

• Knock Knock Who’s There - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Monday 9 - Friday 27 January

• Community Wood Fired Oven - Hovell Tree Park, Wodonga Place, Albury, Sunday 15 January

• NSW Country Week Tennis Carnival - Albury Tennis Association, Townsend Street, Albury,

Monday 16 - Friday 20 January

• Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup - Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, North Street, Albury

and Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre, Hedgerow Court, Wodonga, Monday 16 January - Friday 20 January

• Funkadelic - Lavington Library, Griffith Road, Lavington, Tuesday 17 January

• Water for Elephants: Free Movie Screening - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury,

Tuesday 17 January

• Art and Design Collide - Arts Space Wodonga, cnr Hovell and Lawrence Streets, Wodonga,

Wednesday 18 January

• Retro Youth Café School Holiday Activity: Movie and Lunch - Retro Youth Café, Dean Street,

Albury, Thursday 19 January

• Sonic Vibrations: An Experimental Workshop - LibraryMuseum, cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Thursday 19 January

Markets

• Bright Markets - Howitt Park, Howitt Street, Bright, Saturday 14 January

• Yarrawonga Rotary Market - Yarrawonga Showground, Piper Street, Yarrawonga, Sunday 15 January

• Lions Club Community Market - Wellsford Street, Yackandandah, Sunday 15 January

• Rotary Community Market - Taxation Office car park, Townsend Street, Albury, Sunday 15 January

• Wangaratta Community Market - Avian Park Raceway, Newman Street, Wangaratta, Sunday 15 January

Surrounding Areas

• Falls Creek Billy Cart Derby & Bush Bash - Slalom Plaza, Falls Creek Alpine Resort, Falls Creek, Saturday 14 January

• Tallangatta Stampede Rodeo - Yamba Street, Tallangatta, Saturday 14 January

• Border Bushwalking Club - Falls Creek, Ryders Yards, Falls Creek, Saturday 14 January

• Alpine Valleys Wine Picnic - Howitt Park, Howitt Street, Bright, Saturday 14 January

• Australia’s Biggest Duck Race - Centenary Park, Howitt Street, Bright, Saturday 14 January

• Murray Valley Bushwalkers - Eagle Point and/or Mac’s Point (12 - 16kms Easy/Medium grade),

Saturday 14 January

• Rutherglen Regatta - Lake Moodemere, Murray Valley Highway, Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 January

• Holbrook Miniature Railway - Ten Mile Creek Gardens, Holbrook, Sunday 15 January

• Indigenous Australians at War - Burke Museum, Loch Street, Beechworth

For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Note: Next Council meeting Monday 30 January, 6 pm

NOTICES: Albury COUNCIL 6/1/2012

2012-01-07T15:58:00.000+11:00

From Council website:

Notice of Intention to give consent to a Lease of a Crown Reserve
Pursuant to Section 102(2) of the Crown Lands Act 1989, it is notified that the Minister for Lands intends, at the expiration of 14 days after the date of publication of this notice, to give consent to the proposal by the Reserve Trust specified in Schedule 1 hereunder, to grant a lease in respect of the land specified in Schedule 2, as detailed in Schedule 3.

Shona Cowley, Group Leader, Department of Primary Industries, Crown Lands Division. Cnr Johnston and Tarcutta Streets, Wagga Wagga NSW. PO Box 60 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650. Telephone (02) 6937 2700 Facsimile (02) 6921 1851.

Schedule 1 Albury City Council Crown Reserves Reserve Trust (Albury City Council)

Schedule 2 Part of Dedication 620083 at East Albury - Part Alexandra Park, Hockey Fields.

Schedule 3 Lease for Community and Sporting Club Facilities for a period expiring on 30 June 2013 with an option to renew for an additional five years.

Public Exhibition - Draft Murray River Flood Study

AlburyCity's Draft Murray River Flood Study is now available for comment.

Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website here.

Comments will be received until close of business Monday 20 February and should be addressed to Jeff Baldock, Team Leader Design, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or via email info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Public Exhibition - Draft AlburyCity Cultural and Library Collection Development Plans

AlburyCity's Draft Cultural and Library Collection Development Plans 2012 - 2016 are now available for comment.

Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed here.

Comments will be received until close of business Friday 6 January 2012 and should be addressed to Jacqui Hemsley, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Expression of Interest - Independent Audit Committee Member

AlburyCity Council is seeking to appoint an Independent Audit Committee Member for a three year term. An information package is available for download here:

EOI - Independent Audit Committee Member (245KB)

Applications must be lodged by close of business Friday 13 January, 2012 and be addressed to Director Corporate Services, Judy Charlton via email at info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au.

Notice of Compulsory Acquisition of Land

Local Government Act 1993. Land acquisition (just terms compensation) act 1991

Albury City Council declares with the approval of her Excellency the Governor that the land described in the Schedule 1 below, excluding the interests described in Schedule 2 below and excluding any mines or deposits of minerals in the land, is acquired by compulsory process in accordance with the provisions of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 for a site for the placement of an electricity generator to convert methane gas into electricity.

Dated at Albury, 6 September 2011. Les G. Tomich, General Manager, PO Box 323, Albury NSW 2640.

Schedule 1 - Lot 1 DP1162625 Schedule 2 - Proposed easement for electricity transmission line 45.72 wide shown as 'E1' on DP1162625.

Notice of Road Naming

Notice is given as required by section 9(a) of the Roads Regulation 2008, that council has named the following roads.

Gehrigs Lane

The road running perpendicular to the northern end of Spencer Street, Albury. This is the road running between Reece Plumbing and Andrews Office Supplies. The complete length of this road between Macauley and Young Streets is named Gehrigs Lane.

Noreuil Park Road Names

The roads through Hovell Tree and Noreuil Parks, Albury are Hovell Tree Drive, Hume Street and Noreuil Parade.

Road Resurfacing Works - Ebden Street

Ebden Street, between Wodonga Place and Townsend Street, will undergo rehabilitation works commencing Tuesday 17 January 2012 for a period of two weeks, weather permitting.

Intermittent short delays may occur as a result of the works.

Thurgoona Progress Association Meeting

The Thurgoona Progress Association meeting will be held at 7.00pm Tuesday 10 January at the Thurgoona Golf Club. All welcome.

Community Forum

NOTE: The advertisment in the Border Mail, 7/1/2012 [classifieds] is better - more up-to-date accurate.

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING: Scheduled for Monday, 30 January 2012, 6 pm.

Council Matters - Albury City

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000+11:00

So we start a[n election] year. I recommend that as many people as possible 'keep an eye' on the Albury City Council website in 2012. The website is easy to find and provides access to a great deal of information for the residents of Albury.

I do wish it was possible in addition to routinely hear [even see?] via the internet what councillors say at meetings in the discharge of their duties. [Note that a copy of the audio recording may be requested.] Decisions are readily available via the Council minutes.

The AlburyCity website is well run, and usually up to date. Many Council updates seem to happen late in the week. However, I have not detected nor been made aware of any general pattern. [At the time of writing this alburycity.nsw.gov.au needs a little work, but it is better than many others I could name! Moreover, AlburyCity does reply to messages. For an example of some poor internet communication, look carefully at ABC Goulburn Murray.]

The AlburyCity front page has a rotating series of illustrated special links - worth watching them through. Here is one of them:

LINK used in above

AlburyCity Website Content

1. Consider AlburyCity 'Public Exhibitions', as listed. All but one of these is current; the others do not have long to run:

Public Exhibitions
When information is placed on public exhibition, it means it is made available for you to read and examine.
It also means that you can provide comment to Council on draft proposals relating to policy changes, development applications and strategic plans that impact on our city.
Currently on exhibition

etc ....

Council staff and the councillors need YOUR comment.

2. Consider AlburyCity 'News'

'NEWS' has not yet reached 2012, but it will.

Footnote:

If any reader [clearly a user of the internet!] cannot locate available Council information via the AlburyCity website links, send me an email and I will see what I can do.

GALLERY Vacancy! Albury City Council

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000+11:00

Edited 11/01/12

Why not attend the Council Meeting and see for yourself? The gallery is just about always open and Council chairpersons extend a welcome to members of the public.

[Nowadays it is possible a rare item may be dealt with 'in confidential' - although, apart from the GM review, I can not recall that happening at all in 2011. If there is an item closed to the press and public, the Agenda lists that at the end of the meeting, which is polite to the public and media.]

The meeting business papers are required to be available on request [usually on Fridays]. Almost everything is consistently posted on line late in the day prior to the meeting. Otherwise you can collect the meeting papers at the door. Meetings usually start at 6 pm on Monday. The schedule for 2012 is available now. [It will undoubtedly change a bit.] Most meetings occupy less than an hour - you can see my detailed record.

There is a reward for attending. I found it an advantage to have a copy of the papers as printed - particularly re diagrams and mapping. You get to see exactly how each councillor votes on each decision. [I would not call it a reward to hear some of the stuff said. However, that is part of the deal. It goes with open democracy. Sometimes the debate is uplifting - not as often as I would like - but that is how it is.]

I was not able to be present to directly observe at the last Council Meeting for 2011. [In fact I was in Sydney]. Nor do I expect to be a regular observer of Council meetings in 2012. From this point on, any reports I do make may be derived from the official records and on-line research.

I have been recording the votes of indiviual councillors. Currently in Albury that is mostly only possible if present in the chamber. [Votes regarding development are officially recorded in the minutes.] 'Draft' minutes are available on AlburyCity website within a few days.

During Council meetings, if any councillor wishes the voting to be recorded they can request that be done, or even move for a division. Otherwise we will know [as per standard procedure] only the mover and seconder and the fate of the motion [carried, or, lost]. The newspaper may report more - certainly the reporter is usually present.

In some ways the Committees are more significant than the Council Meetings. Items are debated in the Committee. The report from that debate may be simply adopted at the Council Meeting - as happened on 19 December, 2011 - and thus the decision is 'final' when the committee report is adopted by the majority.

Emergency Response Personnel: 'Thank You' is Inadequate

2011-12-24T09:00:00.000+11:00

Editor
Border Mail.

Thank God for all of our emergency responders.

The graphic front page of the Border Mail [23/12/2011] reminds us of our debt. People like Mr Mark Holt [Ambulance], and the Police Officers who were at the Urana shootings, put their lives and well-being on the line for the sake of others.

These people, and so many others like them, merit our heart-felt support and gratitude.

[Now the Police will carry out an investigation into the Urana tragedy. That is right - but hopefully the process will assist the unfortunate witnesses.]

It will be nice if this Christmas the emergency response personnel can get to be relaxed and the calls be a minimum.

Thank you one and all and may many hours be peaceful for you.

Allen Hampton
Thurgoona

[Since I wrote this there has been a heart-breaking fatality - Mr Mick Wilson, paramedic - which underlines the grim reality which being a rescuer could involve. May all affected in the tragedy receive all the care needed.]

The front page or website includes:

Farm horror: Man kills estranged wife then himself

KATE COUGHLAN

23 Dec, 2011 12:10 AM

Council's Swift End to 2011 Business

2011-12-22T09:00:00.001+11:00

All 9 councillors were present for the meeting on 19 December and they spent 33 minutes on the business of the Agenda.

All items were carried. [No voting detail was recorded.] See previous blog for some of the consequences. [Matters aldermanic locked away.]

I noted a puzzling report in the newspaper about one item on which there was some disagreement. The journalist told us the [requested] staff report on Albury Wodonga Community Network Inc was simply 'noted'. Some further action was supported by Crs Sawyer and Gould only - however, according to the minutes no enabling motion was even moved. The newspaper reported [from the usual suspect] some obfuscating point-scoring words about staff professional development. [That critic frequently appears obtuse. Given the councillor's undoubted capacities, my impression is that this is wilful behaviour, which is a pity.]

As you will realise, I was not able to be present to directly observe on 19 December [in fact I was in Sydney]. Nor do I expect to be an observer of Council meetings in 2012. From this point on, any report I do make will be derived from the official records and on-line research.

Why not attend and see for yourself? The gallery is almost always open and Council chairpersons extend a welcome to members of the public. It is possible an item may be dealt with 'in confidential' - although, apart from the GM review, I can not recall that happening at all in 2011. If there is an item closed to the press and public, the Agenda has that at the end of the meeting, which is polite to the public and media.

The meeting business papers are required to be available on request [usually on Fridays], or on line late in the day. Otherwsie you can collect them at the door. Almost all meetings were at 6 pm on Monday. The schedule for 2012 is available now. [It will undoubtedly change a bit.]

In recent years I have recorded the votes of indiviual councillors. That will not be possible for me in future. [Votes regarding development are officially recorded in the minutes.]

If any councillor wishes the voting to be recorded they can request that be done or even move for a division. Otherwise we will know [as per standard procedure] only the mover and seconder and the fate of the motion [carried, or lost]. The newspaper may report more - certainly the reporter is usually present.

In some ways the Committees are more significant than the Council Meetings. Items are debated in the Committee. The report from that debate may be simply adopted at the Council Meeting - as happened on 19 December, 2011 - and thus the decision made.

ALBURY COUNCIL Christmas

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000+11:00

Reproduced from AlburyCity website, under 'News' - not 'Notices'

Christmas and New Year Closures

Published: 19/12/2011

AlburyCity Christmas and New Year closures are listed below.

In case of an emergency please call 1300 133 391.

Administration Building Kiewa Street
Closed from 5.00pm Friday 23 December, re-opening Tuesday 3 January.
Albury and Lavington Swim Centres
Closed Christmas Day, open 10.00am - 6.00pm Boxing Day, reduced hours on New Years Eve and New Years Day.
Albury Entertainment Centre
Closed from 5.00pm Friday 23 December, re-opening Tuesday 3 January.
Albury Art Gallery
Closed from 4.00pm Saturday 24 December, re-opening 12.00 noon - 4.00pm Wednesday 28 December until Saturday 31 December. Closed Sunday 1 and Monday 2 January. Re-open normal hours Tuesday 3 January.
Banjora Children's Centre
Closed Friday 23 December, re-opening Tuesday 10 January.
Family Day Care
Closed Friday 23 December, re-opening Tuesday 3 January.
Lauren Jackson Sports Centre
Closed from 5.00pm Friday 23 December, re-opening Tuesday 3 January.
Lavington Library
Closed from 1.00pm Saturday 24 December, re-opening Tuesday 3 January.
LibraryMuseumClosed from 4.00pm Saturday 24 December, re-opening 10.00am - 5.00pm Wednesday 28 December until Friday 30 December. Open 10.00am - 4.00pm, Saturday 31 December. Closed Sunday, 1 and Monday, 2 January. Re-open normal hours Tuesday 3 January.
Mirambeena
Closed from 3.00pm Friday 23 December, re-opening Monday 9 January.
OOSH
Closed from Thursday 22 December, re-opening Tuesday 3 January.
QEII Square Mother and Baby Rest Rooms
Closed Monday 26, Tuesday 27 December and Monday 2 January.
Retro Youth Cafe
Closed Friday 23 December, re-opening Monday 9 January.
Albury Visitor Information Centre
Closed Christmas Day only.
Refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com for information.
Waste Management Centre (Albury Landfill)
Closed Christmas Day only.

Interesting? Not so very long ago there were public service people working on Christmas Day. [The day was not a public holiday.] For example, mail was cleared and delivered to houses! Now, the holiday mode has expanded to what we see. Not much is 'open' between December 23 and January 2.

May all those taking a break be safe and return refreshed.

COUNCILLOR BUSINESS 19 Dec 2011

2011-12-17T16:09:00.000+11:00

CM 5 – CONFIRMATION OF THE [28/11/11] COUNCIL MINUTES

Includesinitiation of‘a gateway public art work,incorporating the existing water wheel’

Includes $187K for Cumberoona hull sectionsand continuation of EOI for operation and/or maintenance of the PS.

CM 6 – REPORT FROM COUNCIL COMMITTEES

6A Report from the Planning & Development CommitteeMeeting held on Monday 12 December 2011 at 6.00pm

adoptionwill endorse the Planning Proposal to theMinister for Planning & Infrastructure seeking an Amendment to the AlburyLocal Environmental Plan 2010 insofar as amending Clause 7.5 – Development onor Near the Murray River

6B Report from the Engineering & Works CommitteeMeeting held on Monday 12 December 2011 at 6.18pm

adoptionwill endorse decision to place the Draft Murray River FloodStudy Report on public exhibition for a period of six weeks, commencing 7January 2012.

6C Report from the Community & Cultural CommitteeMeeting held on Monday 12 December 2011 at 6.23pm

6D Report from the Finance & Administration CommitteeMeeting held on Monday 12 December 2011 at 6.28pm

CM 8 – MINUTES OF OTHER COMMITTEES & WORKINGPARTIES

8A Minutes Sports Albury Advisory Committee Meeting held onWednesday 23 November 2011 at 7.00pm

8B Minutes of the Albury Airport Users Advisory CommitteeMeeting held on Wednesday 7 December 2011 at 2.05pm

CM 10 – OFFICERS REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION

10A Contract No. 11/03508 Rehabilitation of Existing SewerTrunk Mains (Structural Relining) ie Wodonga Place to Jelbart St, North Albury

Actionrecommended That Council accepts the tender from Kembla Watertech Pty Ltd forContract No. 11/03508 – Rehabilitation of existing Sewer Trunk Mains(Structural Relining) in the lump sum amount of $1,699,607.08 (excl GST).

10B Quotation No. 11/01614 Albury Airport Apron and TaxiwayUpgrade – Engineering Design Consultancy (FIL11/01614)

CM 11 – OFFICERS REPORTS FOR NOTING

11A Community Satisfaction Survey Results (FIL09/0145)

11B Albury Wodonga Community Network Inc Albury CommunityService Centre – Emergency Relief Program Update (FIL10/01791)

Action recommended That Council receive and note the report.

[A few selections from the Agenda. Fulltext – 61 pages - available on AlburyCity website. Attachments are separate.]

SUSTAINABLE ALBURY

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000+11:00

The 'Report Card' [extract] below is a draft, prepared for councillors through the Sustainability Advisory Committee. It will be part of the Council business [Agenda] 12/12/11 and 19/12/11. If it gets through those meetings, it will be final. [I believe it will be adopted.] The information in the report will be of interest for various reasons. [This is a new venture by AlburyCity, and I think the venture is a good one.]

The document is more legible in the Council report - on the AlburyCity website - or enlarged.

Exhibitions Flooding Albury Like Noxious Weeds

2011-12-06T13:38:00.001+11:00

Albury Council is flooding residents with things needing their consideration. Look at the list of 'Exhibitions' [of documents] from the Council website. [The documents are available there to download.]

Note that it includes the draft Flood Study of 8 Mile Creek.

[REMEMBER, too, we are working on the Thurgoona Wirlinga Precinct Structure Plan - next session to happen in February - see 'Accent' for December.]

Currently on exhibition

Draft Noxious Weed Inspection Policy
AlburyCity's Draft Noxious Weed Inspection Policy is now available for comment.
Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library, or you can download the documents ......

Comments will be received until close of business Friday 30 December 2011 and should be addressed to David Armstrong, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or via email.

Draft Eight Mile Creek Flood Study
AlburyCity's Draft Eight Mile Creek Flood Study is now available for comment.
Copies are available for viewing at the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum, Lavington Library, the Thurgoona Community Centre or you can download the document .....

Comments will be received until close of business Friday 13 January 2012 and should be addressed to Jeff Baldock, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or via email.
Read more »

Tourists Welcome Here

2011-12-06T09:00:00.000+11:00

Of course tourists are welcome in Albury City. Public transport to the City are impressive, comparing more than favourably to many other centres in NSW. Beds a-plenty and lots of food and drink. What will you do here? What indeed?

I have to agree that, once it becomes waterworthy, the replica paddlewheeler [Cumberoona] is unlikely to get lots of repeat users, nor draw hordes of tourists to Albury. [Unless it runs regularly and is free.]

So: Spend some agreeable hours in the [remaining] Botanic Gardens. Swimming pools are open. Lots of books in the splendid library. Stand in awe at the monumental Council Offices. Drop in to the Art Gallery. [You may be able to locate some 'Art Deco' buildings.] Try out the extensive airport car park, or the top-class playground down near the Murray. Come and see the magnificent heritage [working] railway station, the remains of an old aeroplane, the adopted rusty buckets, the beached boat [not too close]. Drive through the CSU campus grounds. Walk along the historic ....? Come and experience the ....? Come and see the .... ? [Who can fill the blanks?]

PS: The latest 'Accent' has turned up; so interested folks can look there. 'Locals' are very likely to access the highly-acclaimed 'Oddies Creek Adventure Playspace'. Visitors will require directions!

[The dismal tourism landscape within the City is not a reflection of the excellent Visitor Information Centre, nor the efforts of the staff. Tourists will be genuinely made welcome there, and given friendly assistance. If they come!]

The Darkening of Counsel

2011-12-05T09:00:00.002+11:00

The Darkening of Counsel [Albury Council]

The Council meeting of 28/11/11 was in markedcontrast to the committees of the week before. It ran on for 2 hours and 13minutes. Early on came a lengthy inquisition from one member relating to – the Council MINUTES!

This is what is listed there under 'Actions in Progress':

Report to come to Council on the matter of financial support for Albury Wodonga Community Network Inc.

A report has been asked for! A report relating to Albury Wodonga Community Network Inc? Why had areport been asked for?Why? Who did it? It seemed like a crime had been committed by asking for information to come forward! In the end all 7 other councillors voted for the minutes to be adopted. The stand out member remained disapproving and voted against the minutes and so this request, which was made in SEPTEMBER!

Quite some time was taken with the East AlburyIndustrial Precinct. Then we weretold that the marvellous AlburyCity nine day fortnight has passed with flyingcolours its one year trial [started early this year!]. It is a permanent arrangement. Now AlburyCity has a lot moregood work getting done and more cheaply than before! What is more, now it is easier to get and retain good staff. [Their assertions, not mine.] Does that say something about the staff they actually had retained prior to the improvement?

Other agenda items taking major time were thewaterwheel spin [see separate post] and the Cumberoona 30 minute float. The paddlewheeler is under essential repair and will clearly be under review. There are differences about the value of the Cumberoona to the community. One outspoken councillorthreatened that there will be a different Cumberoona story after theelection[!].

Unfortunately, not one of the best Albury Council meetings I have seen.

There's a HOLE in Your BUCKET, Dear CITY

2011-12-05T09:00:00.001+11:00

There’s a hole in the bucket[s], dear Albury City.
With what shall you fix it?

Albury City Council owns an old derelict waterwheeldown near the river. [Actually the Council is in charge of, and responsible for,this component of Albury City fabric.] People noting the news might be forgivenfor thinking that some dramatic change took place in Council a week ago and theanti-heritage Philistines were finally defeated.

The staff report to the Committee told the story.But, it seems the recommendation provided a catalyst for something, after manyyears of astonishing ignorance. Maybe councillors very rarely venture into theremote area on the boundary of the City? One councillor even thinks the parkstill is at the southern entry point to the City. [It was, once, before the ‘Internal’thing.]

FORUM TOO FAR? Albury

2011-12-05T09:00:00.000+11:00

Forum TooFar?

Good One,Albury Council [or, AlburyCity].

According tothe Saturday classifieds, AlburyCity [or Albury Council] has moved the planned‘Fuel Facility and Signage’ Community Forum from Monday 5/12/2011 to a newdate, 6/2/2012.

Maybesomeone has looked at the name of the month and thought that the previous planmight not be a good time for community convenience? Maybe some members of the public would be unable to attend? The timing has not been discussed inCouncil, so I assume this is an ‘operational’ decision made by the GeneralManager.

IfAlburyCity is making an effort to ensure the public can more easily be engagedin community issues, then that is a good one.

[Faintpraise? Look at the new public exhibitions and note the closing dates. I hopeAlburyCity can keep up the momentum to do better in communication – better thanthis.]

THURGOONA FLOOD STUDY 'draft'

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000+11:00

FLOOD STUDYNOW IN THURGOONA, etc

Council hasbeen drawing up a flood study for the Eight Mile Creek system [includesWoolshed Creek; the creek that crosses Thurgoona Drive at the Golf Club]. Thiswork has been under way for some time.

According toCouncil Border Mail Classified Wed 30/11/11 copies of the draft are nowavailable for inspection at the Community Centre, Kosciusko Rd, and the usual places. That is true.

Alsoaccording to the same classified, the study is also available on the Councilwebsite. I cannot find it and have sent an inquiry. The Council website ‘Exhibitions’says nothing on exhibition! [See below.] Apparently that part of the classifiedis false.

Currently on exhibition

There isn't anything on exhibition at the moment.

Productivity Numbers at Albury Council

2011-11-26T09:00:00.001+11:00

Council [28/11/11] will no doubt agree to continue the nine day fortnight in employee working conditions.

The report to councillors claims all KPIs have been met - they have the numbers to prove it! Things are as good, or even better - improved productivity since 4 January!

Well - I have authoritative numbers as well. I have published many and will do some more [see comparative data in 'pages' above 'Albury Rating'].

The main point I see in the report is, NONE OF US HAVE COMPLAINED! Too late now? Oh well, I will ask questions.

[Not that anyone ought complain for the sake of complaining. If you have a reason or cause for complaint, let AlburyCity know.]

The staff report is strong on assertion - a qualitative report. I have not seen any indication of an independent evaluation. What about the raw data for a quantitative assessment?

CERTAINLY I have noted lost productivity. Outside programmed non-critical work can only be carried out safely when weather permits. I have seen a dry Friday/Monday without activity on the roadworks site.

However, the overall analysis by staff is that everything is good, or better than before the nine day fortnight. The numbers can not lie, can they? In point of fact it is quite difficult to give responsible, meaningful, valid and reliable interpretation of some numbers, eg, leave taking statistics.

Signs of the Albury Council Times?

2011-11-26T09:00:00.000+11:00

Council Meeting Agenda 28/11/11 includes the solemn confirmation of the minutes of the Planning & Development Committee recommendation [14/11/11] that an ORDER be issued by Council. [First such I have seen.]

The ORDER is required to say that an unauthorised advertisement is to be removed from 459 David St [corner Smollett St]. Since there now is no sign of that sign, I wonder what happens next?

Is this a sign?

Albury's Waterwheel Ground to a Halt

2011-11-25T09:00:00.000+11:00

Albury Council is set to decide the fate of the defunct water-wheel feature in Australia Park. We know already that Crs Angus, Betteridge, Glachan and Hull support a new 'Public Art' use being made of the site, maybe including the rusting old metal. We know that Crs Gould and Sawyer think the wheel should be retained [and presumably repaired and properly re-installed for a cost of considerably more than $35,000]. Seems likely they lose, though we have yet to see a decision by Crs Duncan-Strelec, van de Ven and Wareham.

I always wondered how the mysterious water wheel was allowed to continue as it was. Picturesque and evocative - yes; potential health and public safety risk - yes.

The debate took about 17 minutes and was with feeling. It veered into the Uiver, the Cumberoona and I do not recall what else. Finally the stance of the report prevailed.

The fact that considerable consultation took place [especially since it included the Historical Society] seems to me to settle the issue - unless councillors are going to rescind their 2009 decision.

Public contribution is significant and deserves respect. Nevertheless I do not support unqualified saving of residual old stuff, but certainly believe that photographs, diagrams and site markers are of lasting value. I dare say the Historical Society has an important view on this.

I would like to see a readily accessible and searchable register of pioneers and items of pioneering and other significance in the border area, with sites marked by permanent cast plaques and mapping linked to the entries. Perhaps it already exists and I have not located it?

'Heritage' - who can afford it?

Carbon Farming Initiative, etc [November, Albury]

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000+11:00

Things that may engage our attention as we approach the silly season [!] - and I think awareness is important -

[i] Albury City Council Sustainability Strategy on exhibition till 21/11/11.

[ii] 'Carbon Farming Initiative', Public Information session, Commonwealth Govt [DCCEE], Albury, Tuesday November 22: 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm [Albury Entertainment Centre, Elizabeth Room]. See flyer, courtesy ACC.

[iii] NEW: FLOOD STUDY for Eight Mile Creek [Thurgoona locality east of Albury/Lavington] about to go on public exhibition [starts 2 December and runs for 6 weeks] - decision due 28/11/11. [A nice way to spend the vacation period.] We tend to refer to 'Woolshed Creek' but the study covers the 'whole' system [see below image from map].

[iv] Exhibition of ACC 'Draft Policy on 'Voluntary Planning Agreements' [for minimum of 28 days]. [Decision by Council 28/11/11 will probably include exhibition start date.]

Some of the above I have mentioned before. Numbers [ii], and [iii] are new info from Monday night [Council Meeting]. It might be useful to see this in one place. [Thurgoona has even more for November, 2011.]

If anyone wants help with tracking down any of this information, just let me know.

VOLUNTARY Contributions - Is that Good Enough for Albury?

2011-11-14T09:00:00.001+11:00

It is surely right that Albury City Council should give up on a 'one size fits all' approach to charges for development contributions. [I understood that a complete review of the Section 64 and Section 94 levy scales is to happen - not much time left in 2011.]

Now there is a new [?] concept for consideration by councillors: 'Voluntary Planning Agreements'. [Really ?]

The 14/11/11 Agenda has a report to the Planning & Development Committee. Here is some of what Council's Mr David Christy says:

The development of a formalised policy which regulates the format, key considerations and principles/requirements for planning agreements will provide Albury City with a mechanism to consider proposals from developers to provide a suitable and appropriate public benefit in lieu of a monetary contribution.

The creation of the Policy on Planning Agreements will create an opportunity for the provision of greater benefits to the community in general.

Recommendation

That the Committee recommends to Council that Council:

a. receive and note the contents of the report; and

b. resolve to place the draft Policy on Planning Agreements on public exhibition for a minimum period of 28 days.

WHEN COUNCIL GETS TOUGH [Albury Advertising]

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000+11:00

A 'Draft Order' for Albury councillor decision:

1. To remove the advertisement and any associated advertising structure located in the front yard of the Property and identified in Annexure A (Advertising Structure).

The period allowed for the works to be completed is seven (7) days from the date of this Order.

The reason for this Order is:- The Advertising Structure is erected contrary to a provision made by or under the Act.

Any person on whom an Order is served or any person affected by this Order may appeal to the Land and Environment Court against the Order within twenty-eight (28) days after the Order is served.

You are advised that if this order is not complied with, the Council may give effect to the Order by carrying out the works required and recover the costs of doing so from the person concerned.

It is an offence not to comply with an Order. A person who fails to comply with this Order is guilty of an offence under the Act and is liable to a penalty not exceeding 10,000 penalty units ($1,100,000) and to a further daily penalty not exceeding 1,000 penalty units ($110,000).

By Order

Not exceeding $1.1M, plus a daily not exceeding $110K? Yep, that is tough. The above draft is part of the business item 6A of PDC 14/11/11. The final decision will be up to Council 28/11/11. [The business owning the offending advertising has Cr Paul Wareham as one of its Directors.] Will they have to be sold into slavery to pay?

11/11/11/11

2011-11-11T11:00:00.000+11:00

Sustain ALBURY Council Ability?

2011-11-05T09:00:00.000+11:00

Albury - Our Future

Albury - Our Future [Council's draft strategy] sets the direction for AlburyCity toimprove the sustainability of the community and the environment.

SO - What is Council proposing to do to us [for us]?

Some of the action plan:

· Survey local andregional fresh food production and “food miles”.

· Develop a food securityplan for the Albury region.

· Review coverage of thecommunity survey to include items for benchmarking and/or baseline monitoring.

· Review Councilmechanisms to encourage diversity in housing styles in new developments.

· Review AlburyCityStandard Operating Procedures to ensure consistency with sustainabilityoutcomes in this strategy.

· Develop an Integratedtransport plan for Albury.

· Develop a climate changeadaptation plan for Albury.

· Develop a community awarenessand education initiative.

· Develop a watermanagement strategy.

· Develop an energy policyand action plan.

· Develop a biodiversitystrategy.

· Develop a wastemanagement strategy.

· Develop a carbonmanagement strategy.

· Review thesustainability strategy.

· Develop a floodplainrisk management plan.

The full document, 31 pages [4 MB PDF], is available on the AlburyCitywebsite.

http://www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/www/html/1527-public-exhibitions.asp

Albury – Our Future contains an action plan (note above; see page 27) comprising short-,medium-, and long-term actions to ensure that AlburyCity is progressive andecologically efficient and that it engages with the community to achieve smart,realistic and fiscally responsible sustainability outcomes.

Eleven membersof the community had a hand in this plan, including Crs Angus and Betteridge.Some other members of the community may have heard a bit….

Are there peoplewho wonder about some of those actions? Is this a chance to ask: ‘WHY’?

AlburyCity wants to obtaincommunity views and feedback….. Closes21 November, 2011

Compiler [from the Council document]: AllenHampton [very sorry about the terribly short notice.] Still have your say! NOT TOO LATE.

EXTRAordinary Council Meeting, Albury

2011-11-04T18:03:00.000+11:00

On Monday, 7/11/2011, 6 pm, Albury City Council will hold an Extraordinary Council Meeting.

1. ELECTIONEERING

The business includes the issue of conducting the next election of councillors [8 September 2012]

Recommendation
That Council:
a. contract the NSW Electoral Commission to conduct the 2012 Albury Local Government Elections;
b. advise the NSW Electoral Commission and DLG of this by 30 November 2011; and
c. investigate the options available after the 2012 election based on the experience of NSW Councils who elect to conduct their own elections or contract private companies.

Comment
Wow! Amazing! Remember all the 2008/9 hand-wringing about the wasteful and extravagant work of the Electoral Commission? There have been years to work on this!

Where now lies the high moral ground?
Yes, there was a Government review and yes, AlburyCity and Allen Hampton made submissions.
If the ballot papers did not include candidate 'teams' with optional above the line voting and optional preferential voting I could run the election blindfold! [Just like it used to be!]

2. Albury COUNCILLOR NUMBERS
No, no-one councillor has done anything about REDUCING councillors to 7, nor about directly electing the Albury Mayor. So, thanks, but no thanks, to the opportunities.

Recommendation
That Council;
a. retains the status quo in relation to Councillor numbers; and
b. advise of any requirement for a constitutional referendum to be included in the 2012 Local Government Election.

3. ALBURY COUNCIL and the AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION
'Yes, please', count Albury in it too!
[Readers can access the Agenda item from the AlburyCity website. I am just too tired to bother to include the detail.]

Readers of Alburyreport: HELLO

2011-11-04T09:00:00.002+11:00

[edited]

Dear Reader

I can not make sense of the statistics [kindly provided gratis by Google] and thus do not know how many readers are actually perusing these items.

Certainly the number of hits on the images [in Picasa] is sometimes quite large; bears no relation to the statistics for the blog post in which I put them on the internet...

I have it in mind to make changes in the blog; in particular to publish less frequently and more selectively.

For example: 'What's On' can go from the blog! You can request the original from the Visitor Information Centre and receive the weekly PDF for free. It is called 'What's Happening; Weekly Tourism Update'. I make very few changes to the source document - apart from adding bold for Thurgoona sites.

SO - unless I hear a reason or two to the contrary, I will cease re-publishing 'What's On'. My work would be useful only to a viewer who does not have an email address to receive the document. [Are there any?]

Similar consideration applies to the 'Council Notices'. There are sometimes discrepancies between AlburyCity the product in 'News', and 'Public Notices' and 'Information' and that which is printed in Saturday's classifieds. That is something I cannot resolve any better than anyone else.

Thanks.

Allen Hampton

Lost Words: Albury ALDERMANIC

2011-11-04T09:00:00.001+11:00

'Aldermanic' is a word that was in use at one time. Now that we have councillors... NLA. Seems a pity to lose the word.

Recent Albury Council items [attributed to councillors] do warrant the idea suggested by 'ALDERMANIC'.

In fact, I have witnessed 'aldermanic' stuff. Maybe I can extend it to 'aldermania'?

Will any of the current office holders come to the end of their aldermancy in 2012?

You know!

Sat 8 September 2012 will settle it all [unless....]

The word was recently brought to my attention from a 1907 publication.

RATING Albury Council

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000+11:00

The Division of Local Government has published their latest available comparative data on Council finances. I plan eventually to return to my spreadsheet and update it.

Takes a while - will require transfer of data from PDF, and then selection, then ranking Albury.

I consider only the 19 NSW councils included in the Australian Government classification 7. [The other 18 councils are readily seen as more comparable to Albury than the extra 12 in the NSW Group 4.]
.

Albury Council NOTICES @ 28/10/11

2011-10-28T19:20:00.000+11:00

Public Notices
Water main renewal and road works at five-ways intersection Lavington
The five-ways intersection in Lavington is currently under supervised traffic control between 6.30am and 6.00pm for infrastructure renewal works.
Works scheduled for completion 9 December 2011. Motorists are asked to comply with all traffic control measures.

Union Picnic Day Closures
AlburyCity Administration building will be closed for Council business only on Monday 31 October for Union Picnic Day. The Albury Entertainment Centre, Mirambeena and Lavington Library will also be closed. Albury Sports Stadium, Immunisation Clinics, Albury Waste Management Centre, Banjora, OOSH and the Airport will remain open. The LibraryMuseum and Art Gallery will be open 12 noon - 4.00pm.

Community and Cultural Grants Program 2011
AlburyCity's Community and Cultural Grants Program is open for eligible not for profit community groups wishing to undertake community and cultural programs and events during 2011/12.
Applications can be submitted online. Alternatively, hard copies of the application are available from Council. The grant round closes at 5.00pm on Friday 2 December. Should you require assistance with your application, contact Maralee Vogel on 6023 8272.

Free Mulch
The Albury Waste Management Centre is offering FREE mulch to residents of Albury. Bring along your trailer to be loaded between 9.00am - 3.00pm on Sunday 30 October.

Summer Season Sporting Ground Applications in Albury
AlburyCity is accepting applications for the use of sporting grounds for the 2011/2012 Summer Season. Application and Conditions can be downloaded from AlburyCity's website. For further information contact 6023 8111.

Road Rehabilitation Works - Bilba Street
Bilba Street will be closed on an intermittent basis to through traffic commencing Monday 17 October for three weeks between 7.00am and 7.00pm for road rehabilitation and resurfacing works, weather permitting.
Motorists are asked to comply with all traffic control measures.

Public Exhibitions
Draft Controlled Burning Policy
The Draft Controlled Burning Policy is now available for comment. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on this website under Public Exhibition. Comments will be received until close of business Monday 7 November and should be addressed to Rachel Clancy, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Draft Albury: Our Future - A community sustainability strategy
AlburyCity's draft Albury: Our Future - A community sustainability strategy is now available for comment. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on this website under Public Exhibition.

Three community forums will be held to present the draft document to the community and to gather views and obtain feedback. The forums will be held at:

Mirambeena, 19 Martha Mews, Lavington - Wednesday, 2 November at 6.00pm
Council Chambers, 553 Kiewa St, Albury - Thursday, 3 November at 3.00pm
Thurgoona Golf Club, 1 Evesham Place, Thurgoona - Thursday, 3 November at 7.00pm
Please RSVP to AlburyCity on 6023 8111.

Comments on the draft document will be received until close of business Monday, 21 November 2011 and should be addressed to Matthew Dudley, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Bush Fire Danger Period
Residents of Albury are advised that the bush fire danger period will commence on Tuesday 1 November 2011. Permits for rural and rural residential areas will be available for the initial two weeks of the bush fire danger period.

Permits will be available for the burning of grass and small piles of sticks etc that can be extinguished by midnight on the day the permit is issued. Permits are obtainable from Permit Issuing Officers or the Rural Fire Service Office on 6051 1511 (Albury).

Restricted burning only is allowed in Albury and residents are advised to contact the Council in the first instance on 6023 8111. On days of extreme fire danger a total fire ban may be declared.

Residents should be aware that Albury is located in the Eastern Riverina Fire Area when total fire ban declarations are made. Bans are also announced through the local media, or if in doubt contact the local Rural Fire Service Office on 6051 1511 (Albury).

The Bushfire Danger Period runs until 31 March 2012 unless conditions require an extension.

Youth Management Committee - applications now open
AlburyCity is seeking enthusiastic young people aged between 14 - 20 years to join its Youth Management Committee. Be involved in planning youth events, community projects, conducting research into youth issues and gaining great experience.
Applications close Friday 18 November. Download an application form here or for more information contact Kira on 6021 8208 or kjunek@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Be safe, be seen and light up your bike
Ride your bike into Pushys Bike Warehouse in Young Street on Friday 4 November between 2.00pm - 5.00pm to collect your free rear safety light.
The only catch is you have to ride your bike in to receive the free light.Sponsored by AlburyCity in conjunction with the RTA.

Trout Farm Road Rehabilitation
The Trout Farm Road will be under supervised traffic control for rehabilitation works from 1 November until 1 December between 7.00am - 7.00pm, weather permitting. Motorists are asked to comply with all traffic control measures.

Councillor interviews
Councillor Patricia Gould will be available to speak to members of the public between 10.00am and 12 noon on Saturday 5 November, at the LibraryMuseum, Corner Kiewa and Swift Streets. People wishing to speak to Councillor Gould must make an appointment with AlburyCity Executive Support on 6023 8755.

Albury Council NOTICES @ 22/10/11

2011-10-22T09:00:00.000+11:00

Public Notices
Union Picnic Day Closures
AlburyCity Administration building will be closed for Council business only on Monday 31 October for Union Picnic Day. The Albury Entertainment Centre, Mirambeena and Lavington Library will also be closed.Albury Sports Stadium, Immunisation Clinics, Albury Waste Management Centre, Banjora, OOSH and the Airport will remain open. The LibraryMuseum and Art Gallery will be open 12 noon - 4.00pm.

Community and Cultural Grants Program 2011
AlburyCity's Community and Cultural Grants Program is open for eligible not for profit community groups wishing to undertake community and cultural programs and events during 2011/12.
Applications can be submitted online. Alternatively, hard copies of the application are available from Council. The grant round closes at 5.00pm on Friday 2 December.Should you require assistance with your application, contact Maralee Vogel on 6023 8272.

Commencement of Amendment to Albury Development Control Plan 2010 (Biodiversity Certification Changes)
Council at its meeting on Monday 17 October, 2011 resolved to adopt an amendment to the Albury Development Control Plan 2010 (DCP) (Biodiversity Certification Changes) as exhibited.The amendment seeks to include additional environmental and conservation controls into the DCP, resulting from the finalisation of biodiversity certification of the Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP) and has now been inserted into the DCP.

Free Mulch
The Albury Waste Management Centre is offering FREE mulch to residents of Albury. Bring along your trailer to be loaded between 9.00am - 3.00pm on Sunday 30 October.

Thurgoona Progress Association Meeting
The Thurgoona Progress Association is holding a special meeting to discuss the Thurgoona/Wirlinga Precinct Structure Plan at 7.00pm on Tuesday 25 October at the Thurgoona Golf Club.

Adopted Road Name
Notice is given as required by Section 9 of the Roads Regulation 2008 that Council has named four roads in Thurgoona. The new road names are:- Wellington Drive, Loch Court, Jack Court, Pleasant Court.

Customer Satisfaction Survey
Micromex Research on behalf of AlburyCity, is currently conducting telephone surveys. This is to allow people to have their say on Council activities, facilities and services.
The telephone numbers called will be determined through a random process and no names will be associated with the survey responses. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service on 6023 8111.

Summer Season Sporting Ground Applications in Albury
AlburyCity is accepting applications for the use of sporting grounds for the 2011/2012 Summer Season. Application and Conditions can be downloaded from AlburyCity's website. For further information contact 6023 8111.

Road Rehabilitation Works - Bilba Street
Bilba Street will be closed on an intermittent basis to through traffic commencing Monday 17 October for three weeks between 7.00am and 7.00pm for road rehabilitation and resurfacing works, weather permitting.
Motorists are asked to comply with all traffic control measures.

QEII Twilight Markets Stall Holders
AlburyCity is calling for Expressions of Interest from applicants interested in operating a stall at AlburyCity's QEII Twilight Markets, on the second Thursday of each month during spring and summer 2011-2012. Find out more.

Public Exhibitions
Draft Controlled Burning Policy
The Draft Controlled Burning Policy is now available for comment. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on this website under Public Exhibition. Comments will be received until close of business Monday 7 November and should be addressed to Rachel Clancy, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Draft Albury: Our Future - A community sustainability strategy
AlburyCity's draft Albury: Our Future - A community sustainability strategy is now available for comment. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on this website under Public Exhibition. Three community forums will be held to present the draft document to the community and to gather views and obtain feedback. The forums will be held at:
Mirambeena, 19 Martha Mews, Lavington - Wednesday, 2 November at 6.00pm
Council Chambers, 553 Kiewa St, Albury - Thursday, 3 November at 3.00pm
Thurgoona Golf Club, 1 Evesham Place, Thurgoona - Thursday, 3 November at 7.00pm
Please RSVP to AlburyCity on 6023 8111.
Comments will be received until close of business Monday, 21 November 2011 and should be addressed to Matthew Dudley, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

From - NEWS page:

News from AlburyCity
Look out for zebras on Dean Street
Published: 21/10/2011
Motorists travelling in Dean Street are being urged to take extra care next week when new zebra crossings are installed.

AlburyCity says the crossings will be line-marked one at a time and will only become active pedestrian crossings once new signage is in place and worksite traffic controls removed.

Road Safety Officer, Lauren Torocsik, says there may be some confusion as to who is to give way, and he's urging motorists to be aware of pedestrian movements.

Since 1992, pedestrians using the five raised thresholds to cross Dean Street were required to give way to vehicles. However, the new zebra crossings means motorists must now give way to pedestrians.

"This is a significant change for Albury. Drivers must slow down, be prepared to stop and give way to pedestrians" Lauren said.

"Pedestrians are reminded that they will still need to be vigilant, particularly during this time of transition. When using the crossings, never assume that a driver has seen you, or will stop for you."

Pedestrian crashes in Albury are on the decline; however when compared with other towns in the South West Region, Albury has a higher percentage of pedestrian related crashes. Between January 2006 and Dec 2010, 9.6% of Albury's total crashes involved pedestrians compared with 4.6% for the region.

Current Albury Council WORKS

2011-10-22T08:59:00.000+11:00

[Extract] Current Works

In Centaur Road excavations for road construction and the retaining wall construction have continued.
Drainage pipe installation in Pearsall Street from Hanna Street to the east has continued and will link to the Centaur Road/Hanna Street system.
Watermain construction continued in Crackenback and Hanna Streets during the past week.
Concrete footpath construction is scheduled to commence in Benyon Street (between Mountford and Rivergum) next week.
The resurfacing of Schubach Street from East to Walsh Streets is progressing well with asphalt placement to be completed today (Friday 21 October).
The resurfacing of Bilba Street commenced on Monday October 17 and is on schedule for completion in three weeks.

Last updated Friday 21 October, 2011

A Future for Albury

2011-10-20T09:01:00.000+11:00

Council is running an important community forum in three locations:

Mirambeena [Lavington] Wed 2/11/11 3 pm - 5 pm
Albury [Council Offices] Thur 3/11/11 3 pm - 5 pm
Thurgoona [Golf Club] Thur 3/11/11 7 pm - 9 pm

TOPIC:
'Draft Albury - Our Future' [Community Sustainability Strategy]

Exhibition of this draft was agreed at Council 17/10/2011.

Further info from ACC Sustainability & Environment team: 6023 8396

W: alburycity.nsw.gov.au/sustainability

Lavington Library 17/10/11

2011-10-20T09:00:00.001+11:00

When Council reached the 'Documents for Sealing' part of the 17/10/11 Agenda, Cr Angus asked for information on the content of:

A. Agreement for Lease and Option to Purchase Suite 1.1, Northpoint Tower, 366 Griffith Road, Lavington Library premises as per Councils resolution of Monday 22 November 2010.

The General Manager only then outlined the provisions of the 'Northpoint Tower' contract [Zauner], which sounded to be as per the previous Council decision:

Space about 450 sq m;
$144,000 per annum, indexed;
5 years with option to extend further 5 years;
purchase option at $1.7M.

Take up date for the new library space 30 June 2013; therefore EOI for existing library site 'on hold'.

Following the explanation the vote to seal the agreement was taken. It passed 6 for, Cr Sawyer [forlornly?] against. Now I am not a mind reader but I suspect that Cr Sawyer had nothing against the [oddly worded] mowing contract [which was also to be sealed]. However, the councillor, along with other people, has been concerned about the Lavington Library deal.

Albury Council 17/10/11 -'Sealing'

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000+11:00

All items were carried; almost all were unanimous [see previous post re Agenda]. Seven councillors present; apologies received by AlburyCity for Crs Glachan and Wareham.

For the VERY FIRST TIME I heard an informative explanation about one of the 'Documents for Sealing' [Northpoint Tower]. Time after time Council acts just like a rubber stamp and approves the fixing of the seal of the City to various documents - usually [always?] in the form of contracts or equivalent.

Now rubber stamps are useful. However, rubber stamps are mindless. I am disturbed to find that Council ever acts mindlessly.

HOW CAN THAT BE RIGHT? IT SEEMS RIDICULOUS AND UNACCEPTABLE. Bring back the minds! Councillors are there to make our INFORMED and reasonable decisions. THAT is their job.

Stone the Crows? Strike me Lucky - Albury Council[lor] 17/10/11

2011-10-20T08:59:00.000+11:00

Incredible. I had wondered what the Prime cameraman was doing there at Albury Council 17/10/11. Perhaps what transpired at the end was a put up job?

For about 12 minutes at the end, culminating in a 'division', we had a row going on about the Uiver replica, or, a story which appeared in the Border Mail, or, the previous decision by Council to wait on external investigations of an option for the fate of the Council's derelict DC2. By 3 votes to 4 the call for a report was lost! The results were formally recorded. The status quo remains.

Most extraordinarily there was across the chamber argumentation and even, during the voting, the suggestion from Cr 9 that Cr 8 had a conflict of interest and should step aside [or something weird]. No such mechanism exists.

As I have said before, councillors betray little understanding of the rules regarding private interests. [You can read their rules in the page above.] I hope that Cr 9 does deliver on the implied threat to make a complaint. [At least, I think the warning tone of the admonition indicated that.] I would be more than a little interested to hear the outcome of any such complaint!

This was orchestrated by the same councillor who on one notable occasion [the developer contributions debate 22/2/10] failed to carry out the relevant responsibilities and subsequently [22/3/10], following a complaint from this public, was obligated to make a formal apology to Council. Unfortunately the apology was a bit tongue in cheek because it said that after all there had been no conflict of interest and that 'mistake' was the reason for the apology! Absolutely no provision to 'unrecognise' a previously recognised conflict of interest. [Still no apology for disregard of the meeting rules.]

It actually is difficult to succeed in a complaint about conflict of interest in Council - so I have found. Reasonable viewpoints seem to evaporate when put to the test by the responsible officials.

Mostly Council is able to 'play the ball and not the man'. I really wonder if personal animosity or publicity seeking drives this stuff - hence my avoidance of names. [If you ask me I will give the detail. Draft minutes on Alburycity website.]

And otherwise? The Council Meeting took up 72 minutes. It was calm and businesslike and made the decisions. [Prime representative there for the entire session but did not spend all that long running his camera. No journalists present.]

G.H. Peppin, NOT J. Macarthur

2011-10-17T09:00:00.000+11:00

I am very pleased that celebrations at Deniliquin might straighten out the story a bit. No doubt merino wool came through the old Albury Wool Stores? For sure, not Macarthur wool. George Hall Peppin was the man to remember. The Australian [and international] sheep business would have amounted to so much less if it were not for the pioneering achievements at Wanganella and Boonoke.

adb.anu.edu.au/biography/peppin-george-hall-4388

Quite possibly, like me, you were taught otherwise? [There is large Australian Dictionary of Biography entry for John Macarthur, who did, indeed, do very well from land grants and sheep.]

Albury Council AGENDA 17/10/11

2011-10-15T09:00:00.000+11:00

From Council Agenda for 17/10/11

CM 10 – OFFICERS REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION

10A Tender for Precinct Structure Plan for Thurgoona/Wirlinga Urban Release Area
10B Code of Conduct Review Committee Membership
10C Draft Albury: Our Future – A Community Sustainability Strategy
10D AlburyCity's Audited Financial Statements 2010-2011
10E Loan Funding 2011-2012
10F Legislative Compliance Policy and Procedure
10G Roads to Recovery Program
10H Forthcoming Conferences – Attendance by Councillors – National Water Recycling & Reuse Technology 2011 Conference
10I Forthcoming Conferences – Attendance by Councillors – 2011 National Local Roads & Transport Congress – Better Roads Are Safer Roads Conference.
10J Forthcoming Conferences – Attendance by Councillors – Urban Congestion Summit 2011

CM 11 – OFFICERS REPORTS FOR NOTING

11A Pecuniary Interest Declarations 2010-2011

Current Works & Public Notices

2011-10-15T08:59:00.000+11:00

AlburyCity 'Current Works' information and 'Public Notices' appear to be unchanged. [Odd.]

No doubt there will be notices or/and 'For Information' in the classifieds on Sat 15/10/11.

Saturday PS: Still unchanged [out-of-date]. Main important difference, as per classifieds, is that there IS a Council Meeting on Monday 17/10/11. Classifieds are correct; Alburycity website is unreliable.
.

Albury Council JOBS 2011-2012

2011-10-14T09:00:00.000+11:00

Councillors have conducted their annual elections [8 present; Cr Wareham on leave]. Details tabulated in spreadsheet. Here are the interim totals. Some positions are won by election, others by unopposed nomination. Council Committee [PD, EW, CC, FA] membership is an individual councillor decision.

Note: Almost all of Councillor Glachan's positions are 'ex officio'. The same applies to some of Councillor Hull's positions.

Comment: It seemed to me that Councillors Angus, Betteridge, and Hull consistently voted against Councillors Duncan-Strelec and Sawyer. With frequent support of Councillors Gould and Glachan the above defeats took place. [The scene in 2010 was somewhat different, with all 9 present.]

Grange, The - Thurgoona, & their Medical Centre

2011-10-08T19:30:00.002+11:00

The Thurgoona Grange is in the news again. You may have seen the article in the Border Mail.

Yours truly has published a copy and some info on my blog thurgoona.net

Not everyone is happy with all aspects, perhaps particularly road safety issues.

Albury [Council] Deciders 2010-2011

2011-10-08T09:00:00.000+11:00

Here are the results of councillor attendances at meetings of Council and committees of Council to make the local government decisions for our City, October 2010 to September 2011.

Note that councillor membership of the 4 committees is a matter of individual choice. [Committees decide recommendations to Council. However, I have not seen any committee recommendation overturned by Council.]

Figures above show total time in minutes spent on business of Albury City Council, and number of dates attended. [Councillor Wareham was on leave during 5 months.]

[Full details are in spreadsheet.]

Agenda Items Albury Council 10/10/11

2011-10-08T08:59:00.000+11:00

Planning & Development Committee
PDC 6 – REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION
6A Election of Deputy Chairperson
6B Draft Amendment to Albury Development Control Plan 2010 – Biodiversity Certification Changes (Consideration of Submissions)
That the Committee recommends to Council that Council:

a. note and receive the public submissions;
b. adopt the Draft Amendment (Biodiversity Certification Changes) to Albury Development Control Plan 2010 as publicly exhibited pursuant to Clause 18 and 21 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000; and
c. undertake those actions required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, to have the Draft Amendment (Biodiversity Certification Changes) commenced.

6C Albury Land Monitor 2010-2011
6D Economic Indicators (September 2011)
6E 2011 Local Business Survey Key Findings

Engineering & Works Committee
EWC 6 – REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION
6A Election of Deputy Chairperson
6B Supply of Civil Construction Materials for a Three Year Period (2011–2014)

Community & Cultural Committee
CCC 6 – REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION
6A Election of Deputy Chairperson

FAC 6 – REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION
6A Election of Deputy Chairperson
6B Draft Internal Reporting - Public Interest Disclosure Policy and Procedure
6C Investment Balances for the Month of September 2011

Comment: Not EVERYONE is satisfied with the award-winning Albury Biodiversity Certification to the LEP [see report and attachments]. Council received three submissions during the public exhibition period. Staff came to the conclusion that no changes were warranted.

Nonetheless, I predict a short night!

Council Works in Albury

2011-10-08T08:58:00.000+11:00

Works in progress only

In Centaur Road Stage Two excavation for road construction has continued along with kerb and gutter placement and preparations for the retaining wall construction.
Water main construction continued in Crackenback and Hanna Streets.
The primer seal was placed in Schubach Street from East to Walsh Streets with the final asphalt seal to be applied in the next 2 weeks.
Property inspections will resume again with the gazettal of a new Weed Control Order #28. No weed order has been in force since the end of August due to a NSW Government oversight.
Lavington Oval spring renovations are well underway with the ground being verti-drained and fertilised, with topdressing scheduled for next week.
Concrete wickets are being uncovered in preparation for the cricket season commencing October 15.
The installation of drainage at Noreuil near the canoe club is complete and the BBQ , shelter and seating construction at the Oddies Creek Playspace is nearing completion.
Maintenance on irrigation systems continues, readying them for the warmer weather.
Mowing crews are flat out trying to keep up with the seasonal grass growth. The newly awarded contractors will start work in their allotted areas during the coming week.
The tree planting program for the season is 98% complete.
More works have been done removing graffiti and repairing vandalism at various places throughout the city.
Preparation and painting of all external picnic tables, seats, bins and bike racks at the Albury Sports Stadium has commenced.

Last updated Friday 7 October, 2011

AlburyCity [Council] Notices 7/10/11

2011-10-07T11:03:00.005+11:00

AlburyCity website 7/10/11. Something similar likely to appear in Classifieds on Sat.

Public Notices
Council Meetings
The next Planning & Development, Engineering & Works, Community & Cultural and Finance & Administration Committee Meetings will be held on Monday 10 October at 6.00pm in the Council Chambers, ground floor, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury. All welcome.
[Next meeting of Council scheduled for 17 October.]

Customer Satisfaction Survey
From Monday 10 October 2011, Micromex Research on behalf of AlburyCity, will be conducting telephone surveys. This is to allow people to have their say on Council activities, facilities and services.
The telephone numbers called will be determined through a random process and no names will be associated with the survey responses. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service on 6023 8111.

AlburyCity Sport and Recreation Grants 2011
AlburyCity through the Sports Albury Committee has funds available under the 2011 AlburyCity Sport and Recreation Grants Program to assist 'not for profit' sport and recreational organisations to develop local sport and recreational facilities. Applications are open for organisations wishing to upgrade sporting and recreational facilities, develop business plans, forward planning documents or feasibility studies related to the development of their sport or to the facilities they utilise within the city of Albury. Application forms and guidelines can be downloaded from our website or collected from the Customer Service Centre at 553 Kiewa Street, Albury. Applications close at 4.00pm Friday 21 October 2011. For further information contact Brad Gill on 6023 8750.

Summer Season Sporting Ground Applications in Albury
AlburyCity is accepting applications for the use of sporting grounds for the 2011/2012 Summer Season. Application and Conditions can be downloaded from AlburyCity's website. For further information contact 6023 8111.

Road Rehabilitation Works - Bilba Street
The public is advised that Bilba Street will be closed on an intermittent basis to through traffic commencing Monday 17 October for three weeks between 7.00am and 7.00pm to allow for road rehabilitation and resurfacing works, weather permitting.
Council requests that motorists comply with all traffic control measures.

Road Rehabilitation Works - Schubach Street between East and Walsh Streets
Schubach Street between East and Walsh Streets will be closed to through traffic until Friday 21 October 2011 from 7.00am - 7.00pm to allow for road stabilisation and resurfacing works, weather permitting.
Council requests that motorists comply with all traffic control measures.

Water Meter Readings
The next round of water meter readings will begin on Monday 10 October 2011 and will take approximately two weeks, including weekends. The contractor for the readings will be Fieldforce Services.

Thurgoona Progress Association Meeting
The Thurgoona Progress Association meeting will be held at 7.00pm Tuesday 11 October at the Thurgoona Golf Club. All welcome.

Immunisation Clinics
Wednesday, 19 October in the Robert Brown Room - Ground Floor 553 Kiewa Street, Albury, 11.00am - 12 noon and 6.30pm - 7.30pm.

Immunisation will be given against Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, HIB, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal C and Chicken Pox.
For further information contact Winsome Smith on 6023 8260 or Rhian Harris on 6023 8751.

Controlled Burns
Controlled burns will be carried out at Padman Park and Gerogery Road for vegetation management purposes until Friday 7 October, weather permitting. For further information contact Sarah Stuart on 6043 5694.

Proposed Road Names - Thurgoona
Notice is given as required by Section 7(1)a of the Roads Regulation 2008 that Council intends to name four roads in Thurgoona. The proposed roads are on either side of Kosciuszko Road.
The proposed road names are:

Wellington Drive
Loch Court
Jack Court
Pleasant Court
Written submissions concerning these proposed road names will be accepted until 19 October 2011. Submissions should be addressed to Chris Newnan, Engineering, AlburyCity, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury NSW 2640.

Adopted Road Names- Table Top
Notice is given as required by Section 9 of the Roads Regulation 2008 that Council has named a road off Mitchell Road, Table Top. The new road name is Esler Lane. Esler Lane leaves Mitchell Road on the south side of Budginigi Cove.

QEII Twilight Markets Stall Holders
AlburyCity is calling for Expressions of Interest from applicants interested in operating a stall at AlburyCity's QEII Twilight Markets, on the second Thursday of each month during spring and summer 2011-2012. [AlburyCity website has link to more info.]

Public Exhibitions
Draft Controlled Burning Policy
The Draft Controlled Burning Policy is now available for comment. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website. Comments will be received until close of business Monday 7 November and should be addressed to Rachel Clancy, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Albury Councillor Performance 2010-2011 TBA

2011-10-04T19:52:00.001+11:00

Data is still incomplete ~~[waiting on minutes from 26/9/2011]~~.

Note that, even once I can give the totals of individual councillor attendances and time taken, it will be an incomplete record.

Details of other individual councillor contributions, such as attendance at events and representation of Council, are not listed anywhere that I know about. Members of the public may only access minutes to see who was present and for how long.

Just the same, more data could be extracted: Most councillors hold one or more delegations to official bodies, which meet from time to time [for example, the Local Traffic Committee]. The minutes of those bodies are reported in Council Committee minutes. I have not collected the attendance information from those bodies.

Council Works in Albury [Some]

2011-10-04T19:40:00.001+11:00

Current Works

In Centaur Road Stage Two excavation for road construction has commenced and preparations for the retaining wall construction are underway.
The Centaur Road Stage One asphalt placement was completed on Monday as scheduled.
Water main construction continued in Crackenback and Hanna Streets.
Concrete footpath construction in Wewak Street (school to Logan Road) has started and will be completed before school resumes.
The resurfacing of Schubach Street from East to Walsh Streets commenced on September 27 and is scheduled for completion in approximately 4 weeks.
The seasonal tree planting program is 95% complete.
Planting continues in Mate St as part of the Entrances to City project.
Due to a new footpath installation servicing Wewak Street School, trees were removed and supplementary trees planted.
All rural road shoulders have been sprayed for weeds, and the vegetation management team are gearing up to spray St. John's Wort on ACC land.
Coolatai Grass infestations along Gerogery Road have been burnt.
The Norris Park Asset Protection Zone (fire mitigation) has been installed and cut.
The building team have had to remove graffiti at various locations, with extensive works required at the Thurgoona Community Centre, Ernest Grant Park and Alexandra Park - Murrayfield.

Last updated Tuesday 4 October, 2011
[Copied from AlburyCity website.]

Save the day [light] - 2011-2012

2011-10-01T09:00:00.003+10:00

Australian Eastern Daylight Time:

AEDT: Sunday 2 October 2011 - Sunday 1 April 2012

Six months to save the daylight.

Add one hour to your clock on 2 October 2011.

Take one hour off the clock on 1 April 2012.

Check your smoke alarm!

[Seen lots of advertising for Victoria? Same applies to NSW!]

Albury Council NOTICES @ 29/9/2011

2011-09-29T11:13:00.000+10:00

Public Notices
Customer Satisfaction Survey
From 10 October 2011, Micromex Research on behalf of AlburyCity, will be conducting telephone surveys. This is to allow people to have their say on Council activities, facilities and services. The telephone numbers called will be determined through a random process and no names will be associated with the survey responses. If you have any questions, please contact AlburyCity Customer Service on 6023 8111.

Immunisation Clinics
Thursday, 6 October
Glenecho Neighbourhood Centre
Burrows Road, Glenroy, 9.30am - 10.15am

Springdale Heights Neighbourhood Centre
Cardo Drive, Springdale Heights, 11.00am - 11.45am

Thurgoona Community Complex
Cnr Kosciuszko and Table Top Roads, Thurgoona, 1.30pm - 2.15pm

Westside Community Centre
Mulga Place, West Albury, 3.00pm - 3.45pm

Wednesday, 19 October
AlburyCity Administration Building
Robert Brown Room - Ground Floor 553 Kiewa Street, Albury,
11.00am - 12 noon and 6.30pm - 7.30pm.

Immunisation will be given against Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, HIB, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal C and Chicken Pox.
For further information contact Winsome Smith on 6023 8260 or Rhian Harris on 6023 8751.

Councillor interviews
Councillor Daryl Betteridge will be available to speak to members of the public between 10.00am -12noon on Saturday 1 October on the ground floor Albury, 553 Kiewa Street. People wishing to speak to Councillor Betteridge must make an appointment with AlburyCity Executive Support on 6023 8755.

Controlled Burns
Controlled burns will be carried out at Padman Park and Gerogery Road for vegetation management purposes until Friday 7 October, weather permitting. For further information contact Sarah Stuart on 6043 5694.

Road Rehabilitation Works - Schubach Street between East and Walsh Streets
Schubach Street between East and Walsh Streets will be closed to through traffic until Friday 21 October 2011 from 7.00am - 7.00pm to allow for road stabilisation and resurfacing works, weather permitting.
Council requests that motorists comply with all traffic control measures.

Proposed Road Name - Table Top
Notice is given as required by Section 7(1)a of the Roads Regulation 2008 that Council intends to name a road in Table Top. The proposed road comes off the eastern side of Mitchell Road at a point approximately 1.2km north of the Mitchell and Table Top Roads intersection. In this location the proposed road runs along the southern side of Budginigi Cove. The proposed road name is Esler Lane.

Written submissions concerning this proposed road name will be accepted until 1 October 2011. Submissions should be addressed to Chris Newnan, Engineering, AlburyCity, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury NSW 2640.

Proposed Road Names - Thurgoona
Notice is given as required by Section 7(1)a of the Roads Regulation 2008 that Council intends to name four roads in Thurgoona. The proposed roads are on either side of Kosciuszko Road.
The proposed road names are:

Wellington Drive
Loch Court
Jack Court
Pleasant Court
Written submissions concerning these proposed road names will be accepted until 19 October 2011. Submissions should be addressed to Chris Newnan, Engineering, AlburyCity, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury NSW 2640.

QEII Twilight Markets Stall Holders
AlburyCity is calling for Expressions of Interest from applicants interested in operating a stall at AlburyCity's QEII Twilight Markets, on the second Thursday of each month during spring and summer 2011-2012. Find out more.

Summer Season Sporting Ground Applications in Albury
AlburyCity is accepting applications for the use of sporting grounds for the 2011/2012 Summer Season. Application and Conditions can be downloaded from AlburyCity's website. For further information contact 6023 8111.

Public Exhibitions
Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010 - Planning Proposal, B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone - Bulky Goods Premises
AlburyCity has endorsed the planning proposal (B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone) to amend Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010. The planning proposal and other relevant exhibition documents are now on public exhibition for a period of 14 days in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website.
The proposal seeks to allow Bulky Goods Premises within the B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone consistent with previous planning controls. Submissions will be received until close of business Friday 30 September 2011 and should be addressed to Matt Johnson, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au For further information contact the Planning Team on 6023 8285.

WHAT'S ON: Albury & There [30 Sep>]

2011-09-29T11:05:00.001+10:00

For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Live Events
• Fingerprints - Jazz Basement, Gateway Village, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga, Friday 30 September
• Punk Rock Gig - Retro Youth Café, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 30 September
• Mystical Groove - SS&A Club, Olive Street, Albury, Friday 30 September
• Lisa Wilson - Kinross Woolshed, Old Sydney Road, Thurgoona, Friday 30 September
• Criss Cross (Jazz) - Fresco’s Restaurant Bar, Rydges Albury, Dean Street, Albury,
Friday 30 September
• Play it Cool - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 30 September
• Killin’ Time - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Saturday 1 October
• Ben 10 Live: Time Machine - Albury Entertainment Centre, Swift Street, Albury, Monday 1 October
Exhibitions
• Q View: digital public art - QEII Square, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 30 September -
Saturday 1 October
• Albury Delightfully Deco - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street & LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
• Light Lines - LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
• The Bonegilla Story - LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
• The Crossing Place - LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
• Albury Wodonga Artists Society Exhibition - Art Space Wodonga, Cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets, Wodonga
• Drawing on Morocco - Gigs Art Gallery, Gateway Village, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga
• On your marks, get set…go! - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury
• Rock Paper Scissors group exhibition - Creators Artspace, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga, Thursday 29 September - Tuesday 4 October
Local Events
• Ashton Circus - Wodonga Showground, Thomas Mitchell Drive, Wodonga, Wednesday 21 September - Sunday 2 October
• Free Activities for youth - The Place Youth Centre, Mate Street, North Albury, Friday 30 September
• School Holiday Fun Art Deco Style- LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Friday 30 September
• Art Deco Film Night: Gold Diggers of 1933 - LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Friday 30 September
• Dru Yoga four day Intensive - Albury Entertainment Centre, Swift Street, Albury, Friday 30 September - Monday 3 October
• Wodonga Senior Celebrations - Various Locations, Wodonga, Saturday 1 - Monday 31 October

• Murray River Quilters Exhibition - Mirambeena Community Centre, Martha Mews, Lavington, Saturday 1 October - Sunday 2 October
• Guided Tour of the LibraryMuseum - LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Sunday 2 October
• Community Wood Fired Oven - Hovell Tree Park, Wodonga Place, Albury, Sunday 2 October
• Simon McKeon 2011 Australian of the Year - Butter Factory Theatre, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga, Tuesday 4 October
• School Holiday activities: Old Fashioned Games - LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury, Wednesday 5 October
• Bush Poetry Luncheon - Kinross Woolshed, Old Sydney Road, Thurgoona, Wednesday 5 October
Markets
• Hume Murray Farmers Market - Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga, Saturday 1 October
• Beechworth Farmers’ Market - Piper Street, Beechworth, Saturday 1 October
• My Beauty Market - Hollands Street, Mt Beauty, Saturday 1 October
• Rotary Community Market - Taxation Office car park, Townsend Street, Albury, Sunday 2 October
• Wangaratta Market - Avian Park Raceway, Newman Street, Wangaratta, Sunday 2 October
• Corowa Federation Craft Market - Bangerang Park, Corowa, Sunday 2 October
Surrounding Areas
• Corowa Festival of Dance - Various Locations, Corowa, Friday 30 September - Monday 3 October
• Myrtleford Bike Muster - Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Friday 30 September - Sunday 2 October
• Culcairn Agricultural Show - Culcairn Sports and Showground, Culcairn, Saturday 1 October
• Yackandandah Cinema: Rise of the Planet of the Apes - Memorial Hall, High Street, Yackandandah, Friday 23 September
• Tour De Rutherglen - Rutherglen Wine Experience, Main Street, Rutherglen, Saturday 1 October
• Border Bushwalking Club - Bogong High Plains, (Medium grade 16 km both days) Saturday 1 October - Sunday 2 October
• Murray Valley Bushwalkers - Warby Ovens National Park, (Medium Grade) Saturday 1 October - Sunday 2 October
• Holbrook Miniature Railway - Ten Mile Creek Gardens, Holbrook, Sunday 2 October
For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Albury Council Jobs 2011-2012, etc

2011-09-27T09:00:00.000+10:00

[edited]

Final elections meeting for the current set of councillors took place on 26/9/2011, starting at 6 pm. Eight councillors present and participating in the elections and Code of Conduct item [Cr Wareham on leave].

Mayor: Cr Alice Glachan, supported by Crs Angus, Betteridge, Gould, Hull; Crs Duncan-Strelec and Sawyer supported Cr van de Ven.

Deputy Mayor: Cr Neville Hull, by 'lot' - drawn from bucket when he and Cr van de Ven each had 4 votes. Voting was similar to above, except Cr Gould supported Cr van de Ven.

Committee chair elections took place with 7 councillors present. New chairpersons:

PDC: Cr Angus
EWC: Cr van de Ven
CCC: Cr Betteridge
FAC: Cr Gould

Other elections took up time, as necessitated by the size of the task. Yours truly will progressively tabulate details and make available in the Council Data spreadsheet [see 'Pages', above].

I was not able to capture all of the votes; only the nominations and results. These I will very soon add to the data spreadsheet.

My impression [in a complex series of elections] was that Crs Angus, Betteridge and Hull formed a consistent block vote against Crs Duncan-Strelec and Sawyer. Crs Glachan, Gould and van de Ven seemed less predictable.

It will soon be possible to provide totals for time spent on duties in the last 12 months. A new [and final] year for this Council starts now.

Albury Council 26/9/11: Conduct

2011-09-27T08:59:00.000+10:00

[edited]

Code of Conduct relating to Cr Duncan-Strelec's actions: Eight councillors present [Cr Wareham on leave]; all participated. Hopefully this is the last time the matter will be heard about.

Cr Duncan-Strelec maintained her stance and no apology was made. The motions addressed and carried separately were as per previous post [less the proposition there enumerated as 'a', and now with 'strike-out' font]. Refer back to it for detail, as edited by yours truly.

Referral to DLG was carried, 6 votes to two. Crs Glachan and van de Ven voted against; all others were in favour, including Cr Duncan-Strelec. Item 11 G took 19 minutes in total. Following the carriage of the resolutions [and the elections for Mayor and Deputy Mayor], Cr Duncan-Strelec departed the meeting.

The segment was calm and orderly and, despite its difficult nature, brought some credit to the Council in its capacity to make decisions, rightly or wrongly [so say I anyway].

Oddly, Cr van de Ven either had a serious lapse of memory, or had not read the documents attached to the [comprehensive] report. He asked why Cr Angus had been referring to extracts of the Local Government Act, attached to his meeting papers!

Albury Council Meeting 26/9/2011

2011-09-24T09:00:00.000+10:00

[edited - extended and altered to reflect outcome]

From the Agenda:

CM 10 - Documents for Sealing
A. Deed of Agreement between AlburyCity Council and Lauren Jackson in relation to promoting the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre following renaming of the facility on Saturday 22 October 2011.

CM 11 – OFFICERS REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION
11A Election of Mayor

11B Election of Deputy Mayor

11C Media Break

11D Council Committees Membership and Chairpersons
[4 chairpersons to elect]

11E Election of Delegates for 2011-2012 to Various Organisations
[23 delegates to elect; plus some substitute delegates]

11F AlburyCity Advisory Committees & Working Parties Membership
[12 delegates to elect; plus some substitute delegates]

11G Councillors Misbehaviour – Notice of Potential Censure Motion

Recommendation

a. That Cr Amanda Duncan-Strelec be expelled from Council's meeting of Monday 26 September 2011 for her continuing disorder/misbehaviour in not apologising and withdrawing remarks made at Council's meeting of Monday 22 August 2011.

b. That Council formally censure Cr Amanda Duncan-Strelec for disorder/misbehaviour by reason of her refusal to apologise to Councillors, staff and members of the community in accordance with Council's resolution 148/2011 of Monday 22 August 2011 and for her continuing refusal to withdraw remarks and apologise for her misbehaviour at Council's meeting of Monday 22 August 2011.

c. That Council having satisfied themselves that Cr Amanda Duncan-Strelec's behaviour is of such a sufficiently serious nature as to warrant the Councillor's suspension and that the matter be referred to the Chief Executive, Division of Local Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet for further consideration of this matter.

11H Forthcoming Conferences – Attendance by Councillors – Airports Aviation Outlook 2011 Conference

NOTE: The Agenda [819 KB PDF] is detailed and may be easily downloaded from Alburycity.nsw.gov.au. Select 'Council meetings'; then select 'Agendas'; then select by date.
As far as content of Agenda Item 11G is concerned, as yours truly previously stated, that 'story' belongs elsewhere, not in 'Alburyreport'.

Albury Council CURRENT WORKS

2011-09-23T22:43:00.000+10:00

CURRENT WORKS [of Albury City Council]
This is a feature on the AlburyCity website which is new to me. In the one place it provides interesting information and useful advance warning of changes. 'Where the Albury dollar goes.'

Current Works

In Centaur Road Stage Two of the drainage works continued with pipe installation the focus.
The Centaur Road Stage One primer seal will be installed today (Friday 23 September) with asphalt placement scheduled for Monday of next week.
Water main construction commenced in Crackenback and Hanna Streets during the past week.
Concrete footpath construction was completed in Yambla Avenue this week.
Preparation work has continued for the resurfacing of Schubach Street from East to Walsh Streets with the works scheduled to start on September 27 and expected to take approximately 4 weeks.
Trash racks along the stormwater drain system have been cleaned.
The usage of Oddies Creek Playspace has necessitated the installation of more seating and bins.
Tree planting continues in Mate Street as part of the Entrances to Town project.
Crew have removed large areas of graffiti at Murray Field, Lavington Fishing Clubrooms and Ernest Grant Park .
Building maintenance crews have undertaken extensive gutter and fascia repairs at the change rooms at the Albury Swim Centre Concrete and installed paths to Oddies Creek Playground as well as concrete pads for bins and new BBQs.

Last updated Friday 23 September, 2011

The above yours truly has adapted from the AlburyCity website.

On the AlburyCity home page locate the link under 'Hot Topics': Current works. It is just that easy. Refreshing to enjoy 'good news' stories.

Albury Council Public Notices 22/9/2011

2011-09-22T18:43:00.000+10:00

Controlled Burns
Controlled burns will be carried out at Padman Park and Gerogery Road for vegetation management purposes between Monday 26 September and Friday 7 October, weather permitting. For further information contact Sarah Stuart on 6043 5694.

Road Rehabilitation Works - Schubach Street between East and Walsh Streets
Schubach Street between East and Walsh Streets will be closed to through traffic from Tuesday 27 September to Friday 21 October 2011 from 7.00am - 7.00pm to allow for road stabilisation and resurfacing works, weather permitting.
Council requests that motorists comply with all traffic control measures.

Council Meeting
The next Council Meeting will be held on Monday 26 September at 6.00pm in the Council Chambers, ground floor, 553 Kiewa Street. All welcome.

Councillor interviews
Councillor Daryl Betteridge will be available to speak to members of the public between 10.00am -12noon on Saturday 1 October on the ground floor Albury, 553 Kiewa Street. People wishing to speak to Councillor Betteridge must make an appointment with AlburyCity Executive Support on 6023 8755.

Proposed Road Name - Table Top
Notice is given as required by Section 7(1)a of the Roads Regulation 2008 that Council intends to name a road in Table Top. The proposed road comes off the eastern side of Mitchell Road at a point approximately 1.2km north of the Mitchell and Table Top Roads intersection. In this location the proposed road runs along the southern side of Budginigi Cove. The proposed road name is Esler Lane.

Written submissions concerning this proposed road name will be accepted until 1 October 2011. Submissions should be addressed to Chris Newnan, Engineering, AlburyCity, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury NSW 2640.

Proposed Road Names - Thurgoona
Notice is given as required by Section 7(1)a of the Roads Regulation 2008 that Council intends to name four roads in Thurgoona. The proposed roads are on either side of Kosciuszko Road.
The proposed road names are:

Wellington Drive
Loch Court
Jack Court
Pleasant Court
Written submissions concerning these proposed road names will be accepted until 19 October 2011. Submissions should be addressed to Chris Newnan, Engineering, AlburyCity, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury NSW 2640.

QEII Twilight Markets Stall Holders
AlburyCity is calling for Expressions of Interest from applicants interested in operating a stall at AlburyCity's QEII Twilight Markets, on the second Thursday of each month during spring and summer 2011-2012. Find out more.

Summer Season Sporting Ground Applications in Albury
AlburyCity is accepting applications for the use of sporting grounds for the 2011/2012 Summer Season. Application and Conditions can be downloaded from AlburyCity's website. For further information contact 6023 8111.

Public Exhibitions
Draft Amendment to Albury Development Control Plan 2010
(Biodiversity Certification Changes)
AlburyCity has endorsed a draft amendment to Albury Development Control Plan 2010 (DCP). The draft amendment and other relevant exhibition documents are now on public exhibition for a period of 28 days in accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation, 2000. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website.

The draft amendment seeks to include additional environmental and conservation controls into the DCP, resulting from the finalisation of biodiversity certification of the Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP).

Submissions will be received until close of business Friday 23 September 2011 and should be addressed to Matt Johnson, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au.
For further information contact the Planning Team on 6023 8285.

Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010 - Planning Proposal, B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone - Bulky Goods Premises
AlburyCity has endorsed the planning proposal (B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone) to amend Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010. The planning proposal and other relevant exhibition documents are now on public exhibition for a period of 14 days in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website.
The proposal seeks to allow Bulky Goods Premises within the B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone consistent with previous planning controls. Submissions will be received until close of business Friday 30 September 2011 and should be addressed to Matt Johnson, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au For further information contact the Planning Team on 6023 8285.

WHAT'S ON: Albury; There [23 Sept>]

2011-09-22T18:33:00.000+10:00

For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Live Events
 Live Hardcore Music - Retro Youth Café, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 23 September
 Retro Revolution - SS&A Club, Olive Street, Albury, Friday 23 September
 Lisa Wilson - Kinross Woolshed, Old Sydney Road, Thurgoona, Friday 23 September
 Thirsty Merc - SS&A Club, Olive Street, Albury, Saturday 24 September
 Jon Coleman Band - Fresco’s Restaurant Bar, Rydges Albury, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 23 September
 Festival of Russian Ballet - Albury Entertainment Centre, Swift Street, Albury, Saturday 24 September
 Downpour - Flying Fruit Fly Circus, Hovell Street, Albury, Saturday 24 September
 JD’s Trio - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 23 & Saturday 24 September
 Don Costa - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Tuesday 27 September
 School Holiday Program - Retro Youth Café, Dean Street, Albury, Tuesday 27 & Thursday 29 September
 Arj Barker - Albury Entertainment Centre, Swift Street, Albury, Wednesday 28 September
 Shaolin Warriors - Albury Entertainment Centre, Swift Street, Albury, Thursday 29 September
 Jeff Lang - Kinross Woolshed, Old Sydney Road, Thurgoona, Thursday 29 September
Exhibitions
 Albury Delightfully Deco - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street & LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa &
Swift Streets, Albury
 The Bonegilla Story - LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
 The Crossing Place - LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
 Albury Wodonga Artists Society Exhibition - Art Space Wodonga, Cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets, Wodonga
 Drawing on Morocco - Gigs Art Gallery, Gateway Village, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga
 On your marks, get set…go! - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury
Local Events
 Ashton Circus - Wodonga Showground, Thomas Mitchell Drive, Wodonga, Wednesday 21 September - Sunday 2 October
 Chole & Silas - Art Space Wodonga, Cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets, Wodonga,
Friday 23 September
 On the Move to End Dementia: Memory Walk - Hovell Tree Park, Wodonga Place, Albury,
Saturday 24 September
 Charity Golf Day - Commercial Albury Golf Club, North Street, Albury, Sunday 25 September
 Dressage Rally Day - Albury Wodonga Equestrian Centre, Corrys Road, Thurgoona, Sunday 25 September
 Community Wood Fired Oven - Hovell Tree Park, Wodonga Place, Albury, Sunday 25 September
 Albury Wodonga Kart Club Race Day - Sheathers Road, Wodonga, Sunday 25 September
Markets
 Spring Farmers Market - Pfeiffer Wines, Distillery Road, Wahgunyah, Saturday 24 September
 Yarrawonga Farmers’ Market - Piper Street, Yarrawonga, Sunday 25 September
 Rotary Community Market - Taxation Office car park, Townsend Street, Albury,
Sunday 25 September
 Chiltern Monthly Market - Recreation Reserve, Chiltern, Sunday 25 September
 Milawa Gourmet Region Producer’s Market - Crossroads, Milawa, Sunday 25 September
Surrounding Areas
 Art for the Heart - Henty Library, Sladen Street, Henty, Wednesday 21 - Wednesday 28 September
 Yackandandah Cinema: Rise of the Planet of the Apes - Memorial Hall, High Street, Yackandandah,
Friday 23 September
 Stars of the Wine Show - Victoria Hotel, Main Street, Rutherglen, Saturday 24 September
 Border Bushwalking Club - Rutherglen to Wahgunya, (Easy grade 14.5 km)
Saturday 24 September
 Murray Valley Bushwalkers - Mt Hotham & Bright, Saturday 24 September
 Spring Carnival @ Hotham - Mt Hotham, Great Alpine Road, Saturday 24 - Wednesday
28 September
 National Boys Choir - Memorial Hall, Sanger Street, Corowa, Tuesday 27 September
 Fine Film Night - Forks ‘n’ Corks Restaurant, Main Street, Rutherglen, Tuesday 27 September
For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Albury Community & Culture; Finance & Administration

2011-09-17T09:00:00.000+10:00

Quiet meeting Monday 19 Sept 2011 at Albury City Council Chamber? Agendas and attachments available from Council [website and front counter if requested].

Community & Cultural Committee to start at 6 pm

CCC 6 – REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION

6A Public Exhibition Report - Draft AlburyCity Cultural Policy

6B 2011 Accession and De-Accession Committee Report

CCC 7 – GENERAL BUSINESS

Finance & Administration Committee to follow [my guess: a few minutes later]

FAC 6 – REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION

6A Financial Reports for 2010-2011 Statement by Councillors and Management Made Pursuant to Section 413(2)c

6B Annual Review of Councillors Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities Policy
[ie, report following public exhibition].

6C Investment Balances for the Month of August 2011

FAC 7 – GENERAL BUSINESS

Albury Council Notices @ 15/09/2011

2011-09-15T18:38:00.002+10:00

Public Notices

Council Meeting

The Community & Cultural Committee Meeting will be held on Monday 19 September at 6.00pm in the Council Chambers, ground floor, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury. This meeting will be immediately followed by the Finance & Administration Committee Meeting. All welcome.

Immunisation Clinics

Wednesday 21 September

AlburyCity Administration Building, Robert Brown Room -
Ground Floor 553 Kiewa Street, Albury, 11.00am - 12 noon and 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Immunisation will be given against Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, HIB, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal C and Chicken Pox.
For further information contact Winsome Smith on 6023 8260 or Rhian Harris on 6023 8751.

Proposed Road Name

Notice is given as required by Section 7(1)a of the Roads Regulation 2008 that Council intends to name a road in Table Top. The proposed road comes off the eastern side of Mitchell Road at a point approximately 1.2km north of the Mitchell and Table Top Roads intersection. In this location the proposed road runs along the southern side of Budginigi Cove. The proposed road name is Esler Lane.
Written submissions concerning this proposed road name will be accepted for a period of 28 days from the date of this notice. Submissions should be addressed to Chris Newnan, Engineering, AlburyCity, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury NSW 2640.

QEII Twilight Markets Stall Holders

AlburyCity is calling for Expressions of Interest from applicants interested in operating a stall at AlburyCity's QEII Twilight Markets, on the second Thursday of each month during spring and summer 2011-2012. Find out more.

Summer Season Sporting Ground Applications in Albury

AlburyCity is accepting applications for the use of sporting grounds for the 2011/2012 Summer Season. Application and Conditions can be downloaded from AlburyCity's website. For further information contact 6023 8111.

Public Exhibitions

Draft Amendment to Albury Development Control Plan 2010
(Biodiversity Certification Changes)

AlburyCity has endorsed a draft amendment to Albury Development Control Plan 2010 (DCP). The draft amendment and other relevant exhibition documents are now on public exhibition for a period of 28 days in accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation, 2000. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website.
The draft amendment seeks to include additional environmental and conservation controls into the DCP, resulting from the finalisation of biodiversity certification of the Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP).
Submissions will be received until close of business Friday 23 September 2011 and should be addressed to Matt Johnson, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au.
For further information contact the Planning Team on 6023 8285.

Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010 - Planning Proposal, B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone - Bulky Goods Premises

AlburyCity has endorsed the planning proposal (B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone) to amend Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010. The planning proposal and other relevant exhibition documents are now on public exhibition for a period of 14 days in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website.
The proposal seeks to allow Bulky Goods Premises within the B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone consistent with previous planning controls. Submissions will be received until close of business Friday 30 September 2011 and should be addressed to Matt Johnson, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au For further information contact the Planning Team on 6023 8285.

WHAT'S ON: Albury & There [16 Sept>]

2011-09-15T13:25:00.001+10:00

For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Live Events

Battle of the Sounds - SS&A Club, Olive Street, Albury, Friday 16 September
Lisa Wilson - Kinross Woolshed, Old Sydney Road, Thurgoona, Friday 16 September
Sandy Worrell - Fresco’s Restaurant Bar, Rydges Albury, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 16 September
Overtime - Albury Commercial Club, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 16 - Saturday 17 September
On Tap - Kinross Woolshed, Old Sydney Road, Thurgoona, Saturday 17 September
Rhythm Rats - SS&A Club, Olive Street, Albury, Saturday 17 September
The Big Sing - Arts Space Wodonga, Cnr Lawrence & Hovell Streets, Wodonga, Sunday 18 September
Birds of Tokyo: Closer Tour - The G Bar, Charles Sturt University, Elizabeth Mitchell Drive, Albury, Tuesday 20 September

Exhibitions

Q View Digital Public Art - QEII Square, Dean Street, Albury, Friday 16 & Saturday 17 September
Albury Delightfully Deco - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street & LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
The Bonegilla Story - LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
The Crossing Place - LibraryMuseum, Cnr Kiewa & Swift Streets, Albury
Albury Wodonga Artists Society Exhibition - Art Space Wodonga, Cnr Hovell & Lawrence Streets, Wodonga
Drawing on Morocco - Gigs Art Gallery, Gateway Village, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga
On your marks, get set…go! - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury

Local Events

Jail Birds Disco-Relay for Life Fundraiser - St. Pat’s Hall, Smollett Street, Albury, Friday 16 September
SS&A Ovens & Murray Grand Final Parade - Dean Street, Albury, Friday 16 September
Scots School Spring Fair - Scots School, Young Street, Albury, Saturday 17 September
Elizabeth Grenda Showjumping Clinic - Albury Wodonga Equestrian Centre, Corrys Road, Thurgoona, Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 September
SS&A Ovens & Murray Grand Final Day – Lavington Sports Ground, Centaur Road, Albury, Sunday 18 September
Wodonga Miniature Railway - Diamond Park, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga, Sunday 18 September
Murray Valley Bushwalkers Launch - Albury Botanic Gardens, Wodonga Place, Albury, Sunday 18 September
Pirates in the Park - Wodonga Library, Hovell Street, Wodonga, Monday 19 September
Art Deco Hair Fashion - Albury Art Gallery, Dean Street, Albury, Tuesday 20 September
The Place Youth Centre - Free recreational activities for youth aged 12 – 17 years, Mate Street, Albury, Thursday 22 September

Markets

Hume Murray Farmers Market - Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga, Saturday 17 September
Rotary Car Boot Sale - City of Wodonga Car Park, Hovell Street, Wodonga, Saturday 17 September
Moyhu Flea Market & Springtime Garden Expo - Moyhu Lions Park, Moyhu, Saturday 17 September
Bright Markets: Make it, Bake it, Grow it - Howitt Park, Bright, Saturday 17 September
Rotary Community Market - Taxation Office car park, Townsend Street, Albury, Sunday 18 September
Lions Club Community Markets - Wellsford Street, Yackandandah, Sunday 18 September

Surrounding Areas

123rd Annual Rutherglen Wine Show - Rutherglen Showground, Rutherglen, Thursday 15 - Friday 23 September
Looking For Alibrandi: Dinner and Movie - Chiltern Star Theatre, Main Street, Chiltern, Saturday 17 September
Border Bushwalking Club - Overnight in the Warby Ranges, (Easy grade 12 km per day) Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 September
2011 Hotham Spring Cup - Mt Hotham & Bright, Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 September
Ride For My Sisters - Bicycle ride from Wangaratta to Bright along Murray Rail Trail, Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 September
Corowa RSL Club Truck & Car Show and Corowa Safety Expo - Corowa RSL Club, Betterment Parade, Sunday 18 September
Mad Hatters Tea Party and Clothes Swap - Masonic Lodge, Byrne Street, Moyhu, Sunday 18 September
Henty Machinery Field Days - Cookardinia Road, Henty, Wednesday 21 - Friday 23 September

For dates and further information about activities and events happening in Albury Wodonga refer to www.visitALBURYWODONGA.com T: 1300ALBURY

Planning & Development 12 Sept 2011 Albury 'Yes' & 'No'

2011-09-13T09:00:00.000+10:00

Previous posts relate to these items.

1. Optus [Aurecon] Application re Thurgoona Mobile Phone Tower Installation

Eight councillors present [Cr Wareham on leave]. Took them about 5 or 6 minutes to reach unanimous agreement with the staff recommendation. [No doubt there were a couple of people in the gallery attending 'with feeling'.]

With some qualification, opposition efforts of Thurgoona residents were respected and recognised.

2. 'Why' Signage at 459 David St

This item took 15 minutes and raised the only dissenting vote on the night. All except Cr Sawyer voted in favour. Initially Cr Sawyer put up a motion contradicting the staff recommendation and was seconded by Cr Gould. However, when it came to the vote only Cr Sawyer voted for her motion. Weird? [Once was accepted that movers and seconders could not vote against their own motion.]

The Committee recommended to Council that Council:
a. note the contents of this report; and
b. resolve to refuse Development Application 10.2011.31110.1, for reasons as given in the attachment.

An interesting point emerged: Many signs around Albury do not comply with requirements. If Council receives a complaint, then Council will be obliged to take the matter up, as in this case.

12/9/2011 Albury Council: No Thurgoona/Wirlinga Precinct Structure Plan YET

2011-09-11T16:18:00.001+10:00

Planning & Development Committee 12/9/2011

NOT on the Agenda: Thurgoona/Wirlinga Precinct Structure Plan received 15 tenders. The specifications show the tenderers had to do a lot of work. Now staff have a job before them.

The evaluation of the tenders for Council is not in the 12/9/2011 PDC agenda. Therefore, as far as I can gauge, there may remain some chance it will be on the Council Meeting agenda [26/9/2011], or otherwise business for October PDC at the soonest.

Comment: The Thurgoona/Wirlinga Precinct Structure Plan is a very large item for the area with long-lasting significance for the locality and [indirectly] Albury City as a whole. The creation and implementation of this planning document cannot come a minute too soon.

Albury Council Optus [Aurecon] Thurgoona DA 12 Sep 2011

2011-09-11T16:14:00.000+10:00

Planning & Development Committee Agenda

1. Optus [Aurecon] Application re Thurgoona Mobile Phone Tower Installation

I cannot guess how long this one will take the P & D committee. I can guess there will be people in the gallery attending 'with feeling'.

Staff have recommended approval of the Aurecon application - 'new' application, as to specific location. Seems that maximum separation from dwellings and least possible intrusion are concepts which do not carry enough weight. Nor does stated resident fears of loss of property value.

See thurgoona.blogspot.com for details of location and history.

12/9/2011 Albury Council: The 'Why'

2011-09-10T09:00:00.001+10:00

Planning & Development Committee Agenda includes

2. Signage at 459 David St
The corner street front 'WHY" signage is on the business property of Riverina Laboratories. Cr Paul Wareham is a Director of the company. I guess that dealing with the application for approval could take some time....

From the staff report:

Conclusions

Council is required to determine a Development Application for signage at 459 David Street, Albury, being Development Application 10.2011.31110.1.

An independent planning consultant's report has been included with this report to assist Council in its deliberations. The independent report recommends refusal of the proposal subject to the draft reasons contained in Attachment 4.

Recommendation

That the Committee recommends to Council that Council:

a. note the contents of this report; and

b. resolve to refuse Development Application 10.2011.31110.1.

• Attachments

1. Proposed Signage and Statement of Environmental Effects.

2. Additional Information received Monday 15 August 2011.

3. Development Assessment undertaken by Habitat Planning.

4. Draft Reasons for Refusal.

Albury Council Notices 9/9/2011

2011-09-10T08:59:00.000+10:00

Public Notices
Council Meeting
The next Planning & Development Committee Meeting will be held on Monday 12 September at 6.00pm in the Council Chambers, ground floor, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury. This meeting will be immediately followed by the Engineering & Works Committee Meeting. All welcome.

Thurgoona Progress Association Meeting
The next meeting of the Thurgoona Progress Association will be held at 7.00pm on Tuesday 13 September at the Thurgoona Golf Club. Visitors welcome.

Immunisation Clinics
Wednesday 21 September
AlburyCity Administration Building, Robert Brown Room -
Ground Floor 553 Kiewa Street, Albury, 11.00am - 12 noon and 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Immunisation will be given against Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, HIB, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal C and Chicken Pox.

For further information contact Winsome Smith on 6023 8260 or Rhian Harris on 6023 8751.

Proposed Road Name
Notice is given as required by Section 7(1)a of the Roads Regulation 2008 that Council intends to name a road in Table Top. The proposed road comes off the eastern side of Mitchell Road at a point approximately 1.2km north of the Mitchell and Table Top Roads intersection. In this location the proposed road runs along the southern side of Budginigi Cove. The proposed road name is Esler Lane.

Written submissions concerning this proposed road name will be accepted for a period of 28 days from the date of this notice. Submissions should be addressed to Chris Newnan, Engineering, AlburyCity, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury NSW 2640.

QEII Twilight Markets Stall Holders
AlburyCity is calling for Expressions of Interest from applicants interested in operating a stall at AlburyCity's QEII Twilight Markets, on the second Thursday of each month during spring and summer 2011-2012. Find out more.

Summer Season Sporting Ground Applications in Albury
AlburyCity is accepting applications for the use of sporting grounds for the 2011/2012 Summer Season. Application and Conditions can be downloaded from AlburyCity's website. For further information contact 6023 8111.

Public Exhibition
Draft Amendment to Albury Development Control Plan 2010
(Biodiversity Certification Changes)
AlburyCity has endorsed a draft amendment to Albury Development Control Plan 2010 (DCP). The draft amendment and other relevant exhibition documents are now on public exhibition for a period of 28 days in accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation, 2000. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website.

The draft amendment seeks to include additional environmental and conservation controls into the DCP, resulting from the finalisation of biodiversity certification of the Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP).

Submissions will be received until close of business Friday 23 September 2011 and should be addressed to Matt Johnson, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au.
For further information contact the Planning Team on 6023 8285.

Copied from Council webpage; emphasis added re Biodiversity.

Starting Government Meetings - NSW - Prayers

2011-09-08T09:00:00.000+10:00

The welfare of the people, nation, state, city.....

Legislative Assembly Standing Orders

S.O.39 Prayer and acknowledgement of Country

(1) The Speaker or the Clerk shall read the following prayer after the Speaker takes the Chair each day.
“Almighty God, we ask for your blessing upon this Parliament. Direct and prosper our deliberations to the true welfare of Australia and the people of New South Wales. Amen.”

(2) The Speaker or the Clerk shall read the following acknowledgement of Country after reading the prayer each day:
“We acknowledge the Traditional Owners, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We also acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands we represent and thank them for their custodianship of country.”

[The Legislative Council sticks with its archaic forms and includes the 'Lord's Prayer'......]

Albury Council - In the Swim [Sept 2011]

2011-09-06T09:00:00.007+10:00

Albury Council has made every effort to ensure the city's 'aquatic facilities' will open on time: Albury Mon 19 September; Lavington Mon 3 October. This has been possible with the cooperation of the well-regarded retiring managers, Kanjia Holdings [Mamouney Family].

A successful tenderer [Corwade] was selected but then had to withdraw.

A new tender process was completed without delay. Four tenders. Appraisals came up with different results compared to a few weeks earlier.

Council will no doubt make a decision in short order at their meeting on Thursday at 12.30. The recommendation before councillors is to award the contract to Paul Tanner & Laurie McInnes.

Seems to me the item illustrates just how expeditiously and efficiently Council can operate in terms of staff product and councillor deliberation. I anticipate a meeting which will take no longer than the business requires.

The 'aquatic story' contrasts with recent angst over Code of Conduct action and commentary. Let's remember again, councillors are there to make the decisions and that is what they do.

Unknown Internet Visitors - AlburyCity website

2011-09-05T19:49:00.002+10:00

Unless you are a regular reader of the AlburyCity internet 'News' [by link on the website] you will not know that people ~~are~~ were being invited to take part in a short online survey.
~~click LINK~~

~~www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/www/html/17-news.asp?n=1367~~

Got any ideas? Good or bad experiences with AlburyCity website? Ideas for improvement? LET THE PEOPLE KNOW! ~~Now is your chance to have your say.~~

I consider it is a pity this activity [with a paid consultant under contract following tender] is not much better known. You can help get value for the money!

Thurgoona/Wirlinga STRUCTURE PLAN building up

2011-09-05T13:49:00.001+10:00

Albury City Council has 15 tenders to evaluate from entities wanting to produce the forthcoming Thurgoona/Wirlinga Precinct Structure Plan.

A great result, especially in view of the [locally at least] limited advertising. All that work by tenderers in just one month!

Surely VERY encouraging. Quite a job for staff but it can only be for the benefit of Albury City and its north east segment.

Public Info or Notices - Albury Council

2011-09-03T10:47:00.001+10:00

Public Notices
Council Meeting
There will be an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Thursday 8 September at 12.30pm in the Council Chambers, ground floor, 553 Kiewa Street. All welcome.

Immunisation Clinics
Monday 5 September
Glenecho Neighbourhood Centre - Burrows Road, Glenroy, 9.30am - 10.15am
Springdale Heights Neighbourhood Centre - Cardo Drive, Springdale Heights, 11.00am - 11.45am
Thurgoona Community Complex - Cnr Kosciuszko and Table Top Roads, Thurgoona, 1.30pm - 2.15pm
Westside Community Centre - Mulga Place, West Albury, 3.00pm - 3.45pm
Wednesday 21 September
AlburyCity Administration Building, Robert Brown Room -
Ground Floor 553 Kiewa Street, Albury, 11.00am - 12 noon and 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Immunisation will be given against Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, HIB, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal C and Chicken Pox.

For further information contact Winsome Smith on 6023 8260 or Rhian Harris on 6023 8751.

Proposed Road Name
Notice is given as required by Section 7(1)a of the Roads Regulation 2008 that Council intends to name a road in Table Top. The proposed road comes off the eastern side of Mitchell Road at a point approximately 1.2km north of the Mitchell and Table Top Roads intersection. In this location the proposed road runs along the southern side of Budginigi Cove. The proposed road name is Esler Lane.

Written submissions concerning this proposed road name will be accepted for a period of 28 days from the date of this notice. Submissions should be addressed to Chris Newnan, Engineering, AlburyCity, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury NSW 2640.

Table Top Community Forum
Table Top residents are invited to a community forum spring meeting at 7.30pm, Wednesday 7 September at Table Top Community Centre. Supper will be provided. For further information or to RSVP contact Marion Taylor on 6026 2222 or Lou Ball 6026 2772.

QEII Twilight Markets Stall Holders
AlburyCity is calling for Expressions of Interest from applicants interested in operating a stall at AlburyCity's QEII Twilight Markets, on the second Thursday of each month during spring and summer 2011-2012. Find out more.

Summer Season Sporting Ground Applications in Albury
AlburyCity is accepting applications for the use of sporting grounds for the 2011/2012 Summer Season. Application and Conditions can be downloaded from AlburyCity's website. For further information contact 6023 8111.

Councillor Interviews
Councillor Patricia Gould will be available to speak to members of the public between 10.00am and 12 noon on Saturday 3 September upstairs at the LibraryMuseum, Cnr of Kiewa and Swift Street, Albury. People wishing to make an appointment should contact AlburyCity Executive Support on 6023 8755.

Public Exhibition
Draft Amendment to Albury Development Control Plan 2010
(Biodiversity Certification Changes)
AlburyCity has endorsed a draft amendment to Albury Development Control Plan 2010 (DCP). The draft amendment and other relevant exhibition documents are now on public exhibition for a period of 28 days in accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation, 2000. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website.

The draft amendment seeks to include additional environmental and conservation controls into the DCP, resulting from the finalisation of biodiversity certification of the Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP).

Submissions will be received until close of business Friday 23 September 2011 and should be addressed to Matt Johnson, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au.
For further information contact the Planning Team on 6023 8285.

[For some reason, this information, or similar, has been appearing in the Border Mail classifieds as 'INFORMATION'. The above is simply a copy from AlburyCity website, made 3/9/2011. Why advertise interviews after they close? I hope people who need to know this stuff, do know it.]

'Saving' Daylight

2011-09-02T09:00:00.008+10:00

ONE MONTH TO GO!

AEDT: Sunday 2 October 2011 - Sunday 1 April 2012

Six months to save the daylight.

Add one hour to your clock on 2 October 2011.

Take one hour off the clock on 1 April 2012.

Check your smoke alarm!

Albury Council - Ayes, Noes & Woes?

2011-08-27T09:00:00.024+10:00

[amended]

Editor
Border Mail

True - trains can be forced to run on time; potholes can be buried; even rudeness can be driven from Council. [Mussolini had enough weapons to do it.] I prefer our privileged, though creaky and flawed, democratic system. We may regret some of what happens, but ‘warts and all’ is surely better than guns.

Albury councillor fuss? Only one councillor offered to Council a by-election to include a poll on cutting two places and public election of mayor. [Fancy letting the public decide!] The challenge to Council, on 1 Feb 2010, was from Cr Duncan-Strelec. [Can you think why there was no action by even one?]

As to the recent poor publicity of Albury Council – did anyone ask the reporters to give it that coverage and content?

If the ‘must go’ demands were applied equally to all politicians, how many would be left? It is good to keep things in proportion.

Law can deal with crime; consequences are there for serious misdemeanours. Valued though their service is, such are not questions decided by the ‘weekend warriors’ of local politics.

Victimisation, bad conduct and mismanagement are deplorable. Council did what it could in the affair: Passed a censure motion and called for apologies. [There are various rules about suspension or dismissal of a councillor. No such suggestion has even been raised within these proceedings.]

Anyway, what have people got against the fixed, unarguable and objective numbers? It is a fact that in 2008 Cr Duncan-Strelec at the very first count [1] had the full support [#1] of 1,614 Albury voters. That was about 7% of the effective vote. The facts can not be changed. I must respect the decisions. [Maybe Benito would have just dealt with all the 1,614?] The data is still available on the Elections NSW website.

[I have tabulated the interesting elections information in spreadsheet form. Of course, proves nothing!]

TOPIC BELONGS ELSEWHERE. NOW CLOSED.

DATES with Destiny: Albury Sept 2011; Sept 2012

2011-08-24T12:32:00.003+10:00

[date corrected]

WELL, not quite so dramatic perhaps as the title suggests.....

Mon 26 September 2011 Mayoral election [by Council]

Sat 8 September 2012 Councillor election by effective voters

Maybe these dates explain something?

[By the way, the NSW Electoral Commission website is still out-of-date about Local Government elections in NSW. Thanks also to Howard Jones for the correct date of the second Saturday in September next year.]

Of course we do all have one date with destiny - no intention to minimise that!

Conflict in Council[lor] - Albury Aug 2011

2011-08-22T21:24:00.006+10:00

Editor
Border Mail.

Peace! Is not the question of a conflict of interest in a Council matter one for the councillor concerned? The Border Mail [David Johnston, 22/8/2011] suggests someone else has responsibility and that 'precedent' comes into the consideration. Wrong.

Considerable space in legislation and guidelines is devoted to the question of conflict of interest in Council affairs. The individual council official must know and act upon the requirements. The individual retains ownership but may seek [free] advice from the Division of Local Government and/or look to the General Manager.

It may not be easy, but it is so. We all have to accept that.

Yours sincerely

A. Hampton
Thurgoona
22/8/2011

What I could not and did not say above was:

Cr Duncan-Strelec ignored her own advice [given 26 May 2008] and participated [strongly] in the moving of the subsequent Council sanction action. [That, prima facie, seems to be total failure to deal with a conflict of non-pecuniary interest - but what is the rule and how does it apply?] However, since I think the flaws in the procedures themselves are serious, I will not be making the complaint under the Code!

No doubt there will be more than enough in the major media reporting, so that's it from me. [I chose not to remain in the chamber to witness anything more. In due time I will read the minutes.] Leaving early was a disappointment for another reason - see previous post.

Not at all an easy episode. We even had the chair reply across the chamber to a member of the gallery who called out an interjection! Hard to be amused.

Part of the interjection was: Why were we there? Correct answer [mine]: For us [gallery] to witness, first hand, the decision making of our councillors; NOT to interrupt. The councillors were there to conduct the business of Council, NOT to answer to anyone else who might be present. Orderly proceedings are important and necessary.

Footnote: Minutes on website [under meetings>minutes]
alburycity.nsw.gov.au
Council ended at 8.17 pm; ie occupied 137 minutes of their time, plus staff. I HOPE wages staff are compensated.

For the Good of the City [Albury]

2011-08-22T09:00:00.041+10:00

Conduct under scrutiny: Albury Council 22/8/2011

Code of Conduct 'Reports' [4 documents in total]

These storms come only in local government. Council is subject to commonwealth and state law and requirements. Councillors enjoy no equivalent of parliamentary privilege. As the 'weekend warriors' of politics they must do the best they can, with the knowledge available. Councillors can not, with impugnity, act as occasionally some parliamentarians act.

Councillors can get free help from the Division of Local Government. They may rely upon their own General Manager for advice.

[Remember that the Government has the Code of Conduct under review. This hopefully may be the last time it is used in Albury in its present form.]

All of the present complaints directly implicate or relate to Cr Duncan-Strelec. Remember that in February, 2010, Cr Duncan-Strelec made a [conditional] offer to resign. [No councillor actually did anything about the challenge to conduct a by-election, with a simultaneous poll on cutting councillor jobs to 7 [!] and directly electing the mayor.] Cr Duncan-Strelec has long occupied this moral high ground.

On 22 August 2011 Councillors will make the decision [by majority vote]. They are required to observe the law and their own rules. No one tells them what to do.

The operative words from their reviewer [a Barrister], will doubtless be the focus:

Taking into consideration all the factors it is recommended to Council that Cllr Duncan-Strelec be censured for her actions in regard to her actions concerning [complainant 1] and comments contained in the email of 24th June 2011 to [complainant 2]. In addition, Council should counsel Cllr Duncan-Strelec to exercise better judgement in her actions in expressing her views and communicating them to residents.

A copy of this report to be made available to Complainant 2, Complainant 1 and Cllr Duncan-Strelec. The Report to be tabled at a public meeting of Council.

[Sic. I have edited out the names. Otherwise, it is all the work of their Barrister.] Click 'Read more' below to continue:

Read more »

Albury Council Agenda 22/8/11

2011-08-20T09:00:00.007+10:00

Council meeting Monday 22 August 2011: A quiet night? All depends...

Selected from agenda - some decisions which will be made by councillors [majority rules]:

CM 10 – OFFICERS REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION ....................................................43

10A Modification Under Section 96 (2) – Twenty Lot Subdivision - Development Application 10.2006.27318.6 .................................................................43 [Kerford Developments seeks to cancel agreed creation of a reserve on corner of Thurgoona Drive, east of Kerr Rd, substituting a service road and more housing lots.]

Recommendation
That Council:
a. note the contents of this report; and
b. refuse the modification of Development Consent 10.2006.27318.5 (as modified) for the reasons contained within the attached Draft Determination of Development Application.

10B Planning Proposal Amendment to B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone to Allow Bulky Goods Premises to be Permitted with Consent ..........................54

Recommendation
That Council:
a. endorse the Planning Proposal to the Minister for Planning seeking an Amendment to the Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010 insofar as amending the land use permissibilities of the B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone by listing ‘bulky goods premises’ as permitted with consent, and request that a Gateway Determination be made, pursuant to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) that permits an Amendment pursuant to Part 3 of the EP&A Act with no public exhibition and no State and Commonwealth Government public authority consultation requirement in recognition that the Planning Proposal seeks to reinstate same land use permissibilities to that which previously applied (maintain the status quo); and
b. in the event that public exhibition and public authority consultation is required and should no objections be received, furnish a copy of this report and other relevant information to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure, in accordance with the EP&A Act, and request the Minister for Planning undertake appropriate actions to secure the making of the Amendment to the Albury Local Environmental Plan 2010 to the extent that it relates to the land use permissibilities of the B6 Enterprise Corridor Zone.

10C Revised Audit Committee Charter ........................................................58

10D Forthcoming Conferences – Attendance by Councillors – Tourism & Events Excellence Conference .........................................................................60

10E Forthcoming Conferences – Attendance by Councillors – Government Sustainability Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future ......................62

10F Code of Conduct Determination – Mr Darren Cameron Versus Cr Amanda Duncan- Strelec ....................................................................................64

As all four code of conduct complaints related to the same incident and further as the General Manager is the subject of one of those complaints, I declared a conflict of interest in the matter and the complaint was referred to Council’s independent sole reviewer for determination.

Attached herewith is the report from the independent sole reviewer.

Recommendation

For Council’s consideration.

• Attachment

1. Report on Complaint Alleged Breach of Albury City Council’s Code of Conduct ......

10G Code of Conduct Determination – Mr Graeme Richardson Versus Cr Alice Glachan .................................................................................................65 [similar to above]

10H Code of Conduct Determination – Mr Graeme Richardson Versus Mr Les Tomich ..................................................................................................66 [similar to above]

10I Code of Conduct [Determination] – Mr Graeme Richardson Versus Cr Amanda Duncan-Strelec ...................................................................................................67 [similar to above]

All depends: How good is the barrister's [expensive] advice? What will they do with that advice?

[The original Agenda documents are available (PDFs) on Council website.]

And, who is on the right side? See next post.

Aurecon [OPTUS] Thurgoona Wireless Service

2011-08-13T19:02:00.000+10:00

A new development application has been lodged with Albury City Council. Aurecon proposes to erect an antenna tower and equipment building for the Optus wireless service in Thurgoona. The selected site for the facility is on a mound at the northern end of the Thurgoona Golf Club carpark.

There will be a community information meeting at 6 pm, Thurgoona Golf Club, on Tuesday 23rd.
Submissions close with Council on Monday 29th.

Thurgoona STRUCTURE Plan - Albury Council

2011-08-06T11:23:00.000+10:00

Future posts in relation to the Structure Plan for Thurgoona/Wirlinga [tender currently advertised by ACC] I will put in the blog,
'Thurgoona' [www.thurgoona.net].
This seems a better method than repeating everything here?

Albury PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT 8 Aug 2011

2011-08-06T09:00:00.003+10:00

From the 8/8/2011 Planning & Development Committee Agenda

PDC 6 – REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION

6A 36 Lot Torrens Title Subdivision DA 10.2011.30913.1 - Hartigan Street Thurgoona (AF11/00586)

6B Draft Amendment to Albury Development Control Plan 2010 – Biodiversity Certification Changes
Recommendation
That the Committee recommends to Council that Council:
a. receive and note the contents of this report;
b. endorse the Draft Amendment to the Albury Development Control Plan 2010 – Biodiversity Certification Changes as draft planning policy to be placed on public exhibition in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, to be inserted into the Albury Development Control Plan 2010, as follows:
[included in Agenda]

6C NSW Food Authority Enforcement Agency Activities Report July 2010 to June 2011

6D Annual Development Statistics 2010-2011

6E Albury Entertainment Centre Subsidised Use Policy
Recommendation
That the Committee recommends to Council that Council:
a. endorses an increase in venue hire subsidy to $600;
b. adopt the Albury Entertainment Centre Subsidised Use Policy (Attachment 1); and
c. include the policy in the AlburyCity public policy register.

6F Tourism in Review

[Details in original AlburyCity PDF. Anyone need more?]

Albury ENGINEERING & WORKS 8 Aug 2011

2011-08-06T08:59:00.001+10:00

From Engineering & Works Committee Agenda 8/8/2011

EWC 6 – REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION

6A 2010-2011 Works Program

Albury Council Spending: Apples vs Lemons?

2011-08-04T09:00:00.006+10:00

Comparisons of councils are difficult. Who charges least and saves most? [See the tabulated factual financial data in the spreadsheet for more components - LINK below.]

It took a time [8 weeks], but I have received the 30 June 2011 full time equivalent employee numbers for Wagga Wagga, allowing comparison with Albury. [Albury also has the advantage of an additional 46 trainees contributing to the Council productivity; do not know if similar applies to Wagga Wagga.] This is how it goes - who gets best value for money?

2011	Albury	Wagga Wagga
Employees [FTE]	466	467
Land area sq km	306	4,825
Population estimate	51,112	63,500
Ordinary rates yield	$30.8M	$33.2M
Typical developer charge [per E.T.]	$8,885	$15,000

If we look at a simple 'per head' comparison, Albury does not measure up. My guess is that, for their money, Albury residents get comparatively much quicker Council response [!] and give a subsidy to developers, especially developers of the Hamilton Valley white elephant and the unfortunate Thurgoona money sink.

click LINK
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AoT0sQnMEl-mdHBaeTNZbjZCX2dzSllqbFJmUS1wU3c&hl=en_GB

Albury Council NOTICES 3/8/2011 [EDITED]

2011-08-04T08:59:00.004+10:00

Council Meetings
The next Planning & Development Committee Meeting will be held on Monday 8 August at 6.00pm in the Council Chambers, ground floor, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury. This meeting will be immediately followed by the Engineering & Works Committee Meeting. All welcome.

*FIL10/02485 Provision of Precinct Structure Plan for Thurgoona/Wirlinga Urbn Release Area.
Tenders are invited for the preparation of a precinct structure plan to create an urban development structure/pattern for the Thurgoona/Wirlinga urban release area catering for approximately 10,000-15,000 lots and serving a population of approximately 30,000 residents over a 30 year plus time horizon. Documents are available from Council's eTender portal www.tenderlink.com/albury Closing Date/Time 30/08/2011 12:00 p.m.

FIL11/00942 Steel Hull Replacement for P.S. Cumberoona
AlburyCity is seeking suitably qualified organisations to replace sections of the steel hull of the P.S. Cumberoona. The hull of the vessel is required to be repaired to meet NSW Maritime standards and to return the vessel to operational capacity.
Tender documents are available from AlburyCity's eTender portal www.tenderlink.com/albury
Tenders close at 12.00 noon on Tuesday 16 August 2011. For further information contact Brad Gill (02) 6023 8750.

FIL11/01197 Railway Place Reconstruction
Tenders are invited for the construction of a link road from Atkins Street to the Albury Railway Station and associated car parking. This will involve roadworks, drainage, sewer main and associated works. Tender documents are available from AlburyCity's eTender portal www.tenderlink.com/albury. Tenders close at 12.00 noon on Tuesday 16 August 2011. For further information contact Bryan Clyde (02) 6023 8185.

Request for Quotation No. FIL10/02211
Review and Preparation of Section 64, Section 94 & Section 94A Plans AlburyCity is seeking the services of a suitably qualified and experienced Consultant to undertake a review of Council's Development Servicing Plans and Development Contribution Plans. The plans are to be reviewed and prepared taking into consideration all current and impending NSW Legislation. Quotation closes at 12.00 noon on Tuesday 16 August 2011. Documents are available from Council's eTender portal www.tenderlink.com/albury For further information contact Andrew Lawson on (02) 6023 8227.

Public Exhibition - Draft AlburyCity Cultural Policy
The Draft AlburyCity Cultural Policy is now available for comment. Copies are available from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website. Comments will be received until close of business Monday 29 August and should be addressed to Jacqui Hemsley, Group Leader Cultural Services, AlburyCity, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Public Exhibition - Draft Bungambrawatha - Lavington Flood Study
The Draft AlburyCity Bungambrawatha - Lavington Flood Study is now available for comment. Copies are available for viewing from the Customer Service Centre, 553 Kiewa Street, the LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library and can be viewed on our website. Comments will be received until close of business Monday 29 August and should be addressed to Jeff Baldock, Team Leader Design, AlburyCity, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Councillor interviews
Councillor Daryl Betteridge will be available to speak to members of the public between 10.00am and 12 noon on Saturday 6 August at the Council Administration Building, 553 Kiewa Street. People wishing to make an appointment should contact AlburyCity Executive Support on 6023 8755.

Splitters Creek Rural Fire Brigade Meeting
The AGM of Splitters Creek Fire Brigade will be held on Sunday 7 August at 4.00pm in the Splitters Creek Fire Station. All welcome.

Immunisation Clinics
Wednesday, 17 August
AlburyCity Administration Building Robert Brown Room - Ground Floor 553 Kiewa Street, Albury,
11.00am - 12 noon and 6.30pm - 7.30pm.

*NOTE: Missing Thurgoona/Wirlinga tender copied and pasted by me from AlburyCity website and Border Mail.

Tenders called - Thurgoona/Wirlinga Structure Plan

2011-08-01T15:04:00.006+10:00

From Albury City Council tenders page:

Council is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified consultant to prepare a detailed precinct structure plan that seeks to create an urban development structure/pattern for the Thurgoona/Wirlinga structure plan precinct.

The outcomes of the plan shall include but not be limited to the following key areas.
· Housing yields and diversity;
· Employment areas land provision and location;
· Activity centres land provision and location;
· Community facilities land provision and location;
· Transport and movement networks;
· Open space and recreation facilities;
· Natural systems;
· Utilities; and
· Land use conflicts.

It is anticipated that the precinct structure plan will provide the framework for statutory planning controls, give local communities, developers and other investors greater certainty and confidence about future development in the Thurgoona/Wirlinga structure plan precinct and allow for whole of community involvement.

Thurgoona/Wirlinga (being a considerable release of undeveloped urban zoned land) represents a significant opportunity to cater for the demand and supply of residential land in the Albury LGA. The Thurgoona/Wirlinga urban release area and surrounding existing undeveloped urban zoned land has limited natural and built constraints and maximises connectivity to existing urban areas. The Thurgoona/Wirlinga urban release area and surrounding existing undeveloped urban zoned land represents a significant development opportunity, catering for approximately 10,000-15,000 lots and serving a potential population of approximately 30,000 residents over a 30 year plus time horizon.

Documents are available from Council's eTender portal www.tenderlink.com/albury

Closing Date/Time 30/08/2011 12:00 p.m.

[This was advertised in the Saturday classifieds, even though it does not appear in AlburyCity web 'Public Notices'.]

Good One, Council! - Helping Hospital Hostel

2011-07-30T09:01:00.000+10:00

Albury councillors decided 25/7/2011 to cover the cost of developer contributions due for the [20 bed] first stage of the new 'hostel' at Albury Hospital.

10B
Albury Wodonga Outpatient and Carer accommodation Centre, Lot 1 DP 1076041, 201 Borella Road, East Albury - Development Consent No. 10.2011.3081.2

Cr Sawyer Moved, Cr Duncan-Strelec Seconded

That Council:
a. receive and note the report;
b. inform the Albury Wodonga Carers Accommodation Centre project team that payments are required in accordance with Development Consent No. 10.2011.30781.2; and
c. make an ex gratia payment of $24,516.60 to offset developer contributions required for the project.

CARRIED

- by Councillors Sawyer, Hull, Gould, van de Ven, Duncan-Strelec, Betteridge and Angus [ie, without dissent]. Cr Glachan outside.

Cr Glachan declared a Non-Pecuniary Conflict of Interest in relation to Item 10B, as she is a patron of the fundraising organisation. Cr Glachan left the Chambers at 6.10 pm and returned to the chair 3 minutes later.

Good to see the Conflict of Interest requirements being followed exactly, including the recording of the process.

The report from the General Manager to Council says that the original form of the project to build a 30 bed 'medical accommodation' would have attracted a liability for water and sewerage contributions of $169,399. After discussions, the application was varied to accurately say 'hostel', and thus a much lower contribution applies. As per the decision above, the contribution due for the first stage is being met by Council.

A nice solution reached by Council in very quick time, with no difficulty.

The not-for-profit hostel project will provide wide regional community benefit and is supported by Fight Cancer Foundation, Rotary Club of Albury North, Lions District 201V6, Zonta Club of Albury Wodonga - and Albury City Council. Well done all. A pleasure to see.