Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Larry Whipper and General Manager Ann Prendergast have joined Member for Goulburn Pru Goward in visiting some of the Shire’s worst affected flood areas.

Also on hand for parts of the inspection was the Member for Wollondilly, Mr Jai Rowell and the Hon David Elliott, Minister for Emergency Services.

“The scale of the damage is truly astonishing,” the Mayor said.

“Not one of our Shire’s towns or villages has escaped some degree of water damage,” he said.  “Be it homes, businesses, commercial properties or public infrastructure – everywhere has been affected.”

“Our thoughts go out to all those who’ve lost personal possessions.”

While inspecting businesses and properties in Mittagong, Moss Vale, Wildes Meadow and Robertson, Ms Prendergast reaffirmed Council’s storm assistance.

“Since the deluge began on Saturday we had all our crews out assisting the lead agencies in setting up roadblocks, clearing landslips, removing trees from roads and evacuating houses,” Ms Prendergast said.

“And now that the waters have receded we’ve allocated extra staff to help clear storm debris and assess damage to trees, parks, drains, bridges and roads.

“Once this has been completed Council will sit down and develop a full priority-based program of remediation,” Ms Prendergast said.

“However the full extent and cost of damages won’t be known for some time and getting crews to attend to all jobs is also going to take considerable time.”

Floodwaters have also caused considerable damage to numerous Council construction projects and facilities including the recently refurbished Mittagong Swimming Pool.

The inspection comes on the back of Tuesday’s announcement that the Wingecarribee Shire had joined a list of Local Government Areas across the State declared as a natural disaster area.

“This announcement provides some respite as it will enable us to access vital State and Federal Government emergency assistance funding,” Ms Prendergast added.

“In the interim we remind residents who require flood or storm assistance on private property to contact the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500,” the Mayor said.

“All of our first responders, emergency personnel and volunteers deserve a huge vote of thanks for the work they continue to undertake ensuring our Shire gets back on its feet as soon as possible.”

For matters involving serious or life threatening emergencies phone the Triple Zero (000) hotline.

For flood and storm assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

To contact Wingecarribee Shire Council phone 4868 0888, visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au or email mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au.

Teaching a young person to drive can be a daunting task, but a number of upcoming free Council workshops and hands-on driving events these school holidays may help parents of learner drivers prepare their teenagers for safer driving experiences.

Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Road Safety Officer, Melanie Lausz, said parents and supervisors of novice drivers have a crucial role to play in contributing to help make our roads safer.

“Introducing your learner to as much driving time as possible ‘in real driving situations’ is imperative to any young driver in improving their confidence, driving skills and knowledge,” Ms Lausz said.  “But so too is varying the different conditions they may encounter and ensuring they’re equipped with as much on road experience in preparation for solo driving.”

“Council will subsequently be holding a free two-hour Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) Parent Workshop on the evening of Wednesday 6 July and a Logbook Run on Sunday 17 July,” Ms Lausz said.

Free GLS Parent Workshop – Wednesday 6 July, 6pm in Council’s Moss Vale Civic Centre

The GLS Workshop provides practical advice on supervision, completing the Log Book and licence conditions.

Participants also learn the importance of teaching ‘low risk driving’ techniques and the role of parents in establishing parameters and support for provisional licence holders. Learner drivers are also encouraged to attend.

Free Learner Log Book Run – Sunday 17 July, 10am Moss Vale

“The Learner Log Book Run is a great opportunity for learner drivers and their supervisor to cover some of the many topics included in the Learner Driver Log Book and clock up some valuable driving experience hours,” Ms Lausz said.

During the Log Book Run learner participants will also be given the opportunity to experience a Random Breath Test (RBT) conducted by the NSW Police.  On completion of the 90 minute drive the Police will also be holding a question and answer session.

Learners are required to have a minimum of 25 hours in their log book to participate.

Lunch will be included in the Log Book Run and bookings for both events are essential.

For further information contact Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Road Safety Officer on phone 4868 0809.

Wingecarribee Shire Council’s free GLS Parent Workshops and Learner Log Book Runs are supported by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

Wingecarribee Shire Council has extended the exhibition period for the proposed Moss Vale Woolworths development application for a further three weeks.

Councillors were of the opinion that the size and scale of the proposed development was of Shire-wide significance and subsequently agreed that an extended exhibition period was warranted.

Originally placed on exhibition for 30 days between 25 May and 24 June 2016, the extension will see the supermarket development application available for viewing until 10 August 2016.

The extension was raised as a Notice of Motion at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Wednesday 13 July and passed by Councillors.

Members of the public can view the proposed development (DA 16/0361) via Council’s online tracking system, DA Tracker, available via Council’s website at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au.

Documents can also be viewed in person at Council’s Customer Centre located within the Moss Vale Civic Centre during normal business hours.

Wingecarribee Shire Council has recommenced accepting concrete and building waste effective immediately at its Moss Vale Resource Recovery Centre (RRC).

Concrete products including building and construction concrete, brick, tile and cement sheeting products can all again be disposed of at the facility.

The initial restriction was implemented In August following the discovery of a small amount of asbestos in a sample of recycled crushed concrete.

Under directive from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), while concrete products can again be accepted at the RRC they cannot be recycled on site and must therefore be treated and charged as Mixed Inert Waste.

As per Council’s 2016/17 Fees & Charges schedule, Mixed Inert Waste is charged at $394.50 per tonne.

A full review and investigation into the asbestos find is continuing and until finalised no recycled concrete products will be sold from the RRC.

Council’s Resource Recovery Centre is located at 177 Berrima Road, Moss Vale and is open 7.30am to 4.30pm seven days a week.

With Christmas fast approaching, Wingecarribee Shire Council has today launched its annual Giving Tree at the Moss Vale Civic Centre.

“We’re asking for as many people as possible to donate to help the less fortunate,” said Wingecarribee Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Halstead.

“For a lot of people, Christmas can be an especially tough time of the year.”

Non-perishable food items and gifts for children are the most sought after items.

“The only real restriction is that the gifts aren’t wrapped,” Councillor Halstead said.

All items donated will be passed onto the local branch of the Salvation Army where they will first be sorted before being distributed in time for Christmas Day.

“The size and monetary worth of the gift isn’t important,” Mayor Halstead added.  “As the old adage goes; it’s the thought that counts.”

Gifts can be left by the tree up until and including Thursday 15 December 2016.

The Giving Tree is located in the foyer of Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre, located in Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale.

Wingecarribee Shire Council has this month refused a Development Application for a retail development proposal in Argyle Street, Moss Vale, otherwise known as the Moss Vale Woolworths proposal.

Council determined the application by way of refusal in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and cited traffic and flooding issues and the impacts the proposed development would have on the immediate streetscape and character of the locality as the major constraints.

“One of the major hurdles with the current proposal was the impacts that the proposed development would have on traffic in and around the site,” said Council’s Group Manager of Planning, Development and Regulatory Services Nick Wilton.

“The immediate area around the intersection of Argyle Street and Lackey Road was of particular concern.”

The NSW Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) subsequently informed Council they could not support the application in its current form and would not issue approval under the Roads Act 1993.

The applicant for the proposed development (Milestone) was notified of the refusal on Monday 21 November 2016.

Should the proposal be amended to address the concerns raised Council would be obligated to accept a new development application for the site.  Alternatively, the applicant has the right to refer the matter to the New South Wales Land and Environment Court.

Bundanoon swimmer Daniel Rumsey has today been presented with a gold pass to the Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre in recognition of his extraordinary achievements.

The multiple record-breaking swimmer was presented with the membership and certificate by Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Ken Halstead and the Aquatic Centre’s Member Care Consultant Lana Robson at a private ceremony on Tuesday 29 November.

“Daniel is without doubt one of the most talented athletes this Shire has ever produced,” said the Mayor.

“His most recent efforts in Italy have cemented his reputation as the man to beat at international level.”

In July Daniel broke six world records competing at the Down Syndrome World Swimming Championships in Florence.

His haul included three individual gold and four team gold medals across multiple disciplines including freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and medley.

It was the sixth time Daniel had represented Australia at the championships with his most recent achievements adding to his already impressive tally of world-records and medals.

“Providing Daniel with unlimited access to our facilities for the next year was the least we could do to recognise his recent accomplishments,” said Ms Robson.

“Daniel’s training regime is extremely intense and our facilities will help assist with his busy schedule and hone his already phenomenal talent.”

As part of the 12 month free Health Club Membership, Daniel will have full access to the Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre’s facilities including swimming pools and gym.

“Daniel is not only a remarkable and inspirational athlete but a wonderful ambassador,” Ms Robson added.

“We couldn’t think of a more deserving person to receive this complimentary membership.”

Wingecarribee Shire Council wishes to advise that South Western Sydney Local Health District and Health Infrastructure (SWSLHD) will host a briefing session in Council’s Moss Vale Civic Centre on Wednesday 14 December 2016.

The ‘drop in’ briefing session is the first of three community meetings being organised by SWSLHD to provide members of the public an opportunity to discuss, question or comment on the proposed upgrade of Bowral and District Hospital.

The drop-in session will be held from 11.00am to 2.00pm in Council’s Civic Centre Theatrette on Wednesday 14 December.

The Theatrette is located on the ground floor of Council’s Civic Centre, located in Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale.

Following drop-in sessions will be held on:

• 16 December 2016 at Springetts Arcade in Bowral from 11am to 1.00pm, and

• 16 December 2016 at the Mittagong RSL Boardroom from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Wingecarribee Shire Council wishes to remind residents that rubbish collections will not take place on either Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

The temporary change to scheduling is a result of both public holidays falling on a Sunday.  Services temporarily affected include collections of domestic garbage, recycling and garden organics services.

Collections will resume as per normal on Boxing Day and the remaining public holidays.

Over the holiday period drivers will however leave the Council depot earlier than normal.  Residents who would usually have their bins collected on these days are asked to have their bins put out for collection from 11.00pm the evening before.  Collecting the bins earlier allows Council’s heavy vehicles to be off the streets on what is traditionally the busiest time of the year.

The Resource Recovery Centre’s Christmas operating hours are as follows:

• Saturday 24 December                                              –           Open
• Sunday 25 December (Xmas Day)                –           Closed
• Monday 26 December (Boxing Day)            –           Closed
• Tuesday 27 December (Xmas Day Additional)     –           Open
• Wednesday 28 December                                          –           Open
• Thursday 29 December                                           –           Open
• Friday 30 December                                                   –           Open
• Saturday 31 December                                               –          Open
• Sunday 1 January (New Year’s Day)            –           Closed
• Monday 2 January (New Year’s Day Additional) –           Open

The Reviva Centre will also be closed from 25 December through until the 2 January 2017 (inclusive).

The Resource Recovery Centre is located on Berrima Road, Moss Vale.

The staff of Council’s Resource Recovery Centre wish all our residents a very Merry Christmas and a waste-free new year.

For further information visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au or phone 4868 0888.

Wingecarribee Shire Council wishes to advise that South Western Sydney Local Health District and Health Infrastructure (SWSLHD) will host a briefing session in Council’s Moss Vale Civic Centre on Friday 24 February 2017.

The ‘drop in’ briefing session is the first of three community meetings being organised by SWSLHD to provide members of the public an opportunity to discuss, question or comment on the proposed upgrade of Bowral and District Hospital.

The drop-in session will be held from 11.00am to 1.00pm in the Gibraltar Meeting Room on Friday 24 February 2017.

The Gibraltar Meeting Room is located on the ground floor of Council’s Civic Centre, located in Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale.

Following drop-in sessions will be held on:

• Friday 24 February at the Mittagong Community Centre from 2.00pm to 4.00pm, and

• Saturday 25 February at Springetts Arcade in Bowral from 11.00am to 2.00pm.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in conjunction with Wingecarribee Shire Council will be accepting unwanted chemicals as part of its annual Chemical CleanOut program on Saturday 8 April at Council’s Moss Vale Depot.

Residents can drop off their unwanted household chemicals – FREE of charge – at Council’s Moss Vale Works Depot, Moss Vale from 9.00am to 3.30pm.

Chemicals that can be dropped off include residential quantities (20kg or 20 litre maximum container) of:

• pesticides and herbicides,
• paints and paint products,
• solvents and household cleaners,
• motor oils and fuels,
• car batteries,
• gas bottles,
• fire extinguishers,
• fluorescent globes and tubes,
• pool and hobby chemicals (ie. photography),
• acids and alkalis,
• poisons, and
• floor care products and ammonia based cleaners

Last year almost 500 people took advantage of the free service surrendering over 17 tonnes of chemicals on the day.

Council’s Moss Vale Depot can be entered via Parkes Road, Moss Vale.

Council’s Chemical CleanOut is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from Council’s Environment and Waste Levy.

For more information call the Environment Line on phone 131 555 or visit www.cleanout.com.au.

A one-hundred year old German-made Howitzer Gun captured by Australian troops in the First World War will be unveiled by Wingecarribee Shire Council in time for ANZAC Day.

Formerly located in Apex Park in Moss Vale, the restored gun will be unveiled at a small ceremony in Leighton Gardens on Thursday 13 April 2017.

Council’s Asset Officer in charge of the gun’s refurbishment and relocation spoke about the restoration project.

“Long-time residents of Moss Vale may remember the old gun which sat in the small park at the northern entrance to the town,” said Kylie Stefaniuk.  “But many may be unaware of its significance.”

“And after being exposed to the elements for 45 years the gun had deteriorated to the point where the timber wheels had partially rotted away,” Ms Stefaniuk said.  “It was in desperate need of restoration were it to be saved.”

A year-long restoration project ensued and was funded in part by the NSW State Government’s Community War Memorial Grant and the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service Grant.

Specialist wheelwright Mahbrook Carriage Supplies were entrusted to restore the timber wheels and spokes while Willis Abrasive Blasting set about refurbishing the original metal body and barrel.  A final high-quality three-coat epoxy paint in Field Grey completed the project.

“What’s particularly special about this restoration was that we were able to complete and unveil it in time for this year’s 102^nd anniversary of ANZAC Day,” Ms Stefaniuk added.

“We think it’s important that when people view the restored gun they take a moment to reflect and appreciate the efforts that our troops went to in securing it.

“Guns like this brought back home were considered war trophies and were not intended to glorify war,” Ms Stefaniuk said.  “They were erected in parks around the country to remind us of the bravery and in many cases of the ultimate sacrifice that many of our young soldiers paid.”

The newly restored Howitzer Gun was originally captured by the 57^th Battalion, 1^st Australian Imperial Force (AIF), on 8 August 1918 during the first day of fighting in the Battle of Amiens.

The Battle of Amiens marked the end of the stalemate of trench warfare on the Western Front.  It was also the first of several battles between August and November 1918 which became known as the Hundred Days Offensive and would eventually lead to the end of World War I.

The 57^th Battalion would go on to capture seven Howitzers during the attack on the town of Guilaucourt in France.

Battalion members were formed in Egypt in 1916 from a combination of Gallipoli veterans and new recruits including three young men from the Southern Highlands.  The men were Thomas Keleher of Bowral, Wallace Milton Quigg of Penrose and Stanley Morrow of Kangaloon.  All three men would eventually lose their lives fighting in France.

Howitzers were one of the most important artillery pieces in the arsenal of the German Army during the Great War.  The 15-centimetre gun in question fired a 42 kilogram shell capable of a range of 8,500 metres.  Some 3,500 of these guns were produced between 1913 and 1918 with the one on display in Leighton Gardens having been manufactured in 1917.

The unveiling of the restored World War 1 Howitzer Gun and history plaque will take place from 11am on Thursday 13 April 2017 in Leighton Gardens, Moss Vale.

The unveiling will also feature a performance by the RSL Rural Commemorative Youth Choir.

Wingecarribee Shire Council wishes to advise that a presentation by Coal Free Southern Highlands (CFSH) will precede the upcoming Ordinary Meeting of Council on Wednesday 24 May 2017.

The public presentation by representatives of CFSH will address the Hume Coal Environmental Impact Statement currently on exhibition.

The presentation is the result of a Notice of Motion passed at the Council Meeting of 26 April 2017 inviting representatives from both Hume Coal and CFSH to deliver presentations.

The presentation is scheduled to begin at 1.30pm and conclude at 3.00pm.  A 30 minute adjournment will follow before Council moves into the Ordinary Meeting at 3.30pm.

The meeting will take place in the Council Chambers located in the Moss Vale Civic Centre on Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale.

All Council meetings are open to the general public.

Wingecarribee Shire Council is set to begin a smoke-testing program across Moss Vale, Berrima and East Bowral over the coming months.

The program involves Council’s contractor pumping an odourless smoke or dense mist into the sewerage system to detect faults and illegal connections.

“Smoke testing is a common maintenance technique we use to identify potential problems in our sewerage system,” said Council’s Operations Project Engineer Pranayan Giri.

“It helps us locate cracks, leaks, illegal connections and aids in minimising the amount of infiltration entering the sewerage system.”

Infiltration is where water enters sewer pipes through cracks, breaks and other defects.  These cracks and breaks may occur as a result of ground movement, faulty joints or even tree roots in search of water.

By keeping infiltration flow at a low level it reduces pressure on the sewerage network and wastewater treatment plants.  High infiltration flows are particularly evident in times of high rainfall.

Illegal connections may include low-lying gully traps and unapproved downpipe connections.

Specialist contractor Interflow Pty Ltd will carry out the smoke testing on behalf of Council.  Should the contractor require entry into a property, letters will be issued to the homeowner prior.  Contractors will also carry identification at all times.  No entry will be required into houses and residents do not need to be home when the tests are undertaken.

“These smoke tests are quick, safe, odourless and non-toxic,” said Mr Giri.

“We remind residents who may see any smoke escaping from roof gutters, downpipes or drains that there is no need for alarm.”

Testing will begin across multiple site in Moss Vale, Berrima and East Bowral from the start of June and is expected to be completed by early August 2017.

For more information contact Council’s Customer Service Team on phone 4868 0888.

Wingecarribee Shire Council has this week commissioned its largest ever solar renewable energy project at the Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre.

The commissioning follows a two week installation of a 344 solar panel roof-mounted system at the Aquatic Centre.

The electricity generated by the 100 kilowatt solar system will be used to supplement the daytime energy needs of the Centre.

Council’s Environment and Health Systems Coordinator Therese Smart said the project would help slash the electricity bills at the Aquatic Centre.

“Early calculations suggest the installation will generate approximately 145,000 kilowatts of electricity each year,” Ms Smart said.

“This means that almost 16 per cent of the Centre’s annual electricity consumption will come from renewable energy as a result of this installation.

“The solar energy produced is set to increase as we head towards the longer daylight hours of spring and summer,” Ms Smart said.

The installation of the solar panels on the Aquatic Centre follows similar renewable energy projects carried out on Council’s Southern Highlands Regional Livestock Exchange, the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre, Bowral Library, the Mittagong Rural Fire Service Building and the Resource Recovery Centre.

“Energy Management is a focus area for Council and the Aquatic Centre project is a great example of Council reducing our ongoing electricity costs by embracing sustainable energy solutions,” Ms Smart added.

The installation was carried out during the month of May with all costs associated with the project expected to be recouped within just four years.

The Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre is located at 8 Kirkham Street in Moss Vale.

Wingecarribee Shire Council is set to embark on a comprehensive water and sewerage improvement program that will target multiple towns and villages across the Shire.

The twelve month replacement program will begin in June and involve the upgrade and replacement of water mains, water meters, sewer mains and manholes in Moss Vale, Bowral, Mittagong, Bundanoon, Welby, Colo Vale, Exeter and Burradoo.

Council’s Operations Project Engineer Pranayan Giri said residents could expect to see increased activity around streets earmarked for upgrades.

“These works are being carried out to ensure our water and sewerage systems operate at peak performance and continue to provide our customers with safe, reliable and continuous water and wastewater services.”

As part of the improvement program some water meters will also be replaced.

“Water meters, like all mechanical devices, wear with age,” Mr Giri said.  “Some of the water meters being replaced are either nearing or passed their useful life expectancy.”

Specialist contractor Carve Earthworks and Construction Pty Ltd will undertake the replacement program on behalf of Council.  Should the contractor require entry into a property, letters will be issued to the homeowner prior.  Contractors will also carry identification at all times.

Mr Giri said all attempts would be made to minimise public inconvenience.

“Some works will inevitably involve the digging up of old pipes and the laying of new ones,” he said.  “Where possible we will try and minimise any impact by using trenchless pipe laying technology.

“However where this is unavoidable or impractical, we’ll take all steps to inform nearby residents and minimise any impact, noise or traffic interruptions.”

Areas where works are carried out will be restored after construction.

“We’d like to thank our residents in advance for their cooperation and patience,” Mr Giri concluded.

The works are part of Council’s regular Capital Works improvement Program and are expected to be completed by June 2018.

For more information contact Council’s Customer Service Team on phone 4868 0888.

Results from a recent bin audit conducted across the Shire has shown Highland residents are tops at recycling.

Conducted throughout May and June, the bin audit revealed that 65.3 per cent of all waste generated by the sample study was correctly placed in the recyclable bin.

“This is a fantastic result!” said Council’s Waste Education Projects Officer Esther Landells.

“It means that nearly two-thirds of all waste generated by our residents is being recycled,” she said.  “The rest is mostly single use plastics, food waste and non-reusable items.”

“It also proves that our residents have embraced the recycling message and demonstrates their commitment to protecting our local environment.

“Most importantly, it also means that as a percentage we’ve got less waste than ever before being sent to landfill.”

The bin audit result compares favourably to the average state-wide kerbside diversion rate of 48%.

“Not only is our current diversion rate considerably higher than the State average, we’re also nearing the Government’s 2021 benchmark of 70 per cent,” Esther said.

Other results from the audit showed that not only had the use of the yellow-lidded recycle bin increased, but the amount of recyclable items placed in the red-lidded bin had also fallen.

“Waste collected from red bins showed that less than 10 per cent of all material could have been recycled,” Esther said.  “This is a marked improvement on the last audit conducted just six years ago.”

At 49.51% food and kitchen waste accounted for nearly half of all red-lidded waste collected.

Results from the green-organics bin were similarly positive with a low 0.48% contamination rate.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with these results,” Esther added.  “And while we thank the Shire’s residents for their efforts, we remind them there are a few simple tips to help further reduce waste.”

Ideas include:

• Avoid buying products with excessive packaging,
• Create a compost or worm farm to further cut food waste, and
• Use recyclable or environmentally-friendly safe shopping bags when purchasing groceries.

“We also remind our residents that soft plastics like shopping bags, light plastic packaging and polystyrene foam can all be disposed of for free at Council’s Community Recycling Centre,” Esther said.

The Community Recycling Centre is located within the grounds of Council’s Resource Recovery Centre located at 177 Berrima Road, Moss Vale.

For more information including tips on reducing your household waste, visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/waste-recycling or call Council on 4868 0888.

Teaching a young person to drive needn’t be a daunting task with a number of Council workshops and hands-on driving events designed to help parents of learner drivers prepare their teenagers for safer driving.

Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Road Safety Officer, Melanie Lausz said parents and supervisors of novice drivers have a crucial role to play in contributing to help make our roads safer.

“Introducing your learner to as much driving time as possible in real driving situations is imperative to help improve their confidence, driving skills and knowledge,” Ms Lausz said.  “But so too is varying the different conditions they may encounter on the road.”

“As rules and regulations change, not everyone is confident about teaching our youngest road users the skills, knowledge and correct training methods to progress through the NSW Graduated Licensing Scheme.”

“Council will subsequently be holding a free two-hour Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) Parent Workshop on the evening of Tuesday 11 July and a Logbook Run on Sunday 23 July,” Ms Lausz said.

Free GLS Parent Workshop – Tuesday 11 July, 6pm in Council’s Moss Vale Civic Centre

The GLS Workshop provides practical advice on supervision, completing the Log Book and new licence conditions.

Participants also learn the importance of teaching ‘low risk driving’ techniques and the role of parents in establishing parameters and support for provisional licence holders. Learner drivers are also encouraged to attend.

Free Learner Log Book Run – Sunday 23 July, 10am Moss Vale

“The Learner Log Book Run is a great opportunity for learner drivers to cover some of the many topics included in the Learner Driver Log Book and clock up some valuable driving experience,” Ms Lausz added.

A free lunch will also be included with this event.

As part of the event learners and their supervisors will be given the opportunity to experience a NSW Police Random Breath Test and participate in a Police question and answer session.

Learners wishing to participate in the Log Book Run must have a minimum of 25 hours recorded to participate and be accompanied by their parent/supervisor.

Bookings for both events are essential.

For further information contact Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Road Safety Officer, Melanie Lausz on phone 4868 0809.

Wingecarribee Shire Council’s free GLS Parent Workshops and Learner Log Book Runs are supported by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre (MVAC) has been awarded the NSW Facility of the Year by Belgravia Leisure.

The award was presented at the 2017 Get Connected Belgravia Leisure Conference in July.

Some of the key areas recognised by the award include outstanding customer service, innovation, environmental sustainability and leadership.

Centre Manager, Gareth Horner, explained that the award honours facilities and their teams for outstanding performance.

“We strive for excellence in everything we do at the Moss Vale Centre,” said Mr Horner. “To be recognised by our industry peers is particularly satisfying.”

During the qualifying period the Centre achieved higher than average national scores in a number of categories including the Australian Water Safety Council’s audit of national water safety programs.

The MVAC won the state award from over 20 Belgravia Leisure managed aquatic and leisure centres across the State.

“Our team members pride themselves on the small things such as knowing our members names, coffee orders and favourite classes,” said Mr Horner.

“Over 166,144 patrons walked through our doors during the 2016/17 period,” he said.  “And we hope to welcome many more.”

Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre offers state-of-the art facilities including a 25 metre lap pool, program pool, toddlers splash pool, health club and in-house cafe.

For further information visit www.mvaquatic.com.au or phone 4868 1967.

A major interagency emergency training exercise held at the Southern Regional Livestock Exchange (SRLX) has been heralded a success by participants.

The mock-emergency was staged at the Council-owned and managed facility on Monday 31 July to test local emergency service response and procedures.

The scenario chosen for the simulated emergency was an outbreak of the highly contagious foot and mouth disease in cattle.

“Fortunately a real outbreak of foot and mouth disease has never been recorded in Australia,” said Amanda Lawrence, Council’s Local Emergency Management Officer in charge of coordinating the event.

“However real outbreaks of the disease abroad have caused enormous damage to livestock and tourism industries,” she said.  “And it was for this reason that the scenario was chosen for our Shire.”

In 2001 foot and mouth disease resulted in millions of cows, sheep and pigs being culled across the United Kingdom.  The impact to that country’s agriculture and tourism was immense and took years to recover.

“Another reason why the exercise was undertaken was to test the communications of our Shire’s various emergency teams,” said Ms Lawrence.

“The location, size and facilities at the Moss Vale-based saleyard were critical in enabling us to successfully host this training drill.”

Council staff were joined on the day by representatives from NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, Roads and Maritime Services, NSW Environment Protection Authority, Department of Primary Industries, South East Local Land Services and officers from the NSW Police Force.

Also in attendance were local stock and station agents, livestock transporters and producers.

A debrief of the day followed the event with participants praising the positive coordination and liaison between the various agencies.

“Staging mock emergency drills like this take considerable organisation and collaboration,” Ms Lawrence added.  “However our experience suggests they provide invaluable learning opportunities.”

“Over the coming weeks we’ll be putting together a formal report for all participants which will detail the learnings and experiences gathered from the exercise.

“On behalf of Council I would like to thank everyone who participated in the exercise and for sharing their expertise and insights.”