Moree Plains Businesses – It's Time to Get Together, and ‘Go Digital’
It’s ‘Back to Business Week’, and Moree Plains Shire Council has partnered with Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI), local businesses and the Mungindi Progress Association to bring our local businesses three great free events.
Moree-Sydney Air Service Regulation
Following Council meeting and Town Hall Meeting concerning the Moree-Sydney Air Service route, Mayor Humphries was interviewed on radio today on ABC New England North West’s Breakfast program. The Hon Andrew Constance, NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure was also interviewed.
The full radio interview is available through Facebook, on the pages of both ABC New England Northwest and Moree Plains Shire Council.
Mayor
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Book Review
Big Sky Library has welcomed the new Cooperative Library Manager, Cheryl Smith, Cheryl has over twenty years public library experience and has recently returned to NSW from Western Australia were she worked as a Library Manager near Busselton, WA.
Cheryl has commented that she is looking forward to being involved in the communities that make up Big Sky Libraries, to travel and spend time in the branches and to increase the collections, programs and overall
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Needles Spread Along River Bank
Vandals have destroyed a yellow community sharps bin along the pedestrian walkway under Dr Hunter Bridge and scattered the needles along the banks of the Mehi River.
The 240L sharps disposal bin’s metal enclosure was smashed open and the wheelie bin removed
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Moree-Sydney Air Service Route – Survey – Closes 5pm 24 February 2017
Deregulation of the Moree-Sydney air service is on the agenda for Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and Moree Plains Shire Council is seeking input on whether this approach is supported by the community.
The NSW Government (through TfNSW) has commenced consultation with Moree Plains Shire Council in relation to the potential deregulation of the Moree-Sydney air service route. In turn, Council has been asked to
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Moree-Sydney Air Service Route Being Considered For Deregulation
Deregulation of the Moree-Sydney air service is on the agenda for Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and Moree Plains Shire Council is seeking input on whether this approach is supported by the community.
The NSW Government (through TfNSW) has commenced consultation with Moree Plains Shire Council in relation to the potential deregulation of the Moree-Sydney air service route. In turn, Council has been asked to
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Tinker Table Crafts Moree Plains’ Future
Over the past few weeks, Moree Community Library has invited younger members of our community to join in experiments and channel their inner ‘Mister Maker’ with art and craft at the Library’s Tinker Table.
With so many inspired youngsters, it was the perfect opportunity to discover what they might have in mind for our Shire over the next 10 years. So on Monday, the Tinker Table was hijacked, with children asked to “paint their
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Kid's Party Leaves Mess in Apex Park
Local residents in Edward Street are appalled at the mess left behind after a children’s party over the weekend in Apex Park and demanded Council do something about it.
Moree Plains Shire Council Director of Engineering, Ian Dinham explained staff have spent six hours picking up rubbish and removing streamers and party items strewn around the playground and surrounding park.
“Parks and playgrounds are for the enjoyment of all
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Moree Plains Flood Study
The revised Moree Plains Flood Study is on public display for the community to review prior to a Public Meeting 28 February at 5.15pm in the Committee Room, Level one, Max Cnetre, Moree to discuss and elaborate on the results.
Following on from the previous Public Meeting in June 2016, Council’s consultant WRM Water + Environment have undertaken extensive modelling of the upstream catchment and reviewed the 1955 flood under today’s conditions. The
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Moree Plains Newest Australian Citizens
Australia Day celebrations were especially meaningful for seven people in Moree Plains Shire as they were welcomed as our newest Australian citizens on 26 January 2017 at the Jellicoe Park breakfast hosted by Moree Lion’s Club.
Originally from five different countries, Mayor Cr Katrina Humphries welcome the conferees as new Australian citizens and asked everyone to take a moment to reflect on the significance of what it means to be
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Mobile Muster
We want your old mobile phones! We are collecting your old unwanted mobile phones on behalf of the MobileMuster.
The aim of the program is to keep old mobiles and accessories out of landfill and ensure they are recycled safely, securely and ethically. Nothing is resold & all data is destroyed.
For every mobile recycled in January and February MobileMuster will donate the value of a meal to OzHarvest, Australia's leading food rescue
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Voluntary House Raising Scheme
Under the NSW Floodplain Management Program the Office of Environment and Heritage provides funding to assist home owners raise the floor level of their house to reduce the damages and trauma caused by flood water inundating their house.
Home Owners can only access this funding through a Voluntary House Raising Scheme coordinated by Local Councils.
The first step of this scheme has been to adopt a policy to identify and prioritise
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Big Sky Libraries Online Catalogue – Now a One-Stop-Shop
Big Sky Libraries is offering a new service which allows customers to search and borrow over 50,000 printed items and 6000 eBooks, eAudio and eMagazines through an online public access catalogue (OPAC).
The new service integrates the Libraries’ own collections with commercial e-resource providers such as Bolinda BorrowBox (eAudio
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Moree to Brisbane Flight Service Grows
It has been just under four months since Fly Corporate flew into Moree on its maiden voyage from Brisbane with a 19 seater plane; and today with continued community support, the company upgraded the service to a 34 passenger seat aircraft to meet demand.
Moree Plains Shire Council’s General Manager Lester Rodgers is excited to see the service growing and being supported by the community.
“So many people tell me how great
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Christmas Message From the Mayor and General Manager
One thing we tend to all have in common at this time of year is that feeling that the year has flown by quicker than the last. And what a year it has been!
After being declared 'Fit for the Future' in response to the Local Government Reform process instigated by the NSW Government, the Councillors and staff of your Council are committed to maintaining this status as we see this as fundamental to the services we
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Local Slam Winner Competes at Nationals
The Australian Poetry Slam heats were hosted at the Moree Community Library in August and
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Modernising Ashley's Water Supply
In early October, Moree Plains Shire Council was advised that it had been awarded $11.21 million under the NSW Government’s Regional Water and Waste Water Program to upgrade Moree’s water supply system and provide potable reticulated water to the villages for Ashley and Biniguy, for the very first time.
Project for the Ashley community:
• To construct a drinking water supply for indoor use for the town of Ashley
• Provide
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Avoid a New Year's Power Bill Shock
Householders and businesses with solar panels that currently receive a subsidised feed-in tariff of 60 or 20 cents under the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme can expect a power bill shock in the New Year unless they act now.
Before the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme ends on 31 December 2016, householders and businesses should investigate the metering and other product options available to ensure they are getting the most out of their renewable energy
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Level Crossing Upgrade Tycannah Street Moree NSW December 2016
Improving the Country Rail Network
Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) is undertaking rail line renewal works and upgrading the level crossing at Tycannah Street, Moree as part of the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Rail program across the state.
Works are being completed by TfNSW’s contractor, John Holland Rail (JHR). JHR operate and maintain the Country Regional Network across NSW under a ten year
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Moree Plains Shire Council Generating Sales for Local Businesses
Moree Plains Shire Council is introducing a new eProcurement process designed to boost the local economy and drive business to local suppliers.
Director of Corporate Services Mitchell Johnson said “Local Councils in Australia spend $20 billion a year on products and services and we want to make sure that as much of that as possible goes to our local traders. VendorPanel Marketplace will help make that
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2016 Excellence in Service
Mayor Cr Katrina Humphries presented Moree Plains Shire Council’s annual Excellence in Service Awards at a ceremony on Saturday 19 November 2016 and acknowledged the devotion and service that those who were nominated portrayed to their colleagues and community.
Congratulations to the following Council staff who were honoured for their outstanding achievements.
Internal Customer Service Brendon Simmons, Elisha Bridge and
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2016 Council Recognition of Service
On Saturday 19 November 2016, the Council Recognition of Service ceremony acknowledged 17 staff who have devoted a significant number of years working for Moree Plains Shire. The ceremony recognises the dedication and loyalty of Council staff and the contribution they have made to the community.
Mayor Cr Katrina Humphries said elected Councillors often get the kudos but it is the staff who are the backbone of the
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Pet Parents – You are Responsible for Your Dogs Behaviour
Moree Plains Shire Council is calling on pet parents to put greater effort into making sure yards keep canine family members contained and dogs are leashed when walking, after an increase in reports of dog attacks.
Director of Planning and Community Development Angus Witherby explained that just this year there have been 147 cases of menacing behaviour from dogs and 69 cases of actual dog attacks that
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Moree Plains Waste Calendars to be Re-Issued
Moree Plains Shire Council has apologised to residents who received bin collection calendars containing incorrect information.
Council’s Water and Waste Group Manager David Wolfenden explained Council’s contractors Cleanaway designed and distributed the 2016-2017 waste calendars, before Council discovered a mistake with the coloured legend for recycling Week A and B.
“Council has spoken to Cleanaway and they are in the
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Waste Calendars
Council’s contractors Cleanaway have recently posted out the new waste calendars for 2016-2017.
Council would like to advise residents that there are in corrections with the calendar and the newly amended calendars will be reissued.
We apologise for the inconvenience.
Council would like to advise that this week is recycling week. (:
Moree Community Library Local History Photo Collection
The Moree Community Library and is keen to develop a Local History Moree Photo collection. If you have photographs of the Moree region that you think might be suitable for the Local History Moree Photo collection we would love to hear from you.
History imageDonation of original
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Financially Assisting Our Community
At last week’s Council meeting, Councillors considered the applications for financial assistance made by community groups for the October 2016 to December 2016 financial quarter.
For this quarter, $10,000 was available for distribution amongst applicants.
The following applications were approved:
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$11.2 Million to Modernise Moree Plains Shire's Water Supplies
MOREE Plains Shire Council will receive $11.21 million under the NSW Government’s Regional Water and Waste Water Program to upgrade Moree’s water supply system and provide potable reticulated water to the villages for Ashley and Biniguy, for the very first time.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced the unprecedented amount of funding today, saying it would help clear a backlog of council projects
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Moree Plains Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor - 2016
Today, the Councillors of Moree Plains Shire Council were welcomed to office with the first meeting of the new Council taking place this afternoon.
Councillor Katrina Humphries was elected to the Office of Mayor, with Councillor Stephen Ritchie elected to the position of Deputy Mayor.
General Manager, Mr Lester Rodgers welcomed the new Council comprising:
1. Mayor Councillor Katrina
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Funding Injection for Heritage Facelifts for Moree
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has announced a financial boost of $15,500 to help Moree Plains Shire Council preserve more of the community’s local heritage and significant buildings.
The Council has been successful in securing $8,000 to be used for heritage advisor services and a further $7,500 for “Local Heritage Place – Small Grants Program”.
Mr Marshall met with Mr Angus Witherby,
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Closure of the Big Rocket
We regret to inform again that the Rocket located at Kirby Park will be closed until further notice due the rocket being vadalised for the past three nights. We apologise for the inconvenience this causes to others.
Should you witness any vandalism, please do not hesitate to phone the Moree Police on 6757 0799.
Paint the Town Read!
The reading egg has been making its way around Moree and has arrived at the Moree Community Library where it will spend the school holidays.
Visit the egg at the library these school holidays and be sure to read to it to help it grow and eventually hatch!
More than 20% of Australian children arrive at school without the skills necessary to make the most of their early education. In some communities the figure is much higher. Research shows
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Wilful Destruction of Trees at Anzac Park
The wilful destruction of three trees at Moree’s Anzac Centennial Park alongside the Moree Bypass has infuriated Moree Plains Shire Council and action is being taken to catch the vandals.
Council’s Project and Development Manager Lila Fisher explained Council considers the tree damage to be a very serious matter and is vigorously pursuing the issue.
“Trees are defenceless and can be an easy target for vandals but the
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Parthenium – Lets Keep it Out!
With harvest looming, grain growers must keep in mind the risks involved by using contractor harvesters who have harvested in Queensland, especially if they have crossed into New South Wales without being cleared by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) border inspection staff.
Moree Plains Shire Council Chief Weeds Officer Ian Schwartz said “Any contractor or landholder who operates machinery in Queensland must present their equipment
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Where to Find Information
Moree Plains Shire Council advises residents that the local road network has been affected by the recent rain event and details about road closures have been posted on www.myroadinfo.com.au > North West Slopes Region.
www.myroadinfo.com.au is continually updated with information about road conditions and scheduled and unplanned works, it happens in
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Puma Moree Full Steam Ahead
Puma Energy will turn the sod on its new travel centre in Moree before Christmas, bringing with it more local jobs, long-term economic benefits and fuel competition for the local community and travellers.
The Moree Travel Centre is a part of Puma Energy’s continued growth into New South Wales, and will transform a three-hectare site into a bustling travel centre, giving travellers and truck drivers new and convenient access to first-class
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Rain Halts Official Opening of Moree Water Park
The black soils around the Moree Plains have swelled with the recent rain and with more rain predicted later this week, Moree Plains Shire Council in consultation with the Moree Water Ski Club, has postponed the official opening of the Moree Water Park.
Mayor Cr Katrina Humphries, while thrilled with the recent rain is disappointed that the event has had to be postponed.
“We made the decision to postpone the
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Correction: Boggabilla Solar Farm
In today’s newspaper and its online platform, the Moree Champion ran a story “Boggabilla Solar Farm a go”. The story stated that ”Moree Plains Shire Council has approved a $6million solar farm near Boggabilla, but it will need approval from the Northern Joint Regional Planning Panel before it goes ahead”.
At Council’s meeting of last week, Council considered Report 9: Erection of a 3.6MW Solar Farm and Three Lot Subdivision – Bruxner Road
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Direct Flight Moree to Vegas (Brisvegas, that is)
The Moree to Brisbane flight route commences operation 29/08/2016 with Fly Corporate.
The route will be serviced each weekday, with prices starting at $149 one way.
Schedules and Prices
Direct Flights - Black Soil Plains to Brisbane
Regional airline service Fly Corporate flew into Moree this morning on its maiden voyage – connecting the people of the black soil plains with Brisbane.
Representatives from Moree Plains Shire Council warmly greeted Fly Corporate on the first of its weekday commutes this morning between Narrabri via Moree to Brisbane.
Council’s General Manager Lester Rodgers said “Attracting and sustaining new air service is a
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Flood Watch - Boggabilla
Macintyre River
Higher than minor flooding is occurring along the Macintyre River at Boggabilla, where the river is rising on Friday [26/08/16].
Predicted River Heights/Flows: Expected to peak near 8.6 metres early Saturday morning [27/08/16]
Review the BOM site for regular updates
KEY RIVER HEIGHTS FOR MACINTYRE AT BOGGABILLA
Minor 5 metres
Moderate 11.5 metres
Major 12
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Education Week Celebrated with Formal Acknowledgment of Library Partnership with Moree East Public School
Moree East Public School celebrated Education Week yesterday with a formal ceremony acknowledging the school’s partnerships with numerous community groups and agencies including Big Sky Libraries. Mayor Cr Katrina Humphries had the pleasure of witnessing the event that celebrated student successes and the vital contribution staff and the community have towards
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South Moree Sports Project – Stage One Nearly Completed
Moree Plains Shire Council is finalising Stage One of the South Moree Sports Project with the multi-purpose sports and recreation complex expected to be completed in late September 2016.
In collaboration with the Moree Boomerangs Rugby League Football Club, the complex will make a significant contribution to redevelopment of south west Moree and will allow the Club to host regional carnivals and
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Moree Little Athletics' Success Application for Financial Assistance
Training our future Olympians
Moree Plains Shire Council is supporting our future Olympians with a $3000 grant to Little Athletics’ through Council’s Public Donations financial assistance program, which the Club has used to buy new equipment and host a regional gala day.
Little A’s, as it is commonly known, encourages the development of children of all
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Cooee Park Redevelopment Meeting
South West Moree - Park Project
Nearly 100 people dropped in for a yarn with Moree Plains Shire Council’s officers at Cooee Park (located between Cooee Street and Jones Avenue) last week as part of the first step in the development of a park for south-west Moree.
Winning Golden Ticket Holders – Big Sky Libraries
To celebrate Big Sky Libraries 60th birthday and Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday, 500 Golden Tickets were hidden for library goers to find when they borrowed items.
The winning tickets were drawn out by State Librarian Dr Alex Byrne and Mayor Cr Katrina Humphries at the Big Sky Libraries Diamond Jubilee celebrations last week. Lucky Golden Ticket finders gave a reason why they
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52 Trees Planted Along Greenbah Road
National Tree Day
Thirty-six volunteers reconnected with nature over the weekend to plant 52 trees along Greenbah Road Moree (opposite Boonery Road) as part of National Tree Day.
Moree Plains Shire Council's Senior Compliance Officer Belinda Olsen explained National Tree Day is Australia's biggest community tree-planting and nature care event.
"Moree Plains Shire Council proudly supported National Tree Day, along with
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60th Birthday for Big Sky Libraries
Diamond jubilee celebrations
Mayor Cr Katrina Humphries and State Librarian Dr Alex Byrne cut the 60th birthday cake last week to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Big Sky Libraries, a fantastic representation of local government partnerships.
The Moree Community Library provided the backdrop for the celebrations demonstrating that public
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Council Supports Grain Harvest Management Scheme for the Last Quarter This Year
Council Supports Grain Harvest Management Scheme for the Last Quarter This Year
A scheme allowing trucking operators to make use of an overloading tolerance of up to 5% per load on regional and local roads within the Shire has been debated amongst Councillors at Moree Plains Shire Council’s meeting of 11 August 2016.
NSW Government invited Moree Plains Shire Council to
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With Boundless Plains to Share
Hosting a citizenship ceremony is one of the key highlights for Cr Katrina Humphries in her role as Mayor and today she swore in ten new Aussies at a naturalisation ceremony at the Moree Community Library.
The new Australian's hail from India, Philippines and Serbia and reinforces Moree Plains as a multicultural community that welcomes immigrants and refugees.
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$2 Million Funding Fix
On 8 August 2016, the NSW Government announced it will spend $2 million dollars as part of the Fixing Country Rail pilot program to reopen 2.8 kilometres of the currently disused Moree to Inverell railway branch line. The work will link the receival facilities of Moree-based Broadbent Grain with the main line servicing Moree.
This means about 6,000 trucks worth of product annually (about 250,000 tonnes of grain and 6,400 twenty foot containers of
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Cameras Catching Dumpers
Moree Plains Shire Council’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras surrounding village landfill sites and known illegal dumping hotspots are operating.
General Manager, Lester Rodgers explained issues with illegal dumping in bush land and around landfill sites has prompted Council to take more serious steps towards identifying the perpetrators.
“Council has spent thousands of ratepayer dollars investigating and removing illegally dumped
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Knit and Knatter
Second and Fourth Monday from 2pm
Knitting for Moree’s homeless Just one square turns into a woollen blanket of love – that’s what the members of the Moree Community Library’s Knit and Natter group are celebrating during Homelessness Awareness Week.
Knit and Natter Coordinator Clare Gately explained many people find themselves homeless as a result of family and domestic violence; and then experience financial and emotional hardship.
“A
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Moree Now Well Connected
Fly Corporate will launch a regular passenger service between Moree and Brisbane after being granted approval by Moree Plains Shire Council at its Council meeting on 29 July 2016.
The service will mean that, once again, Moree and District will be connected to two state capitals. Council is delighted to welcome Fly Corporate to the Shire and looks forward to a productive relationship with the company.
Acting Mayor, Cr Sue Price congratulated
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Moree Cemetery
Council acknowledges that the appearance of the Moree Cemetery has not been of the standard expected by our community over the past few weeks. We sincerely apologise for this.
This has been due to a combination of factors, including staff resources and a higher than usual demand for services at the Moree Cemetery. Whilst efforts have been made to address these factors, Council has taken steps today to reallocate additional staffing to the Moree Cemetery to
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Call for Public Submissions on Code of Meeting Practice
Moree Plains Shire Council has released its draft “Code of Meeting Practice” for a 28 day public
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No Charge on Domestic Waste – Free Disposal
Residents in Moree will now be able to dispose of domestic waste free of charge at the Moree Waste Management Facility.
Council’s Water and Waste Manager David Wolfenden explained that people illegally dump rubbish because they think waste disposal at the landfill is too expensive but there is no excuse now – household rubbish is free to dispose of!
"A lot of people think the costs are higher than they are; but now
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Pet Registry
From Monday 18 July 2016, the NSW public will be able to access a new public website known as the NSW Pet Registry.
What does this mean:
Approved Persons and Authorised Users will continue to:
. Access the NSW Companion Animals Register
. Process Permanent Identification forms from Veterinarians, Authorised Identifiers and the public;
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Celebrating 60 Years of the Regional Library
2016 marks 60 years of proudly serving three local government areas – Brewarrina Shire, Walgett Shire and Moree Plains Shire with a cooperative library service, functioning today as Big Sky Libraries; and a significant year for two of the most celebrated writers the world has known.
Big Sky Libraries Cooperative Library Manager, Sally Walters explained the Moree Community Library is revelling in the momentous occasion
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A Visit to Big Sky Libraries (Moree Community Library)
BY AUTHOR JENN J MCLEOD
Late yesterday, an enthusiastic group of community members enjoyed an afternoon at the Moree Community Library with author Jenn J McLeod.
The afternoon unfolded into an interactive discussion of Jenn’s novels
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Celebrating Big Sky Libraries Upcoming 60th Birthday
I’ve got a Golden Ticket!
To celebrate Big Sky Libraries upcoming 60th birthday and Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday, there are 500 hidden golden tickets for library goers to find when they borrow items.
Lucky finders of a ticket will need to fill out their details on the ticket and hand back to staff to go into the draw to win a prize.
There are prizes available in five age categories: Adult, Young
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Welcoming People to our Diverse Community
Five of Australia’s newest citizens were welcomed in an official ceremony at the Moree Plains Shire Council last week.
Mayor Cr Katrina Humphries presided over the ceremony and asked everyone to take a moment to reflect on the significance of what it means to be Australian.
“We belong to a rich and diverse community and we should strive on this and every day, to celebrate the many people that make our country, and the Moree
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Council Dumps Waste Charges for Residents
In an effort to combat illegal dumping and inspire environmental thinking, residents in Moree will now be able to dispose of domestic waste free of charge at the Moree Waste Management Facility.
Moree Plains Shire Council made the decision last week to literally dump domestic waste charges from the beginning of the new financial year.
General Manager Lester Rogers explained that Council is encouraging reuse, recycling and
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Council Audits Red Wheelie Bins
Recently, the contents of 44 household red wheelie bins were sorted at the Moree Plains Shire Council’s Waste Management Facility (WMF) as part of a regional waste audit to provide a statistical snapshot of how residents are using their waste bin and what they are throwing away instead of recycling or placing in the organic’s bin.
The ‘dirty job’ of waste audits uncovers that Moree Plains households can use their bins better by sorting
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Coalition Pledges $100,000 for North West NSW Growerco
A re-elected Liberal-National Government will contribute $100,000 towards improving the economics of moving grain from local farms to customers in North West New South Wales (NSW).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton today announced that North West NSW grain growers operating as the Grower Co-operative Limited (GrowerCo) will receive
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Have Your Say Do you Have a Name For Moree's Water Park?
Moree Plains Shire Council is calling for submissions for the naming of the Moree water park. The water park was constructed by Council for community water-based recreational and sports activities.
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Lifetime of Service Honoured
Moree Plains Shire Council is delighted that one of our own Councillors has been recognised for his hard work, dedication and continued service to the community of the Moree Plains Shire. Cr John Tramby was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his continued service to Local Government and to the community of the Moree Plains.
Cr Tramby has been an elected Councillor
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Filthy Humans Degrading the Environment
Residents of Moree Plains – it’s time to take a stand against unscrupulous people who dump rubbish, calls Moree Plains Shire Council after finding chairs and household waste dumped at the Four Mile, located east of Moree along the Gwydir Highway and on the stock route along Amaroo Drive.
Moree Plains Shire Council’s Senior Compliance Officer Belinda Olsen explained Moree Plains Shire Council has already spent over $200,000 to
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Parking to be Policed in Moree
Moree’s central business district has timed parking, loading zones and disabled parking and Moree Plains Shire Council inspectors will be patrolling the area and enforcing parking restrictions.
Council’s Director of Planning and Community Development Mr Angus Witherby explained that there were a number of reasons why parking needs to comply with the signs. “By complying with time limits it helps our local businesses, by ensuring that
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Bin Collection Reminder
A reminder to residents to place their the bin(s) out on the afternoon or night before your collection day. Bins must be out before 6am the day of your bin collection.
Residents please place your bins out beofre 6am day of collection
• When placing bins out on the footpath, ensure the lid opens facing the road.
Give Your Old Mobile a New Life by Recycling it
Moree Plains Shire Council is collecting all brands and types of mobile phones, plus their batteries, chargers and accessories for the MobileMuster to ensure old mobile phone products don't end up in landfill -
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Stand for the Mob
People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who are interested in Standing for the Mob at the local government elections are invited to come and yarn with Aboriginal Councillors from around NSW at 5pm on Wednesday 8 June 2016 at the Moree Plains Shire Council Chambers, Level 1, 30 Heber Street, Moree.
Director of Corporate Services Mitchell Johnson explained the Aboriginal Councillors have walked in two worlds – firstly, being part of the mob,
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Local History Collection
The Moree Community Library is dedicated to collecting and preserving items relating to the History and heritage of the Moree region.
Did you know the Moree Community Library has resources for family history researches? Resources include books, microfilm/microfiche, local newspapers, Birth,
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Thank You to Our Remarkable Youth
The Harvey Norman Moree Superstar Grand Final provided a fitting start to a very successful celebration of National Youth Week in Moree Plains.
Twelve Moree and six Mungindi Youth Council members, along with assistance from Moree Plains Shire Council staff delivered nine fun-packed events across the Shire.
Youth Week is an important way we celebrate and highlight the youth of our Shire and the fabulous contribution they make to our
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Blitz on Roaming Dogs
A blitz on roaming dogs and pet owners that don't clean up their dog droppings is being launched by Moree Plains Shire Council due to the number of complaints Council is receiving about roaming dogs and poop on the footpaths around Moree.
Director of Planning and Development Angus Witherby explained there are public safety concerns with dogs that either escape or allowed to freely wander the streets.
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Was Your Water Bill Higher Than You Expected?
Moree Plains Shire Council has been fielding calls from ratepayers who are concerned their water bill is higher than they expected.
Council's Water Services Manager Roland Heatley explained understanding why bills are high is a process of elimination.
"Typically, we find the summer water bills are the highest of the year as householders are watering more to combat the heat and keep their lawns and gardens
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Swimming Pool Rules Have Changed
From 29 April 2016 properties sold or leased with a spa or pool must have a relevant compliance certificate.
1. Vendors can transfer the obligation of obtaining a certificate of compliance to the
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Health Alert! Burning of Rail Sleepers
During maintenance and upgrading works on rail tracks in eastern Australia unserviceable timber rail sleepers are regularly replaced by concrete sleepers or new timber sleepers. Regrettably, some of the old timber sleepers from this track maintenance work are being offered for sale as firewood.
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Michael McNamara Talks About Moree's Anzacs
Michael McNamara, vice-president of the Gwydir Family History Society, provided great insight to Fairview residents and Library staff, into the research process and shared special features of the Moree’s Anzacs project including images from the CD accompanying the book.
Michael said “Moree’s Anzacs; the first of three, would not have been possible without the support from Moree Plains Shire Council”.
For further
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Pally Landfill at Risk of Closing
Moree Plains Shire Council may consider closing the Pallamallawa village landfill after numerous incidences of illegal dumping of asbestos and tyres; and more recently trespass by cutting the fence.
Water and Waste Group Manager David Wolfenden explained there are increasing reports of large amounts of hazardous waste being dumped at the village landfill which is attracting concern from the NSW Environment Protection Agency.
“Over
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Council Maintenance on Fire Hydrants
As winter approaches, Moree Plains Shire Council is undertaking a maintenance program on valves and hydrants in Moree and Boggabilla to determine pressure, flow and functionality.
Financially Assisting Our Community
At last week’s Council meeting, Councillors considered the applications for financial assistance made by community groups for the April 2016 to June 2016 financial quarter.
For the last quarter of this financial year, $16,000 was available for distribution amongst applicants. Council commended the quality of applications made and praised the professionalism of those applicants who attended the meeting and addressed Council in relation to
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Bulky Waste Clean Up – Best Ever Response
Bulky waste collections have increased by 41% in twelve months under Moree Plains Shire Council’s booking system for collection of materials for items such as e-waste; white goods and broken furniture, oversized garden pruning’s, scrap metal and wood.
Water and Waste Group Manager David Wolfenden explained the bulky waste collection process. “Council offers the bulky waste kerb collection service in March and August each year
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Read Popular Magazines for Free
Big Sky Libraries is pleased to offer its newest service Zinio for Libraries, the world’s largest newsstand, offering multi-user access to popular magazines and journals.
Through Big Sky Libraries
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Domestic Violence Forum Provides Tools for DV Personnel
Moree Plains Shire Council was the key sponsor of the Moree Branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) Domestic Violence Professional Development Forum held at the Town and Country Club on Tuesday 12 March 2016.
Over 50 health and welfare workers, emergency services and Police personnel attended the free forum developed by Rape and Domestic Violence Australia (R&DVA) to increase awareness of domestic
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Moree Plains Shire Council Calls for a Commitment to the Inland Rail
The Deputy Chair of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance (MBIRA) Councillor Sue Price said today that she welcomed former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson's comments urging the Federal Government to make a decision regarding the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project (Inland Rail).
Mr Anderson who is the chair of the Inland Rail Implementation Group was quoted as requesting
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Council Proactively Assessing the Sewer Conditions
Moree Plains Shire Council is continuing with the condition assessment of the sewer mains in Moree and undertaking sewer maintenance, risk assessment and renewal planning to ensure future reliable sewerage infrastructure for the community.
The assessments are being undertaken in
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Re-naming of Multiple Roads Called “River” Within Moree Plains Shire
Council at its Ordinary meeting on 11 February 2016 resolved to adopt and gazette the proposed names “Back Pally Road” and “McElhone Street” to replace existing roads currently known as River Road / Street as they are situated in the same locality.
CURRENT NAME AND LOCATION
River Street, Moree
ADOPTED NAME - McElhone Street,
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Annual Fire Safety Statements
The owner of a premise which has fire safety measures (such as portable fire extinguishers, exit signs etc.) is required to provide a statement to the Council and the NSW Fire Brigade every 12 months certifying that the fire safety measures have been inspected by a competent person and are working correctly.
Planning and Development will be writing to many building owners to remind them of when their statement is due.
For more
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Signage Helps With Traffic Flow Along Amaroo Drive
Moree Plains Shire Council has addressed safety concerns with a new Give Way sign at the intersection of Amaroo Drive, Moree and the newly created unnamed road which formed part of the construction of the Moree Bypass.
Director of Engineering Services Ian Dinham explained the signage provides clear directions to motorists and improves the safety of this intersection.
“Before the signage was erected, there have
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Let's Break the Ice in Our Community
Empowering communities to come together and talk about practical solutions to issues with crystalline methamphetamines (‘ice’).
Treatment and Support is available. You can find out more information about the Breaking the ice in our community project
Grant Funding Chased for Cinema
At last week’s Council meeting, Councillors resolved (by a 5:2 majority) to pursue grant funding through the Federal Government’s National Stronger Regions Funding program (NSRF) to redevelop the Moree Memorial Hall to include retractable seating and digital cinema equipment.
This matter was considered following recent consultation with the community where Council sought to better understand the community’s current usage of the Moree Town
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Moree on Track to Capitalise on Improved Freight Movements
Moree Plains Shire Council (“MPSC”) recently hosted a meeting of key local agriculture and transport industry leaders to provide a coordinated response to the NSW Regional Intermodal Taskforce. The meeting included representatives from grain handlers, road transport businesses and growers.
The meeting reached some clear positions on the need for all levels of government to develop integrated logistics
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Guest Judges 2016 at the Harvey Norman Moree Superstar
X Factor Australia finalists, Jess Dunbar and Matt Price will be the guest judges at this year’s Harvey Norman Superstar.
The Grand Final will be held on Saturday 9 April 2016 at Moree Town Hall, Balo Street Moree commencing at 1pm.
Tickets on sale soon!
Auditions for Superstar will be held in Inverell and Moree this coming weekend, come along and show
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Council and Industry Working Together to Improve Heavy Vehicle Permit Process
Moree Plains Shire Council has embraced a heavy vehicle permit process that is benefiting local economy and freight businesses and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has developed a video capturing council’s outstanding work.
NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto said Moree Plains Shire Council’s approach to access permit requests and their commitment to engagement with the heavy vehicle sector is a
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New Courtesy Speed Monitor Throughout Moree Plains
Moree Plains Shire Council has taken possession of a new courtesy speed monitor to address speeding concerns and promote safer driving.
The courtesy speed monitor, which has been retro-fitted to a trailer, has an electronic display board connected to a radar unit
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Drivers, Bicycle Riders and Pedestrians
Go Together - New rules affect drivers, bicycle riders and pedestrians as of today, March 1 2016.
Find out more
NSW Regional Intermodal Taskforce on Track in Moree
Recently, the NSW Regional Intermodal Taskforce met with a wide range of industry and grower stakeholders to consider intermodal facilities and more broadly, the current and future requirements for the movement of freight from road to rail in NSW.
This meeting, hosted by Moree Plains Shire Council, was one of four such meetings hosted throughout NSW. Having the meeting in Moree is a clear indicator of the
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Get Behind the Mayor for a Good Cause Moree
Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries only likes dealing with the bald facts – and that’s why she plans to shave her head for a good cause at a gala fundraising ball at Moree Services Club in April.
Councillor Humphries will lose her locks to help raise money for
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Public Notice- Code of Conduct
At the Council meeting of 11 February 2016, the following resolution was passed unanimously in relation to a code of conduct matter concerning a Councillor:
That Council, pursuant to clause 8.5(b) of the Procedures, make the following findings of inappropriate conduct by Councillor Claudia Gall public via Council’s website and the Council Clipboard:
That Councillor Claudia Gall has breached the Moree Plains Shire Council Code of
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Changes to the Moree Community Library Hours
The Moree Community Library hours will be trialling a change in operational hours. Please see below the new opening hours.
OPENING HOURS
10am-5.00pm Monday
9:30am-5.00pm Tuesday
10am-6.00pm
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How Confident is Your Business About our Future? Calling all Businesses in Moree
The Moree Chamber of Commerce and Moree Plains Shire Council (MPSC) are working in partnership to better understand trading conditions and recent changes to business performance in our town.
Over the coming weeks representatives of MPSC and the Moree Chamber will be conducting a ‘business confidence survey’ within the Shire and asking all local business owners and managers
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Safe School Travel
The new school year is set to resume for thousands of local students this week and Moree Plains Shire Council is reminding local drivers and parents about children's safety around schools.
The Council’s Road Safety Officer, Renee McMillan, said that road crashes account for 58% of all accidental deaths among children aged 5 - 14 years old.
Children are vulnerable road users. They are at risk in the traffic environment because of their size, their
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Financially Assisting our Community
At yesterday’s Council meeting, Councillors considered the applications for financial assistance made by community groups for the January 2016 to March 2016 financial quarter.
For this financial year, $15,000 is available for distribution for these purposes by Council for each financial quarter.
The following applications were approved:
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Over 3000 Ebook Titles Now Available
Big Sky Libraries is pleased to announce that it is now able to offer its customers access to even more ebooks titles as a result of its partnership with its neighbouring library services at Inverell and Cobar.
Healthy Water at the MAAC
Today, some statements have been included in local media implying a concern about the level of public health maintained at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC).
As a public swimming pool, the 50m pool at the MAAC must be operated in accordance with certain public health standards specified by NSW State Government regulations.
Council wishes to confirm that the 50m pool at the MAAC is compliant with those
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The Late Wally Bunyan Honoured in Bridge Naming
Residents in the Mallawa area along Poison Gate Road have been successful with their application to Moree Plains Shire Council to have the bridge over Browns Creek named as Wally Bunyan Bridge.
Mr and Mrs Madden from Alma Pastoral used Council’s ‘Naming of Public Assets Policy and Procedures’ to put
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No Blocks When Driving the Porcelain Bus
In the wee hours of New Year’s Day, I sat on the tiles of the bathroom floor hugging the toilet as if it were my best friend and let the cold porcelain soothe my pounding head.
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Shoppers Covered with New CCTV
Moree Plains Shire Council has just installed a new closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance camera at the corner of Gwydir and Balo Streets as part of an ongoing community safety strategy to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour in the CBD area.
The new dome camera has four-way directional monitoring capabilities, movement tracking and motion recording. This means when the camera detects movement along the east and west section of
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Development Application Approved for the Moree Gateway
Moree Plains Shire Council has approved the development application of Puma Energy for the construction of a combined service station and truck stop at the Moree Gateway. The proposed development will provide a modern purpose-built large scale facility to serve the needs of the interstate trucking community.
Given Council’s ownership of the Moree Gateway site, a full external assessment of the development application
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First Development Secured for Moree Gateway
Moree Plains Shire Council has secured its first development for the Moree Gateway after signing a contract with Puma Energy for a prime site at the corner of the Newell Highway and Blueberry Road.
Puma Energy, Australia’s largest independent fuel operator, will build a service station and truck stop on the three hectare site to cater for motor vehicles, transport trucks, recreational vehicles and caravans.
Council’s
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Airport Traffic Changes at Moree Regional Airport
Construction of the Moree Gateway development in the area of the Moree Regional Airport terminal building has resulted in some changes to parking, entry and exit routes.
Twenty additional car parks are available in a cul de sac at the southern end of the Airport terminal. This area will be sealed later in the development to coincide with completion of works along Airport Road.
Entry and exit routes to the
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The Correct Way to Pay Your Bills
Paying Your Rates or Water Bill Online
Ratepayers are asked to be mindful when paying their Rates or Water Bill online that they record their assessment number as the ‘reference’ when making their online payment.
The assessment number allows the accounts department to assign the payment against your account. Failure to record your assessment number as the reference may result in your payment being
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