Community update on response to fish deaths in the Lower Darling

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As residents of the Wentworth Shire Council, you may be aware of the mass fish death event that has been occurring further up-river around Menindee. As the river travels south, it brings some of the low-quality water with it and you may have observed some fish deaths.

The NSW Government has released a community update to inform residents about what is happening and the response being taken. Please read the article below to ensure you are fully informed.

Fish_Deaths_LowerDarling_31MarchDownload

Community update on response to fish deaths in Menindee

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The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will be stood-down from Friday 31 March 2023 as agencies expand their water monitoring to downstream of Menindee following fish kills in the lower Darling-Baaka River.

The EOC was established on Saturday 18 March 2023 at the direction of State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Emergency Management Peter Thurtell, to ensure fresh and clean water supply was maintained to the Menindee township and properties surrounding the Main Weir pool, as well as to coordinate the removal and disposal of as many of the fish as possible.

NSW Police Force Regional Emergency Operations Controller, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, said the EOC has delivered on its priorities in and around Menindee, but key agencies would remain vigilant with monitoring and actioning where new risks are identified.

Established contacts and processes for clean-up in the event it is required in the future are also in place.

The coordination of operations has now returned to the control of individual agencies. NSW and Commonwealth Government agencies are continuing to monitor conditions, take samples and test water, and take actions to try to improve conditions, including dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, in the Murray Darling Basin.

To read the full media release please see below.

Fish_Deaths_Menindee_31MarchDownload

PARKS & GARDENS UPDATE

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Following the flood impacts across Wentworth Shire, the council teams have been rejuvenating impacted areas for the community to once again enjoy.

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄:
‣ Playground Equipment has been assessed by (Hutchison Parks Services) and some are deemed unsafe, remaining closed until further notice.
‣ Arborist Audits have been conducted, with tree lopping underway across the shire.
‣ The river front grassed areas have been re-seeded. Please be mindful of these areas while grass recovers.

Please follow signage displayed at public parks and gardens for the safety of yourself and any children at play.

𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡
‣ The Buronga Nature Play and Pump Track is now open to the public (as of Friday 24 March), including the playground.
‣ O’Donnell Park
‣ Wentworth Wharf

𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗
‣ Fotherby Park – Playground equipment has been deemed unsafe, and therefore will be closed until further notice. Council are awaiting the removal of dead trees next week, the park will be opened following this, excluding the playground.
‣ Ski Reserve – Council are awaiting the removal of dead trees next week, the park will be opened following this.
‣ Junction Island – The walkway will remain closed until further notice. Council are currently undertaking a project to install a new bridge to Junction Island, and upgrade the existing walking path.
‣ Wentworth Riverfront Playground – the playground remains closed until further notice.

For the latest post flood information, visit https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/flood-updates-roads-other-sites/

Wentworth Civic Centre Project Update

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Read more

NSW State Election

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The NSW State Election is Saturday 25 March.

Voting Centres in Wentworth Shire Council are open on Saturday 25 March from 8:00am – 6:00pm and include:

Wentworth Town Hall
24-28 Adelaide Street, Wentworth

Dareton Public School
Matong Street, Dareton

Midway Service Centre
6 Midway Drive, Buronga

For further information including early voting, visit https://elections.nsw.gov.au/

Road Rules Awareness Week (21-27 March)

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Since 2013, Road Rules Awareness Week has given all road users – drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, passengers and bicycle riders – the chance to improve their knowledge of the NSW road rules.

Transport NSW promotes the rules that have the biggest impact on reducing road trauma, highlight the most misunderstood road rules, and provide an opportunity for road users to have their questions answered.

You can read more about the commitment to improving safety on the state’s roads on the Towards Zero website, and find graphics, quizzes and animations posted on the NSW Road Safety Facebook page.

Top 10 misunderstood road rules in NSW

1 – Roundabouts

2 – Pedestrians

3 – Mobile Phones

4 – Merging

5 – Keeping Left

6 – Headlights

7 – U-turns

8 – Safe following distances

9 – School zones

10 – Yellow traffic lights

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top-10-misunderstood-road-rulesDownload

RAW WATER UPDATE – POONCARIE TOWNSHIP

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RAW WATER UPDATE – POONCARIE TOWNSHIP

Wentworth Shire Council wish to advise residents of Pooncarie township of raw water pumping issues which will affect the pressure and volumes for the coming weeks. Council Water teams are working hard to rectify this issue and will advise when raw water services return to normal.

FREE COVID-19 RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS FOR WENTWORTH SHIRE RESIDENTS

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Wentworth Shire Council in conjunction with NSW Health, continues to support the community from the widespread COVID-19 disease with the delivery of 10,000 test kits to the Wentworth Shire this week.

To collect your FREE 5pk test kit, visit one of the following locations:

Wentworth Shire Council Main Office

26-28 Adelaide Street, Wentworth NSW 2648

Midway Service Centre

6 Midway Drive, Buronga NSW 2739

Port Pitstop Café

21-27 Tarcoola Street, Pooncarie NSW 2648

Wentworth Library

23 Murray Street, Wentworth NSW 2648

Dareton Library

30 Millie Street, Dareton NSW 2717

Note: Limit of 1 x 5pk of test kits applies per person.

Western Region Sport and Active Recreation Transport Program

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The cost of transport to travel is a significant barrier for people living in the far west of the state to participate in sport and active recreation. The program will play an important role in supporting more active communities.

What is the Western Region Sport and Active Recreation Transport Program? 

The Western Region Sport and Active Recreation Program will provide funding assistance to community organisations in the far west region of NSW to enable them to participate in sports and active recreation.  

The sport and active recreation sector is community driven. Sport and active recreation contributes to community identity and cohesion creating more active, healthier communities.

Who can apply for assistance?

Organisations applying must be located within a Western Region Transport Program area of NSW (West of the Newell Highway). 

The eligible groups to apply include: 

  • sporting teams, clubs, and associations (junior and senior) 
  • active recreation clubs and/or associations (junior and senior) 
  • not-for-profit organisations providing sport and active recreation 
  • schools located in an eligible area.

Applications will be open on 30 January 2023.
Applications will stay open throughout the two-year pilot program.

CLICK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information and feedback
For more information, please contact Donna Coady, Aboriginal Service Development Officer. 
Email: donna.coady@transport.nsw.gov.au

Senior’s Morning Tea

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The Australian Inland Botanic Gardens in coordination with Wentworth Shire Libraries, hosted a Senior’s Morning Tea on Tuesday 28 February 2023. Organiser of the day Mackenzie Seddon, Acting Team Leader Libraries, was thrilled to see over 60 seniors in attendance.

The morning tea begun with speeches by Deputy Mayor of Wentworth Shire Council, Cr Daniel Linklater and 2023 Citizen of the Year Gwen Wilkinson.

Deputy Mayor of Wentworth Shire Council, Cr Daniel Linklater said during his speech “Our community consists of 28% of people aged 60 and over, making us a Shire with a wealth of knowledge, life experience and embedded cultures handed down for future generations.” He also spoke of fond experiences throughout his life with the older generations.

Following the speeches, an assortment of sandwiches and sweets were served to attendees for morning tea by the AIBG Catering Team.

After the morning tea, the attendees were priveliged to a Tractor/Train tour of the gardens from experienced driver Vic Eddy, who has run the tour for over 8 years.