Draft Operational Plan 2020/21 on Public Exhibition

At council’s Extraordinary Meeting held on Wednesday 6 May, council unanimously voted to adopt the Draft Operational Plan 2020/21 and place it on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. 

Council’s Operational Plan outlines activities and actions council will undertake for each financial year, in accordance with its adopted budget. The seven key areas the plan covers include: Natural Environment, Local Economy, Community and Culture, Rural and Urban Development, Recreation and Open Space, Public Infrastructure and Transport, Finance and Governance. 

Council’s draft Operational Plan will be placed on its website from Thursday 7 May and we are seeking comment and feedback from all community members, prior to adopting an Operational Plan at our June meeting. 

Further information on the best ways to make a submission on the draft Plan will be communicated in the coming days.
 

Plan of Management Dungog Showground and Paterson Sports Ground

Plans of Management for the Dungog Showground and Paterson Sports Ground will also be on public exhibition on council’s website for a period of 28 days, commencing next week. 

The Management Plan’s detail a vision for these assets, future permitted uses and activities, maintenance, allocations and fees, as well as proposals for future development and improvements, and emerging opportunities for the sites. 

Council is seeking comment and feedback from user groups and the broader community on the management of these important community sporting, entertainment and recreational assets.
 

Council Works

Dowling Street: Road construction works are continuing in the final section of Dowling Street (between Mackay and Chapman Streets).  Pavement works and initial sealing works are scheduled to be completed by the end of June.  There will also be asphalt works undertaken at the intersection of Dowling Street and Mackay Street after this time.

Dungog Road: Rehabilitation works have recommenced on Dungog Road between Horns Crossing Road and Grace Avenue.  Pavement works and initial sealing are scheduled for

Coulston Bridge: Council is currently finalising the road approaches to the new Coulston Bridge.  These works are scheduled to have their final seal by early June.

Spooner Bridge: Good progress is being made on the new bridge.  This bridge is scheduled to be open for traffic in the latter part of this year.

Tillegra Bridge: Initial construction works have commenced on the new Tillegra Bridge.  This comprises a nine-month program with access over the existing timber bridge to remain in place for the duration of the works.  The new bridge is scheduled to be open for traffic early in 2021.

Council Facilities: New soap dispensing units have been installed in all council amenities and a higher level of cleaning is being undertaken during this time.  There is currently no change to restrictions regarding access to parks, reserves and amenities and council thanks the community for their continued understanding in adhering to these directives. 
 

Dungog Waste Management Facility 

Last week marked the reopening of Dungog’s Waste Management Facility to the general public on Mondays and Fridays between 8am and 5pm – with council thanking residents for their cooperation and commending everyone visiting the facility on their continued social distancing practices.

The facility continues to operate under restricted conditions (by appointment only) each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Council will continue to review the Waste Management Facility’s operating conditions in line with changing government restrictions.
 

Council Administration Building

Similarly, council’s Administration Building reopened for additional hours this week with, a reopening of council’s Customer Service and Service NSW counters on Thursday betweeb 11am – 1pm. 

Council’s Administration Building will continue to operate during the following times over the coming week:

Monday                       Closed

Tuesday                      Open 9am – 11am

Wednesday                 Closed

Thursday                     Open 11am – 1pm

Friday                          Open 1pm – 3pm

As such, we will continue to adhere to Public Health Orders and government directives regarding social distancing to limit the number of customers permitted in the building at any one time, to safeguard the health of our staff and the broader community.

All customers are reminded they can contact council via phone (4995 7777) or email (shirecouncil@dungog.nsw.gov.au), Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm. 
 

General Manager Interviews

Interviews for the permanent position of council’s General Manager will be held today, Friday 8 May. Further information will be provided to the community as we move through this process to find the best possible candidate to lead the Dungog Shire Council on a permanent basis.