Community update on response to fish deaths in Menindee and Lower Darling-Baaka
Community update from the NSW Government Department of Planning and Environment:
Increased flows commencing today to support fish and river health
Please be advised that water quality conditions are deteriorating in the Darling-Baaka River at, and below, Menindee due to high temperatures, and persistent stratification* which could lead to hypoxic conditions when the water mixes. Coupled with increasing volumes of algae which deplete oxygen levels at night, we anticipate that oxygen in the water could reduce rapidly which could lead to fish deaths.
To combat this, we are commencing a pulse of water starting at 600M/L a day from today. This will increase to 1000 M/L a day on Saturday and Sunday after which we will gradually reduce the flows back to 550M/L a day to maintain river and fish health. Any flows above 550ML/day will be accounted against the water quality allowance. This water is being taken from Lake Pamamaroo. The temporary sensor installed downstream of Lake Wetherell Main Weir is showing the water being released from Lake Pamamaroo is well oxygenated and in the safe range for fish health.
We apologise for the short notice, but water quality conditions are dynamic and we need to act rapidly to prevent the risk of fish deaths. We are monitoring conditions in the river regularly.
*(Stratification means that the top layer of water tends to be warm and well-oxygenated compared to the deeper water that is colder and has less oxygen. The longer stratification goes on, the more chance there is that the oxygen in the bottom level is depleted. When the top and bottom water mixes (destratification), the result is water that is low in oxygen).
View the full Community update from the NSW Government Department of Planning and Environment below:
Pooncarie Road – project update
Wentworth Shire Council recommenced earthworks on the final 26.5 kilometres of unsealed road between Pooncarie and Menindee in July 2023, following 8 months of flood related delays.
The $9.2 million project is jointly funded on a 50:50 basis with the Australian Government and NSW Government under the Growing Local Economies Fund with Office of Regional Development.
The upgrade allows road users to access the road in all weather conditions, removing over 600km of road detours when the road is impacted by wet weather-related road closures.
Bitumen sealing has now been completed, with guide posts, linemarking and signage underway.
The project is due for completion by the end of November.
Wentworth Shire Libraries is looking for feedback
Wentworth Shire Libraries would like to receive feedback from community members and library visitors.
Your feedback can help to tailor the future programs, events and services that the Libraries provide.
2023 Mayoral Election Results
Wentworth Shire Council has formally elected Councillor Daniel Linklater as Mayor and Councillor Susan Nichols as Deputy Mayor during the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Wednesday 20 September.
The former Mayor of Wentworth Shire, Councillor Tim Elstone was congratulated by Mayor Linklater on his time in the role.
“Tim is a consummate community man and for the last 7 years has served as either Deputy or Mayor. Councillor Elstone has led us through the recent flood experience, which I don’t believe like anyone else could in this room. It was a 7 day a week commitment and the community thanks you for that. I also thank you for your encouragement to me and your mentoring, I look forward to continuing to work with you.”
“I would like to thank the chamber for your support, it is really humbling to be elected by this community and an honour to be supported by my peers here. It is my intention to serve as collaboratively as possible.” Councillor Linklater said.
Former Mayor Elstone who held the role of Mayor from 10 January 2022, and Deputy Mayor since 2016, commended his fellow Councillors for their involvement and participation during his term with Council.
Councillor Jane MacAllister stood against fellow Councillor Daniel Linklater for the Mayoral role and against Councillor Susan Nichols for nomination of Deputy Mayor.
Council will next meet on Wednesday 18 October from 7:00pm at the Wentworth Shire Council Chambers.
To view the Councillors of Wentworth Shire Council, visit: https://www.wentworth.nsw.gov.au/…/about…/councillors/
Bush Fire Danger Period & Fire Permits
From Sunday 1 October 2023, the NSW Rural Fire Service Lower Western District Bush Fire Danger Period will commence and Fire Permits will be required to burn. Fire Permits are free and can be easily obtained by contacting the Fire Control Centre on (03) 5027 4422. For further information, visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website.
Wentworth Aerodrome/ADFA Group Flight Training Proposal – UPDATE 13 September 2023
Wentworth Shire Council will meet with submission makers whom have submitted concerns for the ADFA Group proposal, involving the use of Wentworth Aerodrome for circuit training of cadet pilots. The discussion between associated parties will be held on a date that is yet to be set.
Following recent public conjecture regarding the proposal, Wentworth Shire Council will further discuss with submission makers individually, giving the opportunity to present their positions on the matter.
This process will evaluate all sides of the proposal, to determine:
- benefits for the Wentworth community and sustainability of Wentworth Aerodrome operations,
- local tourism attraction impacts and opportunities,
Please note that the pre-mentioned proposal from ADFA Group will not be presented to Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting at 7:00pm, Wednesday 20 September 2023.
Council will meet for a formal Council resolution regarding the matter at a later date, once each submission has been presented for Council consideration.
Wentworth Aerodrome/ADFA Group Flight Training Proposal
Wentworth Shire Council is in receipt of a Commercial in Confidence document from the Aerodynamic Flight Academy Group (ADFA), requesting consideration of a proposal for limited usage for a 3 month trial period of Wentworth Aerodrome for flight training purposes.
The ADFA Group is a conglomeration of four flight training schools, being Pearson Aviation, Air Queensland, Clamback and Hennessey, and the Aerodynamic Flight Academy (also known as ADFA). All these schools operate together under one entity, the ADFA Group, under the authority of CASA Air Operators Certificates, and approvals to conduct Part 141 and 142 Flight Training.
Following recent public conjecture regarding the matter, Wentworth Shire Council and ADFA Group have agreed to share certain details of the proposition to Wentworth Shire residents.
The ADFA Group proposes to establish a user agreement with Council for the purpose of pilot training at Wentworth Aerodrome.
Under this proposal, two aircraft would conduct circuit training from Wentworth Aerodrome over an estimated 200 days of the year. The proposed training is nominated to be conducted on weekdays only.
Accompanying the request is a draft Fly Neighbourly Policy with aspects of hours of operation, air traffic safety and noise considerations would complement the agreement if implemented.
Should adequate detail be available, the matter will be presented to Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting at 7:00pm, Wednesday 20 September 2023 in Council Chambers, Wentworth.
