To start the ball rolling on uncovering the hidden gems of council, we’ve collated ten things you might not already know:

1. If you’re studying at High School, TAFE or university, why not contact us about work experience? We’re one of the largest and most diverse employers in the Manning Valley and have a year-round work-placement program that can be tailored to your needs.

2. Our Road Safety Officer regularly conducts training programs aimed at improving safety on our streets. Our next workshop, “Teach a Learner Driver”, will be held on Wednesday, August 19 at 5.30pm and provides a range of strategies, techniques, and tips to more effectively supervise learner drivers.

3. Are you thinking about renovating, adding-on, or building on your property, but don’t know where to start? Make an appointment to discuss your idea with our planning team, who offer free advice and step-by-step information about what you need to do (or don’t need to do) and how to get your project started.

4. Dogs unleashed! They’re welcome at Saxby Park, in Stevenson Street, and on beaches throughout the Manning Valley as long as you keep your four-legged friends more than 50m away from patrolled swimming areas. Some other restrictions do apply, so check out our website for more information.

5. We’re a small business friendly council, which means we’ve signed a charter with the NSW Office of Small Business Commissioner and the NSW Business Chamber in recognition of the importance of the small business sector in our community. The “Vibrant Spaces” program, which assists retailers in our town centres to promote their business, is just one of the initiatives in place to help our small businesses thrive.

6. If you’re looking at ways to cut down your spending, why not borrow a “Save Power Kit” from our library. The kit includes tools to help you measure how much power you’re using, an infrared thermometer to measure draughts, a thermometer that shows recommended temperature settings for fridges, freezes and living areas, plus a guidebook, worksheet and action plan to get you started.

7. Track your DA online. When you lodge a development application, there are a number of steps involved in the assessment process – from notifying neighbours to looking at environmental impacts. You can keep track of where in the process your application is up to by using our online tracking tool. It’s a great way for the applicant, or others who have an interest in the development, to view the forms submitted, site inspection dates, development plans and timings.

8. Get Active People!  We have a trailer full of sporting and recreational equipment that is available on loan to community groups.  If you’re organising a community get-together, the GAP trailer offers the games and activities that will help keep attendees entertained, socialising and getting active.

9. Did you know that we hold council meetings every month, and you’re invited! It’s a great way for you to stay up to date with what’s happening in our area, and to see your local government representatives at work. You are also welcome to have your say about an agenda item, or ask a question in the pre-meeting open forum session, by first registering online.

10. Doing things digitally! We now offer our customers the option to both receive and pay their rates online. Not only adding the convenience of doing it all from your desktop, but emailing our rates notices is much friendlier for the environment. Visit our website to find out more.

Local Government Week, August 3-9, 2015, is a Local Government NSW initiative. 

Greater Taree City Council is committed to providing valuable services to our community. Visit our website at www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au to find out how you can take advantage of all that we offer - we think you’ll be surprised.