November questions

MINUTES of the council's November meeting have been posted on the council website after being ratified at the December meeting last week. Here are the topics I raised during questions without notice.

Mr Mayor: What is this Council’s policy regarding the removal of scrap material from the Peppermint Hill tip?
The Works Manager advised that when metal is disposed of at the tip it becomes council property and cannot be removed unless under an authorised contract.

Mr Mayor: Have expressions of interest or similar been sought for the removal of salvageable metal from the
Peppermint Hill tip?
The General Manager advised that council currently has an agreement with one person and that tip operations were going to be discussed at a council workshop.

Mr Mayor: What is the status of the contract for the removal of recyclable materials from the Peppermint Hill tip?
The General Manager advised that this is the issue that needs discussion, at a workshop, as the contract has technically expired.

Mr Mayor: Tonight’s meeting is the second anniversary of the council decision to conduct an analysis of the Royal Derwent Hospital Development Reserve financial report. This is not the first time I have reminded the council of this decision. Why have you as mayor failed to call the necessary meeting to conduct that review?
The Mayor advised that the Accountant had prepared the report but some people are no longer employed. The General Manager advised that he would talk to the Accountant. The Mayor advised that he had not called a meeting as it could be reviewed at the next monthly meeting.

Mr Mayor: It has been reported in the media that the latest fire at Royal Derwent Hospital will not be investigated because the owner has not made a complaint. Will you make the necessary complaint and have yesterday’s Ward 1 fire investigated?
The Mayor advised that he cannot make a complaint because it is not his property and is in independent ownership. He will talk to the owner and will contact the police sergeant.

Mr Mayor: Do you find it acceptable that a major fire in this town will not be investigated?
The Mayor advised that he did not think it acceptable.

Mr Mayor – It has been this council’s practice to debate and vote on the agenda of each LGAT meeting. Why was this practice not observed with respect to yesterday’s meeting?
The Mayor said that he made the decision not to have a Special Meeting of Council due to the timing of the certificate of election. The practice will continue where LGAT agendas will be brought before Council.

Mr Mayor – Do you believe there is a convict tunnel beneath New Norfolk?
The Mayor said he believed there may be a hole under the street and he would like to think there is a tunnel for the benefit of tourism.

Mr Mayor – What action have you taken to ensure a proper investigation of the supposed existence of a tunnel beneath New Norfolk?
The Mayor said he is investigating the existence of a tunnel through discussions with Mr Carlton Dixon.

Oval sale update

SOME light may be shed on the sale of the Willow Court oval when a special council meeting is held on Monday night. The meeting will consider a planning scheme amendment "to allow for future development of the oval space adjacent to George St, New Norfolk".

This special meeting has been called by the mayor and general manager, despite the council deciding (just last week) to defer consideration of the planning scheme amendment until after a workshop had been held with the council's planning officer. The need for urgency has not been explained.

At last week's council meeting, several councillors including myself expressed their concern with the proposed planning scheme amendment.

From my own point of view, I was surprised that councillors had not previously been informed that a subdivision had been approved by delegated authority, enabling the oval to be excised from the buildings nearby. The general manager explained that as there had been only one representation received when the subdivision proposal was advertised, a decision of council was not required.

I also expressed my concern that councillors had not been advised that a consultant had been engaged to prepare the draft planning scheme amendment. It is not a councillor’s role to micro-manage, but items such as these, particularly when they refer to Willow Court and the expenditure of ratepayers funds, should be brought before a council meeting.

In response to questions I was then advised that the consultant's report had cost about $2500 and would be paid for by the council - meaning you, the ratepayer. It would seem to me that this expense has been incurred for the benefit of the proposed purchaser of the oval and I do not support that.

I also note that the consultant’s opinion is that the subdivision approved by delegation “provides for the subdivision of the land up to a total of seven lots”. I did not vote for the sale of the oval and I doubt that those who did believed the land was to be further divided into smaller lots.

Come along to the special council meeting at 6.30pm this Monday, November 28, and hear about it for yourself. The meeting will be held in the New Norfolk Courthouse. Unfortunately the Local Government Act does not permit public questions to be asked at special meetings.

* A reminder that the monthly councillor workshop will be held at 6.30pm this Thursday, December 1, in the council social rooms. Salvage and recycling at the Peppermint Hill tip site will be one of the topics for discussion. The public is welcome to take part in the workshop.

Irony?

It's no wonder some feel council reform is being driven by the big end of town

Disappointing start

AN email from the council offices earlier this week carried the disappointing news that the mayor had cancelled this month's workshop, due to have been held tomorrow (Thursday) night. Instead, he will host a social function for new and old councillors at the time originally scheduled for the workshop.

A function to farewell retiring councillors and welcome their replacements is good idea, but it could and should have been held at a time that did not require the cancellation of the monthly workshop. Ratepayers should not be expected to pay for the mayor's party either.

The monthly workshop provides an opportunity for community members to speak to assembled councillors in an informal setting and for councillors themselves to discuss a wide range of topics in a non-adversarial format.

This week's workshop - the first since the election - would have been the perfect opportunity to introduce new councillors to the inner workings of the council. My own introduction two years ago came in the form of a refusal to provide me with the minutes of previous closed council meetings until I agreed to a confidentiality agreement. I politely declined. Two years on, documents have been withheld from the three new councillors until the formalities of the certificate of election and declaration of office have been observed.

In contrast, the new Lord Mayor is already representing the Hobart City Council at formal events (see the daily Civic column in the Mercury) and Launceston aldermen have been sworn in and issued their robes of office (yes, robes!).

At tomorrow's workshop - now cancelled - new councillors could have been briefed on the council's meeting procedure and introduced to council policies. It would also have been a good opportunity to take the new councillors through this year's budget and operational plan. A briefing on Willow Court would also have been beneficial.

The next workshop will be held in the council social rooms at 6.30pm on December 1. Come along.

Candidate comments continued

MAYORAL and deputy mayoral candidates made their comments in the second half of Saturday's forum at the New Norfolk District Football Clubrooms. Moderator Frank Pearce conducted a draw to determine the speaking order. Candidates for the position of deputy mayor were heard first, starting at 4pm.

Judy Bromfield, of New Norfolk, said he had proven her ability as a councillor and had achieved much behind the scenes as being a councillor involved more than one council meeting a month. Cr Bromfield said she had runs on the board and spoke of achievements including establishing the Derwent Valley Autumn Festival with former mayor Nick Cracknell; negotiating funding for the Maydena Streetscape; rebuilding the Black Jetty at New Norfolk; negotiating the construction of the Millbrook Rise boat ramp; and instigating public question time and public budget submissions at the Derwent Valley Council. Addressing the question put to other candidates earlier in the day, Cr Bromfield said she was a former member of the Liberal Party.

Barry Lathey, of New Norfolk, said he had never been so frustrated by a single issue as he had been by Willow Court. He had conducted many tours of the site in the last year and would like to see a start made on the redevelopment. He believed one of the top priorities was improving the power supply. A site caretaker was also needed. Cr Lathey said amalgamation had been mentioned and it was an issue that was of concern to him when he recalled the manner in which the State Government had taken the responsibility for water and sewerage away from councils, removing 50% of council revenue. Cr Lathey said he had attended the monthly meetings of the Child and Family Centre and he was looking forward to seeing the centre built on Ellis Dean Reserve. He described himself as being on a mission to have a public toilet installed near the Millbrook Rise boat ramp.

Wayne Shoobridge, of New Norfolk, said he had spent 18 months on the Derwent Valley Council in 2001-02 and he had managed multi-million dollar businesses but was now semi-retired. He saw a need to get things done for the future and a priority in this regard was enticing new businesses to the municipality. Mr Shoobridge spoke about the important role of the deputy mayor as a support and back-up to the mayor. If elected, he said he would be there to back-up the mayor whenever required.

Just after 4.30pm it was the turn of the mayoral candidates. The luck of the draw went to the incumbent.

Martyn Evans, of Magra, said he had probably jumped in too early when he first contested the mayoral position two years ago, describing himself as too young and green at the time. It had been a steep learning curve but he had enjoyed the challenge. His priorities were education, health and Willow Court. The mayoral role was about being a leader, but even the best leader needed a strong team. Cr Evans spoke of his previous leadership roles as sports captain, coach and mentor.

Tony Nicholson, of Lachlan, said the mayor's position was one of leadership of the community. In his previous years in local government he had much experience in leadership roles. He said the mayor was the spokesman for the community and must link the community and bring it together. Having had two years away from the council, Mr Nicholson said he had had time to reassess things. He regarded transparency as a vital part of a free and open society.

Please note: Following the issuing of the notice of election, readers' comments relating to the election must include the given name, surname and locality of the writer. Anonymous comments cannot be published.  

Council candidates have their say

ABOUT 30 people attended yesterday's "Meet the Candidates" forum at the New Norfolk District Football Clubrooms. Organiser Ngaire Glover introduced former Glenorchy City Council general manager Frank Pearce as the moderator and thanked Elaine Dwyer and Jacky Whitehead for providing afternoon tea. Mr Pearce kept the proceedings running smoothly throughout the afternoon. A draw was conducted to determine the order in which the candidates would speak. Each candidate was given five minutes to state their case, followed by five minutes for questions.

Dane Cowley, of New Norfolk, was the first speaker. He said it was his desire to contribute and make a difference in the community. He attended New Norfolk Primary School, New Norfolk High School and Guilford Young College prior to completing a bachelor of computing at the University of Tasmania. He has had a long association with the Salvation Army and the Derwent Valley Youth Future Action Team (D'FAT). He welcomed the council's involvement in the development of the former business enterprise centre as an education park. He saw this as a positive activity he would like to be involved in as a councillor. He was particularly concerned about the state of local roads and would like to be involved in improving council communications. He welcomed the recent introduction of a council newsletter and said the council website must be kept up-to-date. In response to questions, Mr Cowley said improving council communications would be his top priority; he did not have a position on council amalgamations; he had never been a member of a political party; as a father of two he supported the Child and Family Centre to be built on Ellis Dean Reserve; and he believed in the potential for tourism development at Willow Court.

Phil Bingley, of New Norfolk, said he had lived in the town for 30 years and was passionate about New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley. As an endorsed Tasmanian Greens candidate he wanted to bring Greens values to the council. He proposed a rates strategy to prevent the big increases some ratepayers had experienced this year; an economic development plan; and a financial management plan. His priority would be to adequately fund the core responsibility of maintaining council infrastructure such as roads and footpaths. He described the current state of Burnett St as a barometer showing how badly the council had lost its focus on the maintenance of essential infrastructure. In response to questions Mr Bingley said roads and basic infrastructure would be his top priority; he suggested planting poplars to screen the Gateway Estate; and he spoke of the need to bring in experts to deal with issues such as the state of our roads.

Simon Rolfe, of New Norfolk, said he had lived in the Derwent Valley for 10 years. He believed the council must become more open and accountable. He saw a role for the council in pushing for the National Broadband Network being extended to New Norfolk earlier than was proposed as this would greatly improve educational opportunities for students in all parts of the municipality. He believed the council should be more involved in the training of apprentices and office trainees. Mr Rolfe said he was probably best known for his opposition to the location of the McDonald's Restaurant now being built in New Norfolk. He said he was not opposed to the development as a whole but believed far better locations had been available. In response to questions he said he was frustrated by the lack of action on developing Willow Court; he thought the Gateway Estate developer should pay for tree-planting to screen the housing estate; he would like to see the council combine services with other councils; and he was not a member of a political party.

Wayne Shoobridge, of New Norfolk, said he had lived in the municipality since 1997 and had spent about 18 months as a councillor in 2001-02 after being elected on a recount following the resignation of Cr Robbie Wall. He decried the council's lack of action and said Burnett St had been an eyesore for the last three to four years. He said there had been plans for the development of Willow Court on the table in 2002 and they were still there, waiting. Mr Shoobridge said it was time for some new blood on the council. At present it seemed there was much talking but not much action. He was concerned about the state of roads, footpaths and public toilets. He said it was an outrage that there were no police in New Norfolk overnight and if elected he would visit the police minister and commissioner on a weekly basis until a 24-hour police presence was achieved. In response to questions Mr Shoobridge said roads were his top priority; he was now semi-retired and able to dedicate more time to council business; he believed council amalgamations were a foregone conclusion but was not happy about it; he had not attended the Willow Court Working Party meetings for about three months due to illness, work commitments and the committee's lack of action and decision; he had previously been a member of the Liberal Party; and he hated closed council meetings. 

Martyn Evans, of Magra, said he had been a councillor for four years and mayor for two. He had stood for election four years ago at the suggestion of his friend Cr Scott Shaw. He said being a councillor was not as easy as it seemed. It was often a challenging environment, with council infrastructure being more than 60 years old in some places. Other projects, such as the reconstruction of Burnett St, had to be funded over several years. Cr Evans said he was working with the state and federal government to achieve a skills centre for the Derwent Valley. At present there were no post-Year 10 opportunities in the Derwent Valley, he said. He had spoken to the premier on Friday to confirm that x-ray facilities would be restored to the New Norfolk Hospital in January and this was the case. He congratulated the many voluntary groups working in our community and said we would be in a far worse situation without them. In response to questions, Cr Evans said he supported Option 4 of the current amalgamation proposals; he called on the public to report all instances of criminal activity to ensure police statistics were correct; he would like to see a community development officer and a tourism officer appointed by the council; education, health and infrastructure were his priorities; and he had never been a member of a political party.

Chris Lester, of Magra, congratulated all candidates and introduced himself as a local resident who had returned to New Norfolk about 12 years ago. He works as manager of the Derwent Valley Sport and Recreation Centre, is involved in martial arts and teaches boxing. Mr Lester said he liked to encourage a positive way of looking at things and looking at what can be done to make things better. He saw a many opportunities in tourism and was concerned about what had been lost in recent years including the tourist railway and hop museum. In response to questions Mr Lester said the best way to encourage children to become more involved in physical activity was to start in schools; tourism was his top priority; he believed the council had a role to play in engaging with organisations providing services for children; he believed that council amalgamations will happen and the council must be involved in the process; and he was independent politically but sometimes Liberal-leaning.

Tony Nicholson, of Lachlan, thanked the organisers for the opportunity to speak. He said he had been a lifetime resident. He had worked in a senior role in mental health for 37 years but was now retired. Be believed mental health services had been an important part of the make-up of the Derwent Valley and the remnants could be seen at Willow Court. Mr Nicholson said the council seemed to have lost its focus at Willow Court and must pull that back into line. He said the council had come under criticism for a lack of transparency, accountability and independence. He said he was independent of thinking of any political party. Mr Nicholson said local government was the first voice of local people. Councils were a service to the community, had a social conscience and were about more than just roads, rates and rubbish. In response to questions, Mr Nicholson said the advent of a Child and Family Centre was a great innovation and teenagers were catered for by D'FAT but 5-12 year-olds were a missing part of the core of our social responsibility; he said any council amalgamations must be planned very carefully; he did not believe 24-hour policing for New Norfolk would be achieved in the short term; and infrastructure was his first priority as it did not present a very good image at present.

Judy Bromfield, of New Norfolk, said she had stood for hard work and honesty at the start of her local government career and she had not deviated from that. She said it was important for councillors to have an ability to work with people. It was quite often the case that the view of the one lone voice eventually became the right one. It was also important to be able to work with the state and federal governments. Cr Bromfield said she would save the majority of her comments for the later remarks by deputy mayoral candidates. In response to questions Cr Bromfield said the council amalgamation situation was frustrating as three people from outside the state had been pulled in to tell us what we need; investigating solar and wind power was a priority; and a lack of funding was the biggest frustration after two decades as a councillor.

Mark McDiarmid, of Magra, introduced himself as the husband of the late Helen McDiarmid who had been involved and well regarded in many aspects of the community. He has served as a police officer and teacher and believes in the importance of early learning. He described how he thought "intellectual potholes" should be fixed before the roads and remarked that he had moved to the Derwent Valley because of its people, not its roads. Mr McDiarmid said he would like to see an information centre and a centre for artists at Willow Court. He saw litter as a problem and would like to see a litter officer appointed, with an educational role as well as an enforcement role. He would like to see better use made of the esplanade. In response to questions Mr McDiarmid said he was not a member of any political party but he liked the idea of a green society; and he supported council amalgamations if New Norfolk was at the centre of it.

Afternoon tea was served and then the candidates for the positions of mayor and deputy mayor were invited to speak.

Please note: Following the issuing of the notice of election, readers' comments relating to the election must include the given name, surname and locality of the writer. Anonymous comments cannot be published.  

Meet the candidates in person

Meet the candidates

LOCAL government voters across the state will receive their postal ballot packs in the mail this week. The first batch weas delivered today and the remaining packs will be delivered over the next two days. Electors who have not received their postal pack by Friday and believe they are entitled to a local government vote should call 1800 801 701. Completed ballot papers must be received by 10am on Tuesday, October 25.

In addition to voting papers for the election of five councillors and the mayor and deputy mayor, each ballot pack contains a brochure with a statement by each candidate. They are republished below in alphabetical order:

BINGLEY Phil: I have lived in New Norfolk for over 30 years and am passionate about New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley – it is a great place to live, work, and invest in, and a magnificent area to visit. I want to bring "green" values to council - green values that respect our natural, man-made and heritage environments. I will advocate for a "rates strategy" which ensures future rate changes never repeat this year's 10 to 20 per cent increases that some ratepayers suffered because of government revaluations. I will never vote for any annual budget or rate increases unless a thorough annual review has been undertaken of all discretionary council spending. I will strongly advocate for a long overdue "economic development plan" that will support and promote valley businesses, industries and jobs and a "financial management plan" aimed at reducing council's growing loan obligations. 

BROMFIELD Judy: Being a councillor means working as part of a team for the community and particularly to make a difference. In my years as a councillor I’ve seen many changes in the Derwent Valley and I have been part of many of those changes. Some of those areas include the Tynwald Park bike track, the Maydena upgrade and tourist adventure hub, introducing ratepayers’ question time, ratepayers’ input to the budget and community grants. These all help to make a difference to a community. The Derwent Valley is an amazing place with huge potential and when we work together we can achieve almost anything. We are a strong community with strong ties that hold us together. Let me work with you and for you to build our community even further. Please Vote 1 Judy Bromfield for councillor. Thank you.

COWLEY Dane: I was raised and still live in the Derwent Valley. I am actively involved in several community organisations including the Derwent Valley Online Access Centre and Salvation Army. As a father of two young children, I want to ensure that decisions and actions that the Derwent Valley Council takes now, will lead to a better future. If elected I will work to ensure that council is accountable, engaged and working to build a vibrant community, increase employment opportunities and foster environmental responsibility. I believe ratepayers are entitled to expect council to manage its budget effectively in order to provide excellent community facilities and services. If elected, I will pursue opportunities including making the most of the Willow Court site and also improving community health through promotion of sport, fitness and healthy eating. To achieve these goals I need your support. Please consider Voting 1 for Dane Cowley.

EVANS Martyn John: After serving on council since 2007, I am again seeking your support for re-election, to be able to represent our valley as councillor and mayor. Over this period of time my role within our valley has been of a proactive nature, being involved with many community committees including sporting groups, schools and not for profit organisations. The community and council together have achieved many outcomes such as the 2010 Tidy Town of the Year Award which included wins in the Young Legends and Heritage and Culture categories. The success of our Autumn Festival, Lachlan Festival, Rail Track Riders, Maydena streetscape, adventure hub, Tynwald Park, High Street redevelopment, Esplanade and community grants program. I am pleased to see the progress of the Willow Court and Barracks Working Group and the formation of Friends of Frascati and the Spatial Planning Committees. Please Vote 1 for councillor and mayor. Your vote counts.

LESTER Chris: I have a strong connection with the Derwent Valley, having grown up here and many of my family still live and work here. My wife and I returned with our two daughters 12 years ago and for the past eight years I have managed the Derwent Valley Sports Centre. We need better facilities to promote active and healthy lifestyles for our young people and we need jobs for their future. I’ve listened to residents. Overwhelmingly they tell me the important issues affecting our community are the need for– A 24 hour police presence – Better roads – A positive future for Willow Court. In addition much more needs to be done to promote tourism in the valley to attract investment and create jobs. To achieve this we need a decisive and forward-looking council that puts its residents first. Please give me your number 1 vote for a strong voice on council.

McDIARMID Mark: I have lived and worked in the Derwent Valley for eight years and would say that I am part of the community in the valley. I am proud to say this as I believe in the people there, who they are and what they may wish to achieve in life. I believe in good public sector government and the benefits this should bring to all persons as their right. As a former police officer I wish for a safe and peaceful community maintained by sustainable economic growth based on education. This is what I would like to bring to the Derwent Valley as my councillor’s role.

NICHOLSON Tony: I have been approached to seek your support to be re-elected to council. Now retired from the state government service after 37 years I am able to offer administrative experience, understanding and availability to ratepayers of our community. Working together to promote the valley’s potential for tourism and increased agriculture will create opportunities for business and jobs for our young people to stay and build a sustainable future. The valley’s lifestyle has been embraced by many newcomers who are contributing to our community well being with new ideas and belief in our future. Our council must reflect this enthusiasm through good management and decision making. Decisions once made should be carried out and not delayed and debated again at a later stage. If elected my focus will be to ensure the provision of good service delivery to all ratepayers. Please Vote 1 for councillor and 1 for mayor.

ROLFE Simon: Having lived in the valley for the past 10 years I feel ready to offer myself as a candidate for local government elections. My partner Cathie and I have lived in the rural areas of the municipality and now reside in the heart of New Norfolk. I run a small computer and local history business in the valley and I see the need for improved public services as I travel around the municipality. There is the need for real planning to ensure that the residents of our community have the best opportunities possible whilst maintaining our unique local heritage. We need to plan ahead and help develop local businesses so that our children have the employment opportunities of the future available to them. We need to develop pathways for locals to be able to access the education and jobs necessary to strengthen our community. Please Vote 1 Simon Rolfe.

SHOOBRIDGE Wayne: I have lived in the Derwent Valley for the past 14 years and can see what the Derwent Valley could become. Everyone I speak to, feels the same that the opportunities are enormous. The council is still, to some degree, a closed entity for information, it’s my belief that this needs to change. We have right to know what is going on and to voice our opinions without prejudice. Our roads and infrastructure must be the number one agenda for the new council and I will put this to the forefront of council’s thinking. It has become obvious to all that live in the valley that our roads are crumbling before our eyes. Also we need to get our police station open 24 hours a day. This will be a big ask, but it is one that needs to be achieved. I will be your voice on council.

Please note: Following the issuing of the notice of election, comments relating to the election must include the given name, surname and locality of the writer. Anonymous comments cannot be published.  

Candidate statement - Philip Bingley

Phil Bingley

COUNCIL election candidate Philip Bingley has sent me the following statement for publication. Other candidates seeking election in our municipality are welcome to do the same.

"I have lived in New Norfolk and worked in local government for over 30 years, and am passionate about New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley. I have a wealth of experience in public health, building surveying, planning, natural resource management, environmental management and waste management - to bring to council.

"As a Tasmanian Greens candidate I want to bring green values to council - values that respect both our natural and built environments. Our Valley has a wonderful heritage, with buildings such as Willow Court and the Barracks. I will fight to preserve those heritage values while promoting the area as a great opportunity for future commercial, residential and tourism enterprises.

"If elected I will advocate for:

• A "rates strategy" aimed at ensuring that future rate increases never repeat this year's 10-20% increases endured by some ratepayers after government revaluations;
• A long overdue "economic development plan" aimed at supporting and promoting valley businesses, industry and jobs;
• A comprehensive "financial management plan" aimed at reducing council's growing loan obligations.

"I will never support or vote for an annual budget or rate increase unless a thorough annual review has been undertaken of all discretionary council spending. My priority will be that council must adequately fund its core responsibility of maintaining our streets and roads - the ratepayers' major asset."

All Derwent Valley Council election candidates are invited to send me their details for publication on this website. Profiles, policy statements and photographs are welcome. Email: damianbester@gmail.com

Please note: Following the issuing of the notice of election, comments relating to the election must include the given name, surname and locality of the writer. Anonymous comments cannot be published. 

Candidate statement - Chris Lester

Chris Lester

COUNCIL election candidate Chris Lester has sent me the following statement for publication. Other candidates seeking election in our municipality are welcome to do the same.

"I have a strong connection with the Derwent Valley, having grown up here and many of my family still live and work here. My wife and I returned to the Derwent valley with our two daughters 12 years ago and for the past eight years I have managed the Derwent Valley Sports Centre.

"I believe we need better facilities to promote active and healthy lifestyles for our young people and we need jobs for their future. During the past weeks I have been out talking with members of the community and overwhelmingly they tell me the issues that concern them the most are:

• A 24-hour police presence;
• Better roads;
• A positive future for Willow Court.

 "Much has been said about the potential of Willow Court as a tourism drawcard but we have much more to offer than that, we are blessed with spectacular scenery and a rich history; much more needs to be done to promote tourism to attract investment and create jobs. To achieve this we need a decisive and forward-looking Council that puts its residents first.

"Council must work together as a team, if elected I will work with council towards resolving these and other issues."

All Derwent Valley Council election candidates are invited to send me their details for publication on this website. Profiles, policy statements and photographs are welcome. Email: damianbester@gmail.com

Please note: Following the issuing of the notice of election, comments relating to the election must include the given name, surname and locality of the writer. Anonymous comments cannot be published. 

Media release - Simon Rolfe on education

Media Release

Simon Rolfe

Candidate - Derwent Valley Council

Plan for Local Schools
Today council candidate Simon Rolfe announced his major policy platform for local schools. “ I would like to see the Derwent Valley Council take a lead role in establishing a working group of interested stakeholders including local government and non-government schools, UTAS and ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) to conduct a pilot program using the NBN (National Broadband Network) to deliver curriculum into regional schools.” Mr Rolfe said.

“If we can deliver Year 11 and 12 classes into New Norfolk High School via the NBN, it will enable our children to stay and learn in the Valley rather than having to travel into Hobart every day.”

It is envisaged that lessons could be streamed live into a dedicated room at the high school, thus enabling the school to offer all Year 11 and 12 classes, not just those that have sufficient numbers enrolled. “We will be able to offer an education across a wide range of disciplines and of a depth that is missing in the current scheme.” Mr Rolfe said today.

The plan will also involve Glenora District High School being able to offer classes from NNHS or other content providers thus enabling remote students to access the same classes as their cousins in the larger areas. There could be one teacher supervising a class of children who are each undertaking different study areas on-line. “Our children should not be disadvantaged due to their rural locations,” Mr Rolfe said.

The primary schools in the municipality could also be involved with specialist language classes being a prime candidate for on-line learning.

“The education of our children is the most important gift we give them for the future, if we can offer an expanded curriculum without the need for specialist teachers in each school, it will be a win-win situation for the Valley, our children and the State Budget coffers.” Mr Rolfe said.

All Derwent Valley Council election candidates are invited to send me their details for publication on this website. Profiles, policy statements and photographs are welcome. Email: damianbester@gmail.com

Please note: Following the issuing of the notice of election, comments relating to the election must include the given name, surname and locality of the writer. Anonymous comments cannot be published. 

Meet the candidates

AN opportunity to meet the candidates in the Derwent Valley Council election will be provided on the afternoon of October 15. More information to follow.

Three to retire from council

THE names of three of my council colleagues were missing from the list of candidates released by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission today. Deputy mayor Craig Farrell MLC and councillors Jim Elliott and Narelle Hill have reached the end of their four-year terms and have not nominated for re-election.

Please note: Following the issuing of the notice of election, comments relating to the election must include the given name, surname and locality of the writer. Anonymous comments cannot be published. 

Candidate statement - Simon Rolfe

Simon Rolfe

COUNCIL election candidate Simon Rolfe has sent me the following statement for publication. Other candidates seeking election in our municipality are welcome to do the same.

"Having lived in the Derwent Valley for the past 10 years I feel ready to offer myself as a candidate for Local Government Elections. My partner Cathie and I have lived in the rural areas of the municipality and now reside in the heart of New Norfolk. I run a small computer and local history business in the Valley and I see the need for improved public services as I travel around the municipality. There is the need for real planning to ensure that the residents of our community have the best opportunities possible whilst maintaining our unique local heritage. We need to plan ahead and help develop local businesses so that our children have the employment opportunities of the future available to them. We need to develop pathways for locals to be able to access the education and jobs necessary to strengthen our community.  Simon Rolfe."

All Derwent Valley Council election candidates are invited to send me their details for publication on this website. Profiles, policy statements and photographs are welcome. Email: damianbester@gmail.com

Please note: Following the issuing of the notice of election, comments relating to the election must include the given name, surname and locality of the writer. Anonymous comments cannot be published. 

Election candidates named

Derwent Valley Council

Councillor - nine candidates (five to be elected)
BINGLEY, Phil, of New Norfolk
BROMFIELD, Judy, of New Norfolk
COWLEY, Dane, of New Norfolk
EVANS, Martyn John, of Magra
LESTER, Chris, of Magra
McDIARMID, Mark, of Magra
NICHOLSON, Tony, of Lachlan
ROLFE, Simon, of New Norfolk
SHOOBRIDGE, Wayne, of New Norfolk

Mayor - two candidates
EVANS, Martyn John
NICHOLSON, Tony

Deputy Mayor - three candidates
BROMFIELD, Judy
LATHEY, Barry Keith
SHOOBRIDGE, Wayne

Please note: following the issuing of the notice of election, all published comments on the council elections must now include the given name, surname and locality of the writer. Anonymous comments cannot be published during the election period.

September advertisement

BELOW is my latest councillor update, published in the Derwent Valley Gazette on September 14, 2011.

Council newsletter available

THE Derwent Valley Council has recently issued its first newsletter in some years. Click here to download a copy.

Nicholson nominates

FORMER Derwent Valley mayor Tony Nicholson has today advertised his candidacy for the positions of mayor and councillor in next month's local government elections. Mr Nicholson, of Lachlan, served several terms as a councillor and two years as mayor before losing his seat in 2009. Mr Nicholson's advertisement appears in this week's issue of the Derwent Valley Gazette, out today.

Please note: following the recent issuing of the notice of election, all published comments on the council elections must now include the given name, surname and locality of the writer. Anonymous comments cannot be published.

Have your say on the future

A GREAT opportunity exists for everyone to have their say on the future shape of local government in southern Tasmania. An independent panel was established by the Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority and funded by the Federal Government to review the structure, and develop options for improving the
performance, of local government. The panel has called for public submissions, commissioned surveys and spoken with mayors and general managers, political parties and peak organisations.

Last night I attended an elected members session at the Hobart Town Hall which worked through the panel's recently released options paper. This session was led by the three expert panellists - Jude Munro, Saul Eslake and Stephen Hains.

The major thrust of the options paper is "structural options" to improve local government. The four options are: Status quo (12 councils) with shared services; Single southern council; Greater Hobart council (with minimal changes to rural councils); and Reducing the 12 southern councils to five.

On first impressions, the fourth option stands out as one that could bring about improved efficiencies and reduced duplication. This view was in the minority at my table last night, with my fellow rural councillors seeming to prefer the Greater Hobart model (Option 3).

What's your opinion? Head over to the Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority website and check out the proposals for yourself. The expert panel is seeking feedback and comments via the same website and all these will be considered before the final report is written.

 Option 4: Reducing 12 councils to five.

Stark. Raving. Mad.

MORE than a decade into its failed experiment at Willow Court, the Derwent Valley Council last week decided to assume responsibility for another portfolio of surplus government buildings at New Norfolk. Without the benefit of a business plan or financial details, the council will take a two-year lease on the former Derwent Valley Business Enterprise Centre with an option to take ownership. As was the case with Willow Court, this has been done without consulting the community.

The council proposes to use the buildings for educational purposes. This is a worthy ambition and it could easily be achieved without taking on the enterprise centre buildings. The obvious solution is for the buildings to be vested in the Education Department. Unfortunately the majority of councillors opposed my proposal to have the council support the project without taking on more surplus government buildings.

One of the council's first bungles at Willow Court was its failure to appoint caretakers to ensure the security of the buildings. With this background, it is unfathomable that the council has had a hand in the eviction of the enterprise centre caretaker.

This is what I had to say when this matter was discussed at the August council meeting last Thursday night:

"Mr Mayor, it is indeed disappointing that a worthwhile project such as this has become mired in petty politics and personal attacks that have now extended to an individual being labelled as an illegal occupant.

"It does this council no credit to have been involved in a man's eviction from his home. In fact it has been that gentleman's ongoing presence at the enterprise centre that sees it in such sound condition. This is in complete contrast to the council's failure to protect Willow Court.

"I said last month that it is inconceivable that this council could consider taking on still more surplus government buildings. And I say it again. The notion is stark raving mad.

"Some councillors here continue to blame a previous mayor for the current problems at Willow Court and yet here we have a proposal to go down that road again. And, once again, there is no proposal to ask what the public might think about taking over more government buildings.

"And we are asked to make this decision without the benefit of a business plan, financial details or any kind of strategy to prevent the debacle of the Willow Court experience from being repeated at the enterprise centre.

"Mr Mayor, I am employed in an educational role and I support life-long learning. I support the use of the enterprise centre buildings for education and training and I support them being transferred to the Education Department for this purpose.

"Education is the responsibility of the State Government and this council has no need to become involved in the leasing or ownership of more buildings."

I then moved to following amendment, which was seconded by Councillor Barry Lathey.

1. That Council notes the proposal for RAFT, in collaboration with its partners, to continue to work toward providing an alternative education and training venue in the buildings known as the former Business Enterprise Centre.
2. That council supports the transfer of the former Business Enterprise Centre to the Education Department for use as an education and training facility.
3. That Council supports the development of the Business Enterprise Centre for a trade training centre.
4. That the Council urge the Crown to appoint an on-site caretaker for security purposes.

This was opposed by the mayor (Cr Evans), deputy mayor (Cr Farrell MLC), and Councillors Bromfield, Graham and Hill, which resulted in its failure.

Instead, those councillors voted in favour of general manager Stephen Mackey's recommendation that:
1. Council notes and approves the proposal for RAFT, in collaboration with its partners to continue to work toward providing an alternative education and training venue in the neutral space of the buildings known as the BEC.
2. That Council supports the leasing of the Business Enterprise Centre from the Crown on a peppercorn rental for two years with the option for the property to transfer to council for nil consideration for the use as an education and training facility.
3. That Council supports the development of the Business Enterprise Centre for a Trade Training Centre subject to Council receiving a grant for this purpose.

In speaking against that recommendation, I again reminded councillors that the report failed to provide a business plan, financial details or any kind of strategy to avoid a repeat of the Willow Court debacle. Cr Bromfield acknowledged there were no financials and said former education minister Lin Thorp had stated the Education Department could not afford to take on the enterprise centre buildings. I do not believe the council can afford to do so either.

Council budget 2011-12

DERWENT VALLEY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

DERWENT VALLEY COUNCIL STRIKES RATES FOR 2011-2012

Friday 24^th June 2011

 

Derwent Valley Council last night held its final budget meeting to set rates and finalise budget priorities for the coming financial year.  

“Council is pleased to say that it’s been able to keep rate increases to a modest 3.3% in line with CPI increases, this is one of the smallest increases in the state this year.

“We did this because as a Council we recognise that there are many households under cost of living pressures, increased power bills and the like.  However this will mean that there are some projects that we can not fund this financial year and there is little room for additional spending”, Mayor Martyn Evans said. 

Rate increases this year coincide with revaluations of properties in the Derwent Valley, through the State Government and the independent Valuer-General’s Department.  The majority of properties have had a significant increase in value this year. 

“The re-valuation of properties will have an impact on rate rises for some ratepayers.

There will be a redistribution of the rates as a result of the revaluation, and some ratepayers will pay more, while a lucky few will pay a little less. 

“However across the board there is no bonus in rates revenue for the Council”, said Mayor Evans.

Derwent Valley Council is one of the few councils in Tasmania to ask for submissions from residents for items to be included in the budget. 

“This year Council received 13 submissions, and we have been able to include 7 of those in this year’s budget, including:

• Provision of wheelchair accessability at Malbina Cemetary
• Some funding for the Bushy Park Hall
• Some funding for the Magra Fire Station and Hall.

“There were many worthy submissions, but unfortunately because of budget pressures we were not able to include all submissions in this year’s budget. 

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to make a submission, and now that the budget has been finalised Council will notify people of the outcome of their submission,” Martyn Evans said.

For the first time, Derwent Valley Council will impose a minimum general rate on all properties.  This falls in line with most other councils around the State and at $225 is much less than that of most councils.

“This minimum rate affects very few properties in the municipality, and is part of our ongoing process to ensure that all property owners contribute to the well being of the area,” Mayor Evans said.

People who would like details of specific parts of the budget should contact the Derwent Valley Council.

“Setting the budget and rates for the coming year is always a challenge, there are a lot of competing ideas and projects, and we have some vigorous discussions around what can be funded.

“I’d like to thank my fellow councillors for their input and time in this process, and council staff for the hard work and preparation they put into the background work,” Mayor Evans concluded.