Supermarket site plans

THERE is considerable interest in two supermarket proposals that have been lodged with the council this month. A third-party developer this morning told ABC local radio that be believed these projects were worth about $15 million each.

It's my understanding that the development proposed for the former Willow Court Oval consists of one large supermarket at the eastern end of the site, while the project proposed for a large tract of land bordered by Hobart Rd, Glebe Rd and Ring Rd on the former Royal Derwent Hospital site includes a supermarket, petrol station, fast food restaurant and specialty shops.

The public comment period on the Oval project closes this Wednesday (January 23) and there is a little longer for comments on the Sadri development. I encourage anyone interested in these proposals to visit the council chambers to inspect the plans.

For those who are unable to attend the council chambers in person, I am including the basic site plans for each project (below). I look forward to the day when all such documents are published online as some other councils are able to do.

The Oval Development (click for larger image)

The Sadri Proposal. Hobart Rd is on the right. Click to enlarge.

Get amongst it

THE council recently set its meeting schedule for 2013 and councillors have already attended several workshops in advance of the first monthly meeting of the year this Thursday at 6.30pm. The meeting will be held in the New Norfolk Courthouse and the agenda is available at the council office in Circle St, New Norfolk, and can be downloaded from the council website here.

The next scheduled workshop will be held at the Courthouse, Circle St, New Norfolk on Thursday, February 7, at 6.30pm. I regret that the format for council workshops limits public participation to the first 30 minutes only. The remainder of the workshop is closed to the public.

The council meeting roster for 2013 follows. Please get in touch if you would like any information or assistance regarding public participation at workshops and council meetings.

Council meeting roster
17 January 2013 - New Norfolk 6.30pm
21 February 2013 - New Norfolk 6.30pm
21 March 2013 - Maydena 7pm (community forum at 6.30pm)
18 April 2013 - New Norfolk 6.30pm
16 May 2013 - New Norfolk 6.30pm
20 June 2013 - Lachlan 7pm (community forum at 6.30pm)
18 July 2013 - New Norfolk 6.30pm
15 August 2013 - New Norfolk 6.30pm
19 September 2013 - New Norfolk 6.30pm
17 October 2013 - Molesworth 7pm (community forum at 6.30pm)
21 November 2013 - New Norfolk 6.30pm
19 December 2013 New Norfolk 6.30pm

November questions

THESE are the questions without notice I asked at the November council meeting, and the answers received.

Mr Mayor, I read in the Mercury last week that this council was supporting a local student selected to travel to Los Angeles. In what way is the student (Miss Elyse Barnes) being supported?
The mayor said he was not aware.

Mr Mayor, with my agenda papers I received a letter requesting that the council consider supporting young opera singer Bryony Dwyer with the cost of her fundraising concert supporting her internship with the Vienna State Opera. Why was this not on the agenda for discussion at tonight's meeting?
The mayor said the council had donated $100 and he would be supporting the cause by attending the concert.

Mr Mayor, what answer have you received regarding the maintenance of the historic watch house at Granton?
The mayor said no answer had been received.

Mr Mayor, what update do you have on your search for tunnels beneath Willow Court?
The mayor said a little bit of work had been done and he was endeavouring to prove Cr Bester wrong.

Latest council newsletter

THE latest issue of the Derwent Valley Council newsletter (Spring 2012) was produced in December and is available for downloading from the council website here.

Support for bushfire appeal

THE Derwent Valley Council will accept cash donations for the Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal being conducted by the Tasmanian division of the Australian Red Cross. Cash donations can be made at the Derwent Valley Council office at Circle St New Norfolk and all contributions will be sent directly to Red Cross.

The council is not able to accept donations of goods, clothing, perishables etc. Anyone wishing to contribute items like these should contact the Red Cross directly or place non perishable items in one of their Red Cross collection bins.

People wishing to make a donation to the Red Cross by phone can call 1800 811 700.