Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Council media release: general manager

(I do not endorse the sentiments expressed by the mayor in this media release.)

19 February 2018

Derwent Valley Council has re-appointed General Manager Greg Winton for a second three year contracted period, following the consideration of the Council at its January meeting. Announcing the re-appointment of Mr Winton, Derwent Valley Mayor Martyn Evans said the municipality had benefited from the experience and professional expertise which Mr Winton had brought to the role.

“The General Manager’s role is a challenging one, balancing the progression of Council decisions, with the expectations of community members with a strong connection to their local area and the leadership skills to help guide the community through the evolution of our business and social landscape.” Councillor Evans said.

“It’s Council’s view that Mr Winton is the best person to lead the Derwent Valley Council organisation as it continues to strive for best practice and continuous improvement in its daily service provision for our community. “Council’s large capital works program rollout for this year needs a steady hand and keen oversight of the process. Mr Winton’s deep understanding of budget and logistical matters have been evident in the way he tackles large projects of this type.

“As we strengthen our partnerships with tourism providers, the high-end food industry, agricultural enterprises and our traditional industries, I’m confident that Mr Winton will represent the organisation with passion, drive and imagination, backed with strong formal management skills” Councillor Evans said.

Mayor Evans indicated a remuneration package of $211,000, inclusive of vehicle and professional development expenses would be payable to the General Manager.

ENDS
Contact:
Karen Gower Bradley
Communications Officer
M: 0477317777
E:kgower-bradley@dvc.tas.gov.au
W: http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/

Council media release: Willow Court

Derwent Valley historic jewel ready for polishing


16 February 2018

Derwent Valley Council is seeking expressions of interest from entrepreneurs with a positive vision for developing the Council-owned sections of the historic Willow Court precinct, including Frascati House. The expression of interest process established by Council will identify potential investors with a creative vision for the site.

Willow Court forms the historically-significant centre of the Royal Derwent Hospital, the site of Australia’s longest continually-operated mental health facility. Derwent Valley Council took ownership of the precinct in the early 2000s. The original barracks building on the site pre-dates the architecture of Port Arthur.

An eclectic mix of building styles and configurations at the site lends itself to many appropriate uses.
Council has sold some of the peripheral built assets of the site, while retaining control of many of the significant heritage buildings.

Mayor of the Derwent Valley, Martyn Evans, said the Council is open to imaginative concepts which recognise the historic jewel at the centre of the precinct. “We’ll be open to considering sensitive expressions of interest for the site, which relate to the social heritage of Willow Court” Mayor Evans said. “Council will be looking for concepts which offer opportunities for new business initiatives to stimulate local economic activity.”
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Concept plans, master plans or similar for the site will also be considered as part of the expression of interest application process. Derwent Valley Council has established the expression of interest process, to be conducted in conjunction with a Tasmanian-based real estate sales and marketing provider, as a proactive and sensitive step to preserve, protect and promote Willow Court.

For more information on the expression of interest process, interested developers are invited to contact LJ Hooker Commercial in Hobart on 03 6238 4800.

Media queries contact:
Karen Gower Bradley
Communications Officer
M: 0477317777
E:kgower-bradley@dvc.tas.gov.au
W: http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/dvcouncil

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Meeting at Westerway tonight

THE Westerway Community Hall will be the venue for the monthly council meeting tonight (Thursday, February 15).

The evening will start with a community forum at 6.30 and this is your opportunity to come along and ask any questions of concern, or have a chat with your councillors. The formal council meeting will follow at 7pm.

Please join us - and if you would like any assistance or information about the meeting or community forum, please do get in touch. The meeting agenda is available online and in hardcopy from the council chambers.

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Listen in to the January meeting

YOU'RE in luck if you enjoyed the audio recording of the December 2017 Derwent Valley Council meeting. January 2018's recording has now been published on the council website and can can be accessed here.

Community grants open

THE council has opened its community grants program for the 2017/18 financial year. Not-for-profit sporting, cultural and community groups within the Derwent Valley municipal area are invited to apply for assistance in cash and kind under this program.

The council generally gives preference to groups in the municipality which have broad community benefit, with grants mostly falling in the range of $200 to $1000. A second round of grants may be offered if the budget of $12,000 is not fully allocated in the initial round.

Applications close on February 16. Click here for the application form and guidelines.