It's your money

THE big crowd that turned up to this month's council meeting heard more than they were expecting during their short stay. All but two of the people in the packed public gallery were there specifically to hear about the new dog management policy - in particular where dogs will be allowed to exercise in future - and most left once that matter was dealt with.

But before we made it that far into the agenda, one of my councillor colleagues drew attention to an unusual transaction in the monthly financial report. This turned out to be a $100,000 interest-free loan from the council to a community group, advanced several months ago without a council decision and known only to a few.

This loan was startling both for having occurred in the first place, and also for the apparent lack of concern it caused many of your elected members. Those present also heard that a personal loan had been provided to an elected member from ratepayer funds. It's bad enough that we are a cash-strapped council unable to do everything expected of us, but loans provided without the endorsement of a council meeting are another thing altogether.

Community grants on offer

THE council is seeking applications for this year's community grants program. Not-for-profit sporting, cultural and community groups within the Derwent Valley municipal area are eligible to apply for assistance under this program.

The council will give preference to groups which have broad community benefit, seeking amounts in the range of $200 to $1000.

The closing date for applications is November 30, 2016. Application packages can be collected from the Derwent Valley Council offices, Circle St, New Norfolk, or downloaded.

Opening of swimming seaon

DERWENT VALLEY COUNCIL
MEDIA RELEASE

Opening of Swimming Pool Season

29 September 2016

The Derwent Valley Mayor Martyn Evans announced that Mr Tai Youd had been appointed to operate both the New Norfolk Swimming Pool and the Bushy Park War Memorial Swimming Pool.

This year the Council reviewed the operating conditions for the pool contracts and invited Expressions of Interest closing in early September, said Mayor Evans. Following an assessment of the submissions received the previous operator of the New Norfolk Swimming Pool had been awarded both contracts.

The season for the New Norfolk Swimming Pool will commence on 10 October 2016 and conclude in March 2017. It is anticipated to commence the Bushy Park War Memorial Swimming Pool operations in November 2016 and conclude in March 2017.

Mayor Evans also indicated that the Council that a facilities review is to be undertaken by the Council to consider the operational efficiencies and strategic direction for a number of Council owned facilities including these swimming pools.

Authorised for general media distribution by Greg Winton, General Manager, Derwent
Valley Council on 29 September 2016.

Council audit panel inaugurated

DERWENT VALLEY COUNCIL
MEDIA RELEASE
 
Audit Panel Inaugural Meeting Held

23 September 2016

Mayor Martyn Evans announced that the inaugural meeting of the Derwent Valley Council Audit Panel was held on Tuesday 20 September 2016. Membership of the committee comprises of:-

• Mr Robert Hogan, Chairman
• Mr Gary McCarthy
• Councillor James Graham
• Councillor Julie Triffett

In March 2016 the Council invited expressions of interest for membership of the panel. Following the review of the expressions of interest received, the Council appointed Councillor James Graham and Councillor Julie Triffett to the committee. In addition the Council also determined the following persons to be appointed as independent parties.

Mr Robert Hogan retired after over 14 years as Waverley Council’s Divisional Manager of Governance and Integrated Planning in New South Wales. Up until July 2013 he was a member, and chair, of Audit Committees for the Boorowa, Cowra, Harden and Young Councils in New South Wales. Mr Hogan is currently a member of a number of Tasmanian council Audit Panels.

Mr Gary McCarthy is a successful executive with operational, business development and commercial experience, most recently through a large Government Business Enterprise. Mr McCarthy has a strong analytical focus and 14 years experiences as a finance executive, across a wide range of businesses.

Authorised for general media distribution by Greg Winton, General Manager, Derwent Valley Council on 23 September 2016.

Pool management opportunity

Tip voucher value doubled

DERWENT VALLEY COUNCIL 
MEDIA RELEASE

Domestic Waste Disposal Coupons

21 July 2016


A new domestic waste disposal coupon system for the Derwent Valley municipal area commenced on Monday 18 July 2016, following the distribution of the coupons to the owners of rateable properties in conjunction with with their rate notices.

“The Peppermint Hill Waste facility has been operating since the 1950s," Mayor Martyn Evans said. "We are obliged to operate the facility in accordance with the Environmental Protection Notice, a licence issued by a State Government agency. We want to ensure it can be responsibly managed into the future also,” said Mayor Evans.

The previous system of a "free weekend" each month had meant some residents were unable to receive this benefit due to employment or other commitments. There were also concerns about being able to safely manage the volumes delivered over such a concentrated period, as well as traffic management issues due to the popularity of the offer.

The new arrangement - replacing 12 "free" weekends with 12 vouchers - means the Council can move forward with greater certainty in planning for both the extension of the life of the facility and preparing for the eventual closure and rehabilitation responsibilities.

General Manager Greg Winton confirmed that the coupons could also be redeemed at the National Park Waste Transfer Station. “Regrettably, we overlooked that matter in the printing the coupons; a lesson learnt” said Mr Winton.

Mayor Evans also advised that following feedback received during the first week of operation, steps had been taken to ensure the new system was more equitable, confirming each coupon would now equate to one cubic metre of waste. The gate price is $10 per cubic metre. 12 coupons have been issued for each property.

The mayor acknowledged that whilst some property owners might not use some or all of their vouchers this year, the Council had taken the necessary long term view in structuring the new system. “Perhaps those property owners who won't use all of their allotted coupons this year could offer them to a local charity or community group. Some might also choose to barter their value,” said Mayor Evans. "Council also strongly encourages rental property owners to ensure the vouchers they receive are passed on to the tenant."

“Waste is an expensive business these days. No longer can we as a society simply bury rubbish and walk away. We are planning for our future” said Mayor Evans.

"An evaluation of neighbouring council areas shows that waste disposal in the Derwent Valley remains the among most inexpensive in the region. It is also worth noting that even with a modest increase to $10 per cubic metre for the gate price, this is still about half of the actual cost to the council."

Authorised for general media distribution by Mayor Martyn Evans, Derwent Valley Council on 21 July 2016

Westerway-Maydena rubbish collection

A SPECIAL household rubbish collection will be carried out this Wednesday for those whose service was cancelled due to last week's flooding at Westerway. This service will cover the area from the Gordon River Rd turnoff at Westerway, though to National Park and Maydena. See the council website for more information.