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.