THERE has been a lot of online discussion about the council's decision to approve the release of a documentary about a paranormal investigation at Willow Court. The video has been produced with council permission by a group called the Australian Paranormal Investigation Unit which is keen to share its work with the viewing public. The similarly passionate Willow Court Advocacy Group opposes the release.
Some months ago the advocacy group approached the State Archivist with its concerns and as a result a lot of footage was removed from the film by the producers. This particularly related to historical images of children in care who might still be alive today. It's my understanding that the State Archivist's deliberations included consultation with the Mental Health
Services division of the Department of Health and Human Services for its
professional opinion.
One day prior to last week's council meeting, the council was contacted by the Australian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner who asked that the documentary be provided to the State Anti-Discrimination Commissioner prior to release. The council's general manager sought legal advice on the commissioner's call and following this the council subsequently voted to approve the release of the film after it had been viewed by the council's solicitor. The implication is that should the solicitor find anything of concern in the film, he will advise accordingly. Social media commentary that the council acted without legal advice is wrong.
The following paragraphs are my speech notes from Thursday night's council meeting.
"Mr Mayor, I believe a large part of a councillor’s role is to represent the various views of our constituents. I fear that role is not performed often enough. It is ironic that in a state with such a vast number of federal, state and local government representatives, so many people feel their views are not heard.
"I would like to place on record that some in our community do not agree with the release of the documentary film produced by the Australian Paranormal Investigation Unit. They believe that the film derides, dehumanises and belittles the sufferings of those afflicted with mental disorders.
"They believe that the recordings made in the Alonnah and Carlton Wards are brief, indecipherable background noises which do not constitute sufficient material for a documentary. They do not approve the intent and language of the commentators in the film.
"Those are the views of some in our community and I am representing them tonight. But I am also aware that another cohort is eagerly awaiting the release of the film - and there are still others who will be possibly bemused by the search for paranormal evidence, but fascinated by the historical content in the film. I am one of those.
"The producers of the film have offered to donate 100% of the proceeds of the film to the fund for the restoration of Willow Court. I believe this shows the calibre of the people involved in this project and my personal view is that it is not their intent to belittle the mentally ill. In fact, several of the team have personal or family involvement in that field.
"Mr Mayor, I believe the next stage will be for the Australian Classification Board to determine the appropriate rating for this film, and it is not our role to act as the official censor."
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Council "reforms" proposed
THE Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government, Bryan Green MHA, today informed the media of his intention to introduce a Bill to State Parliament for "major local government reforms". I'm not aware of any information being provided to councillors at this stage.
I've tracked down a copy of Mr Green's media release on the premier's website and have posted it below. The proposals appear to include:
My own term on council reaches its end later this year, but I will be interested to know what will happen to councillors who will be only part-way though their terms when the proposed reforms are due to be implemented.
I'll look forward to seeing something more detailed than the minister's media release (below).
MEDIA RELEASE
Major Local Government Reforms
Sun 17 February 2013
Bryan Green
Minister for Local Government
The Deputy Premier, Bryan Green, today announced a package of major local government reforms that include new set terms for Mayors and full council elections.
Mr Green said Mayors and Deputy Mayors will face electors every four years together with all elected local government representatives.
"Rather than elections for half the council ever two years this will provide continuity for our leaders in local government and the communities they represent," Mr Green said.
"All-in, all-out council elections will enable councils to focus on delivering their policies over a fixed-term like all other levels of government.
"Rather than being in constant election mode, these changes will help ensure councils are even more accountable and responsive to their communities, while also letting them get on with the job that voters have elected them to do.
"Communities can then make decisions on whether their elected representatives have performed well over that period.
"These reforms are about ensuring our democracy is strong and works well by engaging and involving local communities.
Mr Green also announced the introduction of opt-in compulsory voting for councils and an end to dual representation.
"We want to encourage greater community participation in the election of councils which provide many services directly to their local communities.
Mr Green said preventing dual representation would ensure that elected representatives can focus all of their efforts on the interests of their local communities.
"This will relieve elected representatives of conflicting demands on their time."
Mr Green said public consultation on the reforms would begin immediately before legislation is introduced in April to allow the changes to be in place for local government elections later this year.
I've tracked down a copy of Mr Green's media release on the premier's website and have posted it below. The proposals appear to include:
- Four-year terms for mayors and deputy mayors
- All-in, all-out council elections every four years
- Opt-in compulsory voting
- Ending "dual representation" (councillors also serving in parliament)
My own term on council reaches its end later this year, but I will be interested to know what will happen to councillors who will be only part-way though their terms when the proposed reforms are due to be implemented.
I'll look forward to seeing something more detailed than the minister's media release (below).
MEDIA RELEASE
Major Local Government Reforms
Sun 17 February 2013
Bryan Green
Minister for Local Government
The Deputy Premier, Bryan Green, today announced a package of major local government reforms that include new set terms for Mayors and full council elections.
Mr Green said Mayors and Deputy Mayors will face electors every four years together with all elected local government representatives.
"Rather than elections for half the council ever two years this will provide continuity for our leaders in local government and the communities they represent," Mr Green said.
"All-in, all-out council elections will enable councils to focus on delivering their policies over a fixed-term like all other levels of government.
"Rather than being in constant election mode, these changes will help ensure councils are even more accountable and responsive to their communities, while also letting them get on with the job that voters have elected them to do.
"Communities can then make decisions on whether their elected representatives have performed well over that period.
"These reforms are about ensuring our democracy is strong and works well by engaging and involving local communities.
Mr Green also announced the introduction of opt-in compulsory voting for councils and an end to dual representation.
"We want to encourage greater community participation in the election of councils which provide many services directly to their local communities.
Mr Green said preventing dual representation would ensure that elected representatives can focus all of their efforts on the interests of their local communities.
"This will relieve elected representatives of conflicting demands on their time."
Mr Green said public consultation on the reforms would begin immediately before legislation is introduced in April to allow the changes to be in place for local government elections later this year.
Monday, January 21, 2013
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.
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. |
Sunday, January 13, 2013
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
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.
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.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
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.
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