Waste Management Charge

DERWENT VALLEY COUNCIL

Waste Management Charge - frequently asked questions 

What is the Waste Management Charge? 
The Waste Management Charge is a charge that has been introduced by the Council which applies to all rateable land under Section 93 and Section 94 of the Local Government Act 1993. The Waste Management Charge of $51.50 is in addition to charge for the wheelie bin service. 

Why has the Waste Management Charge been introduced?
The Council has considered it necessary to introduce a waste utility charge which goes some way to covering the costs involved in the disposal of waste. Previously some waste expenses were not readily identifiable, but due to the increasing cost burden it was deemed appropriate to highlight the fact. 

As a ratepayer, do I receive anything for this charge?
Yes, every rateable property will receive twelve (12) Tip Vouchers attached to their annual rates notice. To redeem a Tip Voucher it must be presented to the tollbooth operator on entry to the site. The Vouchers are valid until the 31^st of July 2017.

If I don’t use the tip, why do I have to contribute towards it? 
Given that most residents may need the use of waste facilities at some time, it is considered equitable that the charge apply to all properties. Some vacant land owners and urban residents may not utilise this service, but without the contribution of every ratepayer waste services would not be able to be maintained and this would impact on the whole of the municipality. 

How many Tip Vouchers will I need when I go to the tip? 
This will depend on what you are taking to the tip. 12 vouchers entitles you to dispose of six (6) cubic metres of domestic waste. 

Will there still be free weekends? 
No, free weekends will cease on Sunday 7th of August 2016. Congestion and site management issues were recognised by the Council.

I am a tenant, can I have vouchers too? 
Vouchers are provided to the property owner (who pays the rates). Tenants wishing to enquire about Tip Vouchers should contact the managing agent or landlord.

I am a tenant and the real estate/owner of property won't give me the vouchers they received. Providing Tip Vouchers to tenants is at the discretion of property owner/agent and not something that the Council can assist with. This will need to be discussed with them. 

I am concerned with the increases this year that I will not be able to pay my rates. 
If you have concerns about paying your rates on or before the due date, you may wish to apply for a payment arrangement with the Council. Payment Arrangement application forms are available from the Council Customer Service Desk or Council’s website.

Meeting early this month

THIS month's council meeting will be held a week early due to the absence of several councillors at the Local Government Association conference next week.

The meeting will be held at the New Norfolk Courthouse in Circle St this Thursday night, starting at 6.30pm and you are very welcome to join us.

If you would like any assistance or information about the meeting, please do get in touch. The meeting agenda is available online and in hardcopy from the council chambers.

Dog registration Q&A

DERWENT VALLEY COUNCIL

Dog Registration 2016/17 - frequently asked questions

Why have the prices changed?

The Council reviews all fees and charges associated with Council services annually. The fees for annual dog registration is part of this review. The Council takes into consideration a number of factors including; the ongoing cost to manage animal control, the number of dogs within the municipality, animal complaints as well as improvements to service delivery. The change in pricing structure and registration classifications this year has been the result of a number of these factors. 

Why do pensioners get a 50% discount on a domestic dog only?

Council's Dog Management Policy recognises the importance of providing a financial reduction to pensioners keeping companion animals. Therefore the reduction was set by the Council when it adopted its fees and charges for 2016/2017.

Why are all pensioners not charged the same amount?

Pensioners, like most owners decide whether to sterilise their dog or not. The difference between what pensioners are charged is based on whether the dog is sterilised. This is intended to provide fairness for pensioners.

Why do pensioners receive a 50% discount on 1 domestic dog per household only?

Council's policy regarding discounts to pensioners has always been applicable to one (1) dog. This year Council has further clarified this due to requests from the public regarding previous confusion.

Why has the responsible ownership incentive been removed?

Council has revised its Dog Management policy. The removal of the financial incentive for ‘responsible dog owners’ is part of this review and the Councils recognition that all dog owners should be responsible.  A financial reduction is provided to those dogs that are registered prior to the July 31.

Why has the registration price for Purebred dogs and Greyhounds increased?

The pricing for all classifications of dogs has changed as part of the Councils review of the fees and charges for 2016/17.  

Why does the Council need the information it’s requested?

Council is currently updating its system. The information that you provide will help to reunite dogs with owners if they stray from your property. Information including the owner’s details, dog breed, microchip number and proof of sterilisation are requirements under the Dog Control Act 2000. The information that you provide to the Council is managed in accordance with Personal Information Protection Act 2004.

It’s important to update your details with the Council regularly. It is also a requirement under the Dog Control Act 2000 that the Council is notified of your dog’s death, loss, removal or transfer to another municipal area with 14 days.

Council budget for 2016-17

DERWENT VALLEY COUNCIL
MEDIA RELEASE

2016/2017 Annual Plan and Budget Estimates
1 July 2016

At the Council meeting held on 30 June 2016, the Derwent Valley Council considered the adoption of the 2016-2017 Annual Plan and Budget Estimates.

Mayor Martyn Evans said “The Council Budget provides for a general rate increase of 1.89%. The Council has also considered it necessary to introduce a waste utility charge which goes some way to covering the costs involved in the disposal of waste. Previously some waste expenses were not readily identifiable, but due to the increasing cost burden, it was deemed appropriate to highlight the fact. With the charge of $51.50 for each property, the Council will also be reintroducing a coupon system, providing 12 coupons.”

The Council has also committed to continued improvement in areas such as asset management, risk and human resource practices, which supports the Council’s strategic aims by being innovative and sustainable.

Major expenditure items listed in the Budget included:-

• Implementation of a stormwater management plan
• Refuse disposal area environmental protection measures
• New Norfolk swimming pool heating conservation measures
• Additional maintenance funding for Council owned buildings
• Funds for supervisory and community engagement roles
• Allocation of monies for preparatory roadworks design.

General Manager Greg Winton said Rates Notices would likely be sent out early July, with instalment dates for payments as follows:-

• 1st Instalment On or before the 30th day after the issue of the rates notice or the 12th
  August 2016 (whichever is the later).
• 2nd Instalment 28th October 2016
• 3rd Instalment 27th January 2017
• 4th Instalment 31st March 2017

“Council is very mindful of the current economic climate and the capacity to pay. Should a ratepayer be unable to meet a payment date, consideration will be given to special arrangements provided the application is received prior to the due date” said Mr Winton.

Meet us at Molesworth

THE Molesworth Community Hall will be the venue for the monthly council meeting this Thursday, June 16. It's a big night with a lengthy agenda including the council budget for the next year.

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.

Dark MoFo update for businesses

Information regarding street activities to coincide with Dark MoFo in Willow Court

What's happening in New Norfolk to complement Dark MoFo 2016? 

Red Street Lights:  From Wednesday, June 8, until Tuesday, June 13, streetlights in High St, Pioneer Ave, Ferry St and surrounds will turn red as part of the Paint The Town Red campaign. This may cause a slight decrease in lighting levels but will not impact the safety of road users or the general public.

Parking Restrictions:  On Thursday, June 9, to ensure the safety of the public and to enable activities associated with the opening of Dark MoFo in New Norfolk, there will be no parking allowed in High St (from Charles St to Burnett St) or Burnett St (from High St to The Avenue) between 5-11pm. Attendees will be encouraged to use Laskey’s car park from 6pm to walk from High St and Burnett St to the Garden Party at the Ladies' Cottage/Old J Ward. As these parking restrictions fall outside regular trading hours for most businesses there will be minimal impact on regular trade.

Fire Pots:  Council has approved the installation of several fire pots in selected places through the town centre on the evening of Thursday, June 9. These pots will be staffed at all times to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the town.

New Norfolk activities during Dark MoFo:  Visiting entertainers and pop-up eateries will complement local businesses. Businesses are encouraged to open for longer hours, co-ordinating with the Dark MoFo schedule. Shops may like to place mirrors in their window displays to follow the Dark MoFo theme.

This is a great opportunity for businesses to have some fun and show off New Norfolk and enjoy the additional visitation that is expected during the Dark MoFo events at Willow Court.

Estimated peak business hours are:

• Thursday, June 9, 6–10pm
• Friday, June 10, 4-10pm
• Saturday, June 11, 1–7pm
• Sunday, June 12, 1–7pm
• Monday, June 13 (public holiday), 9am–4pm
• Saturday, June 18, noon–5pm
• Sunday, June 19, noon–5pm

Please contact Jess on 6261 8517 or email jdallas@dvc.tas.gov.au for more information.

What's happening with Dark Mofo?

Click image to enlarge.

THE Derwent Valley Council has collaborated with Mona and Dark Mofo in partnership with Detached for the Asylum installation and Entry by Mirror Only performance by Mike Parr at Willow Court as part of this year's Dark Mofo Festival next month.

New Norfolk will come alive with local and international supporters of the arts. New Norfolk businesses are invited to participate with later opening hours to cater for the expected increase in the number of visitors over this period.

When?
Thursday June 9–Monday June 13
Saturday June 18
Sunday June 19

Entry by Mirror Only by Mike Parr will be open to the public for 72 hours straight, starting at noon on June 9. The venue for Entry by Mirror only will be the former Alonnah House/A Ward, in which Mike Parr will be drawing for the duration, or as much as possible. The site will be open to visitors 24 hours a day during this time. The cost of admission to the site during the performance is a mirror, of any kind, to be left behind.

Mike Parr’s Asylum is a one-off installation at Willow Court, in which the Australian performance artist will create works in response to the site of an historic mental institution dating from 1827. Asylum will occupy different buildings including the Barracks (original convict hospital), Carlton House/C Ward (former male maximum security), Alonnah House/A Ward (former female maximum security), and the Occupational Therapy building, with video, sound, photos, objects and an interactive piece.

The exhibition and performance contain disturbing content and themes, and may not be suitable for children. Curated by Jarrod Rawlins, the project is presented by Mona and Dark Mofo in partnership with Detached and the Derwent Valley Council.

• Entry by Mirror Only: From noon Thursday June 9 for 72 hours. Entry price is a mirror, which you will leave behind.
• Asylum: Entry is free, register online. Open Thursday June 9 to Sunday June 12, 24 hours (by appointment after dark; register online). Monday June 13, 12-4pm, and Saturday 18-Sunday 19, 12-4pm.

Can I participate and how?
Yes, from Wednesday, June 8, to Sunday, June 19, everyone can join us in Painting The Town Red by theming your home or shop red. Face all the mirrors in your house out to the street - share mirrors for all to see – let the town reflect through you.

Local business owners can take advantage of visitors coming through the town.  Feel free to stay open later, create specials or do whatever you’d like to make your business intriguing. Let us know what you’re doing and we can ask to add you to the website of participants. Take a look at the Paint The Town Red flyer (above) and see what prizes you could win by participating.

Who do I talk to about participating?
You can use the contacts on the flyer, or for Council questions contact Jess on jdallas@dvc.tas.gov.au or ring 6261 8517 during business hours.

What can’t I do?
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to share the best of New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley.