Come October

I have decided to stand for Council again.

The past 2 years have had it's ups and downs. I know it has changed me in some ways. I have a thicker skin and are a bit tougher than I was before. I am more comfortable with the reality of not being able to please everybody.

My wife Helen has been a great support. I am lucky to have her. The children would prefer me not to stand again. I could be home reading stories more often.

I feel pretty settled as a Councillor now. I love the mental challenge. I am so lucky to have had this chance.

Men's Shed in Sheffield

There are times as a councillor that I am really chuffed. I feel like I am actually achieving something. Council agreed to fund $10,000 towards the building of a Mens Shed in Sheffield. I helped to persuade them to do so. It all happened in a rush just before a Council meeting. I was really pleased when the Councillors voted to support the group. I am stoked.

On Saturday we had the official turning of the sod by The Hon. Dick Adams. Cement Australia is going to provide the (you guessed it) cement. The shed will be located on the Redwater Creek site down on Spring Street. Mrs Bannon from Railton generously donated blacksmithing gear. I can see the project taking shape.

Get behind the Mens Shed!

Water and Sewerage

Henry St is being cut up at the moment. A new water main is going in. Sheffield has poor sewerage infrastructure. It is very costly year in and year out. The new water and sewerage body will have plenty of work to do in our area.

As you may have heard water and sewerage will not be our direct responsibility from July 1. Cradle Mountain Water will be taking control of our drinking water and sewerage systems. Kentish Council will be one of the few Councils who will benefit from this. For us the Sheffield Sewerage System is a liability. The Railton plant is better. Councils will receive a dividend from the new water corporation however this dividend will be a few years in coming. Councils are also expected to fund a concession rebate for residents for their water and sewerage. This will cost us about $60,000. That is equivalent to a 2% increase in rates.

So what it means is that your rate notice amount will be lower however you will get a separate water and sewerage bill if applicable. You can expect a 30% increase in this bill over 3 years. Water fees in Tasmania are the cheapest in the nation. They need to increase to cover the cost of fixing crumbling infrastructure (such as the pipes in Henry Street).

Bits and pieces

Underground power lines in Sheffield Main St

Hydro are dragging their feet on this one. We wanted it done directly after Mural Fest. No luck. It looks like July now.

Streetscapes
Kentish Council has 2 streetscapes underway at the moment. One in Railton and one in Sheffield. Council lacks the funds to be able to work on both concurrently. My view is that we run one year in Sheffield and then one in Railton. Both will take longer to complete but neither town needs to wait numerous years before anything happens. Sheffield shopowners want to see the next 2 stages in Sheffield complete before work commences at Railton. Council will need to decide. I can't see how one town is not going to be disappointed some time soon. My preference is to start work on the eastern side of Foster St in Railton and get the footpath and guttering done. Railton needs a real boost in the main st. The economic development of Railton needs to be a Council priority.

Elections
They are set for October. Four Council seats are up for grabs. Please only apply if you have plenty of time to spare. Council needs people who can work with others, will speak up and be active. If you want to get on council to be someone then I suggest you rethink.

Optus
Council votes tomorrow night on whether to allow the installation of a telecommunication tower on Tarleton St in Sheffield. If it goes through Council the project will bring Optus mobile services to the area. Telstra will have mobile phone competition. I will support the establishment of this tower.

Economic Development Officer
Council will have an Economic Development Officer for the first time. This is a very important position. I have been nagging for one for 12 months. Tourism has served the area well but we need to think broader. Economic Development is larger than just tourism. We need to have a settlement strategy. We have some vacant land in town that should be filled up. What new industries may be suited to the area? Less dependence on Federal and State grants should be a goal of Council.

State Government
The State Government is in deep financial trouble. I have asked our Financial Manager what exposure this may bring on Council. Waiting on an answer for this one. I think it is reasonable to assume that many grants will dry up. We will be on our own. Hence our need to see increased investment in the area.

Comments please.