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.