Recycling

Yesterday I went to see Veolia's recycling shed at Spreyton.  They only bundle up paper and cardboard there at present but over the next six months it will have a machine there to sort all recyclables from kerbside collection and transfer stations.  This machine sorts cans, plastics, paper and cardboard by a variety of different methods including weight, density and magnetism.  Veolia find profitable markets for recyclables.

Spreyton manager Peter George showed me around and gave me an idea where everything will go.  They employ 29 people now and this will increase to about 35 with the new machine.

The great thing is  that recyclables will end up being useful rather than just being landfill.

With most of the the north-west Councils getting together to put their recyclables through here, it makes an economy of scale. 

Strategic Planning

All Councils in Tasmania are required to have a current five year strategic plan.

In writing these plans Councils go to the community as much as possible to  get the ideas, comments, and feelings of everyone who will offer their input.  

Kentish is making plans for the next five years.  This is your chance to have a say in issues that affect you and everyone in Kentish.

What do you want from Council?

How can Council do things better?

We need you to tell us.  Now!

Go to www.kentish.tas.gov.au click on strategic planning and go for it.

Water and Sewerage

OK now you could not expect to have a council based blog or diary and NOT have a section on water and sewerage.    This is it.

Readers may be aware that all Councils in Tasmania have been required by the State Government to join their water and sewerage assets into three regional water bodies, with one further body acting as the Common Services Corporation.

I went to a meeting in Ulverstone last week where some people within the formative new bodies believe this will be the very best model of water and sewerage provision in the WORLD.

This is very comforting as we are having a few problems on our own and we could do with a big brother to help us out.  Basically we need a few million dollars to purchase some land next to the Sheffield treatment plant to spread the effluent around on.  

According to Jim Martin of the North East water body,  no town of less than 3000 can economically provide water and sewerage services.  Well he is correct in the case of Sheffield.

We as a council may have to borrow the money required to fix our effluent disposal or risk facing big fines from the Environment department.  But borrowing this sort of money does not sit easily on my conscience, even if the new water body will take over the load in July 2009.

Dinner with DCCI and Saul Eslake

My good lady Carol and I were invited to a function run by the Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry last week where Saul Eslake, noted economist was guest speaker.

It was a great opportunity to network with some of the business people in the area, find out how their businesses are going, and catch up on some old acquaintances.

Saul Eslake spoke mainly about Art and its relationship to Business.

He had no advice on how to invest or look after your superannuation that he shared with us.

He believed that the present recession could be overcome by spending, especially by Governments, but it could just as easily all be lost as the markets are so fickle, and so much depends on little things like the optimism of traders.

He also believes that Peak Oil is not so much of a concern as Global Warming, which will change the way business works in the world, and will change our lives in ways we have not considered yet.  He believes that technology will find ways to keep us in our present lifestyles despite climate change and huge increases in the cost of fuel.

Christmas in Kentish

Christmas is once more upon us.  Council has a small fund to cover Christmas events run in Railton, Sheffield and Wilmot.  Unfortunately I could not make it to any of the events in Railton as I had other commitments, but last year RADDAi did very well in organising a Christmas BBQ, Light Up Railton and the DonChorale singers.

Sheffield had its traditional Christmas Parade followed by a free BBQ in King George Park. This was organised by the Lions Club - I am a member - with photos of kids with Santa and raffles and lots of other activities.

Wilmot Tourism and Progress Association had a fair, which was held inside owing to rain.  The jumping castle was IN THE HALL!! There was much noise and excitement, and I was asked to judge a decorated bike competition which was great fun.  

I think these Christmas activities are great as they bring so many people together to chat and catch up.  

This BLOG is an attempt to give people from Kentish Municipality an idea of some of the issues currently facing Council and to let the wider community know some of the events I have attended as Mayor.

While it is an informal format, it is exciting to explore new opportunities and new technology, and what it can mean for local Government.

Of course it will not replace the normal means of communicating with Council or Councillors, and we are mostly still available in the street or on the phone.

At this stage there are only a few details on here, but this will be added to over coming months.