Nominations are now open for the West Coast Australia Day Awards, to be presented by the West Coast Council as part of Australia Day 2018 celebrations.

The awards are a fitting way to recognise the outstanding contributions our residents and organisations make to our community.  Nomination forms are available from Council’s website and office, with nominations due by 24 November.

The recent sneak peak of warmer weather has shown us that we need to be thinking now about preparing for our summer.  There are some great resources available from TasFire with tips about how to reduce fire hazards and prepare for bushfires.  Whilst we always hope bushfires don’t threaten us, we are surrounded by wilderness and must do what we can to reduce risk to our communities. 

The roll-out of the West Coast Aquatic Facilities Strategy is progressing, with consultants and Council staff finalising staff appointments.  The Rosebery and Queenstown Swimming Pools will open 1 December through to 28 February and will be open according to a temperature-based policy, a copy which is available from Council.  This means if the weather forecast is for 18 degrees or warmer, pools will be open for both casual recreational swimming and programs.  Should the forecast be below 18, programs already scheduled will still occur, but no casual swimming.  As previously announced, the Zeehan Pool will reopen next summer, with the majority of work required to be completed at Zeehan needing to be done during warmer weather.   

Council has its monthly meeting tonight from 5pm in Queenstown.  As always, members of the public are able to come along to observe, with the opportunity to ask questions during public question time.  The meeting agenda is available from our website, Council office and agencies.

Phil Vickers

MAYOR