19 May 2016 |
Community apprehension regarding cloud seeding was discussed by West Coast Council at its monthly meeting Tuesday (17 May 2016). Several Councillors raised concern that Hydro Tasmania were yet to fully engage with West Coast residents regarding cloud seeding operations in the region.
General Manager Dirk Dowling advised that Council were working with Hydro Tasmania on the matter, “Council’s Economic Development, Tourism & Events Coordinator has been liaising with Hydro regarding a framework for community consultation, with details currently being finalised.”
Provision of transport services to and from the West Coast was also discussed, following a question from the public gallery, queries from the Deputy Mayor regarding the reduced Hobart-Queenstown route and correspondence from Braddon MP Joan Rylah.
“Council and the community are concerned that Strahan has been left out of the recent bus trial,” Mayor Phil Vickers said after the meeting. “As a result of discussions, Council has resolved to request Strahan not only be placed on the route for the bus service but that it becomes the start and end point. Council will also be reiterating the lack of any consultation with Council on the original bus service trial proposal.”
Council will also investigate if, and where, green cards for discounted bus fares are available for purchase on the West Coast.
Consideration was also given to the renaming of Stitt Park in Rosebery, following the recent passing of volunteer Mr Jack Becker who assisted maintaining the area. Following discussions regarding the most appropriate way to pay tribute to the contribution of Mr Becker, Council resolved to consult with Mr Becker’s family, MMG as the land holder and relevant stakeholders regarding provision of a suitable memorial.
The May meeting of Council was also the first fully-digital meeting, following Councillors being provided with iPads to view meeting documents. The move comes as Council continues to review operations and seek cost savings and improved productivity across all departments. In utilising the iPads a reduction in over 7000 pages of printing was achieved in relation to the monthly meeting alone.
Other matters discussed by Council at its monthly meeting included:
- In-principle support for installation of a BBQ area at the Queenstown Swimming Pool, dependent upon the success of funding application from the Queenstown Amateur Swimming Club
- Approval granted to Tas Renewable Energy Pty Ltd for an extension to a water raceline to further intercept flows from watercourses directly into Tyndall Creek
- Construction of a tailings dam and associated works at Renison Bell mine approved