May 2018 – President Peter Clee

Purpose of Report

To Inform Council and community of activities and to provide the community at large with information that is important and noteworthy.

What’s been happening……

The survey relating to proposed changes of the Sealink NT Mandorah Ferry timetable has now closed. Results have been advertised. There was support for the Mon – Fri times to be extended to the weekend. This will mean we will have a 7-day timetable instead of a 5 x 2 timetable. It should ease the confusion created. There is likely to be an additional run at midnight prior to public holidays which will assist those party goers out celebrating.

A few months ago, I fronted up to the Amateur Fishermen’s Association who were giving the minister a priority list of infrastructure improvements. I lobbied hard for a CCTV system to be installed permanently at the Mandorah Jetty and Car Park, not dissimilar to that at Elizabeth River boat ramp. Unfortunately, our project was not successful. It is important for council to keep lobbying the NTG and to keep trying.

The Mandorah Jetty is going to have some major work done over the next few months. A tender is to be issued to do major work on the Cathodic system as well as re-wiring the Lights on the Jetty. This will mean major scaffolding work will encroach the walkways of the jetty.

There are currently 4 lights out on the jetty due to electrical wiring failure. These have not worked for a number of months now and represent a safety issue for commuters at night. I have requested that the department install temporary lighting until the re-wiring is completed in conjunction with other jetty works.

We have been advised by the Dept of Local Government that our policy on Councillor Sitting fees is not in accordance with the regulations. Accordingly, the CEO has updated the policy to provide a flat yearly allowance, which is in accordance with the regulations. The detail will be decided by a future council meeting. All other shires have a full-time mayor or president. I spend about 2 days a week on council matters, that time is needed to promote this community and to meet the obligations under the Local Government Act. As a small council with a small rate base and moderate income we cannot afford to pay anyone on a full-time basis, but in so doing we miss out on good local government representation, so a happy medium need to be found, otherwise this community will continue to lag behind.

MUFF and Territory day fall on the same weekend this year. I understand the MUFF organising Committee has a full schedule of activities on the Saturday which wind down on the Sunday morning. The Territory day fireworks display will be at Cloppenberg park on the Sunday night

Where have I been ….

16th May                Weekly Meeting with CEO 16th May                ABC Grass Roots Interview 16th May                LGANT Executive Meeting – Darwin 29th  May               Cox Peninsula Tourism / Economic Development Group meeting at Berry Springs 29th May                Weekly Meeting with CEO 30th may                 AICD Local Government Training 31st May                 AICD Local Government Training 8th June                  WSC Audit Committee meeting – Wagait Beach 8th June                  Weekly Meeting with CEO 12th June                LGANT Executive Meeting – Darwin 13th June                Weekly meeting with CEO 19th June                Weekly meeting with CEO 20th June                WSC Recovery Committee meting 25th June                Ordinary Council Meeting