QVMAG Nominations

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We wanted to give you the links to where the selection criteria can be found but we could not find it online even if the advertisement says it is there. We also went to the museum's website just in case it was there but no luck. Maybe you need to email asking for the links. Here are two addresses that may help:

The General Manager: Robert.Dobrzynski@launceston.tas.gov.au
The Museum: enquiries@qvmag.tas.gov.au

The QVMAG spends over $3million of ratepayers money and this is an opportunity for ratepayers with an interest in the museum to get involved and make sure that the museum delivers as much as it should for the rates we all pay. Do not find yourself saying I should have put my hand up after the opportunity has passed.

ANOTHER CLOCK LETTER IN THE EXAMINER

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Well,well,well, how about that, someone who once lived in Launceston and who comes home from time to time, really likes the town clocks' chimes and bells. Will these voices be drowned out by those of a few blowins? Can we trust the council on this one?

Alderman Norton wants to start the resource recovery ball rolling

Today TRA received an email from Ald. Norton announcing his position on resource recovery in the Tamar region. Ald. Norton said "I have been consulting with community members for over a year, and have some ideas that might be appropriate given the agenda item 16.1 scheduled for Monday's council meeting" .... click here to go to his website and position statement.

Ald Norton says, "the time has now arrived to be proactive and to begin to work towards realising some of the ideas people have been discussing over the year ... If we are to ever get a really sustainable, relevant and appropriate "resource recovery system" anywhere we need to start to work on the issue locally. It is important that we start to think about our so-called "waste" as a resource and to stop thinking about waste as rubbish."

TRA welcomes this news and can only be hoped that Ald. Norton will get some traction within Council. Anyone who has been to public meeting over the past year can be excused for thinking that Launceston's Aldermen and officers might not be as enthusiastic about this issue as Ald. Norton.

Ald.Norton is also advocating that Launceston City Council "embrace the Zero Waste idea" As he says the "downside of this is almost impossible to imagine." TRA recommends that anyone with an interest in this matter visit his website ... http://aldermaniannorton.blogspot.com


EDITOR'S NOTE: Ald. Norton is to be congratulated for choosing to use social networking to engage with his constituency.

Concern at Council Motion regarding Town Clock

Dear Editor,
Here is a line of communication with Launceston City Council concerning the actual consequence of the LCC Motion concerning the Town Clock chimes which have been somewhat confused with the striking of the hours between 11pm and 6am.

The response chooses to focus on whether the motion is legitimate in compliance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 (Tas) and regulations pursuant to that act, not whether it has relevance, given that the chimes are already turned off during the period cited in the motion.

The response also ignores the potential influence of the British High Court decision (reference previously provided to Aldermen prior to their resolution of the motion).

The lack of regard to answering that question, is curious, let alone disappointing under the circumstances where ratepayer funds could potentially be at risk should a court action be proceeded with.

I fully understand the safety of Council proceeding to appear to recognize that a motion of no consequence would be regarded by any Court as being a nullity in the event that any party sought to rely upon it in a court action. It would seem a somewhat irresponsible activity of a Public Body such as Launceston City Council, if this nullity were to cause another party to take action, believing that the motion had substance, and that party sought to have the matter dealt with, but was ultimately caused to accept a damage or loss, because nothing actually can happen as a result of this nullity.


Please publish this report seeking input and comment from ratepayers.
Regards,
Lionel Morrell
President
Tasmanian Ratepayers Association Inc.

From: Lynda Jackson [LCC]
Sent: Thursday, 21 July 2011 4:04 PM
To: Lionel Morrell
Subject: RE: Concern at Council Motion regarding Town Clock URGENT

Dear Mr Morrell,

I note your email below.

I advise I have raised this matter with the General Manager. The General Manager has indicated that the relevant motion meets the form of a motion as required under the Local Government Act 1993 (Tas) and the regulations made under that Act. As such, in terms of form and content, the motion is legitimate.

Please note the role of the Corporate Secretary is to support the function of the General Manager and the administration of Council. As such, if you wish to seek further advice regarding the legitimacy of the motion, you may wish to seek your own legal advice. Alternatively you may wish to refer your query to an external review body, such as the Ombudsman or the Director of Local Government (Department of Premier and Cabinet).

Regards,
Lynda-Jane Jackson (BA-LLB) I Legal Officer I Launceston City Council

THE SPECTRE OF AMALGAMATION & COMPULSORY VOTING

FROM THE EXAMINER
No compulsory voting: councils
BY ALISON ANDREWS CHIEF REPORTER 21 Jul, 2011 08:50 AM

TASMANIAN councils have given a resounding no to compulsory voting in local government elections. A similar motion was presented to the Local Government Association of Tasmania's last annual meeting and was only narrowly defeated by two votes.

But association chief executive Allan Garcia said that the motion, put by the West Tamar Council to the annual meeting yesterday, was soundly defeated with 18 councils voting against compulsory voting.

Twenty-seven of the state's 29 councils were represented at the annual meeting held in conjunction with the association's 100th anniversary annual conference in Hobart yesterday ... click here to read the complete story online

EDITORS NOTE: LGAT is not representative of Tasmanian ratepayers and government needs to take into account that this decision reflects the aspiration of Councillors/Alderman and Council Officers without them finding any need to consult their constituencies. The minister needs to inform himself more broadly than simply listening to LGAT. Let us see!

FROM THE ADVOCATE
Devonport council talks mergers
19 Jul, 2011 11:02 AM

Council will host a workshop to look at reducing not only the number of elected members on the council, but the number of councils on the North-West Coast.

At last night’s Devonport council meeting alderman Steve Martin sought support to take the matter to the Minister for Local Government Bryan Green, so he could direct the Local Government Board to conduct a review into the number of aldermen on the Devonport City Council.

Last month Ald Martin was unsuccessful in moving that the number of aldermen be reduced as a cost-saving measure.

‘‘Since 1981 there has been no review of aldermen numbers. Since that time the city has grown, aldermen’s roles have grown, but so have improvements in communications and technologies,’’ Ald Martin said.

‘‘We no longer handle water and sewerage, there’s been staff reductions and a restructure, rate increases. I think councillors have not applied that same rigor to themselves.’’

Alderman Grant Goodwin said the issue skirted around the bigger issue of cost savings and a reduction in the number of councils in Tasmania. ‘‘There’s 29. If you travel west to Ulverstone, east to Shearwater and south to Sheffield, you travel through four municipalities,’’ he said.

‘‘The issue is bigger than the number of councillors on the Devonport City Council.’’ Ald Goodwin put forward a workshop to discuss amalgamation and the number of aldermen.

The motion was carried without the support of aldermen Martin or Justine Keay. The motion proposed to seek the support of Latrobe, Kentish and Central Coast councils in a joint bid to urge the State Government to fund the commissioning and development of a business model using independent business consultants in consultation with all four councils.

The goal would be to establish a single authority to manage the administration and operation of the participating councils, and to demonstrate both the feasibility and economic benefits that may flow to the community.

It was resolved to conduct a workshop on the issue, though Ald Leon Perry and Ald Annette Rockliff voted against that.

Alderman Graham Kent likened the ‘‘A’’ word amalgamation) with the ‘‘F’’ word and said it had
that effect in many localities, but if the council did not act they could be forced into amalgamation in a model that was probably not the best for the local community.

‘‘I think we need to talk to our neighbouring councils and the State Government can look into a study which can go out into the marketplace so people can see if there are benefits to the community,’’ he said.

Ald Goodwin agreed, saying it was a good independent path to look at what could be done to reduce the cost in council.

Ald Goodwin challenged The Advocate to gauge opinion among its readers about amalgamation and let the people make the decision.

‘‘The Advocate could help us out doing a poll for the municipalities and what the people say in relation to this motion.’’

EDITORS NOTE: The Advocate needs to be congratulated on how it reports on these matters. Also Devonport Council needs to be congratulated for taking on the hard issues and keeping ratepayer's issues front of mind.

DISCUSSION PAPER: Launceston's Town Clock

Click on the image to go to the paper

Elephant in the room, council amalgamations

As The Advocate approached councillor Hawkins to write this blog the usual 250-300 word limit has been waived ... "Let’s say it… the big A word… AMALGAMATION! Is resource sharing the alternative or is amalgamation inevitable? It’s a hot topic amongst communities, polarising and can create identity-crises. It can also make
councillors nervous about their seat! ... [not to mention GMs and other senior functionaries]

I recently agreed to a motion at my council stating that I don’t support compulsory amalgamations. I did this because I don’t support them for the sake of doing them and the data has not yet landed on my desk. I am yet to see a ‘council alone’ versus ‘council and neighbour’ scenario (except for the recent Break O’Day and Glamorgan-Spring Bay voluntary amalgamation process that did not proceed). Simply forcing councils to do it might not always provide the best economic outcomes (let alone social, cultural and environmental ones). The proof is yet to be provided but I am ready to be sold on the concept. I will say that the decision should not be based on economics alone.

I will put on record that ... click here to read the full story online at The Advocate

NEWS OF LAUNCESTON'S HERITAGE DILEMMA HITS UK PRESS

The UK's TELE-READERS must be as bemused as they may well be amused. If this issue wasn't being taken so seriously by Ivan Dean it would be enormously funny.

Silencing Launceston's PO Clock has its parallel in London with Big Ben. Tasmanians complaining about the NOISE Big Ben makes in London while on holidays there would almost certainly be told to "get a life" – or something of the sort but far less polite.

Anyway, Big Ben rings out 24/7 without tourists complaint, or none that will be heard. Indeed many (most?) quite probably come to hear it ring out and possibly many select hotels where that can be done.

There is such a lack of balance in the way the 'SILENCERS' are presenting their case it is embarrassing. Ivan Dean has found yet another polarising issue to go with his personal set of attention seeking, opportunistic, bandwagon issues.

The city's other aldermen need to be careful about being tarred with his brush and thus becoming the butt of 'Launceston Clock Jokes' way beyond Tasmania. One or two are already skating on very thin ice. Is this really a Council election issue? Are there not many more important issues in need of attention?

Council amalgamations back on agenda

BY LIBBY BINGHAM 15 Jul, 2011 12:00 AM

FRESH from a tough budget and setting rates, Burnie Mayor Alvwyn Boyd and Devonport Mayor Lynn Laycock say it was time to talk council amalgamations again.

"If we did have three councils across the region there would have to be fair representation from each area to ensure all the potholes get fixed," Ald Boyd said.

However, his view is the $1.5 million currently paid in allowances to mayors, deputy mayors and councillors across nine North-West councils is a reason to talk about mergers in itself.

Ald Laycock said she had "always been in favour of amalgamations".

Her deputy, Grant Goodwin, said if you drive from Devonport to Ulverstone to Sheffield to Shearwater and back to Devonport it's only a two-hour trip across four council areas.

"It's very clear if those four councils were one body you do away with a few general managers with a combined salary of somewhere around $600,000," he said.

Ald Goodwin favours a greater Mersey council as a first step encompassing Devonport, Latrobe and Kentish with the latter two already sharing their general manager.

Ald Goodwin felt it was demographically logical to include Ulverstone as well.

"The simple fact is we have seen how smaller councils in Tasmania do not have the rate base to maintain the services they need - and in all fairness we have finished up with water and sewerage reform because the smaller councils didn't have that ratepayer base to pay for treatment plants and infrastructure," he said.

Ald Goodwin said Burnie, Waratah-Wynyard and Circular Head could also merge into one council.

"West Coast and King Island may still stand alone ... you've got 29 councils in Tasmania and in the Cradle Coast region you could bring it down from nine to four."

Going back to the ward system would ensure the smaller councils received fair representation on a bigger council, Ald Goodwin said.

He said increasing resource sharing would not deliver the same savings to be gained from amalgamations.

HAVE YOUR SAY:

• Send your letters to the editor, The Advocate, PO Box 63, Burnie, Tasmania 7320 or email letters@theadvocate.com.au
• Leave a COMMENT below
  

The Clock's Bells Vs Street Noise

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When you open a can of worms it should not be all that surprising if they start to wriggle all over the place. Precedence elsewhere come into focus and the veracity of claims get to be challenged. Likewise, the accuracy and appropriateness of statements come under scrutiny.

Interestingly, LCC mucked up the motion regarding the Town Clock or was it Ald. Dean who did that?

It has to be noted that the "chimes" are already turned off between 11pm and 6 am. The motion was probably meant to investigate the turning off, or subdueing of, the STRIKING between those hours.

So the motion is of no consequence because that is already status quo.

THE NOTICE OF MOTION READ
1. That the Launceston City Council review the position regarding the chiming of the Town Clock during the night hours with a view to a cessation of the chiming and or a subduing of the chimes.

2. That for the purposes of the review the time frame for cessation or subduing of the chimes be between the hours of 11.00 pm and 6.00 am.

3. That as part of the review process the community be provided with an opportunity for input.

4. That a report on the findings be brought to a Strategic Planning and Policy Committee Meeting at the first available opportunity and prior to the end of this calendar year.

It seems that Ald. Dean has the Post Office Clock in mind as a Council election issue! If so what is it supposed to deflect attention away from? It is anybody's guess! In any event it is worthwhile looking at the quality of the research that informed the motion.

Wikipedia tells us, and anybody who goes there to start their research, that "Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, and is generally extended to refer to the clock or the clock tower as well. This extension is technically incorrect, but its usage is now entirely commonplace.

It is the largest four-faced chiming clock and the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in May 2009, during which celebratory events took place. The clock was finished being built on 10 April 1858. The clock tower has become one of the most prominent symbols of both London and England, often in the establishing shot of films set in the city" ... AND "The most basic sort of striking clock simply sounds a bell once every hour. This sort of striking clock is called a passing strike clock. It is far simpler to create such a clock; all that must be done is to attach a cam to a shaft that rotates once an hour; the cam raises and then lets fall a hammer that strikes the bell. Originating before the mechanical clock itself, in water clocks, such clocks were the earliest striking clocks; they rang once for each canonical hour, and were used as reminders to summon monks or nuns to their prayers. This sort of striking is still found in some skeleton clocks. It does not require a separate gear train to arm and release the single stroke sounded." Click here for more on Big Ben

Big Ben has set some legal precedents to do with silencing of the clock that can be applied in Launceston. Very interestingly, Ald. Shipp referred to Big Ben when he responded to Ald. Dean's motion. It seems he was on the money.

THE MERCUY: Push to shrink council

CHARLES WATERHOUSE | July 13, 2011 12.01am

A GLENORCHY alderman wants his council to follow Kingborough Council's lead in seeking to cut its number of elected members from 12 to 10.

Alderman Matt Stevenson hopes Glenorchy City Council will support a motion from him requesting the Local Government Board to review the number of aldermen on the council with the council's preferred number a cut from 12 to 10.

Ald Stevenson said cost savings should not be the main reason to do such a review but the catalyst was the state's water and sewerage reforms, which had effectively reduced the role and responsibilities of the council.

Water and sewerage, formerly under the control of councils statewide, is now managed by three water corporations set up by the State Government.

He said the cost of supporting Glenorchy aldermen in 2009-10 was $389,992 and the cost of a single alderman was $23,489.

Cost savings could be directed to reduce rates. "I think we are spending a bit too much on aldermanic payments when we could probably represent Glenorchy with fewer aldermen for the same outcome," Ald Stevenson said.

In percentage terms Glenorchy City Council's rate rise for the new financial year (7.5 per cent) was the highest in greater Hobart, along with Hobart City Council, which imposed a similar rise.

Ald Stevenson said his preference was to cut two aldermen at the Tasmanian local government elections in October but any change would have to be determined by the Local Government Board.

His motion will be discussed at a meeting later this month.

CONTACT CHARLES WATERHOUSE ... waterhousec@news.net.au

EDITOR"S NOTE: If Aldermen who hold more than position that draws on the public purse were excluded, that would be somewhere to start in some Councils.

Have your say in the comments section below

PIGS MIGHT FLY: Affordable Housing Approved in Tasmania

Affordable Housing – Living Cooperatively – Nubeena, Tasmania
July 13th, 2011

Lynne Seddon from the Tasman Village project has contacted us about their ‘affordable’ community village project at Nubeena on Tassie’s south-east coast.

The Mercury reports that plans for a 65 lot community village on nine hectares at Nubeena have been approved by the Tasman Council and that this new village will surround the existing Parsons Bay Retreat.

A Village For a Range Of People And Activities
Developer Ilan Arnon says the Tasman Village project will offer affordable housing for retirees, young families and sea-changers and he expects the development to appeal to a wide range of people, including those looking for a holiday property.

The land is strata titled so people will be able to sell whenever they wish.

The blocks are small but every participant shares the open space, parklands, recreation and food-production spaces.

Ilan’s development in Nubeena is being created on 24 acres of disused golf course surrounding a 19 unit holiday complex. The Parsons Bay Retreat, built in the 1970s, will be rejuvenated and used as a base that will include tennis courts, a swimming pool, a licensed cafe, therapy rooms and areas for arts and events.

This Tasman Village development had been his life-long dream, inspired by years spent in a kibbutz in Israel as a teenager.

What Ilan Says About His Project
People of all ages from interstate and overseas are being attracted to the development which is still in its still in its early stages.

“I believe this is an idea whose time has come..

A kibbutz is a collective community in a rural environment where people choose to work cooperatively with shared resources aiming to be self sufficient. In these very uncertain times we need to look at becoming more self sufficient and not be dependent on complicated infrastructure ... Click here to read the full story on "PIGS WILL FLY"

EDITORS NOTE: Now this is a bit of a pace setter for other Tasmanian Local Government even if they no longer able to claim to be leading the pace. That aside, this concept is worth championing as a 21st Century idea.

LAUNCESTON'S GREAT CLOCK DEBATE

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The Mayor's stance on this issue is both interesting and reassuring. He has actually done some evidence gathering that turns out to be quite compelling.

In contrast Ald. Dean seems to be presenting circumstantial evidence and he, as an ex-policeman, should (might?) have looked a little harder for evidence with more substance and credibility before he sparked this debate.

We can only draw our own conclusions about all of this and other issues in respect to the quality of Ald. Dean's evidence when it is presented.

Importantly, keep on looking for the credibility gaps, they may well present themselves.

POST OFFICE CLOCK: Full Letter to The Editor

Dear Editor,

I see that Ivan Dean is lobbying again on behalf of the city's hoteliers to have the Post Office clock stopped, using the excuse that it hurts tourism in the city.

Last week I read a letter in these pages from Ivan in which he claimed he was only calling for a report to be written about the clock. But the Examiner article today makes his position clear. On ABC TV last night I even heard Ivan speaking on behalf of the Quest calling for the clock bell to be buried in the Tamar silt.

My wife and I live two doors down from the clock. We love it. It's part of Launceston's rich tapestry of cultural and historic heritage. It's part of what makes this city unique and special. Even though we're the clock's - and the City Council's - nearest residential neighbours, we don't think that Ivan or his report writers will ask us what we think about the clock. They certainly haven't done so yet. So I'd like to offer a few constructive suggestions.

Number One: Launceston does have a noise problem at night, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, caused by the hoteliers who pump out a thumping raucous cacophony that passes for music, until at least 2am and at decibel levels well beyond Council's own regulations. From 2am to 4am the city is then beset by drunken, noisy yahoos staggering home from the hotels - effing and blinding at the top of their voices every inch of the way. Want a cause to fight, Ivan? Fix that!

Number Two: the clock had been striking the hour for a hundred years before the Quest opened its doors. Even the slightest investigation would have told the developer that. If the clock is too loud now, fix the problem yourself, Quest! While I read today in the Examiner that the Quest has belatedly double-glazed some windows , it clearly needs to do a proper job. The Quest shouldn't expect the city to become dull, bland and ordinary just to suit them.

Number Three: bring some facts to the table for Council to consider. Put sound recording and measuring equipment in any room of the Quest's choosing on any Friday or Saturday night between midnight and 2am and record the noise. Play the recording and present the data at a Council meeting. If the Aldermen can hear the clock above the hoteliers' raucous din, I'll run naked down Brisbane Street!

Number Four: Ivan Dean, you are the Chairman of Launceston City Council's Heritage Committee. Rather than it being just another of your well-paid sinecures, how about speaking out for the city's heritage? Even better, help the city (and its hoteliers) by using your influence to get the Council to do something - anything - to promote Launceston to mainland tourists. Better still, use what precious little influence you have within State parliament to get Tourism Tasmania to promote the state to the mainland tourist market. But even if you can't do that, spare us all and hush up about the clock.

Trevor Jones
--
1842 Fine Handcrafted Furniture and Art, 121 Cimitiere Street, Launceston, Tasmania 7250

EDITORS NOTE: Simply because we are not limited by space, and the fact that we are committed to publishing without fear or favour, we publish letter such as this one unedited for the record. We think that is worthwhile.

THE CLOCK DIVERSIONARY TACTIC

As a political tactician Ald Dean is about as streetwise as a fox. You know the animal, the one Ald Dean does not believe has taken up residence anywhere in Tasmania. Now he has a new diversionary tactic in his box of political tricks. His current target is Launceston's 'heritage' Post Office Clock.

Looking at today's press this attention grabber seems to bepaying him the kind of dividend he is looking for even if the whole affair appears to be a tad silly.

Yesterday's Council meeting was interesting in couple of ways. As unlikely as it may be Ald. Dean chairs the Council's Heritage Committee. It is hard to imagine how he can reconcile that role with his stance on the PO clock but that's the way it is in Dean's World.

Interestingly, at yesterday's meeting the Aldermen endorsed a plan to put up signage at the city's entry points welcoming visitors to Launceston the "heritage city." For some reason Ald. Dean, nor it seems other Aldermen either, just did not see the irony in Ald. Dean's championing the the silencing of the PO clock and his position on the Heritage Committee.

However, where Ald. Dean's 'clock stance' gets more interesting is yesterday's Council meeting's main item of business, the setting of the city's 2011-2012 budget and rates. Ald. Dean's past assertions that the 'Brighton Rates Model' is flawed, inappropriate, in contravention of the Local Govt. Act, wrong in some way, are now being tested.

It seems he has never been an advocate of such a test and you would have to wonder why not when the Brighton Model, from all accounts, delivers fairness and equity to ratepayers. So, if the city's PO clock provided a diversion from Ald Dean's flagging credibility in regard to the city's budget you have think it has chimed in like a charm and just in time.

It is also interesting to note that as a part of the city's budget something in the order of $6 million was allocated to extending the city's landfill capacity at its 'Waste Centre.' The irony in the timing of this also seems to have been lost in wake of the Federal Govt's Carbon Tax cum ETS announcement on Sunday. One suspects that there is more to be said on that subject that may eclipse the PO clock chimes as a topic worthy of aldermanic attention. Then again maybe not!

A PLEA TO KEEP THE CHIMES RINGING

Dear Mayor Van Zetton and All Aldermen of LCC,

The sound of the clock has been the source of many recent phone calls to the Launceston Historical Society since it has attracted media attention and now LCC business.

The LHS would like to register our support for the sound and indeed the historical essence of Launceston to remain in tact and continue.

Members, associates, and indeed travellers at the recent AHA national conference, all commented what a delight it is to hear such a unique sound continue in such a historic regional centre.

The Launceston Post Office is one of the jewels in the crown of Launceston's heritage and indeed it was a sad day when the main Post Office closed after such a long and historical use. For the clock to be silenced or the chimes to be excluded during the night would be to the detriment of a long tradition and indeed landmark sound of Launceston.

Yours Sincerely

Dr Marita Bardenhagen,

President, Launceston Historical Society Inc.,
P O Box 1296,
Launceston TAS 7250.

LAUNCESTON POST OFFICE CLOCK: To silence it or not

HERITAGE PROTECTION SOCIETY (TASMANIA) INC.
P.O. Box 513 Launceston Tasmania 7250
9 July 2011

TO: The Mayor,
Alderman Albert van Zettan
Launceston City Council
Town Hall
St John Street
LAUNCESTON TAS 7250

Dear Mr Mayor,

We write once more regarding the Launceston Centenary Clock in the Launceston Post Office Tower.

We note for the third time, the reference in Council's Agenda by Alderman Ivan Dean for an enquiry into calls for the striking of the time to be ceased during the night. As a community-based organisation established to recognise
and protect our cultural heritage, we very strongly argue for the continuation of the present arrangements.

We are confident that Launceston citizens do not want the clock silenced at night, and accordingly ask that at its meeting Council not waste resources progressing this matter.

Town clocks with chimes are a common feature in most historic, but also in modern, cities, towns and communities across the world. These clocks are abmajor heritage attraction, and source of great pride in their communities, as it is here in Launceston, Australia's third oldest city.

In middle eastern countries, for instance, the ringing out and calling out from prayer centres is another commonly accepted practice. It would be unheard of for such practices to be silenced.

We find it disappointing that Ald. Dean, being also Chairman of LCC's Heritage Advisory Committee, has not sought an opinion on the night-time silencing of the clock, from that committee prior to again bringing the issue before Council. This may have been because from our enquiry of committee membership, we believe that such support would not be forthcoming.

In relation to an associated issue, on 4th August 2010 we drew Council's attention to the words of the prayer that relate to the musical chimes in Launceston. These words are recorded in a framed document within the Post Office Tower, at the level of the mechanism. We suggested that the words be Launceston Centenary Clock placed in a suitable display case at the public level of the Post Office, along with other information of an historical nature concerning the clock.

We offered to assist with this task, and also said we would be prepared to raise some funds towards the cost. We are disappointed that there has not been any progress to advance this concept.

We look forward to gaining Council's support.

Yours faithfully,

Lionel J. Morrell
President

PLEASE CLICK ON AN IMAGE TO ENLARGE

A UK PRECEDENT: Anger as single complaint silences Burntisland clock A ding-dong has developed after a historic town clock was silenced following a single complaint about noise.

Some 300 Burntisland residents have signed a petition to have the chimes of the High Street clock reinstated after they were switched off following the objection.

The clock, part of the Burgh Chambers and thought to have been keeping time in the town for over a century, was silenced by Fife Council after the complaint stated the noise was keeping a resident awake ... Click here to read this story online

ANOTHER UK PRECEDENT: People call for return of chimes
Calls by a rector to restore the traditional chimes of a historic church clock have been given a huge vote of support by local people.

The Rector of Wallingford, the Rev John Morley, has attacked Wallingford Town Council for continuing to silence the recently restored town clock.

A voteline set up by the Oxford Mail's sister paper, The Wallingford Herald, set up to find out the views of our readers, revealed 90 per cent thought the clock's traditional chimes should be reinstated.

The result makes a mockery of claims by town councillors that the bells would be an unwelcome nuisance, and Mr Morley urged members to back down and let the bells be heard ... Click here to read this story online

SEE COMMENTS
THE LINK

The Sustainability Idea: Another way to think about going to the toilet

This man, Swedish architect and designer Anders Nyquist, might talk a lot about 'pee and poo' but what he has to say is far from being a load of crap.

His TEDxTalk is something of a revelation even if for those who have been thinking about new ways to doing things 'sustainably' for yonks actually now his story quite well.

Albeit that what he has to say is likely to be summarily dismissed by many Tasmanian Local Govt. functionaries it is just the kind of thing they should be listening to.

More than that, if they want to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem, we need them to be across what this man has to say. Some are, but all too few.

CLICK HERE to meet Anders Nyquist online

CLICK HERE to listen to his TEDxTalk online

CLICK HERE to link up with Tasmanian Sustainable Communities online

THE RATE DEBATE IN LAUNCESTON WARMS UP

Even if Launceston's Aldermen comply with Council management's world view this year, and yet again, the 'RATE DEBATE" is not likely too go away in an election year. There are quite a few long standing Aldermen who are up for election this year if they stand again.

Ald Dean for instance is now saying he has "never asserted that the Brighton Model was in contravention of the law" but many ratepayers have different memories. Also, Mr Dobrzynski has canvassed the idea that the so called Brighton Model is in contravention of the law – or words to that effect, and in public if not on the record. Clearly, many ratepayers have defective memories, or short memories, but do they?

If ratepayers think that a flat rate – one that's fair and equitable, one that covers the costs of all services including those some Aldermen and the GM say are regional services unfunded regionally – should have been implemented a long time ago, well are they misguided? If a flat rate had been implemented it is more than likely that there would have been the incentive to mitigate against waste because that kind of mechanism would quite likely expose all kinds of wasteful activities and expenditure, or is that flawed thinking? If so please show us, the ratepayers, compelling evidence for everything staying the same.

Petar Hill

Letter to the Attorney General

Tasmanian Ratepayers’ Association Inc.
P.O. Box 2039,
NEWNHAM TAS 7248

7 July 2011,

Hon. Brian Wightman MP
Attorney General Tasmania
Parliament House
HOBART TAS 7000

email to Brian.Wightman@dpac.tas.gov.au

Dear Mr. Wightman,

Re: Brighton Council Rating Resolution.

Our Association takes an active interest in Local Government rating methods, and in the past has made submissions to the Tasmanian Government in relation to the matter.

We note that on 21st June 2011, Brighton Council passed a resolution levying rates and charges for Brighton Municipality as set down in the attached document.

We understand from information received from Brighton Council that Brighton Council devises what it terms “Brighton fairer rating model”. They say they have widely consulted their community and undertaken an extensive survey which shows overwhelming support for their rating method within their community. Apparently, George Town Council and Glamorgan Spring Bay Council have also now adopted a similar flat rating model for residential properties and other councils are now progressing towards a flatter structure. They believe their model to be a fairer and more transparent method as well as totally eliminating the rating volatility that occurs with property based residential rating following revaluation.

This is the 5th year that Brighton has adopted the fairer rating model. They believe they are on sound legal footing and are encouraged by supporting legal advice, but accept that there is varying legal opinion to rating methodology across Tasmania (not just theirs) due to the complexity of the Local Government Act.

None-the-less, Brighton Council is clearly being allowed to strike rates in their municipality on this basis, with complete knowledge and disclosure to government.

We are therefore seeking to learn from you whether this is the case and whether the rating method utilised by Brighton Council complies with their lawful duties pursuant to the Local Government Act (1973).

We are inclined towards the fairer method successfully levied by Brighton Council and want to encourage other Municipalities to follow suit. Likewise, we are encouraged by comments from the government during a recent debate on rating legislation in the upper house where we understand the government now supports the outcome of Brighton rating policies for the Tasmanian community.

We look forward to receiving your response in a timely manner.


Yours faithfully,

Lionel J. Morrell
President
Tasmanian Ratepayers Association Inc.

A Letter to Tasmanian Ratepayers from Brighton Council

Dear Lionel,

Subject: RE: Important request concerning Brighton Rating Method

I hope you accept my response instead of Ron Sanderson due the urgency of your requested reply. Ron is caught up in meetings and unavailable for comment in the short term.

Brighton Council is encouraged by your support of the “Brighton fairer rating model”. We have widely consulted our community and undertaken an extensive survey which shows overwhelming support for our rating method within our community. George Town Council and Glamorgan Spring bay have also now adopted a similar flat rating model for residential properties and other councils are now progressing towards a flatter structure. We believe our model to be a fairer and more transparent method as well as totally eliminating the rating volatility that occurs with property based residential rating following revaluation. However, only the residents of Launceston know what is best for them and we would support whatever method they wish to adopt.

This is our 5th year that Brighton has adopted the fairer rating model. We believe we are on sound legal footing and are encouraged by supporting legal advice. I am sorry that we are not able to distribute specific legal advice due to confidentiality issues. We accept that there is varying legal opinion to rating methodology across Tasmania (not just ours) due to the complexity of the Local Government Act. Perhaps Launceston City Council should seek alternate legal advice.

Brighton Council is also encouraged by comments from the government during a recent debate on rating legislation in the upper house where the government now supports the outcome of Brighton rating policies for their community and wants to make sure it is placed on a firm legislative foundation. This has been promised before the end of the calendar year. It is fortuitous for Launceston City Council to have two aldermen in the legislative council.

If Alderman have any doubt as to the legislative certainty of the “Brighton Fairer Rating Model” then they are in a position to introduce or support change that will provide that legal certainty.

Regards

GREGORY DAVOREN BCom
DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER
1 Tivoli Road, Gagebrook TAS 7030
www.brighton.tas.gov.au

A COMPARISON BETWEEN LAUNCESTON & BRIGHTON?

Comment Posted by Brighton Council ... click here to see it

Brighton Council has kept rates at CPI for 15 years in a row. Brighton Council provides a flat rate for all residential properties although the rate is discounted to 3 suburbs that are predominately Housing dept areas. The maximum any residential property pays for its general rate is $780.00 ... The total rate paid in each commercial sector is also linked to CPI.

On 4/07/11 5:23 PM, "Ivan Dean" wrote:

To: Launceston Ratepayer who drew Launceston Aldermen's attention to Brighton Council's comment

Brighton is a very small council with nowhere near the infrastructure we have and from memory they have no regional facilities and there are many other differences.

If you are going to compare councils you need to do so on an apples with apples basis and not water melons and grapes basis. There is also some evidence to show that what Brighton has done is not in compliance with the local govt Act.

Ivan Dean

The Launceston Ratepayer's reply to Ald. Dean,

Dear Ald. Dean,

Thank you for your eMail. Might I point out that I’ve not made a comparison between Launceston and Brighton. However it seems that you are doing so. I am simply a subscriber to the Tasmanian Ratepayer’s website and I found it somewhat interesting that the “Brighton Council” posted the comment on the site. Just who at Brighton Council I have no idea but it is of interest, some interest to me, that this council should make the comment that it did and that it was moved to do so for whatever reason.

In the light of all that I thought that it was worth drawing this to Aldermen’s attention. Make of it what you will but as time progresses I suspect Brighton’s stance may well gain some perspective. I am sure that in the end justice will prevail if the council is in contravention of the Act.

Regards,
Ratepayer R ( Name withheld for privacy reasons)

THE EDITOR SAYS: In its own way this thread of correspondence tells a tale.

THE RATES DEBATE – Launceston City Council

PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY ONLINE

There is likely to be a debate about what is an equitable or reasonable rate to pay to provide the services a city's citizens depend upon. There is quite a bit of subjectivity in the idea equability but it is something every ratepayer is looking for.

Mayor van Zetten says in the Examiner today that "the rating system deemed to be the most equitable will be implemented for the 2012-13 financial year." Is he saying that the present system, and the proposed rates for 2011-12 are inequitable? You would be forgiven for thinking so.

The Examiner reports that the Aldermen have been told that Ald. Ball's ambition to implement changes to rates for the 2011-12 budget "was impossible," presumably by GM Dobrzynski. By what criteria? It may take some time and effort but an inequitable rating system should not be tolerated by Aldermen, the ratepayers' representatives.

Mr. Dobrzynski, in a communication to the TRA, has said that the "comparisons with Boorandara City Council [and LCC] reflect a fundamental misunderstanding on the way the rating system works." If you were to be paying rates in both jurisdictions there would certainly be a lack of understanding in regard to the differences between your two rate bills. It is open to conjecture as whether or not it would be a "fundamental misunderstanding of the rating system" or not.

It seems that Launceston City Council deems that rate equity is a matter of discretion rather than anything to do with the quality of being fair and impartial: equity of treatment. Its seems that it has been deemed that Launceston's ratepayers can wait for it, however long that may take.

Petar Hill

RATE ACCOUNTABILITY

Launceston's GM, Robert Dobrzynski, entertains the idea that he has an opinion that counts when it comes to policy determination. He espouses rates being a "wealth tax" and a "progressive" one at that.

He is allowed an opinion but it shouldn't count for all that much because his role is to do the enacting of policies determined by the Aldermen. And when there is a legal impediment bound up in his opinion it should count for nothing. He is by his own words, he is "accountable to the Aldermen" and this carries the unspoken subtext "not the ratepayers." He is unelected servant of the city.

However he is never backward in coming forward when he believes that Aldermen stray into "operational matters". Typically he'll lecture them loud and long if they stray, but who is lecturing him, or even telling him, about the inappropriateness of his espousing and advocating opinions and especially so when he is on shaky ground. It is not his role and he'll tell you so when its convenient so to do.

Note his response to a request for information ... "It is entirely inappropriate for Council Officers to respond to you on the matters raised in your submission prior to the Council's consideration of the submissions. It is the elected Council that determines a position on the submissions received, not the Council officers. As with other matters, the role of the administration is to provide sufficient information and recommendations on the matters raised to enable consideration by the Aldermen and a decision by the Council." He is right of course but he expects the Aldermen to accept his opinion as being "sufficient" to meet his assessment the operational demands determined by him and his underlings for their purposes.

Mr. Dobrzynski is, it would appear, disinclined to search for savings evidenced by expenditures all too often exceeding the CPI. As requests for information are rebuffed it seems that they are "entirely inappropriate" no matter who asks. One day this may change but do not hold your breath this year.