FROM THE EXAMINER: "Ratepayer group cops council posts"

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Since many people are not on, nor interested in being on, FACEBOOK and in any event "things get lost on FACEBOOK" we are copying the 'council spray' in response to "concerned citizens'" contributions to SOCIAL MEDIA. 

We all need to learn to do, and use, Social Media better, much better, but it is interesting to see council embrace it.

However, like many of us, 'council functionaries'  have much to learn in regard to using social media for 'effective communication'. We all do!

That said, the emerging discourse comes so very very late and somewhat clumsily. 

• Observation: Aldermen rarely if ever these days are quoted individually, why is that? It is said that the GM must "vet everything that comes out of council", is that so? ... and
• Do aldermen hold independent, and sometimes contrary, views that they cannot, or do not, share with their constituency? .... and
• On what basis do aldermen these day collect their "ratepayers' allowances"? .... and
• Is the council actually a cabal committed to consensus, and everything staying the same, at all costs?

The aldermen probably need lessons in social media to enable them to speak in their own voice and communicate more effectively with their constituents ... you know the people who elect them and they are supposed to represent rather than resent. ... Tandra  .... read on ........

QUOTE "It's time to shoot down some wild conspiracy theories and misinformation. We know this is a long post, but we believe the community deserves to know the facts on a topic of this importance:

The University of Tasmania's Northern campus expansion proposal has generated a lot of community debate. And that's a good thing. But before you are swayed by misinformation and conspiracy theories, we'd urge you to look at the facts and reach your own conclusions.

In May this year, the City of Launceston joined with the State Government, the University of Tasmania and TasTAFE under an MoU to explore the potential of an inner city campus in Launceston.

As UTAS has made clear, the Northern campus is unsustainable under the current model, and redeveloping the Newnham site will be more expensive than creating a purpose-built campus at Inveresk and Willis Street.

UTAS undertook a public consultation process on the proposal, and held a public meeting at the Albert Hall. For many months, Aldermen have been liaising between the community and UTAS and other MoU signatories in order to get the best outcome for Launceston.

We believe UTAS has acted in good faith in these discussions. UTAS plans to expand on its current course offerings, and to build its student base in the North.

At the most recent Council meeting, Aldermen voted unanimously to transfer two parcels of land to allow this proposal to be explored further; one at Inveresk and one at Willis Street. The Inveresk land parcel is currently valued at $1.9m, while the Willis Street car park parcel is currently valued at $2.6m.

Why did the Council vote unanimously to do this, and why was it supported by so many organisations like the Property Council of Tasmania, the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, the State Government and Cityprom? Because if the proposal proceeds it will cement UTAS in the North for generations to come.

It could lead to a $220m capital investment on the doorstep of our CBD.

Modelling from UTAS indicates that by 2025, the economic impact of a relocation to Inveresk could top $290m annually.

It could create a new student population on the doorstep of our CBD who will live in Launceston, work in Launceston, and shop in Launceston.

Because to advocate for the status quo does nothing to further our city. Because this represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for capital investment in Launceston.

There is no doubt that the investment by this Council is significant, and there are some important conditions around this transfer. They include that before any land is transferred, UTAS must be able to secure funding to allow its development to proceed. Another condition is that the development shall be undertaken by UTAS in line with the commitments it has made in writing. Yet another is that should the relocation not be complete within five years of a Development Approval issued by the Council, the land will either transfer back to the Council or UTAS will have to pay compensation for it as judged by an independent valuer.

The petition launched today under the auspices of the Tasmanian Ratepayers Association makes a number of misleading claims.

Let's take a look at them.

CLAIM: 1. Launceston ratepayers going to be robbed of Millions of $$$ (sic)

STATUS - INCORRECT: Should UTAS not secure funding for the proposal, the land transfer will not take place. Should they secure funding but not proceed with the development, the parcels of land will transfer back to the Council or UTAS will have to pay for them according to the valuation as judged by an independent valuer.

CLAIM: 2. LCC intend to GIVE (not sell) Willis St, Car Park and Old Velodrome site to the University of Tasmania for NOTHING, not 1cent - WHY? (Sic)

STATUS - MISLEADING: This is only the case should UTAS fulfil the conditions of the process. If those conditions are not met, the land will not transfer in the first place. Should the $220m proposal proceed, the Council believes the relatively modest investment of $4.5m in land to secure the future of UTAS in the North and an economic impact of $290m per year is a wise one.

CLAIM: 3. The Willis Street car park returns $88,000 p.a. and that will be gone too and without 1centcompensation thus contributing to higher rates in the future - WHY? (Sic)

STATUS - MISSING THE POINT: The transformational economic and social impact of the proposal dwarfs the short-term loss of the gross parking revenue.

Claim: 4. LCC now involved with building bridge from Willis St. over Nth. Esk River to Inveresk, costing $millions thus contributing to higher rates in the future - WHY? (Sic)

STATUS - INCORRECT: Yes, the Council will consider building a pedestrian and cycling bridge to provide good access between Inveresk and the CBD. Such a bridge has been mooted for many years and would allow improved linkages across the North Esk River. The funding for the construction of this bridge will form part of the application to the State and Federal Governments. In other words, if the proposal is successful, both the State and Federal Governments will be contributing to the cost of the bridge. The strategic benefits of this linkage have long been identified and will provide a benefit to the whole community, not just students.

Claim 5. Willis St and Velodrome Car Parks to go - 600 car spaces go - where will patrons to Aurora Stadium park? LCC don't know or care thus thus contributing to higher rates in the future - WHY? (Sic)

STATUS - INCORRECT: 

UTAS plans to create car parks at both the Inveresk and Willis Street sites. UTAS has already indicated that its parking will be available to the public on weekends and public holidays.

Claim 6. Who is going to pay for new car parks to cater for 1,000 cars from Newnham Campus (4,500 students) to Inveresk. LCC don't know or care - WHY? (Sic)

STATUS - INCORRECT : UTAS has indicated that it will provide significant car parking as part of its proposal. The Council also has under-utilised car parking capacity at Inveresk. The Council does acknowledge that traffic and car parking related to the proposal are legitimate concerns and these will need to be addressed by UTAS in a future Development Application, as is the normal process.

It should be noted that the Council believes many students will utilise public transport, cycling, or indeed take advantage of close access from the CBD and walk to the site.

Claim 7. LCC have spent $thousands of Ratepayers money on this project so far (staff hours and money) but no compensation thus contributing to higher rates now and in the future - WHY? (Sic)

STATUS - INCORRECT: The Council is elected to safeguard the future of Launceston. We believe a strong and sustainable UTAS is critical to Launceston's cultural and economic growth. In short, it would be irresponsible for us NOT to engage with UTAS on a matter of such importance to the city.

Launceston’s status as a university city is extremely important.

The business plan for the current Northern campus has shown continuing losses and reductions in student numbers. The participation rate of Northern Tasmanians in post-secondary education is at alarmingly low levels.

The Council is keen to consolidate the future of the UTAS Northern campus, to grow its influence economically and socially by increased academic course offerings and student numbers and to ensure that Northern Tasmania has the skills among its workforce to meet future demands. The council has been materially involved in planning for the successful delivery of this project alongside the State Government, UTAS, and TasTAFE.

The Council sees this as a fundamental aspect of its role in working towards a sustainable and productive future for Launceston.

Claim 8. WHY weren't ratepayers consulted with Public Meeting to discuss these issues? The LCC did not want you to know the truth - WHY? (sic)

STATUS - INCORRECT: Actually, we are more than happy for people to know the truth. Deputy Mayor Rob Soward answered questions at the public meeting at the Albert Hall organised by UTAS and we have answered any and all questions posed by the media. At the recent Council meeting, which was open to the public and streamed live on the internet, people were entitled to come along and ask questions about the proposal. Some people did. The debate on the matter was publicised widely in the press, open to the public and completely transparent. In addition, the University launched its dedicated Northern campus website, a far more effective way of reaching a broad cross-section of the community than the old-style Town Hall meeting.

Claim 9. These two prime parcels of land could bring $10million each on the open market - why should Council give them away FREE? (Sic)

STATUS - INCORRECT: The Council is required by the Local Government Act to source a valuation of the land. This valuation was undertaken by Opteon Valuers and is current.

The land is valued at $4.5m. The Council has been open to development of these sites for many years and has not received any concrete proposals. One of the things the Council considers is the best use of the land -- given that Inveresk is fast becoming a cultural and educational hub, an expansion of the UTAS campus on this site makes sense. It is arguably the best use for the land in question, with the added economic, cultural and educational benefits an expanded campus will bring to Launceston.

Claim 10. Ratepayers demand $20million compensation for land and associated costs. (Sic)

STATUS - INCORRECT: The land is valued at 4.5m, not $20m.

Claim 11. Selling the two parcels of land would enable LCC to give Ratepayers 3 years with NO INCREASES in rates and a surplus to pay off $millions of loan debt thus mitigating higher rates in the future (Sic)

STATUS - INCORRECT: The land is valued at 4.5m, not $20m. 

Claim 12. LCC rates are already $300-$400 higher than for equivalent properties in surrounding Councils - WHY? (Sic)

STATUS - MISLEADING: The Council provides a wide range of services and regional facilities to the Launceston community, including Aurora Stadium, the Princess Theatre, Carr Villa Memorial Park and many others. The strategy of supporting the University proposal offers the potential to grow the rate base to the benefit of all ratepayers.

Claim 13. Universities DO NOT pay rates or fire levy - WHY?

STATUS - OUT OF OUR HANDS:

The rating of Universities falls within the provisions of the Act where they are treated as exempt. This is a State Government matter, and not one the Council can determine.

Claim 14. A proponent of the petition tonight claimed that Big W had expressed an interest in the Willis Street site.

STATUS - INCORRECT.

The UTAS Northern expansion proposal is a legitimate topic of debate in Launceston. People are entitled to oppose it, and to disagree with the Aldermen over the decision to take part in the MoU process.

However, we owe it to each other as a community to deal in facts and logic. If you would like more information on the proposal, visithttp://www.utas.edu.au/northern-expansion"

CONCERNED CITIZENS CROWDFUNDING A PETITION TO COUNCIL

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY 

This petition being assembled by a group of concerned Launcestonians and its pitched against Launceston Council's 'Land Handover' is gaining support. Nowadays, getting the message 'out there' to all the people interested in this issue  is going to cost more than it did in the past.

The prospect of the city 'giving away community assets', assets that could be earning revenue or delivering dividends for residents and ratepayers is to say the least, concerning. Giving any public asset away without there being a clear social dividend, is simply untenable and unacceptable.

It seems that a great Launcestonians are increasingly concerned about this kind of action on their behalf perpetrated by the City of Launceston Council. What else is a question that springs to mind?

The City of Launceston's aldermen seem to have assumed some kind of a Social License to give  away 'community assets' . Do they in fact have it?

This petition challenges council's recklessness, and it must be challenged!

Consider the arguments and perhaps sign the petition.

CLICK HERE FOR PROGRESS UPDATE

VOLUNTRY AMALGAMATIONS????

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SORCE

"Voluntary council amalgamations are a step closer after two memoranda of understanding were signed on Tuesday. 

The memoranda would see studies conducted on the outcomes of voluntary amalgamation and strategic shared services for two southern council areas. 

Those councils are: 

• Greater Hobart councils: Hobart City, Clarence City, Glenorchy City and Kingborough Councils; and 
• South East councils: Clarence City, Sorell, Glamorgan-Spring Bay and Tasman councils; including a subset of options including Clarence City, Sorell and Tasman councils; Sorell and Tasman councils; and Sorell, Glamorgan Spring Bay and Tasman councils. 

In a release, Planning and Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein said it is expected that Northern and Cradle Coast councils will follow suit.......... "Read more here

So it seems that there are councils yet to be dragged to the table. Watch this space as they say!

PRESS EVENT 11:30 AM CIVIC SQUARE

A growing group of concerned citizens, ratepayers and residents in Launceston are increasingly concerned about Launceston Council's intention to handover public land to the University of Tasmania for free.

Despite obvious public disquiet at a public meeting called by the University of Tasmania at Albert Hall October 1 Council has agreed in principle to hand over land at the Inveresk precinct to the university of Tasmania.

Having failed to get a reasonable opportunity to discuss the issue with Council, and Council failing to meaningfully consult with its constituency, the group has initiated a petition calling upon Council to call a public meeting on the issue.

Apart from the lack of consultation, the group is concerned about future costs to ratepayers and the loss of both opportunities and income as a consequence of the 'hand over'.

The expected impact of this is the likely increased need for infrastructure with no additional income coming to Council to meet these costs.

Universities do not contribute to the city's income by way of rates and charges despite being users of Council services.

Representatives from the group will be present at 11:30 AM in Civic Square Launceston (next to Town Hall) to launch THE PETITION and provide additional information.

For Further information email launcestonPR@tassie.net.au

Click here to access Petition Graphics

Community Initiated Petitions Being Facilitated By My Community

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE SITE

By request My Community Tasmania has launched a BLOG for people in Launceston. It's role is to facilitate petitions initiated by community groups who see a role for one. It is intended that the site will carry information contextualising each particular petition. A FACEBOOK site has also been set up for the same purpose and to complement the BLOG.

To initiate My Community Tasmania's assistance simply go to the BLOG and in the comment section of ANY ENTRY on it:

• Write a comment requesting assistance; AND
• Provide appropriate Contact information.

NB: Your comment will be responded to nut not be published online!

PENNY ROYAL PARKING: What a debacle

If you live on Trevallyn for what seems like forever now you have been driving past this development wondering when its all going to stop. Car parking in and around this development is far from being a joke, its terrible.

Most recently it has become almost impossible to get a parking space in a public car park and trying to get to park in the Penny Royal council parking area, that is just too silly for words. In fact it is no longer safe to walk your dog anywhere near this development.

Most of the time you cannot get a park on the street because of all the tradies parking anywhere and which way.

How are the tourist going to get to the Gorge this summer? Where are they going to park?

Being told to be patient is in a way is perhaps fair enough as the promise is that it will all be over on December 15, Joesph Chromey's 85th Birthday. But the word around town is there is a quiet book being run on this date and the odds are looking longer every day.

However, the most disturbing news is that given that the council carpark has been colonised for so long, there is now a proposition floating about saying that the carpark should/will be handed over to the developer. REALLY??

There was almost a precedent for this as council was dead keen on handing over the street parking at Mort Douglas's shopping complex on Trevallyn a while back.

That didn't happen, and ultimately despite "officers' protests" and neither should the Penny Royal carpark be handed over to the developer at ratepayer's expense either.

Already ratepayers are taking on expenses that any other developer would need to pay for and millions are being asked for from ratepayers one way or another on the promise that it will be good for them. Not likely if you live anywhere near.

Just try and get your verge mown twice a year and you will be very quickly told that it is your problem and not the council's.

Let us see what the council has to say about all this, on say facebook, and for free, in the cause of testing public opinion and doing some public consultation.

Links to Chromy Penny Royal Development Stories

1. http://www.examiner.com.au/story/2074773/redevelopment-needs-support/?cs=97
2. http://www.examiner.com.au/story/2074482/new-view-of-penny-royal-site/
3. August 2014 http://www.examiner.com.au/story/2513144/penny-royal-vision-taking-shape/
4. NOV 2013 http://www.examiner.com.au/story/1882763/royal-vision-for-a-classy-new-look/
5. MAY 2013 http://www.examiner.com.au/story/1493804/chromy-deal-brings-hope-for-penny-royal/
6. THE GOOGLE IMAGES CLICK HERE

Merlene Smythe

ITS OFFICIAL: University Wants Launceston's Land For Free

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE STORY

There is no absolutely reason to repeat the Examiner story here as it is pretty much the council's media release that was cobbled together by council functionaries and the university. Anyway the link is above.

To The Examiner's credit they do allow what one assumes is something of a free commentary for stories like this. On this occasion its well worth reading the commentary to see the level of community disquiet and distress that's out there.

The LCC, the UTAS Council, and the State Government have something in common. They're elected to their posts for the most part but they, LCC aldermen in particular, do not seem to see their obligations all that clearly. They do have something in common however, they are beastly careless about their representative obligations.

If we were to ask "is she/he representing my position, and/or acting on behalf of our environment, our community, our collective wellbeing and/or will they promote justice" how might we answer ourselves?

What's so evident in this story is that they, the proponents collectively, have deemed that they know better than those who elected them. If you were at Albert Hall recently you would have heard them tell the community gathered that "50% of Tasmanians are functionally illiterate" ... and we are talking to you here and now. So pay attention!

In the collective scramble to win favour for the enormous expenditure of public funds on the premise of "build it and they will come", well it should be ringing very loud alarm bells. 

Out there in the real world we can find constant reminders of those who have ignored public opinion. 

Typically, they get removed from office but in this instance they'll unfortunately leave a social and economic mess as their legacy as it will be far too late to stop the gravy train in its tracks as the contracts will have been actioned. And many of the players will have moved on to greener pastures anyway ... as planned.

PLEASE READ THE COMMENT ON THE EXAMINER STORY... CLICK HERE

ALSO PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS HERE AS WELL

Tandra Vale

Council to debate in principle support for UTAS expansion MONDAY NEXT

LAUNCESTON CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

Issued: Thursday 5 November 2015

Council to debate in principle support for UTAS expansion

The City of Launceston will on Monday debate in principle support for the University of Tasmania's proposed Northern campus expansion.

Council officers have recommended that the Council transfer an 11,523 square metre parcel of land at Inveresk and the 9473 square metre Willis Street car park to UTAS, subject to three conditions:

1: The development shall be undertaken by the University of Tasmania in a manner consistent with the commitments and undertakings provided by the University of Tasmania in their document signed by the Vice Chancellor dated 4 November 2015, unless subsequently varied with the agreement of the Council.

2: Agreement by the University of Tasmania that prior to any transfer of title from the Council, the University of Tasmania will provide to the Council written confirmation that funding commitments have been made necessary to enable the relocation of substantially all of the University's operations at Newnham, excluding the AMC and associated facilities.

3: Agreement by the University of Tasmania that if the relocation is not completed on the land by the University of Tasmania within five years from the date of the Development Approval issued by the Council as a Planning Authority, or in the event that the land ceases to be used by the University of Tasmania for educational purposes, the University of Tasmania shall be liable to pay to the Council an amount representing the value of the land, as assessed by a suitably qualified valuer agreed by the Council and the University of Tasmania, or in the absence of agreement nominated by the Valuer-General.

The Inveresk land parcel is currently valued at $1.9m, while the Willis Street car park parcel is currently valued at $2.6m.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said he was looking forward to the debate on Monday.

"Potentially, a favourable decision from the Council could lead to a $220m capital investment on the doorstep of our CBD," Mayor van Zetten said.

"Modelling from UTAS indicates that by 2025, the economic impact of a relocation to Inveresk could top $290m annually.

"Importantly, UTAS has repeatedly stated on the public record that courses will be expanded in Launceston, providing new educational offerings.

"This will be a very important decision for our city and for its future as a University city, and I look forward to hearing the views around the table on Monday."

UTAS' plans can be viewed at 

http://www.utas.edu.au/northern-expansion/concept-plan.

JOINING THE RECYCLING DOTS

Click on the image to enlarge
Click here to go to source

"Time for rubber to hit road By James Brady Nov. 1, 2015, 10:08 p.m.

The Northern Midlands Council wants help to deal with the growing stockpile of used tyres stored at Longford. There is concern that if a solution is not found soon tyres will be dumped along roadsides and in the country. JAMES BRADY reports. 

NORTHERN Midlands Council is bearing the state's weight of used tyres, but will soon shrug its responsibilities if no state or federal support is received. The council is home to a stockpile of up to two million used tyres outside Longford, and - amid a string of failed recycling proposals - is fed up, according to mayor David Downie......Proposals have included a failed Green Distillation Technologies project at Campbell Town, and another non-event at Avoca. ....... A shredding program for the existing tyre stockpile at Longford was recently approved, which plans to shred 25 per cent of the existing tyre collection. .... "This situation is urgent, at the moment the stockpile has an end date, a date when no more tyres are able to be stored," Cr Downie said. ....... "These will instead end up dumped all over the countryside, we need to sort this out..... "I believe our council has the skills to do it if we can work with the state government, I believe we can solve this issue." .....  In January, 2014, federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt announced national support for the Tyre Stewardship Australia initiative. .... The initiative is an industry-led scheme that was constructed to establish a certified chain for tyres, an umbrella that extends to industries such as mining. ...... Tasmania has a slew of registered retailers - such as Bridgestone Select and Beaurepaires For Tyres - but no registered collectors and, importantly, no registered recyclers. ....  That means the retailers, who receive the end-of-life tyres, do not have a means by which they can ensure the tyres go to an environmentally sound use - as per the stewardship scheme's mantra. ....  Cr Downie said he wanted the state government to help push to adopt greater responsibility and regulation in Tasmania, lest the approximate 7500 tyres a week it produces land in the bush or on roadsides. ..... "At the moment different companies have different costs associated with dealing with those tyres, I think one solution is to have a set charge," he said. .....  "This is something we're working on with a working group, we hope to persuade the Environment Minister (Matthew Groom) to form regulation." .... He said the council had issued an order to stop tyre collections at the Longford site by March, but had since received a proposal for a $10 million sustainable recycling scheme from a private company. ....  The company said it would take its development elsewhere, if tyres were not able to continue being stored at the Longford site. .... Cr Downie said, if there was significant interest shown from the company, he would forward a motion to reverse the council's order. .....  "We know there are stockpiles, tyres on the West Coast from the mining industry," he said. .... "If this recycling gets up there will be other tyres that'll come forth and we can get rid of them through the recycling process too. ...... "It's not only tyres that are a resource, there is a lot of industrial rubber. ......  "Industries with conveyor belts, they're all rubber - they're all a resource for this processing factory, and there could be other sources of material that could be used. .....  "The first step is that we've got to get the processing established to attract these other tyres."

The Examiner and James Brady are to be congratulated for bringing this issue forward BUT one suspects that its a bigger issue than they realise. 

Tyres are a good example of a 'resource' imagined as waste. Actually this is a self fulfilling prophesy that has well and truly outlived its use-by-date!

Councils should no longer be entrusted to manage "waste" because they are so good at it ... the wastage that is. Outside every Local Govt. 'TIP' there should be signage telling us not to waste the resources we are about to abandon. Recently it was put to me that "Waste Management Centres are simply places you take resources and WASTE THEM and ensure that they are".

They all should be renamed RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTRES and as far away from local government management as is possible. Local government 'regulation' yes but not management as over time local government 'management' has proven that the operatives have a conflict of interest and are disinclined to embrace change.

Rather than pay rates for the service of taking away your waste (unused resources) we might well be paid a dividend for supplying them. It is a bit of a mind shift, and one that we are unlikely to see council operatives take on, but it better fits the 21st century than continually contributing to the COUNCIL SLUSH FUND for neither service nor dividend.

Council could however play a part in facilitating the establishment of 'resource recovery enterprises' and ensuring that 'council management' is not permitted to intervene in the facilitation.

Martin Notcher

UTAS Vice-Chancellor Dumps on Launceston

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SOURCE

"UTAS Vice-Chancellor, Peter Rathjen, has conceded there had been substantial staff cuts in Launceston and the wholesale removal of courses, services and functions to Hobart. Before a packed lecture theatre at a recent Launceston campus ‘roadshow’ last Tuesday he said UTAS had “cross-subsidised” the north by “$750 million” since University amalgamation and this justified the cuts........ The implication was clear. Launceston .... in effect Launceston should feel grateful for any university presence at all. This sort of pernicious suggestion has to be scrutinized carefully ... all institutions engage in ‘cross-subsidisation’ ....  Most University revenue is generated from teaching students and from research grants.... Does that mean “unprofitable” administration - including the Vice-Chancellor - is cross-subsidised by teaching and research? .... Does that mean the administration is a “financial burden”, a “parasite” on the body of the University? .... It is dangerous and misleading to trot out the cross-subsidisation .... For instance, Medicine is a vital program of State significance but it is expensive and heavily subsidised. But no-one mentions the cross-subsidisation, nor should they..... In Launceston the cross-subsidisation argument is being used to swell the Hobart campus and justify downgrading the northern campus to a minor ‘branch office’ of the ‘real’ university. That is how it appears. ..... And that is how it is seen in Hobart. .... The proposal to shift the northern campus to Inveresk, announced with much fanfare, conceals the reality of what is happening to university education in the north. They bring a bit of bling and beads, and think the ‘natives’ will not notice..... Far from a ‘burden’ Launceston in the history of campus amalgamation tells a different story. In 1991 the Dawkins reforms forced UTAS to seek amalgamation with the TSIT as UTAS was simply too small to remain viable in the new national university environment....Then Launceston was vital to the success of UTAS..... Now the narrative has changed .... Now it is an economic ‘burden’ and we should feel grateful for the promise of a city campus.... EDITED DOWN"

Michael Powell is a tertiary lecturer.... Go to source here and read further comments

Thank you Michael Powell!

From a ratepayers' perspective this evolving UTAS debacle in Launceston with UTAS, and Prof Rathjen in particular, seemingly holding ratepayers and residents in contempt. 

Already the university, along with churches and schools, is being heavily subsidised by the city's ratepayers as each one subsidises the services  the university relies upon to exist and to deliver its programs.

Yes the university does make a major contribution to Northern Tasmania's economy but its a two way thing. UTAS' s emerging arrogance and apparent disregard for the city's and the adjoining council's constituencies is palpable. 

The university's assumed 'high moral ground' all so often is offensive as is Launceston Council's apparent unwillingness, or is it incapacity, to imagine the  impacts upon ratepayers' in the "asset stripping" going on. Moreover, the assumption that community assets can be handed over to the university without too much thought is concerning.

Here is an example of a  situation were the university and local government need to be paying more attention to the needs and aspirations of Norther Tasmania's ratepayers and residents as must the State Government.

Tandra Vale

CITIZEN'S JURY CASE STUDY

What's a Citizens Jury? 

A case study for one!  "What was the result?

The Jury made a series of recommendations including:

• The minimum acceptable condition for a range of infrastructure. This reduced the the shortfall for asset renewal from $5.065m to $2.354m, a saving of approximately $2.7m per annum.
• Endorsement of the unfunded works as a priority for the Marrickville community.
• That Council find efficiences and raise money through parking schemes.

Council is reconvening the Jury in early 2015 to report on how we are responding to each of the recommendations. In the meantime Council is also seeking community opinion on applying for a small special rate variation to fund the still-remaining shortfall for asset renewal. Read more about the proprosed rate increase. Council can only apply in February to IPART for a rate increase which is why we are seeking community feedback now.

More information on the responses to Jury recommendations will be posted here in 2015 following the next Jury meeting.... "

GO TO SOURCE: http://yoursaymarrickville.com.au/marrickville-infrastructure-jury

COUNCILLORS & ALDERMEN WANT MORE MONEY

LGAT seems to be pushing the self interest of its membership in its continuing to support the "no forced amalgamations" and speculating that amalgamations would not occur in the next two years. This is bad news for ratepayers!

LGAT president Mayor Doug Chipman says that, “merger modelling between a number of southern councils is about to get under way and will not be complete for at least six months."

Nonetheless, the number of Tasmania's councils needs to be radically reduced to a reasonable number of councils with the capacity to deliver the services ratepayers are seeking and their capacity to pay. That 'number' can be quite small!

Local Govt. would then have plenty of money to pay Councillors and Aldermen stipends that are appropriate to their work load. But there needs to be a major rethink in regard to who gets to represent ratepayers plus their commitment and accountability.

There certainly needs to be a greater level of professionalism on display than is generally the case currently. 

The unfolding story to do with amalgamation and the elected representatives' stipends should be sounding an alarm. The Minister, Peter Gutwein, must see that Local Government is under performing.

Standards must be more professional and council officers' and the elected representatives' performance needs to be carefullyconsidered. 

It's high time that the Minister Gutwein, given that the call for "more money", needs to advance a reveiw of Local Govt. in Tasmania. 2018 is far too long to wait for change.

Tandra Vale

WHAT THE NEWSPAPERS ARE SAYING

COUNCILS KEEN TO SEE ALLOWANCES REVIEWED
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TASMANIAN mayoral and councillor allowances could soon be increased, along with a push to make superannuation for elected members mandatory.... LGAT president and Clarence mayor Doug Chipman said many believed it was the right time for another review. Launceston aldermen receive $34,002 and mayor Albert van Zetten receives $119,009, while Glamorgan Spring Bay mayor Michael Kent is entitled to $34,902. Councillors' allowances across the state's 29 councils vary from $9210 to $21,960. .... Click here to go to source

SUPER PAY PUSH IS ON FOR STATE'S 263 COUNCILLORS
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Ratepayers could soon be paying more for their local government representatives with a push for a pay rise for the state’s 263 councillors. Hobart City Council may also soon ask its ratepayers’ views on an increase to aldermanic allowances to cover superannuation. Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said she would be happy to advocate an allowance rise on behalf of all the state’s councillors as a matter of equity.... Click here to go to source

New state-wide planning scheme to unlock State’s potential

29 October 2015

Govt Media Release 

The Hodgman Liberal Government pledged to unlock Tasmania’s economic potential and create jobs through a single state-wide planning scheme.

I welcome the passage of this legislation through the crucial committee stage in the Legislative Council today.

The Government wants the new planning system to be up and running in full by 2017, one year ahead of schedule.

Under the new laws there will be around 80 per cent state-wide consistency which will provide more clarity and certainty for everyone. Currently there is only about 15 per cent consistency across Tasmania’s 29 councils in the three regions.

The planning system will be faster, fairer, simpler and cheaper which will encourage more confidence for those looking to invest and expand. It will provide the right platform for more economic development and ultimately create more jobs.

The Tasmanian Government, in partnership with the Planning Reform Taskforce, was determined to redesign the planning system which was a nightmare that Labor and the Greens were too lazy to tackle.

Tasmanians told us that they wanted this planning mess sorted out and we listened and acted.

Importantly the new laws are the result of extensive consultation with major stakeholders including the TFGA, the Master Builders’ Association, Local Government Association, the HIA and many other individuals with extensive planning and legal experience.

We will continue to consult and listen as the State Planning Provisions are developed ready for extensive public consultation early in 2016.

More Media Releases from Peter Gutwein

More Media Releases from the Minister for Planning and Local Government

MAYORS, COUNCILLORS & ALDERMEN WANT MORE MONEY

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RELATED STORY: Almost half of Tasmanian councils running a deficit: auditor-general

RELATED STORY: Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman elected LGAT president

MAP: TAS

Pay rates for mayors and councillors will be reviewed and they could be eligible for superannuation after a vote at the Local Government Association of Tasmania's (LGAT) annual general meeting.

The motion was passed with a view to professionalising the local government sector and attracting younger people to local council positions.

Circular Head Mayor Darryl Quilliam said he worked hard at all hours of the day and was paid about $40,000 a year. His councillors are paid about $10,000 a year.

Mayor Quilliam still works as a sales representative for an agribusiness company.

He said being a mayor was a big job and he loved doing it, but pay and superannuation needed to be addressed. "It's not a job that you take on for the money," he said. ..... CLICK HERE TO GO TO ABC SOURCE AND ACCESS THE COMPLETE STORY

OUR NOTE: It seems that LGAT is either out of step with the community debate to do with council amalgamations or is right on the money! 

WHEN, and not if, Tasmania's councils are amalgamated into a reasonable number of councils commensurate with need, and ratepayers capacity to pay, there will be plenty of money to pay Councillors and Aldermen stipends that are appropriate to their work load.

However, when that all comes about there will need to be a greater level of professionalism on display than is generally the case now. This is an unfolding story and it is as much to do with amalgamation as it is to do with the elected representatives' stipends.

There must be a 'root and branch reimagination' of Local Government and that must include the professional standards of council officers as much as it would the elected representatives. It's high time that the Minister got on with the job and started the process right now given that the call for "more money" is out there.

Jack Bauer