Channel Chatter
A terrific milestone happened in Woodbridge during February, Anthony Bone played his 500th game for Woodbridge Cricket Club. This is remarkable and I
doubt any other club in Tassie or the Mainland could say the same. He had toshare his innings with the Targa on Woodbridge Hill Road but what a great day.
Work has commenced at Council on the new planning scheme. As I havementioned previously, the State Gov’t wants all Councils to have the same
template. Staff are currently transferring the existing planning scheme’s zoning maps across to the format of the common key elements template and a draft
Residential Development Schedule has also been circulated for Council to review.It is intended that this would standardize the way new residences are to be
assessed by all planning authorities. This work will continue from March toAugust 2010 and then an informal public consultation period is proposed to take
place at the end of the year over two months. The final draft is supposed to be prepared by April 2011. At that time, Council would certify the draft planning
scheme and the statutory or formal process would commence. This final draft would constitute an Interim Planning Scheme and would come into immediateeffect.
The Middleton Fair was wonderful as usual and if you missed out this year, makesure you’re ready for the next one.
The closure of the Esplanade at Middleton byCouncil obviously had a number of locals unhappy. It has been five months sincethe closure
and understandably the residents want it fixed. Cr. Grace has been working with the community on this. Council is awaiting a geotechnical report of
the landslip so it can be guided on what are the best options. I believe the Esplanade needs a higher priority rating for road maintenance as it is exposed
more to the elements, particularly to erosion by the sea. Not all rural roads are the same and I hope to make this clear at our Budget deliberations.
After consultation with the Coningham community, works will be undertaken on the foreshore section of Old Station Road. There is a strong interest in having
this road remain the main collector link into Coningham. The rehabilitation will allow the stabilization of the sea wall, provision of a pedestrian/cyclist link and
improved drainage and stabilization of the embankment. Full closure of the roadwill help expedite construction works with residents utilizing the alternative
access through Davies Road. Council will advertise when this is to commence.
The Channel Regional Arts Group held a successful exhibition in Kettering during February. It was held in conjunction with the Wooden Boat Rally and the theme
was Maritime. It was a terrific initiative and we are lucky to have these artists among us. Kingborough Council has recently finished a project to identify arts
and creative activities taking place in the municipality. This will assist Council developing of new Kingborough Arts and Culture Policy. The survey was
completed by 151 artists with nearly half (49%) of respondents living in the northern part of the municipality, 34% live in the Channel and 17% live on
Bruny Island. Their presence adds a wonderful richness to our lives and value adds to our quality of life. It’s also good for business.
Council this year has incorporated the Abel Tasman Art Prize Committee under its umbrella as a ‘Committee of Council’ under Section 24 of the Local Gov’t Act.
Initiated by the Dutch community, this competition is for all visual art students in Years 11 & 12 in southern Tasmania and has been running for 10 years. The
prize is three weeks in the Netherlands staying with a host family. It is a fabulous opportunity for our students, one that is unique in Tasmania. All senior
art teachers have received information on this. As Chair of the new committee I would be happy to clarify any questions you may have. I have been in contact
with all the senior art teachers and hope to see them personally when the back to school rush has settled down.
Cr. Michele Higgins
cr.michelehiggins@bigpond.com
6267 4984
0427674684