Council urged to advertise locally

THE Derwent Valley Council has been urged to resume its former practice of advertising its council meetings in the Derwent Valley Gazette. Addressing last month's council meeting, New Norfolk resident Michael Whitehead said he understood the monthly advertisement had been discontinued as a cost-cutting measure. Mr Whitehead said it was important for local residents and ratepayers to know when the council meetings were held and many did not see the advertisement when it appeared in the Mercury newspaper.

Mayor Tony Nicholson said the Local Government Act obliged the council to advertise its meetings in a daily newspaper circulating in the municipality, a requirement which did not encompass the weekly Gazette. Mr Whitehead later told the NNNews that he was not satisified with the mayor's response and further stated that the relatively small cost of advertising in the Gazette should be within the council's means.

DISCLOSURE: The NNNewsBlogger is employed by the company which owns both the Gazette and the Mercury.

EXCLUSIVE: Council takes Feds to court

THE Derwent Valley Council last month launched a mystery court case against the Federal Government. The case is believed to relate to the government's decision to withdraw funding for the redevelopment of the Willow Court historic site after the money remained unspent after three years.

The council and its lawyer James Crotty filed various documents with the Federal Court of Australia on March 6, but the purpose and cost of this action have not yet been shared with the people of the municipality.

If the council wishes to reveal the details of this legal action, it is welcome to email us at newnorfolknews@gmail.com

First school improvement grants announced

LOCAL schools which have not yet applied for federal funding from the National School Pride program have been urged to do so before May 8. Announcing the first round of grants yesterday, Federal Lyons MHA Dick Adams encouraged all remaining schools to contact the relevant authorities and submit their proposals for round two.

Of the 146 Tasmanian schools in Tasmania sharing in $20.5 million for minor infrastructure and refurbishment projects under round one, only three are in the Derwent Valley. They are:

Maydena Primary School: $50,000 for a store-room, school infrastructure and playground equipment
Ouse District High School: $50,000 to replace the gymnasium floor
Westerway Primary School: $75,000 for a covered outdoor learning and play area

“Under this program, every Australian school will receive up to $200,000, based on the size of the school, for maintenance and minor building works," Mr Adams said. “Successful projects for Lyons range from installing an outdoor sports facility to the refurbishment of early childhood classrooms.

Mr Adams said the $1.3 billion National School Pride program would deliver much needed funding for school maintenance and importantly, support local jobs by creating demand for tradespeople in communities across the state. Construction and maintenance work will start as soon as possible, with many of the National School Pride projects planned to begin this month.

Promotional offer for local businesses

THE website of the Derwent Valley Chamber of Commerce and Industry is being updated and members have been invited to have their businesses linked directly to the website. Chamber president Laurelle Grimley said this connection would help attract the attention of people searching for local businesses and services. Members have been asked to forward their up-to-date website, email and telephone details to info@woodbridgenn.com.au as soon as possible. Mrs Grimley said the chamber's web- developer was also able to create and host new websites for members who did not yet have their own. Both offers are also available to any new members joining the DVCCI this month.

Festival draws a good crowd

ORGANISERS estimate about 10,000 people attended yesterday's Derwent Valley Autumn Festival despite chilly weather and the occasional shower. Festival chairman Nick Cracknell said while the weather was probably the worst in the eight-year history of the event, it had not really deterred people from attending. With plenty of entertainment for all ages and dozens of food and beverage options available, there was something warm on offer for everyone.

Beer, bratwurst and brass at HopFest 2009

House fire claims two lives

TWO men are believed to have died in an early-morning house fire at New Norfolk. Police, fire and ambulance units from New Norfolk, Magra, Bridgewater and Hobart attended the incident in Andrews St, which police have declared a crime scene.

Volunteer officers from the New Norfolk and Magra fire brigades discovered two bodies in the house after extinguishing the blaze at about 3.50am. The surrounding area including houses across the street was closed-off by police and forensic officers were on the scene at about 4.30am.

In attendance were 21 members of the New Norfolk and Magra fire brigades, a paramedic and two volunteers from the New Norfolk Ambulance Station, and several police from Bridgewater and Hobart.