Mt Field snow shelter ready for the ski season

The new Mt Mawson public shelter at Mt Field National Park
has been officially opened.

A FIRST AID station, ski patrol facilities and public toilets are some of the facilities in the long-awaited ski shelter that was officially opened at Mt Field National Park on Friday.

Premier Will Hodgman said the new Mt Mawson Public Shelter will provide a new level of amenity for southern Tasmania’s only ski field.

Mr Hodgman said the upgraded facilities will also be enjoyed by bushwalkers heading to the Tarn Shelf walk.

Located at one of the highest building locations in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the new buildings includes a first aid station and ski patrol facilities, ticketing office and public shelter with toilets.

Architectural details of the new buildings.

"The shelter is designed to be energy efficient using solar energy, and the building’s stonework has crafted to blend the building into the rocky landscape," Mr Hodgman said. "Vos Constructions, with input from BPSM architects, delivered the $1.25 million building which was jointly funded by the Tasmanian and Commonwealth Governments," he said.

"Tasmania’s unrivalled natural environment is a major drawcard for visitors and visitor numbers to Mt Field National Park continue to grow sustainably and now approach 200,000 per year. The new Mt Mawson Public Shelter is part of the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in national parks to make it easier for visitors to enjoy the unique experiences on offer around the state," Mr Hodgman said.

Guests inside the public shelter.

The two new buildings are on the site of the old Sitzmark Lodge that was removed some years due to its deteriorated condition. Converted shipping containers have provided the only public shelter on the ski fields in the meantime.

Southern Tasmanian Ski Association president Peter Davis said the opening was an historic day in the history of the Mt Mawson Ski Field at Mt Field National Park. "It was a stunning day on the mountain with clear blue skies, little wind, and small pockets of snow lying around following the cold weather earlier in the week - perfect for the big crowd of people who attended the official opening," Dr Davis said.

A view of the buildings on opening day.

"The Mt Mawson Ski Field is a unique and historic asset for the people of Tasmania and visitors alike, located as it is in a beautiful National Park, and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area," he said.

"The new Mt Mawson Day Shelter and Ski Patrol facilities are an outstanding contribution to the infrastructure for this important area, and augur well for the future success of the Mt Field National Park.

"The new Day Shelter provides a spectacular destination for visitors to the Park, and improves safety and amenity year round. A big thank you to the State and Federal Governments who have supported the construction project, and to all the builders, architects, project managers and volunteers who have worked hard over the past five years to make the vision a reality," Dr Davis said.

Mt Mawson Ski Patrol secretary Liz Koolhof, centre, with
Premier Will Hodgman left, and Parks and Wildlife Service
general manager Jason Jacobi.

Official guests at the opening included senior officials from the Department of Parks and Wildlife who had been actively involved in the project, including Perry Foster, Jason Jacobi, Andrew Roberts, Ashley Rushton, Brendan Moodie, and Trevor Norris. 

Representatives of Vos Constructions and BPSM architects were present, as well as Peter Mowbray from the Australian Ski Patrol Association who had flown from interstate especially for the event. Catering for the event was provided by Waterfalls Cafe.

"It was also great to see so many of our volunteers present, including representatives from the STSA Ski Clubs, the Mt Mawson Ski Patrol and the Friends of Mt Field," Dr Davis said. "A highlight of the event was the presentation by the premier of Long and Outstanding Service Certificates to Hubert Sigrist, Andrew Davey, Craig Larsson, Liz Koolhof, Peter Franklin and Greg Kidd. It was particularly pleasing to have Hubert present as he has assisted at the Mt Mawson Ski Field since 1951, including being a volunteer ranger in the years before Ski Patrol was established, and also running the tows midweek for STSA for many years."

For regular updates on the conditions at Mt Mawson, follow mtmawson.info.

New Norfolk golf results

NEW NORFOLK GOLF CLUB

Saturday 30/3/19 Derwent Valley Open stroke: countback
A Grade gross: L. Post 67, B. Rainbird 72, J. Rainbird 74 c/b. Nett: L. Griffith 71-8-63, J. Smith 70-4-66 c/b, F. Carmichael 77-11-66.
B Grade gross: A. Ackerly 80, J. Heron 83, L Heron 84. Nett: G. Duggan 78-14-64, A. Richardson 86-16-70 c/b, L. Giles 88-18-70.
C Grade gross: D. Lowry 88, P. Foster 87, K. Elwell 90. Nett: L. Dittman 85-21-64, L. Withers 90-25-65, J. Hodge 90-22-68.
Nearest-the-pin: 3rd R. Brown, 6/15th J. Miller, 8/17th W. Johnson, 11th L. Post.
Superpin: J. Miller.

Thursday 28/3/19 Unofficial Twilight Stableford
Division 1: D. Stevenson 19, C. Youd 18 c/b, B. Watt 18, B. Heron 17, F. Carmichael 16
Division 2: B. withers 19 c/b, R. Rainbird 19, D. Post 18, M. Tangata 17 c/b, G. Triffitt 17
Division 3: A. Bond 24, J. Hodge 20 c/b, R. Walters 20, D. Giles 19, R. Hoare 17
Superpin: B. Withers.

Wednesday 27/3/19 Stroke
18 hole: L. McKenzie 77-12-65, T. Hardwick 88-22-66, D. Post 88-17-71 c/b, R. Collins 98-27-71, D. Lowry 91-19-72. Birdie hole: G. Harback
9 hole: L McKenzie 39-6-33, D Lowry 45-9½ -35½, J Kinloch 43-7-36, D Post 45-8½-36 ½, G Harback 43-6-37. Birdie Draw: J Kinloch.

Anyone interested in joining the New Norfolk Golf Club as a playing member or social member, or looking for a function venue, is welcome to contact the club for further information:
1 Howell Drive, New Norfolk, Tasmania. Phone: (03) 6261 2653
Email: newnorfolkgolfclub@bigpond.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NewNorfolkGolfClub/
The club is available for hire for weddings, private functions etc.  The venue cost is free for a function of more than 40.

Big week for local businesses

IT has been a big week in business in New Norfolk, with the opening of two new shops, two businesses preparing to move locations in the town, and another getting ready to open.

Liquor chain 9/11 Bottleshops has opened a branch in the old Woolworths building in Charles St, becoming the second business to occupy a shop in the former supermarket. Located next door to Shiploads at 17-21 Charles St, the local outlet is the 20th in the chain. Opening hours are 9am-10pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 9am-11pm on Friday and Saturday. Customers can access the shop via Charles, Burnett, Leatham or George streets, and there is also a drive-through from George St (opposite the new Woolworths).

Just around the corner in Burnett St, Paul Belcher has made a return to the world of takeaway food with the opening of Pauly's Pizza. Mr Belcher was associated with Mario's Pizza in its heyday and has now established his own business at 34a Burnett St. Last occupied by Derwent Valley Crafts, this shop is right next door to Head Above Water Seafood (the original location of Mario's and La Bella Pizza). Pauly's Pizza is open 5-10pm from Sunday to Tuesday, 5pm-midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, and 5pm-1am on Friday and Saturday. Phone 1800 728 597 or order via text message on 0434 597 477.

Meanwhile, the New Norfolk branches of Zap Fitness and Vinnies have announced they will move to new locations in the near future, and the fitting-out of a new coffee shop is nearing completion in Circle St.

New Norfolk's longest established cafe, Shot (previously Chats and the New Norfolk Inn), closed at the end of last month following the sale of the building. In operation for about 50 years, this venue suffered a devastating fire in the 1970s but carried on and has been a fixture in the lives of many Derwent Valley residents.

Locals needed for Federal Election work

WITH a Federal Election due to be held in the next few months, the Australian Electoral Commission is seeking people who live near New Norfolk, Hamilton, Strathgordon or Bothwell to help conduct the poll.

THE AEC says managing a federal election is a big undertaking and it can’t do the job alone. Each election requires an additional 80,000 temporary staff around the country. 

The majority of work is on election day only, but there is also a wide range of casual roles throughout an election period, including work in early voting centres, mobile polling and after election day.

The commission is particularly looking for temporary staff  who live near Hamilton, Bothwell, New Norfolk or Strathgordon. For more information visit the AEC website.

Dromedary bushfire advice warning

BUSHFIRE ADVICE MESSAGE FOR MILLVALE RD TO BRIDGEWATER Issued At: 29/03/2019 1:05pm (Click here for updates) There is a bushfire at Millvale Rd, Brighton municipality. There is no immediate threat. Fire under these conditions can be difficult to control. What to do: People in Millvale Rd to Bridgewater should keep up to date by listening to ABC Local Radio or look at the TFS website at www.fire.tas.gov.au. Well prepared homes are defendable in these conditions. If you are not prepared for a bushfire, think about leaving for a safe place if it gets more dangerous. If your family has made a bushfire survival plan, check it now. Incident number: 19010064
Community Information:
For information on current road closures, please visit the Tasmania Police website: http://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/ People with medical conditions are advised to have a personal plan to manage the  risks of smoky days. Advice is available from the Department of Health https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/air/bushfire_smoke/  or the Asthma Foundation of Tasmanian https://www.asthmatas.org.au

Alert Level:	ADVICE
Type:	Vegetation Fire
Last Updated:	29-Mar-2019 01:05 PM
First Reported:	29-Mar-2019 12:12 PM
Location:	Millvale Road, Brighton
Status:	Going
Agency:	Tasmania Fire Service
Size:	Not reported
Attending Resources: Tasmania Fire Service Resources Arrived:   3 x LIGHT TANKER   4 x HEAVY TANKER   1 x OTHER Tasmania Fire Service Resources Mobilised:   1 x MEDIUM TANKER   1 x HEAVY TANKER   1 x CAR

D'FAT's big plans for Youth Week

FREE activities for young people and their families will be provided in the Derwent Valley for Youth Week Tasmania next week. The Derwent Valley Youth Future Action Team (D’FAT) has been granted up to $2000 towards the cost of these activities, which will be staged between April 10 and 17.

D’FAT facilitator Matt Hill said the group was one of 13 successful applicants statewide, with the funds being administrated by the Derwent Valley Council. D’FAT chairman Nic Kaiser said a range of free activities for local children, young people and their families will be on offer next week, including:

• An outdoor movie night at Arthur Square on April 13 from 7pm.
• " The Event" at Ellis Dean Reserve, Blair St, on April 13, from 11am-2.30pm with Laser Skirmish, face painting, a jumping castle, Youth Beat program, a barbecue and a coffee van. 
• Robotics and programming activities at Glenora District School and the Derwent Valley Salvation Army on April 17.

"The film shown at the outdoor movie night will be Incredibles 2 and bookings are essential for the popular robotics and programming activities," Mr Kaiser said. To book a place at the robotics sessions, visit http://ywt19_glenora_robotics.eventbrite.com.au or http://ywt19_newnorfolk_robotics.eventbrite.com.au.

Bookings are not required for The Event or the movie night, but movie-goers are encouraged to bring a picnic rug, deck chair or bean bag. Food and drink will be available. D'FAT is also supporting the Market in the Carpark Twilight Festival at 374 Main Rd, Glenorchy, from 3.30-7pm on April 12.

More information about the D’FAT Youth Week activities can be viewed online at www.facebook.com/groups/derwentyouth

Since 2000, National Youth Week has provided a celebration of the efforts and contributions of young people aged 12–25 in their communities. Since last year, Youth Week Tasmania has been funded entirely by the State Government.

D’FAT is a nominee for the 2019 Tasmanian Volunteering Awards, which is co-ordinated by Volunteering Tasmania and is supported by the Tasmanian Government.

Deputy mayor sorry for Facebook comments

Cr Jessica Cosgrove addressing last week's council meeting.
She explained that her new look was as a result of having her
head shaved for charity after local high school students raised
more than $3000.

DEPUTY mayor Jessica Cosgrove has apologised for a social media post criticising local businesses over a petition.

Cr Cosgrove told last week’s Derwent Valley Council meeting that she had felt threatened by the petition from local shops, which asked for New Norfolk’s High St market to be relocated to Arthur Square.

“When I found out about the petition I took it personally,” Cr Cosgrove said. “The High Street Market is my business. It contributes to my livelihood and impacts on the quality of my children's life,” she said. “I felt the petition would threaten my business and I found it very stressful and took it personally which I'm sure most people would understand.”

Cr Cosgrove said these factors did not give her the right to make the comments she had posted on Facebook, and she apologised to anyone who had been offended. In a Facebook post late last month, Cr Cosgrove questioned how two businesses “feel the need to place a petition in their shops to end the market.” She said the market benefited the community and brought huge crowds to the town centre, and she hoped the petitioners “are aware of the possible legal ramification in opposing fair trading!”

Local business owner Wayne Shoobridge was at the council meeting on Thursday night to challenge Cr Cosgrove’s online comments but said he respected her decision to apologise. He said he would still like to know how Cr Cosgrove could justify a statement that she was a High St ratepayer.

General manager Greg Winton said the council's licence agreement with Cr Cosgrove for the market included "a figure that the council charges the market operator which was calculated as an equivalent of rates," but added that this was not invoiced as a rates notice.

Later in the meeting, community member Diane Cowburn asked about a $30,000 budget allocation to provide support to the market. “As a private business the market owner should pay the cost of council employees who set up bollards to close off the streets. That is two people by two shifts, paid a minimum each of four hours each shift,” Ms Cowburn said.

Ms Cowburn said businesses in the town centre had been negatively impacted by the market and did not receive in-kind support from the council. Mr Winton responded that the council had decided to provide the support Ms Cowburn had described. “There is a budgetary provision this year to put in some drop-down bollards and … when they are installed that will be reduce the requirement for that staff time,” Mr Winton said.

The New Norfolk Market in High St.

Cr Cosgrove said some businesses might claim to be suffering because of the market - which closes a section of the main street each Saturday - but others were completely supportive.

"That's a pretty open statement to say that businesses in the New Norfolk High St are significantly affected by the market," she said to Ms Cowburn. "There may be some who claim to be, but I can also honestly tell you ... to those people that are disgruntled and are suffering or making statements that they're suffering, there is also many businesses who ... are completely supportive of the market operating on a Saturday morning."

"I've also had businesses choose to do their grand opening on market day because they would like to take the opportunity to buy into the amount of people that are frequenting High St on a Saturday morning," Cr Cosgrove said. "I have been told another business has their best sales days on a Saturday when the market is opened. Now they are all willing to provide evidence or back that up."

Since the establishment of the market about 18 months ago, some shop owners have expressed concern about the road closure and individual stalls blocking access to their businesses. The petition - a letter signed by about 20 business representatives - asks for the market to be moved to nearby Arthur Square but it has not yet been tabled at a council meeting.

Gretna names its best for season 2018-19

GRETNA Cricket Club has held the vote count for its annual Players Award. This was done at the Gretna War Memorial Recreation Ground on March 17.

The winner in the Gretna I count was Craig Cunningham who has had an outstanding season, particularly with the ball, taking 38 wickets. He won with 21 votes, which was nine clear of runners-up Corey Ransley and Mathew Burns on 12 votes each.

In the Gretna II count, Jake Campbell won with 13 votes, four clear of runner-up and captain Jordan Hastie on nine votes.

Congratulations to you all. The Gretna Cricket Club will hold its annual dinner and trophy presentations on Saturday, April 13, at the New Norfolk Golf Club, 6pm for 6.30 start.

WADE GLEESON 

Weather warning updated

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS

For people in King Island, Furneaux Islands, Western, Upper Derwent Valley, South East, North West Coast, Central Plateau and parts of North East, East Coast, Central North and Midlands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 6:05 pm Monday, 25 March 2019.

A DEEP LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM SUSTAINS DAMAGING WINDS OVER TASMANIA OVERNIGHT ON MONDAY.

A deep low pressure system moving past the south will sustain strong and gusty west to southwesterly winds over much of the state overnight into early Tuesday morning.

DAMAGING WEST TO SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of about 90 to 100 km/h are likely across Tasmania much of Tasmania overnight tonight. Along the east coast these wind speeds are more likely early on Tuesday morning.

Winds are have eased over areas of Northern Tasmania but are likely to remain strong and gusty at times tonight. Winds over the remainder of the state will begin to ease during Tuesday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Burnie, St Helens, Swansea, Strahan, New Norfolk and Hobart.

In the past 6 hours the following wind gusts have been observed: 159 km/h Maatsuyker Island, 137km/h Hogan Island, 128km/h Cape Bruny, 117km/h Low Rocky Point and Mt Wellington, 98km/h Flinders Island, Maria Island, Luncheon Hill, Strahan and Low Head.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should: 
* Supervise children closely. 
* Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings. 
* Manage pets and livestock. 
* Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment. 
* Be prepared in case of power outages and report any outages to TasNetworks on 132 004. 
* Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving. 
* Listen to the ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice. 
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500. 

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11pm Monday. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 216.