COVID-19 ADVICE
Friday, August 30, 2019
Saturday road weather warning
Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Councillors to interview deputy candidates
The information package for the position says shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel consisting of general manager Greg Winton, mayor Ben Shaw, and three other elected members, and this will most likely be followed by a second round of interviews as well as online profiling to assess leadership style.
The new position, replacing the role of corporate and community services executive manager, will have a $150,000 salary package, including a car and 13.5% superannuation. The council says the successful candidate will have tertiary qualifications and/or extensive business management background.
The position description describes the deputy general manager as a senior leadership position forming part of the executive management team, working with the general manager to provide information and advice to councillors and to implement council decisions. Areas of responsibility under the position are:
- Children’s Services
- Strategy and Communications
- Governance and Information Management
- Human Resources
- Financial Services
- Customer Service and Administration
Job advertisement
Information for candidates
Position description
Road weather warning
Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for North West Coast, Central North, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Road weather warning
Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for North West Coast, Central North, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and Upper Derwent Valley forecast districts
"Exciting time" to join the council
In a statement dated yesterday but issued today, the council says it is about to start advertising for a deputy general manager to join its senior management team. Mayor Ben Shaw says it is an exciting time to be joining the council.
The council says the deputy general manager role has been designed to replace the previous corporate and community services executive manager as well as creating a succession plan for general manager Greg Winton.
"Mr Winton has been discussing this role since March with the elected members and council’s HR partner, and feels this is the right strategic move to make as it is his intention to retire in 2020," the statement said.
Mayor Ben Shaw says he is positive about the council’s ability to attract the right person, with the area entering into a period of growth and investment on several fronts. “With the commitment of funds in the recent budget to upgrade our infrastructure and open spaces, along with the considerable investment in the Valley in terms of tourism, it really is an exciting time to be joining Derwent Valley Council," Cr Shaw said.
"It’s a great opportunity for us as a Council as well, and will allow us to build a relationship with the incoming person, while having the benefit of the current general manager’s experience, skills and guidance.”
The council has not had a deputy general manager since 2012. Since then various senior staff have been designated to fill the role as required.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Business as usual at the Community Garden
The Derwent Valley Community Garden, off The Avenue at Willow Court, New Norfolk. |
Responding to local speculation, Mr Hill said the garden co-ordinator was presently on leave and part of the area was cordoned-off due to recent flooding, but the large part of the garden was operating as usual.
"The Derwent Valley Community Garden is currently unmanned whilst our garden co-ordinator, Tracey, is on leave," Mr Hill said. "A small section of the garden was impacted by the sewerage spill on August 17 and that section will remain closed until TasWater has carried out their clean-up operation," he said.
Mr Hill said the remainder of the garden was still open to the public and anyone wishing to buy produce was welcome to do so using the honesty box provided at the shipping container in the corner of the garden. "Also, we are always on the lookout for volunteers and invite anyone who is interested to pop in and see Tracey when she returns from leave in a couple of weeks," he said.
The area affected by the TasWater sewage spill has been roped off and involves about six beds close to the front fence. "Some of those beds are empty and others contain herbs. The Market Garden has not been affected at all," Mr Hill said.
Mr Hill said the Derwent Valley Council was liaising with TasWater on the Community House's behalf and a clean-up operation is being arranged.
Valleyfield venue for Derwent Catchment fundraiser
Click image to enlarge. |
Historic Valleyfield will be the venue for the event on September 6, which supports the work of the group across the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands.
"Every year we gather the community together to celebrate spring and the start of the productive season," Derwent Catchment Project spokeswoman Eve Lazarus said. "As part of the event we share a three-course meal and hold a charity auction to raise money to support our work in the catchment."
Ms Lazarus said the group was pleased to have one of the beautiful old hop kilns at Valleyfield in New Norfolk as the venue for this year's fundraiser. The Derwent Catchment Project's annual general meeting will be held at the same venue at 4.30pm for those who wish to attend.
The Valleyfield venue for the Derwent Catchment fundraiser. |
"Auctions on the night up the ante with the possibility to purchase a range of items that showcase local business and community in our fantastic region. We have some exciting items up for auction, including a ram! On the list so far we have luxury accommodation and wine packages, an Agrarian Kitchen book and eatery voucher, fly casting lessons and a fishing rod and reel, a heritage breed tanned sheep hide from Arundel Farm, and Nant whisky to name a few."
Membership of the Derwent Catchment Project provides access to expert advice on farming, weed management and conservation projects. The group's aims are:
- To address issues of land degradation both natural and agricultural by implementing best practice land management.
- To support community and industry to innovate and improve on practice by attracting investment and sponsorship for improvements in land condition in the Derwent Catchment.
- To empower and inspire the community to be involved in active management of the catchment.
To help with catering numbers at the Spring Celebration please RSVP to September 3 by emailing projects@derwentcatchment.org or calling 0429 170 048. More information can be found on the Derwent Catchment Project's Facebook page.
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Season over for the Eagles
New Norfolk's Josh Farrow talking with Cygnet's Barry Hall after the final siren today. |
Playing at Cygnet this afternoon, the senior side went down by 14 points after a rollercoaster ride during the game.
The Eagles scored a solitary point in the first term but kicked five goals and three points to finish one point in front at half-time. New Norfolk was behind by one point at three-quarter time but was outscored by Cygnet in the final term.
Star Cygnet recruit Barry Hall scored eight goals and was single-handedly responsible for almost half of his team's final score. New Norfolk's Josh Farrow had the unenviable task of playing on the AFL Hall of Fame big man, and received some post-match tips from Hall in a display of genuine good sportsmanship.
SENIORS
Cygnet 3.0-18 5.2-32 9.5-59 15.8-98
New Norfolk 0.1-1 5.3-33 9.4-58 13.6-84
Cygnet - Goals: B. Hall 8, B. Livingston 2, R. Schuth 2, L. Paton 2, B. Halton; Best: A. Duggan, R. Schuth, B. Livingston, B. Halton, N. Duggan, J. Gordon.
New Norfolk - Goals: M. Parker 8, J. Wigg 2, J. Bearman, J. Hills, J. Daley; Best: M. Parker, J. Daley, N. Eiszele, B. Lovell, B. Chaplin, J. Walsh.
In the other elimination final played at Anzac Park, Lindisfarne, this morning, the New Norfolk Eagle Colts went down to the Sorell Eagles by 46 points.
New Norfolk was held scoreless in the first quarter and added 14 points by half-time. They were again scoreless in the third term but kicked five goals and a point in the final quarter as the Sorell side ran away to a big win, 91 points to 45.
COLTS
Sorell 4.6-30 5.8-38 12.11-83 13.13-91
New Norfolk 0.0 2.2-14 2.2-14 7.3-45
Sorell - Goals: B. Carter 6, C. Dargan 2, J. Campbell 2, T. Duggan, R. Bird, L. Butterworth; Best: R. Bird, L. Cameron, L. Butterworth, C. Dargan, B. Carter, M. Prouse.
New Norfolk - Goals: J. Miller 2, Z. Wheeler, H. Davis, B. Howlett, O. Haigh, T. Rainbird; Best: J. Miller, Z. Wheeler, E. Holden, W. Banks, J. Triffett, T. Scanlon.
Posting on the club's Facebook page this evening, a spokesman said it was unfortunately that the Colts and Seniors would not be continuing further into the finals. "We are so proud of what all our teams have achieved this year," they said.
"One thing we take away from this is that we are one club. We stood together and will continue to stand together. We all tried our best. Next season we will come back stronger and better.
"We thank our players, NNDFC Board and football clubrooms committee, our sponsors, our volunteers, our supporters and our family and friends."
SEE THE DUFF TV MATCH VIDEO
Quiet Hour for New Norfolk supermarket
There will be a "Quiet Hour" at the New Norfolk Woolworths each Tuesday. |
The business has announced that the period from 10.30-11.30am every Tuesday will be "Quiet Hour" at 260 of its supermarkets nationwide.
The initiative is intended to help to reduce anxiety and sensory stress for customers with specific needs, including autism, by providing a quieter and less stimulating environment in each store. Autism Spectrum Australia estimates more than 300,000 (or one in 70) Australians are on the autism spectrum.
During the nominated hour each Tuesday, selected Woolworths stores will lower their lights, turn down music and turn off oven buzzers. Woolworths New Norfolk will join more than 260 stores nationally, including three others in the greater Hobart area doing so.
“We’ve heard from our customers there is a need in the community for a low sensory shopping experience in the area," Woolworths operations manager Tristan Merrett said. “Off the back of successful trials, we’re delighted to expand Quiet Hour to Hobart for the benefit of even more customers. Our team takes great pride in ensuring the store is quieter and less stressful for customers who want to shop during Quiet Hour and we look forward to welcoming them in store.”
The initiative was developed in consultation with disability service providers at Life Without Barriers, whose chief executive, Claire Robbs, said: “Quiet Hour is a fantastic accessibility initiative by Woolworths that recognises that people have different accessibility needs. “It gives people a way to do their shopping and increase their independence in an environment that is not stressful and overwhelming to them.”
During Quiet Hour, customers will also notice the following changes:
● Reduced volume on telephones phones and cash registers on the trading floor;
● Roll cages will be removed from the shop floor; and
● No public address announcements (except in case of emergencies).
The participating greater Hobart Woolworth stores are New Norfolk, New Town, Eastlands and Channel Court.
Friday, August 23, 2019
Final flood warning
Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania
Final Flood Warning for the River Derwent
Issued at 10:09am on Friday 23 August 2019
Flood Warning Number: 3
The Derwent River below Meadowbank Dam has fallen below the minor flood level. Downstream river levels at Macquarie Plains and New Norfolk are expected to remain below the minor flood level.
In the 24 hours to 9 am Friday rainfall totals of 5-16 mm were observed in the upper Derwent River catchment, with less than 5 mm recorded in the lower reaches. No significant rainfall is forecast for the remainder of Friday.
Strong and dangerous flows will be a hazard over the next couple of days.
River Derwent above River Ouse:
No further flooding is expected in the River Derwent above River Ouse.
River Derwent above Meadowbank Dam:
No further flooding is expected in the River Derwent above Meadowbank Dam.
Tyenna River:
No further flooding is expected in the Tyenna River.
Styx River:
No further flooding is expected in the Styx River.
River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam:
No further flooding is expected in the River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam.
The River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam is currently at 3.69 metres and steady. Levels in the River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam remain elevated but are expected to remain below the minor flood level (4.10 m) during Friday.
The River Derwent at Macquarie Plains is currently at 3.15 metres and steady. The River Derwent at Macquarie Plains is expected to remain below the minor flood level (4.00 m) during Friday.
Flood Safety Advice:
FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.tas.gov.au
Road closure information is available at www.police.tas.gov.au
For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500.
For life threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
Next Issue:
This is a final warning, no further warnings will be issued for this event.
Latest River Heights:
Location | Height of River (m) | Tendency | Date/Time of Observation |
---|---|---|---|
River Derwent below Lake St Clair | 2.12 | Steady | 09:30 AM FRI 23/08/19 |
River Ouse at Ashton | 1.23 | Steady | 09:30 AM FRI 23/08/19 |
River Ouse at 3B Weir | 0.98 | Steady | 09:30 AM FRI 23/08/19 |
River Clyde at Bothwell | 0.13 | Steady | 08:00 AM FRI 23/08/19 |
River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam | 3.69 | Steady | 09:45 AM FRI 23/08/19 |
River Derwent at Macquarie Plains | 2.68 | Steady | 09:51 AM FRI 23/08/19 |
Tyenna River at Newbury | 0.98 | Steady | 08:15 AM FRI 23/08/19 |
Styx River at Bruces Bridge | 1.20 | Rising | 10:04 AM FRI 23/08/19 |
River Derwent at New Norfolk | 0.75 | Steady | 09:21 AM FRI 23/08/19 |
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 210. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/tas/flood. The latest weather forecast is available at www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts.
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Road weather warning
Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania
Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for North West Coast, Central North, North East, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts
Issued at 9:57pm on Thursday 22 August 2019.
Icy roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Thursday night and Friday morning in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.
For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.
The next alert will be issued by 5am Friday.
New date for Westerway movie night
The planned screening of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World last month had to be cancelled due to water damage at the original venue, the Westerway Community Hall.
Organised by the Derwent Valley Youth Future Action Team (D'FAT), the movie will now be seen at the local primary school on September 7. All welcome.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is the final installment in the How to Train Your Dragon film trilogy. Released in January, the computer-animated action fantasy film is the sequel to How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), which followed 2010's How to Train Your Dragon, loosely based on the 2003 book of the same name by British author Cressida Cowell.
Entry costs $2 per person and the event will start at 7pm. Food and drinks will be available and children under six (accompanied by a paying adult) will be admitted free. This is a drug and alcohol-free event.
A spokesman said D'FAT was grateful for the support from Westerway Primary School. For more information contact D'FAT by emailing info@dfat.com.au, looking up the Facebook page or by calling Matt on 0459 096 003.
Click image to enlarge. |
Local Government office "aware" of council issues
Cr Paul Belcher. |
During councillor question time at the end of last week's council meeting, Cr Paul Belcher said there were comments online, allegedly from other elected members, dealing with Mr Winton's employment contract and accusations about the former Valley Vision economic development group.
Addressing mayor Ben Shaw, Cr Belcher said there had been "a little bit of stuff going around on the social media" and he noted the mayor's announcement of earlier that day, where he said the messages had been "doctored."
"Yep, I had a statement that I read at the start of the meeting as well," Cr Shaw said for the benefit of Cr Belcher who had arrived late.
Turning to Mr Winton, Cr Belcher asked: "Mr General Manager, will you request the Director of Local Government to do an investigation into the posts on the social media which is alleged comments from elected members to do to deal with your contract and also a question, accusations, about Valley Vision? So the question is will you request the Director of Local Government to do an investigation of the social media posts?"
Mr Winton said he would not be doing so. "No, I'm not going to contact the director to invite him, instruct him, I can't instruct him anyway. I am aware that the Local Government Division are aware of those posts," he said.
During public question time earlier in the meeting, local resident and former councillor Chris Lester asked Mayor Shaw about Facebook posts from the time of the recent Tynwald Park bird poisoning incident. "Mr Mayor, in a screenshot conversation between yourself and another person, you castigated the GM, made comments about the lack of good governance internally, and you say you absolutely didn't know [about the poisoning] and that you will make management accountable," Mr Lester said.
"You further stated 'I think Marty is making a no-confidence motion in the GM asking him to step down'. You further say 'someone up high must take the fall'. The question is, Mr Mayor, is the former mayor going to move a no-confidence motion tonight?"
Cr Shaw did not comment on the alleged statements as put by Mr Lester, but said the question of a no-confidence motion was a matter for the former mayor, Cr Martyn Evans, who was welcome to respond if he wished. "Obviously I can't answer that, otherwise if it happens it happens, if it doesn't it doesn't," Cr Shaw said.
Cr Evans said he would answer. "I make my decisions on informed information, so I'll consider what I'll put up at the time and I'll do it - if I do it - when I want to."
Mr Lester said it seemed Cr Shaw had misreported Cr Evans. "I don't believe so, thank you," Cr Shaw said.
The recording of last Thursday's council meeting is available here. The text of the mayor's apology about Valley Vision can also be read here.
Update to minor flood warning
Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania
Minor Flood Warning for the River Derwent
Issued at 11:25am on Thursday 22 August 2019
Flood Warning Number: 2
Minor flooding is occurring along the lower Derwent River below Meadowbank Dam and is expected to continue during Thursday. Flooding is not expected to extend downstream to Macquarie Plains and New Norfolk.
In the 24 hours to 9 am Thursday rainfall of up to 31 mm was observed in the Derwent River catchment. No significant rainfall is forecast for the remainder of Thursday.
River levels are high in the upper Derwent, Nive and Florentine Rivers.
Strong and dangerous flows will be a hazard over the next couple of days.
River Derwent above River Ouse:
Strong river rises are occurring in the upper River Derwent and its tributaries.
River Derwent above Meadowbank Dam:
Strong river rises are occurring in the middle reaches of the River Derwent.
Tyenna River:
River levels are easing along the Tyenna River.
Styx River:
River levels are easing along the Styx River about Bruces Bridge.
River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam:
Minor flooding is occurring along the River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam.
The River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam is currently at 4.54 metres and steady. The River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam is expected to remain above the minor flood level (4.10 m) during Thursday.
The River Derwent at Macquarie Plains is currently at 3.15 metres and steady. The River Derwent at Macquarie Plains is expected to remain below the minor flood level (4.00 m) during Thursday.
Flood Safety Advice:
FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.tas.gov.au
Road closure information is available at www.police.tas.gov.au
For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500.
For life threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
Next Issue:
The next warning will be issued by 11am on Friday 23 August 2019.
Latest River Heights:
Location | Height of River (m) | Tendency | Date/Time of Observation |
---|---|---|---|
River Derwent below Lake St Clair | 2.26 | Steady | 10:30 AM THU 22/08/19 |
River Ouse at Ashton | 1.45 | Steady | 10:30 AM THU 22/08/19 |
River Ouse at 3B Weir | 1.14 | Steady | 10:00 AM THU 22/08/19 |
River Clyde at Bothwell | 0.41 | Steady | 10:00 AM THU 22/08/19 |
River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam | 4.54 | Steady | 10:45 AM THU 22/08/19 |
River Derwent at Macquarie Plains | 3.15 | Steady | 10:51 AM THU 22/08/19 |
Tyenna River at Newbury | 1.09 | Steady | 10:15 AM THU 22/08/19 |
Styx River at Bruces Bridge | 1.33 | Falling | 11:04 AM THU 22/08/19 |
River Derwent at New Norfolk | 1.18 | Rising | 10:57 AM THU 22/08/19 |
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 210. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/tas/flood. The latest weather forecast is available at www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts.
Thursday weather warning wrap
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Severe Weather Warning
for DAMAGING WINDS
Strong and gusty southwesterly winds will increase during Wednesday evening as a cold front crosses Tasmania.
* 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.
Warning to Sheep Graziers
Initial Minor Flood Warning for the River Derwent
River Derwent above River Ouse:
River Derwent above Meadowbank Dam:
Tyenna River:
Styx River:
River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam:
Flood Safety Advice:
Next Issue:
Latest River Heights:
Location | Height of River (m) | Tendency | Date/Time of Observation |
---|---|---|---|
River Derwent below Lake St Clair | 2.19 | Steady | 10:00 AM WED 21/08/19 |
River Ouse at Ashton | 0.93 | Rising | 10:00 AM WED 21/08/19 |
River Ouse at 3B Weir | 0.79 | Steady | 10:00 AM WED 21/08/19 |
River Clyde at Bothwell | 0.07 | Steady | 10:00 AM WED 21/08/19 |
River Derwent below Meadowbank Dam | 3.77 | Steady | 10:15 AM WED 21/08/19 |
River Derwent at Macquarie Plains | 2.18 | Rising | 10:25 AM WED 21/08/19 |
Tyenna River at Newbury | 1.51 | Falling | 10:15 AM WED 21/08/19 |
Styx River at Bruces Bridge | 1.50 | Falling | 10:29 AM WED 21/08/19 |
River Derwent at New Norfolk | 1.03 | Falling | 10:22 AM WED 21/08/19 |
Marine Wind Warning Summary
for the period until midnight Thursday 22 August 2019.
Wind Warnings for Wednesday 21 August
Frederick Henry Bay and Norfolk Bay, Storm Bay, Central Plateau Lakes, Far North West Coast, Central North Coast, Banks Strait and Franklin Sound, East of Flinders Island, Upper East Coast, Lower East Coast, South East Coast, South West Coast and Central West Coast
Derwent Estuary, Channel and South West Lakes
Wind Warnings for Thursday 22 August
Derwent Estuary, Frederick Henry Bay and Norfolk Bay, Storm Bay, Channel, Central Plateau Lakes, Far North West Coast, Central North Coast, Banks Strait and Franklin Sound, East of Flinders Island, Upper East Coast, Lower East Coast, South East Coast, South West Coast and Central West Coast
South West Lakes