Land sales for closed council meeting next week

DEPUTY mayor Scott Shaw lifted the lid on the likely sale of the Willow Court sportsground last weekend, but the New Norfolk News understands a nearby supermarket car park is also under offer.

Councillor Barry Lathey inadvertently revealed the imminent sale of the Willow Court oval during his deputy mayoral campaign speech on Saturday afternoon, but refused to reveal further details when questioned. During his own mayoral campaign speech, Cr Shaw later revealed that a developer had offered about $500,000 for the oval, which was likely to become the site of a new supermarket.

A number of people present for the "meet the candidates" function expressed their opposition to the oval being sold, describing it as open space which had long been used by the public. It has now emerged that the council is also considering the sale of the public car park at the Woolworths supermarket in New Norfolk for about $300,000 to the same developer.

The council has been seeking a buyer for the Willow Court oval for some time. It rejected an offer for the car park several years ago and had not revealed that the property was still up for sale. Both matters are expected to be considered during a closed council meeting on Monday night, allowing the council to keep its decision secret if it wishes.

Liberty Swing lets special kids let loose

THE Derwent Valley's first Liberty Swing was officiallly opened at Tynwald Park, New Norfolk, last Saturday afternoon. The innovative swing was installed, thanks to the efforts of the Variety Club Bashers and the local community. Liberty Swings are a world-first Australian innovation which allow people in wheelchairs the opportunity to experience the joy of having a swing in the park. Until now, they have had to watch from the sidelines as their siblings and friends experience the freedom and exhilaration of a swing.

The swing at Tynwald Park was been made possible through support from the Derwent Valley Council, the Lions Club of New Norfolk, Norske Skog, Log A Load for Kids and Variety Tasmania.

Site security is Willow Court group's top priority

CONNECTING the electricity and installing electronic security and surveillance is the top priority reported by the Willow Court working party at its community forum tonight. The recommendation will go before the Derwent Valley Council at its monthly meeting on Monday.

Next Willow Court forum on Monday night

THE promised follow-up to the recent community forum on Willow Court will be held tomorrow (Monday) at 7pm in the Derwent Valley Council social rooms. The recently-established Willow Court Community Forum will hold another of its unadvertised meetings in the morning, to prepare for the forum.

Science labs and radio studio for NNHS

TENDERS have been called for the construction of 10 science and language centres in government schools across the state, including New Norfolk High School. Premier David Bartlett said Tasmania had secured more than $43 million for 30 new science and language centres through the Federal Government’s multi-billion-dollar Building the Education Revolution (BER) program. “This is the greatest school modernisation program in Tasmanian history and we want every Tasmanian child to have access to the best facilities for learning,” Mr Bartlett said.

The New Norfolk High School project includes construction of a new science laboratory, as well as studios for the new community radio station which is soon to begin broadcasting from a temporary facility in the Valley Vision office in High St. Advertisements outlining the tenders were published last Saturday in the state’s three daily newspapers. Tenders close on November 4 and builders are expected to be appointed as soon as possible. “This will enable the builder to work closely with the architects, and satisfy council requirements, including building and other permits, before construction begins,” Mr Bartlett said.

Council candidates to front the public

FORMER Brighton Council general manager Geoff Dodge will chair a “Meet the Candidates” afternoon at New Norfolk on October 17. Organised by Molesworth resident Ngaire Glover, the function will be held at the Lions Club at Willow Court.  Mrs Glover said it would give all voters an opportunity to listen and ask questions of the Derwent Valley Council election candidates.

"All candidates have expressed their willingness to attend however current Mayor Tony Nicholson of Lachlan has a prior meeting engagement and may not be able to do so," Mrs Glover said.  A gold coin donation will help with the cost of the venue hire. The Lions Club will provide tea and coffee.

Tim's new office officially opened

GREENS leader Nick McKim has officially opened the new office of Lyons MHA Tim Morris at the Cove Hill Fair Shopping Centre at Bridgewater. Mr Morris' former New Norfolk base became unavailable when its ownership changed earlier this year. His new rooms at Bridgewater were previously the office of former Franklin MHR Harry Quick. Mr Morris has had the office for some time, but the official opening took place on September 23.