Mayor's Message
It has been a busy few months in the lead-up to the festive season. I attended the 52nd Australia Japan Conference in Darwin in October, which enabled Territory, Australian and Japanese business delegates to come together. I also attended the fifth annual Northern Territory Major Projects Conference. This conference gave valuable insight into the future direction of business development in the Territory.
In November I attended the national Local Roads and Transport Congress in Tamworth, NSW. This well-attended conference allowed me to raise important infrastructure issues for the Litchfield municipality at a federal level, including the need for funding for bridge and road network repairs and maintenance.
Locally, it has been a busy time for our schools and community groups, and I am pleased of all achievements made by individuals in these areas.
Congratulations to Taminmin College teacher Danielle Hazelton who was named NT Secondary Teacher of the Year at the Northern Territory Teacher of the Year Awards. Our community is home to some wonderful residents and groups. If you have an event that you would like me to be a part of, please don't hesitate to let me know by emailing council@lsc.nt.gov.au.
Have a safe and happy festive season, and remember to take care on our roads, especially at times of heavy rain. I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.
Allan McKay
Mayor - Litchfield Council
News
Nominate a superstar for an Australia Day Award
Every year for Australia Day, Council presents local government awards to residents who have made an extraordinary contribution to our community across three different categories.
Nominations for these awards are now open, and individuals and organisations can nominate a community member or group who they feel have made a significant contribution to our community.
The three award categories are:
- Citizen of the Year (aged 30 and over)
- Young Citizen of the Year (aged between 14 - 29)
- Community Group of the Year
Nomination forms are available for download from www.litchfield.nt.gov.au. Nominations close 6 January 2015.
Mayor attends Robertson Barracks ceremony
The Mayor attended the formal transfer of command at Robertson Barracks in October, with former 1st Brigade Commander Brigadier John Frewen handing over to Brigadier Michael Ryan.
The ceremony marked the formal transfer of authority for the formation, including the Adelaide-based 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
Brigadier Ryan served at Robertson Barracks as the Commanding Officer of 1st Combat Engineer Regiment from 2006 to 2007, and said it was great to be back in the region.
Thorak Regional Cemetery clean-up
Thorak Regional Cemetery staff have undertaken a clean-up of cemetery grounds in preparation for the upcoming cyclone season.
Grave site items that weren't previously removed by families have been taken into storage by staff and will be held for collection until the end of December.
These items include anything that may become a dangerous flying object during a wet season storm, such as glass containers, ornaments, solar lights, and toys. The cemetery's Flower and Ornament Policy can be found at www.litchfield.nt.gov.au
Our rangers bring home the bacon
Litchfield Council's hardworking rangers assisted a local family in helping their pet pig Clarence get home safely after he was spooked by a bushfire in October.
Litchfield Council Regulatory Services Manager Will Green said his team was happy to assist. "Our animal management service is more than just picking up stray dogs, and if someone in the community does have an animal in distress we are always happy to help where we can." Mr Green also thanked Howard Springs Vet Clinic for their assistance.
Howard Springs Bike Park nearing completion
Final works on the Howard Springs Bike Park are nearing completion. In recent weeks our hard working team has put soft fall in place, and works on shading structures and grassing will be finalised soon.
Thanks to all our volunteers and community members who have worked so hard on this project. We are hoping the park will be open before Christmas.
Annual Report now available
Litchfield Council's Annual Report 2013/14 is now available. You can download a copy from our website or visit the Council office at Freds Pass for a hard copy.
Bin audit success for Berry Springs
Litchfield Council was pleased to assist Berry Springs Primary School put together a bin audit film for Chief Minister Adam Giles.
The instructional video was scripted, filmed and edited by the students. Litchfield Council Waste Educator and Project Officer Barbara Heales conducted a waste audit with the students as part of the project.
This involved the students separating waste into different categories, including landfill, recyclables, and food scraps.
The bin audit project helps provide education and awareness on increasing sustainability within schools, with a focus on reducing, reusing and recycling waste.
Maintenance grading works
Litchfield Council undertook two rounds of maintenance grading throughout October to prepare roads for the wet season.
The grading works encompassed approximately 96km of gravel roads. The works were undertaken as part of the council's annual grading maintenance program and involved light formation grading on pavement and shoulders, with watering and roller compaction.
Be prepared this cyclone season
There is a 50 per cent chance of a cyclone this wet season, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, with the first monsoon rains expected for December.
Being prepared well in advance will make it easier to protect your property and family in the event of a cyclone.
NT Emergency Services recommend taking the following steps now to minimise damage to your property:
- Trim branches and treetops around your home
- Remove loose and unsecured material from your yard. Make sure it is stored securely or organise to take it to the waste transfer station
- Put your emergency kit together, with enough supplies to last your family 72 hours. Include a battery operated radio, torch, and spare batteries
- Make sure you have made arrangements for your pets
More tips and information can be found at www.pfes.nt.gov.au