Rural residents probably need no reminder that as the wet season begins the grass and weeds can become quickly out of control. Council’s Mobile Work Force team will commence full mowing rounds in December, with the verge mower currently targeting areas that have been identified as difficult to access such as steep and muddy drains. Weed spraying has also commenced around road side furniture such as guide posts, signs, power poles, culverts and table drain entrances. The spraying also includes treating larger individual clumps of the noxious weed Gamba Grass. Residents are encouraged to help join the fight against this weed and to take advantage of the free herbicide, spray equipment loans and weed management advice from the Northern Territory Government’s Gamba Grass Office located at Fred’s Pass Reserve near the Community Hall on Mondays and Fridays.
Roads and road maintenance is a key responsibility of Council as we support the economic and social prosperity of our area. We are pleased that two major road upgrade projects have recently been completed with assistance from Federal and NT Government. The Anzac Parade, Middle Point upgrade has been funded through the Northern Territory Government’s Regional Economic Infrastructure Fund (REIF). The upgrade to the Freds Pass, Redcliffe and Krichauff Roads intersection is also completed. This major work was possible through the Australian Government Black Spot Programme. The Black Spot Programme makes an important contribution in reducing the national road toll under the National Road Safety Strategy and aims to reduce the number of fatalities and causalities of which approximately 40 to 50% occur on local government roads. Official openings for road upgraded roads will be held later in November.
This year Litchfield Council has taken the opportunity to be a contributing partner to the Territory Natural Resource Management conference being held Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 November. This is an opportunity to show support for the Territory community, those people who contribute to managing our land, water, soil, plants and animals sustainably , and therefore maintaining the Municipalities wonderful natural environment - making our area “a great place to live”. Council staff will be capitalising on the great array of conference workshops being offered as a way of enhancing their knowledge and capacity to look after our space. The Deputy Mayor Councillor Osborn and I will also be attending the conference and the Awards presentation.
Cyclone preparation is important at this time of year and Council is continuing to encourage Litchfield residents to clean up their properties, to stow or removes items which could become dangerous missiles in the event of a cyclone. To assist Council is offering free green waste disposal for the month of November to all Litchfield residents.
Santa is on his way and will be making an early visit to Berry Springs Reserve Markets on Sunday 11 December. Lots of activities including bouncing castle, face-painting, Christmas raffle, door prizes plus plenty of stalls to buy your Christmas presents. Stalls will be available for those enterprising residents wishing to sell items, just email berryspringsmarkets@hotmail.com for details.
Your thoughts and involvement in the area are important so please contact me through, Snap, Send, Solve app, email maree.bredhauer@litchfiled.nt.gov.au or call on ph. 89 830612.