It is Council’s priority to ensure that we are heading in the right strategic direction and currently there are a number of projects and programs which are being implemented that will shape the future of the municipality in years to come.

10 Year Waste Management Strategy planning gets off to a great start this week with the first meeting of the Community Reference Group. The consulting organisation, Impact Environment will guide the Council through the strategy development process. The community group has been appointed from the nominations received from locals interested in the project.

Waste management has become a complex area, legally, technically and commercially and a priority for Council is to move towards being a community that generates minimal waste and considers the waste that is produced as a valuable resource. With a plan in place Council can move to make sustainable improvements, both financially and environmentally, to the management of all recovered resources and to deliver first class waste management practices to our area.

Community engagement is critical to the process and Council will also be seeking input into the Strategy from the community both through the Community Reference Group and targeted consultation over the coming months as options are developed. It is expected that the final recommendations will come before Council in March 2017 with the Strategy expected to be finalised mid-2017. A budget of $50,000 has been provided to prepare a 10-year Waste Management Strategy for Litchfield Council.

Christmas is a time when community get together and congratulations must go to the organisers and sponsors of the Carols by Candle Light held at Bees Creek School last Saturday night. It was a most enjoyable and relaxing family night that showed off some great local talent and just how much fun can be had singing along in the company of your neighbours and friends.

Congratulation also to our three talented students from Bees Creek School and Taminmin College: Eilis Evans, Emma Lester and Kida Langham, who have been selected to join the very prestigious Gondwana National Choral School. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and as members of the Choir they will receive world-class training by leading artists that will culminate in a series of concerts showcasing their extraordinary talents.

All the best for your Christmas preparations, have Merry Christmas and happy and safe New Year Celebrations.

If you have any concern or queries about council work or actions there are a number of ways to get in contact: through the website, the Snap, Send, Solve app, email maree.bredhauer@litchfiled.nt.gov.au or call on ph. 89 830612. Members of the pubic are invited to next Council meeting on Wednesday 14December, at 6pm at the Council Chambers, Bees Creek Road.