JOURNALIST: Ros White

November meeting

Sea SA ferry

The mayor and CEO have met with Sea SA representatives to confirm the direction the company is taking, it was reported at District Council of the Copper Coast’s meeting last Wednesday, November, 4.

Directors have been overseas looking for a ferry for interim use, but have not as yet been successful in their quest.

The issue of truck routes was brought to the fore. The use of Chatfield Terrace for B-doubles had caused a problem in the negotiation of the corner of Heritage Drive and Jetty Road. That issue has been rectified between council and the Department of Transport to enable use by B-doubles. As a result, there will be some work done to redesign that intersection.

Wallaroo art sculpture

After council was approached late last year by the Wallaroo Community Develop­ment Group to investigate the possible creation of a sculpture to commemorate the copper sesquicentennial, advice to council was that it should seek funding to engage a consultant to prepare a brief.

Members learned that in order to further the project, council would need to apply for $9,000 from Arts SA to pay three artists to each submit their concept plans.

Council approved this recommendation.

Mayor’s report

Mayor Thomas reported he had attended a YP Council Alliance meeting at Maitland, main points coming from that being the sharing of roles in OH&S management and a discussion of where councils are headed in relation to development boards. The Yorke Regional Development Board was to be wound up on June 30, then December 31, and now it could be March 31 next year, closing existing boards proving to be a slow process.

Mayor Thomas also reported a meeting with the developers of North Shores revealed they are several years ahead of schedule. Stage 6 has been completed and they are now putting forward Stages 7 and 8, and looking to incorporate open spaces and playing fields/parks in these.

He also attended the MFS Proficiency Awards where Chief Officer Lupton commented on the district’s considerable growth which will lead to continuing upgrades of its operations in the region as demand warrants, including a new unit and depot in Kadina.

Community Advisory Committee

The committee recommended to council the allocation of funding for the 2009 Community Grants Scheme, which was carried. Successful applicants were:

Carers Link YP (10 Care Alert Smart Diallers, $1,295), CC Garden Club (assist with 2010 State Rally, $2,500), CC New Year’s Eve fireworks ($5,000), CC Old Machinery Club (storage shed, $500), CC Writers Group (Copper 150 book, $300), Gulf FM (relocation, $3,500), Kadina Pony Club (upgrade yards, $500), KWM Band (buy fridge, $500), Wallaroo Lions (senior citizens Christ­mas party, $500), Moonta Community Shed (rainwater tank $2,300), Moonta Football Club-cricket (upgrade facilities, $5,000), Moonta Mines Uniting Church (pathways, $2,300), Moonta Progress (Opera in Mines, $3,000; antique fair, $800), Moonta National Trust (plaques on graves, $4,990), Neighbourhood Watch, newsletters, $500), NYP Pony Club (kitchen upgrade, $1,800), Paskeville Progress Association (upgrade courts, $5,000), Salvation Army (trade community shed, $5,000), SA Sea Rescue (equipment, $3,070), Wallaroo  Sailing Club (training boats and equipment, $5,000), Wallaroo street party, $2,000), YP Gem and Mineral Club (grinding machine, $860), YP Youth Workers Network (administration, $500), Kadina Apex Club (equipment and decorations, $5,000).

Of the $85,000 available, only $61,000 has been allocated in the initial round. Those applicants who did not meet the criteria, but whose applications have merit, may reapply and be reconsidered to utilise the remainder of the funding.

Community Infrastructure Committee

The committee recommended to council that it purchase Allotment 118 on Martin Terrace, Kadina, for $105,000 (excl. GST), which was carried. The purchase of the land will present a number of stormwater management options in the immediate area.

Corporate Advisory Committee

The committee recommended council continue to award the Copper Coast Undergraduate Tertiary Scholarship in 2010 and from 2011 employ or sponsor employment of apprentices and trainees within the Copper Coast, thus rewarding young people who choose to remain in the district. If no suitable application is received, the scholarship will not be awarded.

It was recommended council advance the Copper Coast Sport and Leisure Centre $15,000 from the already allocated budget; support it to apply for funding through the Office for Recreation and Sport or other sources; request a reviewed budget and business plan and marketing plan for the proposed changes to the management structure and business model; advance $50,000 as a deferred loan ($20,000 operating expenditure and $30,000 capital expenditure); and  go guarantor for a loan of $50,000 when the centre applies for a grant of $50,000, if successful. These recommendations were carried.

Environment Advisory Committee

The committee recommended to council it apply for the Zero Waste (e-waste) 2009-10 grant funding to assist in the recycling of e-waste, such as computers, from householders.

Council received two expressions of interest for a vacancy existing on the committee, and it recommended Peter Turner be appointed.

Students make deputation

Moonta Area School captain Taylah Andrews and vice-captain Michael Carson made a deputation, including a slide presentation, “A Hero’s Journey”, after which they both spoke of their attendance at the seventh annual Rising Generations National Leadership Camp at Collaroy Beach, Sydney.

They thanked council for its sponsorship, which enabled this life changing experience for them.

Michael explained the “tribes” they were assigned to, and the many group activities, such as boot camp, which he said taught him resilience and built up his confidence.

Taylah said boot camp was the most mentally and physically challenging thing she has ever done in her life, and was amazed that in the four days of the Leadership Camp, people could go from being complete strangers to friends.

“I now know more about leadership and the important things in life,” she said.

Mayor Thomas commented the Copper Coast area will be well-served by young leaders such as Michael and Taylah, and it was a real pleasure to see the quality of students in the area.

Frances Terrace

The CEO has negotiated a satisfactory price from DTEI for the land at Lot 22 Frances Terrace, Kadina, of $70,000, the negotiations having been ongoing since August 2008. Council is considering developing the land for community purposes such as public amenities, bus shelter or car park extension.

Port Hughes boat ramp

The Port Hughes boat ramp has been dredged.

GMIES Richard Pym informed members the Port Hughes boat ramp has been dredged. Large dump trucks were hired to better access the harbour area and clear sand and weed properly. It now boasts a depth of two metres at its entrance. This dredging will hopefully be done annually as well as council’s routine dredging, the next one to be done hopefully before Christmas.