The September 2009 Bulletin encompasses the following topics:
Consultation on Dudding Lake.
Direct Debit Promotion.
New Weighbridge for Marton.
Community Initiatives Funding.
The Old Courthouse, Bulls.
Consultation on Dudding Lake to begin
Following a decision made during the LTCCP deliberations in May, Council developed a draft management plan for the future management of Dudding Lake. This was adopted for public consultation at the Council meeting on the 24th. Public consultation will begin on 1 October, and a facilitated public meeting is planned for the 14th October, from 5.30 – 7.30 pm, at the Marton Memorial Hall Supper Room. Council realises that there are a number of wide ranging questions people wish to ask in relation to Dudding Lake, so in order to have the answers at the public meeting, questions should be submitted in writing before the day of the meeting. Questions can be hand delivered to Council offices/libraries/information centres, posted to Private Bag 1102, Marton, or emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please mark questions Attention Executive Officer.
The draft management plan will be available at Council offices, information centres and libraries, and also on our website. Consultation closes on 2 November.
Direct Debit promotion
Congratulations to Mr Bill Bundle of Bulls, who was a winner in our Direct Debit promotion. Mr Bundle signed up for a direct debit in July/August, and entered a draw to win $150 of either petrol or supermarket vouchers.
There was such a great response to this promotion that Council has decided to run it again – those signing up for a Direct Debit in September, October or November will be entered in a draw to win $150 of either petrol or supermarket vouchers. This will be drawn in December – what a great Christmas present.
New Weighbridge for Marton
A weighbridge has been installed at the Marton Waste Transfer Station, and will become operational to the public on 2 November. It will weigh the waste from trucks and vehicles with trailers, with charges set at $95 per tonne. The minimum fee of $23 for trucks and trailers will still apply. Car boot loads, vans, utilities and station wagons will not be charged by weight, but will continue to be charged the current rates.
Until 2 November the weighbridge is being used for data collection, so trucks and trailers should enter via the weighbridge, but will only be charged current rates. An EFTPOS terminal has also been installed at the Transfer Station.
Community Initiatives Funding
Over 20 community groups and organisations received funding from the Community Initiatives Grant fund, allocated by Council’s Finance Committee at its adjourned meeting of 24 September. The standard of applications was high, and the Committee took some time to look at each application individually. When applying for Council funding, it is important to provide all the information asked for, and complete the application form fully. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applications for the Creative Communities Scheme Fund opened on 24 September, and close 4pm on 5 November 2009. Forms are available on our website, or contact Council on 0800 422 522.
The Old Courthouse, Bulls
Representatives of Council, Bulls & District Enterprises and the Department of Conservation have been discussing the future management of the old Bulls Courthouse. Council endorsed this approach at its meeting of 24 September, and the three parties will continue to meet over the coming weeks.
A formal request will be made to the Minister of Conservation for the site to be re-classified as a historic reserve. This will enable the present lease arrangements to continue but to also comply with the requirements of the Reserves Act. In addition, it is proposed to formalise the siting of the Bulls Historical Society's jail building on the reserve and to include that in all preservation and development plans for the reserve.
A public consultation process is required and arrangements are being made for that to commence as soon as possible.
