January 2019 – President Peter Clee

Purpose of Report

To inform council and the community of my activities and to provide relevant information to the community at large.

What’s been happening …

I hope everyone had a great break over the Christmas and New year holiday period.

Australia Day was a good day for all who attended. Attendance was down due to the inclement weather, but those who braved the conditions enjoyed the day’s activities. Congratulations to those who received the awards and to the council staff and volunteers who organised the event.

The Top End Regional Organisation of Councils (TOPROC) is a group of local government councils that surround Darwin harbour who meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of common interest. The group has been meeting since the mid 1990s and comprises Darwin City Council, Palmerston City Council, Coomalie Community Government Council, Litchfield Shire Council, Belyuen Council as well as Wagait Shire Council. The group promotes and supports projects that benefit the member councils. I have been elected chair of TOPROC for 2019. The next meeting of TOPROC will be held at Litchfield in March 2019.

The NT Government surprised us all recently with the announcement of the allocation of funding to fast track the Mandorah jetty project. This is very welcome and could provide the incentive for the Larrakeyah Development Corporation to commence work on the proposed development on land south/south-east of the old dump site.

I intend to put forward two projects to council for promoting to the major parties at the next federal election. These projects are outside our ability to finance or promote but will bring long term benefits to the community. They are: –

Community members who may have other ideas are encouraged to contact myself or any of your shire councillors to promote their ideas.

Where have I been ….

20th Nov                                 WSC Ordinary meeting 21st Nov                                 ABC Grass Roots 26th Nov                                 Meeting with Strategic Plan facilitators 23rd Jan                                  WSC Ordinary meeting 26th Jan                                  Australia day at Wagait Beach 8th Feb                                    DHLG Panel Assessment 12th Feb                                 Opening of Parliament