February 2009 Alice Springs Town Council

Container Deposit Legislation
Watch this space. Radical plans are afoot

Train implications due to Olympic Dam Expansion
ASTC has put it to NTG that a bypass be provided for the Alice to Darwin trainline because Olympic Dam Expansion told us that traffic will extend to 1 extra train per day of 1km long through town centre. This cuts the town in half and emergency services can be delayed by an extra 10 minutes at this time.

During deliberations Council removed references to hazardous materials and spills from the motion.

This is also being taken up by LGANT.

Graffiti v Aerosol Art
Council continues to be supportive of ‘aerosol art’ projects including panels along the fence of ANZAC oval which can be used by anyone anytime for artwork.

There is a ‘graffiti’ hotline and council has a 24hr removal policy as well as a reward for people who report illegal graffiti leading to a conviction.

Gathering Garden
On the corner of the civic lawns nearest the mall, a garden is under construction including bronze coolamons etc. It was designed by indigenous artist Marie Ellis and should be complete by mid year. The project went out to tender and many artists put in a bid.

Law and Order
Alice Council wrote to NTG requesting that the Tactical Response Unit be deployed to Alice Springs ‘to restore order to our streets’. This was refused.

On a more civilized note we have secured funding for extra lighting around CBD trouble spots, 85% of which will be solar.

Infrastructure Fund
ASTC has put in for $12M for a new library and $3M for upgrades to our footy oval Traeger Park. We will be asking surrounding shires to join in our footy oval application.

Environment Advisory Committee
Some main points -
*getting tough on computer waste (report available)
*call on DCA to encourage desert smart housing design

Community Gardens group and ALEC to be given the go ahead to INVESTIGATE use of Francis Smith Park as location for a community garden. First step will be to consult with neighbouring properties.

Council to charge 2$ per kilo for E-waste at the landfill in order to facilitate effective recycling.

Council to encourage reporting of illegal dumping of waste including public education about correct disposal of waste.


Tourism
Tourism Advisory committee is investigating the possibility of an Indoor Masters Games and a disabled Masters Games.

Tourism and Events Committee are investigating an approach made to them about a nudist colony and new accommodation house in the region. A promotional 'weekend out' at the property is in the plans and the committee has been asked to identify which 2 months of the year would be good for this activity.




.