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Saints improving
In their only home match at Coober Pedy this season, the Coober Pedy Saints doubled their total score from their previous encounter with Olympic Dam by half way through the first quarter - 2 points. A strongly partisan crowd cheered wildly every time the Saints scored a goal, and moaned with disappointment when they kicked a behind. When OD scored a goal there was only silence. State MP Lyn Breuer was one of the loudest Coober Pedy supporters. Final score was OD 13 goals 18 behinds to Coober Pedy 4 goals 11 behinds. At the after-match barbecue at the RSL the talk of at least 4 home games being played at Coober Pedy next year was strong. The club is hoping for change rooms to be built by then. Woomera and Districts Football League President Graham Warren was very impressed with the Saints water boy - the Mayor of Coober Pedy, Steve Baines.
'Black Opal' Search Still On
As reported in the Coober Pedy News Blog, the Saints' 2005 $5,000 cash Black Opal Sponsorship offer from Mr Robert Coro, Managing Director of the Opal Inn, was withdrawn, Mr Coro opting instead for a $1500 donation for the 2005 season, promising $5000 for next season.
From Council Minutes ...
Plant and Machinery to be Purchased
In a Special Meeting, the District Council of Coober Pedy voted in favour of purchasing, subject to satisfactory mechanical inspection, three items:
(a) 1999 model International 2350GISC garbage compactor, or equivalent, to the value of $110,000 (excl. GST),
(b) Water Truck tipper, up to the value of $60,000 (excl GST),
(c) TYMCO 300 regenerative street sweeper, or equivalent, to the value of $55,000 (excl GST),
and that Council funds the above capital expenditure by way of loan borrowings from the Local Government of South Australia Finance Authority up to the amount of $230,000, to be included in the 2005/2006 Works Department Budget.
Mayor's Report
"As you are aware Council has for some time now been talking to different air carriers in an effort to establish a regular air route between Coober Pedy/Yulara/Alice Springs. Council also applied to Transport SA to make this a condition of REX's air route. On the 24th May I held discussions with Mr Anthony Sandford, General Manager, Aboriginal Air, in an effort to attract Aboriginal Air into Coober Pedy. I am pleased to advise that discussions have resulted in Aboriginal Air looking seriously at providing this service. Aboriginal Air is in the process of purchasing a 19 seat EMB100 for use on the route and it is anticipated that the service will begin in October.
"The CEO and I attended a meeting on the 8th June to discuss issues regarding the Transitional Accommodation Facility. We were advised that the aim is to have this facility built during the 2005/2006 financial year subject to ongoing finances, lack of 24-hour policing and the implementation of at least one safe drinking area. We will continue to work through these issues with all concerned.
"I had several questions raised in parliament at the end of last month. One of the issues concerned the lack of Motor Registration Admin. Facilities. I am advised the question regarding 24-hour policing has been referred to the Premier and I would expect an answer to that issue in the near future. The other issue regarding Motor Registration appears to be resolved, with Australia Post entering into an agreement with Transport SA to offer extended services to Coober Pedy. This is seen by Transport SA to be a test case and will of successful be rolled out to other regional areas after 12 months."
Council received a letter from a business owner, saying that a person who was employed by Council in the Tourism area was not doing a satisfactory job. CEO Trevor McLeod, aware that the person in fact was not in the employ of the council, wrote to that person giving them a chance to respond. He tabled the letter, and the letter of response. Quite a long time was spent by Council discussing the contents of the letters. The business owner being present was asked to come to the table. On learning the true relationship between the Council and the Tourism person, the business owner said the matter would be taken up privately.
Coober Pedy Sewer System Committee
Their report has identified the following High Risk Areas/High Volume Users:
1. Extension of existing drain in Saint Nicholas Street near the Council office into Italian Club Road to the Italian Club, and extending into Wilcox and Bean Streets
2. Extension of the same drain up Saint Nicholas Street, picking up the Greek Club, into Robins Boulevard, picking up the United Club, and extending into Grey Street.
3. Extension of the drain in Seventeen Mile Road into Koska and Alp Streets to the rear of the Umoona accommodation on Allotment 644
4. Extension of Catacomb Road drain into Shaw Place and nearby areas.
The risk appears to be more prominent where dugouts exist.
SUMMARY
The provision of an efficient sewerage system for Coober Pedy is now necessary. It is unlikely any system can be provided in the short term, however the process is to be started at the earliest opportunity.
With the authorisation of the Council's PAR there will be an opportunity for new development being required to install proper effluent disposal systems. This is being experienced at present with the application for four group dwellings in Elleway Drive by the State Government.
Most problems appear to be from properties built prior to Council being established. There has never been a responsibility for ratepayers to provide proper systems, with the exception of not creating an insanitary condition, and Hutchison Street businesses.
Other issues may be the inability for some property owners to connect to the system due to non-complying internal plumbing.
Airport Head Tax
In a letter to the Mayor Steve Baines, Regional Airlines (REX) says they have flown more than 7,000 passengers in the most recent 12 months, with 60% travelling in the 3 lowest fare types, the T-class Rex Saver (through Travel Agents) and the Internet N & O-classes. REX proposed that the $9.90 GST inclusive head tax be re-implemented on all fare types other than those 3 classes. Council agreed to this, having in mind future expenses to upgrade the runway surface at the Coober Pedy Airport.
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Disabled Parking Spaces
CEO Trevor McLeod reported that, following a request for the introduction of additional disabled parking spaces on land in front of the town supermarkets, he wrote to them, aware that the introduction of additional disabled parking spaces in front of the Lucas IGA and the Miners Store supermarkets would require negotiation with them because it is their land. Lucas IGA responded saying that they would be prepared to permit a second park on Thursdays only. He said he had not received a written response from the Miners Store at the time of preparation of the report.
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The CEO is to liase with Peter McBain, Electricity Manager, in regard to security lighting for the "vacant" old Golden Fleece property, which police have said is a difficult area to keep a watch on.
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The Water Supply Manager is to cost the installation of meters on fire hose lines where not installed.
Of course such a thing as this would never appear in the clinical, "antiseptic" minutes that the Local Government Act requires a council to record, but when Water Supply Manager Les Hoad came to the table to present his Monthly Report, once again, the Mayor, Councillors and staff grinned.
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Work Depot Report
"The installation of the waste oil collection facility is complete and is now operational and able to receive waste engine, hydraulic and gear oils from the public."
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Electricity Supply Report
"The wind turbine had repairs carried out. Replacement of hydraulic cylinder on Yaw breaking system was necessary, and extensive cleaning of oil spillage inside the tower caused by the above cylinder. Cables and some of the infrastructure were taken down in the old generation shed to enable the removal of the Wartsila generator."
Saints BBQ at Coober Pedy RSL with visiting Olympic Dam team
Left: Johhno still smiling despite his injured jaw. Centre: Mark Bell receiving a cheque from Lyn Breuer MP. Right: Woomera and Districts Football League President Graham Warren encouraging Coober Pedy with talk of season 2006 regular home games to be played on the Coober Pedy oval.
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