OPEN SESSION
AGENDA - ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL
TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2015
MOTIONS ON NOTICE
AO246/15 RUBBISH DUMPED IN REMOTE BUSH LOCATIONS
FILE NO:
15/5/2; 34/13/1
PREVIOUS MIN:
Alderman Ken Dorsey has given notice that he would move the following motion at this
meeting:“THAT Council resolve to explore methods to reduce rubbish being dumped in remote bush
locations.”
ALDERMAN’S COMMENTS
Constituents have continually voiced their concern regarding illegal dumping in nature
reserves and along deserted stretches of unsealed roads. This is a scourge and indictment for
some members of our community that shows a total disregard for basic decency and the
beauty of our city and region.
To counter the illegal dumping of rubbish, I propose that we explore some of the following
methods to help reduce this practice:
1.
Increased fines and better signage.
2.
Greater access to free tip vouchers.
3.
Publication on social media about where and what was discarded to allow for public
feedback and identification of those responsible.
4.
Placement of more rubbish bins/or skips in remote areas.
5.
A local campaign and discussion with other municipalities and the Cradle Coast
Authority to develop a concerted plan to counter illegal dumping.
6.
Longer hours of operation for the Burnie Waste Management Centre (BWMC).
7.
Clean-up the bush campaigns to allow community assistance and involvement to rid
the area of unwanted rubbish.
8.
Development of a means to allow citizens to inform Council of where the rubbish has
been discarded without onerous processes.
9.
Inspection of rubbish in an attempt to identify those responsible for the illegal
dumping.
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Many of these ideas are currently in practice under the guise of the Environment Protection
Authority (EPA), but anecdotal evidence suggest that illegal dumping is rife in the community
and all effort is needed to counter this phenomena.
GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS
The dumping of waste other than at an approved waste disposal facility is in most cases
unlawful.
There are a number of regulatory systems concerned to avoid and remedy the unlawful
dumping of waste materials. These systems have purpose for environmental protection and
pollution control, protection of natural ecosystems, protection of human health and safety,
land use control, control of toxic and hazardous materials, and protection of amenity.
The majority of waste control regulation is administered through State agencies. In some
circumstances local government may act as an agent to assist State entities in delivering
legislative objectives.
Local government has authority to operate waste collection and disposal sites; to issue
abatement notices in relation to sites containing uncontrolled or unlawful waste disposal;
and to protect the values and safety of Council owned land.
The nature of an offence for unlawful disposal of waste depends on factors such as nature
and quantity of material, location, and frequency or intensity.
The unlawful disposal of waste is a long-standing issue across much of the world. There is
research to suggest unlawful disposal is a consequence of behavioural and cultural factors as
much as a response to factors of economics and convenience.
Unlawful dumping is an ongoing concern to the community, and an issue that is actively
managed on Council land in so far as is practical.
Dumping may occur both on public and private lands. It is a significant issue for larger more
remote forestry and plantation sites and farm land.
While unlawful dumping is an offence for which both monetary and penal sanctions apply,
successful prosecution requires adequate and appropriate evidence. The existence of
unlawful dumped waste is a readily established fact. Proving who put it there is challenging
unless the perpetrator is apprehended in the act.
Measures currently available to assist in managing unlawful dumping include:
 Enforcement by statutory agencies and land managers: Incidents of dumping are
identified through reports or inspection. The Environmental Protection Agency, Forestry
Tasmania, Parks and Wildlife, Councils and private property owners apply the relevant
legislation where possible to prosecute for unlawful dumping.
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 Free waste vouchers are provided to the community by Council to encourage use of
authorised waste disposal facilities. Landlords are requested to pass vouchers to their
tenants.
 Free disposal of recoverable and recyclable materials is available at the Burnie Waste
Management Centre, and other similar facilities across the coast.
 Council support for reactionary campaigns such as “Clean Up Australia” days to remove
unlawfully dumped material.
 Cradle Coast Waste Management Group (CCWMG) has identified unlawful dumping as a
regional issue, and supports creation of a data base of unlawful dumping activity to assist
targeted enforcement programs and education.
Comments in relation to the points noted in the Alderman’s Comments are provided below:
1 Penalties
Penalties for statutory offences in relation to unlawful dumping are set by Parliament.
Penalties for unlawful waste disposal on Council land are set under the relevant by-law.
The effectiveness of any penalty as a deterrent is dependent on the likelihood of being
caught, and the level of successful prosecution.
2. Signage
Signage may be useful in locations where persistent dumping occurs. However, signs will
not deter dumping if the perpetrator does not think they will be caught. A more
effective solution may be to monitor popular dump sites, and apprehend offenders.
Experience indicates dumping occurs at random locations. It is not possible or practical
to anticipate dumping points and install signs.
Signage as a proactive education tool may not be effective. Education campaigns may be
a more effective information tool than signage.
3. Communication of free waste disposal opportunities
Council has provided an increased number of free waste vouchers to property owners in
the current financial year.
While utilisation of the free waste vouchers in 2014/2015 was not significant, the new
voucher system provides greater opportunity for the community to have free access to
the BWMC.
It is suggested Council allow this system time to embed and monitor the take up of the
waste vouchers, and review the scheme during budget discussions for the 2016/17
financial year.
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Landlords have been encouraged to redirect waste vouchers to their tenants.
There is no conclusive evidence to establish a clear nexus between waste disposal fees,
hours of operation of waste disposal facilities and unlawful dumping. There is no
evidence to substantiate an increase in unlawful dumping with increase in fees or
reduction in hours. Unlawful dumping occurred prior to the introduction of fees and an
increase in standards for control of waste disposal sites.
4. Media exposure of culprits
Council periodically used the media to highlight instances of unlawful dumping.
Publication of information on Council’s web page in relation to specific dumping
incidences may elicit feedback and comment from the community to identify culprits.
However, caution must be had as to the adequacy and validity of information obtained
as a basis on which to initiate investigation or prosecution; and for the risk of attracting
malicious or misplaced comment about individuals unconnected to the incident. There
are also personal information protection issues with an “outing” site.
Rigorous confidential reporting mechanisms for illegal dumping are currently available to
the EPA and to Council.
5. Additional waste receivable facilities
A simple localised Recycling Depot or skip bin may attract operating costs above $6,000
per annum with a capital cost of approximately $5,000.
Smaller waste bins are located at most recreation and parks areas. It is an offence to use
a public waste bin for disposal of household or commercial waste.
Provision of small scale general waste disposal facilities in outer areas is not considered
an effective means for waste collection. The type of items dropped in bushland is varied
and includes undelivered brochures, asbestos containing materials, furniture, white
goods, cars and car parts and general domestic waste. It is preferred to encourage
offenders to comply by dumping at established centres where appropriate facilities are
developed to receive all types of waste generated.
6. Coordinated anti-dumping campaign
The Cradle Coast Waste Management Strategy includes actions to assist in reducing the
incidences of unlawful disposal of materials. Item 2.4 describes the strategy for
development of the Illegal Dumping Database in Tasmania. Council officers have been
providing information into this database since its establishment.
Discussion with the CCWMG could occur to determine if there is support for a whole of
Region education campaign.
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7. Hours of Operation at Waste Disposal Centre
Council has previously considered the cost and benefits of extending waste centre hours
and determined costs exceed any benefit longer hours may afford the community.
8. Community involvement
Council has periodically worked with community groups to support waste collection,
including in the annual Clean Up Australia Day Campaign to pickup collected materials
and recognise of the volunteers’ efforts by provision of refreshments.
It may be appropriate to highlight to the community that Council is able to provide some
assistance for such community endeavours.
9. Simplify reporting processes
Reporting incidents of unlawful dumping can be done through a phone call.
Procedural fairness and risk management do not support response to anonymous
complaints.
10. Identification of culprits
Inspection of dumped waste for personal details must be feasible and safe.
The existence of identifying documentation does not automatically lead to a successful
action.
There is a high standard of proof required to establish a person identified by waste
material is responsible for dumping it.
RECOMMENDATION
“That Council:
1. Note the current actions undertaken in regard to the management of unlawful
dumping;
2. Update the Council web page to provide additional information to the community
in relation to offences for dumping of waste other than in an approved waste
disposal facility, and of the processes for reporting an occurrence of unlawful
dumping, and
3. Request the Cradle Coast Waste Management Group to consider actions to
increase awareness, monitoring and response to unlawful dumping of waste
materials.”
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OPEN SESSION
AGENDA - ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL
TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2015
MOTIONS ON NOTICE
AO247/15 ART ADVENTURE AND ACTIVITIES
FILE NO:
15/5/2
PREVIOUS MIN:
Alderman Ken Dorsey has given notice that he would move the following motion at this
meeting:“THAT Council adopt a theme of Art, Adventure and Activities for progressing the interest
of Burnie.”
ALDERMAN’S COMMENTS
Following the presentation by Alderman French, and meetings with numerous groups and
individuals it has become abundantly clear that we, as a city, need direction and a clear
purpose to progress.
Working on what we know:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Our playgrounds are in need of a new vision
Our waterfront looks impressive but is not a drawcard for the region
We have limited activities for young people and families and
Our economy is sluggish
The motion is intended to redefine the city and enhance the liveability aspect of Burnie. A
theme and action plan based on Art, Adventure and Activities is a backdrop to progressing
the city as a desired place to live and visit.
Adherence to this motion accomplishes numerous objectives espoused by local groups:
1.
2.
3.
It enhances the theme of “makers” and provides outward evidence that the city is
progressive and is interested in the art community and makers
It declares that Burnie is the portal for adventure in Tasmania. It gives us a sense of
progression and a view to the future. This fits in well with the Cruise Ships, Cradle
Mountain, Stanley, the West Coast, the Tarkine and our close proximity to Tasmania’s
best scenery
Activities. The development of an activity based economy is positive for the well-being
of our populace. This gives us the impetuous for the pier development, slide-park, a
marina, upgraded markets and other ideas proposed for our revival.
The ideas are not set in stone and are subject to Council discussion. The motion should not
fail based on the premise that some of the suggestions noted are unfavourable. Planning
and concepts are fluid in their initial stages.
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GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS
Council is currently undertaking a review of Making Burnie 2030, and will be the subject of
broad community consultation and planning prior to Council setting its annual plan and
budget for 2016/17.
The “Art, Adventure and Activities” theme fits well within Future Direction 1 of Making
Burnie 2030, and is the area in which Council is placed to have the greatest impact, as the
significant provider of community spaces and community activities. These include the five
strategic objectives of;
 A range of vibrant, safe and attractive community spaces.
 A community that celebrates and participates in its arts, culture and heritage.
 A community that promotes and values its broad range of quality leisure,
recreational and sporting opportunities.
 An innovative range of accommodation and residential options addressing all the
needs of the community.
 A vibrant and progressive central business district.
The motion also reflects the strategic objective 4.3 in Making Burnie 2030.
 A five-star visitor experience on the edge of adventure
A helpful way of developing this motion could be for Council, as part of the review of Making
Burnie 2030, to develop a five year plan to focus Council’s own efforts in specifically
accomplishing Key Direction 1.
This motion could also inform a strategy in how Burnie can become a visitor hub for the
region, with input from major stakeholders.
RECOMMENDATION
“That as part of the Making Burnie 2030 review, Council
1) Develop a five year action plan around Key Direction One with an emphasis on “Art,
Adventure and Activities”; and
2) Explore opportunities with Tourism Tasmania, the Cradle Coast Tourism Executive
and the Burnie Tourism Association for Burnie to develop as a visitor hub for
regional tourists.”
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OPEN SESSION
AGENDA - ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL
TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2015
MOTIONS ON NOTICE
AO248/15 AUSTRALIAN ELECTRIC VEHICLE ASSOCIATION - CHARGING
NETWORK FOR TASMANIA
FILE NO:
15/5/2
PREVIOUS MIN:
Alderman Chris Lynch has given notice that he would move the following motion at this
meeting:“THAT Council write to the Australian Electric Vehicle Association Tasmania, lending its
support to the development of an electric charging network for Tasmania.”
ALDERMAN’S COMMENTS
The private ownership of Electric Vehicles across Australia is growing and with advances in
technology from companies like Tesla, they will become cheaper and more prevalent on our
roads.
There approximately 140 registered electric vehicles in Tasmania currently, yet there is only
one commercial charge point, located in Hobart.
As most Electric Vehicles have a range of a few hundred kilometers before they need
recharging, there is very little scope for these users to travel far from the South of the State,
without the ability to re-charge at other commercial charging points around Tasmania. Add
in an influx of mainland visitors with Electric Vehicles, using the Spirit Ferry service to visit
the state for an extended touring holiday, and I believe there is an opportunity for Burnie to
establish itself as a City that welcomes and promotes eco-tourism, as well the benefits to
eco-tourism in Tasmania generally.
The Australian Electric Vehicle Association (Tasmanian branch) has formed a working group
to work on this issue and I believe it is a worthwhile project for the Council to be part of.
GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS
It is estimated that the use of electric vehicles will expand significantly over the next five
years, with the development in battery technology and the roll out of recharging stations
both globally and across the eastern seaboard of mainland Australia.
It is expected that this will increase the demand by international and interstate visitors for
access to electric hire cars and recharging stations.
The use of electric vehicles is consistent with the Tasmanian brand of clean and green.
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While there needs to be a statewide network of recharging terminals, possibly at Visitor
Information Centres, to effectively meet the needs of visitors, there is an opportunity for
Council to show leadership in this area by supporting the development of a recharging
network via the Australian Electric Vehicle Association Tasmania.
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OPEN SESSION
AGENDA - ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL
TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2015
MOTIONS ON NOTICE
AO249/15 ICTC MAINSTREET CONFERENCE
FILE NO:
15/5/2
PREVIOUS MIN:
Alderman Sandra French AM has given notice that she would move the following motion at
this meeting:“THAT Council agree to follow through with the five recommendations as presented to
Council at a Workshop as follows:
1)
That Burnie become a member of the ICTC Society and Mainstreet Australia
Association;
2)
That we invest in a POPP outdoor Ping Pong sculptured table (refer to the new
Public Art Committee and refer to the budget deliberations);
3)
That representatives attend the 2016 conference in Launceston;
4)
We consider the making of Badges, We  Burnie, Tattoos for sale when the cruise
ships are visiting or as give aways;
5)
To investigate opportunities to commence ‘Wonderwalls’ (via 3BG, the Public Art
committee, University art and architectural students and the general public via
social media and Postcards input).”
ALDERMAN’S COMMENTS
Having presented my report regarding my attendance at the Mainstreet Conference in
Wollongong to Council at a workshop, the recommendations were looked at after discussion
and I now ask my fellow Aldermen to agree to the five recommendations as listed.
GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS
1.
ICTC Society and Mainstreet Australia
The International Cities, Town Centres and Communities Society exists to assist cities, towns
& communities to be as environmentally, socially & economically sustainable as possible.
Membership to the ICTC Society is free.
Mainstreet Australia exists:
 To promote and foster the commercial, tourism and placemaking interests of
members through recognising mainstreets as the beating heart of their communities.
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 To be a forum for information exchange and provide valuable networking, education,
support and strategic direction for all stakeholders.
 To act as an advocate by providing guidance and leadership on behalf of traditional
mainstreet communities to address the issues of concern to those working in, and
sharing, our mainstreets.
 To actively organise and conduct information seminars, workshops, networking
events, and other forums relating to mainstreets and the issues faced by businesses,
commercial property owners, government and community.
 To raise the profile of mainstreets in the media.
Council has included the development of a CBD Masterplan in the 2015/16 annual plan.
Membership of these two groups may be of assistance in developing plans and strategies for
the CBD.
2.
POPP outdoor Ping Pong
POPP is Public Outdoor Ping Pong. These are free-to-use, permanent, weather-proof table
tennis tables for parks and open spaces. POPP teams up with artists who adorn the tables
with brush strokes, spray paint sweeps and layers of creativity, bringing spaces to life with
table tennis and art.
Each table is an exhibition in a public or open space, exposing not only art to new admirers
but table tennis to new players.
Outdoor table tennis has existed for a number of years in Europe, United States and China
decades with table tennis played outdoors on permanent tables. Cities have installed freeto-use outdoor tables. Communities across Australia are now introducing this concept.
There are a number of sites that could be ideal for these installations across the Burnie
community.
3.
ICTC and Mainstreet Australia Conference
The next ICTC and Mainstreet Australia Conference is to be held in Launceston from 9-11
November 2016. Council could consider allocating a budget in the 2016/17 budget for
representatives to attend.
4.
Badges, We  Burnie, Tattoos
Given the success of Burnie pins with cruise ship visitors, the badges have been referred on
to visitor information centre staff for costing.
5.
Wonderwalls
Wonderwalls Woollongong is a festival of mural art across multiple locations in the city.
Council has supported one-off mural installations (skate park, Bass Highway underpass,
Oakliegh Park), which have been very successful in introducing contemporary mural art to
the community.
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ATTACHMENTS
1.
ICTC Mainstreet conference report
2.
Wonderwalls foldout
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