July 3, 2025 • 24 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
Now on seven Excess, it's time to talk all things
wild West with Shane Pitt, Mayor of the West Coast
wild Yes, it's time now for mayor on here with
Shane pit. Good morning to your shamee.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Good morning Andrew. How are you?
Speaker 1 (00:15):
I'm not too bad, welcome back again?
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Yes, thanks mate, it's good to be back.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
Yes, it is so enjoyed the holiday.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
I did, I did, Yes, and unfortunately last time that
we're supposed to be here, you gotta.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
I'm sorry, I've got a looky. Yes, but thanks for
the concern as well.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Glad to see you're back on board.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
And right bright and early here, Yes, right and early. Okay,
let's get into it now. We're going to listener question here.
When will the Howard's Parking ZM being complete so the
children of Zen can go and utilize it? And they
know the small basketball call hasn't been completed yet, and
why they say they're very frustrated to see all the
equipment and pump track done yet still not open for
(00:58):
the kids to use it. That it's concerned residents.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
In Yeah, good question there, Andrew, and I guess it's
something which we have discussed at the recent council meeting
last last month as well. Yeah, we're just waiting on
Given that it's coming from the works was funded by
the federal government, there has to be a federal politician
(01:22):
there to open the park, so we're waiting on confirmation
and when that politician will be available. As with regard
to the small basketball court, I'll have to take that
one on. Notis I'm not sure exactly why that's not ready,
but I guess it's to do with the weather.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Yep.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
We want to make sure that you know, this is
done properly, and we want to make sure that it
lasts that, you know, over ten years if we can.
Most playgrounds we've got a life for ten years, but
we want to make sure that these playgrounds do last
that longer than that, if possible. So we want to
(01:58):
make sure it's done properly. Yeah, so you know, but
I know people are waiting in the bays to use
the equipment, but we have to make sure that it
is safe for everyone and the area is safe and yeah,
and we want to make sure that it is going
to be a great asset for Zoo and over there.
We want to make sure that everyone that's put some
(02:21):
effort into this gets recognized as well, which is something
as part of the Grand Dude we need to do.
We don't want to lose that funding just because a
silly thing right at the end where we don't invite
the federal minister along. And of course you know Anne
Urkhart put a lot of energy into getting this funding back.
(02:42):
She did yes a couple of years ago now, so
we want to make sure that she's also president that
the opening so but it won't be too far away,
as we said in previous sessions of Meyre on air,
we're hoping hoping to have that open by July sometime.
So we've also got the playground in Queenstown as well,
(03:06):
which we're still waiting on that to be completed, and
that'll be open at the same time. So there is
two playgrounds, not just earn this Queenstown that we're funded
buy the Feds after the last elect not the last election,
the election before. So you know, we need to make
sure that this is done properly.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
That's it. Okay, let's go to your council. Let's go
to council information. Now we're at a special council meeting
happen on Tuesday, the eighth of July.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Yeah, so that's seven pm. So this meeting was called
so we can adopt the budget estimates for twenty five
twenty six and the rates and rates and charges. Yeah.
So details of the meeting and now and the agenda
can we now be viewed on at the council office
or council websites. The information is there. We also will
(03:56):
be as most residents have heard recently Andrew, which I
think we will talk about now anyway, with the closure
of bendi Go Bank, yes, I found out about that
Tuesday evening as well well, a lot of people found
out Tuesday afternoon. I received an email from the Bendigo
(04:18):
Bank personally about the clothes given it on a We
got an account at the Bendige Bank and was a
shareholder the Community Bank, and I guess you know that
closed a couple of years ago now and was handed
back to the Bendigo Bank. And at the time there
was four of us that went to that AGM from
(04:40):
the community. There was a few others there, but there
was four of us that voted against handing it back
to the to the Bendigo Bank. And yeah, no, it
is disappointing from the Bendigo Bank. I received an email
from them Tuesday evening, well Tuesday afternoon, about five o'clock.
(05:01):
It was just I was just going into a meeting
with some of the Labor Party members of parliament, so
that was put on the table and yes, yes, so
that was put on the table there at that meeting
as well. And we also as part of this special meeting,
will be discussing that around the council table. So that
(05:24):
letter will be tabled at that meeting and it is
in the agenda, so you will be discussing what we
can do as a council moving forward.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Just doesn't affect the people who own an account with
the bank. It's everybody, it is. It is a school,
a whole lot exactly.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
You know, we want to build our tourism industry, but
if these people that come to our community, well they're
running game. They have one atm to go to, which
is the one at Rahwai Supermarket, and you know, it's
it is disappointing by all. And even the way that
I was or council were, I guess told about this
(06:05):
by the Bennigo Bank just with an email all of
a sudden, yes, all of a sudden, there's been no
consultation at all. When I can go back to when
the Commonwealth Bank closed here in Queenstown, we had a
good there was a good communications from the bank back
then months before, not a couple of months, they were
(06:26):
six months before they come and approach counsel and said
that you know, unfortunately they're going to have to close
the bank given the drop off and in people using
the bank face to face. And you know, they put
some things in place to assist residents back then. How
you know, some training they put out coming to the
(06:46):
community and able to assist people with changing banks to
a different bank.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Plus we're an aging population. We don't like technology change.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Oh exactly mate. Yeah, and there's a lot of people
back then that you know, they come to the arrangement
with the post office as well Australia posts, which they
have around Australia anyway. But yeah, you know, it's just
the way they went about it. I've been on to
other politicians as well with regards to this, and I
(07:18):
understand that the Gavin Pierce is down here today at
ten o'clock for a meeting, which is good. I had
a phone call from Gavin on Monday, saying that he
was heading this way that he wanted to catch up.
So I'll see whether I can. I won't be able
to get to the ten o'clock meeting with Gavin, but
I'll not be able to arrange a meeting with him
(07:40):
on his way back home. So yeah, we've been talking.
I've been talking to the premiers coming this way at
some stage in the near future, and I've said, you know,
well that'll be a topic for discussion as well. I
was talking to him over the weekend and and you know,
(08:01):
at that time, I didn't know about the bend Bank
of course, but we'll certainly be discussing that as well
in our discussions, and you know, it's and I've also
been talking to the union for the bank workers, so
a feign conference with him yesterday, discussing what they're doing
(08:22):
with regard to this, and you know, well they're certainly
advocating for something. I've reached out to the Bendige Bank
hierarchy or the CEO, general manager whoever would come and
discuss this. We'll see where all that goes. But you know,
I guess the best thing for the community is just
to voice there convenience as well in their opinion, and
(08:47):
you know, we'll try and fight and for the for
the bank to stay open.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
Well, it's for the whole West coast. It is the
only bank here.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Yes it is. And you know it's back two years ago.
I said then at that at that age, M of
the community bankers.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
We will see what happens, see what happens.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
But I reckon in a couple of years we might
see this bank go. And I was told they, no,
that's not going to happen. I've had a meeting with
the general manager of Benigo Bank last year. He came
down and in the bank man or the manager that
was looking after the Queenstown branch, and they both said
then twelve months ago that this bank wouldn't close.
Speaker 1 (09:28):
And here we are. You know, so you don't take
it by their word.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
No, it's one of them things that you know. I
guess we need to stand together on.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
This stands strong and we need to we need to
we need a bank here.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
And I heard his rooms going around that I heard
I knew about this on the twenty sixth of the due.
Well that's that's incorrect. I found out on Tuesday evening.
Too much gossip, Yes, probably after a lot of people
already knew. So you know, it's if we want to
I want to make sure we work together on this,
that's right. You know, it's not over until the bank
(10:03):
doors is closed. So we'll keep fighting for whatever we
can do and we'll see what discussions come coming out
around the table on Tuesday night, because yeah, there's some
ideas I've got whether way up to the whole council
to decide where they want to adopt them, and yeah,
we'll just see how we can, you know, and I
(10:23):
guess from a community perspective, the more voice we've got,
the better it is, the better it is. And we're
not the only bank that the Bendy Bank.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
There's quite a few around the country.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
There is the King's Meadow one up in Longe System.
There's a few Tory as well, so you know there's
a there's a one. We're not the only one.
Speaker 1 (10:42):
We need a bank here. Can we just take a
bank away where we're going to go two and a
half hours just to go to Bernie exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Yeah, that's some of the some of the communications which
have gone back to the bank. And yeah, so we're
in the process of drafting a letter to them as well,
just to give them some of the facts because the
people will make these decisions probably don't even know where
Queen's cont Tasmania.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
Is well, they're probably in four walls and the door.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Yeah, that's exactly right, mate.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
Shane. Will take a break and we'll come back with
more Mirror on air. You're on seven Excess, better music
and more of it.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Keeping you in touch with your community.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
We're talking with the mayor of the West Coast Shame
Pit on West Coast seven Excess. Yes, we're back with
Shame people with mayor on air. Okay, Shane. We've got
council communications now.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Yes, Andrew. So we've listened to the feedback from our
community over the last year or so about how we
can improve how we communicate and in addition to the
Mirror on air and our website and social media, we're
pleased to be starting a partnership with the Western Echo,
(12:00):
which we'll see you have a couple of pages in
that monthly edition. So it's great, great to see that we.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Can beget the word out there.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
We will be mating and it will be a different
climb and climb and till as well. That look at
the Western Herald and that now has branched out to
the northwest coast as.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
Well, you know, so the Spirits too.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Yeah, so it's great to see and you know, it's
one thing we probably should have done a lot long
lot know, a lot earlier, but we're now on board
and you know, it.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
Takes time to do things as well. You can't just
throw them in place.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
Yes, yeah, so you know we'll be These pages will
provide updates on projects and other things that other matters
that the council is similar to what we're doing here
on seven Excess, but.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
It's a nice on your own website as well. So yeah, okay,
then let's look at the budget of twenty six.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Yes, the new financial year will will be one of consolidation.
We're focusing on finishing the projects that have been started
and also we've put some money aside just to for
project management, etc. For just to get them project other
(13:17):
projects we want to do in the future ready so
that we make sure that we've got all the costings
done properly and ready for when funding becomes available, you know,
and grant funding when it's out there, we make sure
we tap into that so that it's not a burden
on our rate pays as much to get some of
these projects underway, which we do quite well. With our
(13:42):
grant funding. We seem to attract a bit, you know,
when it's there, we seem to be able to attract it.
So we want to make sure that we've got some
projects ready to.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
Go, just you know, that's right.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Yeah, So and this financial year we've focused on simplifying
the rate system in creating equity within that system, so
rate payers will see a minimal increase, but with the
changes to the structure of the rate that doesn't translate
to a uniform change across all all properties which people
(14:16):
will be interested in. We're offering a fifty dollars rebate.
Rate payers will receive the government pension and remission, so
we removed that last year, but with what Council used
to give on top of the government. But now we've
looked at that again and we can see that we
can offer a fifty dollars rebate there to them pensioners.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
So there's a lot of money for a lot of people.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Yeah, it is, yes, Yeah, there's also a continuation of
the rates remissions for not for profit organization that meet
the criteria so and also we've simplified the process with
regard to that, so you know, you won't be just
asking for a mission for twelve months. It'll be for
a free year period, which makes administration a little bit easier,
(15:00):
a little less cost there. We've also got the rates
rebate for new home builders that will continue. We need
to you know, we're trying to promote new development in
our communities and we know we've got an issue with
housing that we want. We need more housing in our
communities to attract new people, new residents to our communities.
(15:24):
And you know, even for our I guess those government
workers that nurses and they need good accommodation, so we
need to make sure that that's happening. So we're continuing
on with that rates remission, rates rebate for home builders.
So yeah, so there's a lot of good things happening.
(15:46):
And I guess one thing, a new idea that's come out.
We've had changing staff, We've come with some new ideas
as well. We're offering rates will automatically go into running
to win four vouchers.
Speaker 3 (16:04):
Right or one of four vouchers.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
Sorry. So they valued at two thousand, one thousand and
five hundred and five hundred dollars they'll be drawing at
September council meeting. They have to be spent in West
Coast businesses, so.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
That's it's the money stays here.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
Yeah. So those those people that own properties that don't
live in on the West Coast, well if they do,
you know, they do win the vouchers that I'll have
to come back and spend better on the West Coast.
So and that's not open though to people that own
(16:41):
businesses government agencies, so they won't be in the running
council staff and counselors, so we won't be eligible for
that winning them vouchers. But you know, just something which
we're trying to promote.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
Big initiative.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
It is it is yeah, so you know, and also
ask rate payers who think they may be struggling to
pay the rates by installments to reach out early so
they can organize some payment arrangements with staff.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
So always waste any touch with council.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
Exactly, right, mane. We say that most mere on ears
that if you are struggling, please reach out to the conto.
Just leave it at the last moment exactly, talk to
talk to the staff and they'll come up with some
arrangement with you to work through it.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
Yeah right, Okay, we've got a position vacant a plant operator.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Yeah, so that plan operates to is based prior Merrily
in zen as part of the team over there and
responsible for maintenance of council assets ranging from roads, storm water,
parks and recreation areas and the delivery of waste management
services over there in Zene as well. So if you've
(17:53):
got a heavy rigid lize and I've listened to the
advertisement on seven excess this if you have got a
heavy ridge's license, council love to hear from them if
I want that opportunity to join the local council. Yeah.
So applications closed this Sunday and the sixth is July,
(18:15):
so there just a couple of days of left thing.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
We've also got a planned outage at the Roseberry Sports
and Stadium and gym.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
Yeah, so that'll impact the stadium and the gym and
squash courts over there. The outage is to allow for
a new meter to be installed and that outage should
be between seven thirty a and five pm. So during
that power audage, of course, the user access cards will
(18:43):
not work, so and if any If people do have
issues after the power outage with their cards, please contact
Council office on six four one four seven hundred.
Speaker 1 (18:56):
Nice and easy. Now we head light up the west
where Queen Town last weekend.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
Absolutely beautiful, yeah mate, Yeah, Unfortunately I wasn't here, it
was over Woollongong, but you know I went down to
the one in straw in the work before and that
was spectacular as well.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
And yeah, no it is. And it's great to see
that we were doing something during the winter months to
try and to promote people coming to the West Coast.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
I knew a lot of people came from Bernie and
Devenport just to come and see this, yes, which is
a great initiative.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
Exactly mate, yeah, exactly. And that was you know, Destination
West Coast put a fair bit of effort into this
along with west By Northwest, the Regional Tourists Tourism body.
They received the funding to engage an artist to create
the three audio visual displays. So yeah, So, as I mentioned,
(19:50):
we had the Strong Post office two weeks ago now
at the Strong Solstice, which was another success. Andrew must
you know.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
I was going to get in the dip but I
got sick on the Friday, so I couldn't make it,
so sorry about that.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
Yeah, so you know it's and then last weekend, of
course they had the Paragon Theater lit up as well,
so you know that it's just great to see that
we're getting some of these events during winter down here
on the West Coast, and that strong Solstice is certainly something.
Speaker 1 (20:20):
It's getting popular.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
It is, it is, and it's every year it becomes
more popular, which is great to see. And congratulations to
the team down there that's done a hell of a job.
And you know, it's something which hopefully we can see
right across the West Coast during the winter months to
try and attract new people into our area tourism wise,
(20:42):
because Winter Mars is quiet on the West coast. But
I'm sure we look at the success of Dark Mafi
and things like that.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
Let's take a lot travel around.
Speaker 2 (20:51):
Yeah, let's see what the West Coast can bring. And
we've already seen success in a strong solstice, so hopefully we.
Speaker 1 (20:58):
Might inser that out bigger better next year.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
And ventured out to some other weekends to the water
West coast.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
Yeah, it sounds great, does Okay? Are you sharing any
other matters we need to know about.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
No, mate, I think we've talked about everything, and you know,
I guess the thing is that we need as a community,
we need to band together over this Bendigo Bank issue.
But we certainly, you know, we're certainly out there trying
our best to see what we can do, but it's
the community needs to be behind as well. And you know,
(21:36):
it is good to see that the community are behind
it with organizing that.
Speaker 1 (21:41):
Meeting intendity today at JJ's Yeah, I believe so.
Speaker 2 (21:46):
Yeah, just with Gavin's going to be there as well.
And uh yeah, and.
Speaker 1 (21:51):
Because it's not the first time Gavin has been in
this situation. It's happened in smith And many years ago.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Yeah, yeah, thanks taken exactly. And I yes, you know,
as I've talked to other media recently in the last
couple of days, when when the federal government de regulated
the banks, well this is what happens. You know, it's
all about money for them and profits and they forget
about the people.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
On the ground.
Speaker 2 (22:18):
Yeah, and I guess, you know, unfortunate a couple of
years ago that the bank moved away from a community bank.
It must have been doing okay because your community bank
was still giving money back to our community.
Speaker 1 (22:30):
Organization, sporting places and schools.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
And other organizations on the West coast. But you know,
let's see what we can come up with. Is that
another option? That's something we'll be asking these are the
hierarchy of the Bendigo Bank and is there any other
options out there for us moving forward? And you know,
disappointing that they've only given a couple of months as well,
(22:55):
so people haven't got a lot of time if they
if we can't save it to change the way they
do the banking, which is another disappointing.
Speaker 1 (23:04):
That's it. Pensions come out once a fortnite. People want
to go in there. They'll like to see somebody that's
the machine.
Speaker 2 (23:10):
Exactly how do they get it? Yeah, you know, and
at least when it was disappointing when the Commonwolf Bank
pulled out of queens given that the Commonwolf Bank originated
in Queenstown way back, so it was born in Queenstown
and then all of a sudden, yeah, all of a
sudden it's gone. But at least back then they give
us six months.
Speaker 1 (23:31):
Now, give you the opportunity to have you say why
they're doing it, et cetera.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
And change allow enough time for that's what we need now, yeah, exactly, yeah.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Okay Shane, we'll see.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
You next Friday, mate, No worries, thank you.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
Okay. That is Merenair Shane Pitt. If you've got any
questions for them, whether it be in your street or
the town, get in touch with us, head on over
studio at seven excess, dot com, dot ye, give us
all the details and of course every Friday, just after
the thirty years you find out what's happening in the
council and in your community. That's me Ornair all. Thanks
to the West Coast Council working partnership with your community,
(24:04):
you're on better music and more of it West Coast
seven Excess
Now on seven Excess, it's time to talk all things
wild West with Shane Pitt, Mayor of the West Coast
wild Yes, it's time now for mayor on here with
Shane pit. Good morning to your shamee.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Good morning Andrew. How are you?
Speaker 1 (00:15):
I'm not too bad, welcome back again?
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Yes, thanks mate, it's good to be back.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
Yes, it is so enjoyed the holiday.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
I did, I did, Yes, and unfortunately last time that
we're supposed to be here, you gotta.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
I'm sorry, I've got a looky. Yes, but thanks for
the concern as well.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Glad to see you're back on board.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
And right bright and early here, Yes, right and early. Okay,
let's get into it now. We're going to listener question here.
When will the Howard's Parking ZM being complete so the
children of Zen can go and utilize it? And they
know the small basketball call hasn't been completed yet, and
why they say they're very frustrated to see all the
equipment and pump track done yet still not open for
(00:58):
the kids to use it. That it's concerned residents.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
In Yeah, good question there, Andrew, and I guess it's
something which we have discussed at the recent council meeting
last last month as well. Yeah, we're just waiting on
Given that it's coming from the works was funded by
the federal government, there has to be a federal politician
(01:22):
there to open the park, so we're waiting on confirmation
and when that politician will be available. As with regard
to the small basketball court, I'll have to take that
one on. Notis I'm not sure exactly why that's not ready,
but I guess it's to do with the weather.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Yep.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
We want to make sure that you know, this is
done properly, and we want to make sure that it
lasts that, you know, over ten years if we can.
Most playgrounds we've got a life for ten years, but
we want to make sure that these playgrounds do last
that longer than that, if possible. So we want to
(01:58):
make sure it's done properly. Yeah, so you know, but
I know people are waiting in the bays to use
the equipment, but we have to make sure that it
is safe for everyone and the area is safe and yeah,
and we want to make sure that it is going
to be a great asset for Zoo and over there.
We want to make sure that everyone that's put some
(02:21):
effort into this gets recognized as well, which is something
as part of the Grand Dude we need to do.
We don't want to lose that funding just because a
silly thing right at the end where we don't invite
the federal minister along. And of course you know Anne
Urkhart put a lot of energy into getting this funding back.
(02:42):
She did yes a couple of years ago now, so
we want to make sure that she's also president that
the opening so but it won't be too far away,
as we said in previous sessions of Meyre on air,
we're hoping hoping to have that open by July sometime.
So we've also got the playground in Queenstown as well,
(03:06):
which we're still waiting on that to be completed, and
that'll be open at the same time. So there is
two playgrounds, not just earn this Queenstown that we're funded
buy the Feds after the last elect not the last election,
the election before. So you know, we need to make
sure that this is done properly.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
That's it. Okay, let's go to your council. Let's go
to council information. Now we're at a special council meeting
happen on Tuesday, the eighth of July.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Yeah, so that's seven pm. So this meeting was called
so we can adopt the budget estimates for twenty five
twenty six and the rates and rates and charges. Yeah.
So details of the meeting and now and the agenda
can we now be viewed on at the council office
or council websites. The information is there. We also will
(03:56):
be as most residents have heard recently Andrew, which I
think we will talk about now anyway, with the closure
of bendi Go Bank, yes, I found out about that
Tuesday evening as well well, a lot of people found
out Tuesday afternoon. I received an email from the Bendigo
(04:18):
Bank personally about the clothes given it on a We
got an account at the Bendige Bank and was a
shareholder the Community Bank, and I guess you know that
closed a couple of years ago now and was handed
back to the Bendigo Bank. And at the time there
was four of us that went to that AGM from
(04:40):
the community. There was a few others there, but there
was four of us that voted against handing it back
to the to the Bendigo Bank. And yeah, no, it
is disappointing from the Bendigo Bank. I received an email
from them Tuesday evening, well Tuesday afternoon, about five o'clock.
(05:01):
It was just I was just going into a meeting
with some of the Labor Party members of parliament, so
that was put on the table and yes, yes, so
that was put on the table there at that meeting
as well. And we also as part of this special meeting,
will be discussing that around the council table. So that
(05:24):
letter will be tabled at that meeting and it is
in the agenda, so you will be discussing what we
can do as a council moving forward.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Just doesn't affect the people who own an account with
the bank. It's everybody, it is. It is a school,
a whole lot exactly.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
You know, we want to build our tourism industry, but
if these people that come to our community, well they're
running game. They have one atm to go to, which
is the one at Rahwai Supermarket, and you know, it's
it is disappointing by all. And even the way that
I was or council were, I guess told about this
(06:05):
by the Bennigo Bank just with an email all of
a sudden, yes, all of a sudden, there's been no
consultation at all. When I can go back to when
the Commonwealth Bank closed here in Queenstown, we had a
good there was a good communications from the bank back
then months before, not a couple of months, they were
(06:26):
six months before they come and approach counsel and said
that you know, unfortunately they're going to have to close
the bank given the drop off and in people using
the bank face to face. And you know, they put
some things in place to assist residents back then. How
you know, some training they put out coming to the
(06:46):
community and able to assist people with changing banks to
a different bank.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Plus we're an aging population. We don't like technology change.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Oh exactly mate. Yeah, and there's a lot of people
back then that you know, they come to the arrangement
with the post office as well Australia posts, which they
have around Australia anyway. But yeah, you know, it's just
the way they went about it. I've been on to
other politicians as well with regards to this, and I
(07:18):
understand that the Gavin Pierce is down here today at
ten o'clock for a meeting, which is good. I had
a phone call from Gavin on Monday, saying that he
was heading this way that he wanted to catch up.
So I'll see whether I can. I won't be able
to get to the ten o'clock meeting with Gavin, but
I'll not be able to arrange a meeting with him
(07:40):
on his way back home. So yeah, we've been talking.
I've been talking to the premiers coming this way at
some stage in the near future, and I've said, you know,
well that'll be a topic for discussion as well. I
was talking to him over the weekend and and you know,
(08:01):
at that time, I didn't know about the bend Bank
of course, but we'll certainly be discussing that as well
in our discussions, and you know, it's and I've also
been talking to the union for the bank workers, so
a feign conference with him yesterday, discussing what they're doing
(08:22):
with regard to this, and you know, well they're certainly
advocating for something. I've reached out to the Bendige Bank
hierarchy or the CEO, general manager whoever would come and
discuss this. We'll see where all that goes. But you know,
I guess the best thing for the community is just
to voice there convenience as well in their opinion, and
(08:47):
you know, we'll try and fight and for the for
the bank to stay open.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
Well, it's for the whole West coast. It is the
only bank here.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Yes it is. And you know it's back two years ago.
I said then at that at that age, M of
the community bankers.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
We will see what happens, see what happens.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
But I reckon in a couple of years we might
see this bank go. And I was told they, no,
that's not going to happen. I've had a meeting with
the general manager of Benigo Bank last year. He came
down and in the bank man or the manager that
was looking after the Queenstown branch, and they both said
then twelve months ago that this bank wouldn't close.
Speaker 1 (09:28):
And here we are. You know, so you don't take
it by their word.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
No, it's one of them things that you know. I
guess we need to stand together on.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
This stands strong and we need to we need to
we need a bank here.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
And I heard his rooms going around that I heard
I knew about this on the twenty sixth of the due.
Well that's that's incorrect. I found out on Tuesday evening.
Too much gossip, Yes, probably after a lot of people
already knew. So you know, it's if we want to
I want to make sure we work together on this,
that's right. You know, it's not over until the bank
(10:03):
doors is closed. So we'll keep fighting for whatever we
can do and we'll see what discussions come coming out
around the table on Tuesday night, because yeah, there's some
ideas I've got whether way up to the whole council
to decide where they want to adopt them, and yeah,
we'll just see how we can, you know, and I
(10:23):
guess from a community perspective, the more voice we've got,
the better it is, the better it is. And we're
not the only bank that the Bendy Bank.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
There's quite a few around the country.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
There is the King's Meadow one up in Longe System.
There's a few Tory as well, so you know there's
a there's a one. We're not the only one.
Speaker 1 (10:42):
We need a bank here. Can we just take a
bank away where we're going to go two and a
half hours just to go to Bernie exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Yeah, that's some of the some of the communications which
have gone back to the bank. And yeah, so we're
in the process of drafting a letter to them as well,
just to give them some of the facts because the
people will make these decisions probably don't even know where
Queen's cont Tasmania.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
Is well, they're probably in four walls and the door.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Yeah, that's exactly right, mate.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
Shane. Will take a break and we'll come back with
more Mirror on air. You're on seven Excess, better music
and more of it.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Keeping you in touch with your community.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
We're talking with the mayor of the West Coast Shame
Pit on West Coast seven Excess. Yes, we're back with
Shame people with mayor on air. Okay, Shane. We've got
council communications now.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Yes, Andrew. So we've listened to the feedback from our
community over the last year or so about how we
can improve how we communicate and in addition to the
Mirror on air and our website and social media, we're
pleased to be starting a partnership with the Western Echo,
(12:00):
which we'll see you have a couple of pages in
that monthly edition. So it's great, great to see that we.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Can beget the word out there.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
We will be mating and it will be a different
climb and climb and till as well. That look at
the Western Herald and that now has branched out to
the northwest coast as.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
Well, you know, so the Spirits too.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
Yeah, so it's great to see and you know, it's
one thing we probably should have done a lot long
lot know, a lot earlier, but we're now on board
and you know, it.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
Takes time to do things as well. You can't just
throw them in place.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
Yes, yeah, so you know we'll be These pages will
provide updates on projects and other things that other matters
that the council is similar to what we're doing here
on seven Excess, but.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
It's a nice on your own website as well. So yeah, okay,
then let's look at the budget of twenty six.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Yes, the new financial year will will be one of consolidation.
We're focusing on finishing the projects that have been started
and also we've put some money aside just to for
project management, etc. For just to get them project other
(13:17):
projects we want to do in the future ready so
that we make sure that we've got all the costings
done properly and ready for when funding becomes available, you know,
and grant funding when it's out there, we make sure
we tap into that so that it's not a burden
on our rate pays as much to get some of
these projects underway, which we do quite well. With our
(13:42):
grant funding. We seem to attract a bit, you know,
when it's there, we seem to be able to attract it.
So we want to make sure that we've got some
projects ready to.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
Go, just you know, that's right.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Yeah, So and this financial year we've focused on simplifying
the rate system in creating equity within that system, so
rate payers will see a minimal increase, but with the
changes to the structure of the rate that doesn't translate
to a uniform change across all all properties which people
(14:16):
will be interested in. We're offering a fifty dollars rebate.
Rate payers will receive the government pension and remission, so
we removed that last year, but with what Council used
to give on top of the government. But now we've
looked at that again and we can see that we
can offer a fifty dollars rebate there to them pensioners.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
So there's a lot of money for a lot of people.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Yeah, it is, yes, Yeah, there's also a continuation of
the rates remissions for not for profit organization that meet
the criteria so and also we've simplified the process with
regard to that, so you know, you won't be just
asking for a mission for twelve months. It'll be for
a free year period, which makes administration a little bit easier,
(15:00):
a little less cost there. We've also got the rates
rebate for new home builders that will continue. We need
to you know, we're trying to promote new development in
our communities and we know we've got an issue with
housing that we want. We need more housing in our
communities to attract new people, new residents to our communities.
(15:24):
And you know, even for our I guess those government
workers that nurses and they need good accommodation, so we
need to make sure that that's happening. So we're continuing
on with that rates remission, rates rebate for home builders.
So yeah, so there's a lot of good things happening.
(15:46):
And I guess one thing, a new idea that's come out.
We've had changing staff, We've come with some new ideas
as well. We're offering rates will automatically go into running
to win four vouchers.
Speaker 3 (16:04):
Right or one of four vouchers.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
Sorry. So they valued at two thousand, one thousand and
five hundred and five hundred dollars they'll be drawing at
September council meeting. They have to be spent in West
Coast businesses, so.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
That's it's the money stays here.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
Yeah. So those those people that own properties that don't
live in on the West Coast, well if they do,
you know, they do win the vouchers that I'll have
to come back and spend better on the West Coast.
So and that's not open though to people that own
(16:41):
businesses government agencies, so they won't be in the running
council staff and counselors, so we won't be eligible for
that winning them vouchers. But you know, just something which
we're trying to promote.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
Big initiative.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
It is it is yeah, so you know, and also
ask rate payers who think they may be struggling to
pay the rates by installments to reach out early so
they can organize some payment arrangements with staff.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
So always waste any touch with council.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
Exactly, right, mane. We say that most mere on ears
that if you are struggling, please reach out to the conto.
Just leave it at the last moment exactly, talk to
talk to the staff and they'll come up with some
arrangement with you to work through it.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
Yeah right, Okay, we've got a position vacant a plant operator.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Yeah, so that plan operates to is based prior Merrily
in zen as part of the team over there and
responsible for maintenance of council assets ranging from roads, storm water,
parks and recreation areas and the delivery of waste management
services over there in Zene as well. So if you've
(17:53):
got a heavy rigid lize and I've listened to the
advertisement on seven excess this if you have got a
heavy ridge's license, council love to hear from them if
I want that opportunity to join the local council. Yeah.
So applications closed this Sunday and the sixth is July,
(18:15):
so there just a couple of days of left thing.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
We've also got a planned outage at the Roseberry Sports
and Stadium and gym.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
Yeah, so that'll impact the stadium and the gym and
squash courts over there. The outage is to allow for
a new meter to be installed and that outage should
be between seven thirty a and five pm. So during
that power audage, of course, the user access cards will
(18:43):
not work, so and if any If people do have
issues after the power outage with their cards, please contact
Council office on six four one four seven hundred.
Speaker 1 (18:56):
Nice and easy. Now we head light up the west
where Queen Town last weekend.
Speaker 3 (19:01):
Absolutely beautiful, yeah mate, Yeah, Unfortunately I wasn't here, it
was over Woollongong, but you know I went down to
the one in straw in the work before and that
was spectacular as well.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
And yeah, no it is. And it's great to see
that we were doing something during the winter months to
try and to promote people coming to the West Coast.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
I knew a lot of people came from Bernie and
Devenport just to come and see this, yes, which is
a great initiative.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
Exactly mate, yeah, exactly. And that was you know, Destination
West Coast put a fair bit of effort into this
along with west By Northwest, the Regional Tourists Tourism body.
They received the funding to engage an artist to create
the three audio visual displays. So yeah, So, as I mentioned,
(19:50):
we had the Strong Post office two weeks ago now
at the Strong Solstice, which was another success. Andrew must
you know.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
I was going to get in the dip but I
got sick on the Friday, so I couldn't make it,
so sorry about that.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
Yeah, so you know it's and then last weekend, of
course they had the Paragon Theater lit up as well,
so you know that it's just great to see that
we're getting some of these events during winter down here
on the West Coast, and that strong Solstice is certainly something.
Speaker 1 (20:20):
It's getting popular.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
It is, it is, and it's every year it becomes
more popular, which is great to see. And congratulations to
the team down there that's done a hell of a job.
And you know, it's something which hopefully we can see
right across the West Coast during the winter months to
try and attract new people into our area tourism wise,
(20:42):
because Winter Mars is quiet on the West coast. But
I'm sure we look at the success of Dark Mafi
and things like that.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
Let's take a lot travel around.
Speaker 2 (20:51):
Yeah, let's see what the West Coast can bring. And
we've already seen success in a strong solstice, so hopefully we.
Speaker 1 (20:58):
Might inser that out bigger better next year.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
And ventured out to some other weekends to the water
West coast.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
Yeah, it sounds great, does Okay? Are you sharing any
other matters we need to know about.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
No, mate, I think we've talked about everything, and you know,
I guess the thing is that we need as a community,
we need to band together over this Bendigo Bank issue.
But we certainly, you know, we're certainly out there trying
our best to see what we can do, but it's
the community needs to be behind as well. And you know,
(21:36):
it is good to see that the community are behind
it with organizing that.
Speaker 1 (21:41):
Meeting intendity today at JJ's Yeah, I believe so.
Speaker 2 (21:46):
Yeah, just with Gavin's going to be there as well.
And uh yeah, and.
Speaker 1 (21:51):
Because it's not the first time Gavin has been in
this situation. It's happened in smith And many years ago.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Yeah, yeah, thanks taken exactly. And I yes, you know,
as I've talked to other media recently in the last
couple of days, when when the federal government de regulated
the banks, well this is what happens. You know, it's
all about money for them and profits and they forget
about the people.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
On the ground.
Speaker 2 (22:18):
Yeah, and I guess, you know, unfortunate a couple of
years ago that the bank moved away from a community bank.
It must have been doing okay because your community bank
was still giving money back to our community.
Speaker 1 (22:30):
Organization, sporting places and schools.
Speaker 2 (22:33):
And other organizations on the West coast. But you know,
let's see what we can come up with. Is that
another option? That's something we'll be asking these are the
hierarchy of the Bendigo Bank and is there any other
options out there for us moving forward? And you know,
disappointing that they've only given a couple of months as well,
(22:55):
so people haven't got a lot of time if they
if we can't save it to change the way they
do the banking, which is another disappointing.
Speaker 1 (23:04):
That's it. Pensions come out once a fortnite. People want
to go in there. They'll like to see somebody that's
the machine.
Speaker 2 (23:10):
Exactly how do they get it? Yeah, you know, and
at least when it was disappointing when the Commonwolf Bank
pulled out of queens given that the Commonwolf Bank originated
in Queenstown way back, so it was born in Queenstown
and then all of a sudden, yeah, all of a
sudden it's gone. But at least back then they give
us six months.
Speaker 1 (23:31):
Now, give you the opportunity to have you say why
they're doing it, et cetera.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
And change allow enough time for that's what we need now, yeah, exactly, yeah.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Okay Shane, we'll see.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
You next Friday, mate, No worries, thank you.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
Okay. That is Merenair Shane Pitt. If you've got any
questions for them, whether it be in your street or
the town, get in touch with us, head on over
studio at seven excess, dot com, dot ye, give us
all the details and of course every Friday, just after
the thirty years you find out what's happening in the
council and in your community. That's me Ornair all. Thanks
to the West Coast Council working partnership with your community,
(24:04):
you're on better music and more of it West Coast
seven Excess
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