For those wishing to find out factual information regarding Dungog Shire’s proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV), I recommend you attend one of the remaining community consultations taking place around the Dungog Shire.
I recently attended the community meeting at the Doug Walters Pavilion and would like to congratulate the Dungog Shire Council (DSC) staff and Councillors on a professionally run and informative meeting. In particular, the new GM of DSC demonstrated strong community engagement and could not have been clearer about her commitment and enthusiasm to see Dungog Shire go forward
Despite what many may believe, the proposed rate increases must be approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). The approval process is rigorous, with clear guidelines that Council must show that they have actively engaged the community and the community is aware of their plans. Our Council cannot make the decision alone and must produce evidence that they have followed the guidelines.
For more information regarding IPART guidelines on SRV, you can go to their website https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Local-Government/Special-Variations.
A very informative and clear guide produced by DSC was also available at the meeting and these packs are still available from DSC. The DSC website also provides up-to-date information regarding the SRV and is at https://www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/council/special-rate-variation.
Ivan Skaines, Dungog Shire Council’s Economic Development Tourism and Events Co-ordinator, has reported that the workshop conducted by State Mutual on insurance and managing risk which was held last Wednesday evening was a great success. There was a very good attendance at the event by Council 355 Committees, members of Dungog Shire Events Inc., local not for profits, community organisations, and sporting groups running events in the Dungog Shire.
Following our DDCC Local Business Awards, Boomerang Bags, Dungog have been announced as a finalist in the Excellence in Sustainability category at the Hunter Business Awards.
Dungog District Chamber of Commerce has also been announced as a finalist in the Local Chamber category.
The recipients of the Hunter Business Awards for 2018 will be presented at a gala function at NEX (Wests City), Newcastle West on Friday, August 10.
Our next dinner meeting, “Pies in July” will be held at Clarence Town School of Arts Hall on Thursday 19 July 2018. Members and guests are welcome. Cost is $25.00 with drinks available to purchase on the night. To RSVP contact Colleen Duffy on dinner@ddcc.org.au or telephone 0400 603403.
Kind Regards,
Jennifer Lewis
President – Dungog District Chamber of Commerce
