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Katherine Town Council is excited to launch what will be the first of many newsletters to our community. The newsletter serves to provide a one-stop-shop for all things Katherine and an easy way to stay up to date on Council projects, grants and public news stories. It is hoped this newsletter will also provide helpful insights in the collaborations Katherine Town Council has with other governmental departments and local organisations, highlighting the amazing work being done by these front line services in addressing the areas of need within our community.
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This newsletter, in addition to being a helpful communication resource, comes off the back of the noted need for further dialogue such as the ‘Let’s Talk, Katherine’ community forum held in May 2018. This forum saw passionate community members come together to raise issues of concern in a constructive manner, with all relevant local and Territory government departments in attendance. Attendees particularly raised their concerns around crime, youth engagement, education, mental health services and general community amenity.
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In the 16 months since this forum many organisations have been on the front foot in addressing many of these issues. The NT Police have worked hard in their efforts to proactively police with the reintroduction of the Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors (PALIs) to see a 13% reduction in assaults. Property crime continues to remain a focal point for the Katherine Police through Operation Pelion which commenced in February 2019. The year-long operation is an evidence-based and intelligence-informed approach to target commercial unlawful entries in Katherine.
The Katherine community also recently celebrated the opening of Headspace. The much needed service, which is managed by Anglicare NT, is a free and confidential service for eligible young people aged between 12 and 25. Headspace Katherine provides assistance in 4 key areas: Mental Health, Physical and Sexual Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and Vocational Support. The realisation of this project show’s true community collaboration with young people, families, elders and local organisations all playing their part, providing input on the fit out and design of the service to be offered. The physical centre will also be complimented by a mobile outreach service to surrounding communities.
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With amazing work occurring across all areas of our community, Katherine Town Council is also proud to compliment this with the redevelopment of highly valued community assets such as upgrades to the sportsgrounds and showgrounds. The highly publicised Hot Springs Project is nearing its completion (due December 2019) and the CBD Revitalisation Project will continue with a strong focus on community amenity, safety and connectivity. The consultation for the Leight Creek bridge crossing has been completed with Tenders for construction to be released early in 2020. Katherine Town Council is working to release land to the Northern Territory Government to begin the civil works and essential services to develop the Agribusiness Hub off Victoria Highway – another development supporting the growth of Katherine.
With a strong, coordinated effort from all corners of our community, Katherine can look towards a bright and prosperous future. We are the service centre for a vast region (nearly 400,000 square km’s) and will continue to work towards developing our town and region for the benefit of locals which in turn benefits the tourism industry.
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Meet your Elected Members
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Deputy Mayor Jon Raynor
E: jon.raynor@ktc.nt.gov.au
P: 0447 844 827
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Alderman Elisabeth Clark
E: elisabeth.clark@ktc.nt.gov.au
P: 08 8972 2180
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Alderman Peter Gazey
E: peter.gazey@ktc.nt.gov.au
P: 08 8972 2601
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Alderman Matt Hurley
E: matthew.hurley@ktc.nt.gov.au
P: 0487 928 849
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Alderman Toni Tapp-Coutts
E: toni.tapp-coutts@ktc.nt.gov.au
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Alderman John Zelley
E: john.zelley@ktc.nt.gov.au
P: 0417 355 957
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Did you know the role of Deputy Mayor alternates through the electoral term? At Katherine Town Council the role rotates from one Elected Member to another every 8 months, giving all Elected Members an opportunity to fill the role.
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Katherine Hot Springs Update
The Katherine Hot Springs has been a regular topic within the community, particularly with the latest announcement of a $1.5M transfer from the CBD Revitalisation project funding. After commencing construction in 2016 the original works were paused in 2017 after issues were identified in the structural integrity of some areas. Studies and approvals were accomplished and rectification works commenced in July 2019 under the guidance of a highly experienced project manager and the delivery by an accomplished civil construction firm, DAC Enterprises.
Stage one (1) works included the bank rectification works which are nearing completion and will achieve a significant milestone in a project that has experienced sizeable setbacks. Stage two (2) involves the upper section consisting of park upgrades, landscaping and beautification works.
Considering the significance of this community asset, the public's interest and the length of this project Katherine Town Council considers it is of the utmost importance to see the completion of this project. Despite the significant delays previously experienced, rectification works are progressing well with construction scheduled to be completed by December 2019.
Katherine Town Council would like to extend our thanks to the entire community for your patience during this time and we look forward to providing an upgraded asset for the enjoyment of the community and visitors alike.
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Katherine Alive is the newest Katherine Town Council campaign displaying the liveability of the region - economy, environment, people, community and culture. If you would like to know more head to the Katherine Alive Website
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CBD Beautification
Katherine is coming alive with colour with the installation of a number of murals through the CBD.
Katherine Town Council has worked closely with the Department of Chief Minister and Katherine Regional Arts to install two (2) commemorative murals, acknowledging significant aspects of our community. The Katherine Flood mural, located in the proximity of the Shell Service Station depicts and commemorates the progress of the Katherine community since the devastating 1998 Floods (designed by local resident Mandy Tootell). The Defence inspired mural, located on Railway Terrace in the proximity of the Cenotaph, highlights the important and long-standing connection the military has in Katherine and will compliment commemorative events held at the Cenotaph (designed by Territory artist David Collins).
The Katherine Public Library has also benefited from a major signage upgrade, calling for readers 'to get lost in your imagination'. The library sign was designed with the intention to be vibrant and recognisable, to those in the community and passing through as well as to add value to the immediate streetscape of the CBD.
These projects help beautify Katherine and we encourage shop owners to submit applications for the Shopfront Beautification Grants which can provide up to $5,000 towards works that encourage an improved streetscape. Does your shopfront need a little touching up? For the guidelines and application form click here
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Katherine Visitor Information Centre BEST YEAR YET!
Great news coming from the Katherine Visitor Information Centre with 2018/19 being the Centres best year yet for booking values. With over $1.34M in total booking values for 18/19, the Centre quickly followed this achievement with a new monthly sales record in July 2019 and an increase in the average stay of visitors, pushing out to 3-4 nights. These figures are only representative of the Visitor Information Centre's trade however help demonstrate another successful year for the tourism industry.
The Visitor Information Centre offers more than just information/booking for tourists. We encourage Katherine residents to go in and discuss what activities are available in Katherine or book tours/accommodation for your next holiday in other locations including the Top End, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia. We cover a large region and the staff are full of information. You can also buy souvenirs and gifts whilst enjoying a coffee on the verandah.
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Sportsgrounds Lights Back-Up & Running
After the Cockatoos damaged the Oval 2 Sportsgrounds lights, leaving the oval in darkness, Katherine Town Council are happy to announce the lights have been replaced and are in full working order again. Measures have been put in place to ensure this issue doesn't reoccur, including the installations of improved light fixtures and bird scarers. Katherine Town Council would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation whilst repairs were undertaken.
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Citizen of the Tear nominations are now open! Nominate someone who makes a real difference in your community and give them the opportunity to be rewarded and recognised for their contribution. Nominate someone for Citizen, Senior Citizen, Young Citizen or Community Event of the Year. For more information and to download a nomination form click here.
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Separate & Save
As of October, the Katherine Town Council have increased the rate of MIXED COMMERCIAL waste to $125 per tonne. This is for commercial users who are going to the waste management facility over the weighbridge. This does not affect domestic waste disposal.
The 'Separate & Save' incentive is aimed at encouraging separation of waste to optimise the Councils ability to recycle, creating a more sustainable waste management service for the community. To see the fees and charges click here.
There will be NO CHANGES to DOMESTIC WASTE DISPOSAL charges.
Did you know the Katherine Waste Management Facility recycles...
Batteries | Chemical Drums (DrumMUSTER Stewardship) | Oil | Tyres
Scrap Metal | E-Waste (TechCollect Stewardship)
MobileMuster (Mobile phones, chargers, batteries and accessories)
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Got a good news story you would like to share? Email: contact@ktc.nt.gov.au
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