At last week’s Works and Technical Services Committee meeting a recommendation was moved to remove all the Rural Fire Service (RFS) tanker trailers from the RFS fleet across the shire brigades. 

This decision has been discussed at length at RFS meetings at Willow Tree where our adjoining shires to the north have already removed their trailers from their fleets. 

The Upper Hunter Shire have approximately 30 tanker trailers remaining in service, which is a decrease from about 60 tanker trailers that were originally in service before the purchases of many new fire trucks by the RFS.

If this recommendation is passed at the next council meeting the tanker trailers will go to public auction for any interested person(s) to purchase. 

The RFS and the Upper Hunter Shire Council have approximately 50 tankers and vehicles in service across the shire, which are distributed between 27 brigades. 

We believe these trucks are a much safer piece of equipment and more efficient than the old tanker trailers.

Drought relief concert

I WAS lucky enough last Saturday to attend a drought relief concert at the Victoria Hotel at Moonan Flat where we were treated to some live music by the Bowden Bros of Gloucester and (Goldheist) Hesta Fraser of Armidale. 

This great event was organised by Kathy and Peter of the Victoria Hotel, which raised over $9000 through the auctioning of items, raffles and much more. 

The funds raised will be distributed by the way of vouchers to those that reside in the Moonan Flat and surrounding areas where there is need for some drought relief help.

Well done Kathy and Peter, this is just another great locally organised event that has been held in our shire to help those in need.  

Asbestos awareness

Asbestos Awareness Day is on November 29 and what is quite     disturbing is that it is estimated (conservative) that one in three homes in Australia contain asbestos. 

When disturbed during renovations and home maintenance, asbestos fibres can be released into the air, and when inhaled they can cause life threatening disease including lung cancer, pleural disease, asbestosis and mesothelioma, an incurable, terminal cancer. 

If left undisturbed asbestos materials in good stable condition are unlikely to release dangerous fibres and pose a health risk. 

Here are a few tips along with further information, which is available on the website www.asbestosawareness.com.au:

- Never use tools on asbestos materials as they will make asbestos fibres airborne. 

- Generally you don’t need to remove the asbestos.

- Paint it and leave it alone but remember to check it occasionally for signs of wear and tear.

There are legal requirements regarding asbestos management, its removal and disposal. 

If you decide to remove asbestos there are a number of safety           precautions you need to take including wearing specific protective clothing, the correct mask or breathing apparatus, ensure you minimise dust and dispose of it legally. 

It is important to ensure that asbestos waste has been wetted and sealed in heavy duty plastic prior to transportation. 

All asbestos waste must be transported in a covered, leak-proof vehicle as per Environmental Protection Agency requirements. 

It is illegal to dispose of asbestos waste in domestic garbage bins or to reuse, recycle or illegally dump asbestos products.

Asbestos that has been secured in sealed packaging can be disposed of at the Aberdeen, Scone or Merriwa waste depots, however it must be arranged in advance by contacting the council on 6540 1100.

To find out where you might find asbestos in the home and how to manage it safely, visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au

Murrurundi water

The council’s application for a water pipeline from Scone to Murrurundi has been shortlisted by Infrastructure NSW. 

There is a lot of work to be undertaken and a short period of time to prepare documentation for the next phase to ensure we effectively meet the criteria. 

This is great news for Murrurundi and hopefully will result in a positive outcome.

The water shortage at Murrurundi has been of high priority for the council for a long time so let’s hope that council can secure funding in the very near future and fix the water shortage of Murrurundi.

Timor Crawney Road upgrade

An upgrade of Timor Crawney Road to improve road conditions and drivers’ safety will commence in March 2015. 

Timor Limestone Quarry, owned and operated by Stoneco, is opening and the company has contributed $100,000 as part of its development approval, to upgrading the road and the replacement of Stars Crossing Bridge with a new single lane concrete bridge. 

Four passing bays along Timor Road and sealing a portion of the road near the quarry are also part of the future works.

Until next time, take care during this very dry and trying time and remember your safety comes first.