Issue 644
Issue 644 |
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Council explains airport decisions A major criticism has been that Council did not award the construction contract to a local company. Local tenders were considered for the project, but their bids were not as impressive as the winning tender either in terms of meeting the design criteria or price. McMaster Queensland also had experience constructing other airport buildings, which is a specialist field. In addition, under the Trade Practices Act, Council must accept the most competitive offer and cannot show bias towards any bid, local or not. A panel of Councillors and staff assessed all tenders and the final decision on the winning bid was made by Council as a whole. As part of the contractual negotiations with McMaster, and to ensure locals were employed on the project, Council successfully negotiated a contractual provision whereby the majority of subcontractors used by McMaster were local tradespeople. In fact up to 80 per cent of the work on the new terminal has been carried out by local sub-contractors. So, while McMaster Queensland were the project managers, locals were not left “out in the cold”. Council has a strong record of supporting local companies. The Transit Centre was constructed by a local builder, as was the Goonellabah Administration Centre and the refurbishment of the Memorial Baths building. Where Council projects have been managed by outside construction companies, Council has always insisted they use local sub-contractors. Another criticism has been that the project will run over budget because of the liquidation of McMaster. McMaster was not paid in advance, only in arrears for work already completed. In addition, as part of their contract, and as a provision of monthly progress payments, McMaster had to submit a statutory declaration that all sub-contractors had been paid up to the date for which their claim for payment was made. The August payment to McMaster of $164,000 has been withheld, and Council determined not to release that payment until assurances were received that the subcontractors had been paid. It is now evident that they have not, and Council does not intend to release those funds. By law, all monies payable to McMaster have to be paid directly to the liquidator, and Council cannot legally pay the sub-contractors directly. If Council was to do so, the liquidator could demand those payments back from the sub-contractors. However Council is sympathetic to the plight of the sub-contractors, and has insisted on those who had been working for McMaster being given the opportunity to complete the work. The sub-contractors claims for outstanding payments from McMaster will be considered by the liquidator in due course. Prior to the liquidation of McMaster, Council was aware that in the event of termination of the contract, the project was likely to be over budget by $300,000. This was due to a combination of factors, mainly relating to the contractor’s earthworks. It’s now expected that by making savings in other areas on the project, and withholding McMaster’s security payment, this projected overrun will not be exceeded, despite the liquidation of the contractor. Council has also been criticised for not investigating the financial state of McMaster prior to its engagement. In fact, Council carried out a full financial appraisal of the company using an independent government-endorsed credit checking agency, Australian Corporate Reporting Service, before accepting their tender and again during the course of the project. Residents can be assured that all possible checks and balances were undertaken. McMaster’s track record in the construction of a number of public buildings including the Coolangatta International Terminal was also a factor considered in the process. Council was not the only organisation to be affected by McMaster’s demise. The Queensland State Government had contracted with McMaster for a number of building projects. Their Project Services Section carried out similar financial checks. They too were very surprised by the failure of McMaster. While it is most unfortunate that two major Council projects have been affected by the financial difficulties of the contractors, Council moved swiftly on both Magellan Street and the new airport terminal to ensure both projects were completed quickly and successfully. Council’s actions in regard to Magellan Street were later vindicated through a process of arbitration. Meanwhile, work is continuing on schedule at the airport with the expected completion date of December 1.
Ken Gainger Marijuana probs Many of these “patients” require long-term treatment at the financial cost of the taxpayer and society. Locally it costs over a million dollars a year to run Richmond Clinic. More tragically though for the sufferer – personal, social and family relationships can disintegrate. Many of these people can no longer study or hold a job. Alarmingly, we note more and more teenagers at younger ages are trying the “wacky tobaccy”. Marijuana use has been mainstream since the 1960s. Today’s so-called “hydroponically grown” strains of the weed have been chemically and genetically engineered to produce the maximum narcotic effect. Moreover, THC, the psycho-active substance responsible, accumulates in the human body. Recurrent users may notice that they get stoned easier or higher than before. What happens when one decides to cut back usage often results in “psychosis” – anxiety, fear and depression. Make no mistake about it marijuana is a narcotic, an intoxicant which can result in a powerful psychological addiction “if there is something missing in one’s emotional or spiritual life”. There is much to be said for two alternatives “ Life Be In It” and “Life Education – Australia”.
Paul Lawrence Vale Charlie I think it is important to remember Mr Perkins for his gifts and for his passion. He was out their fighting for his people before it ever became trendy to know let alone care about indigenous issues. RIP Aboriginal leader and activist Mr Charles Perkins (1936-2000). You died in a memorable year and deserve the order of Australia medal which was awarded to you. You were a top bloke! In 1997 you were declared a ‘national living treasure’. Now that you are gone, if you can, please look out for all of us from the other side.
Kathryn Pollard O’Hara Waste thanks A recent information campaign has alerted residents to the problems associated with depositing plate glass (any flat glass), mirror glass, ceramics, needles, and general refuse in the recycling bins at the Drop Off Centres. Unfortunately a small minority of people were causing significant contamination of the recycling stream, to the extent that LCC was having up to three recycling loads rejected by the sorting plant, every week. This meant that our recycling was going to waste and being buried as landfill. To remind people of the value of recycling, and reaffirm the do’s and don’ts regarding use of the recycling centres, LCC implemented an extensive education campaign during October. This included erecting new signs at the recycling Drop Off Centres; broadcasting television and radio commercials; newspaper advertising; and the presence of Education and Law Enforcement Officers at the recycling centres, to assist people and monitor the activity. The great news is this really has made a difference. We are proud to announce to Lismore residents that we have not had a single load rejected since the start of the campaign. The sorting plant at Ballina has reported a significant improvement in the quality of the recycling material it is now receiving. This means that we have stopped putting plate glass (any flat glass), mirror glass, ceramics, needles, and general refuse in the recycling bins at the Drop Off Centres. This is a major achievement, and one which we should all be justly proud. It goes a long way towards demonstrating the commitment, good will and enthusiasm we have in Lismore for our recycling service. Well Done!
Lesley Trott Unkind cut For the last 3 to 4 years a study of men diagnosed with andropause or the male menopause, involving some 2,500 men here in Australia, has resulted in the largest database on the subject in the world. The Australian results echo those of an English group of 1,000 men a few years earlier. The studies showed that the leading indicator for a confirmed andropause diagnosis was a history of vasectomy in 40 per cent of all diagnosed cases. With only 4 per cent of men having undergone vasectomy this shows that the procedure multiplies the risk 10 times. Other indications are of course testicular trauma and disease,followed by chemical exposure and stress. The effects of andropause on the body are identical to the menopause, loss of libido, hot flushes, depression, osteoporosis, heart disease etc. With men treatment will be for the rest of ones life. The problem with this is that since August 1999, men diagnosed with andropause are no longer able to obtain medication under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The matter is a continuing struggle for men to obtain access to HRT or Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Imagine the outcry if women were required to comply with the same requirements. It’s time that the medical fraternity started to get involved in men’s health issues. This condition appears to affect 30 per cent of men at age 30 and 50 per cent of men at age 50. The clinical diagnosis and treatment are established and proven around the world. Dr Malcolm Carruthers calls vasectomy the unkindest cut of all. Further information and contact numbers can be obtained from me at 6564 7741, or e-mail to peterdwallen@hotmail.com
Peter Allen Pet care Come on all the animal lovers; support your local animal carers group. We are desperate to keep our organisation functioning.
Bev Cassidy Eyesore memorial Visiting my son is depressing enough without having the surroundings looking the way they do. I can’t see them visiting the children’s section on the open day as there is nothing nice to look at. Maybe your readers can go and have a look for themselves.
M Briggs No change I was told that the banner was the outcome of the recent reconciliation day here in town and is simply covered with the hand-prints and signatures of hundreds of locals. A few of the adults decided to hold it up anyway, not without acrimony.
Stu Wales Free treatment We are fortunate in the Northern Rivers to access three clinics which offer treatment for all types of addiction free of charge. These clinics are run by A-NADA Protocol Northern Rivers, and are located at Ballina (17 Brunswick St), Nimbin (Birth and Beyond), and Lismore (Neighbourhood Centre). This programme is also effective in helping mental illness, mood disorders, smoking withdrawal, eating disorders and coping with stress. Trained Practitioners at each of the clinics offer ear acupuncture treatment which is chemical free, alleviates the symptoms of withdrawal, can reduce cravings, and calms the emotions. Clients are treated in a group setting, sitting quietly for 45 minutes. The treatment supports the client’s choice to regain balance in their lives and the protocol offers ongoing support in their recovery. All the client needs to do is attend the clinic, write their first name only and the time of arrival on the clinic sheet. The programme is not interested in why the client is seeking treatment. it accepts everyone, adopting an “open door” policy. treatment is instantly available during clinic hours. Deciding to recover from addiction is a time of difficult transition. The a-NADA Protocol can give these people hope for recovery and the tools and support to help them do this.
John Hagan
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