Monitor The
Your Community Newspaper ~ Roxby Downs
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Volume 6, Thursday 10th August, 2006
Water and dust main concern Dust, water, energy and community spaces were the main concerns voiced by residents during consultation meetings held by the BHPBilliton Environmental Impact Statement team last week. The meeting included discussions about the capacity of the proposed Whyalla desalination plant, which, if approved, had the potential to supply water to the top of Eyre Peninsula as well as the Roxby Downs Township and Olympic Dam site. Other benefits of the plant would be the jobs created by its construction and ongoing operation. According to speakers, the ‘going price’ for a pipeline of the magnitude required to service Olympic Dam was $1 million dollars per kilometre. Approval of the desalination plant would not reduce the mine’s current use of water from the artesian basin - BHP Billiton would continue use it full license of 12 gigalitres per annum Meeting facilitators said feasibility and design of the desalination plant had been a difficult issue, as there were few comparisons to the huge Whyalla proposal world-wide. Dust was another issue which concerned
those in attendance, and was among the most highlighted areas of concern. The meeting facilitators advised that three models concerning the migration of dust from the site were being explored. It was explained the eventual size of the pit and the slag heaps, which would be as high as the Santos Building in Adelaide, would create a micro climate over the site. Questions were also asked about the supply of power but the team could only advise that a number of options were being considered and it was too early to comment. Another major issue raised concerned increasing and maintaining open spaces for families, and housing was still a main agenda item for many people. Points raised in relation to the economic impact of the proposed expansion included the availability of industrial land and the creation of non mining related revenue. The consultations were held in Woomera, Roxby and Andamooka and sessions were now scheduled for Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Pirie.
Papers and bottles cost ratepayers $4000.00 Last month a blocked drain in Norman Place cost the council nearly $4000 to repair. The stormwater drain, which picks up all of the rubbish from the shopping centre car park, became so congested that it took two men several days to unblock and repair. Plastic bottles, paper, sweet wrappers, chip bags, plastic bags, paper containment strips, mesh vegetable bags, cans, milkshake containers, water bottles and black meat trays were amongst the rubbish removed from the drain. “People need to realise that if they drop their rubbish in the shopping centre car park, this is where it ends up,” Water and Sewer Manager of the Roxby Downs Council, Trevor Kroemer said. “Clearing a drain like this is a big job. It affects parking, imposes traffic restrictions and costs thousands.” With the drain now cleared, it is hoped that it will be some time before such repairs are required again.
Readers often complain to The Monitor about the rubbish lying around the streets The common consensus is “‘somebody’ ought to do something about it.” Suggestions include the council should pick up the rubbish and more consistent fines for offenders. Uncovered bins crows have been suggested as the real culprits. According to council officer Peter Keller the council has a contractor who cleans all public areas, including Richardson Place and Lions Park, everyday. Mr Keller said clean-up operations where now a seven-day commitment. “Up until last week the areas were cleaned six days per week but under our new contract all areas are now cleaned seven days per week,” Mr Keller said. “The concrete bins in Richardson place will be replaced by wheelie bins within the next 4 to 6 weeks, which will stop the crows accessing the bins and spilling the rubbish on the
footpaths,” he said. There is legislation in place to fine people who drop litter $132.00 for each offence. The fine can be issued by the police or an appointed council officer. The Monitor has questioned whether Roxby Downs residents would want an officer patrolling the streets to fine everybody for dropping rubbish – suggesting next may come a parking inspector and other enforcements. Roxby Downs residents are being asked to abandon apathy and speak up. “A few suggestions are, put your rubbish in a bin (as most people do), politely ask people who drop there rubbish in the street to pick it up and lead by example by stopping for second and picking up any rubbish you see lying on the footpath,” so and so said. “While people who are thoughtless or just don’t care may be a small minority, the carelessness of the few has cost the community $4000.00 which the council could have spent far more wisely on our behalf,” so and so said.
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