Roads & Works Update
Infrastructure Update – June 2024
In June 2024, the dedicated and hard-working Airport, Works and Services teams continued to deliver critical services to the island whilst delivering on key projects with a focus on safety and quality.
Work Health and Safety Committee (WHSC)
The WHSC conducted a thorough review of legislative requirements for WHS Committee representation, reporting, and meeting frequency. At a well-attended meeting on June 25th, we identified immediate action priorities. Wellbeing was also highlighted as a crucial component of WHS, and representatives were tasked with reporting back on key wellbeing topics from their teams at the next meeting. Membership forms for the WHSC were distributed to all Council employees to ensure inclusive representation.
Operational Activities
We reviewed the Roadside Spraying Policy and Procedure, ordered new weed spraying signs, and initiated an audit of vehicle beacons to enhance safety. Training for the new Chipper operation began, including Job Safety Analyses (JSAs). To address speeding through work zones, were pursuing access to resources through the Slow Down For Road Workers “Your speed Is Our Safety” national campaign as well as seeking increased policing of speed limits at roadwork sites.
Roads and Drainage
The roads team completed pothole repairs on Memana Road, Lackrana Road, and Wingaroo Road. Maintenance grading was completed on Palana Road, Edens Road, North East River Road, Fairhaven Road, and Trousers Point Road. Drainage improvements were made on Summer Camp Road and Gunter Street. Vegetation control included road shoulder spraying on Palana Road and North East River Road, tree trimming on West End Road, and removing fallen trees after high winds. Road sweeping was performed on the edges of Palana Road, and guideposts were maintained as needed during road patrols.
Town Maintenance
Maintenance activities included mowing and brush cutting in Whitemark, Lady Barron, Whitemark Showgrounds, cemeteries, and the Depot. The dedicated team also completed kerb and gutter cleaning in Lady Barron and Whitemark. Footpath maintenance involved edging in Whitemark, and park and street furniture upkeep whilst weekly emptying of remote and town rubbish bins continued. The hard work paid off with time made two new bin brackets and posts for bins at Whitemark Foreshore and Palana. We also installed new signs at Whitemark Tip.
Building Maintenance
Building maintenance included plumbing repairs at the Showgrounds, such as fixing gutters and downpipes, repairing a leaking cistern, and fixing a water break.
Capital Works
Capital works projects included footpath repair and replacement in Whitemark, installing temporary fencing panels, and removing and disposing of old concrete on Mainwaring Street, Esplanade, and Patrick Street.
Whitemark Airport
Operations at Whitemark Airport included daily safety and security inspections, wildlife control, repairing a soft area on runway 23/05, and addressing a defect in the Bureau of Meteorology Automatic Weather Station following a lightning strike. We also performed daily CASA serviceability reporting, refueled aircraft, mowed runway strip areas, weed sprayed the airside boundary and gable markers, maintained the airside electric fence, swept the Runway End Safety Area, assisted with the Airport CCTV renewal, and completed end-of-financial-year documents.
Recycling
In our recycling efforts, we collated, wrapped, strapped, and transported recyclables off-island, including:
- 970 litres of cooking oil.
- 500 litres of cooking fat.
- 54 kg of household batteries.
During the drumMUSTER collection day, 28 drums were inspected. The Recycling Hub collected 10.6 kg of eligible products, bringing the total diverted from landfill to 180 kg since launching the hub. The percentage of ineligible products dropped to 2%, compared to 11% in May. The top five performing recycling programs are:
- Batteries: 55.9 kg
- Nespresso Capsules: 31.6 kg
- Cartridges: 28.5 kg
- Skincare: 11 kg
- MobileMuster: 10.8 kg
State Government
We inspected defects on Lady Barron Road with the Northern Roads Manager from State Growth and their contractor Stabilised Pavements Australia (SPA),in order to develop and negotiate a corrective action plan. Communication with Senior Traffic Engineers was initiated regarding signage and engineering requirements for the state road controlled arterial corridor including consideration for improvement to safety at the school pedestrian crossing. We also coordinated new signage for Furneaux Distillery.
Staff Acknowledgment
We'd like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our staff. Their commitment to maintaining and improving our infrastructure is commendable. Special thanks to Glenn for smoothly transitioning back from long service leave and to Don Withers for his contributions before commencing his leave.
Overall, we maintained a strong focus on safety, maintenance, recycling, and community engagement throughout June 2024. Thank you to everyone for their continued support and cooperation.
May 2024
Roads and Drainage
Gravel Road Pothole Repairs: We've been fixing potholes on several roads to keep them safe and smooth for everyone. These roads include Reedy Lagoon Road, Coast Road, Badger Corner Road, Thule Road, Camerons Inlet Road, Golden Mile Road, Pot Boil Road, Conways Road, Memana Road, Manns Road, Trousers Point Road, Smiths Road, Fairhaven Road, Melrose Road, Wingaroo Road, Lees Road, Summers Road, Dutchmans Road, and Haulands Gap Road.
Maintenance Grading: Killiecrankie and Palana Roads have received some much-needed grading. The recent rains provided the required moisture content to grade and ensure these roads are in good shape for winter.
Bitumen Road Patching and Edging: We've patched and edged sections of Lady Barron Road, Lackrana Road, and Memana Road to maintain their quality.
Drainage: We've improved drainage in Killiecrankie to improve access, further works to the road will follow as and when the program allows.
Vegetation Control: Weed spraying has been carried out to keep our roadsides clear of weed growth, which can destabilize the road pavement and impede maintenance.
Repairs: We've replaced a significant number of road information, safety signs and guideposts as needed around our road network to keep everyone informed and safe.
Capital Works
We’re pleased to have completed the scheduled capital works program for the financial year 2023-24, making improvements to the following roads:
• Trousers Point Road (two areas)
• Big River Road
• Coast Road
• Wallanippi Road
Water: We continue to responded to TasWater callouts for water pipe breakages to access to potable water.
Funerals: Our team also assisted with funeral duties during the month.
Quarries: At the Lughrata Pit, we continued with minor reinstatement works to maintain our quarry resources.
Town Maintenance
Parks and Reserves: We’ve been busy mowing and brush cutting in Whitemark, Lady Barron, and the Whitemark Showgrounds, as well as maintaining our cemeteries. We also removed a tree in Lady Barron and made repairs to the irrigation system in the Rose Garden. Monthly high-pressure cleaning was done at the Whitemark, Emita, and Palana boat ramps to keep them in top condition.
Footpaths: Edging work (removing grass) was carried out on Whitemark footpaths. We have also begun removing and replacing cracked and uneven paving, with a new section completed on Mainwaring Street. Further works are scheduled for Lagoon Road footpaths and driveways in July. We aim for minimal disturbance and disruption to households and businesses and appreciate the cooperation of business owners to enable these much-needed improvements to occur.
Park and Street Furniture: We improved rubbish bins in remote areas with installing new bins with concreted posts and brackets at Whitemark Foreshore, Pallana and Settlement Point boat ramps.
Signage: We performed an audit of signs across our road network and replaced signs for both sealed and unsealed roads and the Whitemark Tip to improve clear directions and safety for all.
Training: Several staff completed online training including the Construction Whitecard.
Here’s what we plan to work on in the coming month:
Roads & Drainage: Finish culvert and drainage work in Killiecrankie, continue similar work in Palana, and begin maintenance grading on Cameran's Inlet Road.
Town Maintenance: We'll be working on Lagoon Road and Whitemark footpaths, repairing the Showgrounds fence, doors, and downpipes, pruning the Rose Garden, and maintaining Emita Hall.
Whitemark Airport: We'll continue sweeping both runways and conducting safety and security inspections to keep everything running smoothly.
Quarries: We’ve stockpiled gravel ready for use in the new financial year.
Plant and Machinery: Staff training for the new chipper is booked to ensure safe and efficient operation.
State Government: We will welcome a Principal Analyst Traffic Engineering from Infrastructure Tasmania, Department of State Growth, to inspect State Growth Roads.
We’re committed to keeping our infrastructure safe, clean, and well-maintained. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact us.
Best regards,
Oliver Ward
Works and Services Coordinator
I would like to extend my appreciation to the hardworking crew for their dedication and commitment. Your efforts in maintaining and improving our infrastructure are truly appreciated, and your contributions ensure that our community remains well-maintained.
For any questions or more information, please feel free to contact us.
Oliver Ward
Works and Services Coordinator