Tha main issues of concern are that the Council may have not adequately considered an Alternate Proposal that has far reaching benefits for the community and that the council may have not adhered to Local Government regulations in relation to the opening of responses to tenders.
The Alternate Proposal meets (and in some elements, exceeds) the tender requirements with regard to innovation and cost savings. If the Alternate Proposal is not fairly considered the Council is being hypocritical in having no interest in:
- Recycling - treated water (to tertiary standard) will be used for toilet flushing and irrigation of gardens, etc.
- The Environment - no clearing or disturbance of flora/fauna.
- Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions - no carbon footprint for pipe manufacture, cartage, etc.
- Cost Savings to Rate Payers - It is understood that the Council is proposing to pay all pumping costs of the scheme as presently designed.
The tender process demonstrates an apparent non-compliance with regulatory directions regarding managing tenders and awarding of council contracts. Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, directs that at the time for the close of tenders that the tenders be open in the presence of two persons allocated to the task by the general manager and that tenderers and members of the public be able to attend the opening of the tenders. This procedure was not carried out for the opening of the tenders for contract 07/07, the sewage management system project as discussed on this site.
Speak Up
It would appear that the council has not fully considered a proposal that would have a great deal of benefit for this community. It would also seem that the local council has not allowed public scrutiny of its tender procedures and thereby prevented interested members in becoming fully informed about matters that impact their community.
Contact your local councillor, seek explanations regarding the sewage development project documented under contract 07/07. If you would like to know more please use the contact form provided and John Boulton will get back to you.
It is important that we all understand what is going on with regards to our rates and the long term sustainability of council projects. This is one that will be with us for a long time, let's make sure we get the best value for our money. Email your local councillors now, their email addresses are provided for you on the Councillor Contacts page
Email your local councillor now, so that any issues and concerns can be addressed as soon as possible
