Clare Valley Podcast - Councillor Tania Furler; Helipad funding request; Stage options for Clare Town Hall; 101 discussion on planning and development; Push to improve Clare Hospital helipad.

This podcast is supported by the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.

1). Update on news from council headquarters with CEO, Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council Dr Helen Macdonald:

Newly elected councilor Tania Furler has asked for a leave of absence from council meetings, however since this request, the SA Electoral Commission has advised the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council that Ms Furler is no longer an elected member as she failed to lodge a disclosure return. The Clare Flying group has approached council seeking funding for 2 helipads at the Clare Aerodrome. The group say it will provide sustainable landing pads for the CFS and Medstar helicopters who are using the aerodrome more frequently due to the inadequate nature of the hospital heilpad. The group is in the process of applying for a Department of Infrastructure and Transport grant of $100,000, however there is a shortfall of around $95,000. So should council foot the bill?A report has been complete detailing three options for improving the use of the stage at the Clare Town Hall.            Japanese Encephalitis in the Clare Valley - what's Council's role?

2) Planning and Development in the Clare and Gilbert Valley's region
Have you got plans to build a new carport, or a shed perhaps or maybe start a new tourism development? How much do you know about getting development approval?Or maybe someone’s building a shed next door that’s blocking your view and you’re not happy about – what right do you have to dispute it? The current state planning legislation is very pro-development so it’s very difficult to block a development. Andrew Christiansen, the Council’s Director of Development and Community talks about  the process and who has the power to approve applications and where does the public sit on disputes.

3).  Push to improve the condition of the Clare Hospital helipad
There are claims that the medstar   helicopters are bypassing the Clare Hospital and landing at the Clare Aerodrome because the hospital’s helipad is unsafe.  High trees and dust issues are some of the factors deeming the landing area unsuitable. This has been an issue for a few months and the Clare Flying Group are concerned if this becomes a long term plan, the current infrastructure won’t be able to maintain the frequent helicopter landings.  Gerry Considine is a local Clare Valley GP and pilot and says the state government needs to step up to ensure there's a suitable helicopter retrieval service in the valley.

CGVC February Minutes:
 https://www.claregilbertvalleys.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/1297329/15-February-2023-Ordinary-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf