Solarbee starts work at Virginia Lake

On Monday, December 3, the Solarbee circulator/aerator was trucked to the slipway, hoisted into the air while floats were attached and adjustments made, then lowered gently into the murky waters of Virginia Lake. From there a crew towed it into position (pictured), settled it into place and switched it on.

The Solarbee's mission is to circulate the 540 million litres of lake water and help restore the natural balance to the lake's ecosystem. The device is solar powered and very quiet. The only indication that it's working is a visible ripple effect across the surface of the water.

The introduction of the Solarbee is one of a series of measures designed to restore the lake to health. Contractors have already cleared large sections of shoreline of invasive plants and fallen willows. This has effectively reduced the number of stagnant areas where blue-green algae thrives and will allow access for the flow created by the Solarbee.

One of the measures being investigated is the use of artificial floating islands. This is a unique way of using selected plants to reduce the excess nutrients in the lake water. An example of a floating island is pictured.

The floating islands are made of a recycled polymer matrix base injected with marine foam and formed into soil supporting, attractive shapes. The base is covered in a specially formulated mix, plants are added and the structure is anchored in a part of the lake where it is needed. The roots of the plants grow through the base and feed on the nutrients contained in the lake water. The islands are functional, nice to look at and provide predator-proof nesting for vulnerable wildlife.

Appearing soon at each of the four entrances to Virginia Lake will be large signs explaining the problem and what action we're taking to provide a solution. This information will be updated regularly as corrective measures are introduced or trialled.

To comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002, the Council will establish a Maori Committee. This committee will not replace the Tupoho Link and TamaUpoko Link working parties. The establishment of the Maori Committee provides a forum for all Maori residing within the Wanganui District Council's district.

The Council seeks wide representation from persons in the Maori community or people who reside within the Council's district who can represent Maori community groups. It is important for Council that the views of all Maori on issues affecting them are fully represented to Council.

Tangata whenua will be represented on the committee; however, the Council wants wide Maori community representation so that all views are considered.

For further information about serving on the Maori Committee, contact Councillor Rangi Wills phone 348 8338.

Please register your interest by letter together with your CV, including two nominated referees, to:

Governance Services Manager
Wanganui District Council
PO Box 637
Wanganui

Expressions of Interest close Friday, 8 February 2008.

Journalist, author and broadcaster Ian Cross is returning to Wanganui to speak about his work and recently published memoir Such Absolute Beginners.

Educated in Wanganui, Ian Cross is the author of The God Boy and other novels, and spent the mid-seventies as editor of the NZ Listener. In 1977 he became chairman of the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation, a position he held through various changes, until retiring as chief executive in 1986.

He will be speaking at the Alexander Heritage and Research Library at 11am on Tuesday, December 11.

Admission is free.

The Department of Building and Housing (DBH) has published a new Compliance Document which clarifies what homeowners need to do to have a solar water heating system approved by our council.

From December 1, the Compliance Document will be effective for most solar water heating systems installations.

The DBH says the new document will simplify consent processes and allow consents to be processed more quickly.

It spells out just what a solar water heating installer has to do to get a system signed off by the local council. It means everyone in the industry will be able to follow a specified standard. The publication of a Compliance Document for solar water heating installations is a significant step forward in the Government's programme to encourage more New Zealanders to install solar water heating systems.

As well as the benefits for homeowners, the Compliance Document will provide certainty to the building, plumbing and solar water heating industries which are all involved in putting solar water heating systems in buildings.

Copies of the new Compliance Document (G12/AS2) are available on the Department's website www.dbh.govt.nz.

Vacancies

Details about the following vacancies are available on this page:

Wastewater Operator
Applications close 16 December 2007

Policy Planner
Applications close 19 December 2007

Resource Management Planner
No closing date

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Sport and Recreation – Thursday, December 6 (1.00pm)
- Terms of Reference; Determination of Membership of Sport and Recreation Committee; Whanganui UCOL Certificate in Exercise and Sports Performance; International Velodrome Events Centre Update; Sports Hall of Fame Update.

Hearings – Monday, December 10 to Friday, December 14 (9.00am to 5.00pm) Jubilee Room, 1st Floor, Grand Hotel, Guyton Street
- Plan Change No. 9 – Clifftops Development Ltd.

Council – Monday, December 17 (Council Chamber)
- The Council will consider the reports from all Committee meetings held in November and December.

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at 4.00pm in Committee Room 2, 1st Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

Agendas are available at the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting.