Supply tendering is a long process

Cobar Shire Council received a zero response when it recently called for tenders for the supply of low loader trailers.

Council’s director of engineering, Charles Taveira reported to last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting that council had received no interest through local newspaper advertising or through digital advertising on Tenderlink for the supply of trailers.

Cr Peter Maxwell commented that “this happens quite a bit” and adds extra time and costs to the purchasing process.

Council’s general manager Peter Vlatko explained that for openness and transparency purposes, council is required to adhere to the tender process as per the Local Government Act 1993 and Section 55 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 Part 7.

Mr Vlatko said as no tenders were received, under clause 178 of the Regulation, council now has the option to resolve not to invite fresh tenders, and may enter in direct negotiations with any person or persons with the intention to enter a contract.

Councillors voted in favour of entering direct negotiations with a suitable supplier.

Cooler weather

A shower or two today should bring some cooler weather with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting slightly lower temperatures this week.

Today’s maximum is expected to reach 27, while tomorrow should be 25 and 24 is expected on Friday.

The weekend should still be mild with 26 the expected top on Saturday and 25 is the top forecast for Sunday.

That’s welcome news after another unseasonably hot week last week with last Thursday the hottest day of the week when the mercury climbed to 37.1 degrees.

Friday’s top was 34.5, Saturday 30.6 and Sunday’s maximum was 32.6 degrees.

Cobar received rain in town on Thursday and Friday with the Bureau recording 2.8mm.

The Wearing of the Green at VIEW

The theme was green at the Empire Function room for Cobar Day VIEW Club’s monthly meeting last Tuesday.

The fact that St Patrick’s day had passed didn’t deter the ladies from arriving in a variety of green clothing, jewellery and headwear with Carol Abbot taking home a prize for the brightest green outfit.

Cindy Bryan and staff did a great job with appropriate table decorations and a very Irish menu of Guinness Pie and Irish Stew with traditional vegies plus a layered chocolate cake, green fruit jelly and peppermint ice- cream.

Irish jokes and stories abounded producing loads of laughter with tales of Irish Heritage being shared among the group.

Meeting business discussions included the resolutions to be presented to the Federal Government and voted on at VIEW’s National Convention in Hobart during September and the Cobar club’s 40th birthday party in May. Raffle and lucky door prizes were won by Dora Difilippo and Ruth Bradshaw respectively and president Enid English closed the gathering with an Irish Blessing. contributed