November 18, 2009
We all are now more aware of the Intermodal and the huge impact this will have on the residents of Wattlegrove and the greater Liverpool. At the meeting on Monday I asked that the community be included in the discussion process and now, not wait until it’s either built or too late. I was approached by another member of the CILTA group who indicated she will attempt to organise another community forum and information session.
If you would like to be included in any forums or information sessions that come up please register your name and email address with swesterberg@lso.com.au and I will add you to the data base of interested and concerned members of the community. I am a member of the Liverpool Fairfield Greens and this is NOT an attempt to gather details for any other purpose other than the Intermodal and issues pertaining to the Liverpool area. I strongly believe that the community on the whole needs to be informed and included in this development and am keen to makes sure we are. Information will be sent to you privately under BCC so no one else will be able to gather your details.
Simply send an email to: swesterberg@lso.com.au with YES in the subject line and your name and email address, phone number if you choose and I will do everything I can to make sure information reaches you as it becomes available.
On another note, Last night’s forum was most interesting, the Rural fire brigade spoke on the new fire warnings now in place, we the residents strongly voiced our opinions on a couple of issues and voted unanimously to have them included in the minutes as motions, Council staff spoke about the Restoration & Revegetation processes and the sale of Public assets… all in all a good meeting with some strong opinions and debate. The last Eastern forum for the year I might add.
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In the Community, Out and About in Liverpool, Uncategorized | Tagged: ARTC, Australian Rail Track Corporation, CILTA, Community engagement, community involvement, Defence Land Liverpool, Eastern Forum, Georges River, Infrastructure Australia, Inland Ports, Intermodal project Liverpool, Largest inland Port, Liverpool Community Forums, Liverpool Powerhouse, Michael Deegan, Moorebank, Moorebank Avenue, moorebank intermodal, P & O Intermodals, Qld Rail, Rail Corp, School of Military Engineering, Stocklands, warehousing |
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Posted by Signe
November 11, 2009
Talk about frustrated… last week ARTC chose to halt works because of a Tip,
seems the tip is more important than the affected people of Casula, nobody wants to tell us or include us in discussions regarding the intermodal oops ‘proposed intermodal at Moorebank’, silica still fills the windy air at Prestons, West Hoxton still suffers the sewerage outfall with no impending remedy, and now our Member of Parliament Mr Paul Lynch makes $700,000 (A GOOD THING) available to help those living in squaller but only if you live in inner Sydney or the eastern and northern suburbs… did anyone tell him we have issues of people living in appalling circumstances right here in his electorate?
Damn I get annoyed… when I was campaigning last year and knocking on doors the most upsetting thing was the number of houses I called on where elderly people were living in sub standard situations…now our LOCAL Member hands out money (through his portfolio) to those living in the inner city or in harbour side/eastern/northern suburbs. Please don’t get me wrong, NO ONE should have to live under these appalling circumstances but when does charity begin at home? Certainly not here in Liverpool it seems if you happen to live in a safe labor seat forget it…charity begins elsewhere…
I’ve lived in Liverpool for just about 50years and nothing drives me crazier than the neglect we feel here in Liverpool and our surrounding suburbs even from our own elected representatives… and yet on the whole we the people are so damned loyal… when can the same thing be said about those same representatives…?
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In the Community, Out and About in Liverpool | Tagged: ARTC, assistance programs, Australian Labor party, Casula Links estate, Community 2168, Community 2168 Group, disadvantaged residents, Draft Management Plan, elderly assistance programs, Intermodal project Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool Action Group, Liverpool CBD COmmittee, Liverpool City Council, moorebank intermodal, MP Paul Lynch, povety, Residents of Liverpool, squalor, Wattlegrove, West Hoxton Sewerage |
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Posted by Signe
November 3, 2009
Our councillor’s sojourn to Tamworth seems to have had a positive
effect… from a testy unpleasant previous meeting to all laughs and smiles at last night’s meeting. Perhaps this is the part where they start working together for the betterment of the area…
A fairly light agenda proved to be a long (and not so unpleasant) event as the councillors listened to the Auditor’s report on Council finances. Even the Price Waterhouse Coopers speaker acknowledged his frankness could come in light of our already signing off on their services for another 12 months. Council finances are in pretty reasonable shape, we’ve lost a little but with the grants etc over the last year we’ve come out of it ok (not fantastic but ok). Sadly the auditor did suggest we continue to receive rates increases bah Humbug… I do get frustrated at many councillors still aren’t reading the material provided but alas one assured me that ‘they ask the questions they feel the public would ask” mind you we aren’t idiots and some of their questions are – well…. ordinary.
There has been a small win for the residents of Casula as an additional condition has been added to the work being done by the ARTC for noise wall installation, however in light of today’s news that ARTC is pulling the pin on the project I’m not 100% sure if we will ever see the benefit of this win.
Another small win is the installation of Information boards and leaflet stands in the rural post offices, all going well this should allow the residents of the rural areas at least an over view of matters in Liverpool and provision to make comments and participate in programs etc
Gallery numbers were down last night, we’ve been getting pretty good attendance but whether or not it is that items are still being dealt with in closed session or the ‘excitement’ of the new council has waned. There are still a number of matters we don’t hear a response on… we are still unaware of the results from the closed session/ action where the Mayor hushed/differed discussion on her less than attractive outburst to councillor McGoldrick. I’ve asked individual councillors to have questions without notice answers be included in the minutes and this is beginning to happen…thank you. Just a note, the questions without notice should be when a Councillor is representing the community on issues they feel need to be discussed in Council or require additional information. Not necessarily questions pertaining to pot holes and garbage pickups, they, like us … can use the online service for potholes etc or hand them on to the GM for action by the appropriate department.
Can I urge all the readers of this column to watch out for a couple of items soon to be on display for public comment:
1) already on display – the proposed sale of public land needs your comments, if you think a particular piece of land should be sold, or used for a public park, this is your opportunity to comment and voice an opinion.
2) Chipping Norton Residents’ need to comment on the Bankstown Air traffic changes that WILL affect them.
3)All residents need to review the proposed CBD parking strategy and make comment, I’ve been involved (as your rep) in these and suggest if you feel ½ hr parking in Macquarie & George isn’t enough or have other suggestions this is the time to let Council know… (I can’t imagine what you can do 1/2hr and would prefer this to be 1hr parking) There is a detailed report available and is well worth your time to read and make comment.
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Liverpool City Council Meeting, Uncategorized | Tagged: ARTC, Council rates, Freight line, Liverpool CBD COmmittee, Liverpool City Champion., Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Council Forums, Local Council, Local Government Association of NSW Annual Conference, Noise Barriers, State Rail, Tamworth, Wendy Waller |
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Posted by Signe
October 26, 2009
What a terrific meeting on Saturday, first I caught up with a like minded local who was willing to sit and spend time with me discussing a couple of important issues in Wattlegrove and Moorebank thanks Valerie, then on to the Green’s meeting where again I had the privilege to sit amongst like minded locals and discuss matters important to the whole Liverpool Area. A special thanks to DB for her contribution to our meeting with Lee Rhiannon. It is important to realise that so much of what happens while not costing much still incurs a fee…rest assured we aren’t frivolous and acknowledge the work done by so few for so many.
Last Thursday I had the honour of attending the GRCCC (Georges River Combined Councils Committee)meeting at Wollondilly, I am as you probably know the Community Rep on the UGRUSP (we met Friday afternoon, more soon) and we had three speakers and wow it was interesting.
1st one of the Authors of Rivers of Resilience, this book has recently been released and speaks of the Aboriginal community who live (and lived) along the Georges River, I just can’t wait to get my head into that book as it mentions so much of my life (albeit I’m not aboriginal) but the settlements and lives of people who moved here from the likes of Redfern and Riverwood… all the way back to when the first fleeters settled in the areas between here and Sydney cove… there is also a display on right now in the Liverpool Library…up on the top floor and although only a quick look inspires me to return when I have a little more time.
The second speaker spoke of the wonderful works being done along the river at Bankstown…if you take a drive to Lake Gillawarna… and see the 3 D house on the corner of Newbridge Rd and Henry Lawson Drive…then take a walk along the pathways all the way up to the Barnaby’s site and see the amazing artworks placed there and the stories involved…well worth your time… I was at the Launch a couple of months back and am still impressed…
Thirdly – A couple who spoke at great detail about the proposed mining lease BHP Billiton has on the banks of the Georges river in Appin. Scary!!!
Friday I attended as the community rep for the Upper Georges River Urban Sustainability Project… we meet regularly and have been working diligently on things that can be done to improve access and the health of the Georges River, from Appin where it begins to here in Liverpool. Recently a local said to me that he’d not heard anything since the initial community meeting and when I reminded my colleagues that our work was not necessarily being seen by the local communities a decision was made to have brief prepared and circulated to the community through the local papers. Keep your eyes peeled for this I’m sure you’ll be impressed with the things that have started and will soon start on and around our beautiful river. Also please take a few minutes to check out the website we’ve been involved in www.georgesriver.org.au this website is a joint project between the UGRUSP & GRCCC and the two other Projects (Mid & Lower Georges) along this wonderful water way.
Once you’ve done that and appreciate the beauty of this wonderful asset…search out the BHP Billiton development at Appin and see the proposed 30year lease they have on the catchment area and the long term impacts this development will have on the Georges River…. a 30 year lease..In my opinion it is outrageous!
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In the Community, Out and About in Liverpool, Uncategorized | Tagged: Fairfield Liverpool Greens, Freight line, Georges River, Georges River Combined Combined Councils Committee, GRCCC, Liverpool Champion, Liverpool Fairfield Greens, Local Govt initiatives, Noise Barriers, NSW Greens, Signe Westerberg, UGR USP, Upper Georges River Urban Sustainability Project, www.georgesriver.org.au |
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Posted by Signe
October 22, 2009
You are cordially invited to attend the next Liverpool Fairfield Greens Meeting at Liverpool Library this Saturday 24th at 10.30 am -12.30. We are seeking the support of both Greens members and the general community to support us as we work with local residents on a number of issues affecting Liverpool. Come along, no one will ‘pressure you’ to join. With so many different issues and situations occuring in Liverpool we value your input.
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In the Community, Out and About in Liverpool | Tagged: community involvement, Fairfield Council area, forums, Intermodal project Liverpool, lack of services, Liverpool Community Forums, Liverpool Council area, Liverpool Fairfield Greens, M5 noise barriers, meetings with the community, moorebank intermodal, Noise Barriers, Rail Corp, ssfl, West Hoxton Sewerage |
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Posted by Signe
October 8, 2009
I am delighted to say that some of the suggestions made by the CBD Forum have been embraced by council and as a result the General Manager, Phil Tolhurst will speak at the December forum about the changes and aspirations for Liverpool’s CBD. This will be a terrific opportunity for local business owners and managers to meet with and discuss matters with the General Manager and I encourage everyone to mark it in their diary now. 1st December 2009, Liverpool City Library 5.45 pm…. all welcome!
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In the Community, On the Agenda, Out and About in Liverpool | Tagged: CBD Development -Liverpool, community forums, free parking spaces in Liverpool, Graffiti, Liverpool, Liverpool CBD COmmittee, Liverpool CBD Forum, Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Community Forums, Liverpool Parks, Local Council, parking in Liverpool, Phil Tolhurst, Promoting Business in Liverpool |
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Posted by Signe
September 30, 2009
Things are a little quiet on the home front this week, no forums. I usually enjoy the odd week where there is nothing on at council but alas I heard that the Council staff were holding an info meeting re the draft Graffiti policy and decided to rock on up and see if as many people as say they are, are really as passionate about the huge graffiti problem here in Liverpool. Alas not so many think it THAT important, albeit a blight on our neighbourhoods it only rated important for 7 locals, 4 of whom attend all the usual forums and Councillor Lucas and two residents I’d not met before. Might I say at this point I’d already read the documents and made my submission (on line here if you’d like a read). As you know I’m like everyone else, annoyed by tagging etc but I believe there are far more important issues facing Liverpool, but it was interesting to hear from one young fellow who not only does the art work at the Powerhouse but also teaches aerosol art. If you read my submission I think the most important thing we can do here is separate the words graffiti and art. To me they aren’t interconnected, and when reminded last night that young people call it so, I questioned the need for re education. The older of us in the community need to face the education that for some aerosol art is a valid form or art, so why can’t the younger people learn to differentiate the two words? Alas not enough people considered this the burning issue so perhaps some of our councillors can redirect their focus onto issues more needing of their attention, don’t get me wrong, we need to address the issue of graffiti and firmly but move on we must.
Of greatest importance to me this week was the meeting held at the community centre in Mill Road, with MLC Lee Rhiannon, where Lee asked for input from the community as to their hopes and desires for their suburb in relation to the new ARTC rail lines and the new road to the Casula Powerhouse……what a great turn out last evening. Also terrrific putting some well known names and faces together.
Lee asked the residents to tell her, their stories, how the ARTC rail development was affecting them, and they did. Although a highly emotive issue for many they told their personal stories, the interaction with the Government agencies, the effects on their health and safety, with such decorum and passion. The huge potential cost of continued battering by noise and sleep deprivation on their health alone is a matter that should be capturing the attention of the Government departments. The State Greens team led by MLC Rhiannon will do all they can to get this issue forefront and fixed. For me it was also great to have the input of Councillors Napolitano and Harle, Helena from the Leader and Mal from Street Corner and as one resident noted to be able to work alongside each other will bring the best results. This is how a community should work, no one-up-man-ship just concerned people working together to achieve the desired result.
At the same time across town the Hoxton Park Group had a meeting also and are working on their case for the courts in November. If you ‘d like to help them with the potential costs involved contact the HPRAGInc@hotmail.com or buy a raffle ticket. I’ve been told many local businesses have donated products for raffle to help offset the costs of this legal challenge.
There are many things being thrust upon us here in Liverpool, I’m all too happy to assist where I can as is the whole Liverpool Fairfield Greens team. If you would like to chat with us on any issue please feel free to contact me or Bill Cashman (theres a link on this page).
Liverpool is our home, this is where our hearts are and we want what you want, a safe, healthy environment that looks after its residents, its workers and visitors.
Have a great long weekend….
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In the Community, Out and About in Liverpool | Tagged: aerosol art, ARTC, Casula Powerhouse, Councillor Harle, Councillor Lucas, councillor Napolitano, Graffiti, heath & Safety, Liverpool Champion, Liverpool City Council, Liverpool City Council Elections, Liverpool Community Forums, Liverpool Leader, MLC Le Rhiannon, MLC Sylvia Hale, Noise Barriers, Noise pollution, NSW Greens, Rail Corp, Sleep deprivation, Streetcorner.com.au, tagging |
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Posted by Signe