Here we are a few weeks into July and I am heartened by the number of people attending most of the Council forums. Last night at the western forum there were quite a few new passionate and engaging residents in attendance. Part of the presentation was to advise residents that the 12.5% rate increase was now in place, it needs to be said that this additional 9% approval is for five years…with an option to apply for an extension. My bet is that the argument will be that once we are ‘used’ to the increase why remove it? But that will be up to a new council.
I also heard it said that some residents complain (and rightfully so out west) of the poor communication from council… may I take a moment and stand up for council in that they provide 4 forums a month to meet and reach residents of all the areas in the LGA. As you are aware I’ve been attending all 4 now for approx 18months (CBD-much longer), and I find it frustrating to hear some of these complaints as there are a couple of things council cannot do. On our rates it cannot telephone or post info to every resident advising of every change, 2:council cannot ‘make’ papers deliver to the outer areas of Liverpool or in fact ‘make’ people read them if they do happen to get them.
What council can do is correct the advertising on the notice board at the Bringelly community centre that has incorrectly advertised the forums for some time now and adjust them to read every second Tuesday of the month. Council can instigate and provide community notice boards in relevant locations for residents in outer areas.
What we can do, is to tell people about the forums, I’m getting a bit of a reputation (or misunderstanding that I work for Council) because at every given opportunity I invite people to come along, have a say or comment about things that are happening and listen to any presentations the council offers. For instance the current issue out west is the changes to the LLEP… this was presented to the forum many months ago for comment – we were able to ask questions and make formal comment. Whilst everyone isn’t always available to attend every meeting it seems to me if an opportunity arises to hear what is going on or in the plans it is our personal obligation to attend wherever possible. I also believe more people would attend if they understood the process and relaxed atmosphere these are presented in and that whether it is a personal issue or one affecting a whole community, council is there to listen, to note and even ask questions of the relevant staff, with answers coming back to the forum in the form of minutes.
On a positive note at a couple of the forums we(the residents) have been lobbying council for many, many months to include a newsletter, (providing not only info but actual copies of other newsletters distributed in other areas), with every rates notice advising residents’ of any changes, challenges or general information. As many of you are perhaps now aware this is happening, although there will still be a gap in communication as renters will not necessarily receive a copy. But again copies of these are available at the forums.
So come along say g’day, you’ll sometimes even find a councillor sitting at the back taking notes. The council staff are friendly and from my observation obliging and you can suggest topics or staff/personnel you’d like to hear from at future forums.
1st Tuesday- CBD Forum in the Liverpool Library 5.45pm – mostly info about the CBD and business initiatives and developments.
2nd Tuesday Western Forum – Bringelly Community Centre 7.30pm – pretty much anyone who lives west of Cowpasture Road on acreage – not so much residential
3rd Tuesday: Eastern Forum; Liverpool Council chambers 7.30pm- covering mostly issues east of the Georges river.
4th Tuesday: Central forum: L’pool Chambers, 7.30- pretty much anyone from the river to Cowpasture Rd and residential just beyond.
Whilst my areas are only an indication this is pretty close to accurate but you can attend other forums (as I do) if you are unable to attend your local one or have an interest elsewhere in the LGA
