time is of the essense

For those of you interested in how council distributes and spends our funds time is running out….you have until the close of Business on the 30th May 2012 to comment on the draft Delivery Program and the Operational plans presently on exhibition. http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/LCC/INTERNET/trimDownloadDocument.aspx?number=100535.2012

http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/LCC/INTERNET/trimDownloadDocument.aspx?number=100533.2012

http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/LCC/INTERNET/trimDownloadDocument.aspx?number=100537.2012

 

I was pleased to note the Council Staff answered questions from the Forum attendees last evening and even though one  regular (rather unhappy) fellow was annoyed I think the majority of attendees felt their questions had been answered sufficiently.

I cannot urge local residents enough to become involved in these forums, I understand busy, I understand time constraints however  presently those attending are mostly  of the generation over 50′s and my guest noted that she should encourage community minded under 50′s like herself to get involved as well. Good idea I say.

Another pleasant omission was the councillors, not something you will often hear me say as I believe they should attend all forums and community gatherings, whether they had a prior engagement or didn’t come for other reasons it was nice to have the discussions without the undertone of politics as was the case at the rural forum. There is a time and place and while politically active myself I do endeavour to separate my community participation from my political life, although not always successful it is at least what I strive for. I think our residents are more than capable of making decisions based on who they see and what they hear without the need to ram some things home, as was the case when Cllr Lucas implied that anyone new seeking election is a ‘wannabee’  (I hope those ladies who have already declared their intention to run  weren’t put off)… Councillor … is that opposed to a ‘has been’ who is already a councillor?

Keep it or sell it?

Time is fast running out for you to comment on the re classification (for sale or lease)  OR NOT of No 1 Hoxton Park Road, the site of the old Council Chambers.

My views are clearly stated in my submission (posted on submissions page) and I am keen for all Liverpuldians to have a say, it was originally only on exhibition for 14days, that thankfully has been extended but you have less than a week to have your voice heard… your submission doesn’t have to be a formatted/formal  document, simply state your feelings and make sure you include the appropriate file reference:

REF: (File No. 2011/4555) Reclassification of 1 Hoxton Park Rd

post or email it to the General Manager at gm@liverpool.nsw.gov.au or Locked Bag 7064 Liverpool BC 1871.

Remember if you say nothing your views cannot be heard…so speak up.

Forums, clarification, submissions and sad news

I thoroughly enjoy my interaction with residents at community forums, of particular interest are the antics of some councillors, albeit at times entertaining they are not always accurate. But as elections are due in just over a year I am sure we can expect more and more as the month’s progress. I get particularly annoyed when a councillor attempts to disparage people in the community by misquoting and misrepresenting their view or blog information. When it is me you are attempting to ‘OUT’ councillor seriously… READ … the information, don’t just scan it, you need to understand a few things. 1) I don’t play games, Liverpool is way to important to me 2) what I write is clearly my opinion and is as well researched as possible 3) scanning as opposed to actually reading it isn’t sufficient considering poor memory skills, you really need to read the entire document and in context if you are attempting to draw attention to a comment I’ve made or a piece you have heard about. If reading my opinion is too much for you, don’t, remove your automatic notification from my site, thereby reducing your angst.

I apologise for the above clarification but when people insist on quoting my opinion I really do believe they should actually read it and not just jump to a conclusion based on a titbit of information gleaned from another source. There will be more of this I guess as we come close to elections, I’ve attended all the forums for years now, some Councillors come sporadically, many not at all… but that will change over the coming months as people wish to enlist your vote and think you are silly enough not to notice their lack of engagement previously.

I commend the forums as being your chance to actually voice opinion and concern relating to our city, I’ve learned a great deal from the staff presentations and encourage everyone who can to come along. A great deal can be achieved when people come together for a common cause as has been the case here in Liverpool.

Submissions: The local Leader paper has a weekly update of council happenings; albeit not an easy read it often provides a lot of useful information regarding proposed developments in our LGA. This week, actually today, the submissions are due relating to the proposed development of the site on the Hume Hwy & Gov Macquarie Drive. My submission is here on line, (see submissions) so feel free to read through them but my point is that a lot happens here in Liverpool and our staff are pretty good at advising the community through the paper, however unless you really look at what is happening you may just miss an opportunity to speak out ‘for’ or ‘against’ a particular project that is of importance to you… as I always say you won’t be heard if you don’t speak up.

Lastly a sad note, last week we all lost a beloved member and friend, Simone Morrissey was struck down with a brain aneurism and heart attack and died at the tender age of 24, Simone was the Greens candidate for Menai at the last election and will be missed by those who knew her, appreciated her zest for life and her commitment to our community. Rest Peacefully Simone, you left us to soon and you will be missed.

 OOPS sorry nearly forgot, last week I reported that the Council meeting date for September was either wrong or the day moved, I can now say that it was moved to a Wednesday, 28th, I’m not sure why at this point but will advise when I do, as I know many people schedule activities (most especially staff I imagine) and the change of day should have a damn good reason not merely as rumoured that one particular councillor will be away so wanted to change the date…for his convenience. This is not in my opinion a good enough reason to inconvenience so many. More when I know more… but please note the day change, this meeting in the past has been where councillors nominate for committees etc, my hope this year (as I think last year) is that Councillors only put their hand up for committees they actually plan to attend, the absentee rate of councillors this year has been around 50% which is woeful.

Full Agenda the response…26.7.11

Last night’s council meeting is as always pretty full… there are a number of things of interest, however the one I feel has the greater community a little aghast is the I-pads for councillors. Well without so much as a whisper that was rubber stamped through… so the rest of this sentence is redundant I do hope reason overtakes in their deliberations and that instead of making I-pads available to each councillor it becomes an either or situation. As a ratepayer I have no objection to councillors being reimbursed for costs incurred and basic access to laptops or computers etc… I do however believe it should be: either a Laptop, desktop or an I-pad…I truly believe only is necessary. Again it will be interesting to see how many of our councillors decide to attend the Local Govt Association of NSW annual conference, This was a lengthy discussion with the final outcome being called 7 and only 6 noms on the board and plenty of discussion, all in all left open to see who wanted to go or was available, I’ve been commenting on this for years now and agree we should be represented, I still have serious concerns as to why we need 7 people attending, when some councils don’t see enough value to send even 1. I am still to date waiting to see if a report of what happens or doesn’t is to be tabled...Perhaps with an election due next year we may just see a full report. As to the proposal to suggest Australia Post takes responsibility for damage to grassed footpaths and trip liability… while I cannot see this gaining unilateral support for the motion if by some chance it did, I quickly see Aus Post refusing to deliver to any home not supplied with concrete footpaths… It was removed (YAY-embarrassment) then added back in further down the page….back to embarrassment ;-(

Other interesting matters are that of the school of arts building development, the back dated payments for JRPP members   and the whole lot proposal for No 1 Hoxton Park Rd through to Memorial Avenue.  Here we had some genuine tomfoolery, playing with dates like they meant nothing, in the end clarity was missing and confusion reigned… the Big loser was 2GLF, they I understand are now in a type of  limbo and the comment  (I believe I heard from the GM-sound from that end of the room was ordinary and distorted) was is it really councils problem to relocate them? Perhaps I’ve misunderstood but cannot see where that comment might fit the general discussion, happy for someone to clarify this The big win for rural residents in that another $120,000 is being added to the $127,000 refurbishment of the Greendale Rd Bringelly Hall… I’m hoping for the $247,000 this community centre is being used by lots and lots of local people… when I’m sure there are other centres who could benefit as much who don’t have any of the 127,000 already allocated. No real discussion re allocating the funds only that they would be redirected to Bringelly  I would have thought that $120,000 may well be directed to the proposed new Library the Rural residents are screaming out for or the upgrade of Miller… alas that is on the list of matters to discuss also, along with Regan Park Cllr Lucas scored a win on this as Regan Park was removed from the rezoning , DA delegations,(?) and the financial impact to be sought from the Hoxton Park Resident Action Group As this went into closed session I guess we’ll have to wait and see if Cllr Hadchiti continues his media directed comments and shares the result for tomorrows papers. I was also delighted to read that many of my suggestions (&others) for the Cabramatta Creek Wetland POM were listened to and that investigations will be ongoing into the use of “roundup’ as I forwarded some very disturbing information out of the US and how it is being banned there because of potential  birth defects etc. As usual the reports were bundled and rubber stamped, some councillors hadn’t even read this one as  they had to ask how many attendees and how many submissions For the record 4 and 2 (mine was one and is on this blogsite) As I said this is was a full agenda and there are many other matters than those few I’ve mentioned here. This council meeting finished at about 10.30, Councillor Lucas had the next two meetings deferred however unless they are moving the September meeting to a Wednesday no one noticed the wrong date alas I’ll show up on the 26^th and if no one is there I’ll guess it was changed to the 28^th.Don’t’ forget it is now held at the Francis Greenway Centre on the south side of the Library at 7pm…Do come up and say hi… To the residents of Casula I met prior to the start, I wish I could clarify the outcome for you, but it did get a little confusing, I do hope all works out well for you.

 

As always I’m happy to have comments added… its’ sometimes quite difficult to get a clear outcome, many residents leave wondering what happened, so if you were there and understood the results differently please let me know…

 

 

Coopers, Intermodal’s, council meetings and much

What a busy week, Sunday I attended the Intermodal protest at Clinches Pond supporting the residents against the monster-modal and the Coopers paddock development. 96 people signed one of the petitions, along with the other petitions signed for the intermodal, chats with many of the 600 or so people attending – Congrats to FLG Member Craig Reedy for being the voice of the community concerns on channel 10.

Mondays council meeting was ‘interesting’ some of the councillor’s behaviour was as usual less than impressive to the point of tantrums but alas we expect no less these days.

Tuesday: The Community Mental Health forum at Liverpool Catholic club was terrific and very informative; I don’t often take days off work but am so glad I did and appreciate the efforts in bringing this to almost 200 residents of Liverpool answering many questions that I’m sure many of us have asked ourselves in the past. Congrats to Sharyn for organising it and those specialists who attended and provided lots of information. Congrats also to L’pool Catholic Club for providing both the venue and catering. Sad again was that the event was supported by the Mayor and her Local & Federal MP’s but none of the our other councillors were in attendance. I am dismayed that albeit it a worthy cause, politics appears to have prevented their support. The NAIDOC event was at the same time so sadly I missed attending that, however watched the tag-team between Mayor Waller and Mp Lynch as they both attended both.

Tuesday night’s forum at Mill road was also interesting and gave me the opportunity to ask a question of the council officer that I’d been asked at Clinches Pond on the Sunday.  Answer: The GPTS had to be cleaned out when Heathcote Road was at its least busy; therefore Council Staff were there on a Sunday to attend to this need… that’s info for the fellows who asked me why staff were working there on the Sunday?

Tonight is the final event for the relay for life for 2011, we did so well its’ amazing the entire Liverpool Group raised in excess of $48,600 of which our small team did $2300 +, what an amazing effort and congrats to those who participated and sponsored the relay this year. On a sad note one of our Liverpool Participants, Donna who started the relay off this year, succumbed to cancer this week, rest peacefully Donna, your strength is an inspiration to all, our thoughts are with Maggie, the family and team.

Thursday night is the Leaders Forum at the Francis Greenway centre, while not all Mp’s will be in attendance I’m looking forward to another feisty event. It is open to the public, starts at 7pm, all welcome.

Last thing, submissions for Collingwood and Councillors Pay are due today, the Cabramatta Wetlands due on the 6th July. If you don’t speak up you won’t be heard!

Cabramatta Creek Wetlands Project

 Liverpool Council in a joint venture with Fairfield Council has on exhibition the Draft Plan of Management for the Cabramatta Creek Wetlands.  Last night I was delighted to attend the community briefing and discussion evening at Liverpool Library.  Thanks to council for providing this opportunity to discuss the hopes, aspirations and needs of this large wetland that adjoins both councils.  Two of my Greens Colleagues (Craig from L’pool and Dan from Fairfield) attended with Local Stephen Dobell Brown, the chair person and Chris from Council. Sadly, even though I’ve heard a couple of councillor’s comment that our wetlands are of huge importance, none attended.

 The Draft Plan Of Management is on exhibition until June 22^nd and written submissions can be made until the 29^th .  I have lived in Liverpool nearly my whole life and the abundance of wetlands, flora and fauna we have still amazes me.  Log onto: http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/onexhibition.htm#CABRAMATTA-CREEK

Plus there is still time to comment on the PAYMENT OF EXPENSES AND THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES TO MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS POLICY ON PUBLIC EXHIBITION you have until the 29^th June to comment on this by clicking on here:

 

http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/LCC/INTERNET/trimDownloadDocument.aspx?number=089730.2011

don’t forget this is an interactive Blog, your comments are welcome.

Happy Long weekend…

Collingwood Precinct Plan of Management

Collingwood Precinct Management Plan.. What a delight to be amongst passionate people, last night council hosted an information session seeking feedback from the community about the Collingwood precinct. This site was declared An Aboriginal Place of significance in March 2009, and there are a number of hoops that need to be jumped through in order to protect this beautiful area overlooking the Georges River.

Sadly the facilitator, although lovely, was clearly out of her depth on the topic content and none of our councillors chose again not to turn up, a healthy discussion was held amongst the attendees.

The council staff as always did their best to answer questions and I believe we will be heard. However, this is an important block of land, what happens to it, how it is protected and what synergy can be created amongst our significant sites and parks is worthy of your time and comment. Please log onto:  http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/onexhibition.htm#COLLINGWOOD

and click on the link or call into the council offices or Libraries and have a look, take a few minutes and make a comment. This is proposed to be a 10 year plan; we need to take all the necessary steps to protect this little piece of Australian History right here in Liverpool.

New seating option

In my recent submission regarding the upgrade of Bigge Park here    I suggested using recycled plastic seating because it will wear longer, be less prone to carving and fire damage and this picture shows it looks good to…

this Picture is from Tassie where MP Nick McKim is with Heather Haselgrove from Metro testing out the new seats.

One down, 10 or so to go… council meetings for 2011

Wow… what an event, the first whole hour of last night’s council meeting had councillors electioneering. The simple rescission motion to NOT close our libraries became one election speech after another. If it wasn’t bad enough that our lib/inds pretty much endorsed the Local Lib for the Federal election, here they are now bagging MP’s and puffing their chests in support of one of their own. Not good ladies and gentlemen and poor form and certainly not the place to do it. BUT A BIG WIN FOR PEOPLE POWER yay Liverpool!!!!!!!

They argued/debated about the donation to the QLD Premiers flood relief appeal, with Councillor Lucas declaring he didn’t trust any of the governments to handle the money and persuaded the other councillors to not only increase the donation to $15,000 ( a good thing) but to hand it over to Rotary, a great institution but with no checks and balances on how it is distributed other than via the local Rotary groups in Queensland. They also chose to sponsor the dinner Rotary has planned for the QLD Relief fund. While I think Rotary do a fabulous job in the community, and will no doubt do the right thing, I am offended that Councillor Lucas would cast such dispersions on elected officials, declaring them unfit to handle public funds. Especially in light he has no parliamentary privilege and comments from the gallery indicated he ought to be very cautious. Interestingly Cllr Hadid provided a list of donors to the fund and not one council was on the list, however as good causes go, helping our own in dire need. Cllr Napolitano chose to spell words for the typist (a bit rude I and others  felt) who was struggling to hear because the typist sits behind the councillors and many of them waffling and mumble, some forget their microphones and others speak so fast that I personally think she does remarkably well under difficult circumstances… and more over she doesn’t complain, she simply pounds away. I have been a professional typist for longer than she has been alive I think and I would struggle under the pressure she endures. Well done, it really is appreciated and noted in the gallery.

Onto the aesthetics… the New Council chambers are functional, a little echoed and when a councillor mumbles or fails to speak clearly it is all but lost in the gallery. I noticed some who have hearing impairments struggle in the new chambers but they are airy and functional. The speaker’s lectern should be moved off centre, it obstructs the view of councillors and muffles sounds coming from the floor… plus there’s plenty of room on the right of gallery side.

On a more pleasant note, resident Cherie Saxby spoke to councillors about the need to preserve Coopers Paddock in Warwick Farm, check out www.savecooperspaddock.com. and when you find the draft letter to the Premier, the council and ministers, please consider adding your thoughts, and help us protect this amazing space just minutes from our CBD, not only for the many, many fauna and myriad of flora, but for the community at large. If you sit on the old bridge Parallel to the William Long bridge you can see and hear an amazing array of wildlife, imagine how nice it could be if you could take your loved ones into this little piece of heaven right there on the river…. That s it for now, I’m having a busy week, tonight is the first of the forums for 2011, I’ve been with my team having our photos taken for the Relay for Life, thank you guys for coming out, Thursday night is the first of the community information nights and I encourage you to come along to the Hub in Casula if you are considering, thinking about or even just curious about the relay for life. I have more than one document here talking about it so feel free to look back and read about our amazing time. Keep checking in, I update this quite often, you can also check out my FaceBook pages:

 http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Signe-Westerberg-Greens-Candidate-for-Liverpool/130754773646272

to see what I’m up to…. I’m also looking at how to put my interview with Carol North-Somardzic from 2glf here for those who missed it…. more later.

Did you know?

I often write  submissions / letters to proposals put forth by council etc as I hope many of you do too… did you know I post my letters/submissions etc on this site?  For ease of access check out the Submissions and Petitions page,  I list them there… just in case you wanted to read anything I’ve submitted or written.