The Friendly Trip

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.

To many things to wait

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.

1^st 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!

update 24.6.09

Saturday was the local Greens meeting and I must say I totally enjoy attending, what an amazing opportunity to discuss the needs of our community alongside some truly dedicated people. Greens Councillor Lesa De Leau was a guest speaker and gave a wonderful overview of her role as the only Green councillor at Rockdale and the opportunities it presented for her. She spoke of the State conference (I also attended) and was most encouraging for those like me who aspire to achieve more in local council. It is great to see we have guests attending, you don’t have to join to attend, we welcome your input and look forward to sharing ideas with you.
These events serve well as a reminder of how accessible the Greens MPs are and that I simply need to pick up a phone when I have a question or am working on a project within our LGA.

Tuesday saw the Central forum, these always inspire me, the access to Council officers is great and as mentioned previously they are presenting the Bike plan for the LGA, which by the way will go on public view in early July, so look out for it and make sure you comment on what it is you’d like in your local area.

Cllrs Lucas, Harle & Hadchiti were also in attendance and to my delight one of the more senior residents took them to task on what is and is not being achieved.  Now if that were me asking the same questions I’d have been accused of knocking the councillors so for me Yippee and I’m glad you came Don. I think most of us understand there has been a huge learning curve for these councillors but now they need to step up and make some significant moves to get things done. A chat later with all three councillors and it’s lovely to see that they are continuing to question/ challenge the access for the school at Hoxton Park. I’ve also made some enquiries and hopefully there will be good news for the residents of Hoxton Park soon. So HP Residents don’t give up, we might, with a huge amount of luck, just get the RTA to rethink the access issue…. I truly hope this is the case, but time will tell and then I’ll let you know… keep watching and don’t forget together we can achieve much more than anyone of us could achieve alone.

Tender spot

Seems to me I may have hit upon a tender spot with some people. I felt it best to set the record straight and on this blog I can put forward my opinion unedited… (I refer comments in the Champion on line)

For the record, I didn’t vote for any of the present members of Liverpool council, after running alongside them for the months prior to the election I decided to choose individuals I believed would do what is best for Liverpool and who wouldn’t hide behind a group or party(although in some cases they were members of a party). Ok not enough people agreed with me but for now I will continue to make comments, you certainly don’t have to agree with me and are free to make comments also, I actually encourage it. This doesn’t mean I either like nor dislike them personally or politically.

LCC deserves the best representation we can get, if at times I hurt the occasional feeling, I’m sorry for that, my comments are not designed to hurt but to awaken – draw a positive result, in the end a council who is active in the community is the ultimate goal. Personal feelings aside we need them awake, active and engaged… if my comments help achieve this I have achieved my goal.

Trains & River

This week brings with it a couple of new issues and some old… the issue of noise barriers will intensify from this week as work begins on both State Rail and the ARTC lines behind the homes of our friends in Casula. This is a trying time for our tired warriors, as they fight to get what is considered the ‘norm’ in other suburbs, we are here to support you guys, hang in there… what’s right will happen.

When you have a chance take a look at our  river … I’m very keen to see that no rubbish, silt or refuse be lost over the edge into the river whilst they are working so close to the banks.  

This week I was also delighted to see in the Campbelltown papers that one of our endangered species of fish is on the return…whilst its early days yet its good news. Let’s hope that people remember that for now fishing in the upper catchment is not allowed. Hopefully as the river returns to its pristine self things may change in coming years but for now…no fishing.

Time goes so fast, Easter is only a matter of weeks away and for me I wonder what I can achieve in what seems to be less and less time. I am an optimist though and believe we make our futures, I do believe together, all pulling in the same direction Liverpool will benefit, we can return our fair city to its rightful place and not simply that place you drive through to get somewhere else.

Enough of my ramblings, there’s work to be done and Liverpool is deserving of our time. If you have a project or passion you think needs the light of day, drop me an email, give me a call or simply respond here.

Council Meeting 23.2.09

Congratulations to council for last night supporting the residents of Casula Links by passing a motion to have noise testing done, most importantly it will be done in consultation with the residents which means that those who know what happens daily can make sure that proper testing is being done and the trains won’t be ’slowed down’ because the testing is in progress.

One thing of great concern in last night’s agenda was the new capping of Section 94 funding for new release areas. Some of you might think it a good thing but look at it this way: Council relies on funding from section 94, Developers make millions and expect to contribute via section 94 & plan for it (even though I”m sure they would prefer not too) The NSW government has capped council rates (which is good for you and me) so no rate increase. This will lead to way less section 94 incomes, so where is the money going to come from for improvements, new parks & playing fields in the release areas and maintenance of Liverpool? This is a big question; the State Govt is directly cutting off funds to local councils. Is this an attempt to raise their profile closer to the election by ”bailing Councils Out” just in time for the election or is it the State Govt looking after Developers, again impacting on the election?  I don’t know about you but I totally resent the State Govt playing games with my council, its bad enough that on a Local Level we are at the mercy of some pretty ordinary thinking but to have this kind of politics go basically unnoticed is very scary to me. Our Mayor did mention that they were in consultation with the relevant authorities, let’s hope this brings a better outcome.  Where are our Local Members (Paul Lynch , Alison Megarrity, Andrew McDonald) in all this, what are they doing for the residents of Liverpool?

We can’t turn our back on this one, something will change and I hope it won’t be our rates in support of developers who plan to make millions out of our release areas.  This is just one of the things that can easily slip by residents, fortunately the Councils staff are on to it & understand the implications, that,  with the support of the councillors something positive may come from it, but I am concerned.

Watch this space, I’ll keep an eye on this and report anything I find out.

Another issue: Ned Mannoun and his colleagues supported me in my attempt to make sure that the New CBD Committee (not the Councils CBD forum that has been running for about 10yrs) included some of the people who have worked diligently for years on CBD issues were included in the NEW committee. However, Councillor Lucas, who fought for more people on his heritage committee and actually changed the charter to include more community, in this instance chose to oppose the idea of having more residents and opted for only 2 public representatives.  I asked to have at least one more member of the public (a forum rep) on this committee but was blocked by Clr Lucas and his supporters. This kind of narrow thinking will have the CBD  committee (like many others) being closed to new thinking and positive ideas. The public cannot address this committee, we cannot directly contribute. Hopefully our forums will be represented but that will have to go through at least 3 sets of hands before making it to these meetings.

Again I’ll keep you informed of any changes.

17.2.09

This week I attended a number of forums. On Saturday I joined the Liverpool Action Group and approx., 24 other residents at the 2nd LAG Meeting at the Library. It was heartening to see so many passionate people gather together to voice their ideas and concerns. It seems as Liverpudlian’s we are pretty good at identifying the problems, now I hope as a community (& groups)  we might be able to come up with solutions to fix some of them. Liverpool City Council is fundamentally a good council & LGA, it is one of the largest & most diverse, be it high residential city to open area rural with all the issues of such diversity. So now my friends it is time we come up with solutions, real and practical ideas to share with the council and I believe with the various groups and forums we have in Liverpool we have many who are capable of just that.

Throughout the election process last year we heard time and time again that we need to restore our pride, it might start off by just cleaning up in front of our own homes, helping a struggling neighbour  and sharing ideas with each other and the council. It may even be helping someone to contact Council to have a garbage pickup, reporting a dumper or graffitist, but we can as a community do just that.

Don’t forget too that this Saturday (also in the Library) 10.30am -12.30 is the first  Liverpool FairfieldGreens get together for the year and I invite you to be my guest, pop by, say hi and get to know the local Greens up close and personal. For us to be a true alternative to the present political choices in Liverpool we need you and your ideas. I look forward to meeting with you. Liverpool is more than just a safe Labor seat, it’s real people with real issues and deserves real representation… let me and the Greens team be that for you.

Interesting week…

Well, for me that is…I’ve been attending the forums as you know, I’m finding them very informative and am constantly amazed by the passion of so few. My goal is to encourage as many of you to attend as possible, it is amazing some of the things discussed and how you, a resident, can make a difference. This week at the western forum we had speakers from council discuss grafitti management and others speaking about the LLEP / DCP and how it impacts on the individual area. I find this information rewarding and in turn it allows me to help others understand how our council works and prove it actually does.

The Upper Georges River Urban Sustainability Project (UGR USP) had its meeting this week also. Here is a group that focuses on the Georges River catchment area and they have some impressive plans of how to improve our fabulous river… as I grasp the program and content I will share with you things I’m learning along the way.

I am delighted with the contact I have with Liverpudlian’s through the various forums and programs I’m involved with, if you have an idea or concern you’d like discussed and can’t make it along, send it through to me if it is something I can help with I will… perhaps if not I can at least direct you to the correct venue/person.

By the way if you have a couple of free hours next week…Saturday 21st 10.30-12.30 come along to the very first Liverpool Fairfield Greens meeting at the Liverpool Library… I’d love to meet you and share your ideas.

Council Meeting 2/2/09

This week saw a number of issues worked through with council. But the group is now a little more comfortable with each other and the snipes have begun. Councillors who make remarks at the politics and demeanour of other councillors are not what we voted for and very quickly undoes any good that is being done. Whilst this is probably inevitable it needs to be quashed very quickly, having to take additional time to apologise in what was a lengthy proceeding isn’t what the gallery is wanting to do, nor is the grandstanding by Councillor Lucas. Councillors please read the minutes and listen to the proceedings!

The first part of the meeting is as always housekeeping matters like accepting previous minutes etc, once this is done and dusted they move onto current issues such as debate on changes to LLEP, LDCP and street naming, reports on panel/committee membership and the like. Speaker & Public speakers forum had former Mayor Joe Durrant speak on the Liverpool Flag.

Once these matters have been dealt with they cover issues that appear to be what the public gallery is there to see…things like development applications etc. To Mayor Waller’s credit, where possible she does bring these ‘popular’ matters forward to allow the gallery members the opportunity to leave early if necessary. Personally I find it particularly interesting to wait until the end of the meeting where debate on Notice of motion and questions without notice are put forward. Of particular interest was Notice of Motion for Noise Barriers along the rail corridor from Warwick Farm to Casula Station (as you know I’ve been working with residents also). So great stuff councillors, now the hard part begins – you have to follow through and make this happen for the residents of Liverpool… please bear in mind this is along our river and should be attractive as well as functional…don’t let it happen as it does with our roads, that simply because we are south west means we don’t care how it looks…. Clr Harle’s motion re apprenticeships and trainee ships was good although I believe the council does take advantage of many of the incentives; a reminder isn’t at all bad. Plus if at all possible making businesses aware of the apprenticeship incentives may benefit the unemployed in the area. I’m not sure that the suggestion that apprenticeships can be offered only to local youth is legal etc but I applaud the idea of looking after our locals. Finally, congratulations to council officers for exploring (both location-ally and legally) the issues surrounding the School in Gurner Rd Austral. This particular issue has been a real concern for some of the local residents and in particular a precedent it may have set. I’m sure that as disappointing as it is for the applicants , what is best for the entire community should be taken into account.

Your support… or not?

As you will have seen from today’s local papers and reading this blog previously,  I’ve joined the NSW Greens… what do you think? I am dedicated to supporting Liverpool as it grows and becomes the vibrant city it deserves to be… so tell me, do you support me in this endeavour or perhaps thought I could do more as an independent…let me know?  If I am to truly represent you I want/need your comments.

To start with there is a lot to be done to ensure the residents and environment  around  the rail link and the freight terminal are protected from shoddy ill-considered development…Liverpool will grow but how it grows is something we  can have input in, but we need to do it together. This is just the beginning we can achieve great things in Liverpool and I’m excited by the challenge are you?

If you’d like to know more about the Greens policies http://www.nsw.greens.org.au/ and check them out, (just like I did) you’ll be pleasantly surprised at their policies and dedication to equality for all.