Neil Pilling Greens Councillor Glen Eira

Elwood Floods Forum - Monday March 26th

2012-02-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

With the recent aniversary of the February 2011 floods the following community forum -details below from webpage listed in links-organised by the local environment group LIVE is very timely .

I have accepted an invitation to speak as a Glen Eira councillor - with the vast majority of run-off coming from our muncipality this is an increasingly important issue and one that was raised at last Thursday's community plan forum in Ormond.

The Elwood Floods Forum will be held as follows:

7pm-9pm Monday 26 March 2012
Phoenix Theatre, Elwood College,
101 Glen Huntly Road, Elwood

WHY hold a FORUM on FLOODS?
In February 2011 Elwood was devastated by a flood. It was called a 1 in 500 year flood. However if you actually look at the records, there was a similar flood in February 1989, and another in the 1960's. The records show that there is a major flood in Elwood, about once every 20 years.

Many questions spring to mind:

■Is the 1 in 500 year flood really a 1 in 20 year flood?
■Will major floods become more frequent?
■When floods do occur, will they be worse, and do more damage?
■Can something be done about the floods?
■Who is responsible for taking action, and what are they doing?
■What are the responsibilities of Council, State and Federal Government and Melbourne Water?
■If the next flood struck tomorrow, are people prepared?
■Are homes adequately insured? Are insurance premiums now prohibitively expensive?
■If you can't return to your home where can you go?

LIVE is organising the Elwood Floods Forum to ask these questions of people in positions of responsibility. We are not seeking to blame anyone for the floods, or the damage they do. We just want to understand the current situation, and to discuss practical responses with those who have the power to do something.

Speakers are:

Felicity Browning and Meni Christofakis - Elwood residents flooded in 2010 will speak of their experience.Audience members who were flooded will be invited to tell of their experiences.

Then the following speakers will have 5 minutes each to respond:

■Rachel Powning, Mayor of the City of Port Phillip
■Martin Foley MP, State Labor Member for Albert Park
■We hope that the State Government Minister Water, Peter Walsh, will speak.
■Adam Bandt MP, Federal Greens Member for Melbourne
■Rufus Coffield-Feith, Elwood Resident and Australian Youth Climate Coalition co-president
■David Spratt, Climate Change Expert, co-Author of Climate Code Red
Questions and debate: The audience will be invited to ask questions.

Also present will be experts on Flood Insurance, Real Estate, Flood Prevention, Emergency Services, Melbourne Water, Local Councils and State Government representatives. These people will be introduced at the commencement of the forum and will be asked to respond to questions appropriate to their roles

Rosstown Community forums coming up

2012-02-10T12:14:00.001-08:00

Every five years Councils are required to adopt a Community Plan which identifies and outlines the priorities, issues and direction that each municipality will work to over this time period.

The present plan in Glen Eira is from 2008-13. I would to have preferred that the plan be consulted and formulated in the first half of 2013, that is at the end of the time not 3/4 thru. This would have allowed the full data from the recent census (not yet available) to be used and a new councillor group post election in have input. I wasn't in the majority here.

Saying that the following community consultation forums are still very important in providing residents with the opportunity to have input into the Glen Eira Community plan.

Thursday 16 February 2012 - Glen Huntly, McKinnon and Ormond residents
7pm-9pm
Ormond Senior Citizens Centre
2 Newham Grove, Ormond

Wednesday 22 February 2012 - Carnegie and Murrumbeena residents
7pm-9pm
Carnegie Library and Community Centre – Boyd Room
7 Shepparson Avenue, Carnegie

Other forums covering all wards are listed in the council homepage - see links

Attendance election for Glen Eira

2012-02-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

At last Tuesday's night meeting Councillors voted for an attendance election to be conducted in Glen Eira at the local government elections to be held on October 27th this year -see previous posting.

I fully supported this position as it will provide the best process for the community to elect a new Councillor group for the next term.

Ewaste collection days announced

2012-02-03T22:21:00.005-08:00

The following three ewaste collection days will be held in the first half of this year. There was a great response to the collection days held last year with approx 80 tonnes of electronic waste including computers and TVs being almost completely recycled instead of otherwise going to landfill.

Collection days across Glen Eira will be:

Sunday 26 February — 8am–4pm
Glen Eira Town Hall, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield

Saturday 24 March — 8am–4pm
Moorleigh Community Village, 90–92 Bignell Road, Bentleigh East

Sunday 20 May — 8am–4pm
Carnegie Swim Centre, Moira Avenue, Carnegie

Carnegie Pool - uncertain future.

2012-01-31T12:04:00.000-08:00

From today's Leader

SWIMMERS fear the Carnegie pool will close with the imminent opening of the new multi-million dollar Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Resident Mischa Brus said many swimmers were worried the pool in Moira Ave would become defunct soon after the Bentleigh East centre was completed.Mrs Brus, who takes her four-year-old daughter Eviana to swim classes at the Carnegie pool, said there were no advertisements for the Carnegie pool, but plenty of publicity for GESAC.

“It’s like they’re leaving the Carnegie pool for dead,” Mrs Brus said.

“They’re putting in so much effort into GESAC, but no effort into advertising the Carnegie pool.

“There’s a feeling that they don’t care.”

Cr Neil Pilling has called for assurances the Carnegie pool would remain open and for $1 million to maintain it (”Centre needs cash”, the Leader, January 5, 2010).

“It’s an ongoing issue,” Cr Pilling said this week.

“Last year, council passed a motion saying they value the pool, but nothing is definite, nothing will become clear until a year or two after GESAC opens.

“It needs to be refurbished, it’s getting more and more rundown every year.

“We need to do something soon.”

Glen Eira Mayor Jamie Hyams said there were “absolutely no plans” to close the Carnegie pool.

Comment: Like hundreds of other residents I enjoyed a great fun day at the pool over last weekend's hot spell. The spacious surrounds compliment this valued community asset. This issue will have to be decided in the next term- I have and will remain committed to the retaining and refurbishment of our local pool.

2012 Council elections - postal or attendance?

2012-01-27T01:42:00.000-08:00

One of the important decisions that will be made soon by Glen Eira and all other councils in the near future is the type of election - postal or attendance that will be conducted at this years local govt elections in October this year.

I will be favouring an attendance election as similar as conducted for all state and federal elections. History has shown in Glen Eira and elsewhere that an attendance election greatly reduces the number of dummy candidates standing only to feed preferences to other candidates.

Those who remember the 2005 postal election in Glen Eira will attest to the over twenty candidates per ward that stood , many to be fair to say weren't genuine.

This situation was greatly improved in the 2008 attendence election where it has to be said residents were voting for real candidates who were able to engage at least sufficient community support to staff polling booths.

Council meeting items and the issue of Confidentialty

2012-01-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

The seemingly burgeoning amount of in-camera (confidentfial) agenda items not only here in Glen Eira but also in other municipalities including the City of Melbourne where a recent meeting had less than twenty mins of public discussion has been highlighted recently. I acknowledge the concerns raised on this issue by the local website Glen Eira debates.

Yesterday I raised the following points with other Crs and the CEO.

-"One of the issues for Glen Eira in 2012 is how to address the seemingly increasing amount of confidential items that are held in the in-camera section of the meeting agenda- increasingly so over the past few years.

Our aim as a Council should be to reduce this to the essential minimum so as to allow for as maximum public discussion as possible on agenda items.

Whilst I acknowledge that there are instances such as business tenders and OH @ S issues that require confidentiality I feel that there needs to be far greater efforts in keeping other items in the public agenda.

Other councils such as Port Phillip if necessary spilt the item in two to allow for public discussion.

At each of the pre-meeting assemblies there should be an improved discussion and questioning as to the why and of the need for any proposed confidential agenda item,"

Party in the Park - Princes Park Sun Jan 15th

2012-01-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

Princes Park
Sunday 15 January 12pm–4pm
Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South
Melways reference: 67 H7

The first community event for the year will be held next Sunday week and is outlined from Council's homepage below;

Party in the Park at Princes Park is a free day of family fun and entertainment hosted by master of mime, Jack Dan.

Join Blinky Bill as he sings and dances his way through a musical adventure show, which features terrific bush tunes, interactive singing, dancing, activities and the slapstick comedy for which Blinky Bill is most famous. Then step into the theatrical past and the golden age of magic with The Carnival of Dreams — an entertaining and mystifying stage show of magic, illusion, movement and conjuring in a cabaret and vaudevillian style. In The Carnival of Dreams, Madotti and Vegas bring over 10 years of magic experience to the stage, having performed in Berlin, Japan, Hong Kong and throughout Australia.

Come and see the amazing stilt-walking Praying Mantis, who comes from a world where blades of grass grow above your head and insects are bigger than cars. Gorgeous, feminine and fantastical, the highly skilled stilt-walking flowers are cheeky, flirtatious and elegant.

Activities include jumping castle, art and craft activities for children, community information stalls, food stalls, magic workshops, balloons and much more!

Railway Level Crossings -New findings released

2011-12-29T20:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the Age published a front page article highlighting a letter to Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder in June by VicRoads chief executive Gary Liddle and Department of Transport director Hector McKenzie (obtained under FOI) strongly advocating that grade separation be done not just at the Murrumbeena crossing but also at Carnegie and Hughesdale.

The short distance between the three stations deemed it impractical from an engineering perspective to do only the Neerim Rd M/Beena crossing as has been canvassed by the Baillieu Government.

The other chief finding was that any further increased capacity (incl a 3rd line) on the Dandenong line would lead to an increasingly traffic gridlock situation in peak times- no surprises here to local residents and regular north-south commuters!

Full article is in links opposite bottom right.

Comment:
All three crossings as well as the Grange Rd one are located in the State seat of Oakleigh, a previously safe Labor seat on 12.4% still held by Ann Barker but now presently on a more marginal 4.85% . Considering the borderline majority of the Victorian State Government (in power only by two lower house seats) this political scenerio may well present the best chance for grade separation for all these congested crossings in the near future.

Community Events for summer

2011-12-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

Serving on the Arts and Culture Committee for the past two years has been both interesting and rewarding. One of the most enjoyable aspects has been having some input into the popular Party in the Park series, fun and free community events.

This summer for the first time there will be an evening concert event at Packer Park Carnegie featuring renowned recording and live artist Clare Bowditch pictured, local band Tinpan Orange and recent battle of the bands winner High Voltage.
One not be missed!

Princes Park - Sunday 15 January - Daytime family event 12-4pm with lots of great childrens entertainers including Blinky Bill.

Packer Park - Under the Stars - Saturday 11 February -Evening concert event from 6pm Featuring Clare Bowditch.

Allnutt Park - Sunday 26 February - Daytime family event 12-4pm -fun for all the family with magicians, performers and the ever popular Pet Expo.

new Duncan Mckinnon pavillion- concerns raised at delayed commencement

2011-12-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

Whilst much of the concerns of recent months has been around the new sports and aquatic centre (GESAC) just up the road Council's other large project- the construction of the new pavillion at Duncan Mckinnon reserve ($8.8m total) is raising its own concerns.

From an expected commencement starting date of mid-2011 and with no tenders for construction yet before Council there are still no firm dates for this project to start and thus to be completed. As a regular visitor to the netball and athletics club activities I understand how this delay is leading to increased uncertainty after community expectations that this much needed new facility would be operational by September 2012.

At the first Councillor assembly meeting in January I have requested a full update and explanation by our administration for the current situation. I acknowledge there were some delays caused by VicRoads in approving the new carpark entrances. However this should not have prevented the preparation and finalisation of the tender documents for construction being completed.

Any potential further starting delay past mid 2012 could have ramifications for the 2013/14 summer athletic competitions.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-21T21:07:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who has read the postings throughout the year.

This blog has been going since mid 09 (122 postings so far)and during that time I have endeavoured to write interesting articles on a range of council and community issues. This year it has been particularily useful in outlining my views and presenting alternative perspectives on several important issues in particular the GESAC basketball issue and childcare in general.

It is easy for individual Councillors' voices to be lost amongst the uniformity of Council life- I feel it is important that residents hear the views of those they have elected whilst still being an integral part of the Cr. group. It is possible to do such that and I have worked hard to achieve both!

As Dylan mused 'the times they are a changin'" - The whole outdated mid-nineties economic rationalist (ie Kennett era) approach that has led to such poor community decisions as on the basketball allocation at GESAC and sending childcare fees into the stratosphere are testement to the need for key directional changes in the future.

Will look forward to a productive 2012!,

Merry Christmas

GESAC - basketball - need to review and change allocation process

2011-12-19T23:13:00.000-08:00

Earlier today sent this email thru to Crs ,CEO and admin on the need next year to review the whole Expression of Interest process that led to the present unfortunate situation where 1400+ local kids, families and clubs will most probably not be enjoying the brand new facilties at GESAC next year.

It was a case I feel of the wrong process for the wrong situation and an important part of any review will be acknowledging this. To conduct to what amounted to a quasi commercial tender process was to say the least misguided.

"In the aftermath of this years Gesac basketball saga feel it would be helpful to spend time in the New Year reviewing the whole EOI process and the criteria used in assessing.

I feel there are real questions as to whether this was the right way to go from the start.It's too simple and misses the point just to say that the MBA should have submitted a better bid.

There has to be a better way of determining the allocation - one that is more equitable and doesnt over emphasise 'marketing business plans' and court fees at the expense of real community need and the realities of local sport. Will do some research on similar situations for info on different allocation models. In my mind there are similarities to the childcare fees issues about getting the balance right.

In the end the current EOI process lead to a poor outcome that has caused anghst and outcry in our communities- For this reason alone we should work hard to ensure a fairer more community minded process is in place for the second twelve mths of GESAC"

Childcare fees reduced

2011-12-19T11:37:00.000-08:00

At the last Council meeting for the year-Dec 13-the following motion was passed unaminously. This was in response to a report I had requested in September for details of fees charged by surrounding councils and other providers in the municipality.

Even though some providers are yet to set fees enough data provided to Crs confirmed that Glen Eira was at the very high end on both accounts. This is a good outcome though to be frank Council should never have increased fees so early (June) or so high initially. Childcare will continue to be a challenging issue for Council!

In part B there are criteria that should be used when considering any future fee rises

URGENT BUSINESS
Crs Pilling/Tang
That a matter concerning Child Care fees be considered as an item of Urgent
Business.
The MOTION was put and CARRIED unanimously.

(a) Child Care Fees
Crs Pilling/Tang
(a) That Council acknowledges the new staff/child ratios in childcare
centres commencing in Jan 2012 whilst improving quality of care will bring increased costs for both parents and childcare providers.
(b) That Council in determining appropriate long daycare fees considers the following criteria: cost to parents, costs to Council, the median fee range as charged by childcare providers in the municipality.
(c) That Council set from 1 January 2012 the following fee schedule for long day care at its three centres at 0-2yo $106 per day; 3-5yo $85 per day.
(d) That Council provides prompt notice of the fee changes to all participating families.
(e) That Council will continue to review childcare fees as part of its annual budget process.
The MOTION was put and CARRIED unanimously

GESAC - basketball - decision

2011-12-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

Here is the final motion passed by Council on Wednesday night - Please see my comments after for further explanation; full details including the preceding report are available in the links- GESAC basketball decision- opposite lower right -starts at page 127 of minutes-use search option at top
Sat 17.12 9.30am Please note have withdrawn prev comment on Cr. Esakoff's voting reason.

Crs Hyams/Lipshutz
That Council
1. Note that:
(a) As the result of a fair and proper Expression of Interest (EoI)
process, the use of the GESAC indoor courts for basketball was allocated to the Warriors;

(b) In the interests of maximising the use of the GESAC indoor courts
by the community, Council's preferred position is that the basketball allocation be shared between the Warriors and the McKinnon Basketball Association (MBA); and

(c) Notwithstanding the allocation referred to in (a), the Warriors have indicated a willingness to share that allocation with the MBA.

2. Allocate the use of the GESAC indoor courts to the Warriors on Fridays from 6pm to 11pm and Sundays from 9am to 11pm.

3. Allocate the use of the GESAC indoor courts to the MBA on Saturdays from 8am to 11pm subject to the MBA agreeing by January 15 2012 to provide two alternative basketball courts to the Warriors from 8am to 7pm on Saturdays to the reasonable satisfaction of the Warriors, or, if such agreement is not reached, or observed, allocate the GESAC indoor courts to the Warriors on Saturdays from 8am to 7pm.

4. In all other respects, apply the terms and conditions of the allocation referred to in 1(a) to the use of the courts by the Warriors and,if applicable, to the MBA.

5. Authorise officers to give effect to this resolution.
6. Incorporate this resolution and this report in the public Minutes of this Meeting apart from Council's legal advice at section 3.4 of this report and in the attachments.

DIVISION
Cr Magee called for a Division on voting of the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION
FOR
Cr Tang
Cr Hyams
Cr Lipshutz
Cr Forge
AGAINST
Cr Magee
Cr Penhalluriack
Cr Pilling
Cr Esakoff

The SUBSTANTIVE MOTION was put and CARRIED on the casting Vote of the Chairperson (Mayor Cr. Hyams)

Comment - Only a sucessful motion is recorded according to minutes guidelines. This means that motions voted down including those that myself and Cr.Magee had proposed (see Dec 10 post) are not recorded- We certainly did our best in this regard.

This is a very disappointing decision and a motion that I could not support as it effectively in my view hands the allocation to the Warriors and relies on their benevolance in accommodating the McKinnon Basketball Assoc, a situation that I can't see happenning.

As such there will be over 1400 players and families not participating at GESAC this year. This allocation is for twelve months - There needs to be a far better process in place next year to prevent this unfortunate situation occurring again

New Mayor of Glen Eira elected

2011-12-14T22:54:00.000-08:00

Last night Wednesday the 14th December Cr. Jamie Hyams was elected the new Mayor of Glen Eira for the next twelve months.

I congratulate Cr. Hyams on his appointment and wish him all the best for the coming year. He has certainly demonstrated a real passion and commitment to local govt with a knowledge second to none of processes and legalities- a very deserving and well earned appointment.

All Councillors in their Mayoral welcome speeches acknowledged the outstanding effort and contribution of the outgoing Mayor, Cr Margaret Esakoff.

I was fortunate and appreciative to be elected Deputy Mayor.

GESAC - basketball-cont.

2011-12-14T22:45:00.000-08:00

I will post details of the motion passed and comments re item 12.8 GESAC Multi-Use Courts that involves the allocation of basketball as soon as publically available which normally takes several days.

Council considered the issue over the the past two nights after reaching the 11pm time limit at the Tuesday night meeting.

The main problem in my view has been the design and oblectives of the original process. I feel the emphasis was too much on fees and 'future marketing plans'.

I have no critisism of the way officers administered the expression of interest process but question the criteria and objectives that have led everyone to the present situation.

Like the increased childcare fee issue I feel Council has taken a too narrow economic rationalist approach at the expense of genuine community need. This really goes to the heart of the matter. There is certainly a need to review the whole process for future basketball allocations at GESAC in the new year.

please note- the posting date can be a day behind.

GESAC - basketball - last night

2011-12-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

At tonight's Council meeting (Tues Dec 13) item 12.8 GESAC Multi-Use Courts was considered by council in the in-camera (confidential) section of the meeting.

I would have liked the item considered in the public section of the meeting but accepted that on further advice this would be difficult to do without compromising the integrity (the separation of the legal and contractual elements) of the item and any subsequent decision.

Both Cr. Magee and myself explained this to the many in the gallery and thanked everyone for attending and taking an interest on this important issue.

The outcome of this item will be made public soon.

GESAC-new community basketball facilities- ensuring access for all local families and clubs

2011-12-10T02:03:00.001-08:00

As reported widely and here in previous postings there has been an ongoing issue throughout the past six months of resolving the weekend allocation usage at our great new indoor court facilities at the soon to be opened Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre(GESAC) in Bentleigh.

This wonderful new $45m community facility,the largest ever built in the municipality, was primarily funded by local ratepayers with significant contributions from both the Federal and State govts. The original expression of interest offer to the Oakleigh Warriors effectively meant that in excess of 1400 local players in the Mckinnon Basketball Assoc would not be playing this season at GESAC- this situation I have consistantly stated is unacceptable.

This Tuesday night in confidential item 12.8 GESAC MULTI-USE COURTS of the Council meeting agenda I will be supporting the following proposed alternative motion and would like to see this item moved into the normal public agenda.

1.That council notes the report
2.That council sets the seasonal hire rate for basketball at GESAC at $40.00 per court per hour.
3.That council awards the Friday tenancy (6pm to 11pm) and Sunday (9am to 11pm) to The Oakleigh Garden State Warriors Basketball Association.
4.That council awards the Saturday (8am to 11pm) tenancy to the McKinnon Basketball Association.
5.That all court fees are payable regardless of court use.
6.That council requires a bond of $10,000.00 per court payable on signing of the lease agreement.
7.That if either association is unable to fill its allocated times, it must first offer that time to the other before it can be offered to any other association, body or individual.
8.That this resolution be incorporated in the public minutes of this meeting. (if in camera)

Will also support a division (a recording of how Councillors vote) on this item.

This is an equitable,reasonable and balanced proposal that caters for both associations and allows for all local kids, families and clubs to use our great new facilities at GESAC. It sensibly balances financial and community responsibilties.

I will be encouraging all Councillors to support this motion .

Womens Charter - improving participation in Local Govt

2011-12-05T18:36:00.000-08:00

With local govt elections due next year in Glen Eira I feel it is important that our Council encourages the participation and engagement of women from our community at all levels particularly as Councllors.

The Women’s Charter Project is an important initiative that promotes ideas, action plans and models to further this participation. Full details on links bottom right.

Along with the 62 other Councils in Victoria I will be advocating that Glen Eira also adopts and endorses this charter.

from the latest Municipal Assoc Vic (MAV) bulletin
"The Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition (WPILGC) has launched its latest tool Closing the Gender Gap – principles, commitments, actions. It provides a list of councils that have endorsed the Women’s Charter, as well as ideas for councils to adopt, examples of 3x3 Action Plans and proposed statewide benchmarks.

The report, the result of the Women’s Charter 2010 Project funded by the Victorian Government and auspiced by the MAV, is one of a number of tools developed to assist councils to increase women’s participation. Other tools include a checklist of actions that can be undertaken for each of the three Women’s Charter principles. To date, 62 councils have endorsed the Women’s Charter principles of gender equity, diversity and active citizenship.

There is still time for more councils to adopt the Charter in the lead up to the local government elections due to be held in 2012."

Issues to resolve - last Council meeting 13th Dec

2011-12-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

The last normal Council meeting of the year will take place on Tuesday 13th December.
There are several long outstanding important issues that I will be pressing for a resolution and that have been the subject of many postings over the past almost six months.

Chiefly these are-
-The allocation for the usage of the new indoor basketball facilities at the soon to be opened Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC)
Councillors put a hold on the Expression of Interest process earlier in the year whilst seeking legal advice on the initial offer made to an out of municipality association. As reported widely, recently mediated talks have been conducted between the Oakleigh Warriors and the McKinnon basketball associations with a goal of reaching a satisfactory compromise.
Throughout this saga I have consistently stated and strongly advocated that any outcome must include access for all our local clubs.

-The concern at the very large increase in Council childcare fees set to be introduced in Jan 2012.
In September I requested a report that would rank the new Council fees against other providers. Until recently no other providers had released their 2012 fee schedules- all seemingly waiting for the minimum 30 day notice requirement before acting. With this timeline now passed I will look forward to this report being available at the December 13th meeting.
Councillors have been consistantly advised that Council fees are in the average range- it will be interesting to see if this is still the case!

Council Meeting Tuesday 22nd Nov

2011-11-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

At Tuesday night's meeting Council voted unaminously on the following three important issues - all were first time initiatives for Glen Eira with having been raised in previous posts on this blog. All Councillors deserve credit for their support.

item 9.6 Gambling Reform- the report on this item provided depressing statistics on the amount of losses in our municipality, $75m in 10/11. An alternative motion was supported which endorsed and advocated for poker machine reforms as recommended by the 2010 Productivity Commission report.

item 9.8 Take-a-Break childcare program an alternative motion was moved and supported which will provide full interim funding(approx $30k)for this much needed Community/Neighbourhood house childcare program in 2012- and included further measures to advocate strongly that the Fed/State govts reinstate their funding committments- This is the first time a council in Victoria has done this to prevent the program closing on Dec 31st.

item 9.9 GE Carbon Reduction Plan- approved the draft plan with some changes after recieving public submissions - A significant step forward by Council in reducing CO2 emmissions and responsding to the challenges of impending climate change.

Full minutes showing the details of these motions listed in the links section , bottom right.

Elsternwick Childcare Centre to close Xmas Eve

2011-11-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately this very well used centre which for over twenty years has provided quality childcare for the families of the Elsternwick area will close on Xmas Eve.

Glen Eira Council ran the service in a facility leased from Alfred Health (Dept of Health). When the lease was called in early last year it was always going to be a battle to save this centre despite the high demand and waiting lists - To put it simply too many present Councillors supported by the administration just weren't interested in local govt playing a significant role in childcare. Add to this an unhelpful State Govt and the scene was set for this closure despite strong community opposition.

On the 3rd of August as part of a delegation from Council and with parents I met with the Health Minister Mr.Davis to explain the issue and seek clarification on the future of the site with the possibilty of crown land being made available for a new centre. The most telling point of the meeting was when the Minister asked Council what planning and provision had been undertaken for future childcare needs- The answer was an honest none.

Council and parents are yet to hear back from the Minister.

Certainly I'd like to pay tribute to the many parents who worked tirelessly to save this centre including the collection of a thousand signature petition in support. It was an honour and inspiration to work with them - All their efforts will hopefully be rewarded in the future.

GESAC-basketball-decision soon

2011-11-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

As I understand currently both the Mckinnon Basketball Association and the Warriors (Oakleigh) Basketball Association are engaged in mediated discussions to the goal of reaching a mutually agreed shared arrangement for the weekend allocation of the new basketball facilities at the Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) in Bentleigh East.

This is certainly a welcome development on an issue which I hope will be resolved in a satisfactory outcome and presented to Council shortly - It is very important that this issue is resolved soon - the last Council meeting for the year being Tuesday the 13th December.

This great new facility was built primarily to meet the sporting needs of all our local children,families and ratepayers. It is vital that a final arrangement reflects this.

GESAC - local access must be ensured for new basketball facilties.

2011-11-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

Probably one of the most challenging and important issues that Council has dealt with this year has been on the weekend allocation and usage for basketball at our great new indoor facilties at the soon to be opened Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC). see previous posts.

An article appeared in last Saturdays Age (Nov 12) - links bottom right. In responding to that article and to quote from an email sent to Councillors and Admin yesterday-

"Certainly re the Saturday Age article I stand by and am indeed proud of all my efforts so far (and will continue to do so) in advocating strongly on behalf of the 1400+ families and kids who would have potentially not been playing at the new GESAC facilities under the original offer. Also endorse Jim and Franks comments in this article re addressing this important community need".

Whilst I feel this issue has been unresolved for far too long, I am hopeful that a solution will be reached very soon that will be inclusive of our local association and clubs.

Climate Change action - Federally and Locally

2011-11-08T11:18:00.000-08:00

Today in the Federal Parliament was an important day in this country's efforts to address the impacts and causes of climate change. The legislation to implement a carbon tax at $23 per tonne,supported by the Greens, was passed through the upper house (Senate)after having previously been accepted by the lower house (House of Representatives).

This has been a long time coming and rightly places a price on pollution by requiring Australia's heaviest emitters of CO2 into our atmosphere to pay a cost for this practise and will come into effect from July 1st next year. This tax will be the forerunner to a more comphrensive Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Ironically on this same day Councillors were considering submissions on Glen Eira's own draft Carbon Reduction plan that I would expect will be presented to Council soon.

Poker Machine reform - report requested

2011-11-04T11:12:00.001-07:00

At last Tuesday night's I moved that the following report be provided to council. Seconded Cr Magee and passed unaminously.

"That a report be provided to Council on the poker machine reforms currently being considered by the Federal Government.This report to also include details on the latest data and spending , including poker machine losses, in the City of Glen Eira".

In requesting this report I spoke on the following points-

Out of approx $19billion wagered each year in Aust $13billion is spent on poker machines.

In 09/10 Glen Eira had three hotels rated in amongst the highest losses for Victoria.

no.24 Rosstown Hotel Carnegie($14m) ,
no.31 Racecourse Tabaret Caulfield($12.5m ),
no.33 Zagames Hotel Caulfield($12.3m)

source Victorian Govt Gaming authority see links bottom right

We may well have one of the higher $loss per capitas in Victoria - and that this was not just a problem for the outer suburbs as is regularly percieved.

Environment Advisory Committee: External member vacancies

2011-10-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

Recently Council has advertised for three new members for the Environment Advisory committee.

"Are you interested in assisting Glen Eira City Council’s Environment Advisory Committee in relation to environmental matters?

Due to the expiry of term for some current members, Council is seeking to appoint three new external members:

One community representative — environment professional. This role would suit someone involved in the area of environmental sustainability.
Two general community representatives. These roles would suit an active member of the Glen Eira community with an interest in environmental sustainability who also understands the role and function of Council.

These are voluntary positions. The Committee meets a minimum of four times a year and where possible, meeting dates and times are set to suit the availability of Committee members.

Applications close 5pm Monday 21 November"

Terms of reference, position description and application form can be found in links section bottom right under committee vacancies.

one year today!

2011-10-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

Today marks twelve months till the next local government elections that will be held on Saturday the 27th October 2012.

The past almost three years have gone by quite fast- Interesting and challenging!

As identified in the recent posting on achievements there has been good progress in a wide range of strategies and policies- many for the first time ever or the first in over a decade.

There is much more to be done of course and I would certainly be keen to represent the Rosstown community for a further term.

Take-a-Break childcare funding cuts - consequences in Glen Eira

2011-10-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

On the 28th June meeting Council received a report on the withdrawal of funding from Dec 31st for the Take-a-Break childcare program run by community and neighbourhood houses in Glen Eira and throughout the State. The below excerpts from the minutes of that meeting provide the background on this issue,

"The TAB occasional child care program is a State funded program which subsidises occasional child care.The funding is based on the average number of children attending and the number of hours of care offered.Occasional child care provides respite for parents and guardians of children agedfrom 0-6 years, enabling them to participate in a range of activities includingrecreational classes, activities, shopping, social events and voluntary communityactivities, whilst children are cared for in a registered child care service.

The TAB Child Care program is provided by approximately 220 neighbourhood houses and community centres throughout Victoria.

Funding Background
Until June 2010,the TAB program was jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments (40 / 60% respectively).In July 2010 the Commonwealth ceased funding the program and from July 2010the Victorian Government took over full funding for the program, approximately$1.9M.The 2011-12 State Budget has withdrawn funding for TAB occasional child care program effective from 31 December 2011.

In Glen Eira Six services receive TAB funding:
• Moongala Women’s Community House;
• Caulfield South Community House;
• Godfrey House;
• Murrumbeena House Occasional Care;
• McKinnon Occasional Care; and
• Caulfield Occasional Care centre;

These services provide care for over 300 children per week and will lose a total of $31,000 funding per annum.The TAB program assists in making occasional child care affordable. This service is used by many vulnerable families including those on low incomes, grandparent carers, and parents of children with a disability.

Services are anxious that the funding loss will result in either ceassation of service delivery or fee increase that will affect viability of the service.All service providers are concerned that the most vulnerable in the community will be impacted."

Comment: Unfortunately as with most inter govt funding issues it is the most vunerable in our community who miss out.The Federal and State govts should reinstate the Take-a-Break funding and Greens collegues at both levels are certainly advocating for this.

In the interim Council should place the interests of those in our community affected by the cuts above this dispute, fund the shortfall of $31k for 2012 whilst continuing to advocate strongly for full funding reinstatement.

Elster Creek - indigenous flora guide

2011-10-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

The Glen Eira Environment Group recently launched a website detailing indigenous flora in the Elster Creek catchment area-see links bottom right.

This group has done great work over many years in our municipality - their members were instrumental in the creating and protecting of Boyd Park Murrumbeena and have advocated strongly for Council to pursue improved biodiversity policies that recognise and enhance indigenous species.

The website is a wealth of information and I particularily enjoyed the historical archival photos. It is also pleasing that this project was made possible via a community grant recently. With an upcoming community forum on biodiversity scheduled for early 2012 the launch of this site is quite timely.

Gambling/Pokies reform - time for Council to take a position

2011-10-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot in the news recently about poker machine reform in response to the wide range of problems experienced by many in our community - Yesterday I wrote to fellow Councillors highlighting this. It is very significant issue that needs tighter controls.

The statistics are quite incredible - see article in links under gambling reform
Many Councils are passing motions like in Manningham (see below).

I would like to see Glen Eira also pass a similar resolution supporting reform.

The main arguement being played out seems to be not whether reforms are needed but how you do it, the most debated being the pre-committment reform which involves technology changes and the cost that goes with it.

In my view limiting the amounts that can be gambled on the machines is a better more cost-effective way to go. At present in any of our pubs/clubs there are rows of machines where you can bet upto $5 everytime one pushes the spin button which can mean every few secs. It is a very different world/scenerio to having a few bets say on yesterday's Caulfeld Cup!

I understand that for some Crs. this will be new territory and the usual 'chesnut' that its a State issue that we shouldn't be involved in will be put up or thats in some way a curtailing of 'individual rights'.

My response would be that we advocate and take a position on many State issues that affect and protect our community from grade separation to planning. This is an important social issue that we should be at least advocating for reform on.

Without a notice of motion provision (the ability for Crs to place a motion on the Council agenda), it will be quite challenging to have this issue debated and voted on!

Passed 8-1 at the Manningham council meeting held on June 28, 2011
That Council:
A. Endorses the Productivity Commission recommendation for a maximum bet limit on poker machines of $1 per ‘button push'.

B. Notes the Productivity Commission recommendation for a full pre-commitment scheme for electronic gaming machines in all States and
Territories as a "strong, practicable and ultimately cost-effective option for harm minimisation".

C. Endorses the preferred option of the Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform to impose a maximum $1 bet per button push, $120 hourly loss limit and maximum prize of $500.

D. For electronic gaming machines regarded as "high intensity" and not subjected to the limits described in C, Council supports the imposition of a full pre-commitment system so gamblers can set maximum loss limits.

E. Communicate Council's position to pokies venues in Manningham, the Prime Minister, the Premier of Victoria, relevant Federal and State
Ministers, local members of parliament, ALGA, MAV and VLGA.

Funding for Ewaste and Public Recycling approved

2011-10-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

Council voted last Tuesday to fund(approx $110k) three Ewaste collection days this financial year.This is very good news for residents and the environment alike.

After last years very successful collection days held in each ward, where record levels of uptake for Melbourne were recorded (29 tonnes at the town hall day- see prev posts), I felt it was always important to continue to provide this service.

There is an increasingly amount of EWaste incl TVS and computers in our community that was being placed out for hard rubbish disposal- ending up in landfill.

With Federal stewardship guidelines till several years away this was a very good decision.

Also for the first time recycling bins will be provided for in our major shopping strips. This program funded at $75k will be rolled out over the next six months.

Both of these fundings had been recommended by the Environment Advisory Committee which certainly does benefit from having the expertise of four external community members.

As I said in the chamber on Tuesday night in advocating for this funding, feel its important that Council does provide leadership on issues like this.

Caulfield Park - update

2011-10-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

At tonight's (tues) Council meeting i am pleased to report that Councillors voted for the following motion to end the proposal to run a commercial cafe at the conservatory in Caulfield Park.

9.3 Alternative Reccomendation
a/ that Council recognises the heritage value of the Caulfield Park Conservatory.

b/ that Council determines not to proceed with an Expression of Interest campaign for the Caulfield Park Conservatory

c/ that Council considers funds in the 2012/13 budget for the repair and full restoration of the Caulfield Park Conservatory

moved Pilling seconded Pennalluriack

Caulfield Park -commercialise or not?

2011-10-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

On this Tuesday night's council meeting agenda there is an interesting item
regarding Caulfield Park and the envisaged use of the conservatory in the western section of the park as a commercially run cafe with seating for upto eighty people. See item 9.3 in Oct 11th agenda in links bottom right.

Like a range of other issues in our parks this has been an ongoing saga for a number of years now.

This has all come about primarily because of the need to repair and protect the facility as generally agreed by everyone - park users and Council alike.

What is not agreed is how to pay for these repairs- previous estimates by Council have been in the $150k range. That's what in my mind this is all about - seeing if Council can get someone else to pay for these repairs.

I feel this sets a poor precendent on how we manage our public parks- Council should just bite the bullet and repair the facility- The money spent on the whole cafe EOI process would be better spent directly on the conservatory.

Traffic congestion around our schools-more support for cycling and walking required

2011-10-04T19:13:00.000-07:00

All our schools are under pressure from ever increasing traffic congestion especially around the school grounds during the busy morning and afternoon peak periods. With higher enrolement numbers at most school this issue is one I feel Council needs to address in a more thorough and less piece-meal way.This congestion has lead to many concerns raised about safety and ways to improve how this is managed

Over recent months I have advocated on behalf of concerned parents at both Ormond and Mckinnon primary schools for traffic improvement measures to be identified and implemented- Currently at MPS a second supervised crossing is being installed with works soon to start on a new footpath in Walnut st where presently there is only a worn grass/dirt path that becomes quite muddy in winter.

Our relatively new Sustainable Transport Stategy(see links)recognise this issue and seeks to begin to take action.
The Walking Strategy component lists the following actions-
- audit two schools annually and prioritise any improvements for safety
- monitor school crossings to optimise Vicroad funding
- support initiatives which promote (not fund!)the values of walking such as the Walking Bus Program, Walk Safely to School day and Walk to work day
- promote walking as part of school cirriculum

However in future years I would expect the strategy to be improved upon and be more pro-active across a greater number of schools in providing for and promoting walking and cycling as the preferred means for transport to our schools. This will increase amenity and safety for all parents, students and residents in these areas.

Other councils like Booroondara as I understand have designated sustainable transport officer roles who are consistantly working with schools to deliver these outcomes.

Cargo Bikes - library program - NSW

2011-10-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

Recently this initiative was brought to my attention by a local resident- Cargo bikes are 'heavy duty' bikes capable of comfortably carrying extra loads. They come in a vast array of modern styles and design.

One of the reasons commonly sighted for keeping the second car or not cycling is how to do such tasks as the weekly shop. These bikes address that issue and are increasingly popular through-out Europe. In the links section , bottom right, there is a link to a Cargo Bike Library program currently being run by the City of Sydney.
This program allows residents for a small charge access to these bikes and has been running since 2010.

The program makes very interesting reading and certainly has great merit which i am keen to explore further.The benefits are multiple including reducing traffic congestion around our shopping strips, reducing emissions and increasing fitness and general health in the community.

Community Market - Saturday 8th October

2011-09-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Every three months there is a great community market held at;

Uniting Church
Murrumbeena rd Murrumbeena
Saturday 8th October
9am to 2pm -
Plenty of local crafts and produce to sample and enjoy!

All details can be found at the link section- market murumbeena - bottom right.

Hope to see you there!

Refugee policies - race to the bottom by major parties

2011-09-21T04:08:00.000-07:00

Normally I haven't commented on Federal issues on this blog - However the past few days have seen extraordinary disappointing policies from both major parties directed at some of the most vunerable people in our region- asylum seekers.

In a low-brow race to attract a certain percentage of swinging voters in marginal seats both Labor and the Liberals in my view have sold out on their respective previous histories of advocating strongly for human rights and protection for those fleeing war and tyranny.

Listening to Malcolm Fraser's crtitical commentry tonight I lament the depths the Liberals have now succumbed on this issue - Equally my grandfather a friend of John Cain snr and a prominent trade unionist who battled thru the great depression would shudder to think what Federal Labor has now become.

Like many I became active in the Greens after the 2001 Tampa incident. That decision is certainly vindicated by these recent events.

Council Childcare fees - report requested

2011-09-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

At tonight's (Tuesday) Council meeting I requested a report on childcare fees detailing the following information-

a/ childcare fees currently charged and 2012 fee schedule for all childcare service providers in Glen Eira

b/ childcare fees currently charged and 2012 fee schedule for all surrounding Councils

c/ rankings of Glen Eira's childcare fees currently charged and our 2012 fee schedule against both the above criteria.

In the June budget Council passed the full increase of new staff ratios in 2012 onto parents.
As outlined in previous postings I spoke of the concern that our Council's fees next year will place us at the higher end of the market and not in the middle range as has been the case previously.

This may also be placing our local families in an increasingly more difficult situation in being able to afford and access council's childcare services.

I will look forward to recieving the reports findings

Progressive Policies this term in Glen Eira

2011-09-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

With local government elections due in October 2012 thought it a good time to reflect on some of the new initiatives/policies that have been highlights of this term so far and that have been featured in previous postings. They all have strong environmental, economic and community features.

Bicycling Strategy - first strategy in a decade - fully funded ($2m) and implemented over the next 3/4 years-will improve and enhance amnenity and safety for all forms of transport.

Bin Downsizing - by reducing to a predominantly 120 litre rubbish bin our council has moved from having one of the worst diversion to landfill rates to a median range across the metro area- the very sucessfull uptake of this scheme has also significantly increased our recycling and green waste rates. With landfill state charges skyrocketing this change has saved GE in the order of $300k pa.

Carbon Reduction Plan - first ever plan -draft currently out for community comment.

Childcare - first time funds ($1.6m) in over a decade allocated for new facilities- to replace existing centre at Elsternwick and sorely needed with the lack of childcare in the area.

Caulfield Racecourse - for the first time in agreement with the MRC a public park and amenities is being developed in the centre of the course- whilst acknowledging there are shortcomings,this is still a significant improvement.

Ewaste - first time this problem has been recognised and addressed with three successful collection days held over the past year and further actions listed in the ESS (Environmental Sustainability Strategy) for this year.

Energy Efficiency - for the first time an energy audit was conducted on six major council sites resulting in measures fully implemented that increased efficiency by upto 30% and reduced costs.

Tree Protection Register - first time tree protection on private property endorsed-register guidelines being developed at present.

Streetlighting - $2m allocated over next two years for changeover to energy efficient T5 globes across whole municipality; will reduce council's emissions by upto 14%. On current rising electricity costs- a payback period of 6/7 years is envisaged.

Sustainable Transport Strategy- first time a strategy has been developed-moves focus away from cars and importantly includes a walking strategy component. This is a very timely with traffic congestion an ever increasing problem.

All these initiatives I feel will be of great benefit to our communities especially in the years ahead and the whole Councillor group deserve credit for supporting these important changes.

Environment Forum held last Wednesday

2011-09-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

The Glen Eira Community Environment forum an annual event was held last Wednesday night at the Town Hall.

Whilst the numbers in attendance were slightly less than in previous years the interest, expertise and passion was as high as ever!

Five broad themes were canvassed and discussed with valuable input from all present.
They were greenhouse emissions, waste management, biodiversity, water conservation and community education.
The issues surrounding these important aspects were highlighted and prioritised.

The feeling amongst many of those present was that Glen Eira is making significant progress compared to several years ago and that the level of discussion and input from the community is now more highly recognised and valued.

One of new initiatives will be a forum solely on biodiversity scheduled for early 2012.

All the suggestions and priorities raised at the forum will be assessed by the environment committee for possible recommendation to Council as part of next years Environmental Sustainabilty Strategy (ESS).

Level Crossing workshop - more talk?

2011-08-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Recently Vicroads has been widely letter dropping in all the affected areas details of a forum/workshop they are conducting at Carnegie Library on Tues 6th September 630-830pm on level crossings on the Dandenong line.

All local residents in the area know this is the biggest issue in the area right thru from Caulfield to Oakleigh and Im not sure of the value of further 'workshops' -
Everyone knows what the problem is and what the solution is.

There needs to be a solid committment by the State Govt to fund this grade separation as soon as possible - Presently for the M/Beena rd crossing re previous posting there is $2.5m allocated to plan/study in this term and a further $150m if re-elected in 2014.Will be interested to see the outcomes of these workshops,

Community Environment forum Wed 31st Aug

2011-08-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Glen Eira Community Environment Forum will be held on Wednesday 31st August 730pm in the Caulfield Cup room at the town hall - cnr of Hawthorn and Glen Eira rds. - all welcome!

This is an important annual forum that will provide many of the priorities and actions for next years Environment Sustainability Strategy (ESS). It is also important to hear feedback on how the current ESS is performing and what changes are required to produce more effective results.

Recently Council has dealt with issues around public open spece, tree protection, including better environmental design in planning applications and sustainable transport and these and others are sure to be dicussed on the night.

The draft Carbon Reduction plan is currently out for public scrutiny until Sept 6th and this forum will provide further opportunity for comment.

The current ESS is listed in links bottom right.

draft Carbon Reduction plan released

2011-08-14T03:31:00.000-07:00

At last Tuesday's meeting Glen Eira's first draft Carbon Reduction plan was released for a 28 day public submission and comment period.

The plan is Item 9.3 in the minutes bottom right of screen.

In moving this motion and welcoming public comment, I outlined in my view the strengths and weaknneses of the draft plan- On the plus side the street light changeover over the next two years (reducing council's emission by 11-14%) is a major step forward with $2m budgeted over the next two year to change to more energy efficient T5 globes.

Other measures articulated in the action plan include the purchasing of hybrid council vehicles, Greenpower for 25% of councils electricity needs, increasing the uptake of the Eco-Buy purchasing program by 10% each year and utilising best practise low emmission manufactures concrete.

The Sports and Aquatic centre (GESAC) at Bentleigh about to come online presents a challenge in managing emmissions. This 24/7 facility will be powered primarily by convential sources ie brown coal- In the design of this facilty there is capacity to transform to co-generation energy sourcing and I will certainly be advocating for this in future years.

The major flaw with the plan as I see it is a lack of targets and vision about where GEs emissions should and will be in future- despite the actions it would seem to be an ever increasing upward trend!- will look forward to comments.

The annual Evironment Community Forum will be held on Wed 31st August 7pm Caulfield Cup room -

Back on line on Thurs 11th Aug

2011-08-06T01:12:00.000-07:00

Will be back on line after a short break with all the news on Thursday 11th Aug,
Cheers Neil

Community gardens in Glen Eira

2011-07-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

In response to several enquiries one of the potential projects i am currently looking at is the establishment of community gardens or urban orchards in our muncipality.

One very successful example is the gardens at the Uniting Church in Murrumbeena rd that have been estabilshed on previously vacant space surrounding the rear carpark-many groups young and old have gained hours of enjoyment and satisfaction from tending and caring for these lots.

Other great examples of what can be achieved include the gardens in Ringwood and St Kilda- see links bottom right.

This issue had been raised from time to time without much progress- there are wonderful opportunities for gardens such as these to become community focal points which i will continue to explore.

update GESAC/Bailey Reserve carpark extension approved

2011-07-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

In a disappointing decision at last night's meeting Councillors voted 5/2 to approve the proposed $450k GESAC(glen eira sports aquatic centre)car park extension into Bailey Reserve Bentleigh resulting in the loss of approx 1400m2(two house blocks)of public open space and the relocation of the present childrens playground.

I spoke of the need for a new Open Space strategy in Glen Eira (see prev post) that would define, value and plan for public open space- and would hopefully prevent ad hoc decisions like this where at the 11th hour and before a facility is even opened a demand is placed on our parkland.

Last year Council purchased two house blocks in Packer Park to improve, expand and complete the park frontage on Oakleigh rd.
Cr Tang correctly identified that this extension would break up Bailey Reserve in two and was at odds with the reasoning behind Council's previous decision in Packer Park.

Open Space vs extra GESAC car parking

2011-07-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

At this Tuesday night's meeting Councillors will vote on whether to extend further the new GESAC car park into Bailey Reserve with the relocating of the present playground.

Item 9.10 (under links bottom right) lists two carpark options - the first being a multi-level complex on the present planned carpark - to my mind a trojan horse option.

I have requested details of the amount of public open space that will be lost by the proposed extension-

GESAC is yet to open and its success quantified- nothing has changed since the amount of carparking was determined as an appropriate balance between the new facilty and surrounding open space. At the eleventh hour to make such changes I feel is poor policy and in line with my previous posting on the need for a new Public Open Space strategy in Glen Eira

Council childcare fees to rise steeply

2011-07-13T02:14:00.000-07:00

One of the significant price rises as passed in the recent Glen Eira 2011/12 budget was the steep rise in childcare fees as charged for those attending Council's centres.

The primary reason for these increases is the change in staff ratios in Victoria for 0-3 year old children from 1:5 to 1:4 to commence from Jan 2012 and are set out below;

• For 0–3 year olds from $85 to $91 per day (from 1 July to 31 December 2011)
• For 0–3 year olds from $91 to $116 per day (from 1 January to 30 June 2012)
• For 3–5 year olds from $79 to $85 per day.

Council took the view that the full amount should be passed onto families.
I advocated for a lesser amount as I felt other providers wouldn't pass on the full amount but instead absorb some of the cost leaving Council at the higher end of the market and not in a reasonable middle range of fees. This in turn would act as a deterrent to families utilising our excellent childcare service. Setting our fees so early before other providers added to this concern.

I will certainly be requesting a review of the fee situation as soon as a majority of providers have released their 2012 fee structure

New start for Murrumbeena shopping strip

2011-07-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

Over the past year as reported in a previous posting the Neerim rd shopping strip in Murrumbeena has sufferred a serious decline in patronage and vitality - This has been primarily because of the vitually non-operating state of the local IGA supermarket due to an ongoing lease dispute.

All business in the area has been affected severely as a walk through on any previously busy afternoon will confirm- Like banks or post-offices,local supermarkets are important features of any shopping strip - Having attended several traders association meetings the concerns were very real at this ongoing issue.

Pleased to confirm that there will be a re-opening of the store with new lease-holders on Monday July 11th and with a few celebrations. Hopefully this will be the start of the revitalisation of the shopping strip

GESAC update -basketball allocation put on hold

2011-06-30T23:37:00.000-07:00

At Tuesday nights council meeting the following motion below was passed unaminously which basically puts everything on hold until independent legal advice is obtained.
I feel at this stage it was the best possible motion that could have been passed.

Earlier in the night a petition of 781 signaturies in support of the Mckinnon Basketball Association and its bid for weekend allocation at the the new GESAC sports and aquatic facility was presented to Council - in front of a packed gallery of several hundred families and players,

As noted in previous postings I have been advocating strongly for a better outcome for our local community clubs and will continue to do so.

Item 12.4
Crs Lipshutz/Magee
That Council;
1. Reiterates Council’s desire to maximise community use of GESAC.
2. Recognises the expressions of interest of both Warriors Basketball
Association and McKinnon Basketball Association in supporting Council’s objectives at GESAC.
3. That Council seek independent legal advice as to whether the communication between Council and Warriors Basketball Association;
(a) constitutes a legally binding agreement; and
(b) stops Council from cancelling the allocation awarded to Warriors Basketball Association at GESAC.
4. That pending receipt of the legal advice Council not execute any agreement or contract with respect to the allocation of the basketball courts at GESAC.
5. That this resolution be incorporated within the public Minutes of this meeting.
The MOTION was put and CARRIED unanimously.

blog posting 4.45pm fri 1/7

Local Govt electoral review -

2011-06-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

Over the past four months an electoral review of Glen Eira has taken place. These reviews are undertaken through-out Victoria on a rotating regular basis.

An information night was held in February with submisssions subsequently invited. Several electoral models/variations were proposed that revolved primarily around the number of councillors in total and per ward, the ward boundaries and the naming of the wards.

The final report not unsurprisingly supports the present arrangements with some minor changes in the Camden/Rosstown boundary. Since the last review which introduced the present system little has changed. All the reasoning behind changing the then Mackie and Jasper wards to the now Tucker and Rosstown ones and aligning the boundaries with like suburbs I feel is still very relevent and welcome this final report which can be viewed in the links section - bottom right.

GESAC - local basketball association misses out

2011-06-17T01:33:00.000-07:00

As has been reported recently in our local papers the local Mckinnon Basketball Association has not been awarded the weekend usage rights for the new Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic centre in Bentleigh.

This decision was taken at an admin/officer delegated level not by Councillors -
However myself and other crs are certainly very concerned that the usage of a new rate-payer funded facility has been awarded to an out of municipality association - the Oakleigh Warriors

I would certainly prefer to see our local families and kids benefit from this excellent new facilty- at last Tues weeks council meeting the following motion was passed- I will certainly be working hard in the coming weeks for a better outcome for local families,

Item 10 – URGENT BUSINESS

Crs Magee/Pilling

“That Officers report to Council on the awarding of the use of GESAC basketball courts. This report should include details of requests for Expressions of Interest letters offers and acceptances copies of draft contracts, and responds to the claims contained in the letter by James Cody Treasurer of the McKinnon Basketball Association of the 1st June 2011 and should also cover the capacity of the Oakleigh Warriors to honour their commitment.

2. That the report include by way of separate appendix a copy of the proposed contractual terms to Oakleigh Warriors and Council not submit any written contract to Oakleigh Warriors until Council has considered same.

3. That this resolution be incorporated in the public minutes of this meeting, and

4. The report should include the cost of hire of like courts at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.” AMENDMENT

Crs Hyams/Tang

In part four delete the word ‘at’ and replace with the word ‘including’.

The AMENDMENT was put and CARRIED on the casting vote of the Chairperson and on becoming the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION was again put and CARRIED unanimously.

Carnegie outdoor pool - our other swim centre

2011-06-15T04:24:00.000-07:00

With much of the current attention focused on the opening and usage of the new Glen Eira sports and aquatic centre (GESAC) at years end it is timely to consider the present arrangements and funding for our other pool at Carnegie in Koornang Rd.

Similar to previous years $205k is allocated in this years draft budget for maintenance and repairs. In April 2010 Council passed a motion that supported the present situation - and noted that any potential refurbishment of the centre would be considered after the opening of GESAC.

There will come a 'crunch decision' time most probably early in the next council term when councillors will have to decide the future of the Carnegie Pool - The age and state of the present facilities mean a significant refurbishment is required.

My concern has always and remains that the cost ($45m) and success of GESAC will be used as a reason in future not to invest in this upgrade. This much loved and used community facilty should be upgraded as soon as reasonably possible - There are many attractive features of the pool including the space and its unique diving section - features that will compliment not compete against the new Bentleigh facility.

At present there are no funds in our ten year Strategic Resource Plan (SRP) for this upgrade - i will continue to strongly advocate on this issue.

Public Open Space in Glen Eira - new strategy needed

2011-06-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

packer park
The last public open space strategy in Glen Eira was undertaken way back in 1998-

Much has changed since then!

An increasing population, planning scheme changes, higher density developments and the effects of climate change all have contributed to place greater pressures on our public open space. A new strategy that takes account of these and future changes is urgently needed and I raised this recently at an environment advisory committee meeting on behalf of the local Glen Eira Environment Group.

A thorough upto date strategy is essential especially in Glen Eira's case which is widely acknowledged as having the lowest amount of public open space of any metropolitan municipality-This was documented in the Victorian Evironmental Assesment committee (VEAC) report and findings in 2010.

There are many issues that a new strategy would consider including how to spend the open space contibution levy from new developments- whether this to be used to acquire new open space or simply maintain existing parks, the 1998 strategy suggested a 50/50 split that wasn't acted on.Precisely defining public open space as opposed to park infrustructure is another issue.

As we have seen in recent times on issues like the former Mckinnon bowling club site in Packer Park, Council I feel is making decisions on public open space in an ad hoc manner-and would be better served by a modern strategy that outlines present and future plans for all our open space.

update - Notice of Motion - voted down

2011-06-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

As an update to the previous posting unfortunately my alternative motion to introduce a Notice of Motion - the ability for councillors under prescribed guidelines to have items placed on the council agenda - was lost at last nights meeting by a vote of 4/3 against with one cr abstaining and one apology.

Whist not unexpected this was still a disappointing outcome- i argued of the benefits of giving crs the full range of agenda options and against the overstated 'doom and gloom' scenerios that were countered with.

Notice of Motion in Glen Eira- proposed introduction

2011-06-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

A Notice of Motion is where councillors in line within prescibed guidelines can have an item placed on a council meeting agenda. Glen Eira is one of a very few councils that doesn't provide for this option in their local laws.

In item 9.11 on this Monday nights council meeting there is a report on this issue- I propose to move an alternative motion that will provide for this in our local law as explained in an email sent to all councillors earlier today.

"I will be seeking support on Monday night for Glen Eira to (re)introduce a notice of motion into its local law- Proposed alternate motion 9.11- that

1. Council supports the introduction of a new local law that provides councillors with a notice of motion provision.
2. Council requests the Local Law Committee draft this new local law .

As i understand the vast majority of councils in Victoria have this option available - as of 18mths ago 76 out of 79 did with Glen Eira ,Port Phillip and Maribrynong the only ones not to. Not aware of changes since then.

The premise of the 9.11 report seems to be that we as councillors aren't capable of responsibily utilising this option-

I would disagree , all our other benchmark councils provide Crs with this procedure of introducing items onto the council agenda.I feel we should be accorded the same agenda options as the vast majority of our fellow crs and have greater faith in us as elected community representatives than the report would suggest.

A notice of motion does give more opportunity for Crs to raise issues that aren't of the 'majority' view or need 'majority' approval- in my mind a healthy and desirable feature of local govt that encourages diverse debate on a wider range of issues and goes some way to alleviate majority blocs controlling agendas -

Both Kingston and Bayside have for example clear guidelines that easily negate any of the so-called technical hurdles raised in the report.

Urgent Business has to be deemed just that - Requesting a report- turnaround is dependent on officers availablity and workload-
- As elected community representatives i feel we are responsible enough to raise any important issue in a constructive and timely way. A notice of motion encourages this and should be reintroduced back into our local law".

welcome your comments and support

PROUD exhibition opened at GE gallery

2011-06-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the pleasure of opening the latest exhibition 'FOUND'at the Town Hall gallery. Above are examples of work by Lauren Berkowitz nd Donna Marcus respectively.

This is a very interesting exhibition by prominent Melbourne artists utilsing everyday materials to create an impressive array of exihibits.

Found

Opens 10am Thursday 2 June and continues until 5pm Sunday 26 June

Glen Eira City Council’s annual thematic exhibition Found will feature sculptures, installations and assemblages by major contemporary Australian artists Lauren Berkowitz, Louise Paramor, Donna Marcus, Dani Marti and Carl Scrase, united by their experimentation with industrial, domestic and everyday materials.

Curated by Diane Soumilas, works that address current issues relating to contemporary life and consumer culture, recycling and our relationship with the environment, history, identity and memory will be included.

From small and large scale assemblages and sculptures utilising industrial materials and suburban utensils, to dynamic installations created from synthetic and everyday materials, the selection of works will engage viewers, providing a richly layered, immersive effect.

I would encourage everyone to attend this free event over the next few weeks

Streetlighting changeover - emissions reduction

2011-05-20T01:59:00.000-07:00

One of the larger new initiatives in this years draft budget is $1m of a $2m program to convert and upgrade the muncipalities streetlights to more modern energy efficient T5 globes.

This program once completed will reduce council's total emmissions by approx 14%.This is an even more significant with the new GESAC sports and aquatic centre opening in late 2011. This major facilty will run 24/7 and be powered primarily from conventional coal-fired energy (showers only from solar).

The prospect of Glen Eira becoming a carbon neutral council have become inctreasingly remote in the present circumstances. The streetlight conversion is one of the most cost effective way of reducing councils emissions with a payback period of around six/seven years - the change over will deliver savings in the order of $300k given the forecast of rising electricity costs and I was supportive of this program.

Unfortunately in my view one of the casualities of providing funding for streetlight program has been the freezing of Council's purchasing of Greenpower for its facilities at 25% - instead of continueing an annual 5% rise as identified in the Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS).

Volunteering in Glen Eira

2011-05-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday and Thursday night I had the pleasure of attending Glen Eira's annual Volunteers Awards and Recognition nights. These are held during National Volunteers Week and recognise and celebrate the fantastic work that so many perform in our community.

This year there were 291 recipients who had donated from 500 hours thru to upto ten years of continuous service to their respective group.

From scouting, through elderly citizens to childrens playgroups the whole range of groups in our community was represented. An excellent night with entertainment and supper provided.

Congratulations and thankyou to all those who help so willingly!

2011/12 Glen Eira draft Budget

2011-05-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

At last nights special meeting Council considered the proposed draft budget for advertising and for public submission.

An amended version from that published in the agenda was passed by a narrow majority instead sets rates at 6.5% and downsizes the sports ground drought-tolerant grass program from four to two ovals this year.

I spoke in favor of the proposed draft that would have set rates at 6.95% - with many future and past projects like GESAC needing to be adequately funded I argued that we need to grow our revenue base in a modest, measured way to meet these funding challenges. The compounding affect over time is also very significant and importantly the Strategic Resource plan (SRP)as adopted the previous meeting was based on the higher rate.

Major budget items in the draft include:
GESAC $7.58m to complete the sports and aquatic facilty in Bentleigh
Duncan Mckinnon new pavillion $5.5m (out of 8.8m total)for construction
Streetlight Conversion to energy efficient T5 globes $1m (out of 2m total)
- this is a two year program that will significant reduce council emissions with a payback period of 6/7 years on the back of rising electricity costs.
Roads, Drainage and Footpaths rolling programs maintained at $4.95m,$3.29m and $1.73m respectively
Bicycle Strategy $446k to undertake high priority actions-the SRP allocates $400k for the years after to complete the 2m strategy.

All details of the draft budget noting the above amendments can be found in the lower right links section.

Public submissions very welcome and close June 9th.

2011/12 Draft Budget- special council meeting Tues 10th May

2011-05-10T00:12:00.000-07:00

There will be a Special Council meeting this Tuesday night at 7pm to consider the 2011/12 Draft Budget and whether to advertise and invite public submissions.

Details are at available on the GE council homepage - in the links section.

Will follow up with an overview of the draft budget highlighting some of the initiatives especially on sustainabilty including funding for the bicycling strategy and improved streetlighting efficiency.

EWaste collection day-next Sun 15th May

2011-05-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

The third electronic waste (ewaste) collection day where unwanted computers, monitors televisions etc can be dropped off will be held at

Sunday 15th May 8am - 4pm
carpark Moorleigh Community Centre
90-92 Bignell Rd East Bentleigh

It is a drive-in drive-out efficient process with staff collecting the items from carboots.

The previous collection days at Carnegie and Caulfield have been incredibly successful with record amounts collected-Almost all of the items collected can be broken down and recycled,reducing what would otherwise go to landfill.
The recent State budget raised landfill costs 10% above the prev govt's projected increases to a now $44 per tonne in 2011/12- in 08/09 it was $9 per tonne!

The Environmental Advisory committee will meet shortly to consider recommendations for further ewaste initiatives in the next financial year.

Levels Crossings in Glen Eira and the State Budget

2011-05-05T01:59:00.000-07:00

As one who resides near the Murrumbeena Rd railway level crossing I certainly understand the problems caused particularily during the peak hour periods.

It's not only motorists but cyclists and pedestrians alike who are frequently stuck with the boom gates down (upto 38 mins in the hour as reported in a recent article in the Age)- My record is waiting for eight trains - heard of higher amounts.

In the recent State budget brought down last Tuesday there is some funding for grade separation in Glen Eira .

Both Ormond (Nth rd) and Murrumbeena Rd level crossings have been allocated $150m each for grade separation -However the only amount spent in the 2010-14 term with be $12.5m and $2.5m on each of the respective sites for planning-

from press release
" The Budget also provides funding for planning the removal of level crossings at: Mountain Highway and Scoresby Road, Bayswater; North Road, Ormond; Blackburn Road, Blackburn; and Burke Road, Glen Iris. The Coalition has also identified Main Road, St Albans, and Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena as priority projects".

Many of the worst crossings incl M/beena, Carnegie, Hughesdale with Ormond on the electoral boundary are in the now more marginal State seat of Oakleigh which may help the future prospects of resolving this issue!

full details - http://www.budget.vic.gov.au/budget.html

Tree Protection register for Glen Eira

2011-05-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

At last weeks meeting councillors voted to introduce for the first time in Glen Eira a significant tree register that will protect the best of our municpalities trees currently unprotected.

The full details,description and criteria for this register is covered in pages of item of meeting minutes below ( page 72-76 item 9.6).
http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Files/April27-2011-MINUTES.pdf

This has been a long time coming and marks an important step forward. This is a fairly moderate approach. Saying that it was still quite a battle to get this up- as I understand this was the fourth or fifth attempt over many years.

Whilst most owners are certainly very responsible there have been problems with the removal of significant trees in the past with ownership changes- this register will help address this.

C60 amendment adopted -

2011-05-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday night 28th April the Caulfield Racecourse Precinct Special Committee adopted the C60 amendment with changes to restrict height , student housing and improve on-site car parking- text below from the speech I gave in support-

Item 5.1 amendment C60-
Moved Cr. Neil Pilling 28/04/2011
I propose to move motion 5.1 as printed with the addition of the following words at the end of recommendation 3: "and implementation of the agreement relating to the centre of the reserve approved by Council on 27 April 2011".

In considering this motion I along with the rest of the committee have carefully analysed all the key issues and the implications for this scale of potential development on the C60 site.

This rezoning amendment does not authorise any construction. Development will be dependant on Council approval of the following plans on environmental management, integrated transport ,car parking management ,drainage management ,landscape plan and waste and recycling management.

There has been an extensive consultation process over an extended period of time that has allowed for community input and discussion during which time the special committee has listened to the concerns and issues raised. I would certainly like to thank everyone for their input.
Consultation on C60 has included
-exhibition of the amendment 19 November – 21 December 2009
-the planning conference of 8 February 2010
-six days of hearings before the independent panel in May 2010
-public release of the panel’s report, July 2010.
-public consultation meeting on 4 April 2011.

The C60 site is a large unique parcel of land situated immediately next to a major suburban railway station at the intersection of the two main railway lines that service South-East Melbourne. It is close to main roads, retail outlets, education facilities and without the level crossings found in other areas of Glen Eira. A large proportion of the site at the eastern end does not abut residential properties.

In all aspects this is a site that encourages urban consolidation and the use of public transport - a site that I believe is suitable for a large scale development that will encourage and provide increased housing in Melbourne’s middle suburban belt whilst reducing the pressure for endless suburban sprawl on the cities fringes

Melbourne cannot continue to grow randomly and endlessly – In a world fast moving towards peak oil and the need to reduce our carbon footprint in limiting the effects of climate change, consolidating and intensifying housing in appropriate areas becomes a necessity – this view is supported and is evident in our current State planning laws.

As outlned for each precinct in the incorporated plan "a sustaintable design response will be required in all buildings, where orientation, sun-shading, ventilation, sustainable material specification and/or environmental systems are employed to meet sustainabilty objectives".

Height limits will be imposed on all areas contained in C60.
The proposal would be scaled from two to three stories with setbacks at the residential Kambrook Rd end through the range of three to eight stories in the middle precincts to a limit of upto twenty stories in the Smith St precinct next to the Caulfield Railway Station.

The Section 173 (infrastructure agreement) lists seven key projects that the MRC must provide for. These are worth approx $7-9m and include three infrastructure projects that are outside C60; the signalisation of a reconfigured underpass intersection, a safe pedestrian link between C60 and the station and an upgrade of the Kambrook Rd-Station St intersection.

There will be an Open Space contribution requirement across all of the C60 site, including non-residential land uses. Four per cent will apply to the residential precinct and Five per cent to the mixed use and Smith St precincts. The five per cent requirement for the commercial precincts is higher than what VCAT normally applies for commercial developments and was inserted upon Councils request. As I understand these rates are higher than for other recent developments in Glen Eira

The residential parking provisions anticipated are in accordance with and are consistant with Res-Code requirements- As well the parking rates for the retail outlets are generous in comparison to other recent developments such as the ten storey bldg in Rippon Grove Elsternwick recently approved by VCAT. In addition, car parking restrictions will be established in surrounding residential streets in consultation with residents and at the cost of the C60 applicant

Traffic ie car congestion already exists throughout much of our municipality including the Caulfield area and will continue to be so regardless of C60- the solution lies in better providing for improved transport and traffic options.
An approach that restricts and handicap developments based on past outmoded transport practices misses the point and opportunity to create future urban improvements.

In summary- In considering carefully this decision, I believe the C60 amendment and the proposed development that may follow is an appropriate usage for this site.
With the inclusion of the extra height limit and the student housing permit conditions in the recommendations plus the other aspects outlined above, I feel the potential impacts and issues that have been raised during the consultation process have been reasonably addressed and satisfied. Thank you

Caulfield Racecourse centre -agreement approved

2011-04-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

During the week there were several important decisions by Council including;
Caulfield Racecourse - use - item 9.12 Council Meeting Wed 27th April
The draft agreement between Council and the Melbourne Racing Club was approved ;
My speech in seconding the item;
This draft agreement I believe represents and provides for a solid foundation for the present and future improvement of the access, amenity and usage by the community of the racecourse centre.
Through this agreement, the MRC can no longer deny the wider community its due rights to share the racecourse on equal terms and should continue to engage and improve community involvement on the crown land it occupies and shares.
If adapted this agreement will be viewed in future years as a productive beginning not a culmination of that involvement. Our negotiating team have done a commendable job in brokering this agreement given the reality of being in the present negotiation process conducted between Council and the Melbourne Racing Club.

There will need to be ongoing co-operation between both parties to ensure that all aspects of this agreement are fulfilled and delivered- this will require the continued goodwill on both sides.
As well as the on-ground aspects, this agreement is a demonstration of good faith and a willingness to work together in delivering the better outcomes the agreement outlines. This approach should be encouraged.

The key features of the agreement are:
New Amenities - as the attached diagram shows the centre will be developed with five major usage areas namingly
-a bbq and picnic area including toilets and public parking
-lakeside fishing and boardwalk area
-fenced off-leash dog and agility exercise area
-grassed soccer and passive open recreation fields
-fitness and exercise zone including jogging/walking paths and on-leash dog walking

These are all significant advances on the current arrangements as are the following;
- Fencing removed - over a staggered timeframe the majority of the perimeter fencing around the racecourse will be removed including the entire Queen St frontage, noting that there is a willingness by the MRC to complete this large section sooner than the agreed five years.
- Community events - there will be four community events per annum staged in the centre - an important aspect of the agreement that will bring large numbers of residents into the racecourse and provide a sense of awareness and appreciation of the new facilities and the site in general.
- Parking - the parking arrangements which restrict parking in the centre on the whole to race and the ten major event days whilst acknowledging aren’t ideal are workable. I accept they were the best arrangements that could be agreed by both parties in the conducted negotiations.
- Improved public access - there will be better public access through the provision of a new separated walkway in the tunnel and also a pedestrian walkway opened up from Glenhuntly Park in Neerim rd – there will be unrestricted access to the entire centre from 930am on all available days.
-Funding - the MRC will pay for and fund all improvements except those on council land or will share costs where on boundaries ie Queens St fence removal.
-Timeline - all the improvements outlined in the agreement have been given reasonable definitive timeframes to be completed .
To reject this agreement as some of my collegues are urging would place at great risk the entire range of community benefits negotiated and also the future co-operation and the good-will advanced between parties to deliver these. This would be a retrograde step- a risk I am not prepared to take. This item is not about past history, personal crusades, personalities or individual grievences – its about delivering tangible real benefits now and continuing to do so whilst building upon these in the future years ahead.
As such I will be supporting this motion.

upcoming Council Meetings 27th and 28th April

2011-04-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

There will be two meetings of Council of significant interest next week-

Wednesday 27th April 7.30pm- scheduled Council Meeting that includes item 9.12 - the draft agreement as recently negotiated between Council and the Melbourne Racing Club on the future use and amenity of the racecourse centre and perimeter fencing.

http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Files/April27-2011AGENDA.pdf

Thursday 28th April 7.00pm - meeting of the Caulfield Racecourse Precinct Special Committee that will consider whether to approve (adoption) or abandon the Melbourne Racing Club planning scheme amendment C60.

http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Files/April28-Caulfield-Racec-Prec-Sp-Comm-AGENDA.pdf

Recycling rates increase in Glen Eira

2011-04-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

Last year there was a tremendous take-up of the bin downsizing program throughout the municipality- Approx 60% of households changed over to a 120 litre size weekly garbage bin- the standard size thoughout metopolitan Melbourne. Before the change-over Glen Eira were relatively wooden spooners on the recycling ladder- recent figures contrasting a year ago indicate this has now changed. From a 34% rate for diversion from landfill to now 44.9% is a great improvement - - total recycling (recylables and green waste) is now 30% higher - total garbage is 15% lower We are also now spending less on landfill costs saving approx $250k per year - good for the environment and the balance sheet!

Transport Strategy- draft released

2011-04-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

At last weeks council meeting a draft of the first Glen Eira transport strategy was endorsed for public consultation. This is an important step forward in addressing many of the transport and related congestion problems in Glen Eira. It addresses improvements in all modes of transport including walking and cycling. Of particular merit is the action plan around schools and shopping centres in providing for safer amenity for pedestrians of all ages. The draft is avaliable for public comment till June 1st. http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Files/Transport_Strategy.pdf

Mulch Shed to close-Glenhuntly Park

2011-04-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

At last Tuesday nights meeting Council voted to close the mulch facilty at Glenhuntly Park. Item 9.7 dealt with this issue -http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Files/April05-2011AGENDA.pdf an independent consultant had been engaged in Nov 2010 to investigate potential health risks and operating procedures at the site in Neerim rd and prepare a report-

This report made the following recommendations -
1) Prevent large accumulation or build-up of mulch material at the site, (i.e. contain as is reasonably practicable the mulch stockpile within the confines of the current storage area. If necessary stockpile the material at a Council deport and truck it to the Neerim Road facility as required.
2) Provide training, instructions, information and appropriate personal protective equipment to Council employees likely to come in contact with this material.
3) The personal protective equipment that is recommended for Council employees handling the mulch material is disposal dust mask (P2), gloves and washing of hands after use.
4) Install a localized fine mist spray system that can be activated, with a push button to dampen dust, for members of the public, to use when collecting mulch.
5) Provide warning signage and flyers in waterproof container with a warning notice that mulch users can take away for reference purposes.
6) Personal protective equipment is also recommended for members of the public, but this is a recommendation that should be communicated through signage at the site as per the warnings that appear on commercially available products -

The mulch facilty is very close to a childrens playground and also Glen Eira secondary school-Ultimately I felt whilst acknowledging that the risk of bacterial infection was low it was still unacceptable and the present facilty was in a very poor location-as such I was happy to support Cr. Penhalluriack's motion to close the facilty.

local shopping strip - Murrumbeena

2011-03-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

The current somewhat perilous state of the Neerim rd Murrumbeena shopping strip continues. As local shoppers understand full well over the past six months there has been a rolling saga of leasing problems with the IGA supermarket (next to Bendigo Bank) closing and re-opening on reduced hours with vitually no stock on the shelves - can imagine what it was like in the post-war rations times! The IGA supermarket like the bank or postoffice is an integral part of the shopping strip which attracts custom for all the other shops. Near the station it is perfectly positioned to capture the growing needs of the local community. The net result of this situation is that the shopping strip has become very quiet with many locals opting to go to Carnegie and business down everywhere- The local traders association is certainly anxious that this situation be resolved as soon as possible. As I understand there is likely to be a new lease agreement finalised soon - which will enable the shop to reopen at full capacity and hopefully over time help restore the strip to its former busy self-the sooner the better i would think!

Bicycle Infrastructure spending in Glen Eira

2011-03-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

A recent Bicycle Victoria report analysing local govt expenditure across all the 79 municipalities in the state gave Glen Eira a poor ranking in terms of current and past investment over a four year time frame.

the full report is at
http://www.bv.com.au/file/file/BiXE%202010_02_12.pdf

One of the most interesting aspects is the graph on page 11 that gives a listing of the per capita spending across 31 Metro councils over the past four years- Glen Eira comes in at fourth from the bottom.

Glen Eira does have a very good Bicycling Strategy released in 2010 that needs increased funding - last year council allocated $100k in the 2010/11 budget - there is certainly a lot of scope for a very significant increase this year.

Open Day - Murrumbeena Playgroup this Sat 19th March

2011-03-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Murrumbeena playgroup is one of the largest in our muncipality- it has been providing a great fun and safe environment for pre-school children to meet and play most days of the week for over thirty years, an achievement in itself!

My daughters and myself certainly enjoyed regularly attending the group a decade ago.

This Saturday the 19th from 10am to 2pm there will be an open day at the Community of Christ hall site-cnr Dalny and Poath rds Hughesdale which I will be very pleased to attend.

There will be refreshments ,stalls and plenty of enjoyable activities . Be great to see many past and present children and parents there.

Rosstown Street Stall - Carnegie - Sat 26th March

2011-03-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

Come along have your say and meet your local Rosstown ward councillors.

When - Saturday 26th March 10 - 12pm

Where- Koornang Rd Carnegie (outside library)

Along with Crs Margaret Esakoff and Steven Tang , I will be very keen to listen and hear about any issues and concerns.

update- Elsternwick Childcare Centre

2011-03-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

from a press release dated Thursday 4th March

***-Glen Eira City Council has written to Alfred Health regarding its preferred options for the ongoing provision of child care in the Elsternwick area.

In May last year, Alfred Health informed Council that it would not extend the lease on the Kooyong Road building, which has been home to Elsternwick Children’s Centre for more than 20 years.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Margaret Esakoff said Council’s preference is for the Centre to remain open under the current lease arrangements.

"This arrangement has been working well for the last 20 years and Council would like to see it continue — as would the families who have and do currently utilise the centre," Cr Esakoff said.
"However, if Alfred Health is unable to commit to an ongoing lease then Council will seek to build a new childcare centre on available Crown land currently part of the Caulfield Campus of Alfred Health.

"Council believes a new purpose-built centre will not only provide a greater security of tenure, but an improved child care offering for the area."

Cr Esakoff said Council intends to discuss the availability of Crown land with Local Members of Parliament and Ministers.

"Assuming Crown land is made available, Council also intends to seek a commitment from Alfred Health that the current lease arrangement continues until such time as the new centre is built,"
Cr Esakoff said- ***

comment:
This is positive progress in resolving the present uncertain future of the centre. There are still significant hurdles to overcome though, chiefly securing available crown land for a new centre possibly in the north-east area of the Kooyong rd (Caulfield Hospital)site.

Also obtaining a 'bridging lease' that allows the present ECC to continue operating after Xmas Eve this year when the current lease is due to expire.

Local parents have advocated and campaigned strongly on how important this childcare service is to their community and I will continue to work hard to support an ongoing council-run childcare service in the Elsternwick area

EWASTE Collection day update

2011-02-28T08:41:00.000-08:00

The collection day held last Sunday at the Town Hall was another resounding success.

Over 1300 cars delivered importantly approx 50 tonnes! of ewaste that will be almost fully recycled.

A great turnout

Caulfield Racecourse- motion passed

2011-02-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

At last Tuesday's 22nd Feb meeting Council unanimously passsed the following motion;

Council’s vision for the Crown Land known as the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve be codified so that the State Government has a clear and unambiguous picture of how Council envisions the land to be shared between the uses of a racecourse, a public recreation ground and a public park, as follows.

1-That the opaque fences be replaced by palisade fencing as soon as possible;
2-That the centre of the circumferential training tracks be fenced off and the general public be given exclusive and unrestricted access via the tunnel from Glen Eira Road to this entire area;
3-That the MRC landscape this area to plans and specifications to be agreed with Council, but which will include sporting ovals, areas for passive use, change areas and toilets;
4-That a firm timetable be set for the expeditious removal of horse training from the CRR so the Crown Land used for training can be made progressively available for unrestricted public use.
5-Aside from the tunnel, further public access should be provided to the new public park.
6-No car parking is permitted in the new park area other than for users of that facility.
7. That the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve be administered by an Independent Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust not dominated by any one group.

I was very pleased to support this motion moved and seconded by Crs Penhalluriack and Forge and viewed it as an important step forward in resolving the present inequitable situation

Ewaste collection day - Town Hall Sun Feb 27th

2011-02-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

The next ewaste collection day will be held at the Town Hall carpark (cnr Hawthorn and Glen Eira rds) from 8am to 4pm.

This is the second of three collection days scheduled for this financial year after council last year allocated upto $ 64k to trial this service in each ward.

The first held in Carnegie in October was a resounding success with approx 27 tonnes of ewaste that included the likes of TVs and computers collected for recycling that otherwise would have ended up in landfill.

Ewaste that is being put out with hard rubbish has been an ever increasing problem especially in recent years as anyone driving or riding around the streets of Glen Eira will testify to. The practical enactment of national codes governing this problem is still several years away - these days provide some opportunity for residents to dispose of their ewaste in an environmentally responsible way.

Flooding in Boyd Park Murrumbeena

2011-02-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night I rode down to Boyd Park to witness the effects of the torrential downpour that was occurring.

Amazing sights with the northern end of the park a lake and Wilson st towards Dandenong Rd an over metre deep torrent with a strong current which was a battle to get thru.

Cars parked in Wilson St were beginning to float and roll- Many of the houses on both sides of the park were unfortunately on the verge of being flooded with water approaching the verandahs.

Was sheltering in the BBQ area making a call on when over a few minutes torrents of water started sweeping down from the streets to the north, - the streets had become small rivers!

In December council voted to match a Federal govt grant of $500k to construct a 1.5million litre underground reservoir under Boyd Park that will help to alleviate flooding on both sides of the park and allow stormwater captured to be used for irrigation of Boyd and other parks.

It was quite a battle to see this approved but feel the ensuring circumstances that are predicted to happen more frequently in the future have certainly endorsed this decision

Elsternwick Childcare Centre- to close?

2011-02-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

The Elsternwick Childcare Centre (ECC) at 469 Kooyong Rd has been providing quality childcare for the community for the past 22 years on a site leased from Alfred Health (who run the Caulfield hospital)

Alfred Health gave notice last year of its intention not to renew the lease arrangement beyond Xmas Eve 2011 and is currently participating in a review of its Kooyong Rd sites.

This potientially means the closure of one of our four council-run community childcare centres.

These centres play an important role in providing quality , local childcare and providing an excellent choice for many parents. With waiting lists and few vacancies for childcare places in this area any withdrawal of council services from this sector would compound an already growing problem.

I have been advocating strongly over the past six months that council should do everything it can to secure the centre's future and in October seconded the following motion

"In order to ensure the continuity of childcare in Elsternwick and align Elsternwick Children’s Centre with Council’s other long day care centres, Council seek the assistance of state government to use all means available to enable the land at 269 Kooyong Rd Elsternwick (lots 3 and 4) to continue to be used as a childcare centre as it has for the past 21 years"

The Save Local Childcare group formed as a response to this situation and have been very active in highlighting the importance of and campaigning for the centres future.

E-Waste collection day in Carnegie

2010-09-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

E-Waste , electronic waste that includes discarded TVs and computers is a growing problem across all municipalities.

Whilst the vast bulk of this waste is able to be recycled up,until now in Glen Eira this has all ended up in landfill as part of the hard rubbish collection- one has to only drive around our streets to see the exent of the problem.

In this years budget council has allocated funds to run three e-waste collection days across the wards . Residents will be able to responsibly discard of all their ewaste at these drop off points.

The first day will be held at the

Carnegie Pool carpark
Moira Ave
off Koornang Rd Carnegie

Saturday 9th October
8am - 4pm

Mary Walsh

2010-06-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Mary Walsh last week-

Mary was a great character who championed many local and broader issues.

While we agreed to disagree on several important issues, I certainly admired her tenacity and efforts as a community activist and fondly remember many lively discussions.

Condolences and sympathies to Kevin and family

draft Glen Eira Bicycle Strategy released

2010-06-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

The GE draft Bicycle Strategy has recently been released for community comment.

The strategy is a comprehensive plan that was developed over the past six months and involved two public consultation meetings.

The last GE strategy was formulated in 2000 and much as changed in the past ten years. Where previously cycling was seen as primarily a recreation open space related activity, increasingly across Melbourne it is now viewed as an important mode of sustainable transport that is vital to relieving traffic congestion and contibuting to a more liveable city.

This is indeed true in Glen Eira. Our relatively flat terrain and gridlike network of roadways lends itself to good bikeways. This is not just about cyclists its about creating a safe and efficient transport network for all - pedestrians and car drivers included.

The strategy is costed at $2.1 million over upto ten years. A significant proportion of this -upto approx 40% can be externally funded .

Presently $100k is allocated in our draft budget for 2010/11. I would like to see this increased to allow for a bold and serious start in implementing this strategy.

Details at - submissions close Friday 2nd July
http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Files/draft_Glen_Eira_Bicycle_Strategy_v3.2.pdf

Community Participation in Council Committees

2010-05-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

This is an issue I have recently raised with other councillors- I would like to see our committees here in Glen Eira opened up to members of the community to enable and encourage participation and input.

A good example/model is Willoughby council in NSW-http://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Committee-List.html
where ALL committee meetings are open to the public who can participate and engage in discussions.These meetings are advertised with set dates throughout the year-

This would also rejuvenate our committees and enable a broader range of views to be expressed.I would like to see more community participation in Glen Eira along these lines.

Welcome readers comments.

Glen Eira votes unaminously to retain aquatic facilities in Carnegie‏

2010-05-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

At Tuesday nights council meeting I moved an amendment to item 9.8 - a report on GESAC (glen eira sports and aquatic centre-bentleigh) progress and recent attendance figures at Carnegie Pool-

that council

a- continue to operate Carnegie Pool

b- is committed to retaining aquatic facilities at this site

c-undertake research and community consultation once GESAC is operating

Pleased to report that this was voted for unaminously.

An important step forward!

Full details at http://www.gleneria.vic.gov.au/ clicking onto council and community.

From the Chamber - COUNCIL MEETING 27TH APRIL

2010-05-02T01:34:00.000-07:00

The council meeting was rather short but contain several important items- Full minutes can be seen by clicking on the council link below right and going to meetings.

Leamington Cres development - council voted to approve the amended plans for a 3 storey 34 dwelling apartment complex. This site is at the junction of the Frankston and Dandenong railways lines on the approach to Caulfield stn. Even though technically this site is zoned minimal change - the uniqueness of the site and its closeness to public transport and the pheonix precinct was deemed good justification to approve this development.

VCAT Watch- a particularliy disappointing result was the decision to allow the construction of two double storey attached buildings at 10 Packer st Murrumbeena, a street covered by the Boyd Park Significant Character Area (SCA). In somewhat of a first for this area VCAT overuled a previous refusal notice by council to grant a permit, giving little weight to the SCA policy.

The planning scheme review currently taking place will consider stronger neighbourhood character protection for the SCAs in our municipality- it would seem a very timely move!

Council Plan and Strategic Resource Plan- both plans will be advertised and submissions are welcome until the closing date of 27 May. Full details at http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/

Environmental Sustainablity Strategy - this strategy was developed with input from those attending the Glen Eira environmental forum in July 09 and with reccomendations from the Environ. Advisory Committee.-some of the initiatives include

- the funding for ewaste collection days in each ward

- the introduction and implentation of a carbon neutral plan for council.

- an increase on the uptake of Greenpower electricity use to 25% of all council operations

the ESS is currently being highlighted on the home page of GE website - link bottom right

with final date for comments/submission on 15 June 2010.

Glen Eira planning scheme review - Rosstown Consultation Meeting this thursday

2010-04-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Glen Eira is presently undertaking a review of its planning scheme. Public consulatation meetings are being held in each ward. These meetings are an opportunity for residents to have their say about various planning issues in the community including-

* any zoning or overlay inconsistancies
* the effectiveness of having significant character areas
* the use of structure plans for activity centres
* transitioning from housing diversity to minimal change areas
* emerging issues such as the relevency and need of master plans by institutions
* use of development contributions (eg open space and drainage)

Thursday 29 April (rosstown ward)
7-9pm
Packer Park hall
Leila rd Carnegie

Monday 3 May (camden ward)
7-9pm
Caulfied Park pavilion
off Balaclava rd
Caulfield

full details of the consultation and review process can be viewed at
www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Files/Planning_Scheme_Review.PDF

From the Chamber - COUNCIL MEETING 7TH APRIL

2010-04-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

The meeting last Tuesday night was relatively short but did cover some important items which are highlighted below- full minutes are available at the GE link and then by clicking on council and community.

Animal Management Committee- an amendment to the minutes was moved and passed to engage a consultant to report back to council on the feasibliity , costs and parameters regarding undertaking a review of Glen Eira's present off-leash regulations and areas. The admendment in full read as follows:

"that the recommendations of the committtee be adopted except that, in relation to 6b of the minutes of the animal management advisory committee , Council resolves to invite experts in animal mangement, including Harlock Jackson Pty Ltd and Jeavons and Jeavons Pty Ltd, to provide a quote to prepare a report setting out recommendations as to the requirements for a comprehensive review of Council's off-leash areas, including the 50 metre rule having regard to to Councils Domestic Animal Management plan. The report should include methodology, a timeline , the issues to be considered and the potential cost of a such a review. The quotes should come to council in order for Council to determine who should provide the report."

The motion was put and carried unanimously.

comment- I fully supported this initiative as I understand there hasn't been a full review on this issue since 1996.

Glen Eira Toilet draft strategy
This comprehensive draft strategy was welcomed by council as a significant step forward.
It indentifies improvements and upgrades for this important public amenity.Included were findings from an extensive consultation process. The strategy will be placed on public exhibition with submissions welcomed.

Some of the key reccomendations were;
- that fully automated toilets continue to be installed in our park and reserve areas.
- a semi-automated 'hybrid' style facility be trialed and if successful used in our high use areas such as shopping strips.
- the adoption of a five year action plan that will see the upgrading/replacement of some of our older facilities and new facilities to ensure there is a max of 1ooo metres between public toilets in commercial areas ie 500m or less distance to travel.

CEO Reappointment
Council has reappointed our current CEO Mr Andrew Newton for a term of two years with an option excercisable only by council to extend the appointment for a further two years after that.

New premises for GE Historical Society opened

2010-04-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

Recently I attended the official opening of the Glen Eira Historical Society's new impressive premises at 965 Glenhuntly Rd South Caulfield. (see related prev posting)

It was great to see such a good attendance at this event that has been a long time coming .

The new premises is open to the public and always welcoming of new volunteers to assist in the large volume of work being done in chronocling this municipality's rich past.

The director Mr John O'Callaghan spoke of the trials and tribulations of getting to this stage- including being flooded out several days after moving in! He also acknowledged the wonderful work and efforts of past and present members.

With the recent council decision to fund a full-time research officer and assistant the future looks assured for the society and its valuable work.

ROSSTOWN Ward Community Forum March 24 & 25

2010-03-02T23:14:00.000-08:00

Last year I ran three community forums which I felt were very informative and beneficial to all who participated. Having made a committment to run quarterly forums throughout the four year council term ( missed dec thru being unwell) am very keen to recommence these meetings in 2010.

The October forum focusing on early childhood services, in particular the lack of kindergarten places in Glen Eira was especially relevant to current council policies. The present increased activity by council in addressing this issue is due in some moderate part to the efforts of those who attended.

The next forum will be organised by all the Rosstown Crs - Steven Tang, Margaret Esakoff and moi on the following dates and times.

Wednesday 24th March
12.30pm
upstairs Boyd Room
Carnegie Library
Shepparson Ave
Carnegie

Thursday 25th March
7 pm
Packer Park Hall
Leila rd
Murrumbeena

Light refreshments provided at both forums

Everyone welcome-Hope to see you there!

Important Community Consultation meetings next week

2010-02-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

Next week there will be several community consultation meetings held throughout the municipality regarding the future planning and provision of Kindergartens in Glen Eira and to review the progress of the GE Bicycling strategy -see earlier postings.

I would encourage everyone to come along and provide input into these important issues. The current demand for kindergarten places well exceeds what is presently available. With new Fed and State govt plans to increase the hours provided for 4 year olds from 10 to 15 per week, there is an urgent need to plan and advocate for future facilities. Details as advertised below-

BICYCLING STRATEGY REVIEW

Consultation session to report on the key findings to date will be held

Thursday 25 February at 7pm

Glen Eira Town Hall — Caulfield Cup Room, corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield.

KINDERGARTENS in Glen Eira

The Council of Australian Government's (COAG) National Early Childhood Development Strategy aims to increase universal access to four-year-old kindergarten from 10 hours per week to 15. Council recently received funding from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) to undertake a planning role to assist the State Government in planning its response.Council will hold three community consultations sessions to inform the planning process to implement the new changes.

Wednesday 24 February 1pm–3pm

Carnegie Library and Community Centre — Boyd Room 7 Shepparson Avenue, Carnegie

Wednesday 24 February 7.30pm–9pm

Glen Eira Town Hall — TheatretteCorner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield

Thursday 25 February 7.30pm–9pm

McKinnon Public Hall 118 McKinnon Road, McKinnon

Residents are also encouraged to recieve the new Glen Eira community consultation e-newsletter which was a recent initiative initiated by the consultation committee and accepted by council. The link to this is at http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.asp?Page_Id=1436

A Wealth of History in Glen Eira

2010-01-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

Last Friday along with Cr. Tang I had the pleasure of visiting the new premises of the Glen Eira Historical Society in Glenhuntly.

Previously housed in a single room in buildings in East Boundary rd ,where the new sports and aquatic centre (gesac) is being built ,the society now has a far more suitable location . John and Felicity from the society gave us a tour of the premises as well as explaining the valuable work being conducted there - all by volunteers at present.

There is a wealth of information and artifacts stored there relating to the early history of our municipality that can be accessed by the public. One of the challenges has been to catalogue and digitise all that has been collected over the years.

At the next council meeting this Tuesday 2nd Feb in Item 9.7 council will consider funding options that will enable the society to further improve and assist in the work it performs.This is in response to a recent review initiated by council that recommended important priorities to be acted on.

Explanations and details can be viewed at

http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Files/Feb02-AGENDA.pdf

The society is located at 965 Glenhuntly rd Glenhuntly- visitors and volunteers most welcome!

Welcoming our newest Glen Eira citizens

2010-01-22T20:57:00.000-08:00

Belated New Year greetings to all! Hope everyone had an enjoyable break.

The first council meeting will be on Tuesday Feb 2nd with activities and events getting into full swing next week.

One of the most enjoyable events as a councillor to attend is the regular Citizenship Ceromonies that take place every 6-8 weeks throughout the year. These nights are certainly an important event to celebrate, acknowledge and welcome our newest citizens. This Australia Day approximately two hundred residents at the town hall will become Australian citizens.

For many this is the culmination of a long journey and it is always a pleasure to be be a part of this ceromony and chat with participants over refreshments after.

- The diversity and cultural heritage of all in our community in Glen Eira is certainly something to be celebrated and valued!

Merry Xmas !

2009-12-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

Best wishes to everyone for a safe and merry Christmas.

Thanks to all who have made comment and shown interest in the issues raised here.

I will be back online early in the new year with a ny resolution to provide for a better and
improved blog!

Cheers Neil

Carnegie Pool - example of how other councils are upgrading

2009-12-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

the below article is an recent item in the Flinders News South Australia

FACILTY IMPROVEMENT WAS VITAL

03 Dec, 2009 01:49 PM

"The Port Pirie City Pool was originally opened on November 18, 1964 .

The facility had reached the end of its useful life and had started to show signs of its age.

More specifically, the pool had dropped at one end, it looked tired, pipe work under the pool used for filtration purposes had corroded and was blocked, tiles on the floor of the pool had constantly lifted, and the pool was leaking a significant amount of water.

Port Pirie Regional Council formed a working party comprising a representative from the Port Pirie Swimming Club, the contract manager of the pool, elected members and council staff to investigate the options for the pool and to report back to council on their recommendations.
The working party’s report said council was not in a financial position to replace the pool completely and therefore recommended a call for expression of interests to undertake a major refurbishment of the existing pool.

Council subsequently called for expression of interests for this project in December, 2008. At the same time, the Australian Government announced its Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program which would see Port Pirie Regional Council receive $635,000 for eligible projects. Council resolved to use these funds exclusive for the refurbishment of the City pool.

The refurbishment includes:
– Relining the 50m pool in a water-tight manner
– Provide a level deck edge
– Instal new inlet and return lines
– Renew or replace existing balance tank
– Maintain an accredited 50m pool
– Provide seven lanes in about a 15m width
– Provide better access to the pool, via steps, to those with limited mobility

The successful contractor has placed a new aluminium “Murtha” pool into the existing concrete shell of the old pool.
While council is using the existing pool structure, the end result will be a new modern pool. In fact, the “Murtha” pool being installed at Port Pirie is no different from a large number that have been installed in greenfield sites around the world, including at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

The total cost of this project is about $986,000 with council receiving a $635,000 grant from the Australian Government as part of its Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. The project commenced at the end of the 2008-09 swimming season and will be completed ready for the start of the 2009-10 season.

In addition to the refurbishment, council will also take the opportunity to complete a number of other minor improvements around the city pool including:
– Provision of additional shaded areas
– Paint the existing change room
– Replace and tidy up the concrete surrounds
– Replace the pump shed. "

further details of this project from the Federal Govt are at http://www.projectlink.com.au/IndustryNews/16872.html

I believe that Glen Eira council can find a 'middle way' to upgrade our community pool at Carnegie that is financially responsible whilst providing for a modern facility for the future.

Carnegie Pool - the future is unwritten?

2009-12-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

from the front page of the Glen Eira News August 2006

"During the community consultation it was clear that the community favoured the retention of both the Carnegie and East Bentleigh swim centres and although Council has not formed any pre-determined view, its preference is to retain aquatic facilities at both Carnegie and East Bentleigh"

One of the issues I feel needs to be resolved in Glen Eira is the uncertain future of the Carnegie Pool.

At present councils only committment is it provide funding ( at least 210k this year ) to keep it open while GESAC is being built down at Bentleigh .

What happens after that? It will either be closed or updated.

In last years election I campaigned strongly for a new modern seasonal facility that would compliment Bentleigh.

In the new year I will be pressing for council to plan for this future.

Caulfield Racecourse and public access- important progress

2009-11-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

As many readers would be aware the issue of the racecourse and the lack of public access and usage has long been a difficult problem to resolve- the inequitable landswap proposed by the MRC had been the latest in this sorry saga.

The breakthrough as outlined by Sue Pennicuik from state parliament below is great news!-

Greens MP Sue Pennicuik moved an amendment in state parliament today to try to prevent the government from handing over valuable Crown land just north of the Caulfield Racecourse to the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC).

"The MRC has been making huge profits for decades from using the public land at Caulfield Racecourse solely as a racecourse despite it being set aside under the Crown as a public park, public recreation ground and racecourse. The community and Glen Eira Council have struggled for years to get the trustees to manage the land for all three purposes equally, but to no avail. Instead the trustees have delegated the management of the land to the MRC, whose only interest has been in promoting horse racing and making money from the onsite tabaret and other commercial ventures, Ms Pennicuik said."

"Very little of these huge profits have made their way back to the community, which has been locked out of the public land for decades. Despite an agreement with the Glen Eira Council to facilitate greater access by the public to its public land on non- race days and to improve and install public amenities in the centre of the racecourse, virtually nothing has happened. "The state government was preparing to reward this non-action by exchanging a very, valuable parcel of Crown land, for commercial development by the MRC, for a much smaller, less valuable parcel of land on the edge of the racecourse for community use. The Glen Eira Council has opposed this land swap."

"I was concerned that if the state government went ahead with this unfair land swap without conditions, then the commitments that the MRC had given regarding more public access and improved public amenities would never eventuate," she said.

"I am pleased that at the eleventh hour, Minister Jennings has listened to the concerns I have raised on behalf of the community and has given an undertaking that conditions will be imposed on the MRC regarding public access and improvements and that there will be no financial loss to the Crown from the land exchange. "This is a breakthrough in the long-running saga around the use of the public land at Caulfield Racecourse. I will be closely watching what happens because despite the assurances of the Minister, the MRC has a poor a poor track record with regard to fulfilling its responsibilities to the public park and recreational aspects of the Crown deed, Ms Pennicuik concluded."

Cr Jamie Hyams has summarized yesterday's excellent news from the Victorian Parliament as follows:
-I understand that among the concessions given by Gavin Jennings are that the land is to be valued and any difference between the value of the two pieces of land is to go to the Crown, and that the land swap will not occur until the MRC has fulfilled its commitments in relation to the centre of the racecourse and signposting to better inform the public of the land’s availability. Further, according to Sue Pennicuik’s interpretation of Jenning’s remarks, the MRC will have to pay commercial rent for the areas it uses for training, and that rent is, according to Jennings, to “be available for the ongoing maintenance and development of the park or other Crown public land within the Glen Eira area.” He also flagged that he could see Council being the manager of the land in the middle of the racecourse that is to be a public park.

The tide has turned remarkably- special thanks to Sue Pennicuik for her efforts , Gavin Jennings for acknowledging and acting on the inequities and those in the community and council who have campaigned long and hard on this issue

Bicycle Strategy Consultation meeting this WED 25/11

2009-11-24T15:45:00.000-08:00

Council has arranged two public meetings for community input into a new GE Bicycle Strategy. Come along to these meetings to make a difference, and if you cannot make it, contact the consultant ,council , or our local GE bicycle group to ensure your ideas and proposals are included.

Whether you want bike markings down your street, bike parking outside your shop, programs for schools, facilities for commuters, training programs for cyclists, or something else, this is your chance to have your proposals heard and included.

Pass the word around as well and bring your friends and families.

Public meeting details:
· 7pm Thurs 19 Nov, Packer Park Hall, Leila Road, Carnegie
· 7pm Wed 25 Nov, DC Bricker Pavilion, Princes Park, Beech St, Caulfield

Contact:
Glen Eira Bicycle Advisory Group: (gebag@melbournite.com) Paul Henry (0417 324 831) and Helen Millicer (0413 875 872)
Consultant: SKM, contact Jo Neale on 9248 3208 or jneal@skm.com.au