With approx 60 other members of the community I attended a consultation meeting at the park's meeting rooms to listen to the concerns raised re the proposed "improvements to Packer Park" in Murrumbeena.
Council has recently put forward a proposal to sell the disused Mckinnon Bowling Club site located on the western side of PP, incl plans for the construction of 8 two-storey townhouses, to finance the aquirement of two properties at 112 and 118 Oakleigh rd that are presently bordered on 3 sides by the park. The two properties account for 60% the size of the MBC site- as part of this proposal the excess monies from the sale/acq will be earmarked for acquiring public open space in possibly the Carnegie neighbourhood centre.
I felt the concerns raised by quite a passionate audience could be summerised as follows;
- this was not a land swap but a loss of public open space(POS)
- once lost this open space won't be replaced
- the aquirement of the two properties should not be linked to the future of the MBC site
- whilst the acquirements are welcome ,council should not fund this thru selling POS
- there are many potential uses for the MBC site that can benefit the whole community
- GE has one of the lowest POS in melb and with increasing housing density we need more not less
I certainly have deep concerns about council selling off any POS , particularily in Rosstown Ward and this was reinforced by listening to residents on Mon evening.
Public submissions on this proposal close Sept 9, and will be heard on Sept 29.
It is intended that there will be a vote by Council in October.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
From The Chamber -Council Meeting- tues AUG 11
Sorry for the delay in posting this - full minutes can found on link to council
This was fairly short meeting - the economic downturn has certainly had an effect on planning applications.
Planning - the application for the proposed development at 34 Ames ave Carnegie was refused. This was the second time this application had come before council and similar concerns about this development were raised by crs. Even though this application was recommended to be accepted by officers , the majority of crs felt that it was still inappropriate because of the bulk and scale of the 7 apartments envisaged.
The site was abbutted on 3 sides by a minimal change housing zone and was located right at the edge of the Murrumbeena neighborhood centre. It was felt by most crs that this application didn't respect the transitional nature of the location and I certainly supported this view.
Quarterly Reporting- this detailed report details GEs performance in a wide range of areas
and quantifies results against previous mths-Some of the more impressive achievements were the ongoing service performance of the council call centre. In June the centre handled almost 7000 calls and counter enquiries, resolving 80% at the first call with an average waiting time of under 10 secs. I am certainly glad residents can talk to a real life operator quickly!
I think for the first time an external reporting section was included with assessments of some areas of GE performance by professional bodies- Certainly on financial and reporting matters GE is rated highly. On diversion/ recycling rates this is not so rosy and I will cover this in the next section.
Sustainable Waste Management- this item dealt with efforts to promote and improve GEs recycling rates and re-use of waste materials
Diversion Rate- this is the rate of waste that is diverted from landfill and relates directly to how much waste is recycled- presently GE has a 34.1% diversion rate which is quite poor and we are ranked 24 out of the 30 metropolitan councils.
One of the main reasons for this is that GE is one of only two councils in melb that continue to use 240 litres as their std size garbage bin. The vast majority of municipalities use 120 litres with some now using 80 litres as the std size weekly garbage bin. Experience has shown that this downsizing increases recyclables collected and reduces the tonnage collected. Downsizing also encourages the uptake the the optional green waste service.
At present the current cost differential in GE between the 120 and 240 lt bins is $12.80. What is proposed is the possibility of increasing this differential to encourage residents to downsize.
In the 09/10 budget there is $140k allocated for market testing, education and a bin choice survey. Council voted to authorise an analysis of different price differentials and related considerations with a further report back to council
This was fairly short meeting - the economic downturn has certainly had an effect on planning applications.
Planning - the application for the proposed development at 34 Ames ave Carnegie was refused. This was the second time this application had come before council and similar concerns about this development were raised by crs. Even though this application was recommended to be accepted by officers , the majority of crs felt that it was still inappropriate because of the bulk and scale of the 7 apartments envisaged.
The site was abbutted on 3 sides by a minimal change housing zone and was located right at the edge of the Murrumbeena neighborhood centre. It was felt by most crs that this application didn't respect the transitional nature of the location and I certainly supported this view.
Quarterly Reporting- this detailed report details GEs performance in a wide range of areas
and quantifies results against previous mths-Some of the more impressive achievements were the ongoing service performance of the council call centre. In June the centre handled almost 7000 calls and counter enquiries, resolving 80% at the first call with an average waiting time of under 10 secs. I am certainly glad residents can talk to a real life operator quickly!
I think for the first time an external reporting section was included with assessments of some areas of GE performance by professional bodies- Certainly on financial and reporting matters GE is rated highly. On diversion/ recycling rates this is not so rosy and I will cover this in the next section.
Sustainable Waste Management- this item dealt with efforts to promote and improve GEs recycling rates and re-use of waste materials
Diversion Rate- this is the rate of waste that is diverted from landfill and relates directly to how much waste is recycled- presently GE has a 34.1% diversion rate which is quite poor and we are ranked 24 out of the 30 metropolitan councils.
One of the main reasons for this is that GE is one of only two councils in melb that continue to use 240 litres as their std size garbage bin. The vast majority of municipalities use 120 litres with some now using 80 litres as the std size weekly garbage bin. Experience has shown that this downsizing increases recyclables collected and reduces the tonnage collected. Downsizing also encourages the uptake the the optional green waste service.
At present the current cost differential in GE between the 120 and 240 lt bins is $12.80. What is proposed is the possibility of increasing this differential to encourage residents to downsize.
In the 09/10 budget there is $140k allocated for market testing, education and a bin choice survey. Council voted to authorise an analysis of different price differentials and related considerations with a further report back to council
Sunday, August 9, 2009
FULL HOUSE! Climate Change our Future Forum Thurs 6 Aug
Last Thursday night a very sucessful community forum was held with approx 120 people packing into the town hall theaterette to hear a distinguished panel of speakers.
Organised by Climate Change our Future (CCOF) - a local community action group, this was a very informative meeting although I did feel somewhat disppointed that only two councillors were in attendance - Still I came away feeling positive that there is strong community support in Glen Eira to make real progress on this issue
Professor David Karoly, an eminent Melbourne scientist who has worked with the United Nations Inter-Country Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) spoke first. He provided an update on the latest research and data since the latest IPCC report was released in 2007- The scale of change of many indicaters such as the loss of Artic summer sea ice, glacial losses worldwide, increased volatilty in our weather patterns and the unprecendented reduction in rainfall across SE Australia were happenning at a much a faster rate than was predicted even a few years ago.
These changes are tracking at a ' worst case scenerio'. We are indeed in a climate emergency and need on all levels to reduce greenhouse emissions as quickly as possible and move to a 'beyond zero emissions' economy and society.
The second speaker was Mr. Andrew Lucas from the transition towns movement. TT seeks to address the impacts of climate change and peak oil through local community based solutions. He spoke of his experiences in the Bell area of Geelong where a TT is in the process of being created and what was being done there including -programs run by the community to produce more locally grown food, bulk buying of solar panels and the sourcing of local products that dont have a large embedded carbon cost. Overall the strategy seemed to be aimed at making local communities more resiliant and better able to cope with a changing environment. There are almost 200 TTs worldwide after initially starting in the UK.
Finally Deputy Mayor Steven Tang spoke well of the initiatives that GE has taken over the past few years and what can be aimed for and achieved in the near future.
The Environment Sustainability Strategy (ESS) adopted in 2007 was instrumental in providing a framework that GE could further help prevent and reduce the impacts of climate change.
Steps taken including the increase of council usage of Greenpower, the rolling fwd of energy efficiency measures for key sites and the ongoing tree-planting programs were spoken of.
Future areas that Steven highlighted where GE can move forward including the downsizing of std garbage bins to 120lt that would improve our current poor diversion(recycling) rate and the formulation of GEs Carbon Neutral policy. He encouraged all those interested to become more involved by contacting councillors and attending consulation forums.
Organised by Climate Change our Future (CCOF) - a local community action group, this was a very informative meeting although I did feel somewhat disppointed that only two councillors were in attendance - Still I came away feeling positive that there is strong community support in Glen Eira to make real progress on this issue
Professor David Karoly, an eminent Melbourne scientist who has worked with the United Nations Inter-Country Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) spoke first. He provided an update on the latest research and data since the latest IPCC report was released in 2007- The scale of change of many indicaters such as the loss of Artic summer sea ice, glacial losses worldwide, increased volatilty in our weather patterns and the unprecendented reduction in rainfall across SE Australia were happenning at a much a faster rate than was predicted even a few years ago.
These changes are tracking at a ' worst case scenerio'. We are indeed in a climate emergency and need on all levels to reduce greenhouse emissions as quickly as possible and move to a 'beyond zero emissions' economy and society.
The second speaker was Mr. Andrew Lucas from the transition towns movement. TT seeks to address the impacts of climate change and peak oil through local community based solutions. He spoke of his experiences in the Bell area of Geelong where a TT is in the process of being created and what was being done there including -programs run by the community to produce more locally grown food, bulk buying of solar panels and the sourcing of local products that dont have a large embedded carbon cost. Overall the strategy seemed to be aimed at making local communities more resiliant and better able to cope with a changing environment. There are almost 200 TTs worldwide after initially starting in the UK.
Finally Deputy Mayor Steven Tang spoke well of the initiatives that GE has taken over the past few years and what can be aimed for and achieved in the near future.
The Environment Sustainability Strategy (ESS) adopted in 2007 was instrumental in providing a framework that GE could further help prevent and reduce the impacts of climate change.
Steps taken including the increase of council usage of Greenpower, the rolling fwd of energy efficiency measures for key sites and the ongoing tree-planting programs were spoken of.
Future areas that Steven highlighted where GE can move forward including the downsizing of std garbage bins to 120lt that would improve our current poor diversion(recycling) rate and the formulation of GEs Carbon Neutral policy. He encouraged all those interested to become more involved by contacting councillors and attending consulation forums.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
On your Bike - reflections of cycling in Glen Eira
Thought Id express a few thoughts and experiences since sending the
red commodore to the recyclers in early June.
The pros and cons of being on 2 self-propelled wheels in the
est 600 km peddled so far in our municipality include-
Pros
- mostly very enjoyable!
- definately fitter
- lost 2 kgs
- short trips upto 5 km can be quicker than the car
- no parking hassles
- saved approx $400 in petrol and 0.7 tonnes co2 emmissions
- no lance armstrong but find can now ride in far higher gears
- further appreciate the importance of bike lanes
Cons
- always seem to be facing a stiff head-wind when heading along Glen Eira rd to City Hall , metaphor?
- have got wet few times , without coat
- longer trips more challenging to organise especially nth to
south across transport lines
Especially on the shorter trips say upto 5 km cycling is a great means
of transport with significant side benefits-
Most car journeys undertaken in melb i understand are of this length or less.
There is definately an greater role for cycling to play as a serious
transport option in our community.
Glen Eira Bicycle Strategy
This strategy is currently being formulated and researched- I am pleased that this will include consultations with both cyclists and non-cyclists throughout GE, before being presented to council I would hope later in the year
red commodore to the recyclers in early June.
The pros and cons of being on 2 self-propelled wheels in the
est 600 km peddled so far in our municipality include-
Pros
- mostly very enjoyable!
- definately fitter
- lost 2 kgs
- short trips upto 5 km can be quicker than the car
- no parking hassles
- saved approx $400 in petrol and 0.7 tonnes co2 emmissions
- no lance armstrong but find can now ride in far higher gears
- further appreciate the importance of bike lanes
Cons
- always seem to be facing a stiff head-wind when heading along Glen Eira rd to City Hall , metaphor?
- have got wet few times , without coat
- longer trips more challenging to organise especially nth to
south across transport lines
Especially on the shorter trips say upto 5 km cycling is a great means
of transport with significant side benefits-
Most car journeys undertaken in melb i understand are of this length or less.
There is definately an greater role for cycling to play as a serious
transport option in our community.
Glen Eira Bicycle Strategy
This strategy is currently being formulated and researched- I am pleased that this will include consultations with both cyclists and non-cyclists throughout GE, before being presented to council I would hope later in the year
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Community Forum July 09 - overview
Improving Community Engagement and Consultation in Glen Eira
On Monday night at the Boyd Room in Carnegie Library a very successful community meeting was held with 33 participants attending.
Whilst problems in our municipality on this issue were certainly acknowledged the theme for the night was on how to identify effective solutions on which our council can improve its performance and embrace best practises.
A full summary of the discussion will be posted next week detailing these problems and solutions.
Below is a brief summary of the opening address I provided outlining my thoughts-
The expertise, opinions and experiences of the community in GE are not fully valued and appreciated.
There is a culture in the Council/Admin that says 'we know best' and those whose views differ are too easily dismisssed as a 'noisy minority' and are unworthy of consideration.
The Council seems to be run more like a company than a local governing body and that widespread cultural change will probably only happen with personal changes.
However there is some scope for positive progress in this term as I feel that the current council is more progressive than previously.
Community representatives on advisory committees should be the norm not the exception.
The council meeting processes should be changed-
to allow the gallery to address the council
councillors to have greater input into public questions
The local law draft needs to be closely looked at especially where it could constrict public engagement in the meeting process.
I also mentioned the chamber should be relocated to a far more modern room that is more condusive to community interaction!
The council website can be further improved and enhanced .
I feel these forums will become increasingly important in helping to improve and reform our council and have been heartened by the feedback so far, only 14 to go!
The next forum will be held in late September with EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES IN GLEN EIRA being the issue to be canvassed.
Special thanks to Rose for facilitating and for all those who attended.
On Monday night at the Boyd Room in Carnegie Library a very successful community meeting was held with 33 participants attending.
Whilst problems in our municipality on this issue were certainly acknowledged the theme for the night was on how to identify effective solutions on which our council can improve its performance and embrace best practises.
A full summary of the discussion will be posted next week detailing these problems and solutions.
Below is a brief summary of the opening address I provided outlining my thoughts-
The expertise, opinions and experiences of the community in GE are not fully valued and appreciated.
There is a culture in the Council/Admin that says 'we know best' and those whose views differ are too easily dismisssed as a 'noisy minority' and are unworthy of consideration.
The Council seems to be run more like a company than a local governing body and that widespread cultural change will probably only happen with personal changes.
However there is some scope for positive progress in this term as I feel that the current council is more progressive than previously.
Community representatives on advisory committees should be the norm not the exception.
The council meeting processes should be changed-
to allow the gallery to address the council
councillors to have greater input into public questions
The local law draft needs to be closely looked at especially where it could constrict public engagement in the meeting process.
I also mentioned the chamber should be relocated to a far more modern room that is more condusive to community interaction!
The council website can be further improved and enhanced .
I feel these forums will become increasingly important in helping to improve and reform our council and have been heartened by the feedback so far, only 14 to go!
The next forum will be held in late September with EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES IN GLEN EIRA being the issue to be canvassed.
Special thanks to Rose for facilitating and for all those who attended.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Glen Eira Environment Forum held 23/7/09
With almost 40 others I attended the annual Community Environmental Forum conducted at the Town Hall last Thursday night. It was very encouraging to see such a strong attendance by a very well informed and passionate audience!
An overview of GEs Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS) and actions taken since last years forum was given as well as new initiatives already planned for 09/10 These included the increase of the uptake of Greenpower from 5 to 15% and the bringing forward of the energy efficiency measures refit of six key council sites- $260k allocated in this years budget.
Questions, suggestions and comments were taken from the floor and were recorded under the five sections of the EES- What was impressive was the amount of knowledge
and expertise we are fortunate to have in GE.
Participants then ranked their environmental priorities according to the issues raised. From my notes the issues that were given the highest priorities for council to address were-
Biodiversity-
-restoring natural wetlands
-increased planting of indigenous species in our parklands and reserves
-a comprehensive listing of these species to enable residents to better choose and source appropriate plantings
-continual quality training and education for council officers
Greenhouse Gas Emissions-
-increasing Greenpower
-implementation of GE Carbon Neutral policy,
-better leadership and vision from council
- more energy efficient street lighting
Waste Management-
-facilities and processes to recycle Ewaste and fluoro light bulbs and globes
Water Management-
-improved stormwater collection and usage
-installation of rain gardens
-the redirecting of rate rises to fund these programs
Information and Education-
-home energy audits and improved info to help residents reduce their carbon footprint
-wide consultation and community engagement in formulating new bicycle strategy
Other-
-improving the quality and coverage of canopy trees in GE
-acknowledgment and provision for local food grown in the community and the planting of community gardens
-stronger incentives for developers to include sustainabilty measures in new applications
The general impression I gained from those attending was that while this council is encouragingly taking some positive steps to improving its environmental credentials and deserves credit for this ,there is still a long way to go before achieving best practises in a wide range of areas.
Many thanks to Mr.Peter Waite and Cr.Nick Stailkos respectively for very abily facilitating and chairing this forum. It was pleasing to see the Mayor Helen Whiteside and Cr. Margaret Esakoff also in attendance- hopefully next year we will have all Crs there at this important forum!
An overview of GEs Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS) and actions taken since last years forum was given as well as new initiatives already planned for 09/10 These included the increase of the uptake of Greenpower from 5 to 15% and the bringing forward of the energy efficiency measures refit of six key council sites- $260k allocated in this years budget.
Questions, suggestions and comments were taken from the floor and were recorded under the five sections of the EES- What was impressive was the amount of knowledge
and expertise we are fortunate to have in GE.
Participants then ranked their environmental priorities according to the issues raised. From my notes the issues that were given the highest priorities for council to address were-
Biodiversity-
-restoring natural wetlands
-increased planting of indigenous species in our parklands and reserves
-a comprehensive listing of these species to enable residents to better choose and source appropriate plantings
-continual quality training and education for council officers
Greenhouse Gas Emissions-
-increasing Greenpower
-implementation of GE Carbon Neutral policy,
-better leadership and vision from council
- more energy efficient street lighting
Waste Management-
-facilities and processes to recycle Ewaste and fluoro light bulbs and globes
Water Management-
-improved stormwater collection and usage
-installation of rain gardens
-the redirecting of rate rises to fund these programs
Information and Education-
-home energy audits and improved info to help residents reduce their carbon footprint
-wide consultation and community engagement in formulating new bicycle strategy
Other-
-improving the quality and coverage of canopy trees in GE
-acknowledgment and provision for local food grown in the community and the planting of community gardens
-stronger incentives for developers to include sustainabilty measures in new applications
The general impression I gained from those attending was that while this council is encouragingly taking some positive steps to improving its environmental credentials and deserves credit for this ,there is still a long way to go before achieving best practises in a wide range of areas.
Many thanks to Mr.Peter Waite and Cr.Nick Stailkos respectively for very abily facilitating and chairing this forum. It was pleasing to see the Mayor Helen Whiteside and Cr. Margaret Esakoff also in attendance- hopefully next year we will have all Crs there at this important forum!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
From the Chamber- COUNCIL MEETING TUES 21st JULY part 1
This was an interesting meeting largely devoted to animal management issues.
full minutes are available on link to GE website
Planning Three amendments relating to zone changes on sites in the Glenhuntly and Poath Rds shopping precincts were discussed. What was highlighted importantly by many councillors was the need for strategic planning in our retail areas throughout Glen Eira.
There was certainly a desire expressed that more planning be done on the broader issue of how our smaller shopping strips like Glen Huntly, Murrumbeena,and Hughesdale can be developed and reactivated.
I feel there should be a greater contribution by our council to the pre-planning of retail areas like this in an inclusive manner that ensures traders, residents and businesses are involved and can contribute and support changes.
Local Law New Local Laws for GE have been drafted and are available for public comment and submissions over the next 60 days, see GE website- The last review was in 2000 so this is very timely- there has been quite a number of comments recently about the inadequencies of this draft- and I would encourage public comment and submissions on improvements that can be made.
Animal Management items
a range of new measures were annouced which I felt were very worthwhile & included
-free registration for dogs or cats for the 12 mths following microchipping and desexing
-the holding of a 'pet expo' in conjuction with a Party in the Park function early next year
-waiving of the annual reg fee following certified training of dogs
and a 50% reduction on this fee for subsequent years
princess park
Item 8.11 dealt with the ongoing problem of dog faeces being left by some irresponsilbe owners at this park, particularly in the off-leash areas of the sporting grounds.
The original item on the agenda dealt with further highlighting and enforcement of the current local law, ie increased signage and issueing of notices & fines to offenders.
An alternate motion was accepted with the addition "that council would consider reccomendations provided by responible stakeholders, that assist in resolving this issue to the satisfaction of all park users"
This was a welcome addition after an initial meeting last week attended by representatives of sporting clubs, dog owners and Cr. Penhalluriack. This is the type of process that should be further encouraged!
full minutes are available on link to GE website
Planning Three amendments relating to zone changes on sites in the Glenhuntly and Poath Rds shopping precincts were discussed. What was highlighted importantly by many councillors was the need for strategic planning in our retail areas throughout Glen Eira.
There was certainly a desire expressed that more planning be done on the broader issue of how our smaller shopping strips like Glen Huntly, Murrumbeena,and Hughesdale can be developed and reactivated.
I feel there should be a greater contribution by our council to the pre-planning of retail areas like this in an inclusive manner that ensures traders, residents and businesses are involved and can contribute and support changes.
Local Law New Local Laws for GE have been drafted and are available for public comment and submissions over the next 60 days, see GE website- The last review was in 2000 so this is very timely- there has been quite a number of comments recently about the inadequencies of this draft- and I would encourage public comment and submissions on improvements that can be made.
Animal Management items
a range of new measures were annouced which I felt were very worthwhile & included
-free registration for dogs or cats for the 12 mths following microchipping and desexing
-the holding of a 'pet expo' in conjuction with a Party in the Park function early next year
-waiving of the annual reg fee following certified training of dogs
and a 50% reduction on this fee for subsequent years
princess park
Item 8.11 dealt with the ongoing problem of dog faeces being left by some irresponsilbe owners at this park, particularly in the off-leash areas of the sporting grounds.
The original item on the agenda dealt with further highlighting and enforcement of the current local law, ie increased signage and issueing of notices & fines to offenders.
An alternate motion was accepted with the addition "that council would consider reccomendations provided by responible stakeholders, that assist in resolving this issue to the satisfaction of all park users"
This was a welcome addition after an initial meeting last week attended by representatives of sporting clubs, dog owners and Cr. Penhalluriack. This is the type of process that should be further encouraged!
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