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
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
draft Glen Eira Bicycle Strategy released
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
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
Friday, May 21, 2010
Community Participation in Council Committees
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Glen Eira votes unaminously to retain aquatic facilities in Carnegie
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.
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.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
From the Chamber - COUNCIL MEETING 27TH APRIL
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!
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.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Glen Eira planning scheme review - Rosstown Consultation Meeting this thursday
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
* 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
Saturday, April 10, 2010
From the Chamber - COUNCIL MEETING 7TH APRIL
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.
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.
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