Save Reconciliation Victoria
The Brumby Government has defunded Reconciliation Victoria, without measures to build on its success. Reconciliation Victoria has created opportunities for indigenous and non Indigenous Australians to come together to share knowledge and experience in a spirit of mutual respect for a fairer Victoria.
Filming councils is in the picture
The media has the same rights to attend and film Local Government proceedings as it does to cover Federal and State Parliamentary proceedings. That’s the verdict from Victoria’s Minister for Local Government, Richard Wynne after requests from media outlets to film a meeting of the troubled Brimbank City Council.
31.5.09
30.5.09
Reconciliation Rocks at IramooReconciliation Rocks
Reconciliation Rocks is a joint collaborative event instigated by Western Region Councils covering Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley, Wyndham City Councils, Melton Shire Council and Victoria University. The event was held at Iramoo Sustainable Community Centre in St Albans.
The day attracted around 100 people who enjoyed a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, free indigenous themed barbeque, music and dancing. We got to wander amongst the grasslands and wetlands of Iramoo and learn about the work for local sustainability and biodiversity preservation by this important local institution.
Reconciliation Rocks is a joint collaborative event instigated by Western Region Councils covering Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley, Wyndham City Councils, Melton Shire Council and Victoria University. The event was held at Iramoo Sustainable Community Centre in St Albans.
The day attracted around 100 people who enjoyed a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, free indigenous themed barbeque, music and dancing. We got to wander amongst the grasslands and wetlands of Iramoo and learn about the work for local sustainability and biodiversity preservation by this important local institution.
29.5.09
The Solar Suburbs Program
About 2000 households have signed up with clear Solar at the last count. I am so pleased that Brimbank is leading with at least 280 households signed up.
Foundry Towers at Sunshine
A planning permit was issued by VCAT following an appeal against Council's November 2006 decision to approve the development.
The development is for 3 towers, two of these at 9 storeys and one at 8 storeys.There are however a number of conditions on the permit that must be met before works can commence.
Former detective appointed to Brimbank Council investigation
The Victorian Government has appointed a former detective with the Fraud Squad, David Walker, as an Inspector of Municipal Administration to investigate potential breaches of the Local Government Act at Brimbank City Council.
National waste policy to be finalised later this year
A national policy that will clarify the waste management responsibilities of local, state and federal governments is expected to be finalised by November. Container deposit legislation does not seem to appear in this clarification.
About 2000 households have signed up with clear Solar at the last count. I am so pleased that Brimbank is leading with at least 280 households signed up.
Foundry Towers at Sunshine
A planning permit was issued by VCAT following an appeal against Council's November 2006 decision to approve the development.
The development is for 3 towers, two of these at 9 storeys and one at 8 storeys.There are however a number of conditions on the permit that must be met before works can commence.
Former detective appointed to Brimbank Council investigation
The Victorian Government has appointed a former detective with the Fraud Squad, David Walker, as an Inspector of Municipal Administration to investigate potential breaches of the Local Government Act at Brimbank City Council.
National waste policy to be finalised later this year
A national policy that will clarify the waste management responsibilities of local, state and federal governments is expected to be finalised by November. Container deposit legislation does not seem to appear in this clarification.
28.5.09
26.5.09
Transparency?
Mayor Troy Atanosovski decided to not allow television media into the chamber. Click here to see Brimbank Greens media release.
Isabella Williams Masterplan
The Isabella Williams Masterplan was adopted by Council tonight. Please phone the Council on 03 9249 4000 to enquire about the document - it seems to be unavailable on the website
Sunvale PS – only the greens support the community
I want to reiterate my concern that there has not been proper consultation over this issue despite the ill-thought out process being undertaken to give up this valuable public asset.
Again I would like to flag an alternative resolution if this one fails
That is “That council authorises the CEO to write to the state government stating that:
1. The site stays 100% in public hands; and
2. That Council will conduct an immediate consultation with the Sunshine community”
When community members became aware of the possible sale, they were led to believe a separate discussion on the development of the site would take place. This has not happened.
Even though this letter says its preferred option is 0.8 of a hectare retained for public open space, it also says it is open to negotiation and does not stress the importance of us getting a better deal because of severe disadvantage.
It also concerns me that the report is saying we advocate for affordable housing without specifying what ‘affordable housing’ is. We all know that affordable housing can too easily mean a multitude of things – none of which have been properly discussed with this community that will have to live with any development that takes place at Sunvale PS site.
If we push this through as it is we will be missing an opportunity to work with our community and together lobby the State Government for what could be a great community asset.
Sunshine UDF
This is a really important opportunity for improving the walkability of the centre of Sunshine.
I hope to get to see it implemented because I think it has the potential to bring our community together and revitalise the life of Hampshire Rd.
Our community has had concerns for a long time about the importance of fixing the interface between Sunshine Marketplace and the Plaza. This urban design framework offers some really exciting solutions that will give the town centre back rather than an ugly shopping centre that turns its back to the street.
I am still concerned about what progress has been made in discussions between Council and Centro. They are still looking perilously close to selling off their shopping centres and we are relying on whoever owns the space to work closely with us on its new design.
Unfortunately we have privatised a lot of the public space in Sunshine and it has caused real problems when it comes to working to fix public amenity and attractiveness of the town centre.
Mayor Troy Atanosovski decided to not allow television media into the chamber. Click here to see Brimbank Greens media release.
Isabella Williams Masterplan
The Isabella Williams Masterplan was adopted by Council tonight. Please phone the Council on 03 9249 4000 to enquire about the document - it seems to be unavailable on the website
Sunvale PS – only the greens support the community
I want to reiterate my concern that there has not been proper consultation over this issue despite the ill-thought out process being undertaken to give up this valuable public asset.
Again I would like to flag an alternative resolution if this one fails
That is “That council authorises the CEO to write to the state government stating that:
1. The site stays 100% in public hands; and
2. That Council will conduct an immediate consultation with the Sunshine community”
When community members became aware of the possible sale, they were led to believe a separate discussion on the development of the site would take place. This has not happened.
Even though this letter says its preferred option is 0.8 of a hectare retained for public open space, it also says it is open to negotiation and does not stress the importance of us getting a better deal because of severe disadvantage.
It also concerns me that the report is saying we advocate for affordable housing without specifying what ‘affordable housing’ is. We all know that affordable housing can too easily mean a multitude of things – none of which have been properly discussed with this community that will have to live with any development that takes place at Sunvale PS site.
If we push this through as it is we will be missing an opportunity to work with our community and together lobby the State Government for what could be a great community asset.
Sunshine UDF
This is a really important opportunity for improving the walkability of the centre of Sunshine.
I hope to get to see it implemented because I think it has the potential to bring our community together and revitalise the life of Hampshire Rd.
Our community has had concerns for a long time about the importance of fixing the interface between Sunshine Marketplace and the Plaza. This urban design framework offers some really exciting solutions that will give the town centre back rather than an ugly shopping centre that turns its back to the street.
I am still concerned about what progress has been made in discussions between Council and Centro. They are still looking perilously close to selling off their shopping centres and we are relying on whoever owns the space to work closely with us on its new design.
Unfortunately we have privatised a lot of the public space in Sunshine and it has caused real problems when it comes to working to fix public amenity and attractiveness of the town centre.
25.5.09
Say no to CPRS
Legislation to establish a national Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) has been introduced to the Federal Parliament and the Government remains determined to pass the package of Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bills in the winter session. Of significant interest to local government is the amended Bill states that legacy emissions from landfill will not attract a carbon liability under the CPRS. Unfortunately the legislation is deeply flawed, and the emissions reductions targets upon which it is based are recklessly faulty.
Community Safety Meeting held at Council
I had called on Council to organise a community safety meeting. This meeting was attended by a range of representatives from Victoria Police, local MPs, Councillors, the Department of Transport, and Connex.
While it was useful from the vantage point of officers dealing with these issues, there was no invitation by officers to local community members who live in our neighbourhoods and streets to contribute.
Legislation to establish a national Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) has been introduced to the Federal Parliament and the Government remains determined to pass the package of Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bills in the winter session. Of significant interest to local government is the amended Bill states that legacy emissions from landfill will not attract a carbon liability under the CPRS. Unfortunately the legislation is deeply flawed, and the emissions reductions targets upon which it is based are recklessly faulty.
Community Safety Meeting held at Council
I had called on Council to organise a community safety meeting. This meeting was attended by a range of representatives from Victoria Police, local MPs, Councillors, the Department of Transport, and Connex.
While it was useful from the vantage point of officers dealing with these issues, there was no invitation by officers to local community members who live in our neighbourhoods and streets to contribute.
24.5.09
Dr Richard di Natale Greens lead Senate Candidate
Congratulations to Richard on yesterday's announcement of his preselection as the Greens lead Senate Candidate for Victoria. Greens members across the state voted to see Richard elected in the next Federal Election. The Senate needs a Victorian Greens Senator.
Twice Richard came within 1000-odd votes of winning the lower house seat of Melbourne in the Victorian Parliament in 2002 and 2006. The Age reports that he ran second to John So in the 2004 lord mayoral race. Richard has contested the Senate in 2004 and 2007 for the Greens and is now well-placed to be the party's first Victorian Senator.
Richard is a doctor who worked in rural and remote health and an articulate advocate for action on climate change, biodiversity, worker's rights, public health and education.
Congratulations to Richard on yesterday's announcement of his preselection as the Greens lead Senate Candidate for Victoria. Greens members across the state voted to see Richard elected in the next Federal Election. The Senate needs a Victorian Greens Senator.
Twice Richard came within 1000-odd votes of winning the lower house seat of Melbourne in the Victorian Parliament in 2002 and 2006. The Age reports that he ran second to John So in the 2004 lord mayoral race. Richard has contested the Senate in 2004 and 2007 for the Greens and is now well-placed to be the party's first Victorian Senator.
Richard is a doctor who worked in rural and remote health and an articulate advocate for action on climate change, biodiversity, worker's rights, public health and education.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)