For the first time in my 7 years as a Councillor, I attended a WALGA AGM today. And I realised that we have a problem. ‘We’ being everyone in the Perth metro area. Yes, all 1.9 million of us. Continue reading WALGA – Time For A Break-Up?
Extraordinary Election – North Ward
With the sudden resignation of, now former Councillor, Brent Fleeton there is a vacancy on council (North Ward) which needs to be filled. You should consider it. Continue reading Extraordinary Election – North Ward
Participatory Budgeting
Around this time every year, local governments set the budget for the following 12 months. A time consuming process where planned expenditure is decided, and then rates are set to meet those expenditures.
It’s your money; do you feel you’re getting sufficient say? Because there is another way … Continue reading Participatory Budgeting
Is Cash the Best Place?
If you had $24,898,443 in cash, other than spend some, what would you do with it? Chances are you’d not keep it all in cash, but that is what the City of Bayswater has to do. Or does it? Continue reading Is Cash the Best Place?
Maylands Waterland – The Facts
I’m a fan of Maylands Waterland and have been there many times. It truly is a unique facility. Regarding the possibility of it being shut down, there’s talk that the City administration has sprung it on council. I don’t believe that is accurate and think the administration has been guided by council over the last 3 – 4 years and the budget deliberations. Continue reading Maylands Waterland – The Facts
Perth By-Election 2018
In today’s The West Australian, Sarah Martin (Federal Political Editor) claims that the Liberals are considering not contesting the by-election for the Federal seat of Perth. Apparently senior Liberals say it would be “beyond historic” for the Liberals to win.
Rubbish. Not that the Liberals won’t run, but that they can’t win.
Pensioner Subsidies
Back in July 2015 a Councillor moved the above. In January 2018, an agenda item further progressed this to a draft policy for implementation from 1 July 2018. Next week, the draft policy comes to the Community, Technical, Finance & Corporate Services Committee for possible adoption. The financial implications may be significant. Continue reading Pensioner Subsidies
City of Perth – Is it as bad as it looks?
The City of Perth have been copping a lot of flak recently. The latest is over the CEO/Acting CEO’s. I’m not privy to the inner-workings, but it seems pretty clear what is happening. A turf war. Continue reading City of Perth – Is it as bad as it looks?
Power to the People – Pocket Gardens
BOOM! Things have changed.
The City of Bayswater earned some widespread praise for their verge policy released late last year, but I don’t think that compares with the policy passed last night.
I feel confident in claiming this as an Australian first. Continue reading Power to the People – Pocket Gardens
Does Infill Financially Benefit Local Governments?
It is sometimes said that local governments promote sub-divisions and high rise in order to fill their coffers. The logic is, the more dwellings there are, the more money coming in. This is incorrect. Continue reading Does Infill Financially Benefit Local Governments?
Let’s Make An Urban Forest
The Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary redevelopment has been a terrific success, and the City has received a number of awards over it. Predominantly these are for the wetlands management, water management and general project delivery; not necessarily in creating a better bird sanctuary. Let’s do that by planting more trees; hundreds of them.
Fridge & Washer City – Central Ward Business Review
What a pleasure it was deciding to come here tonight rather than make the trek to Malaga, Osborne Park or Belmont and visit one of the major chains – Good Guys, Harvey Norman, Kambos etc. If you need a washing machine, dryer, fridge/freezer or microwave, this is where you should come first. I have no doubt about that. Continue reading Fridge & Washer City – Central Ward Business Review
Significant Tree Register – City of Baywsater
A lovely house with a truly magnificent tree. Certainly a significant tree. Somewhat ironic that the house which bears the negatives of the tree (perceived and real) receives the benefits of the shade, but the main beneficiaries are the streets surrounding the property which are able to view the tree in its splendour. So how can the tree be protected so that the hundreds of houses surrounding it can continue to benefit? Continue reading Significant Tree Register – City of Baywsater
The URBAN FOOD STREET™ Story
This is Caroline and Duncan. They are pretty amazing people, and what they have achieved is acknowledged throughout Australia, and beyond our shores. They are the founders of URBAN FOOD STREET™ and they are coming to WA. You have the opportunity to hear their inspirational, community building story – for free. Event Flyer Continue reading The URBAN FOOD STREET™ Story
Committed to Street Trees
The City has now started planting street trees which have been requested from residents via the free street tree request form. If you’re one of the residents who requested a street tree, let me tell you about some of the care which goes into the planting. Continue reading Committed to Street Trees
