Red Tape Reduction
Reducing red tape
A small but significant event occurred in the March committee meeting. Otherwise unreported due to the insignificant impact it will have in the grand scheme of things. It does however signify a change in thinking, and more importantly a change in strategic direction which the council has now given to the officers. (Council set the strategic direction, officers implement the strategy and run the City’s operations) Continue reading Red Tape Reduction
The Humiliation Is Complete
The final results of the 2017 State election for the East Metropolitan Region have been declared. And it is catastrophic for the Liberals. Continue reading The Humiliation Is Complete
NorthLink Problem
NorthLink WA is an impressive project, but it should not be allowed to unfairly impact the residents in close proximity to it. Yet it does. Continue reading NorthLink Problem
State Election Day
I quite like Colin Barnett, I’ve even kept the birthday card he sent me a few years ago. But regardless of my personal views of him, I’m certainly not going to let the pissant “senior Liberal insiders” comments in today’s West Australian go unanswered. Continue reading State Election Day
Structure Plan Regulations
For the first time I have a guest blogger. From here on, the words are from Cr Dan Bull.
For quite some time now many, many members of the public, along with numerous local Councils and Councillors have been protesting against the undemocratic State Government Development Assessment Panels and State Administrative Tribunal. Continue reading Structure Plan Regulations
Advertising & Consulting – Planning Development Applications
Most State legislation dictates that any required advertising by a local government needs to be in the local newspaper and/or The West Australian. No doubt everyone’s come across these little adverts buried in the middle of a newspaper. Other than the cost, and the fact that readership of newspapers is ever declining, the big problem is that often that the people who happen across the advert, aren’t the ones who are being advertised to. Continue reading Advertising & Consulting – Planning Development Applications
Chatters – Central Ward Business Review
Slap bang in the middle of Progress Street, between the Galleria and Coventry Village, is an excellent café/restaurant called ‘Chatters’. My wife and I decided to pop in there last night for a meal, and it was such a pleasant experience I felt compelled to write this blog article. Continue reading Chatters – Central Ward Business Review
What is the Metropolitan Region Improvement Tax?
At a special council meeting on the 28th of November 2016, council approved $1.5 million to be contributed towards the purchase of Lot 14 next to the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary. This is subject to the State government funding the balance. The Metropolitan Region Improvement Tax (MRIT) is one way the State government can fund ‘their’ portion. Continue reading What is the Metropolitan Region Improvement Tax?
Edible and Waterwise Verges
I am incredibly pleased with the proposed verge policy which will come to Tuesday’s council meeting for formal ratification. Having read dozens of verge policies from all around Australia, the City of Bayswater’s will be the most empowering in the nation. Continue reading Edible and Waterwise Verges
Tree Planting at Street Level
I was really pleased to see the way that the City recently planted trees along Rudloc Road, Morley. Whilst some people may prefer the look of trees on a raised kerb (such as the tree in the middle background of the picture), I think it makes more sense to plant them at road level whenever possible. Continue reading Tree Planting at Street Level
Corporate Governance & the Audit Committee
It has been raised by some councillors at neighbouring councils that there should be independent member/s on their audit committees, including for the chair. Worse still, it has also been mooted that this should be forced upon all councils; hence my interest. So, whilst not an exciting topic, I still thought I’d provide my thoughts on why this is unnecessary, slightly counter-productive and may only serve to increase costs. Continue reading Corporate Governance & the Audit Committee
Morley Compensating Basin
Green space is important. And, as the picture shows, also in short supply within the Morley city centre. The Water Corporation own the green spaces you can see in the aerial picture of Morley and it has been fenced off from the public (the ultimate owners) for far too long. Fortunately that is soon to change. Continue reading Morley Compensating Basin
Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary – Part 3
Due to the destruction of the wetlands around the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary, I submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Department of Planning on the 27th of July. I have now received the documents I sought. Continue reading Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary – Part 3
Transparency = Accountability
The City of Bayswater has taken further steps to ensure they are one of the most open and transparent local governments. And transparency allows for accountability. The new ‘Governance Portal’ provides plenty of information to residents, ratepayers and other interested parties. Continue reading Transparency = Accountability
