The Budget Process

City of Bayswater, Rates,

Budget

I imagine most people wouldn’t be fully aware of what is involved in this important Local Government function. It mainly consists of discussions on the planned expenditure for the coming year and which community and club requests can be funded. From this information, the required income is then known and rates are set.  It is a long time-consuming process held over several months, and it all culminated with last night’s  (30/06/15) council meeting where the 2015-16 budget was adopted.  Continue reading The Budget Process →

‘Report It’ Mobile App

City of Bayswater, Community Engagement,

'Report It' Mobile App

I admit I am no graphic designer, as can be seen from the picture above, however I do try to come up with ideas which either saves money, enables more engagement with the community, or enables the City to provide a more efficient service. I think my latest idea is a doozy and ticks all those boxes.
I want to see the City of Bayswater develop a mobile app – ‘Report It’. 

Continue reading ‘Report It’ Mobile App →

Masters Madness

Central Ward Business Review, Uncategorized

Masters Home Improvement

Masters Home Improvement opened their Bayswater store, within Central Ward, in April 2014. They have provided some much needed competition to the hardware market, yet are being discriminated against by antiquated and anti-competitive WA trading rules. This disadvantages customers, is contrary to the concept of an even playing field and is contrary to both Liberal and Labor Party beliefs. Yet it continues. Continue reading Masters Madness →

Edible Gardens

City of Bayswater, Community Groups, Edible Gardens, , , ,

Kids gardening

Every time I do the grocery shopping I can’t help but be surprised at the cost of fruit and vegetables; after all we can grow these things ourselves.
Often though people don’t have sufficient space, which why I’m hoping to open up some of the City of Bayswater public land and allow residents to produce food. Continue reading Edible Gardens →

Bassendean & Bayswater – A Perfect Match

City of Bayswater, Local Government Reform

Perfect Match

For many years the City of Bayswater has pursued the option of merging with Bassendean. This even pre-dated the State government’s local government reform process which was in motion when I was elected in 2011.  Despite the millions spent, it now seems that reform may now be off the State government’s agenda, so I thought I’d do an analysis on whether ratepayers would benefit from reform.
Let’s talk money.

Continue reading Bassendean & Bayswater – A Perfect Match →

Is The White Flag For The Amalgamations, Or All Local Government Reform?

City of Bayswater, Local Government Reform

white flag

“I’ve failed, I’ve put up the white flag,” the premier told ABC radio today. The big question is whether this white flag relates to the entire local government reform process, or merely the LG’s which were given the right to vote against amalgamations, and duly did so. Continue reading Is The White Flag For The Amalgamations, Or All Local Government Reform? →

Chimney Stack Golf Day

City of Bayswater, Community Groups,

Trophy
The City of Bayswater ratepayers own the Maylands Golf Course, and I frequently go there with my family on Sunday’s to enjoy the vista, cheap food, safe surrounds for my children and live music (specifically it is the Swanbank Bar and Cafe). A couple of years ago the manager at the time, Fred, introduced me to a local, David, who had started an annual social golf day for the locals.  Continue reading Chimney Stack Golf Day →