As anyone with the slightest interest in the local government reform process would know, the abolishment of the ward system has caused great consternation amongst some local governments, elected members and community members. I have written about the importance of a ward system previously. The Department of Local Government has belatedly released a paper on the process to implement the ward system after they were recommended to be abolished by the Local Government Advisory Board. Continue reading Dept of Local Govt fail to understand the issues
Planning for Conflict
In November 2010 the Department of Planning made a significant change to planning laws when they introduced new provisions for multiple dwellings. With more and more multiple dwelling applications being made, some residents are getting very concerned. Continue reading Planning for Conflict
Volunteering for the Environment
(Picture: P Lee)
I know a lot of people volunteer and contribute their time and/or skills to the community, and many more want to get involved but are not sure how. For those of you who love the environment, there is one particular group you may want to know about. Continue reading Volunteering for the Environment
Bayswater City Soccer Club
(All pictures by Vince Caratozzolo)
I had the pleasure of attending the Bayswater City Annual Ball last Saturday. As can be seen from the cake above they have had a tremendously successful year and won all four of the available trophies. But their success goes beyond their on-field performance. Continue reading Bayswater City Soccer Club
No Wards = Less Power to the People
The Premier and the Minister for Local Government today announced their response to the Local Government Advisory Board’s (LGAB) recommendations relating to Metropolitan Local Government Reform. There is one aspect which is highly worrying to me, and that is the abolition of the ward system for a number of local governments. Continue reading No Wards = Less Power to the People
A Solution For Preventing The Destruction Of Trees
Trees on public land are cut down for a number of reasons. They may be deemed unsafe and a public risk, it may be that they are damaging infrastructure such as roads or pavements or it may be that they are positioned exactly where someone wants to build their driveway. In my time on Council other reasons have included requests from the public to destroy trees due to leaf litter, bird noise and the shading of solar panels. Continue reading A Solution For Preventing The Destruction Of Trees
The Lyric Lane Concept
Being a Councillor can have its challenges sometimes. Section 5.21 (2) of the Local Government Act 1995 states that at a Council meeting every Councillor present must vote – there is no opting out of the difficult or controversial issues. Therefore each Councillor needs to have formed a position (hopefully an informed position) by the time of voting For or Against. The Lyric Lane proposal provides a good case in point. Continue reading The Lyric Lane Concept
Beez Neez – Central Ward Business Review
This is my first review/promotion of a Central Ward business. The idea of doing a review on businesses within Central Ward came after visiting ‘Beez Neez’. I’ve picked up lunch there a couple of times and was very happy, but when I finally had a coffee the other day I thought, “Blimey, this place is too good to be kept a secret.” Continue reading Beez Neez – Central Ward Business Review
‘20 per cent by 2025’ – It Makes Economic Sense
This blog post is in relation to a notice of motion I submitted at the last Council meeting. A notice of motion means that it will come up for debate at our next meeting and this is on the 23rd of September 2014. The motion is… Continue reading ‘20 per cent by 2025’ – It Makes Economic Sense
City to Surf = Community
I am writing this post at 9.45pm and my legs are still aching; and I’m talking real pain here. For the first time in my 40 years I did the City to Surf fun run. ‘Fun Run!’ – yeah maybe if you are a masochist. Continue reading City to Surf = Community
The Avon Descent, And Why It Is So Important.
Having just spent the last weekend immersed (I do love puns, especially oarsome ones) in the Avon Descent activities I now know that it is an event the City of Bayswater, all other participating local governments and the whole of Western Australia should be proud of. Continue reading The Avon Descent, And Why It Is So Important.
What’s Going On With The Maylands Markets?
The Cornish family enjoyed attending the Maylands Hawkers Market on a number of occasions. The kids always seemed to find a few of their school friends there and that would be them occupied for the next hour or so, thereby allowing Della and I to relax. Continue reading What’s Going On With The Maylands Markets?
