Kingston Your City Councillor Column
July
Planning Issues
Recently, the State Government announced that it would remove the community’s right to be informed, to object and to exercise their 3rd party appeal rights to development of public housing under the Federal Government’s economic stimulus package. The Premier also announced that several thousand development applications already in the system would be reviewed to remove "roadblocks". This presumably refers to council planning schemes and VCAT hearings. I believe that jobs and housing can be delivered without removing democratic oversight and legitimate planning controls, or allowing development to occur on inappropriate sites. That is why I recently moved a motion in council to keep the Kingston community informed, to consult and to subject all developments to the usual planning assessments. The fast tracking of inappropriate development should not compromise the vision for a better Kingston or existing facilities and amenity.
Chain of Parks / Dingley Bypass
The community’s 40 year dream for a chain of parks and fixing serious local landfill and amenity issues affecting the North Ward can be advanced for the benefit of all if we re-commit to building section 4 of the Dingley Bypass, linking South Road Extension and Westall Road along its original route. Then the State Government’s $1 Million grant can be meaningfully spent to improve our community. For more updates on my activities and local issues including the Dingley Bypass, or to complete my youth survey, please visit my website at www.paulpeulich.com.
June
There has been much focus on local government since the expose of corruption at Brimbank Council. A lack of open and transparent decision making and accountability created a culture that allowed corruption to flourish which the Ombudsman's recommendations alone will not fix.
The establishment of a broad based "anti-corruption commission" is needed, as is a reform and strengthening of local democracy.
Decision making needs to be open, honest and accountable if we are to realise a vision for a better future. We need accurate and objective information, meaningful community consultation and effective allocation of council resources. Anything less compromises what we can achieve for our community.
Since my election 6 months ago, this has been my focus and I will continue to work with Kingston councillors, and residents to make sure that the community is at the forefront of our decision making. Please be aware of current community consultations taking place:
- Kingston Council Draft Budget is out for consultation. With forecasts of high unemployment, increasing public and private debt, rising taxes and charges, and a challenging economic climate, I am encouraging residents, ratepayers and the business sector to make comment on Kingston Council's draft budget.
- The Moorabbin Airport Draft Master Plan, which forecasts and increase in aviation, is out for consultation before it is submitted to the Federal Government. Copies are available for inspection at Kingston's libraries and the municipal office. Submissions close 5pm on Wednesday 22nd July 2009.
- Also, my youth survey is now available on line at www.paulpeulich.com
May
The loss of local market gardening land to landfill, combined with the failure to build all stages of the Dingley By Pass are two reasons for the erosion of the livability of the North Ward. Having recently called for action on illegal dumping of waste, enforcement of environmental standards and breaches of license conditions, I am pleased that there has also been a call in the Victorian Upper House for the State Government to assist in the task.
Protecting jobs to cushion the effects of the economic downturn means fast tracking projects with a lasting benefit for industry and to the community. Completion of all stages of the Dingley By Pass to connect major arterial flows and fix traffic congestion is the most important local infrastructure project which should proceed without further delay. To download a copy of the “Don’t By Pass the Dingley By- Pass” petition, please visit www.paulpeulich.com.
As disappointed as I am by the lack of progress in our physical environment, the legacies of men and women whose contributions outlive their own lives continue to inspire us. The Mordialloc Bridge renaming which I attended is now a fitting tribute to local identity Jack Pompei who risked his life to save others. The sacrifice made by men and women who lost their lives in the service of their nation was commemorated around the nation and I shared an honour in laying a wreath on behalf of the Kingston community at the Highett RSL Anzac Day Dawn Services. Lest we forget.
April
In spite of council's best efforts, the on-going mismanagement of tips and illegal dumping of waste which plagues the North Ward must be addressed. That is why I am now calling for an investigation into all illegal dumping of waste and for the enforcement of permit conditions where they have been breached. Just before my election, the State Government approved, without consultation, a 15 year permit for the Clarinda concrete crusher. With the facility close to residences and several schools and pre-schools, when I called on Kingston's councillors to make our strong opposition known to the Minister for Planning, the motion was supported unanimously. To make your views known, please also sign a petition available at PaulPeulich.com.
The development of effective council strategies and monitoring their implementation has been another key focus for me. The review of our community safety strategy will now include water safety, and fire safety with actions to address fire hazards on private and crown land. Council also needs economic and business development strategies which factor in the effect of the downturn on local business, jobs and ratepayers. It is crucial for this to be at the forefront of our decision making to ensure the best outcomes for our community.
Visiting key people, groups and events has been my privilege - thank you for your many invitations and support.
Lastly, to those who celebrate Easter, and we celebrate two in my household, I hope that the Easter Bunny does not forget you.
March
It has been a steep learning curve coming to grips with issues which impact on our community, and attending numerous meetings, briefings, events and festivals in Kingston since my election to the North Ward 3 months ago.
The new council term has, however, been marred by decisions which have been imposed upon Kingston – a 15 year permit for a concrete crusher in Clarinda even though it will be in the midst of 6 educational facilities, the loss of the Moorabbin Golf course despite community effort to save it and the down turn in our economy which will impact on local business activity, jobs and families.
Notwithstanding the serious nature of these issues, it is the devastating loss of life and property caused by an inferno of bushfires across Victoria which gripped the nation and touched many in our community. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and thank the courageous fire fighters and volunteers, some from Kingston, who have risked their lives to save others.
It is a reminder to all of us to review fire safety strategies around our own homes, community, nature reserves and open space to ensure that risks to life and property are minimised.
February
The tragic loss of life through drowning has also marred the summer and was the reason for my recent call for the State Government to review our water safety strategies, a call supported by the Kingston Council recognising that life savers and clubs need greater support to keep our beaches and swimmers safe.
That is the reason I was particularly pleased that the Chelsea - Longbeach Surf Life Saving Club Youth Patrol Team was recognised with Kingston’s Australia Day Award along with our Citizen of the Year, Florence Gibbs, Nyatut Nguoth and the Kids Café all of whom have made amazing contributions to our community.
The many functions and events I attended over the summer including our Carols by the Bay, Globe to Globe Festival and our Australia Day celebrations were primarily organised by volunteers demonstrating a strong civic spirit in Kingston. I would like to thank all volunteers, the committee organisers, fire fighters and lifesavers for their contributions to our lives and community and encourage others to continue to make volunteerism a defining quality of our “Australian” character.