Rumours proved correct regarding tonight’s council meeting and the issue of the centre of the Caulfield Racetrack. We will concentrate on this for now and follow up with the other items tomorrow.
Under ‘Urgent Business’ Cr. Penhalluriack requested that ‘council consider its position on the Centre of the Racecourse under ‘Urgent Business’. Lipshutz voted against accepting the motion. Tang declared a conflict of interest given that he is a Trustee of the MRC. Magee, who is also a Trustee remained in chamber and did not declare a conflict of interest.
Penhalluriack’s motion (seconded by Forge) stated that council ‘codify’ a vision that the centre of the racecourse be used as a park, racecourse and recreational facility and that this vision be clear and ‘unambigous’ as the position of council in its dealings with the State Government. There were four sub-parts to the motion:
- That the opaque fencing be replaced by palisade fencing as soon as possible
- That training be fenced off and public be given exclusive and unrestricted access via the tunnel from Glen Eira Road
- The MRC landscape the area and include passive areas, sporting use, toilets and passive areas
- That a firm timetable be set for the expeditious removal of horse training
Penhalluriack made an impassioned speech. In summary he stated that residents were aware of his position on the racecourse, but that they did not know where other councillors stood on the issue. Now was the time to make this absolutely clear. If councillors were to vote against the motion they would not only abandon their moral obligations to the community, but they would also not be fulfilling their fiduciary duties to the community. They have to ensure that public resources are used to the benefit of the entire community. ‘This is the moment of truth’. Quoting Alan Jones, Penhalluriack went on to speak ‘of opportunities once missed’ and that tonight was once of these opportunities not to be missed. – ‘to give council some real direction in its policy’. ‘This is the time to make amends for 150 years’ …to open our parks’. ‘we must seize this opportunity with both hands’…’we have not done our best for the community’ …Listen to your conscience…..Glen Eira has only 1.4 hectares of open space for 1000 residents – that’s less than any local government in the whole of Victoria, 14 square metres per person…that’s about half the size of a small bedroom….the time of reckoning is here, right now. Will you settle for half a car park or a real public park?’ Penhalluriack then emphasised how important this decision was for every citizen of Glen Eira. Concluding remarks referred to the Select Committee and their criticisms of the MRC Trustees. Quoting past Minister Jennings, that this was a ‘public reserve’ and not a ‘private space’. (Applause from the gallery)
FORGE reiterated how concerned she was to ensure public use of this crown land. That this should meet the needs of all people who come from far and wide. That the motion will indicate to the new government and to residents ‘just how much Glen Eira Council values’ this land. ‘I have great pleasure in seconding this motion’. …’we need the community to help us push this through’….”it’s about time that we claimed what we own’.
Lipshutz moved an amendment – that the following points be included: carparking not be permitted in the centre of the racecourse; that an independent group look after the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve. Penhalluriack accepted the amendment. Lipshutz then spoke about how ‘this council has had an ongoing vision for opening up of the racecourse…. My vision is that we have an independent body….not council, not the MRC’…and maybe it will consist of representatives of those groups but it ought to be ….a body that recognises the three purposes, not one purpose….It’s also important that we not be hampered by the vision; it’s a vision but not set in concrete….it has to be a ‘win-win’ for all parties….we should be aiming for that vision but realistically …..we get something rather than nothing…..(the resolution) should not be set in concrete….
Pilling endorsed what councillors said and stated that it was right that ‘council endorse a strong vision’ so that the state government ‘knows clearly in what direction this council is heading’
Magee explained that ‘some months back I decided that I have no conflict of interest’…in the roles I have tonight I certainly feel comfortable…..this (the motion) is an absolute minimum….this shouldn’t be something we have to put our cap in our hands and say ‘please can we use this land’…this land was here long before the MRC was even thought of…..
Hyams explained why Tang ‘might feel a conflict of interest’. Hyams brought up the issue of Lipshutz’s amendment on no parking in the centre and that this might have ‘unintended consequences’ since people couldn’t drive into the park. Penhalluriack accepted this.
Hyams then moved another amendment that ‘The Ceo and Mayor be authorised to liaise with the state government in order to achieve council’s vision’. Penhalluriack did not accept this amendment stating that he thought it was redundant and that the Mayor and CEO are already authorised. Lipshutz seconded Hyam’s amendment. Hyams then stated that there may be some confusion as to who is authorised to speak for council, listing all the current committees. Lipshutz then stated ‘it’s all very nice to have visions…I want to see this vision go somewhere….the Mayor who speaks for council and the CEO who runs daily operations of council….they be permitted to liaise and reflect our vision so that ….the Minister actually understands what this council wants….otherwise this motion sits on the table…gathering dust
Pilling stated that he ‘didn’t think (the amendment) was necessary’.
The amendment was put AND LOST. Only Lipshutz and Hyams voted in favour. Applause from gallery.
Penhalluriack summed up ‘we have something now real to get our teeth into…
Motion carried UNANIMOUSLY
Comments:
- This is the first time in living memory that Lipshutz, Hyams and Newton (the latter by implication due to the nature of the amendment) were rolled.
- Whilst this motion may not change the world, it certainly imposes limitations on what may be ‘negotiated’ without full council approval
- One small step tonight – but still a long, long, way to go!
- Congratulations to Penhalluriack, Forge, Magee, Pilling
Glen Eira Debates 
February 23, 2011 at 6:11 AM
We are very fortunate to have a true leader as frank penhalluriack in council representing the community. It is still going to be a tough road as the mrc have a mistaken belief that they own the racecourse land and can do whatever they desire – just as they have done in now subdividing the “park” they had used for the controversial land swap into 7 lots for sale. I would use the term ‘indian giver’ but that would be offensive to Indians.
February 23, 2011 at 8:31 AM
I second congratulations to Penhalluriack, Forge, Magee and Pilling. There is still a long way to go, however, given Council’s shameful lack of past action on this issue a huge step was taken last night. Hopefully, this resolution will not only see future real action but will also spur on actions on other issues.
February 23, 2011 at 8:53 AM
We’re repeating ‘flathead’s’ comment from ‘News Flash’ here as well:
3.flathead Says:
February 23, 2011 at 1:06 AM e
Big news… after an ardious night at council where one feels some progress was made…On the way home I stopped at the MRC owned flats at 142 Booran Road, the site of the “New Park” which we and the police and Glen Eira Council had indicated was unsuitable for a park… now one sees application for a seven lot sub-division. The app. no. is GE.PP 23323/2010
nos”2R,4,4A,6,6A,8,8A,10,10A 1/20 2/10 4/20 6/20. OBJECTIONS 11 March 2011.
This “new Park” is still advertised on the MmRC website!
February 23, 2011 at 9:07 AM
Aint this just typical one small step forward then whammy 10 steps back. Since the land has been “dubiously” swapped, it’s got to be Council Administrations doing. Did I miss the public consultation on what are the best options for the use of this land? Surely, there was one before the decision to subdivide and sell was made.
February 23, 2011 at 11:14 AM
A correction to my previous post, the applicant for the subdivision is the VATC/MRC. How can this be when this land was included in the dubious land swap and is much heralded “new park for Caulfield”. It’s time to start calling for an independent enquiry via politicians and wider media sources. This is truly a sham – the stink is very definitely not horse manure.
February 23, 2011 at 11:20 AM
The even bigger issue is why this application has not been widely advertised. Why has Council kept mum about this? When did they know? Do councillors even know? If not, why not?
February 23, 2011 at 4:39 PM
Where else would this happen but at caulfield racecourse? Would the mcg trustees put in subdivision plans for yarra park surrounding the mcg? Brian discombe and the mrc executive and trustees are a law unto themselves and at the moment are out of control.
February 23, 2011 at 9:39 AM
Lipshutz & Hyams should be hung out to dry for their attempt to sabotage the unequivocal nature of Penahlluriack’s motion. How dare this pompous, arrogant so and so think that a council resolution should not be set in concrete and that in the attempt to water it down that control is handed over to Newton of all people. Get this straight – councillors are the ones who are supposed to run council and not Newton. This motion makes this absolutely clear. Nothing is to be negotiated without the full endorsement of the full council in open meetings. This is the first dagger in Newton’s heart. Long may this continue.