Speculation is rapidly rising that the ‘gang of four’ will pass the C60 in the very near future. They will do this without solving the major problem of where will the cars go? If this in fact eventuates then not only will mayhem follow in terms of traffic congestion, but it will represent the total failure of this council to deal with its legal obligations – namely to ensure the social, environmental and economic liveability of the municipality.
Major questions remain unanswered and unsolved:
- What happens on race/event days? Where will these cars go if not in the centre of the racecourse?
- Why is the C60 being decided before the Centre of the Racecourse issue? We have not been provided with any feasible ‘excuse’ for this decision.
- Why will most of the traffic be diverted through Kambrook Rd? On what ‘best practice’ planning and traffic management principles has this decision been made?
What is even more galling about the impending decision is that these four councillors, after having listened to the articulate, knowledgeable and reasoned arguments of residents, and heard first hand the angst that is out there, are about to once again thumb their noses at the community and their wishes. It’s incredibly ironic that this also happens to be the week that the so called ‘Engagement Strategy’ has been released for comment. Once again, residents have clear evidence as to how this council operates and the direct collusion of Lipshutz, Hyams, Pilling and Esakoff in ensuring that their masters’ wishes are carried out. Whereas other councils fight tooth and nail to ensure the amenity of their municipality, this council does not lift a finger to support residents, much less acknowledge the validity of their claims.
Residents need to ensure that their memories of this upcoming debacle persist well into 2012 when their disgust will be expressed via the ballot box.
Glen Eira Debates 
April 13, 2011 at 12:03 PM
If the C60 is passed with minor cosmetic changes, then all hell should break loose. The whole process has been carefully orchestrated. First get rid of opposing councillors such as Penhalluriack and Forge; then work on getting Lipshutz into the lead position with the support of Tang and Hyams, and then make sure that you deviously bring in a last minute amendment contrary to the no suprises policy that hands all authority to that silent ghost – Newton. It’s been very well stage managed. The MRC should be congratulated for their chicanery and so should Newton and Lipshutz. I can only wonder what’s in it for both of them? For Newton probably a cushy job somewhere when he’s kicked out by the ombudsman, and for Lipshutz – well that’s anyone’s guess.
Hyams is the interesting one. Hedging his bets to be Mayor perhaps? A real faustian bargain that one. Pilling I don’t think has the nous to even know what’s going on. Eskaoff has always been a fence sitter. Not voting on conscience, principle, but merely sitting back and waiting to see which way the wind blows and then goes with the majority. These are not the kind of councillors that Glen Eira so desperately needs.
April 13, 2011 at 12:52 PM
Perhaps all residents should drive their cars down Bambra Rd. and park right outside Esakoff’s house – she lives opposite Princes Park. Maybe then she’d get a feel for what it’s like living in North Caulfield when races are on and what it will be like when the MRC and Monash monstrosities are built.
April 13, 2011 at 1:08 PM
and also put a tin fence around Princes Park and stop access then she will know what it is like living in North Caulfield. Pilling and Hyams are being led on this one but for the life of me I cannot understand Lipshutz. This is his ward yet he about to shaft his constituents…and it will not be until 2012 but these developments will be over 20 – 30 years, well after Lipshutz has been dead and buried.
April 13, 2011 at 7:03 PM
The MRC spiel the other night did not utter a single word about accommodating racing visitors. All that was stated again and again was that there were provisions for 2000 car parking spaces for the thousand odd units. It’s as clear as anything that there is no intention by the MRC to concern itself with the surrounding areas and traffic. They’re waiting for the C60 to be passed and then will argue that they need the centre of the racecourse for their racedays and other events. That’s why the racecourse application has been pulled. There cannot be any other reason.
Instead of insisting that this be settled first our council cowtows as is always has to the MRC. They’ve repeatedly sold out the community and their integrity. Nothing that comes out of Lipshutz’s mouth should ever be accepted as gospel. ‘Intellectual dishonesty’ is something that he knows heaps about I’m sure.