October 2012
Monthly Archive
October 13, 2012
Posted by gleneira under
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[8] Comments
Source: Australian Jewish News, October 12, 2012
BERNIE KURAN
“The encroachment of commercial premises in residential areas prompted Elsternwick local of nearly 50 years Bernie Kuran to throw his hat in the political ring.
“Change is inevitable, but I just want to ensure that the existing character of the neighbourhood is not threatened by inappropriate development. We have some beautiful streets in this part of Glen Eira and I want to ensure they stay that way.”
Kuran said plans to construct ten-storey buildings on Glen Huntly Road, recently passed by the Glen Eira City Council, was the last straw. “That’s when I said I have to stop this.”
“There is some “need for development”, Kuran said, explaining that “there are department buildings being built on Glenhuntly Road, which are four stories (sic), and the top floor has been renovated and is modern, but not excessively bulky in nature.
“These changes are fine,” he said, “because they don’t detract from the atmosphere of the neighbourhood”.
Kuran added that there is a particular need to encourage younger people to buy into the suburb.
Also on Kuran’s to-do list is making more open spaces in the Camden ward, preserving the heritage character of metropolitan areas, ensuring there are sufficient parking allocations and boosting the local economy.
The father of three owns a finance broking business and prior to that had a career in IT and management consulting.
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PHILIP De’ATH VOTING CARD – in order of preference
- De’Ath
- Hyams
- Dudeja
- Gatoff
- Lobo
- Buch
- Cade
- Pilcher
- Myers
- Andonopoulos
- Hedger
- Kay
- Read
- Magee
October 12, 2012
Posted by gleneira under
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[39] Comments
Source: Australian Jewish News, October 12, 2012
MICHAEL LIPSHUTZ
“For Michael Lipshutz, who has served two terms on Glen Eira City Council since 2005, this election is an opportunity to continue representing the Jewish and the mainstream community.
The Melbourne lawyer, and father of four, wAnts to further improve infrastructure, which, he said, was in poor condition when he was first elected after the sacking of the council by the state government. “Fixing up our streets, our shopping strips….trying to encourage commerce. There’s a shortage of childcare, particularly in Camden Ward. There’s also a move by some councillors to end aged care. I’m against that.”
Lipshutz described as “laughable” the promises of some candidates for zero rate rises, arguing that rates should be set “to ensure we have a budget that reflects what our needs are”. He also wants to improve consultation with residents and is on the consultation committee.
The former Jewish community Council of Victoria’s presidents told the AJN that synagogues seeking planning permits are a major issue in Glen Eira, whose Jewish population is 22 per cent, while more than 50 per cent of Camden Ward residents are Jewish. “I think I’ve been responsible for most getting through, though not all.”
He said AJAX’s plan to move from Albert Park to Princes Park in Caulfield was “an ongoing issue that I’d like to have looked at and make sure the Jewish sporting clubs are properly looked after”.
Lipshutz, a keen supporter of Chanukah In The Park, wants to ensure the event remains a firm fixture on the Glen Eira calendar, and opposed a move some years ago to cancel it because the Caulfield Park grounds were said to be in poor condition. “I made sure it actually went ahead.”
JAMIE HYAMS
“Mayor Jamie Hyams has vowed to ensure rates in the City of Glen Eira remain among the lowest in metropolitan Melbourne and to deliver on a promise of a 1.5 per cent drop over the next four years.
Hyams said he plans to do this by keeping systems “efficient” and costs down, while continuing to support community organisations and constituents. He singled out development to the Duncan Mackinnon Reserve, Packer Park Pavilion in Carnegie and an “impressive” child and adolescent play area in Murrumbeena Park as important initiatives.
The former senior analyst for the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council said he is sensitive to the “specific needs” of synagogues applying for planning permits, adding that belonging to a minority group has enabled him to identify not just with the Jewish community, but with “people of all sorts of cultures” living in the area.
Boasting nearly seven years with the council, Hyams said resident concerns surrounding overdevelopment and congestion will be addressed by the council’s implementation of new planning zones.
On the huge residential development at Caulfield Racecourse, expected to take up to 15 years to build, Hyams said the new estate is an example of “appropriate development” in the region.
“It is built on a brownfield site, rather than a monstrosity built next to someone’s house.”
Cyclists are also set to benefit from a scheme that Hyams introduced, with the Vibraline – a ribbed buffer between the bike land and moving vehicles, already trialled on Inkerman Road, to be rolled out throughout the electorate.”
MARGARET ESAKOFF
“Former mayor Margaret Esakoff, mother of two and grandmother of two, believes community safety is the most important issue ahead of this month’s council election.
Other areas, such as maintaining roads, ensuring footpaths and drains are in top condition, the provision of services to all sections of the community, including the young and people with disabilities and the aged, are areas “taken very seriously” by Esakoff.
Top priority projects include the new pavilion completed at Duncan Mackinnon Resesrve, the redevelopment of the old Booran Road reservoir and the redevelopment of the Carnegie Pool into a state-of-the-art swim centre and the residential development at the Caulfield Racecourse.
Further priorities include boosting consultation processes such as surveys and forums held as part of the Council/Community Plan program.
Esakoff grew up in Glen Eira and said her Jewish heritage gave her “understanding and knowledge of local values”.
“I am passionate about ensuring that Glen Eira remains the wonderful and safe city that it is, one that provides the community with good services and facilities that the community wants and needs, and one that maintains the peaceful enjoyment that we are lucky to have here in Glen Eira.”
October 11, 2012
Posted by gleneira under
Miscellaneous
[4] Comments
October 11, 2012
Posted by gleneira under
Miscellaneous
[9] Comments
October 11, 2012
When will this Council ever learn from its past and ongoing bloopers? That history has not taught this lot a thing was made clear this morning when a Mr Michael Silverstein rang Jon Faine’s breakfast show to complain about his kids being warned off for playing Frisbee (yes! that dreaded word again) in an East Bentleigh park without a permit.
To refresh readers’ memories, we‘ve had the headlining farces of ‘kids in the park’; the footy ‘schleppers’, and Michael Lipshutz’s son’s group playing regular, advertised Frisbee games in Caulfield Park for years on end – the latter without a permit! Remember, the situation has been ‘monitored’ for year after year after year!
When will common sense prevail and the infamous Local Laws Committee, chaired by none other than Lipshutz, wake up and do something about this ridiculous law and its far from even handed implementation? That this issue has been allowed to simmer since at least 2005 is unbelievable.
Our sympathies go to Mr Silverstein in that none of these kids happen to be related to, or friends with sitting councillors!
PS: From the Caulfield Leader, PLUS 10 comments already up.
Caulfield Park Frisbee ban
11 Oct 12 @ 11:11am by Jessica Bennett
FRISBEE loving teens have told to stop their weekly game unless they pay $120 for a permit.
East Bentleigh mum Tal Silverstein said her 18-year-old son and his friends played frisbee in Caulfield Park most Friday afternoons.
“Last Friday someone from Glen Eira Council made them stop the game,” she said.
“They said it was an organised sport and that they couldn’t play without a permit.”
Ms Silverstein said the group of teenagers were told they would need to obtain a permit at a cost of $120 to continue playing.
She said the teens organised who would be turning up to play via a Facebook page, but that was their only form of organisation.
“The have the Facebook page, but that is just how they communicate these days,” she said.
“They don’t all go every week, they have no coach, no uniform and no league – how is that organised?
“I thank God that instead of going out drinking or hanging around in the streets they are playing sport.
“But they can’t afford to pay $120 every time they want to throw the frisbee around.”
Glen Eira Council has been approached for comment.
COMMENTS:
Andre writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:33pm
As a father of one of the boys, I thougt he was playing tricks with me. With so little time on their hands due to school commitments, these boys are getting some healthy exercise for an hour a a week Shame on you Glen Eira.
Park user. writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:21pm
Agroup of kids took over Ardrie park every Saturday about 2 years ago. Put their markers out and played soccer in it for about 2 hours. This is a leash-free park for our dogs and they are only allowed on the oval area. Quite rightly, the kids were told to go to one of the other many ovals in the area to play, or indeed, play on their school oval. I agree with Council in this instance. If the park they’re talking about is for off-leash dogs, then it is a nightmare for the animals, who naturally want to chase anything that is thrown.
Rosemary Balfour writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:21pm
Bureaucracy has become a business in its own right. How utterly nonsensical!! Leave them alone. They are having harmless, healthy fun. Crawl back under your rocks, Local Councils!!
Mel writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:16pm
Welcome to Australia! It’s becoming more and more ridiculous by the minute! Considering the amount of permits and restrictions it’s coming surprisingly close to the Stasi in Eastern Germany but in a different way. What do you need next? A permit to fart????
Bill Bartlett writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:15pm
Another case of the councils weilding there big sticks, they can’t handle anyone having and if you do you’ll be fined for it.
Janine writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 01:13pm
What an appalling display of money grabbing behaviour by Glen Eira Council. They should be encouring these teenagers to exercise and enjoy sport socailly; not pouring cold water on there plans to enjoy Caulfield’s parks and open areas. Shame on your Glen Eira Council. I do not sanity prevails on this one.
Mick Of Ferntree Gully writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:44pm
Typical local government beauracracy. Unfortunately a number of local councils are being taken over by a bunch of pea brains
Kate writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:36pm
I heard this story on ABC radio this morning. On the face of it, it does seem ridiculous. I will be interested to see Council’s response. On radio Mr Silverstein said the kids were also required to have public liability insurance. As a business person, I need that insurance and it doesn’t come cheap! This seems to be an example of Local Laws that may need a good review.
I have seen the young people playing frisbee in Caulfield Park where I walk my dog every day. It certainly doesn’t bother me and seems like a harmless, healthy and fun activity! Is Council that short of money?
Dr. Kate Dempsey Independent Candidate for Camden Ward
Helen writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:28pm
How ridiculous, kids playing frisbee! Shame on the money grabbing council!
Peter writes: Posted on 11 Oct 12 at 12:25pm
As long as they wear the mandatory helmets, and body protection devices there is no reason why people should not be entitled to play such an extreme sport in a public area
October 10, 2012
Posted by gleneira under
Miscellaneous
[17] Comments
Source: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brett-Hedger-Greens-Candidate-for-Tucker-Ward/295165453910845
Just in case you’re interested in what my responses were to the Glen Eira Residents Association questions – here they are –
1. Why have you decided to stand for council?
I believe I have the necessary skills, passion and interest to serve my community well. I think the current Council lacks imagination, transparency, is dysfunctional, doesn’t listen and can’t think much further than themselves. Rather than complain I thought it would be better to stand up and present an alternative vision for Glen Eira, one where we take the future into account, one where we are inclusive, tolerant and focussed on community strength and resilience.
2. What specific skills, abilities and experience do you believe you can offer?
I have almost 30 years experience across a range of professions and trades including Accounting, Information Technology, Teaching along with an electrical trade and other manual work. I’ve also been in the armed forces and worked with men and boys to help build community. I’ve been involved with local sporting clubs doing coaching and administrative roles (Caulfield Bears, Bentleigh Strikers, Southern United Hockey) as well as working around the community in a whole range of ways including programs to assist the elderly, work with men’s groups, support for flood affected households in Ormond & McKinnon, as well as time on school council (McKinnon Primary). I currently work in Local Government with the City of Port Phillip as a Sustainability Officer and understand the function of councillors and council.
3. In what areas do you think Glen Eira Council needs to improve and why?
We need new ideas and new people – Glen Eira is a tired council with more than its fair share of bitter disputes and accusations and a complete inability to work together in the two critical groups, Senior Management / CEO and Councillors themselves. Our community cannot move forward without changing this dynamic and that means we need new people to lead and guide our community forward. In 2004 an article in The Age referred to “a suburban council (Glen Eira) after a scathing report found it had degenerated into a hotbed of “personality clashes, politics and egos” and the council was sacked – I believe that we have a simliar situation today. At that time, the Bracks Labor government sacked the council which included current councillors Hyams and Esakoff. We need a major improvement in governance related issues, the accountability of councillors and council staff to the community is absolutely vital to our democracy and community here in Glen Eira. We need to develop a council culture of care based on attentive listening and responsiveness. We need to create a vision for the future that takes into account the longer term and the city that we’ll leave behind for our children. We need to protect the environment and rapidly increase our response to and preparedness for climate change. We need service improvement (assistance, support and care) for our elders and other less fortunate residents. Hidden isolation and loneliness in our community is something we call all lend a hand to fixing. We need better transport options and brave ideas to reduce congestion and pollution on all our roads, particularly (in Tucker Ward) North, Warrigal, McKinnon, Jasper, South, Tucker etc. We need financial responsibility, making better use of the money that is available (and there is a lot), there is a lot of things that can be fixed quickly and easily at low cost – we have a culture of big flashy unnecessary things that cost a lot and don’t really do much (for example the thousands of tonnes of concrete in our parks and the overdone GESAC).
4. What specific commitments are you prepared to make to the residents of the municipality?
I’ll do my best for my community. Being of service to my community is a high priority for me and I have an enormous range of skills and experience that I would bring to this role. I have a website and a facebook page with hundreds of entries that show the types of commitments I will make and can be contacted about any specific issues at any time and will respond publicly to any matter that is raised with me. I speak and act honestly and with integrity, I care about my community and my country. I am a genuine candidate for Tucker Ward and have no social debts or conflicts of interest.
5. How would you improve governance issues at Glen Eira?
Improving governance at Glen Eira would have to be one of the most important directions for the new Council Plan. As I said above, good governance (or accountability) is critical to democracy at all levels of government. What we have now is a basic lack of respect for community and residents. Good governance changes this balance between Council and Community so that relationships are based on mutual respect and shared goals (rather than contempt, inflated egos self interest and pandering to lobby groups). The result of good governance is transparency, understanding and community strength.. To do this we need major reforms at all levels of council, I suspect this will take a 1-2 years to bed down.
6. What is your position on the planning reform zones, structure planning and height limits?
Firstly let me say that there are a number of issues at play here in terms of how our city is structured around zones and height restrictions – so if you don’t mind I’d like to give my comments some context.. – Melbourne’s population is predicted to grow to around 7 million within the next 20 years, that’s a big number and all these people have to be put somewhere – we all voted for these policies and until we vote against them they won’t change. – This means that every city in Melbourne (including Glen Eira) has projected significant growth in population every year going forward. – Our current means of housing and building is unsustainable and although I don’t have figures, I’ve walked up and down just about every street in Tucker Ward and would guess that around 20% (or more) of current properties are sub-divided or multi-unit developments. – Houses, Townhouses and units are currently being built all over Glen Eira with no particular thought to the future. – We have, and continue to cover both private and public green space with hard impermeable surfaces which is simply unsustainable and presents other risks such as the flooding incident we had in McKinnon / Ormond around 18 months ago. (and yes, I know drainage work have been undertaken, but the core issues remain) – Our development culture is ad-hoc, inefficient and results in a significant and unnecessary amount of waste and duplication. – Part of the Melbourne 2030 Strategy made sense in light of the above given that the best place to put all these extra people would be around transport and retail precincts and have staged levels of development and height, not unlike steps as you move away from these precincts. In the first instance, I would say that our population growth is unsustainable and the fact that we do not have a national population policy is crazy. Our reliance on population growth to fuel the consumption economy is also unsustainable. These 2 factors mean that we need lots more houses and they simply cannot be put out in the Green Wedges / Outer Suburbs as this again is unsustainable. Also it is worth noting that, Glen Eira produces no food, no water and no energy so we have some risks and dependencies – what this means is that we are heavily reliant on others all over the globe to support our current lifestyle. So, without answering your question specifically, we clearly need better zoning and communication of the zones to cope with the growth. Each of the zones needs height restrictions (eg 22 storeys near Caulfield Racecourse is unnecessarily high), residential height limits need to be protected, but given what I have said above, high density / car free living located around commercial and transport hubs will have to be increased…..or we could all stop voting for the Labor / Liberal growth nirvana which doesn’t exist anyway.
7. What do you see as the three major concerns facing Council and the municipality. What will be your approach to addressing these issues? Community Strength & Health – I’ll work hard to ensure that we create a future that is based on clean air, clean food and clean water, a future where we care for and include our elders in community as well as a childcare and kindergarten network to assist our young and their families. As I said above, Glen Eira produces no food, no water and no energy, but uses a great deal of these resources (and produces enormous amounts of waste) and I believe there are other options and we need to reduce our consumption and increase our rate of response to these issues which in turn will help build and strengthen our community. Transport Congestion and Pollution – There are 2 parts of Tucker Ward, (West and East), the East end is well served by a train line and the East end is more remote (in terms of good transport options). All our roads are increasingly congested by us and the thousands of people who pass through our city to get to other places. There are heaps of simple things we can do to quickly improve this situation by moving away from a cars to walking and cycling and giving these options priority in all our planning. To do this we create local options with safe ways to move between these options. We have plenty of existing opportunities that could quickly (and cheaply) be fixed up to get this underway (rather than silly things like the bike lane down McKinnon Road which was a large waste of time and money). Development & Planning – this has been discussed above.
8. How would you approach the issue of increasing the amount of public open space in Glen Eira?
Increasing the amount of public green space is a priority for me and one issue that I think that has been overlooked by the current council. I believe there are many opportunities around Tucker Ward to do this easily and relatively cheaply. The best way to start is to look at vacant blocks (eg Barrington St East Bentleigh), derelict houses and existing unused spaces. A mix of pocket parks, new and updated lane ways (eg off Tucker Road) (pedestrian and bike) together with better rules in relation to private green space can make a big difference / along with species selection to encourage and enhance biodiversity. As can using the developer levy for new purchases rather than more yellow concrete paths and borders in our existing parks. Our council missed a great opportunity at Clover Estate, devoting the whole space to houses and roads without any connecting space (eg a lane through to Valkstone) will mean more car trips that could have been easily avoided – the Council should have purchased the whole lot and made it into a park. There are quite simply lots of opportunities for around our city for people who look and listen. In addition, there are large tracts of unused (or under utilised) green space in a range of areas around Tucker Ward, such as ovals in schools (eg Valkstone primary and McKinnon Secondary which are chained up on weekends and Bentleigh Secondary College which has enormous grounds and big fences), the soccer ground at Bentleigh Secondary could be used for club activities rather than the new soccer pitch proposed at Booran Rd Reservoir site – and maybe there are some simple options that could be explored with the large piece of land at Yarra Yarra golf course on the Eastern Boundary of our electorate. If Green Space becomes a reportable measure with clear targets it’s easy to make progress on and create new options – every square meter of surface which is not covered in concrete or bitumen is a step forward in terms of green space.
9. If you have indicated whom you would preference, could you please explain why you chose those particular candidates?
I’m an endorsed Greens candidate and my how to vote card will preference candidates that meet the objectives we set out to achieve, that is to replace the existing councillors with the best most skilled progressive candidates on the ballot list, this hasn’t changed. Tucker Ward currently has 14 candidates, the vast majority of which are either existing councillors or ‘running mates’ of existing councillors. I’m happy to respond to any questions in this regard, my how to vote card will list Rose Read as my preferred other candidate.
10. Are you affiliated with any political party or organisation and has that party or organisation contributed in any way to your election campaign?
I’m with the Greens and they have paid my candidate fee and for all my printed materials. We have run one fundraising evening at the Bentleigh Bowling Club. I have received no payment other payments or contributions from any group, including the Greens.
11. Councillors often promise the world, but deliver very little. How do you intend to adhere to you election promises?
I don’t believe I’ve promised anything that can’t be delivered, it all starts with a new council plan that gives the community a different more inclusive approach based on transparency, good governance and communication. Financial responsibility, environment protection.”
THERE ARE ALSO THESE COMMENTS ON OTHER CANDIDATES’ BACKGROUNDS –
1.
Newton Gatoff (Independent) last seen in Bent St in the Newton Mobile which is a great addition to the Tucker Ward campaign – it adds a little colour and pizazz. I first met Newton around 2 months ago and have been impressed with his knowledge of local issues and council along with his plans for change. I don’t mind that Newton put me 9th on his how to vote card, but putting Oscar Lobo second is a big risk in that it essentially says that he has to get more votes than Oscar or the game (change) is over – and that game may mean that Oscar will be returned from the preference flows from Newton. Check out Newton’s video below.
2. Anne-Marie Cade (Liberal Party supporting Jamie Hyams) – works for a legal firm called LeMercier Legal – it says she is passionate about property and property development – a lawyer, don’t know much else and haven’t met, spoken to or seen anywhere in Tucker Ward.
3. Jim Magee (Labor – but not sure how bolted on he is though – he was handing out Labor how to vote cards for Rob Hudson when I stood as a candidate in the last state election) – I first come across Jim when he was campaigning to save the East Boundary Rd pool, a cause I supported. Last seen at the Glen Eira Residents Association meet the candidates forum where he said he would only serve one more term if elected. The picture below is pretty cool, there is a bird feeder directly above it which was covered in parrots – although they were gorging themselves on bread which is not good for them at all.
4. Jamie Hyams (Liberal Party – not declared), his flyer it states that he works for a Not for Profit organisation – Jamie is a senior policy analyst for Australia Israel & Jewish Affairs Council. Jamie is part of the current conservative block of Councillors that control the Glen Eira Council
5. Raj Dudeja (Liberal Party – although claiming to be an indpendent) – supports current councillor and Mayor Jamie Hyams, last seen in Centre Rd with man wearing blue blazer and striped tie – endorsed by Peter Vlahos (former Federal Liberal candidate and Monash Councillor).
October 10, 2012
Posted by gleneira under
Miscellaneous
[8] Comments
We’ve received the following information via email from one of our readers. What’s especially fascinating is:
- The myth of a “united council” is literally blown to smithereens with Hyams’ 14th preference for Magee. So much for the spin of a cohesive, non-dysfunctional council.
- The “stooges” appear lined up as predicted.
Here’s the list in preference order:
- HYAMS
- De’Ath
- DUDEJA
- LOBO
- BUCH
- GATOFF
- CADE
- MYERS
- KAY
- PILCHER
- ANDONOPOULOS
- REED
- HEDGER
- MAGEE
October 10, 2012
The usual sales pitch that constitutes the Annual Report is now available on Council’s website. Once again readers will require a magnifying glass to read the very fine print that is practically on every single page! We’ve only had a very cursory glance at the contents, but these figures leapt out at us:
- Staff increase – in 2010/11 the total no. was 980. In 2011/12 this figure hit 1,204!!
- Drains cleaned – in 2010/11 the total was 32km. In 2011/12 a bare 10.93km!!!!
We must also wonder why on earth Council has Advisory Committees. The following lists the number of times these committees met throughout the year –
Roads Special Committee – No meetings
Caulfield Racecourse Precinct Special Committee – 1 meeting
Animal Management Advisory Committee – No meetings
Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Advisory Committee – No meetings
Local Laws Advisory Committee – 1 meeting
Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee – No meetings
Pools Steering Committee – 8 meetings
The only committees that seemed to get a regular guernsey were the Audit Committee (4 – legislative requirement); Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (7 meetings); Environment 4 meetings and Community Grants – 4 meetings. Hence we have a situation where the most important committees exist in name only – or that this council sees no need to report on any such meetings (ie Local Law Committee meetings which in the past have been called ‘workshops’ rather than formal meetings. This of course provides the excuse of not having to table minutes of any such ‘workshops’).
Then there’s this on the GESAC saga: “Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) construction contract was awarded for the sum of $41.2m. As at end June 2012, Council had paid $36.99m. Council officers are still assessing contractor’s claims for variations and the contractor is still attending to minor defects and omissions. The defects liability period is due to end in May 2013.
Council has deducted $2,355,000 in liquidated damage against the contract. Recently, Hansen Yuncken applied for an adjudication pursuant to the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic) for $4,207,478.21.
It has also reserved its right to seek a further $950,950.06 (plus GST). Council has engaged legal advisors to prepare a response to Hansen Yuncken’s application. Regardless of the outcome of the adjudication, either party is still entitled to pursue damages and cost recovery through civil proceedings.”
We urge readers to cut through the cant and really analyse the figures. Then they should ask themselves:
- Are services being cut, maintained or improved?
- Are the ‘measures’ really indicative of performance as set out in the so called community plan?
- Are residents getting real value for money?
October 9, 2012
Posted by gleneira under
Miscellaneous
[17] Comments
October 9, 2012
Caulfield Racecourse chairman told to resign
Racecourse board votes to maintain secrecy
Oct 12 @ 05:00am by Andrea Kellett
A DECISION that could end more than a century of perceived secrecy surrounding management of Crown land at Caulfield Racecourse has been voted down.
The Caulfield Racecourse Reserve board of trustees has met for the first time under new chairman and Glen Eira councillor Jim Magee.
He put forward a motion to change the board’s governance arrangements, but the majority of trustees voted against it.
Those arrangements would have thrown board meetings open to the public for the first time in 150 years and required minutes to be made publicly available.
The trustees called for Cr Magee’s resignation as chairman, but he declined.
He will instead be replaced at 6am on October 27, council election day.
He is standing for re-election in Tucker Ward.
After the meeting Cr Magee said it was “inappropriate” to comment while he waited for the Premier to reply to concerns he had raised about the board.
Fellow trustee, Cr Cheryl Forge, said Cr Magee had come under “enormous pressure” at the meeting to resign.
Council candidate Mary Delahunty called for a review into the operations and structure of the board.
Other items on the board’s agenda included the grandstand lease with the MRC and a “land swap” between the MRC and the Minister for Innovation.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Big task on racecourse
THE development of the Caulfield racecourse area will be one of the biggest challenges to face new and re-elected councillors.
There is much a strong council can achieve to protect the amenity for all Glen Eira residents, to ensure infrastructure is minimally impacted and to provide an accessible open space for our enjoyment.
Governance must be resolved for the project to be successful. The current trust structure which delegates the day-to-day management of crown land is not the appropriate vehicle. A properly authorised committee of management will provide a stronger voice for the residents and clearer accountability. Glen Eira Council has an important role in the future of the racecourse. Strong, consultative representation will deliver the right outcomes for the City of Glen Eira.
Mary Delahunty, Candidate for Camden Ward
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