On Monday November 10th, 2008 there will be a ‘Candidates Question and Answer Session’ at:
The Elsternwick Club
19 Sandham St.
Elsterwick
Time: 8pm.
The reason for this is simple. How many of us can actually put a face to a new candidate? How many of us actually know what each candidate stands for? What his/her vision is and what they hope to achieve in their four year term if elected.
This is the opportunity to ask these new candidates all your questions and to get a direct answer. Speaking directly to residents is not the same as a carefully worded and innocuous flyer that promises the world and delivers nothing. It will also display their ability to communicate, to think on their feet, and to enable us, the ratepayers to at least have a clearer picture of how candidate x measures up against candidate y.
Current councillors ARE NOT INVITED!! We already know what they have achieved, or failed to achieve. They stand on their record. What we need to learn is what this prospective ‘new blood’ has to offer the community so that we can go some way towards making really informed decisions.
So start thinking about the questions you would like answered and put November the 10th into your diary. Also, tell your friends and neighbours about this evening – it is an opportunity that should not be wasted.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Clowncil's annual report
I just love it!! In the agenda items for next week's clowncil meeting to table and pass the Annual Report, there are the following observations (and I quote verbatim)!!
"We reduced consumption of mains water from 310 million litres in 2002–03 to 130.3 million litres in 2007–08 — a decrease of 193 million litres or 61 per cent."
Reading the above one would really think that this 'reduction' is the result of our wonderful environmentally conscious clowncil. Nothing could be further from the truth and nothing could be more designed to disguise the truth. Were there any water restrictions in 2002? Isn't clowncil and the community simply abiding by legal requirements - ie these water restrictions? So how dare they claim credit for something that has never been the result of their initiatives or their thoughtful and far sighted planning. The 'we' in this paragraph is an insult!
Another quote: "A major agreement with Melbourne Racing Club will see a better balance between horse racing, community sport and passive recreation at Caulfield Racecourse." Yes, an 'agreement' that is so full of holes, that sells the glen eira community so short, that it is nothing but disgraceful. Also, who first started agitating about the racecourse? It sure as hell wasn't the administration. and if people can be bothered to read the minutes from the last council meeting, they will see how 'successful' our councillors have been in 'donating' a good parcel of land to the racecourse trustees.
More still: "Only 2.7 per cent of town planning decisions were appealed against by residents." What of developers? what's the percentage of their appeals and how much is this the fault of clowncil's inadequate planning structures and mechanisms? Of course resident appeals are small - how many of us have the time, money, and expertise to front VCAT and argue a case?
Again, I urge all residents to read an earlier blog about annual reports and their shortcomings. Glen Eira remains a prime example of what the auditor's review discovered - lack of real information, and lack of relevance to ordinary ratepayers.
"We reduced consumption of mains water from 310 million litres in 2002–03 to 130.3 million litres in 2007–08 — a decrease of 193 million litres or 61 per cent."
Reading the above one would really think that this 'reduction' is the result of our wonderful environmentally conscious clowncil. Nothing could be further from the truth and nothing could be more designed to disguise the truth. Were there any water restrictions in 2002? Isn't clowncil and the community simply abiding by legal requirements - ie these water restrictions? So how dare they claim credit for something that has never been the result of their initiatives or their thoughtful and far sighted planning. The 'we' in this paragraph is an insult!
Another quote: "A major agreement with Melbourne Racing Club will see a better balance between horse racing, community sport and passive recreation at Caulfield Racecourse." Yes, an 'agreement' that is so full of holes, that sells the glen eira community so short, that it is nothing but disgraceful. Also, who first started agitating about the racecourse? It sure as hell wasn't the administration. and if people can be bothered to read the minutes from the last council meeting, they will see how 'successful' our councillors have been in 'donating' a good parcel of land to the racecourse trustees.
More still: "Only 2.7 per cent of town planning decisions were appealed against by residents." What of developers? what's the percentage of their appeals and how much is this the fault of clowncil's inadequate planning structures and mechanisms? Of course resident appeals are small - how many of us have the time, money, and expertise to front VCAT and argue a case?
Again, I urge all residents to read an earlier blog about annual reports and their shortcomings. Glen Eira remains a prime example of what the auditor's review discovered - lack of real information, and lack of relevance to ordinary ratepayers.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Clowncil's website abomination!
Glen Eira Clowncil runs a multimillion dollar operation each year! It relies on accurate information, accurate audits, and providing accurate information to its residents. So how come its website is so abysmal? How much does its webmaster earn? Or being a suspicious bastard, I believe in conspiracy theories and that the lack of real information on its website is deliberate and calculated to keep its citizenry ignorant.
However, there are certain components of which are fundamental and cannot be put into this realm of deliberate obfuscation. I invite people to go to clowncil's home page and then click on the 'A-Z Index' on the left hand bottom part of the page. There you will find the following amazing scenes -
1. 'E' comes before 'A'. (Clowncil is now reshaping our alphabet!!)
2. 'Enrolling to vote' comes before numbers
3. obviously the webmaster has no numeracy skills since the run of 'annual reports' is not consecutive, but split by numerous other items - ie. so the 2003-4 report is not followed by 2004-2005 report.
4. there are several links to the same report.
I could go on and on - but this is simply unforgiveable and atrocious. We're paying good money for a professional outfit. What this website represents is a total waste of money!!
Oh and if you're looking for uptodate and relevant policy documents you simply won't find them! What you will find are 'quarterly reports' from 2004 and nothing since.
Information is really given short shrift - but of course that's what they want!! Keep the bastards ignorant!
However, there are certain components of which are fundamental and cannot be put into this realm of deliberate obfuscation. I invite people to go to clowncil's home page and then click on the 'A-Z Index' on the left hand bottom part of the page. There you will find the following amazing scenes -
1. 'E' comes before 'A'. (Clowncil is now reshaping our alphabet!!)
2. 'Enrolling to vote' comes before numbers
3. obviously the webmaster has no numeracy skills since the run of 'annual reports' is not consecutive, but split by numerous other items - ie. so the 2003-4 report is not followed by 2004-2005 report.
4. there are several links to the same report.
I could go on and on - but this is simply unforgiveable and atrocious. We're paying good money for a professional outfit. What this website represents is a total waste of money!!
Oh and if you're looking for uptodate and relevant policy documents you simply won't find them! What you will find are 'quarterly reports' from 2004 and nothing since.
Information is really given short shrift - but of course that's what they want!! Keep the bastards ignorant!
Councils versus clowncils!
I must admit that I did a double take when I read a Monash City Council advertisement in this week's Leader. After checking their website, my amazement was confirmed. The ad was calling for a public meeting on October 29th (refreshments provided) for all those citizenry interested in discussing a proposed 'Clayton Community Strengthening Project'. This in itself isn't extraordinary. Glen Eira Clowncil calls this 'forums'! But what was fascinating is the following taken directly from the advertisement -
"Solicit feedback as to the worthiness of the proposed project
Solicit feedback about what sort of outcomes a community strengthening project could achieve
Get expressions of interest from members of the community regarding their interest in attending leadership training sessions and participating in the oversight of the project
Have a conversation about the way forward
To answer any questions people attending the public meeting might have."
WOW AND DOUBLE WOW. A 'conversation' where we poor residents actually get to 'oversee' a project and even get to have a say in its 'worthiness'. All of this stands in stark contrast to the way Glen Eira clowncil operates. There never is a 'conversation' and god forbid that residents actually be asked for an opinion, much less have a role in the overseeing or management of anything. Yes, as I've entitled this - there are actually some councils out there, but then again, there are also some clowncils!!
"Solicit feedback as to the worthiness of the proposed project
Solicit feedback about what sort of outcomes a community strengthening project could achieve
Get expressions of interest from members of the community regarding their interest in attending leadership training sessions and participating in the oversight of the project
Have a conversation about the way forward
To answer any questions people attending the public meeting might have."
WOW AND DOUBLE WOW. A 'conversation' where we poor residents actually get to 'oversee' a project and even get to have a say in its 'worthiness'. All of this stands in stark contrast to the way Glen Eira clowncil operates. There never is a 'conversation' and god forbid that residents actually be asked for an opinion, much less have a role in the overseeing or management of anything. Yes, as I've entitled this - there are actually some councils out there, but then again, there are also some clowncils!!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Clowncil's annual report - more of the same???
On the 28th October, Clowncil, will release its latest 'annual report'. It will of course be full of self-congratulations, glossy pics, astounding 'performance' results, with the message continually thrust down our throat about how wonderfully well everyone has done!
In the light of this spin doctoring, and examinations of clowncil's previous annual reports, it is sobering to reflect on these questions:
1. how comprehensible, relevant, and useful are annual reports?
2. how much is 'hidden' as to actually revealed about the true state of affairs - ie. the minutiae of day to day operations?
Below is the findings of the auditor general, taken directly from his website. It says a lot about how councils, and our glorious local one, operates.
. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 Introduction
Performance reporting by councils changed in 2004–05 with the passage of the Local Government (Democratic Reform) Act 2003.A new approach to annual performance reporting was introduced by the Act, based on the concept of ‘key strategic activities’ (KSAs), as set out in each council’s annual budget. The Act also introduced the requirement to prepare a four–year council plan, containing strategic objectives and indicators to measure achievements.
As it has been three years since these reforms were introduced, it is timely to review their impact on local government performance reporting.
1.2 Audit objective
The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of councils’ performance reporting, with particular emphasis on the audited performance statements included in council annual reports.
In addressing this objective the audit considered whether the performance information was useful and whether key elements of the framework established in each council support performance reporting.
1.3 Key findings
Relevance
Most councils’ non-financial performance data is of limited relevance to ratepayers and residents, the principal users of that data.
Performance information is generally not being provided on the timeliness, cost, quantity or quality of council services, on achieved outcomes, or on achieving strategic objectives.
The performance indicators being reported are activity-based and generally only measure one metric—time. In many cases the nexus between the indicator and the activity is very indirect and of questionable relevance.
Appropriateness
Most councils are not providing enough appropriate information to users about the performance measures they have adopted. This means that users are not able to meaningfully assess councils’ performance.
The lack of clarity around measures and targets; the paucity of explanation of variances; and the failure to include trend and benchmark data can indicate that councils have adopted a ‘compliance-centric’ approach to reporting performance information. They rarely go beyond the legislative imperative and, where there are no specific requirements, adopt a practice of minimalist disclosure.
Presentation
The performance measures reported can be reliably measured. However, this must be considered in the context that many performance measures are neither relevant nor appropriate.
One inference that can be made is that councils select indicators because they can be easily measured, not because they are the right things to measure.
Policies and standards
In contrast to financial reporting, there are no independent, authoritative standards for performance reporting. There is also no generally accepted conceptual framework that identifies essential characteristics of performance reporting.
This situation is mirrored at council level, where the development of appropriate policies is either very limited or non-existent.
Organisational capabilities
In most cases councillors and council staff are not equipped with the knowledge and skills required to fully understand and develop appropriate performance reports.
1.4 Overall conclusions
The performance statements prepared by councils generally fail key tests of usefulness. They contain information that is largely irrelevant and inappropriate to users needs. The failure to include critical performance information and explanations makes it difficult for ratepayers and residents to hold their elected representatives fully accountable.
Through their reporting approaches councils have taken a very narrow view of their performance reporting obligations—treating the minimum mandatory legal requirements as the maximum disclosure standard.
Councils have not established key elements of the frameworks necessary to support the development of useful performance information.
1.5 Recommendations
Regulations be issued establishing minimum standards for the form and content of performance statements. (Recommendation 4.1)
All councils document and approve performance reporting policies and standards. (Recommendation 4.2)
Councillors and council staff involved in performance reporting are given appropriate training on performance measurement and management. (Recommendation 4.3)
In the light of this spin doctoring, and examinations of clowncil's previous annual reports, it is sobering to reflect on these questions:
1. how comprehensible, relevant, and useful are annual reports?
2. how much is 'hidden' as to actually revealed about the true state of affairs - ie. the minutiae of day to day operations?
Below is the findings of the auditor general, taken directly from his website. It says a lot about how councils, and our glorious local one, operates.
. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 Introduction
Performance reporting by councils changed in 2004–05 with the passage of the Local Government (Democratic Reform) Act 2003.A new approach to annual performance reporting was introduced by the Act, based on the concept of ‘key strategic activities’ (KSAs), as set out in each council’s annual budget. The Act also introduced the requirement to prepare a four–year council plan, containing strategic objectives and indicators to measure achievements.
As it has been three years since these reforms were introduced, it is timely to review their impact on local government performance reporting.
1.2 Audit objective
The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of councils’ performance reporting, with particular emphasis on the audited performance statements included in council annual reports.
In addressing this objective the audit considered whether the performance information was useful and whether key elements of the framework established in each council support performance reporting.
1.3 Key findings
Relevance
Most councils’ non-financial performance data is of limited relevance to ratepayers and residents, the principal users of that data.
Performance information is generally not being provided on the timeliness, cost, quantity or quality of council services, on achieved outcomes, or on achieving strategic objectives.
The performance indicators being reported are activity-based and generally only measure one metric—time. In many cases the nexus between the indicator and the activity is very indirect and of questionable relevance.
Appropriateness
Most councils are not providing enough appropriate information to users about the performance measures they have adopted. This means that users are not able to meaningfully assess councils’ performance.
The lack of clarity around measures and targets; the paucity of explanation of variances; and the failure to include trend and benchmark data can indicate that councils have adopted a ‘compliance-centric’ approach to reporting performance information. They rarely go beyond the legislative imperative and, where there are no specific requirements, adopt a practice of minimalist disclosure.
Presentation
The performance measures reported can be reliably measured. However, this must be considered in the context that many performance measures are neither relevant nor appropriate.
One inference that can be made is that councils select indicators because they can be easily measured, not because they are the right things to measure.
Policies and standards
In contrast to financial reporting, there are no independent, authoritative standards for performance reporting. There is also no generally accepted conceptual framework that identifies essential characteristics of performance reporting.
This situation is mirrored at council level, where the development of appropriate policies is either very limited or non-existent.
Organisational capabilities
In most cases councillors and council staff are not equipped with the knowledge and skills required to fully understand and develop appropriate performance reports.
1.4 Overall conclusions
The performance statements prepared by councils generally fail key tests of usefulness. They contain information that is largely irrelevant and inappropriate to users needs. The failure to include critical performance information and explanations makes it difficult for ratepayers and residents to hold their elected representatives fully accountable.
Through their reporting approaches councils have taken a very narrow view of their performance reporting obligations—treating the minimum mandatory legal requirements as the maximum disclosure standard.
Councils have not established key elements of the frameworks necessary to support the development of useful performance information.
1.5 Recommendations
Regulations be issued establishing minimum standards for the form and content of performance statements. (Recommendation 4.1)
All councils document and approve performance reporting policies and standards. (Recommendation 4.2)
Councillors and council staff involved in performance reporting are given appropriate training on performance measurement and management. (Recommendation 4.3)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Shame on you!
The following letter in this week's Moorabbin-Glen Eira Leader, is short and sweet, but says it all.
SHAME ON YOU
I am again most disappointed that the Glen Eira Council cannot take climate change and environmental issues serisouly and has voted down a motion for the council to become carbon neutral by 2020.
Shame on councillors Lipshutz, Esakoff, Whiteside, Robilliard and Spaulding, who voted against the motion. When is the council going to wake up and see that its demographics are changing with more young famlies increasingly concerned about the environment and other issues for the future?
Mikala Hehir, Elsternwick.
COMMENTARY: this mob will never wake up whilst the current administration is in place. As for the environment, residents need to have a look at clowncil's website to see that they are about to lop down another 6 aged trees in Caulfield Park. Friends of Caulfield Park claim that many of these could be saved with proper actions and resourcing. But of course we're talking about this particular clowncil which never, ever, wants to spend any money on the environment if it can avoid it.
SHAME ON YOU
I am again most disappointed that the Glen Eira Council cannot take climate change and environmental issues serisouly and has voted down a motion for the council to become carbon neutral by 2020.
Shame on councillors Lipshutz, Esakoff, Whiteside, Robilliard and Spaulding, who voted against the motion. When is the council going to wake up and see that its demographics are changing with more young famlies increasingly concerned about the environment and other issues for the future?
Mikala Hehir, Elsternwick.
COMMENTARY: this mob will never wake up whilst the current administration is in place. As for the environment, residents need to have a look at clowncil's website to see that they are about to lop down another 6 aged trees in Caulfield Park. Friends of Caulfield Park claim that many of these could be saved with proper actions and resourcing. But of course we're talking about this particular clowncil which never, ever, wants to spend any money on the environment if it can avoid it.
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