Thursday, February 19, 2009

Curioser and curioser!

The agenda items are out for clowcil's next meeting (Tuesday night). What is fascinating about some of the items is:

1. The 3.1 Million selloff to the Port Phillip Housing society is up for planning approval. A few questions need to be asked. According to the report, it is anticipated that for the 3 STOREY dwelling, most of the occupants will be over 55. So, will there be a lift? If not, what is the sense of allowing a 3 storey building for the elderly? Or is this just another lot of codswallop and the final makeup of residents will be 'disadvantaged' and not necessarily 'elderly'? Also, after being told that the MS society will be a major benefactor, it looks as if only 6 out of the proposed 34 units will actually house people with MS - since it is feasible to assume that they won't be put into a 3 storey building!

2. How come that Neil Pilling, the GREENS candidate for the recent election is not a member of the environment committee? Did he get rolled? Did he want to be on this committee?

3. And most intruiging is that in the 'in camera' items we have the following:
"12.3 under S 89(2)(a) “personnel” which relates to Membership of the Audit
Committee". What does this mean? That the natives are getting restless and that the 6 to 3 vote which placed Lipshutz and Tang on the committee is perhaps being challenged, questioned?

Are things are really getting curioser and curioser. Keep watching!

Monday, February 16, 2009

The PUPPETS speak!!!!

If anyone wanted any 'proof' as to the orchestrated nature of all public statements made by our councillors here is the 'proof'. I refer to the latest media release where Mayor Whiteside is congratulating residents on exchanging the 4000th showerhead in the effort to save water. She is purported to have said (and I quote) - Glen Eira Mayor Cr Helen Whiteside said by installing 3 star water efficient showerheads, households will not only save up to 20,000 litres of water a year, but will also use less energy.
"Using less energy means a reduction in fossil fuel use and fewer greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere," Cr Whiteside said.

Now, let's go to a clowncil media release of May 19th, 2008 where our then Mayor, Steven Tang, is reported to have opined (and again I quote) - Glen Eira Mayor Cr Steven Tang said by installing the AAA rated showerhead, households will not only save about 20,000 litres of water a year, but they will also use less energy.
"Using less energy means a reduction in fossil fuel use and fewer greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere," Cr Tang said.

COME ON!!!!! Surely as 'puppet-master' you can do better than this Mr. Burke? All it achieves is showing the community how little real say our elected councillors have, and how much effort you actually put into these spurious media releases. Even a 12 year old kid knows the dangers of plagiarism! More importantly, what does it say about the intelligence and independent thought of Tang and Whiteside. It is now clear to all as to who is actually pulling the strings.

Looks as if we're not alone - today's Leader

GLEN Eira Council has been dubbed “thoughtless” for not making an immediate cash donation to help in the wake of the Australia’s worst natural disaster.
Donations of more than $93 million have poured in from individuals, organisations and councils for the Victoria bushfire appeal so far.
But 10 days after the fires destroyed so many families and houses, Glen Eira Council - with a surplus of $5.23 million for the 2008-09 financial year - had not pledged any cash.
In a statement, Mayor Helen Whiteside said the council was “making available” equipment, vehicles and staff with expertise to help affected areas.
The council could not say how many staff or vehicles were available to help.
When the Leader asked if money would be donated, council spokesman Paul Burke stated in an email that councillors were “finalising the details” of a donation and a formal decision was likely to be made today.
“The amount will be in excess of $10,000,” he said.
Mr Burke said the council would organise a charity concert in March.
Glen Eira Residents’ Action Group president Andrew Bunn said he didn’t understand the delay.
“It’s a tragedy that’s touched all Australians so it’s surprising to me they have delayed in any way showing at least a little generosity ... that’s thoughtless,” he said.
“All Australians are feeling for these people and donating.
“There should be no need for a meeting or major discussion.”
Carnegie resident Mary Walsh said the council media release had a “total lack of recognition of the human costs involved”.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

well, well, well - the pen is mightier......

Well, well, well - it looks like the mandarins running clowncil may just have been shamed into further action on the bushfire appeal front. I cite their latest 'update' -


Bushfire update 12 February 2009

Councillors are finalising the details of the donation that Council will make to the Bushfire Appeal Fund. A formal decision is likely next Tuesday. The amount will be in excess of $10,000.Council is also in the process of organising a Charity Concert to be held in early March. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Bushfire Appeal Fund.Council employees have already donated $3,000 and fundraising activities are continuing.The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has acknowledged Council's offer of staff and equipment. The MAV have advised that it will call on them as and when required.

COMMENT: What does in excess of $10,000 mean? I wonder if they will match Stonnington's donation? Only $3000 from nearly 800 staff (or at least 500 fulltime)? That equals about six bucks from each staff member to this stage! When one considers how many of these mandarins are earning well over 100,000, I simply wonder how much they have donated?

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Clowncil's pathetic and shameful response!!

When I read the following, I was angry and appalled at how our wealthy clowncil has responded to the tragedy of recent days. Please read their announcement and keep in mind the following:

1. the tone - not one word is mentioned about the victims, the losses, the overall enormity of what has happened.

2. what is clowncil's 'contribution' - a few paltry and expendable staff, plus the offer of machinery 'if needed'.

3. Compare this with what other councils are doing. We're told that there were 'discussions' with stonnington and other neighbouring municipalities. I've attached the Stonnington release following the Glen Eira one. Note the difference in sentiment, and the financial donation!!

4. According to the VLGA media release some other councils are doing the following: “The Cities Ballarat, Greater Dandenong, Greater Geelong, Hume, Maribyrnong, Monash, Moreland, Melton, Stonnington, and Whitehorse, are making generous donations from $10,000 to $50,000.

“Corangamite Shire Council, which has itself been hit by the fires in some areas, has immediately organised a fundraising film night.

“The City of Port Phillip collected donations at the St Kilda Festival on Sunday and has organized for residents to make donations via the Council to relief funds. Maribyrnong City Council is also collecting donations at the Yarraville Festival this weekend and Hobsons Bay have immediately organised a fundraising event this week.

“The Cities of Moonee Valley and Whitehorse have facilitated donations of blood and plasma in response to the requests from Red Cross.

“The City of Moreland who have a number of staff who have lost their homes, are even looking at creative solutions such as special leave and cash bonuses.

“The Ballarat Council is also assisting the community to donate and transport pet supplies to the Whittlesea Animal Clinic.

“Councils have strengthened existing partnerships with the most affected areas to provide machinery and equipment including water tanks, graders and the City of Stonnington will provide the devastated Mitchell Shire with a community caravan.

“As true reflections of our citizens, Councils of all sizes have responded with equal generosity and community spirit. The City of Melbourne and Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund have given generously - a staggering $800,000 in cash and $200,000 in kind. While both have more resources at their disposal, this lead should act as a signal to all Councils in a position to help.

“Whether this support is cash, in kind or a myriad of other creative responses, affected people are looking to Councils as a source of hope.

“While these fires have been shocking in their destruction, the overwhelming level of support from Councils signals the strength of local communities and their potential to collectively support efforts to rebuild shattered lives,” concluded Cr Iser.

Shame on you Glen Eira!! This is their pathetic media release!

Council supports bushfire affected communities
In wake of the weekends devastating bushfires, Glen Eira City Council has made whatever resources it can available to communities in the affected areas.“Council is making available staff members with expertise in emergency response, disaster administration, building safety and public health to assist municipalities that have been affected,” Glen Eira Mayor Cr Helen Whiteside said.“Council’s Depot has also made available any equipment and vehicles which may be required.“Any staff members who are members of any of the volunteer and emergency services are being supported to continue their volunteer work. One staff member who volunteers for the State Emergency Service (SES) has already been deployed into the affected areas.”Council met with the cities of Stonnington, Boroondara, Bayside and Kingston yesterday to discuss how they can best support the affected communities.Residents wanting to help are urged to make a cash donation to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Fund.To make a donation, contact 1800 811 700 or visit www.redcross.org.au


AND HERE'S THE STONNINGTON ONE


City of Stonnington supports bushfire victims
City of Stonnington Mayor Cr Claude Ullin has expressed, on behalf of Council and the community, his deepest regret for the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by the Victorian bushfires and committed the Council’s full support for the victims.
“This unprecedented catastrophe has sent a chill down the spine of all Victorians. It is testament to the caring nature of all Victorians that we are all seeking to help in any way we can. For its part, Stonnington Council will
next week resolve to donate $50,000 for bushfire relief. “We have also been working closely with our “sister city” Mitchell Shire, which includes the areas of Kilmore, Wandong and Heathcote Junction, to offer any resources necessary, which has included the provision of a food kitchen caravan which Council will hire and deliver to the people of Wandong who currently have no food
preparation areas,’ Cr Ullin said.
“Some City of Stonnington staff will also be seconded to Mitchell Shire during the coming weeks to assist in roles such as counseling and staffing service centres, which have been in enormous demand since the bushfires hit, in order to give Mitchell Shire staff a well-earned break.”
For the remainder of Council’s Summer events program, Rotary will be collecting money for the fire victims.
“Rotary will be collecting at Council’s Musical Melodies, Opera in the Park and Symphony Under the Stars concerts during the next month so this is an opportunity for the community to demonstrate how much they care
by giving generously,” Cr Ullin said.
“Other initiatives being considered include a fund raising concert or event to thank volunteers in the Mitchell Shire area who have assisted in the wake of the bushfires.
“People wishing to make donations, provide emergency accommodation or in need of counseling as a result of the bushfires should visit Council’s website www.stonnington.vic.gov.au for more information.
“This is a time where communities come together and can provide enormous support whether that be material, financial or otherwise. I thank you for your efforts so far and urge you to continue to be thoughtful and generous,” Cr Ullin said. What you can do:
· Donate money at Council’s outdoor events
o Musical Melodies in the Park – Sat 14 Feb, 7.30pm, Ardrie Park, Ardrie Rd, Malvern East
o Opera in the Park – Sat 21 Feb, 6.30pm, Victoria Gardens, High St, Prahran
o Symphony Under the Stars – Sat 28 Feb, 7pm, Malvern Gardens, High St, Malvern
· Donate money through the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal visit www.stonnington.vic.gov.au
· Provide Emergency Accommodation visit www.stonnington.vic.gov.au
· Donate Blood visit www.stonnington.vic.gov.au
In need of help:
· Visit www.stonnington.vic.gov.au for information on how Stonnington residents can receive support.

Friday, February 6, 2009

The clowncil way versus the 'right' way!

Below is a posting taken in its entirety from the Bayside Council website. Please note carefully the following:

1. The withdrawel of a draft proposal basically is saying 'we got it wrong' and are prepared to start again. In other words an admission of error and an 'apology' perhaps.

2. The commitment to a variety of 'consultation methods'.

3. How this stands in stark contrast to what happens in our clowncil.

4. The opportunity to post comments directly to council via the website!

Read and weep!

Council listens to community’s concerns over Bayside's sportsgrounds - Friday 06 February 2009
BAYSIDE City Council has withdrawn its current Draft Sportsground and Draft Open Space strategies from public comment and will review its approach to community consultation on these issues.
Bayside Mayor Councillor James Long said the decision came after community members sent Council a clear message that more consultation was needed.
“The community is also dissatisfied with some of the proposed changes to the sportsgrounds.
“We have heard loud and clear what the community want and we now understand that we need to be clearer in our communications and do better consultation on these issues.
Bayside City Council held two community information sessions on the Draft Sportsground Strategy this week. Although Council has withdrawn both the existing draft Sportsground and Open Space strategies, feedback from community members will be considered when developing an integrated strategy.
“I would like to thank all the people who took the time to attend the community information sessions to give us their feedback. Your input is valuable and will help shape our way forward.
“Council at all times likes to make decisions for the greatest benefit of the community; and this applies to both our current and future communities,” Cr Long said.
Council will ensure that widespread community consultation utilising a variety of approaches underpins the new strategy.
For more information, visit the Have Your Say section of the website.

Monday, February 2, 2009

More genuises at work!

Well the mulching story continues, but now there is even further evidence of 'genuises at work'!!! Guess what this clowncil and its morons have done - they've placed a foot of mulch around 3 DEAD TREES!!! Perhaps they are blind as well as stupid? That could be the only possible explanation for this latest effort! Monty Python would have a ball with this mob and their incompetence.