On the Port Phillip website you'll find the following titbit of information. It makes for informative reading when compared to the current attitudes of our clowncil -
Dog Owner Groups
Many popular parks have their own unofficial dog owner groups that get together to socialise with their pets. These groups can be a great way to get to know people in your area and to allow your dog to socialise and play with other dogs. The people in these groups take good care of their parks, helping to promote responsible pet ownership.
Some of these groups are advancing into more official groups such as Alma Dog Group at Alma Park in St Kilda East. Alma Dog Group recently worked with the Animal Management unit to host Port Phillips first Pet Expo in April 2006. Council is actively encouraging more groups like Alma Dogs to be created as they help to promote responsible pet ownership and encourage community togetherness.
Another park that has quite a social dog group is Gasworks park which is located in Middle Park. This park is an off-leash park that is used by many dogs for their playtime. The regulars to Gasworks have become quite an organised group.
Peanut Farm Reserve in St Kilda and Clarke Reserve in Elwood are two more examples of parks that are very popular in their neighbourhoods. These parks have active groups of regulars that enjoy spending time socialising with their dogs in the parks.
So if you are new to an area or to being a dog owner, talk to people in your neighbourhood about local doggy activities and news. If you are a new visitor to a park, it's a good idea to talk to other park users to see if there is a group of regulars that get together as it is a great way for you and your pooch to make some new friends.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The puppet speaks!
A 'Letter to the Editor' from Helen Whiteside - but who's really pulling the strings?
"Regarding your story on the protest at Lord Reserve in Carnegie (Leader June 3). The partial fence in Lord Reserve is not a complete barrier to children, dogs or balls. There were entry and exit points all along the old fence.
Over the years, council's approach has been to try and remove barriers to access and encourage people to participate in both active and passive recreation in our parks.
There can never be a safer alternative to the proper supervision of children in any environment, whether it be the local park or the children's own home.
Where fences have been removed from other parks, usage has increased.
It is a legal requirment for people walking their dog that it is always under effective voice control, even in an off-leash area.
The police became involved in ensuring work could continue after the contractor had not been able to safely access the work site for three days, the contractor's property was damaged and the safety measures around the work site were breached.
"Regarding your story on the protest at Lord Reserve in Carnegie (Leader June 3). The partial fence in Lord Reserve is not a complete barrier to children, dogs or balls. There were entry and exit points all along the old fence.
Over the years, council's approach has been to try and remove barriers to access and encourage people to participate in both active and passive recreation in our parks.
There can never be a safer alternative to the proper supervision of children in any environment, whether it be the local park or the children's own home.
Where fences have been removed from other parks, usage has increased.
It is a legal requirment for people walking their dog that it is always under effective voice control, even in an off-leash area.
The police became involved in ensuring work could continue after the contractor had not been able to safely access the work site for three days, the contractor's property was damaged and the safety measures around the work site were breached.
Monday, June 8, 2009
The latest Burke outrage!!!
From today's (Tuesday) Leader: See - http://caulfield-glen-eira-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/please-fence-us-in/
Please, fence us in: Carnegie protestors
09 Jun 09 @ 07:00am by Jenny Ling
Protesters, children and dogs gathered at Lord Reserve to try to stop Glen Eira Council pulling down the fence. PIC: DAVID SMITH
PARENTS and dog owners angry at a council decision to tear down a Carnegie park fence have been criticised for hurling “derogatory” remarks at workmen and vandalising their property.
Dozens of residents picketed Lord Reserve for several days from May 25 after Glen Eira Council contractors began removing a 1.2m fence to make way for a small concrete plinth.
Police escorted them off the site on May 28.
Group spokeswoman Sandy Evans said residents would “continue to lobby the councillors until someone talks to us”.
“They are simply not interested in what the electorate wants or needs and don’t feel it’s necessary to tell us what’s being done with our money,” Ms Evans said.
Residents are concerned children and dogs will run on to the road once the fence is removed.
Most of the fence had been taken down from the Lyons St side, Ms Evans said.
Council spokesman Paul Burke said the work, expected to take two weeks, had been delayed by a week after the contractor was told to leave the site during the protests.
Group members had cut through a temporary wire safety fence to get inside the work area and made “derogatory” comments, he said.
“The contractor said he’s prepared to wear it on the chin,” Mr Burke said. “But nobody likes their equipment vandalised and the fact people bad-mouthed workmen going about their jobs was unnecessary.”
Dog owners fear the plinths will be installed at other parks.
Please, fence us in: Carnegie protestors
09 Jun 09 @ 07:00am by Jenny Ling
Protesters, children and dogs gathered at Lord Reserve to try to stop Glen Eira Council pulling down the fence. PIC: DAVID SMITH
PARENTS and dog owners angry at a council decision to tear down a Carnegie park fence have been criticised for hurling “derogatory” remarks at workmen and vandalising their property.
Dozens of residents picketed Lord Reserve for several days from May 25 after Glen Eira Council contractors began removing a 1.2m fence to make way for a small concrete plinth.
Police escorted them off the site on May 28.
Group spokeswoman Sandy Evans said residents would “continue to lobby the councillors until someone talks to us”.
“They are simply not interested in what the electorate wants or needs and don’t feel it’s necessary to tell us what’s being done with our money,” Ms Evans said.
Residents are concerned children and dogs will run on to the road once the fence is removed.
Most of the fence had been taken down from the Lyons St side, Ms Evans said.
Council spokesman Paul Burke said the work, expected to take two weeks, had been delayed by a week after the contractor was told to leave the site during the protests.
Group members had cut through a temporary wire safety fence to get inside the work area and made “derogatory” comments, he said.
“The contractor said he’s prepared to wear it on the chin,” Mr Burke said. “But nobody likes their equipment vandalised and the fact people bad-mouthed workmen going about their jobs was unnecessary.”
Dog owners fear the plinths will be installed at other parks.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The community speaks!
The following are comments submitted to the Leader in response to Glen Eira Clowncil's handling of the Lord Reserve fiasco and the calling in of police -
Michael writes:Posted on 5 Jun 09 at 11:48am
What a waste of money, it’s a great park that has a fence that does the job, why change whats not needed. If the council need to do anything they should resurface Lyons Street if they have the money to spend.
Kim writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 10:48pm
Annabel Orchard wrote: “Any letter to the Mayor is read out in the Council chamber...” Ahh, no it’s not. If you want something read out to the Chamber you need to ask a Public Question (and then get a sarcy non-answer read out by Paul Burke). But don’t let this stop you from writing to Helen and asking her things - and if she doesn’t respond within 4 working days lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman.
Carly Griffen writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 09:11pm
Once again no community consultation and a total disregard for the needs of parents and dog owners. The problem Glen Eira ratepayers have is that we have no effective voice control over the council!
Rosetta writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 07:23pm
Just to correct the comment by Annabel. If you write to the Mayor IT WILL NOT BE READ OUT IN COUNCIL MEETINGS!! This must be done via a formal public question of no more than 150 words, and with your name and landline phone number included. Emails or letters must be headed ‘public questions’ and must arrive at council prior to 12pm on the day of council meeting (next Tuesday). Unlike other councils you may not speak/address council, nor will any comments be entered into. All letters and answers are read out by Paul Burke. mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au
FYI there are numerous other councils which allow residents to speak/address councillors at formal council meetings. Other councils also hold monthlyr ‘community’ forums that are geared to allowing the voice of the resident to be heard. This is not the case with Glen Eira.
Maisy Brown writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 06:58pm
- If aesthetics is the reason, why not replace the plinth with a more attractive fence? - unless a footpath is built on the outside of the fence next to Lyons Rd, the park will be no more accessible to wheelchairs or people with limited mobility - the fence protected not only children and dogs, but also the drivers along Lyons Rd - the council rep said the plinth had worked in Packer Park and Princes Park, but Lord Reserve is much smaller, and the off-leash area is closer to the road. Does the council think one size fits all? - Lord Reserve is a ground for ball-sports. Can the coach effectively supervise a whole team of kids? Are parents expected to supervise their children when they are practising sport with their team and coaches? Exactly how fast and how far are parents expected to be able to run? - a recent council seminar on children encouraged parents to allow their children to learn independence, and to let them go to the park in groups. What do the council’s child experts theink of the removal of the fence?
Annabel Orchard writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 06:38pm
I am going to ask the Council to replace the fence. I walk in Lord Reserve with my toddler and dog, but will no longer feel comfortable to do so without the fence. I supervise my dog and child carefully, but as any parent knows, sometimes a child or dog will follow an irresistible temptation, and the fence helped make the walk a relaxing experience. Did the council think through this change? Was any research done on child or dog behavior?
I urge concerned residents to write to the Mayor Helen Whiteside. Any letter to the Mayor is read out in the Council chamber, so your requests will be heard by council. Write to: Mayor Helen Whiteside, PO Box 42 Caulfield South 3162; or email mayor@gleneira.com.au Meanwhile I will be asking the council to make the fenced area in Koornang Park an off-leash area.
Tracey Malady writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 02:20pm
Why? To what purpose is the Council removing the existing fence and replacing it with a small, unsafe barrier? Why would anyone put young children’s safety at risk? This move by the Council seems to be so insane that i just cannot think of any reason they would proceed with it. Replace the fence maybe, but don’t remove it. Councillors, what is wrong with community consultation and open discussion? Please re-think and open the doors for communication. There is no harm in that as opposed to a child chasing a ball onto the roads!
Phil writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 02:04pm
This is not surprising from a council that sees it self as above the law & is anti-healthy activities like do walking. This is further evidence that Councils should be abolished & taken over by State Government. ratepayers are sick of idiots on Councils who see themselves as partliamentarians rather than the faceless, unaccountable, immaterial money wasters that they are.
antony writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 01:02pm
Absolute rubbish… I have resided on Lyons st for the past 25 + years! In that time there has not been a single ‘hoon’ inside that park. It would not be possible to enter even if the thought was prevalent, without the use of bolt cutters (to cut the lock off the gates!) It is a myth, it has never happened.
This is dangerous and not very well thought out at all.
Our Caulfield based councillors are out of touch!
Michael Marshal... writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 09:20am
This is typical arrogance on the part of a council that only plays lip service to consulting the community that it is supposed to serve. I live opposite the reserve and have not spoken to one person who supports the removal of the existing fence.
Five years ago a number of mature trees were removed from the reserve on so called safety grounds, and at that time Lord Reserve was referred to by the council as a sports ground, not a park. Now because it suits the councils purpose they seem to be caliing it a park again!
Perhaps at the next council elections we can get some councillors elected who will actually represent the residents who vote for them, and not waste money on projects that no one wants.
fiona mccrae writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 02:35pm
It is clear whoever made this decision doesn’t have children or dogs. We have two young children and two old dogs, one of which is deaf and loves chasing balls. I will not feel safe taking my children or dogs to the park and we live opposite it. It will be a terrible accident waiting to happen. And if aesthetics are so important, why not seal the çar park’on Munro Ave - it is unsightly and hoons love it. We are very disappointed with this whole situation.
george writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 01:21pm
What was so aesthetically unpleasing about the 1.2m wire fence that upgraded its priority for removal and a new concrete border put in its place? When did aesthetics out weight safety and community needs? Also, are there not other more pressing issues that need taken care of in our community before replacing a fully functional fence that is in very good condition serving the community already? I hope the council does not decide to remove all existing fencing around children playgrounds and schools. I always thought the council worked for the community. Perhaps it is time everyone have a really good think what the council candidates really represent or miss-represent when we next vote. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Steven writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 12:53pm
To confirm what everyone already knows the State Government’s Community Satisfaction Survey on Glen Eira reveals a further erosion of confidence in this council’s capacity to listen and act upon residents’ concerns. Year after year the perennial lament is poor community consultation and advocacy. Check out the results on council’s website - it is incontravertible proof that the community is not taken in by the ‘public relations’ exercises so poorly performed by Burke and that councillors must lift their game and finally accord the community the respect they deserve.
Ross writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 11:57am
Can Mr Burke please explain why these works were carried out with no prior consultation with councillors or local residents. Makes a mockery of their so- called “community consultation” process.
And, does Mr Burke really, really, really believe the mini concrete blocks will keep vehicles off the the reserve
Glenn writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 11:42am
Paul Burke and indeed the council have again missed the point of the protest… it’s not only about dogs, are parents also told by council when a potential risk is identified that children should also be kept under effective control in an open park?
Therese Caruana writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 11:28am
The decision to remove the fence from Lord’s Reserve is so poorly thought out it’s laughable. Unfortunately it’s also a terrible waste of money, places children and dogs at risk and demonstrates a complete lack of regard for the needs and opinions of the rate payers who actually use the park. The lack of consultation is a slap in the face. Has anyone in the council thought about the number of children who play soccer there on a Sunday? The patronising comment by a council employee that parents should supervise their children and that dogs off the leash should be under voice control sounds like it’s coming from someone who hasn’t had a lot to do with either dogs or children. And what about the anxiety the removal of the fence will create for dog owners and parents, or even those who take both a dog and a child or children to the park? Going to a park should be a relaxing occasion, not one involving hyper-vigilance.
Cherryl writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 09:41am
As a grandmother of children who live in Lyons Street I beg the Council to replace the fence which was a helpful safety measure.
Will Hunter writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 12:13am
Honestly, is this council fair dinkum? What an absurd and utterly disgraceful waste of taxpayers’ money. The popular pool across the road is in a state of disrepair and the ajacent lane, with all its irregular cracks and leaf litter is a safety hazard (my mother spend a couple of years recovering from a broken femur sustained in a fall in the lane). But rather that addressing those issues, the council decides to tear down the fence enlosing the off-leash park and replace it with a plinth curb, allowing dogs and children easy access to the surrounding roads. But their justification for this smacks of sheer stupidity. Apparently a 1.2m high fence can’t prevent hoons driving on to the oval for a bit of circle work, but a 20cm concrete barrier can. It’s also clear that “aesthetic value” takes precendence over safety. There was no prior consultation with residents, who clearly condemn this lunacy, and finally the councillors have the nerve to award themselves salary rises for a job well done. Absolutely shameful.
Bianca writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 09:47pm
The dog walking community has been complaining for years that their needs have not been taken seriously by Council.
Perhaps now that the parents community has had a taste of the disenfranchisement suffered by the dog-owning community, they will realize that their safety concerns overlap. What is good for one community, is usually good for the other.
And Council blithely goes its own way, with no concern for the substantive issues.
Aesthetics should never trump safety! It’s indefensible.
Ian writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 08:31pm
Surely the existing wire fence keeps vehicles off the park ? Did anyone from council bother to ask the user community ? Was this “enhancement” documented in a program of works for Lord Reserve ? How about council spending money on upgrading the park facilities, instead of “aesthetics”? It worries me particularly when local government is given “stimulus” money to spend on infrastructure that they can’t spend it responsibly....
Lesley Baker writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 07:17pm
Is there a pyschiatrist in the house? What lunacy by the council to replace a safe fence with a small concrete pinth TO KEEP HOONS OUT!!! That should attract them if anything. One would have thought keeping children and animals safe would have a greater priority...but then the ratepayers of Glen Eira, their safety and their rights to be heard are secondary to the mania prevailing in this Council. Calling police to ‘quell the riot’ confirms their mental status.
Kev writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 07:06pm
Clown Hall did you say? Can’t the Council just admit they got it wrong? Time to return to the drawing board before more money is squandered.
Why was the fence even considered for removal, no rust, no paint job needed, why would anyone interested in protecting children and dogs safety have done such a thing?.
The CEO should be held responsible for the lack of a risk management plan here and sack the guy responsible for displaying such a gross lack of consideration for residents.
And the same for the guy who brought the cops into the picture!
Marilyn Stephen... writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 05:05pm
I want secure fencing at Lord Reserve and all other parks in Glen Eira. A plinth curb will not stop children, balls or dogs from running onto the road, nor 4-wheel vehicles from driving onto the park. Dogs should be under effective voice control and children are taught not to run onto the road, however in the real world both dogs and children can be distracted and follow a ball onto the road. Further, some dog walkers have children too: a proper fence provides security when both dogs and children have to be watched.
Melody writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 04:56pm
I’d like to put a question to Mr Burke - if it was one of his kids that was hurt chasing a ball (or a dog) across the road - an accident that could have been prevented had the park been properly fenced - what would his reaction be if the Council told him he had to have his child appropriately supervised (or dog under voice control)? Would he trade the safety of something he loved for the concrete asthetics of a park? I think not.
Moira writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 04:44pm
Yet another example of our astoundingly mediocre council arrogantly ignoring the needs of it’s ratepayers and thinking that some poorly conceived ‘spin’ is all that is required to smooth things over. The pathetic attempt to deflect responsibility for adequate municipal amenities onto dog owners through the tired old line of ‘effective voice control’ just confirms their stupidity. I wonder how ‘aesthetically pleasing’ a small child or animal is going to look when they have had the inevitable collision with a vehicle on Lyons Rd.
David writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 02:57pm
To answer the original question posed at the bottom of the article: I want a secure fence to be maintained at Lord Reserve, as well as at any other parks in Glen Eira which adjoin busy sidestreets. The plinth curb will do nothing to stop children, balls or dogs from running on the road. I agree that dogs should be under effective voice control but, in the real world, both dogs and children are not immune from unexpected distractions. I am disappointed that Council has chosen to remove this extra safeguard without any public consultation. I encourage anyone else concerned about this to contact Council asap, before the entire fence is ripped down.
Mary Walsh writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 12:29pm
I found it difficult to understand how such a stupid planning design got past first base in the office. Who was consulted? Who made the decision? Who called in the police to quell the riot? Only now I learn the plinth is about keeping cars out and has nothing to do with keeping dogs and children in!! Looks apparently rate more highly than “Safety First”!
Shame on a system that allows the absolute waste of public money with no redress by the ratepayers to prevent it. Residents thought they had a voice in Council with the Councillors, but the devil in the details, delegated to the Administration who rarely answer to anyone!
I doubt we’ll wait long before the first dog is maimed or killed!
Evan writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 11:59am
If concrete blocks are the answer to keeping hoons out of public parks, then how much more effective would steel fences be? As to ‘aesthetics’, then tell that to the mother of a child knocked down by a car whilst chasing a cricket ball. And what a sorry state of affairs, when police are called in to remove a passive bunch of mothers, children, and aged residents from a public park.
Kim writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 11:51am
Burke’s comments make no sense. The existing fence would have stopped hoons driving onto the ovals. The plinths are so low I can imagine a 4WD could get over them. And he totally ignores the issues of kids and balls.
Why is Council so concrete happy? They concrete everything. The newly installed plinths in Wattle Grove Park are much more obtrusive and ugly than the series of low green poles that they pulled out. And the newly developed Joyce Park has more concrete and pathways than park!
Finally, what anal retentive in Council thinks it so important that all our parks look the same?
Michael writes:Posted on 5 Jun 09 at 11:48am
What a waste of money, it’s a great park that has a fence that does the job, why change whats not needed. If the council need to do anything they should resurface Lyons Street if they have the money to spend.
Kim writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 10:48pm
Annabel Orchard wrote: “Any letter to the Mayor is read out in the Council chamber...” Ahh, no it’s not. If you want something read out to the Chamber you need to ask a Public Question (and then get a sarcy non-answer read out by Paul Burke). But don’t let this stop you from writing to Helen and asking her things - and if she doesn’t respond within 4 working days lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman.
Carly Griffen writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 09:11pm
Once again no community consultation and a total disregard for the needs of parents and dog owners. The problem Glen Eira ratepayers have is that we have no effective voice control over the council!
Rosetta writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 07:23pm
Just to correct the comment by Annabel. If you write to the Mayor IT WILL NOT BE READ OUT IN COUNCIL MEETINGS!! This must be done via a formal public question of no more than 150 words, and with your name and landline phone number included. Emails or letters must be headed ‘public questions’ and must arrive at council prior to 12pm on the day of council meeting (next Tuesday). Unlike other councils you may not speak/address council, nor will any comments be entered into. All letters and answers are read out by Paul Burke. mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au
FYI there are numerous other councils which allow residents to speak/address councillors at formal council meetings. Other councils also hold monthlyr ‘community’ forums that are geared to allowing the voice of the resident to be heard. This is not the case with Glen Eira.
Maisy Brown writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 06:58pm
- If aesthetics is the reason, why not replace the plinth with a more attractive fence? - unless a footpath is built on the outside of the fence next to Lyons Rd, the park will be no more accessible to wheelchairs or people with limited mobility - the fence protected not only children and dogs, but also the drivers along Lyons Rd - the council rep said the plinth had worked in Packer Park and Princes Park, but Lord Reserve is much smaller, and the off-leash area is closer to the road. Does the council think one size fits all? - Lord Reserve is a ground for ball-sports. Can the coach effectively supervise a whole team of kids? Are parents expected to supervise their children when they are practising sport with their team and coaches? Exactly how fast and how far are parents expected to be able to run? - a recent council seminar on children encouraged parents to allow their children to learn independence, and to let them go to the park in groups. What do the council’s child experts theink of the removal of the fence?
Annabel Orchard writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 06:38pm
I am going to ask the Council to replace the fence. I walk in Lord Reserve with my toddler and dog, but will no longer feel comfortable to do so without the fence. I supervise my dog and child carefully, but as any parent knows, sometimes a child or dog will follow an irresistible temptation, and the fence helped make the walk a relaxing experience. Did the council think through this change? Was any research done on child or dog behavior?
I urge concerned residents to write to the Mayor Helen Whiteside. Any letter to the Mayor is read out in the Council chamber, so your requests will be heard by council. Write to: Mayor Helen Whiteside, PO Box 42 Caulfield South 3162; or email mayor@gleneira.com.au Meanwhile I will be asking the council to make the fenced area in Koornang Park an off-leash area.
Tracey Malady writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 02:20pm
Why? To what purpose is the Council removing the existing fence and replacing it with a small, unsafe barrier? Why would anyone put young children’s safety at risk? This move by the Council seems to be so insane that i just cannot think of any reason they would proceed with it. Replace the fence maybe, but don’t remove it. Councillors, what is wrong with community consultation and open discussion? Please re-think and open the doors for communication. There is no harm in that as opposed to a child chasing a ball onto the roads!
Phil writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 02:04pm
This is not surprising from a council that sees it self as above the law & is anti-healthy activities like do walking. This is further evidence that Councils should be abolished & taken over by State Government. ratepayers are sick of idiots on Councils who see themselves as partliamentarians rather than the faceless, unaccountable, immaterial money wasters that they are.
antony writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 01:02pm
Absolute rubbish… I have resided on Lyons st for the past 25 + years! In that time there has not been a single ‘hoon’ inside that park. It would not be possible to enter even if the thought was prevalent, without the use of bolt cutters (to cut the lock off the gates!) It is a myth, it has never happened.
This is dangerous and not very well thought out at all.
Our Caulfield based councillors are out of touch!
Michael Marshal... writes:Posted on 4 Jun 09 at 09:20am
This is typical arrogance on the part of a council that only plays lip service to consulting the community that it is supposed to serve. I live opposite the reserve and have not spoken to one person who supports the removal of the existing fence.
Five years ago a number of mature trees were removed from the reserve on so called safety grounds, and at that time Lord Reserve was referred to by the council as a sports ground, not a park. Now because it suits the councils purpose they seem to be caliing it a park again!
Perhaps at the next council elections we can get some councillors elected who will actually represent the residents who vote for them, and not waste money on projects that no one wants.
fiona mccrae writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 02:35pm
It is clear whoever made this decision doesn’t have children or dogs. We have two young children and two old dogs, one of which is deaf and loves chasing balls. I will not feel safe taking my children or dogs to the park and we live opposite it. It will be a terrible accident waiting to happen. And if aesthetics are so important, why not seal the çar park’on Munro Ave - it is unsightly and hoons love it. We are very disappointed with this whole situation.
george writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 01:21pm
What was so aesthetically unpleasing about the 1.2m wire fence that upgraded its priority for removal and a new concrete border put in its place? When did aesthetics out weight safety and community needs? Also, are there not other more pressing issues that need taken care of in our community before replacing a fully functional fence that is in very good condition serving the community already? I hope the council does not decide to remove all existing fencing around children playgrounds and schools. I always thought the council worked for the community. Perhaps it is time everyone have a really good think what the council candidates really represent or miss-represent when we next vote. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Steven writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 12:53pm
To confirm what everyone already knows the State Government’s Community Satisfaction Survey on Glen Eira reveals a further erosion of confidence in this council’s capacity to listen and act upon residents’ concerns. Year after year the perennial lament is poor community consultation and advocacy. Check out the results on council’s website - it is incontravertible proof that the community is not taken in by the ‘public relations’ exercises so poorly performed by Burke and that councillors must lift their game and finally accord the community the respect they deserve.
Ross writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 11:57am
Can Mr Burke please explain why these works were carried out with no prior consultation with councillors or local residents. Makes a mockery of their so- called “community consultation” process.
And, does Mr Burke really, really, really believe the mini concrete blocks will keep vehicles off the the reserve
Glenn writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 11:42am
Paul Burke and indeed the council have again missed the point of the protest… it’s not only about dogs, are parents also told by council when a potential risk is identified that children should also be kept under effective control in an open park?
Therese Caruana writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 11:28am
The decision to remove the fence from Lord’s Reserve is so poorly thought out it’s laughable. Unfortunately it’s also a terrible waste of money, places children and dogs at risk and demonstrates a complete lack of regard for the needs and opinions of the rate payers who actually use the park. The lack of consultation is a slap in the face. Has anyone in the council thought about the number of children who play soccer there on a Sunday? The patronising comment by a council employee that parents should supervise their children and that dogs off the leash should be under voice control sounds like it’s coming from someone who hasn’t had a lot to do with either dogs or children. And what about the anxiety the removal of the fence will create for dog owners and parents, or even those who take both a dog and a child or children to the park? Going to a park should be a relaxing occasion, not one involving hyper-vigilance.
Cherryl writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 09:41am
As a grandmother of children who live in Lyons Street I beg the Council to replace the fence which was a helpful safety measure.
Will Hunter writes:Posted on 3 Jun 09 at 12:13am
Honestly, is this council fair dinkum? What an absurd and utterly disgraceful waste of taxpayers’ money. The popular pool across the road is in a state of disrepair and the ajacent lane, with all its irregular cracks and leaf litter is a safety hazard (my mother spend a couple of years recovering from a broken femur sustained in a fall in the lane). But rather that addressing those issues, the council decides to tear down the fence enlosing the off-leash park and replace it with a plinth curb, allowing dogs and children easy access to the surrounding roads. But their justification for this smacks of sheer stupidity. Apparently a 1.2m high fence can’t prevent hoons driving on to the oval for a bit of circle work, but a 20cm concrete barrier can. It’s also clear that “aesthetic value” takes precendence over safety. There was no prior consultation with residents, who clearly condemn this lunacy, and finally the councillors have the nerve to award themselves salary rises for a job well done. Absolutely shameful.
Bianca writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 09:47pm
The dog walking community has been complaining for years that their needs have not been taken seriously by Council.
Perhaps now that the parents community has had a taste of the disenfranchisement suffered by the dog-owning community, they will realize that their safety concerns overlap. What is good for one community, is usually good for the other.
And Council blithely goes its own way, with no concern for the substantive issues.
Aesthetics should never trump safety! It’s indefensible.
Ian writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 08:31pm
Surely the existing wire fence keeps vehicles off the park ? Did anyone from council bother to ask the user community ? Was this “enhancement” documented in a program of works for Lord Reserve ? How about council spending money on upgrading the park facilities, instead of “aesthetics”? It worries me particularly when local government is given “stimulus” money to spend on infrastructure that they can’t spend it responsibly....
Lesley Baker writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 07:17pm
Is there a pyschiatrist in the house? What lunacy by the council to replace a safe fence with a small concrete pinth TO KEEP HOONS OUT!!! That should attract them if anything. One would have thought keeping children and animals safe would have a greater priority...but then the ratepayers of Glen Eira, their safety and their rights to be heard are secondary to the mania prevailing in this Council. Calling police to ‘quell the riot’ confirms their mental status.
Kev writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 07:06pm
Clown Hall did you say? Can’t the Council just admit they got it wrong? Time to return to the drawing board before more money is squandered.
Why was the fence even considered for removal, no rust, no paint job needed, why would anyone interested in protecting children and dogs safety have done such a thing?.
The CEO should be held responsible for the lack of a risk management plan here and sack the guy responsible for displaying such a gross lack of consideration for residents.
And the same for the guy who brought the cops into the picture!
Marilyn Stephen... writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 05:05pm
I want secure fencing at Lord Reserve and all other parks in Glen Eira. A plinth curb will not stop children, balls or dogs from running onto the road, nor 4-wheel vehicles from driving onto the park. Dogs should be under effective voice control and children are taught not to run onto the road, however in the real world both dogs and children can be distracted and follow a ball onto the road. Further, some dog walkers have children too: a proper fence provides security when both dogs and children have to be watched.
Melody writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 04:56pm
I’d like to put a question to Mr Burke - if it was one of his kids that was hurt chasing a ball (or a dog) across the road - an accident that could have been prevented had the park been properly fenced - what would his reaction be if the Council told him he had to have his child appropriately supervised (or dog under voice control)? Would he trade the safety of something he loved for the concrete asthetics of a park? I think not.
Moira writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 04:44pm
Yet another example of our astoundingly mediocre council arrogantly ignoring the needs of it’s ratepayers and thinking that some poorly conceived ‘spin’ is all that is required to smooth things over. The pathetic attempt to deflect responsibility for adequate municipal amenities onto dog owners through the tired old line of ‘effective voice control’ just confirms their stupidity. I wonder how ‘aesthetically pleasing’ a small child or animal is going to look when they have had the inevitable collision with a vehicle on Lyons Rd.
David writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 02:57pm
To answer the original question posed at the bottom of the article: I want a secure fence to be maintained at Lord Reserve, as well as at any other parks in Glen Eira which adjoin busy sidestreets. The plinth curb will do nothing to stop children, balls or dogs from running on the road. I agree that dogs should be under effective voice control but, in the real world, both dogs and children are not immune from unexpected distractions. I am disappointed that Council has chosen to remove this extra safeguard without any public consultation. I encourage anyone else concerned about this to contact Council asap, before the entire fence is ripped down.
Mary Walsh writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 12:29pm
I found it difficult to understand how such a stupid planning design got past first base in the office. Who was consulted? Who made the decision? Who called in the police to quell the riot? Only now I learn the plinth is about keeping cars out and has nothing to do with keeping dogs and children in!! Looks apparently rate more highly than “Safety First”!
Shame on a system that allows the absolute waste of public money with no redress by the ratepayers to prevent it. Residents thought they had a voice in Council with the Councillors, but the devil in the details, delegated to the Administration who rarely answer to anyone!
I doubt we’ll wait long before the first dog is maimed or killed!
Evan writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 11:59am
If concrete blocks are the answer to keeping hoons out of public parks, then how much more effective would steel fences be? As to ‘aesthetics’, then tell that to the mother of a child knocked down by a car whilst chasing a cricket ball. And what a sorry state of affairs, when police are called in to remove a passive bunch of mothers, children, and aged residents from a public park.
Kim writes:Posted on 2 Jun 09 at 11:51am
Burke’s comments make no sense. The existing fence would have stopped hoons driving onto the ovals. The plinths are so low I can imagine a 4WD could get over them. And he totally ignores the issues of kids and balls.
Why is Council so concrete happy? They concrete everything. The newly installed plinths in Wattle Grove Park are much more obtrusive and ugly than the series of low green poles that they pulled out. And the newly developed Joyce Park has more concrete and pathways than park!
Finally, what anal retentive in Council thinks it so important that all our parks look the same?
Monday, June 1, 2009
The logic of Burke!!!
FROM TODAY'S LEADER - PAGE ONE
http://caulfield-glen-eira-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/deathtrap-fear-for-fenceless-carnegie-park/
Deathtrap fear for fenceless Carnegie park
DOG owners and parents are protesting at a Carnegie park to stop council contractors removing a fence they say will lead to children’s deaths.
Dozens of angry residents picketed Lord Reserve for four days to oppose Glen Eira Council’s plans to tear down the 1.2m-high steel fence and install a small plinth curb.
Group spokeswoman Sandy Evans said the fence’s removal at the off-leash park would enable dogs and children to run out on to Lyons St. Mrs Evans said residents would go back “until somebody talks to us and explains why they’re taking away a perfectly good fence and putting up an 8in (20cm) barrier”.
“That’s not going to stop children or balls or anything,” she said.
“Little kids follow balls out on to the road.
“How many children’s deaths will it take before they decide they have made the wrong decision?”
Mrs Evans said there was no consultation about the “absolutely stupid” plan, which would cost $60,000.
Despite police urging the group to move on last Thursday, protesters had already stalled the work for several days when the Leader went to press.
About 10 people protested last Monday, 30 the following morning and the number of people swelled to 60 that night.
Residents were taking turns to make sure people were there during daylight hours.
Council spokesman Paul Burke said the plinth curb stopped hoons driving on to ovals and added “aesthetic value” to parks.
He said dog owners should have their pets under effective voice control".
LOGIC LESSONS:
1. if concrete plinths are meant to stop hoons invading parks then how much better would a steel 4 foot fence be?
2. I wonder how the mother of a killed child would respond to the argument that the 'aesthetics' of the park needed improving and to hell with 'safety'?
3. Must children also be under 'effective voice control'?
http://caulfield-glen-eira-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/deathtrap-fear-for-fenceless-carnegie-park/
Deathtrap fear for fenceless Carnegie park
DOG owners and parents are protesting at a Carnegie park to stop council contractors removing a fence they say will lead to children’s deaths.
Dozens of angry residents picketed Lord Reserve for four days to oppose Glen Eira Council’s plans to tear down the 1.2m-high steel fence and install a small plinth curb.
Group spokeswoman Sandy Evans said the fence’s removal at the off-leash park would enable dogs and children to run out on to Lyons St. Mrs Evans said residents would go back “until somebody talks to us and explains why they’re taking away a perfectly good fence and putting up an 8in (20cm) barrier”.
“That’s not going to stop children or balls or anything,” she said.
“Little kids follow balls out on to the road.
“How many children’s deaths will it take before they decide they have made the wrong decision?”
Mrs Evans said there was no consultation about the “absolutely stupid” plan, which would cost $60,000.
Despite police urging the group to move on last Thursday, protesters had already stalled the work for several days when the Leader went to press.
About 10 people protested last Monday, 30 the following morning and the number of people swelled to 60 that night.
Residents were taking turns to make sure people were there during daylight hours.
Council spokesman Paul Burke said the plinth curb stopped hoons driving on to ovals and added “aesthetic value” to parks.
He said dog owners should have their pets under effective voice control".
LOGIC LESSONS:
1. if concrete plinths are meant to stop hoons invading parks then how much better would a steel 4 foot fence be?
2. I wonder how the mother of a killed child would respond to the argument that the 'aesthetics' of the park needed improving and to hell with 'safety'?
3. Must children also be under 'effective voice control'?
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