Council Meeting 5th November 07

Another late meeting for our community (and us) as we dealt with a full agenda. There was some constructive discussion regarding our parking on footpaths, the possible appointment of a Council Regulator / Ombudsman, the parking restictions around Jonahs, some further warriewood rezoning, the Newport Masterplan and Pittwater High Schools Solar Power Station. Please see our website for the full agenda and minutes following the meeting, or contact me directly for further comment. Our web site is www.pittwaterlga.com.au

Community Planning and Services Committee

On the 7th November I attended the above committee meeting in my role as Executive on the Local Government and Shires Association. A couple of interesting notes follow:
* The Ageing Roundtable was recently held titled "Ageing 2030: creating the future" I was not at this forum but I am led to believe it was provacative and productive with much discussion around the challenges facing our ageing population. The outcomes will appear on a web site soon and as soon as I am made aware of it I will post it here for your information.
* The Public Libaries Funding Review continues with the LGA draft submission considered. A lot of work has gone into this review and we can only hope that Minister Sartor fully takes into account the comments and concerns of local government as we will continue to fight for equitable distribution of government funding! And dont forget
PUBLIC LIBRARIES - TOO VALUABLE TO LOSE!!
* There was also preliminary discussion regarding the proposed reforms to Licencing Laws in NSW. Im not convinced they are all good!! Some reforms will certainly give our communities more of an opportunity to participate in proposed licences, however this may become extremely onerous on the resourses of local government with no real say in the outcome. I do have some concerns regarding the new live music licence which will allow cafe's to provide liquor in conjuction with live music with no requirement for patons to have a meal. Great in the CBD - not so great in some of our cafe's with a close residential component. I will keep my eye on this, but let me know if you have concerns!

Maritime Infrastructure Assessment Committee

I am priveleged to sit on the above committee as a representative of local government. It is our responsability to alocate monies raised through recreational boating licences and the like back into the community to provide better infrastructure for users. This year we had 56 applications totalling $4 million dollars. This committee determines the allocation of these funds. It is a great opportunity for me to see the vastness of our water way network and an honour to assist those local communities to build better wharves, boat ramps and facilites for users. This year we allocated out almost $2 million dollars!!

LGA Conference 2007

The Local Government Conference was held in Coffs Harbour during the end of October this year. As usual Pittwater Council was well represented by 4 Councillors, of which I was one, and our General Manager. We have become recognised at conference by our strong committment during the discussion of important topics relevant to local government. Pittwater Council successfully moved all 8 of our motions put before the chair. There were some highlights of the conference, one of which was the discussion forum held on the Saturday titled "Global Problem, Local Solutions - leadership on Climate Change". The speakers and questions allowed for some open exchange and it became obvious to all involved that Local Government has a very real ability to influence our communities reaction to the possible effects of climate change. This was also reflected in a great many of the motions put before conference. We heard presentations during conference from Hon Paul Lynch - Minister for Local Government - who I believe holds local government in high regard and I see a very positive working relationship able to be formed. Dr Tony Capon from the Premiers Council and the CSIRO spoke about "Cities, Sustainability and Health". Frank Sartor appeared before us and outlined his visions and achievements for local government, it was obvious during question time that he is certainly not local governments favourite minister!! Richard Torbay was right on the ball with his statement that "Cost Shifting is the biggest impediment to Local Government - well we have been trying to tell State Government that over and over again - maybe someone is listening!! This conference was very successful again, however through my role on the Local Government Executive I will be pushing for some changes in years to come to ensure the motions put before the chair are more strategic and achievable! Some Councils still put forward motions that are only relevant to them, and while they are no doubt of high importance to their community we need to realise that this is a state wide conference with the aim of finding strategic policies and frameworks to lobby other levels of government. I have the full print out of 2007 decisions for any members of my community should you be interested.

Northern Beaches Liquor Accord

Hi, Ive just returned from my first meeting of the Northern Beaches Liquor Accord at Harbord Diggers Club. My desire to attend this meeting stems from a presentation made to the LGA Community Planning and Services Committee by several of Sydney's Mayor's in regard to Alcohol and Violence. It is a well established fact, and community conern, that excessive alcohol consumption has the capacity to increase anti social behaviour, particularly amoungst our young people. This is happening all over Sydney - Including Pittwater. Who hasnt noticed the increase in Graffiti, smashed bus shelters and young people in distress?? Especially on a Friday or Saturday night?? With the onset of the summer months, and the silly season, this will only increase. The LGA has agreed to hold further discussions on the issue with key stakeholders in order to try and identify the real problem and find solutions that can be achieved and enacted. The cost to our community, both Council, Business and Private property is too large already. So that leads me to why I wanted to attend the Accord Meeting. I would like to say a big thank you to the the licenced premises in Pittwater that attended the meeting today - it was so great to see you there with open eyes and prepared to learn. The topics of discussion centered around Fake ID's and the presenters were both interesting and informative. I hope we can continue to be positive with these meetings, although I would like to see something a little more interactive next time. I do look forward to further participation and encourage you to let me know what concerns you have with our licenced venues>