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>

LGA Executive Meeting Oct 07

Hi again everyone. I know it's been a really long time since I have blogged (if that is a word?) but you know how life is - and then of course we had school holidays!! We had a couple of interesting topics discussed at the recent LGA meeting that I would like to share with you all.
** The first is in regard to the Review of Public Lighting Code, of which I sit on the Joint Working Party. This has major implications to all Councils as the review is in two parts. One of which consists of the IPART decision to increase public lighting charges to Country Energy. It is our view that their was insufficient regard given to some items, such as the fact of no effective competition, insufficient detail to establish current cost base and of course our never ending concern re rate pegging. The cost increase awarded was 5.22 % when rate pegging is set at 3.4%. The concern for metro councils is the obvious flow on effect to Energy Australia. IPARTs decision in full is available at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au. Please look it up and let me know your concerns. The second part to the working party is the review of the code, involving street lighting installation, maintenance, technology choice and reporting. The code commenced in January 2006 and was designed to clarify the relationship between councils and utilities. The code was welcome but it is now obvious that implementation timetables have not been met! Stay tuned as I find out more!!
** Another review being undertaken is the NSW Public Libraries Funding Review. I am of the opinion (as are my Pittwater Councillor colleagues) that this review has the potential to further disadvantage our library. Quantum funding continues to be reduced by the government as a whole and now the distribution criteria is being considered for change. This is likely to see a further reduction to Metro Councils in favour of our country councils. While it is recognised they are in need also, our library system cannot continue to survive the increasing demands placed on it with a continued reduction in funding. Please let me know what you think so I can represent your views.

Biography

I started my life on the Peninsular as one of the first babies born in the new maternity wing of Mona Vale Hospital in January 1965. After which I grew up with my parents and brother at Frenchs Forest. It was here that I learnt the value of community, through my parents long term association holding executive positions and expending tireless hours working with Apex, Meals on Wheels, the Primary and High School committees and local sporting organizations.

In 1988 I moved to Narrabeen with my husband where our 2 daughters were born in 1994 and 1998.

We began a local coach tour operation in 1994, serving both the community we lived and those wanting to experience our wonderful area. My desire to work with my community in developing a higher recognition for local business’s led me to join the Narrabeen Lakes Chamber of Commerce, where I held the position of secretary. It was through this association and my exposure to many different people that I was encouraged to stand for Council as their voice.

I was successfully elected to Council in September 1995 and held the position of Deputy Mayor in the 1998/1999 term. In my role as Councilor I have had the opportunity to stand and Chair committees where my strengths were and interests lie. Currently I Chair;
The Environment and Planning Committee
The Urban and Consolidation and Planning Portfolio Committee
The Traffic Committee
The Road Safety Committee, and
The Crime Prevention Committee.

In 2002 I stood for a position as executive on the Local Government Association of New South Wales. This organization was formed to provide a united voice to Local Government area’s in New South Wales. This position has given me an opportunity to work for my community on a higher level, and lobby for their concerns directly with the Ministers responsible. As an Executive I have had the opportunity to represent the Association in the following ways;
Member of the Community Planning and Services Committee
Member of the Child Care Working Party
Member of the Maritime Infrastructure Project Assessment Committee
Member of the Sydney Water Corporate Customer Council, and
Chair of the Working Party into Leadership in Local Government.

I believe the 12 years I have given to my community has given me the skills to effectively chair committees, represent the needs of my constituents and work effectively with higher levels of government. This role as Councilor and Executive Member has allowed me to be a voice for members of my local community who otherwise would be unrepresented. Now, as a single mother with many more direct ties to my community on varied areas of interest, I believe I continue to be able to use my natural ability to work with people from all levels of society and bring their needs together for a common outcome that I gain such pleasure in this role. My aspirations for the future lie in continuing this role on the big issues Pittwater will continue to face.

Introductory Post!!

Hi, and welcome to my first blog!

The intention of this new blog page is for me to better communicate with you, my constituents. I will be keeping you up to date with the happenings in Pittwater Council, but also Id like to share with you some of my and my family's more personal achievements.

I have served my community as a Councillor on Pittwater Council for the last 12 years as well as serving as an Executive on the Local Government Association for the last 5 years. My two daughters have spent their whole lives as part of the Pittwater Council family and have grown up with strong social and community values.

My value to you is only as strong as the comments and discussions you create within this blog - so please reply to me and lets talk about some of the issues that are important to you, your family and your business.

For further information regarding Pittwater Council visit our web site http://www.pittwaterlga.com.au/ or alternatively send me a comment on line!!