Local open space areas specifically related to Crown land. Videos by Deb Murray.
Former Cr Zaynoun Melhem
Speech from Mayor Cr Long
Zaynoun, we remember you as a young boy (we understand this was probably both a blessing and a curse for you!), and we watched as you proudly followed in your father’s footsteps. Having seen how hard you worked for your local residents, representing local views and priorities – we absolutely know you didn’t take anything for granted. We have enjoyed standing with you in the Council Chamber and we acknowledge the strong relationships you have established both inside this building and in the communities you served.
Former Cr Matthew Kirwan
Matthew, you recognised that participation is a key feature of a well-functioning community and you played a very strong advocacy role in creating a more inclusive and engaged city – determined to empower residents and community groups whilst highlighting and working towards addressing many human rights disparities.
Former Cr Youhorn Chea
Speech from Mayor Cr Long
Youhorn, during your 23 years on Council you acted as a great ambassador for the city. You openly shared the details of your journey of arriving and settling in Australia as a refugee. This honesty sparked an important ‘rethink’ in how we view social cohesion and helped us develop a respectful pathway forward for all people in our city to feel valued and accepted, and enjoy a genuine sense of belonging. I would now like to read the key points from your letter under seal.
Why do council candidates all say the same thing?
It’s council campaign time again. And again I hear these common questions:
Why don’t candidates say which political party they represent?
Why do all council candidates say the same things?
Here’s the insider’s view of why.
Read More »What does a local councillor do?
Disclaimer
The following information is a guide. Much of it is my opinion, may change or not be accurate.
A councillor is a member of a “board of directors”
Councillors provide input and give final approval to council policies, and the council’s annual budget.
Read More »Complimentary email
This is a uniquely worded and complimentary email I received in 2015. It is about councillors’ executive assistant.
Read More »Thoughts on planning
The drafting of a Planning Scheme; State, Local and Municipal planning policies, as well as the determination of what land within a municipality gets which zonings, are all undertaken as part of a democratic process. This statement is not an invitation on the relative virtues or not of a democratic system (or our democratic system), it is simply a statement of fact. The Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme is an example of but one of many Planning Schemes state-wide which are part of this land use management and development process, which includes the rights to apply for the development of land in accordance with those democratically developed process, or to object to them through a fair process if one feels aggrieved at what is being proposed or approved.
Read More »When council rate relief is bad
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, some local councils have introduced across-the-board rate freezes.
A rate freeze is a bad idea for these reasons:
Council rates are a “wealth tax”, not an income tax. Rates are calculated using property values. To quote a council CFO, six out of seven ratepayers are not negatively affected by COVID. A general rate freeze gives a benefit to the maximum number of voters, but most of the relief dollars go to the wealthiest landowners.
“Social distancing” is the problem
Most people won’t keep their distance. I have been in a few public places in the last few days and haven’t witnessed any discernible difference in people’s behaviour.
That is why the “social distancing” policy is mostly ineffectual because:
- it’s seen as rude to deliberately distance yourselves from others, particularly in a social setting.
- personal risk of the virus won’t hit home to many people until someone they know has the virus.
Unfortunately, shut-down is the only next step worth taking. This removes places that people can come together and transmit the virus.