This is a uniquely worded and complimentary email I received in 2015. It is about councillors’ executive assistant.
Complimentary email
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… Read article »
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.… Read article »
“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: Unfortunately,… Read article »
Masks are the new fashion
I wear a mask whenever I come within two metres of another person. If you come within two metres of another person, you should be wearing a mask. People are infectious with the virus for four days before symptoms appear.… Read article »
Coronavirus and social media
The way that news is propagated to the public has changed. Before social media Before social media, important government announcements in Australia were efficiently transmitted via: two newspapers in each city; and five television channels in each city. The situation… Read article »
Planning
Links Planning document search (requires PLN reference number) Planning application search (requires PLN reference number) Flowchart I’ve put together a draft guide on the council planning process. Please don’t hold me to the complete accuracy of it. I’ve just done… Read article »
Postal vs attendance voting
Postal voting All voters receive a ballot paper through the mail. They are required to complete the declaration and return their vote through the mail. Easier for mobility-impaired voters. Is $200K cheaper, more money can be spent in the community.… Read article »
Keep clear markings
I received this response from VicRoads regarding generally how Keep Clear markings are implemented: It should be noted that ‘Keep Clear’ markings are primarily used to minimise delays to through traffic on arterial roads caused by vehicles queuing to turn… Read article »