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Harrington Square – Update (14 May 2013)
The council tonight received a report from the council administration regarding safety and amenity improvements to Harrington Square, Altona. Harrington Square has seen a number of crimes occur there in recent years, most notably the bashing that left a local shopkeeper permanently disabled. The report was a result of a crime prevention audit by Victoria Police – unfortunately they have deemed that report confidential. That said, the council administration report outlines the main findings of the audit: • Improvements to the car...
read moreToxic Soil Facility at Dow Chemical, Altona
PLEASE HELP OPPOSE THE TOXIC SOIL FACILITY IN ALTONA Despite significant community and council concerns about plans for a permanent toxic soil facility in Altona, VCAT approved the facility last week with the full support of the EPA. When built, this facility will truck in contaminated soil from around Victoria into Altona for treatment. Our area already has issues with dust, so we are very concerned about the impact this facility will have on our health and amenity. I have opposed this application for the last 4 years and am extremely...
read moreVCAT Approves Contaminated Soil Facility
VCAT has approved a facility in Altona that will result in contaminated soil from around Victoria being transported to Altona for treatment. The EPA supported the application, although the council opposed it. I have opposed this application for the last 4 years and am extremely disappointed by the decision. Clearly politicians don’t understand facilities like this should not be permanently located near homes – and on the doorstep of the largest growing residential area in Australia. It doesn’t make sense. I thank the...
read moreMobil Refinery Altona
(Photo of Mobil Altona Refinery in May 2010 during an emergency shutdown – Photo by Arlene Sachon/Hobsons Bay Weekly) Mobil will be conducting scheduled maintenance work on one of the main process units at the Altona Refinery for 20 days commencing 22 April 2013. The maintenance work will occur at the refinery on a 24 hour basis and will result in an increase in flaring, additional noise and odours from the refinery. I appreciate the work is part of Mobil’s 2013 maintenance program, but it seems incredible to me that Mobil will be...
read moreArt in Public Places
Art in Public Places is an annual event in Hobsons Bay, featuring lots of local artists exhibiting their works at more public venues across our wonderful municipality. This program aims to encourage and create partnerships between local artists, cultural groups and businesses right across the city. This year’s program is the biggest yet with plenty of events happening across Hobsons Bay, as well as a number of temporary public art installations that are taking place in surprise locations across the city. Art in Public Places runs until...
read moreSeaholme Train Station – Works (April 2013)
The council is currently completing works at Seaholme Station with the Department of Transport to improve safety, accessibility and amenity at the heritage listed Seaholme Station. The works will involve relocating the footpath and car parking bays and installing bollards and signage. The works are expected to be completed in May and will result in the loss of around 4 parking bays. Details about the works are provided in the graphics below. The council regrets the inconvenience caused during the...
read moreUpdate – Council Meeting 16 April 2013
Here is an update on a few items I raised at tonight’s council meeting:- 1. LeadWest. Council will join LeadWest! This is a result of one of the motions I raised in the council following last year’s council re-election, and will result in us joining with other western suburbs council to advocate as a strong, united voice. I am very pleased with this decision. 2. Seaholme Station. The works at the Seaholme station will increase safety and amenity at the station, and will resolve in a loss of around 4 car parking...
read moreExpose – Travel Expenses
Much has been said in recent times about my car and taxi expenses while I was mayor, including in the media (the Herald Sun asked me a few questions about it again today). I have responded to this issue in public council meetings in the past, but to put it further on the public record, my total car and taxi expenses over my Mayoral term were: $11,314 - Motor vehicle allowance (I drove my own car instead of accepting a ratepayer funded vehicle). $ 3,618.85 – Taxi vouchers and receipts submitted during my mayoral term. That is a total...
read moreMigrant Experiences in Hobsons Bay
To celebrate the diversity of Hobsons Bay, the Libraries in partnership with the Community Development Department have been working on a Journeys to Australia project, collecting stories about migrant experiences, first impressions of Australia and adapting to a new country and culture. The idea of the project came from the Greek Anamnisis Exhibition held at the Louis Joel Community Centre in 2011. The Journeys to Australia -From one home to another book was launched by Wetlands Ward Councillor Colleen Gates on Harmony Day 21st March. We...
read moreVCAT Councillor Conduct Matter
I am pleased the matter at VCAT has finally been resolved. As that resolution is based on confidential terms I ask the media and community to understand that I can’t disclose or comment on them. I am happy with the outcome and that it is now behind us. I again apologise for this matter. My full apology is available via this...
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