Posted by reformwcc on February 26, 2009
NSW Cabinet to meet in the Illawarra
Illawarra Mercury
26/02/2009 2:00:00 PM
“The Illawarra will host a NSW Cabinet meeting next month, the State Government announced today.
The meeting, to be held on March 18, will include a public forum at the University of Wollongong where residents can question NSW Premier Nathan Rees.
Mr Rees said he expected the economy and jobs to be top of the agenda.
….
Mr Rees will address the forum, which will include a question and answer session. “
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Posted by reformwcc on February 25, 2009
ARE YOU WORRIED? A Review of Wollongong City Council’s (WCC) Draft Local Environmental Plan (DLEP) 2009
A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENT Saturday 28 February 2009 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fraternity Club Fairy Meadow
Registration 9.30am Registration: $20/$5 concession. Morning tea provided.
see http://www.wollongongagainstcorruption.org.au/
Agenda:
Posted in reform wcc | Tagged: Local Environment Plan | Leave a Comment »
Posted by reformwcc on February 24, 2009
It is fundamentally wrong – and anti-democratic – for Wollongong City Council to be proceeding with the finalisation of the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan in the absence of elected Councillors to represent the interests of our communities.
Comments or submissions on the WCC Local Environment Plan are due with Council by 13 March 2009.
Planning instruments are not merely ‘rational’ documents. They institutionalise a host of minor victories and battles lost.
The corrupting influence of Big Money – as represented by the Property Council and corporations like Stockland – is given a free kick (at our cost) when we lack elected Councillors to represent us and our interests in these complex matters.
Many residents will not know what changes are in store for them if the LEP is amended.
Without elected Councillors to represent us in the formation of this major planning instrument the people of the city of Wollongong are placed at a distinct disadvantage vis-a-vis many vested interests which seek only to maximise their own narrow agendas.
We have already seen anti-democratic measures imposed on us by the NSW ALP government. These include the appointment of three administrators after the unfair dismissal of our non-corrupt and hard working Councillors, and the imposition of “independent” assessments panels (IHAPS) without any community consultation.
And, in the absence of elected Councillors, WCC’s new Neighbourhood Forums have not begun to operate in any kind of effective manner across the city.
This anti-democratic state of affairs lacks the necessary checks and balances we require to ensure good planning decisions – those which palce the correct emphasis on the hard social and environmental constraints we face in the 21st century.
Any major amendment to the WCC LEP should postponed until:
1. the State government has restored our rights to be represented by elected Councillors.
2. new elections are held for WCC Councillors
3. and the newly elected WCC Councillors have had a chance to hear from their constituents about LEP matters.
Bruce Reyburn
24 February 2009
Posted in reform wcc | Tagged: anti-democratic, NSW ALP government | Leave a Comment »
Posted by reformwcc on February 19, 2009
WCC Media release: Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Individuals and groups with an innovative project idea or cultural development proposal
can now apply for a share in $30,000 through Wollongong City Council’s annual cultural
grants program.
Last year 15 groups benefited from the grants, including 313 Training which held lectures,
seminars and practical workshops to assist 14 locals write, record and perform an original
song.
Grants are awarded across two categories. $2000 is offered under the first category for innovative projects that will benefit the broader community and reflect the identity of Wollongong. For up to $4000, those applying under category 2 need to have three years experience and be looking for assistance with professional development, marketing and promotion of events or help towards equipment.
Applications close on 1 May and application forms are available on Council’s website at
www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/community/arts and culture/cultural grants. For advice on
how to apply or to develop your project idea, Council is hosting three advice sessions.
Afternoon Sessions are being held at the former Integral Energy building on Burelli Street
on Thursday, 12 March between 12 and 1pm, as well as on Wednesday, 1 April between
12.30 and 1.30pm. An evening session is on at the Wollongong Library Theatrette at
5.30pm on Wednesday, 11 March.
Bookings are essential so phone 4251 4709 or email culturalservices@wollongong.nsw.gov.au to reserve your place at the free information sessions.
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Posted by reformwcc on February 16, 2009
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Posted by reformwcc on February 10, 2009
Location – Warrawong Community Centre, Greene Street
Begin Tuesday 24/02/2009 6:00 PM
End 24/02/2009 7:00 PM
Location – Dapto Ribbonwood Centre, Princes Highway
Begin Thursday 26/02/2009 6:00 PM
End 26/02/2009 7:00 PM
Location – Unanderra Community Centre
Date and time 6-7pm Monday 2 March 2009
Contact WCC Community Engagement on 4227 7096
See Council’s calendar at
http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/council/1272.asp
See also
http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/contactus/communityengagementcalendar.asp
Posted in reform wcc | Tagged: Neighbourhood Forums | Leave a Comment »
Posted by reformwcc on February 5, 2009
Here is something new and fresh which is well worth a try by way of reforming local (state, Federal) government.
Start a local GetUp! group in our local areas, and host a get-together.
http://www.getup.org.au/community/gettogethers/add.php?serie=18
Posted in reform wcc | Tagged: agenda 2009, GetUp!, kindred spirits | Leave a Comment »
Posted by reformwcc on February 5, 2009
Posted in reform wcc | Tagged: GetUp! | Leave a Comment »
Posted by reformwcc on February 4, 2009
“Wollongong City Council
INDEPENDENT HEARING & ASSESSMENT PANEL AGENDA
Thursday 29 January 2009 – 5.00pm
…
Notes:
•
Person/s found lobbying or external communication from applicants or objectors outside the forum of Panel hearings will disqualify those person/s from addressing the Panel or Council.”
There is no definition of exactly what this means. The wording is cast in such broad terms as to apply to any lobbying or external commuinication which does not take place within the Independent Heating and Assessment Panel hearing.
As we well know there may be a good reason to attempt to prevent the corruption of IHAP members, but the removal of the right to speak by those opposed to particular developments is an anti-democratic step in the wrong direction.
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Posted by reformwcc on February 3, 2009
The next ROC meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th February at 7.00pm at Old Court House Wollongong and future meeting dates for 2009 are as follows :
17th March
21st April
19th May
16th June
21st July
18th August
15th September
20th October
17th November
15th December
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