April 2010
IT IS THE YEAR OF ELECTIONS!! Both Federal and State – State Election on 27th November.
One of the matters R3000 is raising with the political parties in this State is the way in which elections for the Melbourne City Council are conducted – this is different from any other counncil in Victoria.During the 2008 City of Melbourne election campaign all elected councillors agreed to support a review of the current system and this was carried unanimously on 16th December 2008. ISSUES WERE: Governance processes,Voting system, Number of Councillors and possible re-introduction of Wards. Also to ensure this review be concluded by end of 2009 and that future reviews be brought into line with other councils. Council has written to the Minister in December 2008 and April 2009 and been given the “cold shoulder” just as we have!
WHAT DO WE WANT?
*Attendance voting (as in State & Federal elections) NOT Postal Voting
*Restoration of Ward Councillors so citizens know who represents them on the Council,
* Reform of the Allocation of Votes – currently some ratepayers are allocated votes without being on the VEC roll; they are on a Town Hall roll and some ratepayers have 2 votes!
So far we have heard nothing more about the REVIEW! We have great support amongst our members and CoRBA (Coalition of Residents and Business) combined. We urge you to think about these issues and contact us or CoRBA ( see left hand Index of pages – “Other Associations”) and put pressure on candidates!
PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR VIEWS AND IDEAS ON THESE ISSUES.
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August 2010
IS THAT BIN LADEN?
No, it is only Our City (Council and citizens) disposing of their rubbish! But we can do better – it’s easy! Get a copy of the “NEW WASTE LAWS FOR THE CENTRAL CITY” from the web or from Council (ring 9658 9658).It represents a belated effort to get all of us to clean up our act and follow simple rules – Council promises to do the same. NB The new rules apply to businesses including Owners Corporations.
We must…
*apply for a bin label
*not store bins in public places without permission
*ensure bins are closed and sealed (prevents leaks)
*keep bins clean externally
*place bins out for collection no earlier than 6pm and bring them in within 3 hours after collection.
Penalties are $1000 for each offence. So make sure you and your Building Manager know and comply (effective from July 1).
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September, 2010
OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS – IMPORTANT NEWS!!
Consumer Affairs Victoria will be running a free information session for those wanting to learn more about Owners’ Corporations.
Next Session: Thursday, 30th September 2010 6.30-8.30pm, Warratah Room –
St.Michael’s on Collins, 120 Collins. St.
Bookings essential. mailto:communityed@justice.vic.gov.au or call Community Education on 8684 6465
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October 2010
NIGHT-RIDER BUSES . This excellent service aims at getting people OUT of the city after public transport shuts down on Saturdays and Sundays thereby lessening the incidence of alcohol and drug-fuelled violence. Why then does the service also BRING people into the city between the hours of midnight and 3.30/4.30 am on Saturdays and Sundays? This is advertised in the suburbs and appears to us to be thoroughly self-defeating. Go to Metlink….NightRider – Metlink – Your guide to public transport in Melbourne and Victoria
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November 2010
LAST CHANCE ! STATE ELECTION – 27th November. Are we ready? Here is a list that might interest you. Have you anything to add or take away? Protectors of Public Lands victoria Inc. Revised list of demands to Madden re planning laws November 2010
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December 2010
THE CLOSURE OF SWANSTON STREET…
Residents 3000 members live in the CBD and are primarily pedestrians. We often receive complaints about cyclist behaviour in the City and hope that the mix works well for both users of public space, not just in Swanston Street, but in other parts of the city and surrounds.
One writes…”cyclists seem to be a protected species when it comes to obeying road rules and their behaviour is dangerous to pedestrians, truck, tram and car drivers and to themselves, both the “lycra” species and other cyclists….”. These are strong words and it does take consideration on the part of all, including pedestrians, who cross the paths of oncoming traffic often because they are too busy talking on their mobile ‘phones or texting ….
Let’s hope road users resolve to make 2011 a safe and harmonious year for all.
WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON AND NEW YEAR! From all of us at Residents 3000
Click here for earlier editorials.
Check back regularly for more news!
Re: our comments on Night-Rider buses (October 2010), we have since received information from participants at our monthly Police (PCCC) meetings that shift workers in the city and surrounds use the Nightrider buses to get to their workplace after public transport has stopped. So it does perform a useful function of low cost transport for those who want to access the city for reasons other than “entertainment”