Policy Platform

Hi there,

Over the next two weeks, you should receive a copy of my flyer. In the meanwhile, here is my policy platform.

Community

* Improving our libraries and community educational services
Springvale Library is in need of an upgrade- not just external face lift, but needs new facilities and equipment.

Community education in total needs to improve. By this I mean workshops and forums and a positive learning environment.
There are some residents that will be disenfranchised for many reasons cannot physically attend the library. I will do my utmost best to bring back the mobile library.

* Support our vibrant Community Festivals and Events
We have so much to be proud of in the City of Greater Dandenong. We have 156 different nationalities represented and so much to offer. Unfortunately we don't seem to pull the numbers in attendance for our events. If we simply asked what our residents want to see and do, we may get the answers and we may just get that understanding and appreciation and enrichment of learning about other cultures.

The Dandy Show run by the Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society, was founded in 1871, and what a wonderful showcase of talent from a diverse range of sections. The Committee deserve a whole lot more recognition and support.

* Encourage diversity
In light of such a diverse culture base, we should be doing our best to maintain that, while not over representing one or two cultures.
Diversity is not just about culture however; it also lends itself to varying groups in our society that don't get a mention.
Unfortunately our local media has a tendency to maintain a certain angle and give space for certain people to get on their soapbox for a quick headline.
My promise to you is to maintain a blog with my honest thoughts and give kudos to those who deserve it. Fairness and equality for all is what I will be striving for. Always.

* Ensuring rates are kept to the lowest level required to maintain community services
I emphasize to maintain community services, because more and more seems to be eroded. What belongs to the community should stay in community hands. Developers are interested in image. It is the people that make up a community and if you want to keep your community, you look after it.

* Support the actions of our local community groups
Again, community groups are the backbone of any society. Their very existence points to the fact that things need to be done.
Our senior citizen groups are to be commended for their work and should be supported more.

Environment

* Setting a green power target for Council property
The City of Glen Eira have set a target to move to 100% Green Power in the next five years. This is a commendable target. The most last informative document the Council has produced was in June 2005 on the "Environmental Strategy" paper and the "Towards a Water Smart City" of May of this year.
Whether or not these outcomes have been achieved is yet to be presented.

* Encouraging green practices throughout community
Interestingly, most of the targets identified in those reports involve local media to publicise Council work. You don't need to cut a red ribbon and have so much fanfare in getting a job done. In the words of Nike, "JUST DO IT."
We need to plan adequately for our future and deliver outcomes that are meaningful and sustainable. Our success is that we maintain a city for the future. Let history judge our actions.

* Maintain and improve public open spaces
To this end, I add especially our sporting grounds. I hope to be able to drought proof our grounds and provide the support to our sporting clubs that they require and deserve.

Unfortunately these days, public open spaces includes shopping centres. Shopping centres, to me, are not a substitute for a recreational facility.
I ask the young people in my youth group, "Where can you hang out in Springvale?" "Nowhere." and is the simple, honest answer.
For adults its a similar response, unless you count a gambling facility and an adult entertainment facility as "recreational."

I'd like to see a Street Surfer bus be available for our young people ( check out Maribrynong City Council website) and a vibrant fit-for-multi-purpose community centre for the Lightwood Ward.

In regards to our shopping centres, I'd like to see a review of Health and Safety practices in our local shops, especially in Springvale.
I'm not too sure about you, but I'm not keen on purchasing fresh food items that have been presented for sale just inches from my feet.
Springvale Centre is grungy looking, in a hazard like fashion, and needs attention.


* Improving our public transport services
The surrounding area of Springvale train station, Springvale Road and Lightwood Rd intersection is a logistical nightmare.
I'd like to see an overpass constructed to ease the congestion and pedestrian bridges erected to aid safety and mobility across either side of Springvale Road.

We could also benefit from more bus services, and the community bus service should be maintained.


* Improving our local roads and footpaths and street lighting.
It's sad and funny that a whole heap of footpaths were attended to, just in the last month. Must be an election soon. ;)

Street lighting in Springvale needs to be attended to as well as some footpaths.

Car Parking is a logistical nightmare in and around Springvale. I personally don't agree with paid parking unless the car park space has three fundamental elements:
1. The space sealed
2. It is lined marked
3. It has a security personnel presence.
There should be timed parking, but not paid parking.

In regards to road safety and I'd like to see a similar project like Legal Off Street Drags at Calder Park for car enthusiasts at Sandown Park.
Community driving courses would be beneficial.

Democracy

* Ensuring an open, transparent, accountable and consultative Council
There needs to be a consultative and collaborative approach to all decision making. Call me idealistic, but I believe Councillors are elected to serve the community and you can only serve when you know what people want and that all relevant stakeholders have had their chance to respond.
I invite all residents to attend Council meetings and demand accountability and transparency.


* Representing, advocating, negotiating and meditating within and between communities, agencies, institutions and government
Massive task, but I think I can handle it :)
First up, I think a lot of residents would be able to find services and programs much easier if we had an easier website. It is very word heavy without actual detail. Have a look for yourself.
Processes do not have to be difficult.


* Create opportunities to empower community to participate in advisory groups
"The measure of a society is how it treats its weakest members." The original author of that quote is unknown and I don't particularly like the word "weakest", but the sentiment remains true. Its time to cut the red tape that prevents our residents from speaking up about issues that concern them to help them get the job done.
So much can be gained by the life experiences and ideas of others. We need to create opportunities for that wisdom to be shared in open forums.


Feel free to post your comments.

Cheers,

Lauren Fernando
ALP Candidate for Lightwood Ward
City of Greater Dandenong