A RELEVANCE TEST FOR TOWN HALL

 

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WHAT DO CONSTITUENTS REALLY WANT?

The local government (LG) sector provides a range of essential and valued services to its community – much more than simply “roads, rates and rubbish”.

Good governance and transparency are central to LG entities that are performing well and maintaining the confidence and support of their community.

Given the diversity of communities currently, LG entities ranging from large city councils to very small regions, there is a need for maturity in governance and administration, and there are varying risks to service delivery and resource management. Constituents are able see the risks in the interactions and findings in the financial, information systems and performance audits, when they happen, and via the complaints and referrals the State Government. The Parliament too should see those risks in the submissions it receives, and the issues raised with members in their electorates.

While each LG entities are responsible for their own good governance, the Department of Local Government is charged with regulating and supporting the LG sector. It has a role for the LG sector that is, similar to central agencies such as the Treasury and Finance in the State sector, which includes for example advising on, promulgating and overseeing the financial framework.

Like all State government entities, the Local Government has limited resources, and implementing the legislative reform agenda should be a priority. However, clearly the Department’s use of its limited resources is not underpinned by a good understanding of risk and clear objectives for the LG sector. Moreover, its performance in regulating and supporting the sector does not currently reflect the expectations of LG entities and their communities.

One impact of this has been an increase in reactive regulation – investigations and inquiries – which has absorbed resources at the expense of preventative earlier interventions such as education, guidance and monitoring. This is not cost-effective, and the Department needs to rebalance its regulatory activities if it is to make a significant contribution to improving good governance in LG entities.

In one sense it is encouraging that the Department has commenced steps to address some of the flaws in Tasmania’s LG Act. In another it is very concerning that all the signals thus far point to more and more of the same with patches. Constituents want the Department to establish a more effective LG regulatory framework and help it to target resources to areas of greatest risk and impact.

Clearly, the Department is not targeting its regulation and support activities to key risks and it does not have a structured approach to gathering intelligence and using it to understand key risks in the sector. Clearly, the Department cannot see that Local Government in Tasmania is no longer fit-for-purpose.

What Do Constituents Want?

• The opportunity to participate in their governance and their placemaking!
• A governance model that is truly trustworthy, accountable and transparent at all times – not just at election time!
• A governance model that included them in the development of strategic policy determinations!
• A governance model that fits 21^st C opportunities in real world ways – health, safety, fiscal sustainability, etc.!
• A governance model that facilitates young working people to participate in citizen’s initiatives!
• A governance model that is well served by appropriate 21^st C expert advice!
• A governance model that delivers upon 21^st C aspirations and needs!

If you think that you are not getting these things, then 

PLEASE DO NOT VOTE FOR AN INCUMBENT!

 

COUNCILLORS SEEKING A RELEVANCE SHOT IN THE ARM VERY LATE IN THE DAY

Launceston skateboarders will soon see some changes at the skatepark in Royal Park. 

With a notice of motion put forward by deputy mayor Danny Gibson, and fully supported by all City of Launceston councillors, the council will now look into immediate action to fixing drainage at the skatepark. .................. Council will also investigate upgrade options for the facility and budget costings. .................. Lifelong skateboarder and Launceston resident Christian Rowell spoke for the motion to council. .................. He said skateparks have great benefits to a community, having seen the benefits of quality skateparks in Central Coast Council. .................. "I believe the life being brought in that area now is just amazing and Launceston can really benefit from having something like that," Mr Rowell said. "It brings a lot of opportunity for young people." .................. He also highlighted the accessibility of skateparks, given the lower entry cost to the sport. .................. "Young people can get to skate parks themselves and it's a great community," Mr Rowell said. .................. "The opportunities that can come from a new skatepark really help these young people express themselves who don't enjoy other conventional sports." .................. The motion was enthusiastically welcomed by councillors with Cr Hugh McKenzie and Cr Andrea Dawkins recalling their children using the park. .................. "Activity and things for youth to do are some things of significant importance to the city," Cr McKenzie said. .................. He added the aspirational value of the skatepark, with skating now an Olympic sport. .................. The Launceston Skatepark, which was opened in 1999, needed some attention Cr Gibson said. .................. Cr Gibson said when funding was placed in developments like skateparks, the community benefits. .................. "People tell me that the Launceston Skatepark is a much loved facility but it's past its used by date and requires some immediate and long term infrastructure upgrades to ensure it is everything it can be for our community," he said. .................. Cr Dawkins said the skatepark was a "much loved facility." .................. "Anyone can skate, it's a reasonable thing for anybody to indulge in ... which is physically really good for them but also socially," she said. ... OMG!!

YES, YES, BUT WHY NOW??  ALSO, when will Deputy Danny deal with the abandoned RECONCILIATION MEETING PLACE in Royal Park that he and the GM/CEO said that they told Aunty Lola Greeno they would sort out months ago? Do they – THE COUNCIL – intend to do anything or just to keep on, and on, talking about it until it goes away?

And then there are THE HOMELESS PEOPLE ............

GET WITH THE PROGRAM!

 

PARKING AND LAUNCESTON TOWN HALL'S MONEY MESS

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Let's get a couple of things quite clear here! Town Hall has one strategic plan and only one! IT IS to do with how can 'COUNCIL' get more money into the coffers. Then comes the question, how can this be done without the constituents squueeeeeeellling too much?

The prime activity at Launceston's Town Hall is REVENUE COLLECTION and parking is a 'nice little earner' and there is one Councillor who knows that very well. The operational wing, given their career aspirations, are always on the look out for opportunities to pull in more cash.

SO, the operational wing has skin in the game here and it is no wonder that they might be looking into the opportunities. As for the elected 12, they'll go with the flow just so long as the constituency rolls over asking for a 'tummy tickle' somewhere else – anything for a quiet life.

When enough is enough the electorate, now that they MUST vote, had better consider their options. IF the voters are satisfied with the status quo they'll get their way. IF NOT they had better get busy and vote for change. 

ON THE RECORD, the status quo is unsustainable, so 'incumbency' is no longer either sustainable or something to aspire towards. SO, consider the options and DO NOT give an incumbent 'the benefit of your doubts' ... IT'LL COST YOU QUITE LIKELY!

THE EXAMINER ... Launceston council's car parking plan could remove free all-day parking  ... By Alison Foletta, and Caitlin Jarvis August 13 2022  

Parking demand in Launceston could increase if the council seeks to remove free parking in a five-kilometre area of the central business district. ................................ An implementation plan adopted by City of Launceston last year identified a review of long-term free parking as one of nine priority areas to address the city's parking challenges. ................................ Is parking heading in the right direction? ................................ In a letter to council obtained by The Examiner, a Launceston community member urged the council to change course on the strategy and the changes to all-day free parking in the CBD. ................................ The letter called the strategy's logic "flawed" and filled with "assumptions with no evidence at all". A plan to remove all-day free parking from the "central activities district" identified as a five-kilometre area bordered by High Street to the east, Canning Street to the south, Margaret Street to the south and the East Tamar Highway to the north and along the Tamar. The council adopted the strategy in November 2021 with data collected and presented in 2020. According to the report, Launceston's central activities district (CAD) has 1472 off-street car parking spaces across 13 council-owned car parks. ................................ The Examiner inquired about how many all day parks were in Launceston CBD but did not receive the data. Do you find it a struggle to find all-day parking in Launceston? Yes, every day No, it's easy for me No, I pay/rent my own spot No, I have a private car park Vote View Results Chamber of Commerce president Will Cassidy said business owners in Launceston have said they want to see changes in the car parking. ................................ "Businesses want to see a decrease in the hourly rate but an increase in parking fines," he said. ................................ Mr Cassidy said he noticed the "battle" for car parks that his employees face. ................................ "It is vital that employees can park at reasonable rates," he said. ................................ "It's a constant worry for my staff here. When they are required to start later in the day, for example, it will be a real obstacle for them to find a car park." ................................ The plan notes there is "excess parking demand" within the CAD, primarily between 9am and 6pm, but given majority of workers live in a 10km radius, "there is an opportunity therefore, for a large proportion of those working within the CAD to easily use active transport modes to travel to/from work." ................................ The Examiner asked council about the loss of car parks due to developments at UTAS which removed parking from Willis Street and Inveresk half circle car park, and other developments like Rebel Sports, which will also temporarily remove parking. ................................ In the parking plan, it was stated: "Until recently, the adjacent Willis Street Car Park provided 133 public car parking spaces, but was closed to undergo redevelopment by UTAS as part of its new campus at the Inveresk Precinct. No new public car parking spaces will be provided as part of this development. ................................ "There is an approved new car park to be developed on the old Gasworks site (90-110 Cimitiere Street) opposite City Park. It is expected to be operational towards the end of Q1 2022, and it will provide 288 spaces, of which 190 will be public. The City of Launceston's future parking strategy for this area will need to consider the needs of Park users, UTAS students and staff, and commuter desire for parking." ................................ However the Gasworks car park is currently closed for redevelopment. ................................ When asked how many all-day car parks were operated by City of Launceston and how full are they, the council did not directly answer the question. ................................ The plan notes there is "excess parking demand" within the CAD, primarily between 9am and 6pm, but given majority of workers live in a 10km radius, "there is an opportunity therefore, for a large proportion of those working within the CAD to easily use active transport modes to travel to/from work." The response was: "data on capacity and utilisation of the City of Launceston's off-street car parks, which cater to longer stays, can be found on page 10 of the Central Activities District Parking Implementation Plan." ................................ Page 10 of the plan states there are 2100 on-street car parking spaces and 1472 off-street spaces with a mix of short, medium, and long-stay spaces across 13 council-owned car parks. ................................ However, there is not a breakdown of how many are all-day, early bird or have other time limits. It also was produced prior to the progress of some of the developments such as UTAS' Willis Street development and does not break down how many car parks has been lost due to developments. ................................ Council plan targets all-day parking in CBD ................................ The council's report found 75 per cent of workers used a vehicle to get to their job in Launceston. ................................ In a small poll taken via social media by The Examiner, it found 88 per cent of respondents struggled to find all-day car parking when commuting into the CBD for work. ................................ The council said there was "opportunity" to encourage more people to use public transport but did not address how it was planning to provide options to suit ambulant and disabled people. However, the strategy showed there was a need for the council to improve disability parking across the CBD. ................................ City of Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten also noted a lack of use in public transport. ................................ "With only two per cent of Northern Tasmanians regularly using public transport to get to and from work, the service operates below capacity and is capable of transporting significantly more people into the CBD each day," Cr van Zetten said. ................................ The council developed the 852-space Northern Inveresk Car Park which is $4 a day to park, and offers the Free Tiger Bus to shuttle people into town from the car park. ................................ "The bus service runs on a 15-minute loop between 7.30am and 9am each weekday, travelling from the car park to the CBD, making it an attractive and economical option for commuters who work in the city centre," Cr van Zetten said. ................................ Last year, the Tiger Bus had an average of 4026 passengers per month and Mr Cassidy said it was often under-utilised. ... OMG!!

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A CATCHING IDEA FOR THE ELECTIONS

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RELEVANCE FAILURES AT LAUNCESTON'S TOWN HALL

 

Well perhaps Mayor van Zetten can see the writing on the wall and has seen that he has long past his USEbyDATE but arguably he has left a legacy of 'civic disconnection' demonstrable by his missives to ratepayers ... EG. Dear XXX [Ratepayer], Thank you for your email. .......................... I want to stress that the Council has at all times been transparent with the community in outlining its rationale and financing for the provision of the facilities. .......................... The proposal was broached in the Council's 2022/23 annual budget papers, which was advertised for public scrutiny and submissions last year. .......................... The provision of basic facilities such as showers, accessible toilets and change rooms is now very common in contemporary workplaces, including many buildings across Launceston. .......................... The original scope of the project was broadened to include a new waste management facility that will facilitate the Council's waste management practices for things such as cardboard, plastics, paper and food and organic waste. .......................... This component of the project will have an economic and environmental benefit by relocating all waste to one central collection point, allowing for easily accessible weekly removal with reduced operational costs, a reduced carbon footprint as well as environmental emissions. .......................... The Town Hall was built in 1867 and it does require regular capital expenditure just to maintain it as a contemporary, fit-for purpose workplace for more than 300 Council staff and therefore, this project is seen as an absolute necessity. .......................... Thank you again for your interest. .......................... Regards, ...  Albert van Zetten Mayor, City of Launceston T 03 6323 3101 I www.launceston.tas.gov.au

Demonstrably, the Mayor and the Councillors he leads for weeks yet not only find 'dot joining' too difficult by far, but clearly they are unable to even see them in order that they might join them. Demonstrably, the whole bunch are ill equipped for 'governance'. 

NOT ONE deserves a vote at the upcoming elections, NOT ONE – demonstrably so going by this particular shonky self-serving determination.

As for the GM/CEO, well ratepayers have no chance of curtailing his aspirations and it appears that the ratepayers' representatives are in fact operating in his favour rather than the ratepayers' aspirations. Could it be that he supports them in ensuring that their stipends keep on being paid when they otherwise might not be? Could it be that it suits the 'elected 12' for him to build his self-accountable BUREAUCRATIC EMPIRE? 

Could it be that the Councillors' incumbency is just a SIDE GIG for the most part? Also, could it be that there are 'fringe benefits' that the Councillors' incumbencies deliver?

All this is a plausible proposition given that they, the Councillors, unanimously granted a new four year contract to the GM/CEO. Effectively, the GM/CEO overrides Councillors at any time it suits and it seems that he works to keep the Councillors 'on side' and what that might involve is anybody's guess.

So, if you are looking for 'representative accountable and transparent' local governance DO NO VOTE FOR AN INCUMBENT – clearly, they are not there to represent you.

LET'S STOP IT!

ANOTHER LETTER ... SPEND OUR RATES TO HELP ALL .................... WE have rates going up, water rates going up and people living in tents within a short distance of the council chambers and what is our council doing? .................... It is installing showers for its employees who have decided to cycle to work so that they can have a shower once they arrive. How dare it use our rate money for a select few who have chosen that method of arriving at work. The money could be better spent trying to accommodate those who have nothing rather than those who have a well-paid job and the money to spend on expensive bikes. .................... It seems Launceston is one of the worst cities in Australia to ride a bike and, living at Trevallyn, I can guarantee that. Spend our money wisely please to help everyone, not the privileged few..................... Glennis Sleurink, Launceston.

# 1 NON INCUMBENT

Former Jacqui Lambie Network Bass candidate Bob Salt has thrown his hat into the ring to become Launceston's next mayor. 

This follows City of Launceston mayor Albert Van Zetten announcing he would not run again after 15 years in the position. ............................ Earlier this year, Mr Salt, a 64-year-old Launceston resident, stopped actively campaigning prior to the federal election after his party sent out how-to-vote cards to the public without consulting him beforehand. ............................ Mr Salt said several members of the community contacted him shortly after, firstly to "commend him for sticking to his beliefs", and secondly to ask him to run for a position on council to "restore integrity". ............................ "One of the big things that people are saying is that they haven't got a voice, and that councilors don't seem to think their issues are important, so I'd really like to change that," he said. ............................ "I'd also like to have forums where people can actually attend and ask questions, sort of like the old days when we had the town hall and politicians would have to actually answer questions." ............................ Mr Salt said he hoped to help solve various issues in Launceston, paying particular attention to "waste". ............................ "The Tamar is still an issue, as well as the sewerage plan at Ti-Tree Bend," he said. ............................ Mr Salt, who operates Launceston-based business Testing and Tagging Tasmania, ran for council in 2018, when his campaign focussed on helping small businesses thrive. ............................ He was unsuccessful in being voted in, after receiving 5.15 per cent of first preferences.

THE STATUS QUO AT TOWN HALL

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GIVEN that Local Governance is essentially all about 'placemaking' the apparent qualifications gaps are concerning. Concerning  to the extent that:

• On one hand that it appears as if the articulated status quo is seemingly not seen as an issue;
• On the other hand it appears that the 'elected representatives' lack access to expert advice except what the GM/CEO deems to be 'expert advice' on his own cognisance; 
• In anther way, the apparent skills/qualification gaps are seeming those required to deliver effective and appropriate 'placemaking';
• And in another way still, Council's Senior Executives in receipt of MEGAsalaries are reluctant to articulate their qualifications as if it is a 'private matter' and no accountability is required.

There are other issues that come into view but SECTION 65 of the Local Govt. Act exists to protect 'the represented' from poor representation!

 

MORE CAR PARK REVELATIONS

 CLICK HERE FOR BACKGROUNDING

• Did City of Launceston Council (CoL) formally contact the property owner at the outset of this whole debacle?

• It is reported that there is a DEED OF AGREEMENT with CoL as a party that has not been disclosed to Councillors, is this the case?

• If the DEED OF AGREEMENT exists, who initiated it and why is its VERY EXISTENCE confidential?

• Why haven't the Councillors insisted upon seeing the agreement? Is it because they cannot be trusted? If not, by whom?

• Does SECTION 62/2 of the Local Govt Act actually allow the GM/CEO to keep information AWAY from Councillors under any circumstance?

• Who is representing the ratepayer's interests in all this?

And without doubt these questions will lead to others!

Link

EXPENDITURE BROUGHT ON BY THE INCUMBENCY

WORK IN PROGRESS 

LINK TO SOURCE

LINK TO SOURCE

Launceston's $10m landfill cell more than hole in the ground By Joshua Peach Updated January 14 2022 - 

 The City of Launceston has completed its $10 million "landfill cell" at the Launceston Waste Centre. 

More than simply a hole in the ground, the cell represents to highest-tech to date at the centre according to Assets General Manager Shane Eberhardt. 

 "At the bottom its got geo-synthetic clay liner, then a polyethylene membrane and a geotextile protection layer - that's to stop anything leachin

The operation took around 18 months and involved excavating more than 48,000 cubic metres. For context, that equates to an area around the size of 15 Myer buildings. 

 Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten called the project one of the "most technically complex engineering projects overseen by the council". "Not only is the construction of a landfill cell an engineering challenge, it also represents a significant financial investment," Cr van Zetten said. 

 NEW CELL: City of Launceston manager Infrastructure and Assets Shane Eberhardt, mayor Albert van Zetten and Team Leader for Sustainablility ...City of Launceston Michael Attard. Picture: Phillip Biggs 

With that in mind, the mayor was also eager to highlight the ongoing work by the council and the waste centre to limit the amount of waste making it to landfill. 

Launceston's $10m landfill cell more than hole in the ground Launceston's $10m landfill cell more than hole in the ground "That is why waste diversion has been such a critical focus of this council in recent years. It's important we extend the lifespan of these cells as much as possible," he added. 

Toward that end, the mayor noted the introduction of the food and garden organics kerbside collection and the Uptipity recycle shop as two initiatives likely to limit future landfill use. 

 The $10 million project was part of the City of Launceston's accelerated capital works program, which was brought in to help support the city in the wake of the COVID-`19 pandemic.

Whatever Launceston might have looked to the Shoalhaven OR Logan Councils for inspiration. Their work was drawn to Town Hall's attention! That's what comes of complacent and disconnected incumbrance!

TODAY'S NEWS AUGUST 7 2022

NOT STANDING

Launceston's longest-serving mayor announces he will not run in upcoming local government elections ... Luke Miller By Luke Miller Updated August 7 2022 - 12:06pm, ... first published 11:33am ... LINK

THAT EVER UNFOLDING STORY IN A CARPARK

 

LINK TO SOURCE

http://tasratepayers.blogspot.com/2021/11/there-is-looming-cloud-over-integrity.html

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http://tasratepayers.blogspot.com/2021/10/millions-of-dollars-11-questions-and.html

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http://tasratepayers.blogspot.com/2021/10/an-ongoing-saga-about-purchase-of.html

WATCH THIS SPACE!

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THE INCUMBENTS 2022

 City of Launceston Council Has Exceeded Its USEbyDATE

Link to the promise

Click on a name for details

Mayor Albert van Zetten

Deputy Mayor Danny Gibson

Councillor Andrea Dawkins

Councillor Nick Daking

Councillor Hugh McKenzie

Councillor Karina Stojansek

Councillor Rob Soward

Councillor Paul Spencer 

Councillor Jim Cox

Councillor Alan Harris

Councillor Tim Walker

Councillor Krista Preece

There are so many questions that need answers and that constituents typically get obfuscatory answers if they get past the inhibitors and get to ask them. Election time is a good time to try again IF you are entertaining the idea of voting FOR an incumbent. 

Local Government is where the 'rubber hits the road' but possibly you might have a different view on that say if you are homeless, if climate change concerns you, if the pandemic is impacting upon your family's life, if you worry about the state of the kanamaluka TAMARS's condition, if you worry about the threat of the inevitability of the flood levees failing, etc. etc. etc.

If we do not change direction, we 

may very well end up where we are heading!

ADVICE ... THE UPCOMING LOCAL GOVT ELECTIONS IN LAUNCESTON

Thank you for your email below. Please note that we are unable to provide any legal advice, however we are happy to point you in the direction of the relevant legislation. 

Under section 290 of the Local Government Act 1993 (“the Act”) for a councillor ballot paper to be formal, the elector must record preferences:

• 1 to 5 (where 5 or more candidates are to be elected), or
• 1 to [the number to be elected] (where less than 5 candidates are to be elected).

 

For a mayor or deputy mayor ballot paper to be formal, the elector must mark the ballot paper by placing the number 1 in the box next to the name of the candidate of the elector’s first preference.

 

Under section 300 of the Act, a ballot paper will be treated as informal if:

• no vote has been recorded on it,
• the vote is recorded on the ballot paper otherwise than in accordance with section 290,
• it contains a mark or writing which will identify the voter, or
• it has not been appropriately authenticated.

 

You may find a copy of our Information for Candidates handbook for local government elections helpful. This handbook can be found: https://www.tec.tas.gov.au/local-government/assets/LG_Candidate_Information_Booklet.pdf

 

Kind regards,

 

Policy Team

Policy  |  Tasmanian Electoral Commission

6208 8700  |  policy@tec.tas.gov.au

PO Box 307 Moonah TAS 7009  |  Level 3, 169 Main Road Moonah TAS 7009

We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of this Land and respect their culture and identity which has been bound up with the Land, Sea, Waterways and Sky for generations.

 

Subject: ADVICE ... THE UPCOMING LOCAL GOVT ELECTIONS IN LAUNCESTON

Good afternoon,

 

I am seeking some clarification to a number of questions having received the eMAIL below. When I spoke to the person on reception, she was, understandably, unable to be definitive but I DO need that class of information in regard to the upcoming Local Govt elections.

 

Questions:

 

1 …. Is it the case that for the election of Councillors a voter is required to mark their ballot one to five (5) candidates in order to cast a valid vote?

 

2 …. Is it the case that for the election of Mayor a voter is required to mark their ballot one (1)for the candidate of their choice in order to cast a valid vote?

 

3 …. Is it the case that for the election of Deputy Mayor a voter is required to mark their ballot one (1)for the candidate of their choice in order to cast a valid vote?

 

4 …. Is it the case that for any ballot paper a voter may mark their ballot with a WORD in the box next to the name of a candidate they DO SUPPORT for whatever reason can cast a valid vote IF they also mark their ballot one to five (5) candidates in the order of their preference?

 

We would appreciate your early advice on this matter given evolving events.

 

VOTE NO TO INCUMBENT COUNCILLORS 2022

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In recent weeks, in fact years, Launceston’s elected representatives have behaved appallingly, and it is evidenced mostly by the hubris on display around the table at Town Hall. Councillors’ blatant disregard for their constituency has reached the point where the community must act if they are to bring about change. .

One Councillor reports that the incumbent Councillors are comfortable with their performance and hold a consensus view that says that if they wish to stand ‘on their record’ they will be re-elected. .

However, there is now a network of Launcestonians who think that compulsory voting can shatter the foundations upon which such a hubristic belief system is built upon. Funding is being put together to mount a campaign that advocates: DO NOT VOTE FOR AN INCUMBENT COUNCILLOR. 

Each and every Launceston voter, who is dissatisfied with Councillors’ performance can quietly send a message to these non-performing incumbent Councillors by writing the word NO in the box next to the name of any incumbent with the arrogance to stand for re-election. ................. Not only will they be registering their protest they will do so in a way that can counted for future reference. 

Any incumbent who wishes to avoid the ignominy of this can RESIGN RIGHT NOW and stand for election on their demonstrated commitment to accountability, and their record too of course. 

There comes a time to flush the system and that time is now! 

Consider these things: 

• Most recently the majority of incumbent Councillors voted to expend $600K so that they could have a shower in privacy and not allow others the same privilege; 

• In recent years the majority of incumbent Councillors voted to give some private developers a discount on payable fees to develop property in a flood prone zone cum tidal flat; 

• In recent years the majority of incumbent Councillors voted to relieve CBD property owners of the need to pay for their own promotion and marketing; and 

People in the network have more to reveal as the election campaign rolls out