Categories
Sean Spencer
Community Advocacy for Sunshine and Beyond
Administrators versus Warlords
Posted by on November 3, 2011
from “The Star”
by Laura Wakely
2 November 2011
BRIMBANK City Council administrators have adopted 160 of the 162 officers’ recommendations before council between January and September this year, sparking debate on whether the trio are council’s “yes men”.
Of the 160 recommendations adopted, 10 were amended by administrators to include additional actions, while the two recommendations voted down included the sale of parks and open spaces and a permit for shops in Derrimut.
Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association (SunRRA) president Darlene Reilly said Administrators appeared to come to council meetings having already held a debate in private.
“It’s exactly the same behaviour the council was sacked for and I wish they didn’t do that. “I also wish they would question the council officers a lot more,” Ms Reilly said.
Ms Reilly said Chair of Administrators Peter Lewinsky had made it “clear” he wanted to represent a “united front”.
“That doesn’t mean we’re getting the right decisions,” she said.
Albanvale Residents Association spokesperson Clare Brennan said the administrators were “not listening to the people”.
“We gave up going (to council meetings) because there wasn’t enough discussion, it was all rubberstamped,” Ms Brennan said.
But, like SunRRA, she said Albanvale residents were sceptical about restoring politicians to council.
Keilor Residents and Ratepayers Association president Susan Jennison said she’d also prefer the administrators to councillors.
Ms Jennison said that, although the administrators had adopted 160 of the officer recommendations, she believed they had researched each of the reports.
“They get things done,” she said.
Sunshine resident Sean Spencer agreed with Ms Jennison’s sentiments, claiming the “issues that plagued previous councils still exist.
“ I don’t want to support, or play into the hands of people who intend to run in the 2012 council elections who have their own political agenda at the expense of the administrators who govern for the community,” Mr Spencer said.
Brimbank CEO Nick Foa said the administrators took into account the “quality of research and analysis” in the reports prepared by council staff.
“They are able to provide independent and informed input into strategic matters based on their involvement and participation in the consultative processes and their engagement with the community,” Mr Foa said.
He said the most recent community survey had revealed a satisfaction rating of 6.46, which he said was considered “solid” and “on par” with the metropolitan council average. Star contacted Chair of Administrators Peter Lewinsky but received no response before going to print.
http://starnewsgroup.com.au/star/sunshne-ardeer-albion/320/story/143431.html
————————————————————————————————————————————–
Opinion:
Party-aligned warlords are positioning themselves in anticipation of 2012 Local Government elections, and in the process are attempting to discredit the Brimbank Administrators.
The issues that have plagued previous councils (branchstacking, political patronage, external interference, governing for party-aligned groups, running multiple stooge candidates, caucusing, selecting mayors in private), have not gone away. As a ratepayer, any concerns I have had with the Brimbank Administrators I have raised with them directly. I would prefer to see debate in the chamber, but I have also seen a dramatic improvement in the material brought to council for decision. It is not a perfect system but compared with the previous 3-4 councils, the Administrators are far and away better for the communuity.
It is a big deal to give up a vote, however my opinion is that another term of Brimbank Administrators will starve the branchstacked local branches that made democracy in Brimbank a joke.
Sunshine’s Sunvale Park Bid
Posted by on July 12, 2011
from Brimbank Leader
by Caitalin Ryan
28 June 11
ADVOCATES for parkland at the former Sunvale Primary School site have hailed a meeting with State Government representatives a success.
Respect the West’s Sean Spencer and John Heddich met Planning Minister Matthew Guy and Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn there last Friday.
Sunshine residents have been campaigning for the site to become public parkland since its closure almost two years ago.
Mr Spencer said Mr Guy had agreed Brimbank needed more open space and had “listened to what we had to say”.
Mr Spencer said many in the community wanted to see the site retained as parkland and open space without housing.
“We think it should be retained in its entirety for a community outdoor recreation, arts and music space,” he said,
Brimbank Council chief executive Nick Foa said the council had reiterated its interest to the Government for a park with some affordable housing.
He said there was a shortage of public open space around the school and the council wanted the Government to develop a park there with a playground, seating, possible shelter, paths and significant tree planting.
Police Hold Community Forum – Community Not Invited
Posted by on January 19, 2011
from “The Star”
by Belinda Nolan
19/1/11
THE West will receive a greater share of new police, Chief Commissioner Simon Overland has revealed.
Speaking to Star at a community forum in Footscray on Thursday, Mr Overland would not disclose the exact number of new recruits to be rolled out, but promised the region would receive more than other areas of Melbourne.
“There will be more police posted into the West,” Mr Overland told Star.
“It’s been identified as a high priority, high needs area and it will receive more in the first year and more in the second year.
“I don’t know the figures off the top of my head and I’m not sure if it’s something we’re releasing at this stage but I can say it will be quite a significant number and one which I believe will make a big difference.”
Mr Overland named Brimbank and Maribyrnong as areas which would benefit from the extra resources.
Mr Overland also revealed that Sunshine would retain its Transit Police division, despite an internal review this month.
Around 50 people attended the forum, which is the second of nine to be held across Victoria in the coming weeks.
The meeting was held in the Maribyrnong Council offices, with attendees including council representatives, social workers and traders.
Mr Overland admitted many had lost confidence in the safety of the public transport system, with startling new figures revealing that only 37 per cent of people feel safe on public transport at night.
“It’s not enough to achieve reductions in crime, the community actually have to feel it,” Mr Overland said.
“The feeling is just as important and clearly when we’ve got 37 per cent of people feeling safe, that’s an issue of concern for us.”
Brimbank residents and traders have expressed disappointment their municipality was snubbed as a location for the forum and was not open to the general public.
Respect the West convenor Sean Spencer said the police had missed an opportunity to get the feedback of ordinary residents.
“Given the serious crime concerns of residents in the western suburbs, it is also of concern that only one out of nine forums is being held in the West,” Mr Spencer said.
But Mr Overland said the forum was by invitation only to keep it at a manageable size and allow for audience interaction.
Sunvale Battle-lines Drawn
Posted by on September 30, 2010
Sunvale battle
from The Star
By Belinda Nolan
31st August 2010
Angry residents have threatened to rebel if the Education Department surrenders the site for residential use. Residents are concerned by rumours the department is in discussions with VicUrban, which is believed to be eyeing the derelict site for a social housing development.
They have warned the State Government and council to keep their hands off the land, which they believe should be transformed into a park for the community’s children.
Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association (SunRRA) member Sean Spencer said the community would fight hard to retain Sunvale, which is one of the last remaining parcels of open space in the suburb. “If the last opportunity to gain a decent open space for children is lost to VicUrban…there will be community action on a grand scale,” Mr Spencer warned.
Sunshine resident John Hedditch said he feared the rumours were true and that Sunvale was earmarked for cheap housing. “If it is true then there will be a huge battle for it,” Mr Hedditch said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Julia Gillard’s elevation a boost for Brimbank
Posted by on July 12, 2010
from “Brimbank Leader”
by Paula Maud
January 29, 2010
NEW Prime Minister Julia Gillard has declared there are great things to come for the West.
“I’ve always thought it (the West) was a great place with a great fighting spirit and I hope my becoming Prime Minister is a further emblem for Melbourne’s West of that great fighting spirit and how we feel about ourselves,” Ms Gillard said.
“There are no limits for Melbourne’s West.”
The Altona resident said there would be “seamlessness” between her role as Prime Minister and local representative, saying the things that mattered nationally, such as employment, education and health, also mattered locally.
Sunshine historian Olwen Ford said it was a boost for the esteem of the western suburbs to have a local as Prime Minister.
“(Ms Gillard) is very sympathetic to working people and people who are struggling and very committed to the concept of a fair go and seeing young people provided with opportunities and education,” Ms Ford said.
“This area has contributed to the economic wealth of the country and it’s nice to see it get some recognition.”
St Albans Traders Association president Sebastian Agricola said he was hopeful Ms Gillard’s ascension would benefit the West and act as an inspiration to young people in the area.
“Personally I’m quite optimistic, she seems to have a reputation for having her eye on the ball for local issues so I’m hoping that will translate to benefits to the West,” he said.
“It shows that no matter where you come from or what gender you are you can rise to the top.”
Sunshine resident and community activist Sean Spencer said it was wonderful for women of the western suburbs to have such an intelligent and formidable female role-model.
“However, the same party machine that delivered her the Prime Ministership has delivered entrenched disadvantage to the people of the western suburbs of Melbourne,” he said.
Former premier Joan Kirner said the news was great for the West.
“I think Julia will make a great Prime Minister for the whole country,” she said.
“She has been very supportive of low socio-economic areas in the West. I would expect a heavy emphasis on social inclusion.”
Mrs Kirner said the arrival of a female head of the nation was a great day for Australia.
“Julia is a girl from a working class background, whose parents had very little, education, money, but they backed her all the way,” she said.
“Young women in West and across Australia – women in general – can look to her and say “I can do that”.”
http://brimbank-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/julia-gillard-s-elevation-a-boost-for-brimbank/
Don’t Fool with the Pool
Posted by on April 6, 2010
from “The Star”
by Belinda Nolan
6 April 2010
Hands off ... Sunshine resident Sean Spencer, with his children Oliver and Noah, and a Sunshine resident want the recreational land to be kept for the community’s youth. Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
RESIDENTS who fought to save the Sunshine Pool have warned the council to keep its hands off the rest of the site.
Former pool campaigners closed ranks around the Sunshine Leisure Centre last month amid fears for the future of vacant land at the site.
Residents have been lobbying for the leisure centre to be transformed into a youth hub, a one-stop destination for teenagers to socialise and participate in programs and activities.
The Sunshine community previously battled with the council and State Government in a bid to save the outdoor pool, which had been earmarked for demolition.
In 2008, residents claimed a major victory when a new $4.6 million outdoor pool was opened at the leisure centre after years of campaigning.
But controversy surrounding the site was reignited last month amid claims the council planned to renege on a promise to build youth facilities at the site.
Residents attending a local area forum on 23 March were horrified when the council revealed plans to create a walking path linking the leisure centre to Hampshire Rd.
The path appeared to cut through vacant land at the leisure centre which had previously been earmarked for youth facilities.
The plans also included a proposal to create extra car spaces, which would also cut into the leisure centre land.
Residents were outraged by the proposal and vowed to fight to keep the land for Brimbank’s youth.
Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association member Sean Spencer said residents had been promised the land and now feared their hopes for a youth precinct would be dashed.
Mr Spencer said the site would be perfect for beach volleyball, basketball courts or other recreation facilities.
Lyndon Webb, the council’s General Manager of Infrastructure and Environment denied that the council had designs on the land.
Mr Webb said extending the walkway to Kennedy St had been an option but insisted that the proposed path would terminate outside of the leisure centre.
NOTE: Plans shown to the community 2 weeks ago, indicated a path and car park on this land. The council now denies it wants the land for this purpose.
Brimbank Council Fighting Against Community Vision
Posted by on March 28, 2010
from “The Star”
By Belinda Nolan
23rd March 2010
BRIMBANK Council will continue to lobby for social housing to be built at the former Sunvale School site, despite acknowledging that residents don’t want it.
At last week’s ordinary meeting, the council voted to develop a preferred plan for the site, which would include a mixture of residential development and open space, as well as possible community facilities.
The council has refused to rule out the possibility of social housing at the site, despite admitting it was not on residents’ wish list.
A report outlining the results of community consultation on the site revealed that residents did not support residential development at Sunvale, preferring it to be used for open space or community facilities.
“Residential development was not identified by the community as being a high priority,” the report said.
Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association member Sean Spencer said residents were concerned that the council continued to consider social housing as an option for the site, despite widespread opposition from the community.
“It’s very concerning to see that social housing is still on the table even though the community made it clear that we don’t want it,” Mr Spencer said. The Sunshine resident has been campaigning for Sunvale to be turned into a community park and has started up a website, Save Sunvale, to further the cause.
Mr Spencer said residents were disappointed the council had not changed its position on Sunvale, despite residents’ wishes.
“I expect that residents and community groups will be seeking further clarification as to why residential development is still being considered in planning for the site,” Mr Spencer said.
Brimbank CEO Nick Foa said the council would be pushing for open space at the site, but also considered it appropriate for residential development.
Mr Foa said the council had previously pushed for 0.8 hectares of the site to be turned into open space, but had yet to determine its final position on the matter.
A State Government spokesman confirmed that the site was no longer needed by the Education Department, but said it would be offered to other government departments before the council could put in a bid.
Skate On
Posted by on March 8, 2010
From “The Star”
by Belinda Nolan
2 March 2010SUNSHINE residents believe the former Sunvale school site could be the key to reducing Brimbank’s escalating youth crime.
Residents have been lobbying the State Government to turn the vacant land over to community use, since the school closed down last year.
Previous suggestions for the site have included plans for a botanical garden, a farmers market and community centre.
But many residents now believe the site could be used to attract local youth, deterring them from a life of crime.
Residents are lobbying for a new skate park to be built in the derelict grounds of Sunvale, to give teenagers a meaningful hobby.
“I think it would be one of the best uses for the site,” said Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association president Darlene Reilly.
“In other municipalities they’ve got some beautiful big skate parks and you see kids playing in them every day and having a great time.
“One of the major reasons young people get into crime is because there is nothing else for them to do.
“If we use Sunvale in this way, it would be of far greater benefit to the community than social housing would.”
Sunshine resident Sean Spencer said Sunvale was an ideal location for a new skate park.
“A skate park in central Sunshine would be outstanding,” Mr Spencer said.
“We really need something like this in the area to give kids something to do.
“I see kids hanging out the front of the Sunshine Market Place to socialise and it breaks my heart because we’ve got Sunvale and it’s just sitting empty.
“You could fit a massive skate park in there and still have room for a park.”
Although Brimbank Council has previously lobbied for social housing to be built on the former school site, residents remain adamant that Sunvale should given to the community.
The State Government has yet to make a decision on the future use of the site.
A Community’s Grand Vision
Posted by on November 15, 2009
from “The Star”
by Belinda Nolam
3 November 2009
A BOTANICAL garden, a farmers’ market and a skate park were among a flurry of suggestions for the future use of Sunshine’s Sunvale School site.
Around 40 Sunshine residents attended a community meeting with Brimbank Council’s CEO, managers and officers last week to bend their ears on residents’ vision for their suburb.
Open space topped the wish list, with residents renewing calls for more parks and playgrounds to address the suburb’s chronic shortage.
Sunshine resident Mike St Clair Miller said parks and bike tracks were desperately needed to curb the municipality’s growing obesity epidemic.
“The Sunvale School site is the perfect opportunity to address these problems and develop a facility that will cater for the physical and mental health of residents,” Mr St Clair Miller said.
Respect the West member Sean Spencer said the suburb needed more community facilities for local artists and musicians.
“We’ve got lots of talented people but they all go to other areas because there’s nowhere for them in Brimbank.”
Residents remain vehemently opposed to the council’s push to build social housing on Sunvale.
Sunshine resident Margaret Stanford said Sunshine did not need any more public housing.
“We’re not a dumping ground,” Ms Stanford said.
Residents also raised concerns about safety and a lack of trees in the suburb.
The consultation was the first of four forums planned to give Brimbank residents the opportunity to discuss their priorities and concerns with the council.
Kelly Grigsby, the council’s General Manager of Community Wellbeing said administrator Bill Scales would be briefed on the proceedings.
She said the council would also conduct surveys to ensure all residents were able to have their say.
Although the State Government has yet to decide the future of Sunvale, CEO Nick Foa promised to write to its departments to convey the community’s interest in the site.
http://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/story/82193
