The fall of Kings and the rise of Princes

I am still waiting the final figures but it is certain that my campaign for election to Moreland council has been unsuccessful.

It was fairly clear that this election was a change election and voters were looking for candidates who clearly represented change. I was unwilling to pander to that basic desire by ruthlessly attacking some of my Labor colleagues like some other successful candidates (especially in the northern wards) did.

For not a moment do I regret talking about the issues and trying to stay positive.

The campaign may have ended but the issues I care greatly about - fixing Sydney Road, reforming children's services, standing up for renters against profiteers, and protecting community sport - will not go away.

Moreland council will have a strong Labor majority but the character of that Labor majority is yet to be known. Will it be a progressive majority or reactionary? I am prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt and will be there to hold the Labor caucus accountable to the progressive policy direction it espouses.

I particularly welcome the imminent election of Enver Erdogan - a good young progressive with good working class politics and the re-election of Cr Alice Pryor.

And I look forward to continuing to work with all of you in the broader cause, that of advancing progressive politics in my own community and on broader shores.

In the meantime let us drink, metaphoriclly, to the fall of kings, the rise of princes, and to interesting times.

Its over

The polling booths have closed...

All that remains is the counting.

Twas the day before....

The how to vote cards are printed.

The booth kits are delivered.

The arguments and debates have been had....

Now its onto the vote in the morning.

Tomorrow Brunswick can vote for change. Brunswick can vote for councillors who understand the change that is occurring in our suburb, councillors who will act to protect and enhance the great things we love.

Tomorrow all will be decided...

Tomorrow...

Childcare in Brunswick

The news is in that the privately run childcare centre in Brunswick (on Blyth St) is under threat of closing.

Brunswick has along history of community (as opposed to private) ran childcare, and our community childcare system is strong today. But we are in the middle of baby boom and demand is soaring.

That is why we need better co-ordination in the form of a Moreland wide childcare enrolment system, and a council willing to explore new partnerships to expand childcare, maternal and child health facilities and other early years services.

Doorknocking East Brunswick

I and my supporters doorknocked about one thousand housegolds in Brunswick East today, delivering the message of my campaign and talking about where people could vote next Saturday.

People were keen to talk about planning controls, how our parks are surviving the drought, and greening our streets.

Also, to the right another dog picture of my parents dogs - Rosie on the bottom and Thornton on the top.... :-)

Saving the Brunswick Baths

I have made it clear in this campaign that in the event I am elected to be a Councillor I will be an enthusiastic supporter of proceeding with the $15 million Brunswick Baths redevelopment.

So of course I am overjoyed that the State Government has announced that it will contribute $2.5 million for the project.

Brunswick City Baths is one of the most important community facilities in Brunswick. It is used by everyone—young and old, healthy and infirm. And it has been this way for over ninety years.

Assuming that the post election council proceeds with the redevelopment the new Brunswick City Baths will help meet the needs of Brunswick's changing population.

Early Voting in Brunswick

Early Voting is now open at Brunswick. 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

To vote 1 Christopher Anderson follow my how to vote card on the right (click on image)

Household water saving targets?

The state government is looking at giving all Victorians a 155 litre a day water target. If you exceed it you will be helped to find ways you can save water.

My thoughts - a very good thing, and could pave the way for water allocations as an alternative to restrictions. Which would help home gardeners keep their vegies alive - helping with fighting climate change and reducing their groceries bills in these tough times.

Looking forwards

Well its Thursday now and I'm looking towards the weekend. A selection of happenings around Brunswick includes:

• Brunswick North West Primary School Fete - on Saturday
• Harmony Cup - a cricket match promoting tolerance and understanding at Brearley Reserve in Pascoe Vale South.
• Walk Against Warming - in the city on Saturday

I intend to attend the first two, as well as get around and talk to voters, local shopkeepers and friends. In particular I am looking forward to going and trying out the new Union Hotel on Union Street, which I am told is very, very good!

Maternity Leave

I was a bit ill over the weekend, so no real postings, but the ACTU has sent around this email campaigning for paid maternity leave. Its a great cause, and one I have signed up for.

Right now the Government is looking to drop paid maternity leave from 2009's federal budget.

Opinion polls, talk back radio and letters to editor clearly show time after time that Australians support government-funded paid maternity leave.

The Government's own experts, the Productivity Commission, has said that government-funded paid maternity leave is good for the economy, good for employers and good for families.

And now there's a perfect opportunity for the Australian Government to deliver on this important right at work.

But to make sure that the Government understands just how important this is to you, your friends, your family and your co-workers, we need your help.
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What you can do?
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We're asking all mums, dads, daughters, sons, aunties, uncles, grandmothers, grandfathers and nieces and nephews to make a short video (no more than 60 seconds) saying you support putting paid maternity leave in the 2009 budget.

This is urgent! The government will soon be considering what's in and out of the 2009 federal budget so we need your video by Friday 28 November.

Your short video will be included in our digital video petition and delivered to Parliament and key decision makers. And who best to speak on your and your families' behalf, than yourself in your own voice.

Or if you're uncomfortable doing a short video, then download the PML Digital Petition Sheet and take a picture of yourself, your friends, family and co-workers holding the Sheet.

When you're done send them in to us at the Paid Maternity Leave Digital Petition Project.

Yep it that easy!

http://www.rightsatwork.com.au/paidmaternityleave

Labors plan for sport and recreation

Back to local politics.

Well tomorrow it will be three weeks to election day.

Without doubt one of the hottest issues in Brunswick has been the tensions between council and sporting clubs, especially over the Brunswick Structure Plan. One of the reasons I am running is because I want to help sporting clubs get the partnerships they need with Moreland Council to improve facilities, improve the programs they offer to members and improve their community presence.

Here is Labor's sport and recreation policy for the 2008-2012 council.

Sport & Recreation

Labor in Moreland believes that increased participation by citizens in sporting activities builds a healthier and more active community.

A Labor Council will:

• continue to roll out a program of upgrading our many sporting pavilions on a needs and priority basis
• increase funding for sporting infrastructure and will actively seek grants funding from State and Federal Governments
• wherever possible ensure public land and public facilities are optimally utilised by encouraging multi use buildings and playing surfaces
• continue to support high level cricket, football, soccer and other sports as well as supporting grass roots clubs
• support a new year round indoor bowls and multi use facility in Glenroy
• implement the Moreland Recreation Plan to generate the best outcomes for local sporting clubs and encourage greater participation from our community. These plans will include how funds can be allocated to improve facilities, provide council assistance in club development and promotion and work to ensure that all people in Moreland know their closest sporting venues
• ensure that information about local sporting facilities is freely available
• ensure that a wide range of sports are promoted such as sport that is of interest to a broad cross section of the community; senior citizens, people with disabilities, women, different ethnic groups
• continue to support community based sport in Moreland through improvedfacilities, support for club development, and promotion of community sport
• encourage the development of sports specific forums to enable better sportsspecific dialogue with council (along the lines of the successful soccer based “football forum”)
• implement the Active Women In Moreland Strategy in 2009
• investigate ways to improve participation in passive recreation such as tai chi inparks and walking groups
• commence facility upgrades at:

• Mutton reserve in Fawkner, to better accommodate football and cricket including an undercover viewing area
• Cook Reserve in Glenroy and support for a new year round indoor bowls and multi use facility
• Kitchen upgrade at Campbell reserve in Coburg
• Holbrook reserve to better support women’s cricket and junior soccer
• Hosken Reserve to better support soccer and cricket
• Oak Park Central pavilion (adjoining Oak Park Pool) for football and cricket
• Upgrade of cricket nets at Gillon Oval to reach sub district standard
• Fawkner Secondary College, a synthetic pitch for soccer in partnership with the State Government

Campaign Fundraiser

Redeveloping the Brunswick Baths

The Brunswick Baths are rapidly approaching its 100th birthday. The Baths are a Brunswick icon, but its an icon which is in desperate need of a rejuvenation. The pool is falling apart, the exercise, administration and aerobic areas are too small. There is little bike parking to speak off.

That's why I, and other members of the ALP in Brunswick started a campaign to convince council to fix up the Baths in 2007. We collected close to 1,000 signatures on a petition to council and have collected hundred's of postcards directed to the Minister for Sport. Council has offered fine words in support of the Baths, but it has not yet irrecoverably committed to the Baths in the only way that matters - with money!

Today my friend and local MP Carlo Carli took the case of Baths users to Parliament.

What I am seeking from the minister is financial support from the state government in partnership with the local council to make this possible and ensure that the future is sound for this fantastic facility and that it is there for future generations in Brunswick.

It is time for not only the state government but also all council candidates to declare their position on the Brunswick Baths. I will state mine. I will vote to redevelop the Brunswick Baths. And if necessary, for I am no economic rationalist, I will vote to borrow to redevelop the Brunswick Baths.

Recreation Centres & the Brunswick Baths

Pools have been a big issue in Moreland these past couple of years. In Brunswick we have had problems with the Baths which are crying out for a big renewal. One of my key commitments is to, if elected, support and vote for a 15 million redevelopment of the Brunswick Baths.

Today, here is Labor's policy on recreation centres (pools).

Recreation centres
Labor in Moreland believes that Council owned Recreation Centres are important community facilities that require long term planning and consistent commitment.

A Labor council will:

• implement a plan to renew all of Moreland’s aquatic facilities
• support the installation of energy and water conservation infrastructure across each of the indoor aquatic centres
• redevelop the Brunswick Baths
• renew the Oak Park Aquatics Centre, including dry space for community use, gymnasium and fitness programs, and introduce new improved water play/leisure features for children
• continue to run outdoor pools as part of the contribution they make to the recreation in summer periods
• review the morning opening hours of outdoor pools to better meet the needs of young families and people who want to avoid the middle of the day sun or exercise early in the morning

Children's and Family Services

Children's services have scored a high mark in my community survey. Many residents are aware of the baby boom in our suburb and worry about the capacity of our services to cope. Labor's policy offers a few discrete initiatives aimed at improving children's services.

Children’s and family services
Labor in Moreland will support families to provide an environment where children can develop to their fullest potential.

A Labor Council will play a key role in early childhood education in Moreland by:

• ensuring Councils services keep up with increasing demand and advocating for more funding to do so from other levels of Government
• advocating for more child care in Moreland
• supporting Council’s Family Day Care Service
• implementing a centralised preschool and childcare enrolment system for Moreland
• upgrading early childhood facilities in partnership with government and other agencies
• advocating for improved services for children with additional needs
• encouraging greater linkages between early childhood and health services
• improving access for all families with young children to the support systems they need
• ensure that services are responsive to children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• build a new Gowanbrae Community and Children's Centre. As well as a community house the building will accommodate kindergarten, childcare, playgroup, maternal and child health services, early intervention, allied health and family support service

Supporting our Senior Citizens

Labor's policy for this council election is extensive. I hope to provide a snapshot of a different area every couple of days,amongst other stories.

Today, senior citizens.

Supporting Senior Citizens

Labor in Moreland will promote healthy and active ageing so that senior Victorians continue to play a full role in the community.

Labor in Moreland has stood up for, and achieved, more aged care facilities in the municipality, and has campaigned for, and achieved, better home and community care services, and a reduction in waiting lists. Labor in Moreland has also successfully demanded a better deal on concessions for pensioners.

A Labor council will:

• continue to promote the needs of senior citizens
• campaign for further increases of the rate rebate so that it reaches a sustainable level as well as other concession reforms
• seek better funding from the Federal Government for Home and Community Care Services such as home help and meals on wheels
• ensure that services remain accessible and culturally appropriate for our multicultural community
• conduct a rolling program of upgrades to senior citizen centres and kitchens

Campaign/Trivia Night

Last night the Brunswick Club was filled to the brim with a group of (mostly) fun, committed and sort of groovy Labor folk. With your support Labor candidates for South Ward raised almost $3000 towards the task before us - of retaining Moreland council in Labor - and progressive - hands.

If you were unable to make it you may wish to consider the next fundraiser for my campaign on November 7th. No pressure though.

Thankyou again - I wouldn't want to live among, know and represent anyone else.

Child Care Watch

H/T to Joshua Gans.

mychild.gov.au has been launched today. As Gans notes it amounts to a ChildCareWatch. As well as accessing information you can check out what childcare services operate in your area. For instance in my community, Brunswick West, it identifies five services, including before and after school care. While there are more services to be added it should be a great compliment to Labor's proposed one stop shop childcare enrolment system for Moreland

Labor supports Gardeners

Water and gardening is in the news locally.

Alliance spokeswoman, Brunswick resident Karen Sutherland, said the restrictions limiting watering to two mornings a week were impractical.

More than 250 residents attended a forum this month at Brunswick Town Hall organised by the group.

“We don’t want more water. We want to use the same amount but more frequently,” Ms Sutherland said. “It is a major issue for Moreland, where many residents grow their own produce for financial and cultural reasons.”

Labor in Moreland supports the efforts by the Food Gardeners Alliance to lobby for reform to water restrictions. Our policy supports calls for a move to individual water allocations.

Demanding Safer Cycling

Earlier this year Moreland Council increased the amount it was spending on bike infrastructure. Bike infrastructure is a big issue in Brunswick. We have 9.6 percent of people riding to work each day. Some of our off road bike paths are congested - especially the popular Upfield Shared Path.

And my community survey is showing that many people are concerned about bike infrastructure.

Let's clear up a myth, the quest for better bike infrastructure - more bicycle lanes, bike parking, lockers, lighting etc - is not solely about fighting climate change (though that is a fortunate side effect). People have turned to riding their bike because it is cheap, easy and quick.

Better bike infrastructure is about safety. As close to 10 percent of people ride their bikes, this creates capacity problems. People, sick of the congestion on the Upfield bike path, are riding down Sydney Road in ever increasing numbers in peak hour. These people are not protected from peak hour car travel.

Moreland must complete a bike plan next term. For Brunswick this bike plan must include:

• bike lanes on Sydney Road (initially peak hour)
• a couple of east west separated bike paths (our suggestions are Dawson Street and Blyth Street)
• improve the existing Upfield Shared Path to boost safety, lighting and capacity
• improve signage on bike paths
• better bike parking, especially at stations and shopping areas like Lygon Street, Sydney Road and Union Square
• bike racks on buses
• and keep Cyclovia