Armidale Independent : Star News Group » Your letters

Dysfunctional council

admin — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 04:35:39 +0000

While a number ofÂ Councillors, mostly new Councillors, have grand-standed to the public and the press on a number of issues, I have stayed silent since the Council election in early September in the hope that things would settle down, and Councillors would be able to work together positively and amicably for the good of the Armidale Dumaresq community.
Now, some three months after the elections, I cannot stay silent any more, and feel that I must voice my deep concern that this Council is fast becoming dysfunctional. A number of the newly-elected Councillors in particular are showing a dangerousÂ mixture of ignorance and arrogance. On the one hand they claim that they do not have enough information, and are thereby severely hindering, and in some cases, completely halting the normal operations of Council by these delaying tactics, while on the other hand they allegedly know everything better, not only compared to the old Councillors, but also in respect to advice received from the professional staff of Council, as well as from outside experts, be they consultants or from state government authorities.
Let me just recapitulate some of the salient points:
1. A rescision motion was tabled not to accept the final report on the industrial land study, which was needed to feed into the new LEP and in particular to open up land for industrial purposes to boost economic development in Armidale. This rescision motion was withdrawn at the last minute after plenty of press publicity, and after causing considerable delay in this process.
2. A proposal to CONSIDER, yes only consider, a rate increase for 2013/14 to start addressing our infrastructure backlog, subject to public consultation and scrutiny by the IPART consent authority, was rejected, deferring any consid-eration of a perhaps sorely needed increase for the next 18 months. This is in sharp contrast to the new Council in Gunnedah, whichÂ acted decisively and has just applied to commence the process of considering significant rate increases to increase its income to a sustainable level.
3. The proposal to apply for a Federal Government RDA grant to assist in the building of an urgently needed new library, which had been the subject of extensive community consultation and committee work, was torpedoed, and replaced, with no prior notice given and no consultation with community groups or any detailed justification, with a proposal to upgrade the airport. Laudable as this aim may be, it should not have been at the expense of the well-prepared library submission, which had (and still has, I believe) overwhelming community support.
4. In response to what can only be called a directive from the NSW Dam Safety Committee regarding safety issues at Dumaresq Dam, Council had resolved to accept a tender which would work towards assisting Council to address the issues, and recommend or put in train the required remedial action by the agencyâ€™s deadline of June 30, 2013. This decision has been stymied by a rescision motion, which at best has delayed work on this matter for over one month, or at worst, if passed, can lead to a scuttling of the whole process. Without putting too fine a point on it, we are at risk of defying a State Government authority charged explicitly with dam safety which, to my mind, virtually makes such a rescision motion ultra vires, and would quite frankly put Council beyond the pale in the hopefully unlikely event of a dam failure.
5. With the Damocles sword of a rescision motion hanging over its head, Council agreed to yet another Workshop on this issue, which soon became a travesty, with one Councillor hogging a microphone for one-and-a-half hours, while an engineer from the Dam Safety Committee, who had come up from Sydney to share his expertise with Council, was basically reducedÂ to answering questions or making brief comments, without being given the opportunity in the full two hours to make an uninterrupted presentation. And to make matters worse, two gentleman from the successful tenderers (NSW Public Works Department), who had likewise flown in from Sydney, were kept outside the closed Council doors for these same two hours, with the same filibustering CouncillorÂ objecting to their very presence. And yes, it was at this point that yours truly left this travesty of a Workshop after approximately two hours.
I sincerely hope that readers will understand my frustration with what has become aÂ Do Nothing Council. I can only hope that Council, and that means all ten Councillors, can soon get their act together, and actually do something, rather than attempting to block anything and everything just because they havenâ€™t had the time to work through all the issues. If this doesnâ€™t happen as we move into the New Year, and this Council remains dysfunctional, I can only see the very real dangerÂ of Council being sacked and an administrator appointed.

Cr Dr Herman Beyersdorf
Deputy Mayor
Armidale Dumaresq Council

Controlling wildlife humanely

admin — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 04:20:13 +0000

Phillip Machinâ€™sÂ article; â€˜Whoâ€™s eating the green stuff?â€™ should be appreciated by animal lovers. Itâ€™s good to see facts for a change. However, farmers are farmers and, although kangaroos are something special, they are not always appreciated.Â But there are ways of controlling them and other wildlife humanely.Â One of them is the use of the abortion agent RU 486. Legal inÂ Europe (for humans) but until recently banned in Australia on religious grounds, it became known as the morning after pill – and it presents a wonderful way to control wildlife humanely.
It has been successfully used to control field rats in paddy fields in Indonesia.Â You just make up a bait with the chemical in it (only minute amounts are needed) and sprinkle it around rabbit burrows or wherever undesirable wildlife occurs and feeds. Surely this is better than using poison baits and especially, expensively designed diseases.
I hope this letter stimulates some interest in the use of RU 486 in this way.

Dr Colin Williams
Armidale

Electronic parking and its impact on retail shopping in the Armidale CBD

admin — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 04:19:43 +0000

In 2011 when Armidale Dumaresq Council (ADC) first mooted the idea of introducing electronic timed parking in the CBD of Armidale, I had concerns that the type of parking monitoring system which the Council was about to implement would be detrimental to business in the town.
Councilâ€™s own specialist advice on the amount of available parking indicated that there was no shortage of parking spaces. Therefore there was no need to introduce such a rigid (and expensive) parking regime where no parking problem even existed.
Council inferred that the reason for implementing the system was not to redress a parking shortage nor was it to be a revenue raising venture. Rather, its purpose was to ensure that existing parking be used more efficiently by â€œfreeing upâ€ the spaces taken by all-day parkers for the use of customers and clients of businesses in the CBD. I had my concerns then and I have even greater concerns now.
In the few weeks since the introduction of the electronic parking system, the â€œHannasâ€ parking area off Rusden Street behind the East Mall has become almost deserted. Not only have the all-day parkers disappeared, but the general public has been scared away. There seems to be a lack of understanding on the part of ADC regarding the â€œpsychologyâ€ of shoppers. All shopping is not done on a dash and grab basis. Many people, including tourists and visitors, enjoy a day out shopping. They like to stroll through the shops, visiting several stores before they decide on a purchase. They like to combine shopping with visiting cafes and restaurants for a coffee or a meal. They may wish to visit the hairdresser or beauty salon, before finding an outfit for a special event, then meeting a friend for a coffee. They may need to speak to the bank manager before attempting to find a particular product in the Armidale stores. There are countless scenarios for spending an extended period in the CBD. The sudden panic of having to find another place to park their car for another hour interrupts this shopping experience and, in many cases, curtails it altogether.
If the local retail industry is to survive the global financial crisis and the competition of on-line shopping, then Armidale needs to satisfy the shopping needs of its customers with regard to where they can park and for how long.
This is not just about safeguarding the retailers but it is about the survival of the CBD and ultimately the survival of a town and its way of life. If we truly want to welcome tourists and visitors to this beautiful city, what sort of a welcome is it when they cannot even enjoy part of a day in our shops, restaurants and malls without the fear of being issued with an expensive parking fine?
I understand that it is too late to vote against the electronic monitoring system, as it has already been installed at considerable cost to ratepayers. But it is not too late to modify it by at least increasing the amount of time allowed in these parking bays.
The current two-hour limits should be extended to three hours. This would still satisfy Councilâ€™s desire to prevent all-day parkers from taking up customersâ€™ spaces, whilst still allowing much more flexibility for shoppers, visitors and tourists. If Councilâ€™s reasons for introducing this system had nothing to do with revenue raising, then this proposed modification would have no negative impact upon Council. It would, however, have a very positive impact upon business in the CBD.
I ask Council to consider this proposal as a matter of urgency, as Christmas is fast approaching. The retail industry is a big contributor to the lifeblood of this city and our tourism industry is also dependent upon a vibrant shopping precinct.

Jennifer Hanna
Armidale

Richard Torbay family photo album

admin — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 04:19:17 +0000

Sometimes it feels as though one is looking at a Richard Torbay family photo album when they open the Independent newspaper. More often then not he appears multiple times in the one edition! Fair enough, he may be photogenic, he may be busy attending all these local community events, and he may need the publicity, however it is a trifle over-done. His regular appearance is verging on becoming a trivia question, â€œHow many editions has Torbay NOT appeared in the local paper? You know what they say about too much of a good thing.

Jennifer Watson

Medieval times

admin — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 04:18:42 +0000

Sat down to read the Independent to find it was the Medieval times instead!
Canâ€™t believe that people still think that you â€œcan get close to Jesus though a relicâ€.Â Luther must be turning over in his grave. What must the rest of this missionary feel, knowing that the right arm, and only the right arm, is flying all around the world – probably in first class! Letâ€™s put all of Francis Xavier back together again, say a prayer direct to Jesus if you need to and let this poor man rest in peace.

Anne Vince
Armidale

Our society resembles pagan Rome

admin — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:00:42 +0000

Those who think that a royal commission into child sexual abuse will be able to weed out the practice, are engaged in wishful thinking, especially when one considers that our society has been moving towards one that has a strong resemblance to that of pagan Rome as it was up to 312 AD, the year that Emperor Constantine adopted Christianity.
Up to Constantineâ€™s reign, Romeâ€™s state-sponsored culture had affirmed same-sex marriage, homosexual practices, pornography, abortion and much more.
Incidentally, will a royal commission also examine public and other non-Catholic schools, secular and religious institutions, families, sporting-bodies, clubs, babysitters, et cetera? In short, all persons and entities that deal with the underage members of our society?

Henk Verhoeven
Beacon Hill

Asbestos and renovation

admin — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:00:10 +0000

Your readers may have seen the recent television drama Devilâ€™s Dust on the ABC. The program is a stark reminder to us all about the dangers of asbestos.
While the program depicts events of the past, asbestos is still in existence throughout our communities today.
People are still being diagnosed with asbestos related conditions and, heartbreakingly, we are seeing cases of asbestos cancers in people in their 30s and 40s.
It is not just workers who were, and are, affected by asbestos dust. It is also their wives, who washed their clothes and the children they played with when they got home.
Home renovation projects using asbestos cement sheeting were also common, and thousands of Australians were exposed to deadly asbestos dust that way.
Today, it is estimated that one-in-three homes still contain asbestos. Older homes, those sometimes called â€˜a renovatorâ€™s delightâ€™, often contain asbestos somewhere and we now know that, in some cases, one incident of exposure is enough to trigger disease.
Anyone contemplating renovations should have a professional check if asbestos is present and, if so, they should have it removed. For further information on renovating, see www.asbestosawareness.com.au

Joanne Wade
Slater & Gordon

Royal Commission

admin — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:00:08 +0000

We have heard so much about child abuse in the Roman Catholic Church, that Prime Minister Gillard feels there is political mileage to be had, by having a Royal Commission into these matters. At a quick glance, it seems a good idea. We have yet to hear what the terms of reference will be and who will head the enquiry.
To be fair, the enquiry needs to consider all aspects of child abuse and be open to ALL those who have a story to tell. The Heiner Affair in Qld over 20 years ago should be on the agenda as well. It is also necessary to note that much abuse is perpetuated by the serial boyfriends of single mothers. The Commissionâ€™s investigation should not be limited to only allegations against the Catholic Church.
Unless this enquiry is concluded in reasonable time, it will lose any effectiveness it may have. If, like the enquiry in Ireland, it drags on for years, it will be no more than a tinkling symbol.
Once concluded, the enquiry needs to recommend serious punishments for child abuse offenders as warning to those who would ever contemplate abusing children.
Secondly, if there are any who bring forth false allegations, they should be promptly and seriously dealt with.

Jay Nauss
Glen Aplin

Placement of reflection and consultation on the agenda

admin — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:00:47 +0000

I refer to the article â€˜Report vindicates UNE online strategyâ€™ (page 5, 31/10/2012). The article relays the findings of a report from privately owned accounting/professional services firm Ernst & Young which was recently released.
In the aforementioned â€“ publicly released â€“ article, Chancellor Torbay is described as expressing vindication on â€œthe University of New England (UNE) strategy which was launched almost two years agoâ€.
I take a step back a moment.
How many of us attended schooling? I gather that, luckily, it is a great many. How many of us attended university? In Armidale, I believe myself and many more of us have been blessed enough to do so. Is it not the case that the learning experience has more depth and more meaning when a student and a teacher are in the same room or outdoor space together?
First, a more specific question: Why is Vice Chancellor Barber highlight-ing unnamed people who apparently â€˜do not want to hear how important the internet has now becomeâ€™?
I refer, fellow readers, to a National Press Club address made by Professor Glyn Davis AO, Universities Australia Chair 2011-2013. He made this address on March 7, 2012. Mr Davis is the central architect of the controversial â€˜Melbourne Modelâ€™ which he brought to the University of Melbourne. This was upon his appointment as Vice Chancellor in January 2005.
In his address, Mr Davis speaks about and advocates a market-based ideology being applied to universities in Australia. Second question set: Why, after centuries of presumably successful operation, does any ideology now need to be imposed on the university system? Werenâ€™t the first universities established to facilitate higher learning to explain the nature of the world? Hasnâ€™t every university since sought to assist people to answer such a question? Isnâ€™t any answer to such a question subject to interpretations which are as unique as what each and every last one of us is?
Third: How is it that Mr Davis, Mr Barber, Mr Torbay and a limited number of individuals are making such foundational changes? Why were employees and students â€“ both former and present â€“ absent when it came to formulating some new system? I ask: Can the names of any of the thousands of academic staff, administrative staff or the thousands within the student population be ascribed to the new ideology or to any solitary component within it?
On my end, I have personally expressed support for the internet and the National Broadband Network whenever it has arisen in conversation. I was networking with other computers before the first website ever came online in 1989. What appears to be missing here is a grounded sense of what electronic networks are able to do and what they are unable to do.
Having relocated from Sydney â€“ where my parents raised me and continue to live â€“ I see townships such as Armidale as being the way of the future. Ignorance on the part of big city-dwellers â€“ on points as basic as how their food is grown â€“ will either: i. lead to illness for us all; or ii. Bring realisation and change to those of us in the big cities.
Also on an individual note: it is most unfortunate that, having relocated, I was evicted from Mary White College. The important point is that it was done without a momentâ€™s notice and without my being given an opportunity to address what I may have done wrong. All of it completely unprecedented in my life despite having stayed in literally dozens of hostels in Australia and around the world.
I believe this is symp-tomatic of attitudes currently present within the upper hierarchy of universities and within the upper hierarchy of the current university system. I have been informed of other â€“ very personal and real â€“ events which illustrate a similar contempt for each of us as people.
The final questions are â€“ by far â€“ the most important. Why are we hurtling our-selves towards a system which undervalues the very things which Armidale and other regional areas have to offer?
These include unique geographies, a less stressful and less congested lifestyle, a greater awareness of how our needs as humans are being met â€“ and a great many more.
Is it any surprise that the Ernst & Young report predicts that only a handful of universities in Australia will still exist in 15 years? Moreover, why is anyone who is questioning this brave new world described as â€œnot wanting to know…â€? Why are immediate term,Â quantitative results being given so much attention and publicity? Surely better approaches can â€“ and must â€“ be adopted.

Tom Livanos
tom.369@hotmail.com
Armidale

Centenary of Sts Mary and Josephâ€™s Armidale Cathedral

admin — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:00:23 +0000

I wish to congratulate the team of workers from the Armidale Catholic community who organised the series of successful activities to celebrate the recent centenary of Sts Mary and Josephâ€™s Armidale Cathedral.
The tours of this lovely building, incorporating its history, created immense interest, while the cemetery walk provided an under-standing and interpretation of headstones and their symbolism.
The book, â€˜Our Cathedral, second century thoughtsâ€™, published for the centenary, is a credit to those who compiled it and provides a lasting record of the story of the Cathedral and its parishioners.
In particular, the exhib-ition of collected items and memorabilia associated with the Cathedral has provided Armidale with a new historical research resource. Armidale people look forward to having this material on permanent display in a dedicated space for the benefit of local families, visitors, tourists and historians.Â It is a treasure trove of information and will provide an invaluable source of research material for family and local historians.Â A permanent archive of Cathedral history will be the long-lasting value of a weekend of celebration which prompted dedicated organisers to gather together this marvellous collection of previously scattered and hidden treasures.

Judith Grieve OAM,
Armidale