Mitcham Station, Precint or Prison?

Recently I saw a scale model of the proposed development of Mitcham Station and the surrounding precinct when it was briefly on display at Mitcham Community house. Immediately I became concerned about the length of time that the model had been on view for public comment.

Pictured here is the area that will be affected.

For such an enormous project, that will change the character of Mitcham, with serious impact on surrounding suburbs, I don't believe the public has been given enough time to fully understand its ramifications.

The area is classified as a "neighbourhood activity centre". But, with the type of structures planned along both sides of the railway line, I fear it will become a "major activity centre" like Box Hill.

The three dimensional model that has been prepared by Whitehorse planning officers is in response to the VicRoads proposal for the lowering of the rail line.

When the railway line is lowered the track will be located closer to the homes of Barkly Terrace residents.

Are locals ready for the overwhelming concrete jungle that council has prepared?
There is very little charm about the structures which include two car parks of four storeys in height. Where is  innovation and creativity? Why do we settle for what is ordinary and ugly when there are other possibilities?

Here are some photos of the current streetscape. Do we want more of this urban canyon effect?

Where are the softening features to blend the proposed station development into the green leafy neighbourhood character? A sparse scattering of small trees will not compensate for the claustraphobic concrete enclave that will be 'fait accompli' if we do not write a submission to change the situation.

I urge the Whitehorse community to voice their concerns about the project. Here is what can be done:

• Call your current councillor and raise the issue with them. 
• Write a petition to council so that the matter will be raised when the project is on the next agenda. 
• Be prepared to speak to the special committee of council before the full council meets.

PLANNING OBJECTIONS:
When submitting a planning objection please note that it requires five independent households' objections to trigger a planning forum. http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/IgnitionSuite/uploads/docs/Planning%20Objection%20Submission%20Form.pdf

PETITION TO COUNCIL:
A petition to council is a document signed by a group of people. Petitions are normally used to make a special request of Council in relation to a particular issue. Anyone can send a petition to council.
www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Petition-to-Council.html

SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL:
The Special Committee of Council meets one week before the full Ordinary Council. This is the only time that residents may speak at council to present their issue. Read the following page carefully to understand the procedure.
http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Public-Submissions-Guidelines.html

ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC QUESTION TIME:
At Ordinary Council Meetings members of the public can submit questions to Council as part of a public question time.
http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Forms-Council-Meetings.html

Here are a few examples of other stations that didn't settle for just a concrete enclave. Noosa Junction station, Roma Street and Normanby Pedestrian Cycle Link

Residents want more from their councillors

Let's not repeat the sins of the past. Residents and ratepayers in Whitehorse deserve proper representation.   In the forthcoming election on October 27th. I urge voters to choose their representatives carefully. How can voters discern the "wheat" from the "chaff"? Read on.

Past elections have revealed the seedy side of local elections. Instead of being open and democratic there are often hidden agendas and manipulations of which the electorate is unaware.
Consider the following history of council elections in Whitehorse.

http://whitehorse-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/tears-fall-on-day-two-of-george-droutsas-committal-hearing/

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/mayor-george-droutsas-turned-friends-into-dummies-court/story-e6frfku0-1225934303234


Here is a letter that I sent to the Whitehorse Leader, in response to Cr. Andrew Munroe and Cr. Ben Stennett's "Letters to the Editor," expressing their views on "dummy" candidates. Although the Leader chose to only print part of my letter, here it is in full.

Dear Editor,
It was with interest that I read recent letters by Councillors Munroe (July 11th) and Stennet (July 18th) regarding “dummy” candidates. These have prompted me to remind voters of the way votes are counted. The proportional voting that replaced the preferential voting system is still misunderstood. Cr. Stennet had the good fortune to be elevated in his first term and gain election through the resignation of a sitting councillor because he was that councillor’s second preference. With proportional voting, once a candidate reaches the required quota they are automatically elected. Then second preferences come into play; these are transferred to the nominated second preference candidate; but only at 1/3 of a full vote. Sound confusing? Exactly; to many voters it is confusing.

My advice to voters is to know the integrity of their candidates. Actions speak louder than words. It is not about the number of pamphlets that they distribute, nor is it about the rhetoric or “motherhood” statements they make when asked, why they want to serve on council. Their calibre can be determined by the way they represent their community. Genuine candidates are not transient; they roll up their sleeves and serve on committees where it counts; they are conspicuous, they belong to the community and are there for the long haul. Over the past 35 years I have gained so much from my volunteer work in the community; before, during and after my time as a councillor. The rewards of being a councillor are enormous if one is there for the right reasons.

Sharon Partridge

Residents are often unaware that it can take years for projects to come to fruition.They may also believe that local council has contributed solely to a project when in actual fact there has been State and Federal government funding involved.

It is easy for candidates to make "motherhood" statements.Voters need to see beyond the rhetoric to choose the genuine candidate that is there for the right reasons. Consider if they are able to fulfil the enormous time commitment that is required of a councillor. Some councillors fall by the wayside when the reality of the position collides with their lifestyle.

Your best representative is not necessarily the one that has a lot to say; but rather the one that listens and hears what you are saying.

Written and authorised by Sharon Lee Partridge
31 Crest Grove
Nunawading 3131
0438221366

Community Houses the lifeblood of the community

I am a strong advocate for Community Houses because of the significant benefits that they provide to the quality of life of the residents of our city.
In Whitehorse we are blessed with ten community houses that offer an enormous variety of courses; ranging from communication skills, cookery, craft, fitness and recreation to computer skills, parenting and a number of languages.
Such courses empower people to make a change in their own lives and the lives of their families. The self-improvement and growth that they bring is priceless. I encourage everyone to get involved in the activities of their local community house where they will find friendship, acceptance and knowledge. The cost of each course is minimal. Those who have had the opportunity to discover new skills, endorse the fact that along the way they learnt an enormous amount about themselves.

Mitcham Community House manager Sue Curlis and Sharon Partridge outside the centre at 19 Brunswick Road Mitcham. 

 Use the following link to find a community house close by that can offer you a rewarding course. 

 http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Neighbourhood-Community-Houses.html

A cloud hangs over Heatherdale Rd development.

Residents are feeling uneasy over the seven storey apartment complex with ground floor medical centre that is proposed for the corner of Heatherdale Road and Maroondah Highway on the City of Whitehorse's eastern border. The site was previously used by Tom's Tyres. The latest information is that the proposed plans include 76 apartments which would tower over the neighbouring properties.

This busy intersection poses many difficulties daily for residents and commuters who use the nearby Heatherdale railway station. The proposed complex in its present form could impact adversely on neighbouring residences who will have their privacy invaded. Whilst it is an unsightly derelict corner that needs appropriate development because it is the gateway to our beautiful City of Whitehorse, the residents are asking, "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!!!!"

During peak hours, the line of cars waiting to turn in to Maroondah Highway can stretch from well before the train track up to the busy corner. 

The additional traffic that will result from such a large imposing development is causing great stress to residents who are worried about the impact on their lives.

Cars negotiate the left turn into Heatherdale Rd

The Heatherdale Community Action Group have spoken to a large number of residents to inform them of the process of lodging objections. Submissions need to be made five days before the Special Committee of Council if residents wish to be heard. They should contact the Planning Department to ascertain when the matter is expected to be placed before council and allow themselves sufficient time to register their concern. information about the process can be found on the City of Whitehorse website http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ 

or you can follow the helpful links provided on this blog under

 "Know Your Rights" http://sharonpartridge.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/blog-post.html 

Will council give this development the "green light"? 

This is the question that residents and ratepayers are asking.

Redland Drive - A New Park for Springfield Ward.

After many years of placing this project before my fellow councillors for selection, it is satisfying to know it has finally been achieved. What I had envisaged as a recreational place for local people is now equipped with BBQ facilities, shading and playground equipment. Credit must be given to former councillor Chris Aubrey who kept my dream alive and ensured that the vegetation chosen for this site features indigenous native plants.

 I was delighted that during my year as Rotary Mitcham President, my board allowed me put the Farmer's Market gold coin donations towards park equipment. The funds from the gold coins are divided between the six Rotary clubs and the Whitehorse Rotaract (Junior Rotary 18-25 yo) for use within the city of Whitehorse for specific community projects identified by the board of each club.

The bench seats and picnic table sets that were delivered to the site are made from recycled plastic bottles. It was satisfying for me personally, to investigate ways to save money on ongoing maintenance whilst choosing a product that was environmentally sound. REPLAS, an Australian company situated in Dandenong, produce high quality outdoor equipment that is UV stabilised and highly durable. A link to their website below is provided for those interested in the technology that they have developed. It is suitable for many applications and used worldwide. http://www.replas.com.au/ 

It is great to see the families and children making use of the playground, BBQ and park facilities.

 There is a great opportunity for council to further enhance this new community park with more planting of attractive, established trees and shrubs. What a transformation from the old paddock that had been fenced off with wire for over fifteen years!This is a truly satisfying outcome of being proactive in the community.

Reconciliation Week

Minister for local Government and Indigenous Affairs, Jeanette Powell visited the City of Whitehorse on 29th May 2012.  This provided an opportunity for me to chair a meeting between the minister and the Whitehorse Friends for Reconciliation. I sincerely thank Dee Ryall for encouraging this interchange of ideas.

Pictured from left to right: Back row:

 Sharon Partridge, Hon. Jeanette Powell. Dee Ryall MP Mitcham, 

Jim Poulter, Virginia Burns. 

Front row: Dellasaur, John Baxter

Virginia Burns and John Baxter spoke on the "Homes" project which is called "A Black History in Whitehorse". John is known as one of the "stolen generation" and the minister listened with interest to the insights provided by these Friends.

The documentary,"Fractured: Broken ties: Reclaimed lives." explores the experiences of four of the "stolen generation". Its inaugural screening was held at ACMI (Academy for the Moving Image) during Reconciliation Week.
,http://www.abc.net.au/abccontentsales/s3546780.htm



Tim Poulter spoke about the  history of "William Barak" an indigenous man who walked five times from the Aboriginal settlement Coranderrk in Healesville to bring a petition to the Parliament in Melbourne regarding the rights of indigenous people. There are plans for a re-enactment of his journey to occur next year to celebrate the 150th year of this event.

http://museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whatson/current-exhibitions/melbournestory/favourite-objects/coranderrk-petition/

http://www.cv.vic.gov.au/stories/william-barak/5588/william-barak--king-of-the-yarra/

Alana Marsh from LINS, the Local Indigenous Network and
Ollie Phillips, the Indigenous Specialist Officer from the Department of Human Services, was also able to attend.

Here is a link to the City of Whitehorse Reconciliation Action Plan 2011-2015 for those who may be interested.

http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/IgnitionSuite/uploads/docs/Whitehorse%20Draft%20Reconciliation%20Action%20Plan%202011-2015.pdf

Know your rights- A "How to..." guide.

PLANNING OBJECTIONS:

When submitting a planning objection please note that it requires five independent households' objections to trigger a planning forum. In the forum at least one of your ward councillors is required to be present, the Whitehorse Planning Officer and sometimes the developer or his representative and all objectors that wish to be heard. The strongest way to voice your objection is to be proactive and attend these forums so that your concerns will be well documented; it gives an opportunity for residents to question the intentions of the developer. This is not a forum where a decision will be made, but it greatly assists the planner officer and developer to understand what the residents’ needs.

http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/IgnitionSuite/uploads/docs/Planning%20Objection%20Submission%20Form.pdf

PETITION TO COUNCIL:

A petition to council is a document signed by a group of people. Petitions are normally used to make a special request of Council in relation to a particular issue. Anyone can send a petition to council.

www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Petition-to-Council.html

SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL:

The Special Committee of Council meets one week before the full Ordinary Council. This is the only time that residents may speak at council to present their issue. Read the following page carefully to understand the procedure.

http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Public-Submissions-Guidelines.html



ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC QUESTION TIME:

At Ordinary Council Meetings members of the public can submit questions to Council as part of a public question time. The form incorporating the question/s must be lodged in the question time box by 7pm on the night of the Ordinary Council Meeting. Individuals must be present at the meeting at the time the question/s is read out. Be aware that the Special Committee of Council meets one week before a full Ordinary Council meeting. If residents want to speak at a meeting about planning issues then they have five working days to notify council before the Special Committee Meeting and may speak for only three minutes per person. A group of residents would be well advised to divide points amongst speakers to cover aspects of the issue.

There are important rules and guidelines that must be followed so allow time to read the website carefully and discuss directly with a council officer any restrictions that may prevent you from putting forward your case.

http://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Forms-Council-Meetings.html

Computers for Oecussi- East Timor.

My involvement with the Oecussi support group began in 2003. Former Cr. Bernie Millane convened a meeting of people interested in providing support and programs to the people of this small enclave in East Timor. We became inspired by two East Timorese ladies who spent eight weeks in Australia learning about local governance at TAFE and Whitehorse Council. They took back to Oecussi the knowledge that would empower them to set in place many improvements for their community.

Support for this community is ongoing and through the generosity of Geoff Holder at Channel 9 Melbourne at Docklands, four re-imaged computers each equipped with keyboard, mouse, monitor and Windows OS, were prepared for transport. Bob Bogdan, computer expert extraordinaire, donated his time to install the Microsoft Office Suite licences that Elwynne Kift kindly provided. In this way a small group of friends has helped to fulfil a need that was identified some years ago.

Through the “Archie Roach” concert of June 2008, funds were raised to install solar panels on the roof of the Oecussi community centre. Now with solar panels installed the community centre is no longer at the mercy of an inadequate electricity supply of only three hours per day. The centre will be able to operate the computers without power outages. Australians take such infrastructure for granted but it can have such an impact on the lives of a small community.

The shipment of these computers to Oecussi demonstrates the way that one community can help another without the constraints of bureaucracy and red tape. A simple gesture in friendship.

Mitcham Mall- "Must be an election in the air"

Local residents must be thrilled to see that security cameras have finally been installed at Brittania Mall. I had the pleasure of opening the mall redevelopment as councillor for Springfield Ward, along with Cr. Chris Aubrey,in 2005, but after repeated vandalism and grafitti, retailers and residents were demanding that something be done to protect both property and shoppers.

The cameras were first proposed in the lead up to the Federal election by the sitting member for Deakin,Mr. Phil Baressi. After his defeat at the polls, Mike Symon took up the issue of security and applied for the Federal funding which was announced two years ago. Retailers and stake holders of the mall convened a meeting in 2011 to keep pressure on government to fulfill the promise that had been made.

I hope it won't be long before all the lighting throughout the mall is fully functional. The 2005 budget included uplighting for the carpark, walkway and bench lighting. A separate $360,000 was set aside for the Superloos that were installed in time for the opening. It is with delight that I observed electricians attending to the bench lighting arrangement which has been more off than on these past years.

An Open Letter to the Sports Clubs of Whitehorse

Why am I standing for council? The answer to that question is easy. I want to ensure that all sporting clubs receive a fair share of the allocated budget. As your former councillor I have experience in how the system works and believe that I can represent your interests. I need your help to win this election which will be decided by a proportional voting system. To be elected as your representative I require sufficient No.1 votes to reach the quota. I have been a keen supporter of sport in the Whitehorse community because I believe it fosters goodwill and friendship amongst all ages. Sporting clubs provide positive influences upon the minds of our young people and nurture their development as caring citizens. Together, with your support, I hope we can provide some great outcomes for our community.