Bullying:It's not just kids

The following item from last Sunday's Mail is of interest as I have to deal, in my school teacher role, with bullying. In the end it hurts both the victim and the perpetrator. The one thing i find most confusing is that the kid who is bullied, given the opportunity to find their own victim, will in their turn bully them. As such I am lead to believe that these behaviors are both tolerated and taught by our  society. What made this article special is that Billy has been my student for 6 years; I have watched him develop and grow into a wonderful young man with empathy for all. Despite all the odds he has just completed his SACE and should be as proud of his achievement as students who gained merits as he has worked just as hard. But bullying doesn't stop at school and it is rife throughout almost every organisation I have worked in, this includes Council. From time to time I receive emails from residents that can only be described as bullying and in committing this act I wonder what the resident was hoping to achieve? I'm not the sort of person that doesn't stand up for themselves, however, I have learned that a lot of arguments are won by knowing when not to respond. Online hate in disguise Evil lurking behind
Sunday Mail Adelaide, Adelaide	29 Dec 2013
ADELAIDE teenagers are escalating their social media attacks by threatening violence against each other in the latest form of online bullying. The attacks have been launched through a Facebook burn book page which was disguised to avoid detection from anti-bullying campaigners. The page has led to warnings for parents to monitor their childrens online use. SEE PAGE 4 ADELAIDE teenagers have escalated their social media attacks by threatening violence against others on a Facebook "burn book" that was camouflaged in an attempt to avoid anti-bullying campaigners. The latest burn book, named Adelaide Elvis Book in a bid to avoid detection, was set up a fortnight ago and names and shames boys and girls, many of them in their early teens, by sharing sexually explicit rumours about them. But the page, which has more than 350 friends, goes a step further. It also contains threatening posts that include gems such as "we will take you for a little boot ride" and "I will stab". Like previous burn books a term that comes from the she said, warning parents to monitor teenage online use. "Some teens I’ve seen who’ve been bullied in this way suffer a form of post-traumatic shock. "They can’t sleep, think about it constantly, are scared to go to school, cry and can become very depressed and anxious." Police are urging anyone who has been threatened on Facebook’s Adelaide Elvis Book 2004 movie Mean Girls, in which girls used a hook to write rumours about fellow students this one urges people to send in anonymous gossip. The Sunday Mail has previously repoited parents’ concerns that Facebook has not acted swiftly enough to shut down burn books. Clinical psychologist Kirrilie Smout, who specialises in working with children and teenagers, said burn book pages created intense psychological pressure on young people. "The people who are named on the page are often instantly identified they are sometimes tagged so that all of their Facebook friends immediately see the gossip, insults, slander, bullying, about that person," or similar sites to repoit them to a police station immediately. Officers said those issuing online threats could he charged with making unlawful threats or using a carriage service to menace or harass. A month ago anti-bullying campaigner and stroke survivor William Russell, 19, was targeted by another online page that appropriated and defaced his Facebook profile photo after he posted on the page about the dangers of cyber-bullying. Mr Russell. who has been nominated by Unley Council for a Young Citizen of the Year Award, nins the Teen Suppoit Network website to help victims of harassment in schools, workplaces or at home. "As burn books are open to the users of Facebook they do have effects on people, especially teenagers and their families, as rumours are open to the public users," he said. "I strongly believe that Facebook and the other social networking sites need to improve their reporting procedures and the time span they take to ad on removing these kind of pages." Facebook Australia and New Zealand head of communi-cations Antonia Christie said the company was hying to enact anti-bullying policies globally. She had seen sites shut within minutes of them being repoited. "Bullying is a violation of our terms and we remove all content that is repoited to us that violates our policies," she said. "Nothing is more impoitant to Facebook than the safety of those who use our site. "Our statement of rights and responsibilites that users agree to outlines what conduct is permitted and we maintain a robust repoiting infrastructure that leverages over one billion people who use our site to keep an eye out for harmful or potentially dangerous content" FOR CRISIS SUPPORT CONTACT LIFELINE ON 131114

Community Engagement Consultation extended

If being more active in your community is one of your New Year’s Resolutions, then participating in our community engagement consultation is the perfect opportunity for you.
We are very keen to hear from you on what issues and decisions you would like to be informed, consulted and involved in and what the best way to engage with you is.
There is a community meeting on Wednesday the 8^th January at 6.00pm at the Civic Centre, 181 Unley Road, (enter from rear car park).  This will be a casual meeting where you can share your views over a bite to eat.  RSVP to Mandy on 83725127 or msmith@unley.sa.gov.au
Alternatively click here to add your comments on our online discussion forum.   We already have received some great ideas from our community about how Council could improve how we engage with you, let us know if you agree with what others are saying.

The consultation closes on the 17 January 2014.

Some response so far include;

Send information more targeted for my reason for being involved. I seem to get an overload of information that is not relevant to my community activity and so have to read through and spend time trying to sift out what is relevant.
I strongly believe that what council deems as necessary information to provide to ENTIRE neighbourhoods about residential developments / renovations must be addressed. Giving too much power to others has great potential to cause friction, tension and both time and money wastage.
I would like more information regarding footpath and road upgrades. The timing and how they are scheduled.

Happy New Year 2014

To all Unley residents and particularly those in Goodwood South (soon to be renamed Clarence Park) have a great 2014. My wish list for 2014 is as follows;

• That when DPTI finish their works that the streets, infrastructure and landscaping are are in better condition than when they started and that Unley is compensated for any foreseeable additional costs.
• That the list I sent to Rod Hook , CEO of DPTI are addressed as part of the above
• That the waste collection contract to be negotiated in 2014 will be structured to be able to achieve genuine savings for our ratepayers for the reduction in households rubbish going to landfill
• That the footpath acceleration schedule allows for a greater number of footpath replacements than we have seen so far in Goodwood South
• That an election for a new state government ( March) and new Council ( November) do not get in the way of good governance of both the state and the city.
• That the recently consulted works in Black Forest are able to be implemented to the satisfaction of residents
• That the Millswood complex Masterplan recommends achievable and deliverable change where it is identified and needed
• That the community spirit continues to thrive.

Swimming Pool Safety

With the introduction of the new rules regarding pool fencing  attention has been drawn from others regarding pool safety. St John Ambulance CEO is now calling for mandatory CPR training for all pool owners. With the number of swimming pool drownings for under 4's increasing this really can't come soon enough. The organization is asking both sides of parliament to include the proposal as an election commitment in the upcoming march election. This has the potential to save many lives.

National Broadband Network

Residents are showing some concern about recent announced changes to the NBN. Not only is the service likely to be inferior to what was originally proposed it will also require the installation of large metal cabinets on Council footpaths. These will present problems for Council as they are likely targets for graffiti (the removal of which is likely to be done by Council), they will be easy targets for theft of the copper wires, will often need repair or upgrading and are a hazard if flooded. On top of this who will volunteer to have one in front of their homes? While the example below is the New Zealand response to the ugly boxes (they are being used as community art sites) a better solution would be to ensure Unley is served by the superior fibre to premises model.

Wheel Squeal ;Channel Nine

Residents met with Harvey Biggs, reporter Channel Nine, regarding the ongoing problem with noise from the freight trains and Belair  Line. Interestingly, the Seaford Line is not quiet either and rattles away before and after the dive. Residents in Chromer Pde must be hoping for better things when the line is eventually electrified. I was given less than 2 hours notice to get a group of residents together, however, with a few phone calls and door knocking in the Grantley/ Arundel/ Cranbrook area there were enough people there with a story to tell that should make interesting viewing. The reporter particularly wanted to talk to residents in their homes, there were plenty of volunteers to do this. Luckily, a freight train made an appearance during the taping and one of the residents had a great tape of the wheel squeal recorded recently.

This will go to air in tonight's news broadcast at 6pm .

Storm Damage

Following on from the last story, Unley has had close to 300 requests related to the storm. most of these were about trees although there were 8 reports of power lines down and damage to fences and cars. All critical clean ups have now been cleared and the remaining clean up will be completed by the 3rd January.A number of risks have been identified with our aging street and park tree populations. These will be reviewed in the new year.

Street Tree Fails in the Storm

This street tree dropped at least 2 limbs in the early part of the storm late on Friday. Despite resident's attempts in the past to have the tree removed Council has steadfastly ruled that it was safe and should remain. This may raise questions as to the safety of the nearby trees as well. Hopefully, this tree will now be able to be removed and others will be reviewed.

Evening Under the Starrs

Free Community Concert Unites Unley

The Unley Road Association (URA) has recently announced the return of ‘An Evening Under the Stars’ for February 1, 2014. 

This free community event run by the URA will once again take place in the Unley Memorial Gardens with live entertainment delivered for the enjoyment of the public.  It is the highlight of the ‘Taste of Unley’ two-week promotional campaign epitomising the essence that is Unley Road and presenting the best the street has to offer. Commencing January 24, 2014, competitions, discounts and various other promotional activities will be rolled out in the shopping and business precinct for the benefit of the wider community. 

Stephen Finos, Event Organiser (URA), believes the ‘Taste of Unley Road’ campaign is crucial in reminding South Australians of the importance of supporting our local businesses.

“Our specialty shops and business service providers offer an unparalleled consumer experience and we look forward to once again seeing the traders of Unley Road unite to showcase the magnificent shopping precinct to which they belong,” he said.

Following the success of the inaugural event earlier this year it was undoubtedly a must have to complement next year’s promotional period.

“This year’s concert saw a turnout of over 700 people and it is expected that next year’s will bring even higher figures with plenty of fun and excitement in store for the whole community,” said Mr Finos.

It has been announced that the 2014 line-up will see the return of Adelaide’s own outstanding singing duo Tasso Bouyessis and Annamaria Beni. Several supporting artists will accompany them, providing dazzling entertainment for young and old.

The Salvation Army has proudly been revealed as the major charity for ‘An Evening Under the Stars’ 2014. The URA is delighted to have the opportunity to thank the Salvation Army for their ongoing support as a vital component of the neighbourhood.

Coincidentally, The Salvation Army is celebrating 130 years supporting the Unley community. Attendees will have the opportunity to give back to this wonderful charity through donations and various giveaways. The concert will also be supplemented by a sausage sizzle run by The Salvation Army, raising funds for the Unley sector of the organisation.

The Unley Road Association is working tirelessly to connect local businesses with their community, providing new and exciting mutually beneficial opportunities for all. ‘An Evening Under the Stars’ 2014 is sure to impress and is an event not to be missed.

Dressed for Christmas

Chelmsford Ave, decked for Christmas

Its great to see so many streets trees all dressed up for Christmas, the streets where everyone has made an effort look festive, but even in front of one or two houses I'm sure it will help Santa find his way.

Extra Pedestrian Crossing for Leader St

A recent safety audit of the Leader St level crossing indicated that there was a need for an additional pedestrian crossing to the south of the intersection. During every Community Advisory Group meeting representatives from DPTI were told by residents that a marked crossing was needed to both the north and south of Leader St at the rail crossing. At every meeting the pleas from residents were ignored. So, it is good to see that, at last, good sense has prevailed. I might also add that residents would still like to see a pedestrian crossing to the north at Victoria St and a safe cycle crossing to the south of the rail line on east ave at Clarence Park. Residents will be notified soon of DPTI's intentions.

The CEO didn't say it!!

Despite quite a large article and quotes from what appeared to have been an interview with our CEO regarding a congestion tax this has not been the case. In Council's recent submission on the Integrated Transport Plan one of the suggestions, among many , was the idea of the use of congestion taxes, not for Unley Rd in particular, but as a means of encouragement for people to use main roads or public transport. This would then allow better traffic movement for those who carry out their business or day to day lives in areas that could become congested. The report was endorsed by Council. The link to the article is as follows;
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/east-hills/unley-council-chief-wants-state-government-to-tax-motorists-to-reduce-congestion-on-our-roads/story-fni9lkyu-1226783842022

Millswood underpass revamp

The following is how the Eastern Courier reported the proposed revamp of the underpass on Goodwood Rd. While this will  be great if it happens we actually want a train line and station that can be used as well as a more attractive underpass.

New York's High Line linear park inspiration for 

• by: John Stokes
• From: Eastern Courier Messenger
• December 16, 2013 10:04AM

 

New York's High Line linear park is the inspiration for the redevelopment of the Millswood underpass. Source: News Limited

INSPIRATION may be drawn from New York's High Line linear park in a plan to revitalise the Millswood underpass precinct.

Ashford Labor MP Steph Key and Backyard Studies Institute research director Mark Thomson, who works at Ms Key's electoral office, presented ideas to spruce up the run down area to Unley Council last week.
Creating High Line park turned a dilapidated stretch of elevated railway in Manhattan into a popular tourist attraction by planting gardens, installing benches, lighting and pathways and opening cafes and restaurants.
How do you feel about the plan? Tell us below.
Mr Thomson told the council there was a chance to do something similar around the closed Millswood railway station and the 1915-built Goodwood Rd underpass.
"It's basically completely unchanged since it was built," Mr Thomson said.

New York’s High Line linear park in June 2008. Source: News Limited

"There are all sorts of interesting opportunities.
"The New York High Line was abandoned but has become an incredibly popular tourist attraction (and there are) parallels with Millswood's old infrastructure."
MORE: Transport Department to investigate the reopening of Millswood Station
Ms Key and Mr Thomson were seeking support from the council for a public art project at the precinct to tie in the with 100-year anniversary of the underpass being built.
Mr Thomson said the underpass could be done up to provide an entry statement to Unley.
"You're going through a special place that says that says you are now entering the inner south," Mr Thomson said.
Ms Key first put forward the idea in 2008 but it has struggled to get off the ground.
"I think we needed to have a more developed concept plan," Ms Key said.
"Things have changed so I started again and people still think it's a good idea."
Elected members voted to support the concept and help Ms Key consult the community on ideas for the precinct.
Councillor Bob Schnell said the underpass was a "magnificent structure".
"It was an engineering feat back in those days," Cr Schnell said.
"It's time we tarted up the old structure."
A report said there would be no cost to the council at this stage.
Residents are pushing for the Millswood railway station to be reopened.
How do you feel about the plan? Tell us below.

Consultation Review

Too many times Council has been criticised for not getting Community Engagement correct, it seems we both over consult and under consult depending on the issue. Many of you would be aware of the recent discussions with staff about the extent of the Canterbury Tce consultation.

Consultation Review

To ensure Council offers you better opportunities to have your say about issues that matter to you, Council are currently reviewing the  community engagement policy, processes and practices. To assist us to improve your engagement experience, Council would like to hear your thoughts on when and how you would like to be informed, consulted and involved in issues important to you.

You can share your view by:

• Sharing your views on the online discussion forum by clicking  here 

• Attending the community engagement public forum on Wednesday 8 January 2014, at 6-730pm, at the Unley Civic Centre 181 Unley Road, Unley

• Emailing or calling Pam Hocking on 83725111 phocking@unley.sa.gov.au for a hard copy of the policy and feedback sheet
• This consultation commences on 9 December 2013 until close of business 9 January 2014.

Merry Christmas 2013

Please enjoy time with your family and friends during the Xmas season. Thank you for your support during the year. May 2014 be DPTI free!!

December Update 2013

The following items should be of interest;

• More press about the freight train diversion, I keep hoping this may eventuate and keep working with the committee on it but it seems like so much money has been spent that it becomes increasingly difficult to get any traction with politicians. http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/east-hills/mitcham-councils-fresh-call-to-have-freight-trains-diverted-away-from-the-hills/story-fni9lkyu-1226781261487 
• The community meeting on the Canterbury Tce solutions was well attended. Please take the time to respond to this if you have an opinion  either way. You can find the documents at;  http://www.unley.sa.gov.au/site/page.aspx?c=28518 .
• The Goodwood Oval Advisory Group met last Wednesday. the minutes can be found at  http://goodwoodoval.org/index.php/gorg-minutes. The group need at least two more resident nominees. If you are interested please let me know.
• Black Forest Primary School crossing; I attended a meeting this morning with interested residents and both Vicki Chapman and Terina Monteagle (candidate for the Liberals for  Ashford in March). Fears are that this crossing could be eliminated in future South Rd upgrades and that alternatives need to be included in the plans for this upgrade to include an overpass in the general area that the crossing is now. This would require land acquisition that could be started as suitable sites become available. The safety camera in this location raises over a million dollars each year for he state government, the $6,000,000 cost could easily be covered from money raised.
• The Reopen Millswood Station group met with Tom Koutsantonis last week with promising results in that he did not say no, but rather that the current investigations are incomplete.
• Westbourne Park Primary School centenary is approaching, they would love to hear from old scholars who still live in the area. If you are interested you can subscribe directly to the committee at www.wppps100.com.au or call Rachel on mobile 0438 872 483
• It is great to see the kerb and water table repairs being done in William St in preparation for the paving of the footpaths.

Are You a Good Neighbour?

A had a conversation with a work colleague this week regarding kids in classes. While the following isn't related to the kids it is about how we so often think and behave.
The new owner  moved in and asked the next door neighbour what the people were like around here.
He answered, "What were they like where you used to live?"
"Oh", he said, "They were a pretty good bunch , we got on well, helped each other and enjoyed each others company."
The reply was, "Well I reckon that's how you will find them around here".
On the other hand if he had answered that he had not got along with them and that they rude and unhelpful, the reply would have been exactly the same!

A sobering thought!

I saw these last week in Rundle Street, a very sobering idea from the Motor Accident Commission.

Some Things Are Finally Getting Done

While DPTI still steadfastly refuses to discuss outstanding issues with residents it seems that some of the things they did promise are now being done. These include the Cranbrook Ave gate and lattice work (even higher than  it was to cover the appalling besser block shed), the high corrugated fence between Victoria St and Chelmsford Ave and the beginnings of the sound mitigation walls in Lyons Pde (yet to be seen in Devon St and between Victoria St and Cranbrook Ave). I've even seen landscaping in places that I was told would need to wait for autumn.
However, the graffiti is still visible all over the place, while some fences have been replaced not all that need to be have been, Arundel Ave still needs both visual and noise screening and  the gantries should be painted at Clarence Park station.

Graffiti  near  SASMEE Park

Graffiti on the Greenways

The fence near Victoria St

Throw screens at Devon St

The Cranbrook Ave gate (behind the 33)

Full Council; Dec 9th 2013

This meeting is always held at this time, Council will not meet now until late January. Items on the Agenda this month include;

• A presentation from Steph Key, MP for Ashford, regarding the Millswood Underpass (Goodwood Rd) and then a debate on this item; The revitalization of  the underpass and the area in the vicinity of it is long overdue, including tidying up and reopening Millswood station. This initiative,while welcome, has had no input from the elected members for the Goodwood South. However, this will result in further conversations and residents will be asked for input and feedback. However, it will only be completed if grant funding is available. I hope this is supported by both parties going into the March election or in the end nothing will happen.PASSED
• Temporary Rd Closures for the Tour Down Under events; PASSED
• Conservation Grants; These grants are available to assist residents with the appropriate maintenance of heritage properties; both those listed and those contributory items in Conservation Zones. Our current $50,000 budget is inadequate  to fund the works applied for, all of which were supported by the staff. In previous years despite applications being approved it has been the case that many applicants who win these grants do not proceed with the work. Staff have asked that Council consider a higher amount of funding.The higher amount was approved.PASSED
• Ministers Proposals for Approval of the Heritage Development Plan Amendment; At last after 7 years this is almost there.It was at my instigation that this was 'hurried along' and discussed in my last term on Council. It is, however, disappointing that the Minister did not wish to support the listing of all nominated properties.PASSED, although with some debate and disappointment at the refusal of the Minister to list some properties particularly on Unley Rd. It would seem that the government wishes to allow for maximum corridor growth at the expense of some heritage buildings!
• Development Plan Amendments Public Consultation; this is the DPA that affects Goodwood South; it is anticipated that consultation will commence in May 2014. PASSED. There was a last minute attempt to exclude tenants from the consultation process, I found this discriminatory and offensive.
• Nomination to Development Assessment Commission Sub-committee for assessment in Urban Corridor Zones; I've written a separate blog on Council's loss of planning powers in this matter. To have one person representing Unley's interest is better than no one.PASSED
• Amendments to Residential Parking Permit Policy; This is an interim report before a full investigation and recommendation into an improved Policy.PASSED
• Encroachment Policy; At the current time Council does not have a policy on this matter and encroachments exist that no approval exists for. in recent times this has including building in the road reserve and even half a tennis court. While I have some empathy for those for whom the encroachment was pre-existing when they purchased their property I have little empathy for those who choose to encroach on Council property or those who knowingly use Council land  and wait to be caught.PASSED
• Volunteer Graffiti Removal Programme Update; What a success, people love to be involved and to make a difference, as well it saves rate payers money that can be spent on other things.PASSED
• Elector Representation  Certification Review; PASSED
• Australia Day Awards (Confidential); PASSED

The Local Area Traffic Management Plan (Black Forest) will not be debated until January. The Agenda can be found at;  http://www.unley.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Council%20Agenda%20Dec%202013%20iPad.pdf

Princess Margaret Melaleuca Update

You may have noticed that on the edge (near the Greenway) there is a tree too close to the light post (actually the tree is wrapped around it). This is not a story about haw the tree manage to do this but about the complete lack of common sense of the contractor that installed the light. Didn't it occur to them even for a minute that the light post could be installed a little to the left or right and not only been more functional but also not been in the tree? If I was paying the contractor he would be waiting for his money, but DPTI is the paymaster and for them this was OK as Council could always remove the tree! At Council's expense of course!  Nevertheless, I have been told that a Development Assessment Process will now commence to remove the tree. My suggestion is to ask DPTI to move the light and if the tree fails sometime in the future it could then be removed.

Unley’s vow to battle on

What follows is The Eastern Courier's view of the last Council meeting; text by John Stokes

UNLEY streets must be quarantined in any plan to floodproof Brownhill Creek, councillors say.
In front of a packed public gallery, Unley councillors last week voted to look for a way to protect more than 7000 homes from floods.
Councillor Jennie Boisvert told the council that vocal opponents of a dam in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park had dominated the debate during the saga and it was time for that to change.
"Mitcham must listen to what it is that Unley wants," Cr Boisvert said.
"If Mitcham won’t it may be time for the (Stormwater Management Authority) to tell them how it should be." Cr Michael Saies said the project should explore working with landowners to increase the capacity of Brownhill Creek before digging up Unley streets.
Residents group Save Our Streets is keen to fight what it describes as the potentially devastating impact of the culverts.
Group spokesman Tony McGuinness said the outcome of the council meeting was a positive step.

Planning Powers Gone

In the interest of transparency recent changes to delegations in the Planning Act have now resulted in Unley (and other inner ring Councils) losing their powers to assess any proposed new buildings at 5 storeys or more. This is a very poor decision on the behalf of the government in that it will  change the assessing authority from Unley's  Development Assessment Panel to the Development Assessment Commission, along with this will go a reduced (if any ) opportunity for residents to object to each individual proposal. Tell me why would any one propose to build a 4 storey building on Unley Road that will be scrutinized by Council and residents when they might propose 6 storeys and it have less  scrutiny?

Speed Cameras Saving Lives

I read the small article on Page 5 of the Advertiser this morning and was shocked. The Black Forest pedestrian crossing near the Black Forest School is the second highest revenue raising Safety Camera. Between January and Sept this year 3779 people have been prepared to put children's lives at risk by failing to stop when the pedestrian light is operating. How safe does this make it for the children to use the crossing? It also highlights the vigilance still required even when it should be safe to cross. Is this revenue raising? I don't think so.

How's Leader St Coping?

I watched tonight's news with interest. When the newsreader described the bottle neck at Oaklands Rd I thought the story would be on Leader St. The intersection has exactly the same number of trains from Seaford as Goodwood, the story showed the cars idling as the boom gates went down every 41/2 minutes. The difference is Leader St also has the Belair Line and the freight line. So, is the traffic diverting to Victoria St or Mills St or staying on South Rd or Goodwood Rd?

Ignite Unley

I stopped in to have a look at this event on Saturday. The music was good and the crowd seemed to be enjoying it, especially the young children as there was plenty for them to do. This will be on again in two weeks time.

Public Art Strategy

‘art for
arts
sake’
Unley Civic Centre
11th December
6.30 to 8.00PM
Do you think public art can deliver new ideas, culture,
community and diversity in Unley?
The City of Unley is exploring how public art can transform your City...as an experience or destination, for
entertainment, as a celebration, for community engagement, interpretation or as a way to commemorate the
values, stories and history of Unley.
To start this exploration, Council has invited Warwick Keates of WAX Design and Trish Hansen from Arts SA to talk about the role of public art and the potential of art in the City of Unley.
Unley Civic Centre | Oxford Terrace | 11th December | 6.30 to 8.00PM |
RSVP: Matthew Ives 8372 5134 or mives@unley.sa.gov.au

Trains Operating from Monday

Regular scheduled trains will operate from Monday 2nd December, on weekdays at least. The trains running will be the old diesels and not the new electric trains. These will not operate until February and even then there will be insufficient new trains to run them alone, the diesels will be with you for  a while yet. Given that it will be even longer before anyone will be able to tell if they are quieter. There still is much work to be done on the site.
Council are in talks with DPTI about the final payment to Council to repair the short term and long term damage to the streets, kerbs, trees, signs, and other amenity. I suggested to staff than anything short of $2 million would be a ripoff of to our ratepayers. From his response I don't think they're discussing this type of number. The final agreement must come back to Council or it to be able to be signed off.
I was a little dismayed the see Chloe Fox's statement that  "Fox says the views are amazing and she thinks the line was planned long before her seat became marginal. Fox says some of these stops are going into safe Labor seats. Fox says when you build a piece of infrastructure like this it gets to the stage where it bypasses politics". The reality is that this was all about politics right from the start especially the funding and desired outcomes. The view from the trains through Goodwood, Millswood, Black  Forest and Clarence Park must be truly amazing indeed, maybe this explained the need to elevate the track? I would have thought that looking over  dilapidated fences covered in graffiti into people back yards might really have been the last thing commuters wished to see!
I don't usually promote other people's websites but if you are interested in the documentation of one person and the development of Goodwood Junction this is an excellent pictorial revue.

http://www.johnnyspages.com/classic_pictures_menu_files/classic_present_day_pics_files/goodwood_junction_upgrade_p2.htm

Cyclists Dismount

There has been some dismay among the cycling community about the appearance of  "Cyclists Dismount" sign on Rogers Tce, Goodwood. This was  erected after a child was hit by a cyclist; the  ensuing investigation discovered that this section of the Mike Turtur bikeway did not meet current standards near the pedestrian crossing  in the same location across the tram line. Some tree pruning may be required and realignment of the bikeway before the sign can be removed. Council are still working a way forward that will allow the sign to be removed.

Options for Canterbury Tce

The alternate one way options

Two way option.

The above are the final options for Canterbury Tce . Most households will already have received their letter from Council. If you did not and you want to have your say on this matter I can email you the form or you will be able to get it from the Council website. Please take the time to read the alternate options and rank them in order of preference. You then need to return the form to Council. There are several options that allow for the replanting  of trees, residents are now expressing a wish for the trees to be evergreen. Residents of Canterbury Tce will be asked to choose a species after this consultation if they are to be replanted. If you wish to discuss the options  with staff there will be an opportunity to do this at Clarence Park Community Centre from 4pm-6pm on the 11th December.