News

Out and about in Maranoa ward speaking to residents

Residents of Maranoa have recently raised the following suggestions and concerns with me about what Council could be doing better:

• "Some developers are illegally removing heritage and significant trees when they clear blocks to build new houses.  They regard the $20,000 fine per  tree as a "cost of doing business".   The fine for illegal tree removal should be increased to $50,000. This issue has been raised by over 10 residents.

• "Reduce the high fees sporting clubs pay to use Council pavilions - this is the major cost for my local sporting club."

• Responsible spending - a  long term resident told me the small court she lives in that has "been resurfaced four times over the last 10 years when it didn't need it, while potholes on other streets are not fixed."

• "Parking in narrow local streets is causing safety issues - some narrow streets in Balwyn with cars parked on both sides is creating traffic hazards.  This has been reported to Council but nothing has been done about it."

• "Local streets often have too much traffic."

• "Trial a 'Sow, Don't Mow' program that encourages the development of native grassland on selected parkland areas and some nature strips." - I support this

• "The replacement of the Kew Recreation Centre is overdue, well over budget and will use gas boilers that are polluting and expensive to run rather than electric heat pumps."

• "There is not enough consultation with the community about reducing community spaces and spending money on rebuilding others."

• "Greythorn Rd and Balwyn Rd bike lanes are particularly scary as parked cars mean I have to go out around them into traffic" - safety improvements are needed for these bike lanes.

• "We are in our 70s and hoping to 'age in place' but worry about local government opting out of all services."

• "Why are there no EV chargers in Balwyn and elsewhere in Maranoa Ward?" - we need some, e.g. at Balwyn Recreation Centre

• "Why are the lights at the new Balwyn Road pedestrian crossing not working?" - the power utility is taking a long time to schedule the work to connect them.

• "We need integrity and genuine representation from our Councillor." Cr Cynthia Watson ran as the Liberal Candidate for Ringwood in the last Victorian Election and refused to step down from Boroondara Council during the election.  She is more interested in her political career than representing Maranoa Ward on Council."

• "Why does the council want to demolish Balwyn Leisure Centre?" It is less than 20 years old. With the debacle that is Kew Recreation Centre we need all leisure centres we currently have." - I played basketball there many years ago. Council spent $500,000 in 2023 renovating a section of the Balwyn Leisure Centre to include a new kindergarten room and bathroom, converting part of the old tennis court. I would seek clarification on whether the entire centre should be demolished. We need to make sure that a new building is not just an expensive vanity project.

• "A new path is needed from Clifton Street to the Winfield Road Playground." The existing path from Winfield Road is too steep for many people.

• "Broad-leafed Privet (Ligustrum Lucidum) spread in Grey-headed Flying Fox and bird droppings is a problem".  I will take action to pursue a resolve this.

• "There are opportunities for improving food security and access to healthy food by adopting urban farming. We can also improve waste management to make sure residents recycle correctly and educate them to recycle soft plastics from diverting their disposal to landfills". I will take action and support both of these.

Voting closes 6pm this Friday 25 October

A reminder that voting in the Boroondara election closes 6pm this Friday 25 October. 🙂 

• Make sure you have posted your ballot back in the envelope provided before then, noting that voting is compulsory.

• Or you can drop your envelope to Chambly Hall, 405 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124.

Speeding traffic in Gordon Street causes safety concerns

A resident contacted me today about vehicles speeding in Gordon Street, Balwyn.

Whilst I am submitting this request I hold little hope of any response as I have over the previous 37 years!

Gordon Street Balwyn between Nott Street and Balwyn road suffers constantly from fools in high powered vehicles exceeding the 50 mph limit by twice that limit. This is a residential area but the flouting of the signposted speed limit is frightening!!! We are a group of concerned residents and every time we bring this problem to the attention of the council we get a week of a speed indicating trailer parked in the street!! 

As a group of concerned residents we have discussed parking large vehicles and trailers. To slow the bastards down! What about some speed humps if it doesn’t impact on Council coffers set aside for Sister City travel funds!! 

The City of Boroondara is responsible for local streets and roads, including Gordon Street. If elected I will raise these concerns about safety on Gordon Street and request an appropriate remedy.   Our streets should safe and pleasant for people to live, work, play and move in.

Lighter Footprints candidate forum on Tues 8 Oct

Camberwell Junction - Urban Planning Delegated Committee Meeting 7 Oct 2024

Ballot packs are being posted this week Mon 7 - Thu 10 Oct

Streets People Love and the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail

The state government’s latest plan for Camberwell Junction Activity Centre

Council has removed the "The Birdcage" Parklet outside Bin 3 Cafe And Wine Bar

Community facilities, infrastructure and living assets - have your say