Showing posts with label Boroondara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boroondara. Show all posts

Tuesday 20 October 2020

Let's build the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail

Let's build the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail - I have been advocating for this for twenty years.

If elected to the City of Boroondara I will continue to work with Boroondara BUG, MeBUG and the Department of Transport to get this shared path built for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages. 

The path will provide safe travel and recreation for locals and visitors and will enable students to ride to over 20 schools and other education institutions in Boroondara.

The path will also connect the Yarra Trail to the Anniversary Trail and the Box Hill to Ringwood bike path and would run though Maling Ward connecting Surrey Hills to Camberwell.


After we submitted a petition to the Victorian Parliament, Paul Hamer MP secured $370,000 for a feasibility study which the Department of Transport is now completing. I have provided input to this as a BBUG rep along with MeBUG reps. 

The aim is get the project to "shovel ready" so funds can be allocated for construction to start in 2021. 

Over 1200 people have signed this petition to the Mayors of Whitehorse Council and Boroondara Council requesting their support and to funding for the trail so their is very strong local support for this well overdue shared path.

This will be a priority concern for me if I am elected to Council. 

Saturday 17 October 2020

Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre needs support

The Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre wrote to me about their concerns about lack of funding for maintenance and facilities upgrades and the lack of clarity of the process for getting funding and Council priorities.

Friends of South Surrey Park AGM 2017

The Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre provides vital services and facilities to the Boroondara community.  I have attended numerous meetings and events there, and know it is greatly appreciated by locals.

I note that the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre needs facilities improvements including bigger room sizes to cater for the demand for larger class and meeting sizes. Funds are also needed for basic maintenance including fixing leaky roofs and new carpets.

I will advocate for the Boroondara Council to implement transparent and clear processes for setting priorities and timetables for funding of major facilities and infrastructure improvements. 

Tuesday 13 October 2020

Locals have contacted me about trees on nature strips, garbage collection and bike tracks for kids

Several locals in Maling Ward of Boroondara Council have contacted me over the last few weeks. Here are some of their concerns.  If elected, I will raise all these matters on Council.

Street trees: Roots from a Plane tree (Plantanus) on a resident's nature strip are destroying their fence foundations and the footpath and they don't like the fine particles from the tree that cause throat irritation.  While Plane trees look attractive and can provide good shade, they require constant costly trimming when planted under power lines. Residents should have a choice of tree on their nature strip - suitable native trees provide better habitat for native birds and animals.

Plane tree in Theatre Place, Maling Road

Waste collection: More residents have raised concern that the fortnightly collection of the general waste bin will cause problems with odours over the hot summer months.

Bike tracks for kids: there are currently very few bike tracks for children in Maling Ward. The south end of Shrublands Creek Reserve tucked away off Faversham Road has informal bike tracks and is not visited by many people other than locals walking their dogs.  This could be enhanced to provide a good small bike park.  This could also reduce the recent damage to planted areas of South Surrey Park that have been uprooted to form informal bike tracks.

Saturday 10 October 2020

Peter Campbell has the best ranking Boroondara Votes Climate scorecard for Maling Ward

I have the best ranking for climate action in Maling Ward for the 2020 Boroondara Council election on the scorecard published by Boroondara and Kooyong Climate Action.


You can read more about my response to their survey and download it [here]

Boroondara's emission reduction targets are far too low. Boroondara can shift from laggard to leader on climate action by:
  • Setting a target net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its operations by 2025
  • Setting a target for net zero community emissions by 2030.
  • Implementing initiatives and programs to meet these targets, including rapid installation of more solar panels, phasing out natural gas use, transitioning to electric vehicles and providing charging stations
  • Providing a program to actively promote and support effective community and business emissions reduction initiatives
If elected, these will be priority concerns for me. I believe actions speak louder than words.

Wednesday 7 October 2020

Leaflets delivered and voting packs being mailed out

I have finished distributing my leaflet throughout Maling Ward. You might have seen me out and about. I distributed most of them myself by bicycle, a friend helped out with some streets near Deepdene.  

There are lots of nice house and some big hills so I got some good exercise.  I have put some posters up in select locations too.


I met many residents along the way and chatted briefly about there concerns in Maling Ward. Everyone supported the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail - there is very strong community support for this vital shared path.

Please consider voting 1 for Peter Campbell - I seek your support to help build a better, more sustainable Boroondara and foster a vibrant and cohesive community. 

Tuesday 6 October 2020

Rejuvenating local shopping centres in Maling Ward and COVID-19 rate relief

Shops and traders in local centres across Boroondara have experienced a lot of hardship with the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions.  

Maling Road in particular has several vacant shops now.  


The new retail premises under the development of the old Bradshaws site at 87 Maling Rd have remained vacant for over 2 years now.

Rents charged by landlords for retail premises are very high. For example:

  • $75K per annum for 105sqm
  • $92K per annum for 144sqm
Tims bookshop moved out of Maling Road due to the very high rent in August 2009 - much to the distress of our family who were regulars there.  It is possible that the premises may be turned into more residential apartments.

Monday 5 October 2020

Council waste collections - a survey of residents is needed

A Maling Ward resident has contacted with concerns about the recent changes to waste collection in Boroondara. 

His family and local business in Surrey Hills have been negatively and severely impacted by the reduction of the normal waste collection to fortnightly (despite having the largest bins).  Their paper recycling bin is also always full with no option to upgrade.  It is a sore point to have this reduction while council fees increase.

Boroondara bins [source]


The impact of revised waste management on larger families needs to be assessed. If elected I will call for a survey of Boroondara residents to get their feedback and determine:

  • If weekly collection of the general waste bin should be reinstated
  • If the size of waste bins is appropriate
Another resident has previously advised me that more information needs to be communicated to residents to ensure the new FOGO bins are used appropriately.


Authorised by Peter Campbell, 81A Durham Road, Surrey Hills 3127

Friday 2 October 2020

The Darebin bridge is getting lots of use by walkers and bike riders

The Darebin Bridge has proved to be a huge success with both walkers and bike riders.  Many people are using the bridge as a connection across the Yarra between the Darebin Creek Trail and the Yarra Trail.


One wonders why it took over 25 years of effort by Boroondara BUG and locals to get this fantastic bridge built - there was significant opposition to this bridge from several Boroondara councillors including Steve Hurd, Jim Parke and Jane Addis. 

If I am elected to Council I will support similar infrastructure - such as the bridge needed for the Anniversary Trail across Toorak Road, and the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail.

Tuesday 29 September 2020

Anniversary Trail "missing link" right next to Maling Ward is nearly completed

My daughter Chloe and I stopped by to check out the nearly completed "missing link" on the Anniversary Trail shared path - this is at the Prospect Hill Road end of the link.  


This new section of path will provide a direct route free from traffic so people won't need to ride of walk along Spencer Road.  Its taken about 10 years of effort by Boroondara BUG and Council Officers to get this built. It will be worth it.

I attended and spoke at the Council planning meeting in 2015 when the final plans for this route were approved after extensive public consultation. See [meeting agenda].  There was a last minute attempt to delay this important link at the meeting and Councillor Jane Addis voted against the Council Officers' recommended alignment but thankfully the vote was carried.  Five years later and its very nearly built.

Pedestrians and cyclists and pedestrians of all ages will now benefit from the improved safety this link will provide - there are many families with small children that walk and ride along the anniversary trail to enjoy the scenery and parks along its route.

Saturday 26 September 2020

Kooyong Climate Change Alliance survey - Boroondara must shift from laggard to leader on climate action

I have submitted this response the survey from the Kooyong Climate Change Alliance

Boroondara must shift from laggard to leader on climate action. 

I have been involved in campaigns for action on climate change, renewable energy and energy efficiency since 2000.

I have suggested that Boroondara Council move to renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency (e.g. by installing low energy street lighting) since 2000.

Boroondara's emission reduction targets are far too low. Council should set a target net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its operations by 2025.


Authorised by Peter Campbell, 81A Durham Road, Surrey Hills 3127

Friday 25 September 2020

FOGO and traffic concerns raised by a Maling Ward resident

 A Maling Ward resident has contacted me with the following concerns.

Waste management and bins

FOGO - Food Organics and Garden Organics bins (green lid)

Recent changes to recycling in Boroondara included the introduction of FOGO bins for food organics and garden organics materials.  These are bins with green lid and are accompanied with a smaller caddy bin.

FOGO bin (lime green lid)
FOGO bin (lime green lid)

FOGO caddy bin
FOGO caddy bin

Many residents don't fully understand how these bins are to be used and some are confused about the caddy bin with a lid that came with the FOGO bins.  It is not obvious what FOGO stands for!

Wednesday 9 September 2020

Why I am running for Maling Ward in 2020

As a long-term Surrey Hills resident, I greatly value our tree-lined streets, parks, ovals and gardens, cultural activities and diversity. 

Our sustainable house has reduced our carbon emissions and saved energy and water since 2001.

My community activities include park re-vegetation with the Friends of South Surrey Park, volunteering with Bush Search and Rescue Victoria and participation with the Boroondara Bicycle Users Group

I am a keen cyclist, skier and kitesurfer. This is my blog for kitesurfing and ski touring


Peter Campbell for Maling Ward Boroondara

I stand for:

Action for a safe climate – set net zero emissions target

Build the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail – for walkers and cyclists of all ages

Improving recycling and waste management

Protecting and improving our environment, parks and open spaces

Open and transparent government – I will be your voice on Council

Protecting and enhancing local heritage precincts

Sustainable transport – transition Council to Electric Vehicles

Community – more activities and events for young people

Caring for our aged – improved aged care services

COVID-19 rate relief – for residents and local businesses

Supporting local traders – who provide vital services

Walking and riding to school – reduce traffic congestion near schools

Infrastructure – build more shared paths and fix dangerous footpaths

Your vote at this election will determine whether Boroondara shifts from laggard to leader on climate change and sustainability.

I am passionate about climate action, our open spaces, protecting heritage, conservation of energy and water, sustainable transport and provision of quality services to our community.

The new Boroondara Climate Action Plan and consequent policies, targets and actions will be vital for delivering a safe climate for future generations. Council has an important role in climate action within Boroondara improving energy efficiency of Council buildings and facilities and transitioning to clean renewable energy.

A council program with subsidies for distributed energy storage in households and within microgrids is needed to transition to net zero emissions and eliminate fossil fuel use.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for shared paths and open spaces.  I have campaigned for the long overdue Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail since 2005 – a feasibility study is now underway for this.

Council's revised Bicycle Strategy (not completed yet) will help promote, build and sustain a cultural shift in thinking towards alternative sustainable transport options in Boroondara, which will enhance our links between neighbouring councils and the greater Melbourne metropolitan area.

We need more safe, family-friendly shared bike and pedestrian paths. More people walking and riding bikes will reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions and provide safe and healthy travel for local communities.

Trees are carbon sinks and provide shade that helps cool urban areas. More trees need to be planted across Boroondara. Council must advocate to stop logging in Melbourne’s water catchments to improve water yields and reduce carbon emissions.

I have professional experience in agricultural science, information technology, systems architecture, project management and developing business strategies. I have developed and implemented project and operational plans.  I also have experience in volunteer emergency management with Bush Search and Rescue Victoria.

I will serve our community on Council with persistence, dedication, honesty and integrity.

I seek your support to help build a better, more sustainable Boroondara and foster a vibrant and cohesive community. 

Please vote 1 Peter Campbell


Contact me on 0409 417 504 or malingward@gmail.com

Postal voting closes 6p.m. Friday 23 October 2020


Authorised by Peter Campbell, 81A Durham Road, Surrey Hills 3127

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Developer abandon plans for Camberwell Station development

The plans for a high rise development at Camberwell Station have been abandoned by the developer.  This is a good outcome following the community campaign against inappropriate development of the station.

The Progress Leader published this letter from me about the outcome.


It is good to see that community activism helped torpedo the multistory development planned at Camberwell station. 

Hopefully a better low-scale development can now be planned that improves amenity of the station for train travellers, preserves the station's heritage values and provides a public plaza to benefit the local community.


Monday 15 October 2012

On my bike and in poll position!

The Boroondara Review, a local newspaper, has just published an article and one of the reasons I am standing for Council - the provision of safer shared pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to create a better network throughout Boroondara.

Peter Campbell cycling on Rathmines Road. Photo: Stephen McKenzie

Boroondara Council has a key role for advocating for the provision of infrastructure. If elected, I will pursue the opportunity to provide a safe family-friendly shared pedestrian and bike trial through Boroondara connecting Hawthorn and Box Hill.
Most residents of Maling Ward I have spoken to during this campaign really want a safe trail for bikes and pedestrians along this route for local trips and tot connect with the Anniversary and Main Yarra Trails.
I am participating in the Ride to Work Day this Wednesday 17/10 and having breakfast at the Hawthorn Velodrome in Boroondara.  I hope to see you there.
Links

Friday 12 October 2012

I spoke at the local Falun Dafa forum in Balwyn


I was invited by Lucy Lieu from Falun Dafa (also called Falun Gong) to participate in a public forum in Balwyn for candidates across Boroondara to meet local Falun Dafa members.  This is one of the very few chances I have had to speak at a public event and meet local residents in a forum in the run up to the Boroondara Council elections.

Falun Dafa is an advanced self-cultivation practice based on Zhen that espouses the admirable principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.

I spoke my first words of Mandarin - Dàjiā hǎo (welcome).

I provided an overview of my background and life in Boroondara, then briefly covered several issues in Maling Ward and across Boroondara such as inappropriate development, improving public transport, a plan for the Hawthorn to Box Hill shared trail and the delivery of important local community services.

I had a couple of excellent questions.  I was asked why international students cannot get a student concession card for public transport and have to pay full fare.  I said I thought that this was not appropriate and that Boroondara Council should advocate to the Victorian Government for international students to get concession cards.

Another resident asked if train services could be increased to Canterbury Station.  I replied that there are too few trains stopping at East Camberwell, Canterbury and Chatham stations in Maling Ward, and that I thought is was appropriate for Boroondara Council to also advocate to the Victorian Government for increased services.  You can sometimes wait up to 20 minutes between trains during peak hours.  There should be a service every 10 minutes during busy periods, and every 30 minutes on weekends and during off peak periods.

After the formalities we shared a nice afternoon tea and chatted further about local issues.

It was a pleasure to see so many people interested in local issues and opportunities throughout Boroondara.

Sunday 30 September 2012

A busy working bee at South Surrey Park

We had a busy working bee at South Surrey Park today planting behind the fence near the playground in Verdun Street.  Adrian Hotchin from Boroondara Council supplied the plants and the equipment, we supplied morning tea and some helpers


See also: Working bee on Sunday 30 September near Verdun St Playground

Saturday 29 September 2012

Out and about in Maling Ward

Today I visited some fine local cafes and did some door knocking to meet some residents of Maling Ward.  I visited Mick at Cafe Biscotti next to South Surrey Park, who told me that Council is planning to extend a garden bed on the footpath.  Some drivers have come out of Through Road opposite and mounted the footpath here thinking it is a road.  Mick has suggested a handrail along the kerbside to prevent this.  There is a need for more consultation here.


I next visited Peter at Wilson & Walsh in Maling Road, where you can get the best home made sausage rolls with salad in Melbourne, and great coffee.


A father was helping his young son cycle near the proposed route of the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail - a family-friendly shared pedestrian and bike path that could connect Surrey Hills to Box Hill and back to Camberwell and Hawthorn.


Some children were cycling on the safety of Canterbury Sportsground off Guildford Road.


The bike lane on Mont Albert Road looks good, but doesn't work well when cars park in it as they frequently do.  I don't think this is safe for children to ride on.


Finally, I had a nice lunch and coffee at the Red Brick Cafe in Mont Albert Road.  Local cafes are very popular with residents for coffee, snacks and meals.



Some residents invited me in for a chat and a coffee.  Most were very supportive of the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail.   Some raised concerns about Council removing native flowering gums from nearby streets.  Some were concerned about increased rates and noted that property values had decreased recently in the area from the height of the recent boom.  Concerns about inappropriate development and loss of heritage homes was again mentioned by many residents.

I had a nice time, and made it home before the storms came through.

Sunday 9 September 2012

Peter Campbell for Maling Ward in Boroondara in 2012

I am running for Maling Ward for the upcoming postal election for Boroondara.

As a long-term Surrey Hills resident, I greatly value our tree-lined streets, parks and gardens, recreational facilities, cultural activities and diversity.  You can read more about me here.

If elected I will work to:

Protect and improve our environment
  • Initiatives to increase recycling, save water, promote energy efficiency and reduce our carbon emissions 
  • Retain significant trees during renovations and re-building 
  • Protect and improve our public parks and open spaces 
Surrey Gardens. Photo: Peter Campbell, Wikipedia

Ensure appropriate urban development and protect our local heritage
  • Make our delightful strip shopping centres more pedestrian-friendly and promote our small businesses in Maling Ward 
  • Preserve and re-use iconic buildings 
  • Protect the heritage values and character of our suburbs  [more information]
Improve local transport
Support our community
  • Provide more kindergarten and child care facilities to meet our growing demand 
  • Provide vital services that allow older people to remain at home in comfort 
  • Encourage and support local festivals to build and strengthen our community spirit
  • Provide more activities and events for young people
Maling Road street party. Photo: Peter Campbell

Maling Road street party. Photo: Peter Campbell

If you have any questions or you would like to have a chat, please contact me on 0409 417 504 or malingward@gmail.com

Friday 7 September 2012

Protecting our local heritage

Protecting our local heritage in Maling Ward and across the City of Boroondara is as a major concern of local residents.  Many residents have contacted me about this issue, citing the demolition of fine period homes to make way of the construction of inappropriate large-scale mansions or multi-occupancy dwellings.

We are losing our architectural heritage and ruining our streetscapes.  Many established trees and gardens are lost too and replaced with buildings and paved areas.

A period home overlooked by a large modern house in Maling Ward. Photo supplied by local resident.

Another example was the secret and rapid demolition of the wonderful old Surrey Hills Post Office in Canterbury Road by a developer with Council apparently unaware until it was too late.

I will consult widely with the local community to ensure residents views on this matter are represented to Council and taken into account when planning decisions are made.

I commit to:
  • Opposing inappropriate urban development that destroys or dwarfs heritage homes.
  • Ensuring that significant trees are protected.
If we lose our heritage due to bad planning decisions we cannot get it back.

Thursday 6 September 2012

My talk on the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail at the SHNC AGM

I was invited to speak on behalf of the Boroondara Bicycle Users Group about the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail at the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre (SHNC) Annual General Meeting on 5 September 2011.

The SHNC has three cycling groups that do regular rides around Boroondara, from short social rides up to 70km trips across and out of Melbourne.

The Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail is a proposal for a family friendly safe cycling and pedestrian route that would connect many schools and activity centres through the middle of Boroondara in an east-west direction.



I emphasised that there is a chronic lack of a safe cycling route east-west through Boroondara.   A route that connects the Yarra, West Hawthorn, Glenferrie Road, Auburn Road shopping centre, Camberwell Junction, Maling Road, Union Road shops through to Box Hill could be used for a variety of local trips.

It would also be great for children who are learning to ride, and for families who like to ride on a route free from cars.

Cycling with my daughter Chloe along the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail Route

There were over 50 people at the AGM, many of who cycle regularly.  All were keen to use sections of this route.

The City of Boroondara has added this route to their Bicycle Strategy, but much of the route following the train line to Box Hills is controlled by the Victorian State Government via VicTrack and VicRoads.  So far, the Victorian Government has been unwilling to develop this route, despite support from Finance Minster and member for Box Hill Robert Clark (for the portion of the route in his electorate).

If elected to Maling Ward, I will advocate to and work with the Victorian Government to realise the fantastic opportunity that this route offers to local residents.

You can also read my submission to the Bicycle Network Victoria survey of candidates here]

More information