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.
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
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 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!
I have submitted my response the survey from the Boroondara Bicycle Users Group today. We need more safe shared cycling and pedestrian paths in Boroondara. In particular, we need the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail built.
►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.
I came third (out of 6 candidates) in the election for Maling Ward with 18% of the primary vote.
Jane Addis (an independent) was elected with a very strong vote. I am happy that voters elected her over one of the two (undeclared) Liberal candidates - Scott Samson and Stephen Spring.
Congratulations Jane.
It is great that Maling Ward has a female Councillor, with another two women (Coral Ross, re-elected & Judith Voce) elected. Boroondara Council now has a better gender balance.
I look forward to the new Council supporting and taking action on improved cycling infrastructure and sustainability and supporting local community groups such as the Friends of South Surrey Park.
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.
I have enjoyed my campaign for Maling Ward. It has been a pleasure to meet many residents, groups and traders in Maling Ward and across the City of Boroondara.
With six candidates running it is very much an open race so your vote will be very important.
I ask for your vote (1) if if you would like a fresh and capable Councillor for Maling Ward on Boroondara Council.
I am genuine independent candidate as I am not a member of any political party. I will be able to represent all residents of Maling Ward free from the constraints that a political party might apply.
In the end, its not about me, its about you. Your vote will help elect the next Councillor. My prime responsibility will be to represent your views and issues on Boroondara Council.
The number one issue that residents raised with me has been protecting our heritage and streetscapes from inappropriate development. Here is what I said about this in the Boroondara Review.
What is the most pressing matter facing Boroondara?
Many people are greatly concerned inappropriate development is destroying many residential streets and shopping centres. We have lost fine heritage buildings.
How do you propose Council better address this issue?
I will consult widely to ensure resident views on local development proposals and protection of our heritage are represented to council and taken into account during planning decisions.
I look forward to representing you and Maling Ward if I am elected. I commit to putting a 100% effort to do so.
Remember, your ballot must be received (by post) by 6pm on Friday 26 October.,
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.