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.
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.
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.
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.
It is the China Moon festival today - a reunion time for families. I wish all the residents of Maling Ward and across Boroondara of Chinese descent a happy festival. Enjoy the mooncake!
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.
