http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/comment/index BangTheTable.com - Providing the community and government with a new way to engage in public policy debate http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 KenC said "Is the rumour that the rate hike is to cover funds lost in failed investments true? Are the rate payers being asked to pay for council failures? I oppose the special rate variation. Council needs to manage better." 2011-10-14 21:45:08 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Scott Hillard said "The "nays" have it. Give up, Council - how many staff have been appointed to manage this charade of consultation, and how many ratepayer dollars are being hosed up the wall in the unending quest for more ratepayer dollars to hose up the wall? " 2011-10-14 17:24:39 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Larry Loades said "How hopeless is this council. Where has the ratepayers money gone, it certainly can't be seen in any new improvements. The fiasco with the Newcastle Baths, still unfinished after over 1 million dollars spent, the fig trees nearing one million dollars spent, the so called mall, drab, uninviting where is the incentive to go into town. Shops and office blocks owned by Council awaiting the next earthquake before anything is done. Have a look at the footpath in Newcastle behind the so cultural centre, impossible to walk on, where has my rate money gone ??" 2011-10-14 15:41:48 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 minkles said "I have no problem paying a small amount extra if it means that our city is going to be improved I am so saddened by the delapidated condition of Hunter st and the Newcastle Mall and I am passionate about wanting to see these areas revitalised. This is a small price to pay for the pride of Newcastle Don" 2011-10-14 15:16:42 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Abby10 said "What does the poll question mean? (I agree in principle with the proposed one-off (single year) 5% increase will remain in the rate base permanently and be above the forecasted allowable 3% rate cap (total 8%). Is it misleading? No I do not agree with a rate rise! How many times have Novocastrians been told by Council that we do not have the budget or funds for that? For example replacing or removing damage trees or attending to road improvements, etc, etc? How long must we wait for such jobs to be undertaken? So, if our council doesn't have it within their current budget to complete these works or upgrades, how can we be sure in the future that these promises or proposals will happen or that our money will be wisely spent?" 2011-10-14 12:24:37 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/would-you-like-council-to-come-and-talk-to-your-community-or-business-group Gordon Whitehead said "I've seen the Council's message everywhere. Yes, some people don't have access to the Internet or a computer, you also can say, some people can't read or don't want to buy a dead tree edition of a newspaper or they don't have access to a TV or watch channel nine. I don't agree with the Council's message, but they've done a good job trying to engage the community. " 2011-10-14 12:01:26 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Balance said "I have no problem with a rate increase as long as we get ACTION and can see value through better infrastructure etc. I am not so happy about waste such as the figs fiasco or endless consultation. I do want to see the development of the art gallery happen and find it extraordinary that the federal and state governments, the council and individuals have contributed heavily to this development yet we now see some marrying of this development with a rate increase. So if the rate increase does not get up do we send the millions back? We need better business management from the Council." 2011-10-14 11:08:48 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 johnny_r said "I have no problem with a rate rise but I have no confidence that our current Council has the wherewithall to deliver on the promises it makes. It might be just money for nothing. And closing small libraries to create one or two big libraries may be an effective use of resources but it does not consider convenience to residents or the effect on communities that may lose more than 'just a place to borrow books'. " 2011-10-13 16:45:11 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Badger said "NO. Council admin appears to be mimicking State Govt. in directing resources to the City area first, with suburban needs left a poor last. Elected councillors assume that their opinions should be followed, without obtaining the views of the ward residents they are supposed to represent. Deception as to the real reason for removing the trees does not engender trust, so no guarantees where/how extra funds would be directed. I agree with previous comments that we need an Administrator while the whole organisation of council is put under the microscope for more efficiency and internal savings. Some administrative employees of the City are just too secure, which can lead to "attitude". " 2011-10-13 16:45:10 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Lyndhurst said "I support a one off rate rise. In recent years I have heard a lot of comment about how people want the Council to do something about improving our city. Here is an opportunity for the community to support their words with actions. The cost of maintaining aging infrastructure is a problem for anyone whether a council or someone who owns an old building. Trying to make small savings here and there will not find the level of funds required to make the improvements and mainteneance that is needed. It is also quite obvious that the community has lost confidence with the Council. Council needs to be able to provide feedback to the community on how the funds from the rate increase are being used. It is time that the whole community works together to do something for the City of Newcastle rather than the blame and bickering that has been going on with the elected Councillors and the community. It is a real gem that needs a little cleaning and polishing which we can do together." 2011-10-13 10:07:27 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Stillere said "I suggest an audit of the numbers of facilities ie libraries, pools, parking stations, pocket parks etc be performed to determine if we actually need them. Should we be developing multi function centres in line with worlds best, strategically placed around the LGA , utilising a bigger picture view, look to successful models elsewhere incorporate modern transport designs - Newcastle is not that big. But don't try to fool us by doing an internal assessment or audit. Give me the truth" 2011-10-12 19:56:52 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Ever Forward said "Before council proposes any rate increase it needs to demonstrate that it's considered all other alternatives to raise funds/decrease expenditure. It's failed to do this; eg, asking volunteer community groups to plant street/park trees rather than paid council staff doing this work. Those staff would then be available for work of a greater priority - such as some of the 'put the rates up' proposals. In the medium to longer term, if this type of community work proved to be successful (and acceptable to the community), then as natural attrition of staff occurred, they would not need to be replaced - leading to permanent savings. Surely there must be other areas where savings may be achieved? Why has council failed to mention any similar alternatives? Has it even considered any? Given council's dismal failure to handle the 'Figs Fiasco', how can it/they possibly believe that ratepayers will be happy with paying more for this type of 'management' - regardless of the intrinsic 'worth' of any project?" 2011-10-12 18:02:42 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 elizsprott said "Tim Owens says that although he has reported NCC to the Dept of Local Govt, that its way down the list of dysfunctional councils, and so will not be investigated. Imagine an even more dysfunctional council than this one! And he thinks his handling of Bimet Lodge has been exemplary! Heaven help us " 2011-10-10 14:35:18 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Libby said "I will not support a rate increase until the Minister for Local Government conducts an independent investigation into the running of the Council; specifically the handling of the Laman Street Figs and the handling of the Bimet Lodge redevelopment. I also would not support any increase until a review was conducted into the productivity of the organisation. The council needs a proper performance review process which rewards high performers and effectively manages employees that consistently underperform in the workplace. I have never experienced a workplace culture like that at NCC. I fully support additional funding to revitalise our city, but I do not believe that NCC in its current structure is able to perform that task no matter how much cash they had available!!!" 2011-10-09 23:06:39 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 KenC said "After the mess the council made of change over of the wheelie bins, the city centre and the fig trees debacle I'm not at all sure I can trust them with a rate increase. So I'm opposed to the special rate variation." 2011-10-05 19:31:32 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 elizsprott said "there is a clear direction these "thoughts" are taking. No, we don't want a rate rise, and we are unhappy with both present elected and employed staff at NCC. The more folk vote, the more the trend against a rate raise seems the populist wish. Will "The Voice" listen to this message and take it back to council? Or will this vessel, run by a non- Newcastle entity prove to be just another waste of rate payers funds..." 2011-10-05 18:59:06 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 David said "I will support a one off levy only if the current administration is discharged and an administrator appointed. I would then ask for an analysis of the current financial position and other alternatives to be put forward.What are we doing to cut costs? Are we holding property we have no use for, and which should be sold off? When are we going to rationalise services and contract out operations that shouldn't be run by the public sector?It is past time for elected councilors and public servants to start to treat the money they spend as if it was their own - not just fritter it away. If ratepayers could see ANY attempt by council to reduce costs they may have half a chance to "sell' this proposal.NCC is a basket case and has lost any credibility it may have had. Who is "bangthetable" anyway?Another expensive non-Novacastrian consultantcy being paid to tell council whay blind freddy could !" 2011-10-05 15:36:32 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Stricko said "I agree in principle that council requires the additional funding to revitalize key infrastructure in our city. However, I am not supportive of our current city administrators/Alderman. I will not support a rate rise unless real change is achieved within council itself, Mr. Tate and crew, move on. I do not trust that you people will make responsible decisions with our (the rate payers) money. You will not receive any more than the minimum due until change is achieved. I would like to see infrastructure upgraded, but I do not place my trust, or additional money, into this current administration. Big NO for now." 2011-10-05 13:07:08 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Digger said "No. Newcastle Council Administration does not have my trust. Time and time again decisions are made that are not in the community interest, millions squandered on lawyers, consultants and irrelevancies. You are hell bent on creating sadness across the community, and are not interested in creating happy people. All spin and illusions, no substance. I have issues with Your Voice itself - since when did it become the right of the Council Administration to usurp the community's voice with its representatives. You (i.e. the 'administration') are not our elected representatives, the councillors are our spokespeople. They are OUR Voice. Unfortunately you appear to have brainwashed even them that they are there to represent you and not the community that elected them. This is not acceptable." 2011-10-05 12:55:50 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 elizsprott said "NCC does not currently warrant or deserve a rate rise as far as I am concerned. They need to put their house in order, look for cost cutting measures - maybe even entities such as the N Voice tool rationalised, and show the community they can follow due process, make decisions in an orderly, fair and timely manner. then come back and have a more worthwhile proposal. In the meantime, they need to look at asking to be put into administration by the Dept of Local Gov't" 2011-10-05 12:14:18 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Ste said "I don’t agree with the one off rate increase, the council has wasted huge amounts of money and time on the Fig tree debate and now it wants to waste money on frivolous improvements. Some time ago it was talking about fixing the Council Building which was going to cost Millions, a part repair was carried out but I have not heard anything about the result or expected cost of a total repair. The last figure I heard was 30Million to fix the building which would need to be paid by ratepayers with extra rates as the council have not made any provision for this, despite knowing of the problem of 20 plus years. This seems to have gone by the way side. They have already spent Millions on a Museum now they want to spend Millions on an Art Gallery, Libraries, swimming pools, cycle ways......... all of this will add to the future maintenance bill of the council. The council owns many buildings in the city which lay empty & idle, when they could be sold or rented to earn valuable income for the city. Some examples are the a number of shops in Hunter street and 3 buildings north of Wickham station. " 2011-10-05 11:38:44 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 dena7056 said "I do not beleiev that Council should increase raes until it can win back the trust of ratepayers. There have been too many cases of missmanagment and bad spending decision by Council to justify this increase. We cannot be sure that Council is spending our existing rates wisely, how then do we know that it will do so in the future. Get rid of the current Councillors, reduce the manager's pay by 50% and then we might consider it!" 2011-10-05 11:24:36 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Scott Hillard said "Not a chance. This Council (elected and employed) is incapable of prudent financial management - the list of disasters/ waste/ extravagence is unending: From Dore's Rock to the Laman St debacle ($750,000 to date and another $1.0M+ to remove them), to the botched Ocean Baths works to the ridiculous 3-bin system that provides an inferior service for the same price. ENOUGH. Council must learn to live within its means, eliminate "services" that are not required by law and for which only limited demand exists (frequently demanded by non-ratepayers), reduce the number of employees and focus on core operations. The ratepayers of this city are being bled dry for the benefit of a tiny few - we will not tolerate it any longer." 2011-10-05 10:48:08 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 ian said "I dont agree with the one off rate increase purely because we have a council that just cant demonstrate that they can manage this city and its resources/assets in a competent and decisive manner.the councillors just dont work in a cohesive "can do" way by having the best interests of the rate payers and citizens interests as the key driver.councillors seem to be more about point scoring against each other or the mayor.until such time that they can instill confidence that they can manage this fantastic city then maybe they will have to cut some of the planned initiatives." 2011-10-03 17:43:51 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Morgan said "I'm appalled by the amout of money wasted over the Laman St fig trees. They are replaceable. The Lord Mayor and other key fig tree supporters who have unneccessarily incured these costs should be made accountable. As long as this type of inaccountablity and poor leadership prevails I can not support a rate increase. This type of dysfunction needs to be eliminated. " 2011-10-03 09:37:03 +1100 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Ted said "I agree with the excellent post from Prm of 30 Sep 2011. I also am prepared to pay the increase as I appreciate our clean and pleasant City. In my case the annual amount involved with the increase is only about $60. This is the cost of a (very moderate) breakfast for two at one of those beaut restaurants on the harbor. So stop whingeing. Stay at home one Sunday morning and pay up. BUT I expect Council to respond, with real facts, to Prm!" 2011-09-30 14:52:41 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 sdavis said "A revitalisation of Newcastle can only occur if there is a revitalisation of the council. Financial disasters, mismanagement and appalling decision making processes by the council have decimated the trust of the community. The council needs to demonstrate good governance instead of infighting before we hand the council extra funds to chase money wasted on lawyers and bad advice." 2011-09-30 10:48:36 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 prm278 said "I agree with the rate increase but would urge the Council to examine efficiencies within its administration. A simple examination of the Council's enterprise agreement identifies processes overburdened with union involvement and an unhealth focus on career development rather than action and doing the job. There must be savings to be made. Is it true that this Council has the largest salaries and related bill as a percentage of earnings in NSW? (or is it Australia?). Also matters such as the fig trees issue must be eating up large amounts of money better spent elsewhere. " 2011-09-30 08:41:04 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Samoanknight said "If the NCC is serious about finding new funds for their Civic Precinct and other utilities. Then they should start with a pay cut or for forgo their 'allowances'. It's not easy to pay 3 govenments on a small budget and what makes it worse is that Newcastle and the Hunter gets nil or pittance from either. When we are paying for a capital city (Sydney) that we don't live in We pay taxes upon taxes, levies that are taxes, stamp duty when it was suppose to be abolished when the GST had come in but couldn't cos of a 2 tier government. Fuel tax and even a weight tax that the NSW government was suppose to abolish (a 1 off they said) and where is all that money going to.?...... SYDNEY!!!! So tell me... where should NCC get their funding for our city's revitalisation from? I know...it shouldn't be coming from our pockets." 2011-09-29 18:33:25 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 robbedagain said "I note that some people have not read that this will be a PERMANENT rate hike, not a 1 off. I might add to those who don't understand, every time NCC up the rates (always by the max) it will also be added, compounded, to this increase. Where by the way, did they get the current rate of $940?" 2011-09-29 14:56:37 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 robbedagain said "Newcastle city council, regular as clockwork,takes the max rate rise out of my pocket. I have NEVER seen any improvement for my dollar and, indeed, have witnessed a deterioration in services eg smaller bin size. Hidden in your agenda, none of the 'benefits' of which could apply to the vast majority of Newcastle ratepayers, is more sales of assets. No doubt even more grossly undervalued properties sold to cronies to develop for a huge profit. Local council has always been the most corrupt arm of government and NCC is at the top of the heap. " 2011-09-29 14:49:08 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Badger said "If Council were to list all major works desired by the community and run a transparent plebiscite to choose the five most popular in order 1 to 5, then commit to that priority, the idea of higher rates may be more acceptable. Other than council staff, who would consider Laman St. redevelopment to be a priority ? How were the 20-year revitalisation plan items decided and by whom ? Community "consultation" should lead to a community vote." 2011-09-28 20:04:20 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 LynD said "I do not mind paying a rise in my rates as long as the money is spent wisely and important works are getting done. The fiasco with the Lamen Street figs was caused by the Councillors who refused to have an independant inquiry. I think most people know there has been an hidden agenda. If Newcastle is to move forward then the, we will do it regardless attitude, and the infighting must stop. Also more thought put into planning laws as Newcastle and suburbs is witnessing a rise in overdevelopment on very small blocks, unfair to many who live next door. " 2011-09-28 16:53:56 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 corabko said "I understand the need for more money to do these things but unsure the money is being spent wisely now. There are already examples of council paying staff who allegedly appear to be plagiarising successful programs set up by volunteers from other community facilities. Maybe having some original ideas would be better start than asking for more money it seems this type of think is not moving us forward as a city" 2011-09-27 22:12:19 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/would-you-like-council-to-come-and-talk-to-your-community-or-business-group Samoanknight said "Hi Doc The comment I mentioned is people who do not have computers and on the media side.... I've watched the news and I've yet to see any resolve or any mention to the community about the positive side or the negative side of the counils proposed rate variation. It's only a message to the community to say that the council is looking for more money. Like todays news (27/09/11 6pm NBN news broadcast) about the Lake Macquarie city council raising rates to deal with their self inflicted deficit. So wouldn't it be better as you say "engage the community" be better rather than say the community didn't want to be forth coming and is forced to do what is necessary? As Julia Gillard had said "I'm doing what is best for the Australian people" Oops I replied to my own comment (lol) so I had to cut and paste a reply on your comment... sorry about that." 2011-09-27 19:11:11 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/would-you-like-council-to-come-and-talk-to-your-community-or-business-group Samoanknight said "Had to delete my own reply, lol." 2011-09-27 19:05:16 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 David Stewart said "Resident D The Council staff must give sound advice to Councillors and the public, sound and efficient advice, and must listen to and understand the responses given before expenditure is committed on major expenditure. The issue of the Laman St iFg Trees is most pertinent; the evidence requires that an independent opinion be sought with a reasonable probability that the original advice from CouncilStaff was incorrect. If this is so then Council could defer expenditure on a new Laman St Piazza for possibly five years, allowing several million dollars to be spent on other high priority works, including the new Art Gallery Extension. Until Council Staff can be trusted I cannot support an extra rate." 2011-09-27 17:17:27 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 southerner said "These are all important. But unless we are given the opportunity to rate them against what we would be okay seeing dropped it is a meaningless question. The same as in our household budget - wanna do something different? Then what has to go! " 2011-09-27 12:34:28 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 minkles said "I am passionate about the renewal of our city and if I can be assured that any rate rise will be used for that purpose then I am very supportive of this proposal." 2011-09-27 11:28:42 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Doc said "All for it. People continually bring up the "dysfunctional" council (fig trees, rock etc) without realising that it is really a piddlingly small amount of money that has actually been wasted on these few issues. The variation will contribute to in excess of $150 million new and existing projects over the next 10years. With an annual income of $200m and expenses just under that, the fig tree debacle is a storm in a teacup ($0.7m "wasted" on essential studies to determine genuine risks) which certain agencies (The Herald, NBN) are using to sell newspapers/commercial advertising space for their own benefits. Its time to get a bit of perspective and let the city progress rather than stagnate. For $50 a year i'm happy to see progress." 2011-09-27 11:14:33 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/would-you-like-council-to-come-and-talk-to-your-community-or-business-group Doc said "Mixed message? you want the council to engage the community by "using the media we have at our disposal" then refuse them the right to engage the community using the medium on which you post this response. for the record i don't need council to talk to me because i have already been notified by email, in the newspaper, seen news articles on TV, and received a flier in the mail (i don't listen to local radio so i can't comment on hearing about the rate variation there)" 2011-09-27 11:01:38 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Terry - Iso said "I can appreciate the dilema's facing NCC in the present economic climate. I can support a one-off, single year, above the benchmark rate increase. However, NCC needs to improve their performance to avoid further Laman St fig tree debacles! The wasted dollars there could have been spent wisely elsewhere. Councillors need to improve their business approach to managing matters to keep costs to a minimum." 2011-09-27 10:51:46 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Chair said "I think it is time that all local Councils considered dumping the rate system as we know it and introduce a Poll Tax instead. When I looked at this option a few years back, took the total residential rates collected and divided by the number of people registered in the NCC area, it worked out about $250.00 per head per year. Everyone over the age of 18 would contribute this way. Those not directly paying rates might become more interested in how their city operates. I should be an option that is considered and investigated. What do others think? Annie" 2011-09-27 10:39:42 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Gordon Whitehead said "I personally don't believe Council management or Councillors have earn't my trust to use this money in a way to benefit the city. Until you have gained that trust then its a big...no way. " 2011-09-27 10:20:21 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Abby10 said "How is one to have faith that NCC will follow through with these proposed upgrades when so many past road and other city improvements that were given approval some time back still have not yet been attended? How long has Bibby St in Hamilton been waiting for its much needed speed humps? Does the upgrade of Broadmeadow Station include any traffic slowing measures or will taxies and cars still travel at 70-80kms through this 50km residential area? Look at our cites oversized “U” shaped street trees planted under power lines yet NCC wants to remove our large park trees to plant palms. In time most of our city's street trees will have to be removed for the same reasons as the Laman St trees - why do we not have an appropriate Street Tree Planting Policy? Towns like Leura have large trees planted in suitable areas and smaller more appropriate trees planted under power lines - NCC could certainly learn a lot about our city's beautification from this town. Newcastle West still has a long way to go before it is considered revitalised. Why is it that NCC has been so slow to give progress the go-ahead in the past? Personally I’ve been very disappointed with our Council performance and conduct over the past 15 years. " 2011-09-27 10:20:04 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 margaret.flood@optusnet.com.au said "People have to live within their budgets and so must Council. It could cut its expenses by stopping many employees having mobile phones (which they use even if a cheaper landline is within reach) and council vehicles which appear to be for personal use as well with no accountability. Councillors also seem to have mobile phones provided with no accountability for personal use. Ratepayers have to pay for mobile calls to their councillors - a disgraceful situation. Internet, fax and other facilities may also be the same - ratepayers are paying for personal use. Cyclists should have to pay like other ratepayers. Cycles should be regisered and insured (they use the roads and appear to be getting their own free cycling network at everybody else's expense). Cyclists and motor bike riders should have to pay for parking - otherwise no one should. It is discrimination against those who cannot ride bikes. There should be entry to the Art Gallery otherwise it shoud sell some of its painting which no one sees as they are hidden away. If people go to other Council facilities they have to pay eg parking fees at Newcastle beach and probably elsewhere in the not too distant future." 2011-09-27 09:58:14 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/would-you-like-council-to-come-and-talk-to-your-community-or-business-group Samoanknight said "Why would the community group invite a council representative to address it's variable rate increase? Instead, why not sell it to the community using the media that we have at our disposal; news papers, tv and radio to entice the community to a group session. To hear and respond to the idea of a rate variation. Not all of the community has computers, even in this day and age but they do have the latter. Of course it may be a simple suggestion but I don'think I've heard anything on the local media about getting support for any council agendas. Other than the gripe and misuse of power. It would be great to have the council go to the people instead of the people going to the council." 2011-09-26 21:37:56 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/article/guest-book6 Samoanknight said "At this very moment I have huge doubts that the money will go to such projects. How can an inept council be naive to ask for an increase in rates when the last time they asked for an increase ended up in an extra council allowance or pay rise. The on going news fiasco about the Laman trees and the million dollars plus making indecisions and indeterminations. Yet improvements in the city has come to a sudden halt until this farce is finally dealt with. There is a "no confidence" motion in the way things are conducted within this council and in it's leadership. So how can I support a 5% special rate rise when the uncertainty of where our money may alledgedly go to such as hidden political agendas and paying for political gains. Instead of where our money should be going to the projects advertised. However Newcastle seems to neglect the importance of the people who also live here in this great city who needs their attention; the suburbians. Although it's always proud to have a great city but it isn't enough if there are no support from it's suburbs. Which I can say the roads around my suburb needs alot of attention. So that's why I say 'NO' to the specail rate rise and to the hipocrates, who are in the seats of our council." 2011-09-26 21:10:18 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/should-any-of-the-aspirational-goals-be-more-or-less-ambitious lunatick said "I've no doubt Council is serious but I'd like to see us really pushing hard and going above and beyond. It would be a great image for our City." 2011-08-08 16:46:20 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/how-do-you-think-council-can-best-help-you-to-reduce-your-carbon-emissions-and-water-consumption prnorris said "Also encouraging and supporting community gardens so that people can grow food locally" 2011-08-04 22:23:02 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/how-do-you-think-council-can-best-help-you-to-reduce-your-carbon-emissions-and-water-consumption prnorris said "Cycleways and encouraging Transport NSW to install bike racks on buses" 2011-08-04 22:19:38 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/should-any-of-the-aspirational-goals-be-more-or-less-ambitious Noah said "What exactly does that question mean?" 2011-08-02 19:42:15 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/how-do-you-think-council-can-best-help-you-to-reduce-your-carbon-emissions-and-water-consumption lunatick said "It might be a touch off topic but I think we should follow Manly's example of banning plastic bottled water. Also working to get the NBN here sooner will ensure that people have to commute less and can work from home. I hear we are looking set to be last in the roll out (at least 8 years). Other Councils are working with their communities to campaign to get up the roll out list. I would like to see NCC building a strong case for this as part of becoming a more sustainable and economically diverse city." 2011-08-02 18:08:50 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/how-do-you-think-council-can-best-help-you-to-reduce-your-carbon-emissions-and-water-consumption lunatick said "Yes, cycleways. Link the existing routes with grade separated cycle paths so it is safe for our kids to ride to school and for leisure. That will reduce traffic volumes significantly and really transform the image of our city. " 2011-08-02 18:05:15 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/what-actions-do-you-think-will-help-most-in-achieving-these-aspirational-goals lunatick said "Perhaps showcase businesses that exemplify best practice. This would give them an incentive (free advertising and exposure) to compete to be the best." 2011-08-02 18:03:45 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/should-any-of-the-aspirational-goals-be-more-or-less-ambitious lunatick said "I was there and I think it was unfortunate that there was a gap in expectations between the staff and the audience. The twitter wall is an established part of this and many other events but probably guests should be pre-warned. Getting onto the topic. I agree with Gordon that aspirational goals should be ambitious. In fact I think we should adopt audacious goals that will be talked about elsewhere so I would go further and set goals which will be hard (almost impossible) to meet but which set a clear vision to strive toward. The Xerox zero waste goal comes to mind as something that seemed impossible but which was achieved and transformed the image of the business. " 2011-08-02 18:01:22 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/should-any-of-the-aspirational-goals-be-more-or-less-ambitious so it goes said "these are eminently worthwhile aspirational goal" 2011-07-14 23:23:54 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/should-any-of-the-aspirational-goals-be-more-or-less-ambitious Mark said "Newcastle City Council has invested around $3million into energy savings over the past 15 years and saved $8million. That is a clear demonstration that it is serious about making savings especially at a time when energy bills have been increasing. This achievement is truly significant and has won them countless local, national and international awards (and rightly so). AT a tie when we are asking governments to lead by example, Newcastle City Council is truly 'walking the talk'." 2011-07-13 11:45:25 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/how-do-you-think-council-can-best-help-you-to-reduce-your-carbon-emissions-and-water-consumption mulph said "Make it easier and safer to ride to work. Have cycleways that are away from main roads and that link hubs to each other. There are existing uncluttered pieces of land through the city now. They are access tracks for the railway line, and they are storm water drains and their access areas. Both are relatively flat but at first look appear unsafe. Both are owned by State government or SOCs (or similar), and both would probably push back it the first instance, but this sort of thinking could see a Fernleigh Track alongside an existing rail line, or beside, above, or partly in a storm water drain." 2011-07-11 21:33:59 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/what-actions-do-you-think-will-help-most-in-achieving-these-aspirational-goals mulph said "Show people how to do it. The carbon tax will change the playing field to make renergy/carbon reduction more attractive. If you offer support and education, you could move people away from considering what to do, towards actually doing it. If you can show how much money they can save, and how much CO2 they can reduce by doing certain things, it becomes a no-brainer." 2011-07-11 21:18:45 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/should-any-of-the-aspirational-goals-be-more-or-less-ambitious mulph said "I think these aspirational goals are about right. I also think you have some very good managers in Council, and some passionate people to help to drive these goals. You could fall short in that one Council on its own is always going to be short of resources and the power to make things happen, but if you look for a way that you can work together with other organisations, be they Councils, State & Feds, or business or other institutions it just might work! A group of committed people CAN lead others to make significant change. The more groups pushing forward, the more likely we will move in that direction and be among the first to be able to capitalise on innovation. Other organisations will look to leaders in this area. The region can benefit if we become a hub for this kind of innovation. That's entrepreneurship. The other side of the coin, literally, is that we can reduce the costs for each resident and organisation that moves forward with this. NCC has proven it. " 2011-07-11 21:13:01 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/should-any-of-the-aspirational-goals-be-more-or-less-ambitious pubapple said "The 'event' was described to me by someone who attended as a farce. Audience members tweeted personal observations of the invited speakers onto a large screen in an attempt to ridicule them. It sounds like it was an exercise in bullying people who attended in their own time and in good faith." 2011-07-11 21:12:57 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/should-any-of-the-aspirational-goals-be-more-or-less-ambitious Badger said "Just cooperate with other Councils to implement programs initiated by State & Federal govts. Remove charges or other impediments to installation of water tanks / solar." 2011-07-11 18:17:57 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/should-any-of-the-aspirational-goals-be-more-or-less-ambitious John Heslop said "The aspirational goals along with the assumption that someone within such an inefficient organisation as the Newcastle City Council could in any way inspire or influence sensible Novocastrians to significantly change their behaviour beggars belief! this whole activity is not only a duplication of efforts of other state and federal government agencies but makes a fundamental mistake of assuming that any message from this unit will make any difference at all. It is exercises such as this that provide concrete proof of the need for a very robust investigation into management of the Council and the extent to which efforts such as this divert important funds away from the core business of the Council. we live in hope that the new general manager will trim such excesses from his budget and focus is scarce resources in fixing the city. I know these are harsh words. However, these are hard times and the new Carbon Tax will kill off most manufacturing in the region. The Newcastle City Council staff must really focus on providing value for money rather than pouring valuable dollars into such wasteful exercises." 2011-07-11 14:46:37 +1000 http://mynewcastlevoice2.com/topic/should-any-of-the-aspirational-goals-be-more-or-less-ambitious Gordon Whitehead said "Aspirational goals should be ambitious. But more importantly you should have a plan, resources, skills and smart leaders to achieve those goals. Unfortunately, after listening to three NCC senior managers unable to articulate the councils Smart and Innovative City strategic vision at an event full of business people the other week - I haven't got much hope for the Carbon and Water Management Plan. " 2011-07-11 11:33:29 +1000