Councillors' behaviour childish
IN my opinion, if Crs Debra Henry and Craig Ogilvie are going to act like children, rather than in a professional manner, they deserve to be reprimanded by Mayor Melva Hobson - naughty, naughty!
As for Cr Barbara Townsend, an alleged fingered gesture by an elected representative of the community is not just a "frivolous matter", it is a serious matter as, in my opinion, it illustrates the mindset of this particular councillor and speaks volumes of her compassion towards Redland's residents. Stating that it was a "frivolous matter [that was] made veraciously" indicates a degree of arrogance that borders on narcissism.
People (especially councillors) cannot treat others in the community in an uncompassionate and subordinate way. Everyone deserves respect! Without kindness an egalitarian values, Redland City will no longer be that tranquil haven or a place to call home.
In my opinion, unless these particular councillors learn how to act like real "grown-ups" and no just play "mayors and councillors" in the playground of the council chambers, they will not retain office after the next election.
- printed in the Bayside Bulletin on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.
Related article: Finger gesture claims dismissed.
Appreciate what you have
THERE is an old saying: you don't know what you loved until it's gone - and this is especially true when it comes to koalas.
Preservation of natural habitat is vital for the survival of koalas and clear communication between residents, community groups and politicians is a must.
Without discussing issues a situation can become out of hand, the truth becomes muddled and what is really important becomes almost impossible to save.
Residents of Birkdale, please continue to clearly express your concerns; politicians, please consider the concerns of residents; and others, if there is an area of greenspace near you and you wish to protect the wildlife (not just koalas, but echidnas, curlews and other species) become proactive and value what you currently have: take a walk in the bushlands, care for the area, join a local bushcare group, and let the politicians see that these bushland areas are utilised and appreciated by the local residents.
Appreciate what you have today in order to safeguard it for tomorrow.
- printed in the Bayside Bulletin on Tuesday, June 15, 2010.
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Sign off on digital money waters
AS an environmentalist, my opinion is that digital koala signs are an extreme waste of ratepayers' money.
Councillor Debra Henry (Div 3) said the mobility of the signs had still been positive, however, when considering the mobility and logical placement of these signs, Cr Henry's comment is somewhat questionable.
For example, on Old Cleveland Road East, at Birkdale, residents will notice that this council has place of of its flashing koala signs only a few meters in front of an existing non-digital koala sign. You know the ones: the koala picture inside a yellow triangle - every knows them because of the bright colours and the iconic image.
So, why the double up when, in reality, both signs serve to inform drivers of the presence of koalas in an area? Is the council suggesting that the iconic sign serves no purpose, hence the doubling up on the signs? Or, are they placing the digital signs near existing signs because they expect their expensive digital signs to go on the blink again?
Or, are some still acting like children in the council playground and playing, "let's impulsively spend rate-payers' money of flashy gadgets without doing adequate research".
Redland residents have noticed the ongoing maintenance costs of these signs. Replacing batteries every few days, and the cost of a council employee to do so, is an expensive task.
Redland City Council's proposal to invest in new trailers bearing solar panels to power the digital signs is also, in my opinion, a seriously flawed scheme.
Apart from the additional cost to ratepayers, these trailers will need to be placed near the signs, which, if placed on roads may cause traffic hazards or cause hazards and injury to pedestrians if placed on footpaths, and let's not forget the issue of vandalism.
Redland City Council, haven't ratepayers paid enough for these signs?
While some environmentalists may defend this council's ongoing expenditure, I will argue that the best way to maintain a sustainable environment is to show compassion to residents and get down and dirty: pick up rubbish, plant trees in existing koala corridors, report sick and injured wildlife and slow down when you see a 'standard' koala sign (or a digital one when they are not on the blink).
I believe it is possible to care for the environment and protect the wildlife without all the expensive gadgets, the thing-me-bobs that go 'flash' and 'bing' in the night, and the "oh-so-pretty" toys that will amuse even the smallest of minds.
- printed in the Bayside Bulletin on Tuesday, October 5, 2010.
Related article:
- Battery woes for koala signs.
- Koala signs trigger conversation on Facebook. |