AND THE CONTESTATION BEGINS ON DAY ONE AT LAUNCESTON'S TOWN HALL

 

Council officers allegedly removed two homeless people from their campsite at the Windmill Hill tennis courts according to Strike It Out founder Kirsten Ritchie, which City of Launceston council disputes.

Ms Ritchie said they were removed due to health and safety issues.

"Just recently, we had the removal of two people up at the City of Launceston owned, unused, abandoned tennis court at Windmill Hill," she said.

Ms Ritchie said the two were told their only option to return to Royal Park where they had previously been assaulted. ... [Isn't this where 'COUNCIL' regularly moves people on to wherever?]

Ms Ritchie brought this incident to the attention of City of Launceston councillors during a recent ordinary council meeting.

[His Worship the] Mayor Danny Gibson said he was not previously aware of this situation but would speak to Ms Ritchie after the meeting. ... [Why is this so? And has His Worship the Mayor been as good as his word?]

He said he was proud of the work council officers do with the homelessness community. ... [On what grounds, on what evidence?]

"Council officers, day in day out, form meaningful relationships with members of our homeless community, support them and try hard to connect them with service providers and engage in meaningful conversations with them," [His Worship the Mayor] Cr Gibson said.

Ms Ritchie also asked why council had rented out the portable toilets rather than purchase, saying the cost to purchase would have been the same after leasing for 12 months.  ... [Keeping in mind that this is the case while Council can apparently justify spending $600K on Executive End of Trip Showers at Town Hall and OH YES shower facilities were also promised but not delivered for 'the homeless'!]

The portable toilets were rolled out as a council initiative in April 2022, to provide some amenities to an increasing homeless community.  ... [Goodness gracious]

Community general manager Dan Ryan said council wanted flexibility with the portable toilets.  ... [Why, for what purpose on what grounds?]

"We do know it is a transient community," he said.  ... [Doesn't the evidence suggest otherwise and that housing stress is ever likely to be an ongoing social issue until there is a fundamental change in 'governance'?]

"So we can bring in and drop off [portable toilets] as required so we don't have toilets sitting in a storage location that aren't being utilised at any given time."  ... [Why would these toilets, and showers if they exist , need to be stored given the clear and present need for them beinf so, so obvious?]

[His Worship the Mayor] Gibson acknowledged ongoing challenge of homelessness in Launceston.  ... [Yet as his undertaking at inauguration fades in people's memory 'Council's' propensity to pontificate fails to fade.]

"The City of Launceston has not moved anyone on from the Windmill Hill area," he [His Worship the Mayor] said. ... [On what evidence is this assertion made given that apparently these people suffering housing stress are no longer on this 'Council owned and abandoned site'? Who moved them on? On what pretext?]

FURTHER NEWS: Apparently the homeless taking refuge on the disused tennis courts on Windmill Hill were in fact moved on at the direction(?) of a Council officer directed at Ms Ritchie, Strike It Out's founder.

FOOTNOTE: Town Hall is apparently invoking a brand of Medieval Corporatisation for the city. The 'Mayor' is presented as "His Worship the Mayor" and  presented in full 'Aldermanic Regalia' to assert 'status'. Likewise 'Councillors' despite being Councillors they are presented in 'Aldermanic garb' – SEE ELDER MAN – on the website in an apparent marketing ploy to assert their status ... ranked above the hoi polloi, the masses rather than as representative of 'the people' and one of us. 

The 'rankism' is palpable albeit that is subliminal and there to be invoked to assert authority and power when the hoi polloi look for accountability and transparency.

Warren Buffett said ... "The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything." But as Eleanor Roosevelt said "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." 

It beggars belief that Councillors in Launceston in the 21st C might want to maintain and sustain the colonial umbilical cord that connects 'the coalition of the willing' peri-colonials to the 'Motherland's Medievalism'. It is diminishing and worse still it diminishes US/THE CITY as a place! 

These 'citizens' are supposed to 'represent' their constituents not LORD OVER THEM. Commonly people give up their imagined power by thinking they don't actually have any. 

Interestingly, and very late in the day, Council's Draft Aboriginal Partnership Plan is compromised as it too is marked by the GUNNAdo syndrome, its half hearted reconciliation noise making and the multiple times Council just has not delivered.

A HOUSING COOPERATIVE FOR THE REGION

 

It is patently clear that Northern Tasmania is in the midst of a 'housing crisis' that politicians typically refer to as a 'homelessness' crisis. For whatever reason this distortion of the reality persists and people get to be treated as 'charity cases' or, 'the underclass' or, 'the undeserving poor' or even 'the hopeless and helpless'. SO, what is to be done and how might it be achieved?

It is untenable that our so-called 'planners' should be found by-and-large sitting on their hands and essentially looking to the 20th C for ways forward when mostly they do not fit the current and prevailing circumstances. 

For whatever reasons, mostly ideologically subliminal it would seem, and against the available evidence, politicians seem to be predisposed to downplay the 'community cooperative corporate model'. However, the status quo leaves too many 'victims' of its failures and ineptitudes sleeping rough or couch surfing. 

However, change is afoot with initiatives like HOUSING CHOICES in Hobart albeit with a long way to go yet in the search for diverse options that can deliver HOMES – short, medium and long term – rather than housing mostly imagined almost exclusively as an 'investment' rather than a 'human right'.

HOMEmaking is fundamentally PLACEmaking and an important aspect of PLACEmaking  takes into account inputs of the people who will be using and living in the 'the place'. That is, to say, the people who make up the Communities of Ownership and Interest and for which the 'home', and its precinct and its spaces are intended. 

This is important because members of 'the community'  have useful insights into how such places and spaces do - or should - function, as well as a historic and cultural perspectives relative to the area, and an understanding of what does and does not matter to various members of the e Communities of Ownership and Interest .

To register your interest in being a part of the network relative to a 'Community Cooperative Housing Enterprise' and/or an ACTIONgroup:

• Please email 'The Facilitators': institute43@bigpond.com

SOME LINKS OF INTEREST

TINYhousing links ... MICROdwellings link

[1] ... https://www.launchhousing.org.au/housing-support

[2] ... https://www.wintringham.org.au/affordable-housing-tasmania.html

[3] ... https://www.communities.tas.gov.au/housing

[4] ...https://www.anglicare.org.au/what-we-offer/housing/

[5] ... https://aca.org.au/the-importance-of-social-housing/

[6] ...https://www.hauteresidence.com/casa-remota-redefines-mobile-housing-with-architectural-customization/

[7] ... https://brussels-express.eu/modular-and-mobile-housing-for-homeless-people-in-brussels/

[8] ... https://www.facebook.com/reel/1150049852535474

CITY OF LAUNCESTON INCUMBENT COUNCILLORS

 

 NOT ARRANGED IN ANY SPECIFIC ORDER OF PRIORITY

WATCH THIS SPACE

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THE UNELECTED COUNCIL OFFICERS

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REPORTED IN THE EXAMINER ... After months of campaigning, and a long results wait, City of Launceston councillors were finally able to get down to business. .................. With a crash course in council work over two weeks, Launceston held its first council meeting with the new council on Thursday, November 17. .................. A Welcome to Country was given by Aunty Sharon Holbrook at the start of the meeting. She wished the new councillors well in their new endeavours. .................. The most controversial part of council, sitting as a planning authority, saw many fresh councillors make their first input. .................. It was during the planning authority section of council, the lack of experience showed, with comments made that were not relevant to the planning scheme as highlighted by mayor Danny Gibson. .................. Councillor Andrew Palmer, Lindi McMahon, Alex Britton and Matthew Garwood did not speak, though Crs Palmer, McMahon and Britton did second some agenda items. .................. Janie Finlay sat in to see the new councillors in action. Ms Finlay sat on Launceston's council for 21 years, before being elected to state parliament. .................. Councillors also acknowledged their Declarations of Office made earlier in November, they also noted the City of Launceston's certificate of election. .................. Councillors passed the record keeping for councillors policy, which looked at the guidelines for councillors when acting in their official role. .................. This is so councillors complete accurate records of activities and decisions when acting in an official manner, this then becomes state record.

Committee roles allocated to new City of Launceston councillors Alison Foletta ............................ The 2022-2026 City of Launceston council have committed themselves to key part of their local government tenure. ............................ External and internal committee representatives were voted on during council's first meeting. ............................ For Events Sponsorship Assessment Panel, Transport Committee and Homelessness Advisory committee, a ballot was required. ............................ Under the terms of reference for these committees, council also needed to determine a chair. ............................ For the Events panel, newcomer councillor Lindi McMahon was selected as chair, deputy mayor Matthew Garwood and councillor Andrew Palmer will be representatives. ............................ For the Transport Committee, councillor Alan Harris will continue his role as chair, and councillor Joe Pentridge will be a council representative. ............................ For the Homelessness committee, councillor Tim Walker will be chair, with councillor George Razay as council representative. ............................ For the Cataract Gorge Advisory Committee, council was also required to appoint a chair, which was given to Cr Walker, Cr McMahon will also sit on this committee. ............................ Committee representation is to be reviewed in two years time, halfway between the elected term. Deputy mayor Garwood removed himself as a nominee for the Theatre North Inc committee, ............................ councillor Susie Cai removed herself as a nominee for University of Tasmania Northern Campus and Advisory Group and Economic Development Working Group. ............................ Councillor Hugh McKenzie will continue his role for the Theatre North Inc committee. ............................ Mayor Danny Gibson will sit on internal committees for Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery Governance Advisory Board, and external committees for Local Government of Tasmania Association, Launceston College Association, and TasWater owners. ............................ The remaining recommended nominees were approved by council. ............................ This included Heritage Advisory committee representatives Cr Cai and Cr Pentridge, ............................ Tender Review Committee representatives councillors Alan Harris, McKenzie, Pentridge, and Walker. ............................ Cr McMahon and Cai will sit on the Launceston Safer Communities Partnership. ............................ The recommended representatives had been previously discussed in a council workshop on November 10 before council made the final vote. ............................ Terms of reference for each council committee must now be submitted for review within the next 12 months.

WHAT THEY SAID THEY WOULD DO

BRITTON, Alex

Candidate for councillor

Running a business (I'm co-owner of Levee Restaurant at Seaport) requires a balance of considerations. What the client wants is the starting point. What services, the quality, price and staff moral/engagement are all important.

Running a city council involves similar principles but on a larger scale. I'm 30 years old with fresh ideas... With colleagues, Alan Harris (for mayor), Andrew Lovitt, Bob Salt and Owen Tilbury we share a (practical) passion for the kanamaluka/Tamar and solving its problems. Only an independent authority will resolve all the issues - & be able to act!

CAI, Susie

Candidate for councillor

I am a mother of three and have lived in Launceston for over 35 years. My battle against an inappropriate development has shown me that Launceston needs councillors who will stand up for the needs of the community-who are willing to fight to defend the heritage and way of life we have come to know and love in our beautiful city. From working in my parent's restaurant to running my own, I've been involved in small business most of my life. I am no stranger to hard work, and if elected I will apply the same work ethic to representing Launceston residents as I have put into building my business.

DAWKINS, Andrea

Candidate for councillor, deputy mayor

First elected to City of Launceston Council in 2014, leading to a rich and varied experience in elected representative roles. With a background in small business, I have been able to bring self-determination and independence to my Council decisions. My more recent employment experience has been in animal welfare, a lifelong passion. I am deeply committed to my role as councillor, ensuring that I manage my workload effectively. I work collaboratively with all councillors, preferring a collegiate approach to decision-making, over the more adversarial style of local government politics

GARWOOD, Matthew

Candidate for councillor, deputy mayor

Having been blessed with opportunities, I've always made it a point to give back. Working hard in the community I've gained hands-on experience as to what's really important to people here in Launceston. Born and raised here, I understand the issues because I'm living them too. Standing up for those issues that matter to you as they also matter to me. As a multiple Tasmanian Young Achiever of the Year finalist, I also bring committee experience with Encore Theatre & Harley Owners (state treasurer). You won't always find me in a suit and tie, but you will always find me with my heart on my sleeve.

GIBSON, Danny

Candidate for councillor, mayor

I am unashamedly optimistic about Launceston. Our city's best days are ahead of us; we have so much more to achieve. To capitalise on the opportunities, it will be critical for Council to be energetic, innovative, flexible and open to change. I hope that in my career in local government and outside of it I have demonstrated my ongoing passion for Launceston, my enthusiasm and drive, my work ethic and my ability to secure outcomes for our city. I am seeking your #1 vote. Ours is an incredible city and, working in partnership with our community, I look forward to being part of its next chapte

HARRIS, Alan

Candidate for councillor, mayor

First elected to Council in 2018, with over 40 years of experience in business, government, Rotary and community service and a bold vision for Launceston, Alan is focused on cost-effective solutions, an open door to constituents and a strong advocate for community consultation.

When elected, my priorities are supporting effective and responsible development, improving recreational facilities and parklands, lobbying for an independent authority to fix the kanamaluka/Tamar River, improving personal safety, parking, reinvigorating the CBD and optimizing the transport network. Our home, our future

McKENZIE, Hugh

Candidate for councillor, deputy mayor

Experience matters and, with 35+ years' experience in business and 11 years as an effective sitting councillor, I bring to this role strong governance and financial accountability to deliver affordable outcomes. With your support I will continue the work I have begun in driving decisions to make Launceston Australia's most liveable city, supporting sustainable growth, investing time in community and advocating for a fairer distribution of regional costs. I will promote workable transport and traffic strategies to ensure we don't end up like Hobart. My commitment to Launceston is proven.

McMAHON, Lindi

Candidate for councillor

I've been a business owner for 13 years with real experience in finance, governance, marketing, events, and community engagement. I'm a committed community leader, dedicated to fully understanding the challenges and barriers of all our people. I will work to support our community through improved safety measures, further development, capping rates, finding real solutions to homelessness and our housing crisis, sound traffic management, tougher scrutiny on future capital purchases, and exceeding targets to finally clean up the Tamar River. Passion, purpose people. Vote 1. www.lindiforlcc.com.

PALMER, Andrew

Candidate for councillor

Andrew is passionate about Launceston and growing our region. He loves this city and its people and as a husband, dad and small business owner wants to see our city continue to thrive. Andrew has been listening to what Launceston residents expect and want from their Council. Through his business of 17 years, Palmer's Dance Studio, Andrew understands the value of supporting employers and employees. Andrew is also passionate about local charitable causes, raising $100,000 for the LGH children's ward and over $42,000 through his Cha Cha for Charity supporting mental health. Vote 1 Andrew Palmer.

PENTRIDGE, Joe

Candidate for councillor

Nobody should want to be a Launceston City councillor without loving the city and region, respecting its heritage and attempting to fulfil its potential. My records for all three criteria and justification for being a councillor might be found in the reinstatement of the heritage properties of the North Esk Powder Magazine, Luck's Farmhouse, Glebe Farm and developments at McKenzie St, Murphy St, Invermay Rd, Mowbray St and Connector Park. Council decisions should be for the public good. Make Council accountable for its actions by voting for change. Vote Pentridge.

RAZAY, George

Candidate for councillor, mayor

I have spent 25 years working as a physician and geriatrician and was a 2021 Tasmanian Australian of the Year nominee, as well as conducting research and giving public presentations on dementia.

My goals include promoting a healthy, happy and active community by playing an active role in public health; combating air pollution and traffic congestion; revitalising the city centre; supporting homeless people especially with the increased cost of living and worsening housing affordability; improving the health of the Tamar River; promoting respect for seniors; and supporting the young generation

WALKER, Tim

Candidate for councillor, mayor

Ex-ABC journalist & political advisor. Launceston councillor with the strongest track record of standing up for our community on Council, submitting more motions than anyone else to improve our city, support our most vulnerable & advocate for transparency.

We need a strong, proactive, & progressive mayor with a clear vision & plan to stand up for Launceston! We need to increase affordable housing, bring life to the CBD, reduce parking costs, protect our built heritage, restore the Tamar, green our shopping precincts & improve community consultation. See the plan> www.timwalkerformayor.com.au.

Andrew Ng

LOWER HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT TO BE EXPANDED AND THEN

 

FROM THE EXAMINER: Tasmanian Parliament will grow by 10 members after the next state election. A bill to expand the House of Assembly from 25 members to 35 members passed the second reading in the Legislative Council on Thursday. ....................... Mersey independent MLC Mike Gaffney was the only member to oppose the bill. ....................... In his contribution, he said he could not support the bill as there needed to be more dialogue about parliament's functioning and other models. ....................... He said as the Liberals and Labor had eight members in the upper house in support of the bill, it would pass - no matter the issues raised. Mr Gaffney said a unicameral model of Parliament, like that in Queensland, appeared to have been ignored during consideration of the bill. ....................... He said this model could provide Tasmanian Parliament with plenty of ministerial options and members for committee work. ....................... Murchinson independent MLC Ruth Forrest said there had been an increase in the employment of more political advisers and money spent on consultants since the lower house was downsized almost 25 years ago. ....................... She said she was worried a 35-seat House of Assembly would lead to the election of more partisan backbenchers, adding there needed to be a much broader approach to parliamentary reform. ....................... "All this bill proposes is to address the body politic in a brand new suit," Ms Forrest said. ....................... "It's a worrying sign that we're prepared to accept a quick fix when far more is required." ....................... McIntyre independent MLC Tania Rattray said briefings on the bill had not reviewed the true cost of expansion nor the impact on the entire Parliament.

WELL YES, BUT COULD THIS ALSO MEAN SAVINGS 

IN RESPECT TO RATIONALISING LOCAL GOVT?

The notion that the Lower House should be expanded has been around for quite some time. Also, so has been the notion that IF it was to be expanded, them Local Govt. could be rationalised – indeed disbanded – in favour of a more Direct Deliberative Democracy model of governance.

In an expanded Lower House the notion of a dedicated MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE could sensibly replace ALL Local Councils – the 29 of them – with:

•  Two, possibly three, COMMISSIONS operating under the auspices of The MINISTER; and

• A network of CATCHMENT FORUMS, with a rotational memberships, also auspiced by The MINISTER but operating under the agency of a COMMISSION; and

• With the COMMISSIONS MEMBERSHIP appointed by 'Governor and Executive Council' from nominees drawn from appropriately skilled and experienced personnel nominated and endorsed by the community and Commissioners; and

• With Council Administrations replaced by the COMMISSIONS' management networks OR standalone 'authorities' tasked to deliver services such as Resource Recovery, Infrastructure Maintenance, Building Supervision,  Public Health, etc.

The rationale for increasing the number of members in the Lower House of Parliament should flow on to the rationalisation of Local Govt in Tasmania. 

Clearly the Tasmanian Local Govt. Act 1993 is well past its use-by-date and is no longer fit for purpose. There is now an urgent need to better deploy scarce resources in order to overcome the multiple crises  'GOVERNANCE' is faced with in Tasmania.

If you want to be a change agent, 

you have to be ready to fail.

Robert Reich

IT SEEMS THAT LAUNCESTON HAS LOST ITS WAY

 

The City of Launceston council is racing against time to establish a new project which would enable use of a $10 million Building Better Regions Fund grant that is due to expire on December 31.

The latest project would involve construction of a multi-storey building on the site of the Birchalls building in the Brisbane Mall.

It is understood the project was considered at a closed session of council before the council elections.

While the federal Government scrapped round six of the BBRF grants in the recent Budget the City of Launceston's BBRF grant is a round four project.

A spokeswoman for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said: "As per the grant opportunity guidelines projects funded under Round 4 of the Building Better Regions Fund must be completed by 31 December 2022, with all funding expended before June 2023.

"However, grantees can request to extend the timeframes in their grant agreement, which would be considered according to Section 12.5 of the grant guidelines.

A funding agreement, under which payments would be made on the achievement of set milestones, was never finalised between the government and the City of Launceston because a sale of the $12 million Birchalls car park site at 41-55 Paterson Street was never completed and a $90 million Creative Precinct development did not proceed.

Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson said: "Discussions with the Federal Government in regards to the BBRF are ongoing.

"The expressions of interest process for the development of the Birchalls building is expected to be concluded in the coming months," he said.

"The Council looks forward to making an announcement on the outcome once that process is complete."

The council would not say whether an extension of timeframes had been requested under Section 12.5.

A spokesman said: "The council advertised an expressions of interest process for the redevelopment of the Birchalls building in 2020. "At the time, council received 11 applications from developers."

"After an assessment process, the most suitable candidates were shortlisted."

It is understood the latest proposal is centred around the Birchalls building which the council bought for $8.4 million.

An option being considered is for Birchalls building to be sold to a Sydney development firm Bricktop Group Pty Ltd for $6 million. Bricktop Group did not respond to a request for comment.

The Examiner understands the developer would build several levels on top of Birchalls and hand back to the council two levels of undeveloped floor space for its own use.

The City of Launceston would spend $1.7 million on developing its planned arcade linking the Brisbane Mall and the 41-55 Paterson St site.

Birchalls car park owner Car Parks Super Pty Ltd has a proposal for a $60 million development on the car park site which was refused by the council.

An appeal is due to be heard by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on December 1.

The council has previously expressed a desire to build a bus interchange on the Birchalls car park site.

WHERE IS LAUNCESTON'S MORAL COMPASS?