A manifesto for wellbeing

A Manifesto for Wellbeing

Excuse me while I go a bit abstract…The Australia Institute – a well known, progressive social research institute has put forward a Manifesto for Wellbeing – which outlines the basics – the things we as individuals, families and members of society need to be well.

Basically, we’re richer – on any scale about 3 times richer than our parents were. But are we any happier? I don’t think so – because money, just like in the song, doesn’t by love or happiness.

The Manifesto for Wellbeing goes into the things the Australia Institute and other people believe we need to be happy, to exist in a state of wellbeing. It may seem a bit abstract and fluffy, but have a read – its worth it. I encourage everyone to sign up.

The headings in the manifesto are:
1. Provide fulfilling work
2. Reclaim our time
3. Protect the environment
4. Rethink education
5. Invest in early childhood
6. Discourage materialism and promote responsible advertising
7. Build communities and relationships
8. A fairer society
9. Measure what matters

Towards a flourishing society

The question for Australia in the 21st century is not how we can become richer: it is how we can use our high standard of living to build a flourishing society—one devoted to improving our wellbeing rather than just expanding the economy.
Many Australians are anxious about declining moral standards. We worry that we have become too selfish, materialistic and superficial and long for a society built on mutual respect, self-restraint and generosity of spirit.

The value of incumbency

Samantha Dunn seems to be everywhere! In addition to receiving much coverage in the local newspapers, she also seems to be being subsidised by Council. With less than three months to go until the elections, on page 2 of both the Trader and Free Press large colour advertisements have been seen, promoting "Meet your local councillor".

I would be interested to know:

1. how much these ads cost; and
2. what the rules and regs are from council with regards to promoting the incumbent councillors.

Whatever the regulations are, it would seem to be poor decision-making from council. Oppositions regularly attack governments for their advertising, which while purportedly promote government services are, in essence, promoting the government.

I don't dispute the importance of raising the profile of councillors and council services. Awareness breeds accountability. No profile = no accountability. But this close to an election?

This sort of thing acts to further promote the advantages of incumbency. And makes the job of others trying to get into council that much more difficult!

Greensleeves?

The Greens are an interesting phenomenon - a party that is now running candidates at all levels of Government - Council, State and Federal. In this respect, they certainly take "Think Global, Act Local" to heart.

Usually made up of disaffected Labor and ex-Democrats, Greens are in the best of all situations - they will never be in a position to implement most of their policies. They will never have to compromise, nor do deals. They can be seen to remain pure, green and 'above' politics.

They are certainly renowned for taking populist, emotive positions on things. Usually positions, that if a national or state government were to take them would be disastrous for the economy and confidence generally.

Bob Brown is a case in point - a purist Green who remains unsullied by having to govern. But unlike other idealists - for example Peter Garrett who has compromised, he will never see most of his policies see the light of day. Who is the more effective politician?

It was Labor that saved the Gordon Below Frankin, it was Labor that apologised to Australia's Indigenous peoples. Not the Greens.

The conservative side of politics too, have been responsible for setting up many (if not most, given how long they've often been in government) national parks, for liberalising and promoting things like multiculturalism. Yes, Jeffrey Kennett may have been a lot of things, but he was pro-multicultural. In many senses - a true liberal, in the small 'l' sense of the word.

What have the Greens done? Very little, if the list of "scores" is looked at in a meaningful way. Yet somehow, they manage to take credit for many of these things.

The other side of remaining pure and above politics, is that it attracts a fervor that the more established parties find hard to replicate. There is a core of dedicated believers who are, like the so-called "Moral Majority"in the US (who were in actuality a minority) make more noise - "heat and light" - than their numbers would indicate.

I have to say the same is true of the Dandenongs. You can't live in the Dandenongs, in The Hills and not have regard for the environment. It would be nonsensical to want to turn our environment, unique in much of the world into the suburbs we all decry.

But the point of protecting the environment is for people - that unique interface where individuals, aesthetic sensibility and environment intersect. We must ensure that this is not forgotten when discussing the environment. People live in the Hills, and it is people who tend to be forgotten in much of the Green dialectic.

People need places to live, places to work, security, and services. Things that I think would slowly degrade if the Greens had their ultimate way.

I think it is important therefore to take back the environmental argument from the Greens. Just because you may be opposed to the Greens, with their emotive, often-times irrational discourse does not make you an environmental vandal. What it does it make sure you are aware of the bigger picture, that the world does not operate the way many Green supporters wish it would.

I for one, am glad of that.

2020 - not that far away

Dear all,

The Shire of the Yarra Ranges has currently released a discussion paper to discuss its Vision 2020 Review. I think this is an admirable goal, as in Australia we - and the Hills area in particular - are extremely vulnerable to such things as climate change, high petrol prices and the current potential for a global economic downturn. We need to plan for the future

One concern I do have is that in many respects - 2020 is not that far away. We are now nearly at the end of 2008, meaning that it is not a great leap to 2020. The Victorian Government was exploring future options with its 2020 proposals eight years ago in 2000.

Additionally, what is left out of the discussion paper is any discussion on the role of council itself in governance and representation. I feel that many people are alienated from the local political process - to their own but also council's detriment. I think this plays to some people's wishes, as it means they are less accountable.

If local Councils are to improve their relevance to people's lives, their needs to be some in-depth discussion about the role of councils, council officials and elected representatives.

As part of the discussion paper (which can be found if you click the logo above), Council are holding a community forum split over two half days on two weekends on 11 October and 18 October. I urge those members of the community who have an interest in the future of the Shire to attend and have their say.

Regards,

Chris

The importance of the environment in the Hills

People move to the Hills for a number of reasons, relative cheapness of property, family etc. The number one reason for people staying, is the beautiful environment we live in.

One of the better things about working in the city is coming home to the Hills. The moment I get off the train, I can smell the blossoms and the freshness of the air. Getting out in the garden, or walking on one of the many bushwalks around the Hills is also a number one favourite of mine.

It is this environment that we must protect. We're hemmed in on both sides by massive growth corridors and suburban sprawl. I'm sure I'm not the only one who can remember the farmland around Narre Warren and Berwick where there are now McMansions. Green wedges must be protected, and grown if possible.

We need to resist the tendency to bring the 'burbs with us. Not much point living up here if you're only going to turn it into what you left behind.

Many groups - some new, a lot old do fantastic work managing and regenerating forest around the Shire. The Council has naturally taken their lead from residents, in taking a strong stance to protect the environment and ensure that the uniqueness of our environment is there for future generations.

Managing this complex eco-system does require consistency and support from council. It also requires real, substantive solutions to environmental issues as they arise. People have told me that planning and authorisations often take too long, and that flexibility in decisions is sometimes lacking. But it is important to remember that we are not saving the environment for its own sake - conservation and sustainability means little without people.

Substantive solutions mean real solutions. For me, the biggest issues facing the shire are:

• Environmental weeds - degrades the forest, detracts from bio-diversity
  
• Malfunctioning septics - stinks! Pollutes streams and waterways, gets into the water table thereby causing dieback.
  
• Water and drainage - like the above - maximising the use of water resources, ensuring its purity and minimising the affects on people through slippage.
  
• Coordinated planning - Ensuring that growth in the Shire is coordinated, to ensure continuity between different forest areas.
• Minimising affects on native wildlife - both through domestic animal controls and wildlife crossing. I for one am sick of seeing dead animals on the roads.
  

I think we need real solutions to these problems - not getting distracted on abstract 'big picture" issues like nuclear power and GM foods. These are obviously important AND controversial but are areas where the Shire can have little or no influence.

My focus is on people and the environment. A balanced approach to environmental policy and sustainability.

Belgrave in Transition

One thing that time in a place will do is provide you with perspective. When I was at school, Belgrave had menswear shops, clothing boutiques, music stores and lots of banks. Time, and the continual growth of shopping centres like Knox and Fountain Gate has meant that this type of retail can no longer be sustained in Belgrave.

I think Belgrave, like many strip shopping areas will continue to struggle, as we try and work out what it is! Is it a township, where locals come to shop for such basics and services as groceries, newsagencies and post office? Or is it going to be a tourist precinct - some sort of adjunct to Puffing Billy?

Speaking with my resident's hat on, I would prefer it didn't become Olinda or Sassafras. I like to shop locally - I like to know who I shop from. Bill's Butchers, Bjelan's Pharmacy and the Queen of Tarts Cafe are great examples of how standout local businesses can be. The Cameo too is a landmark - and to think we almost lost it!

If Belgrave is truly to find its place, some sort of consultation needs to happen - something that includes local businesses, peak bodies, community groups and local residents. We all need to work together to decide what we want from our community.

This would provide certainty to local businesses, as well as providing locals with a stake in the future of their community. I'm going to make a point of speaking to local businesses about what they think - then to as many people as possible about what they want. Perhaps together, we can weave some sort of cohesive vision for Belgrave that meets all our needs.

Some relief for home-owners

The recent rate cut by the Reserve Bank, with follow-on cuts by the major banks will be some relief to the home-owners in Lyster Ward. Shire of the Yarra Ranges stats have home-ownership at above 50 per cent for communities in the Lyster Ward and I know from discussions with people that they've been feeling the strain.

My family, like many people have been feeling the interest rate hikes - so some relief is extremely welcome.

I realise that interest rates aren't within the responsibility of the Shire ( I doubt very much the Federal Government has anything to do with them either, despite what Malcolm Turnbull thinks)! But recognising the stresses that residents are under is one step in providing solutions.

Welcome to My Blog!

The content of this blog will chart my progress, my thoughts and some ideas associated with running for Lyster Ward in the Shire of the Yarra Ranges. Amongst other thoughts that come to mind!

I am a long-time resident of the Belgrave area, and chose to raise my family here. I believe Lyster Ward in particular needs a better deal from Council, and here's why.

Before the Shire of the Yarra Ranges, the Shire of Sherbrooke had a strong local presence, which helped provide strong feelings of identity and belonging for its residents.

I believe this has changed in the Yarra Ranges, as local issues and culture became submerged in larger issues in a much larger shire. This acts to separate and alienate local residents from council - at a time when they need that connection more than ever.

Economic and social pressures are impacting on quality of life in Lyster Ward - and I feel that despite some encouraging signals from Council surrounding 2020, are being ignored or paid lip service to.

Services and infrastructure, and value for money thereof are measures by which a council is counted - and it is this area that it is falling down. Issues like drainage, sewerage, road maintenance and traffic management are in sore need of attention and policy development.

The main roundabout in Belgrave township is one such area in need of attention, where traffic and pedestrian usage has increased markedly. A recent accident involving a car and the Queen of Tarts Cafe brought this into stark relief, as much for the potential for injury as the affect on trade.

The intersection acts to suppress the amount of Puffing Billy patrons who will access Belgrave, as they are discouraged from crossing at the intersection by no provision for pedestrians.

There is also the issue of business in the Lyster Ward, and how much assistance and coordination they get with council. Businesses require the active involvement of council to facilitate their activities - which hasn't happened on any consistent level in Belgrave.

If I am elected councillor, I would initiate a community advisory council with local people and leaders, to enable them to communicate their ideas and concerns directly to their representative. This would also provide me with the opportunity to feedback directly to them on the doings and rationales behind council decisions. This ensures that as councillor, I remain accountable and approachable to residents.

It is essential that councillors remain accessible to all residents - not just those from particular interest groups or fellow travellers. Ensuring that everyone gets a fair hearing is the first step towards making informed decisions on behalf of the ward.

Hopefully this blog will allow residents with their concerns to contact me and voice the issues that concern them directly. I will also be happy to speak to residents either via phone or directly. Leave your contact details on any email you send and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Chris