A little bit more about me...

Well, I currently work for the Victorian Department of Justice in theProblem Gambling area. Previously, I've worked for the Victims Support Agency and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. I've also worked in private enterprise and community agencies.

For me its not just enough to work for an organisation - you have to believe in what that organisation is doing. Which is why I've been proud to work with Victims of Crime, helping to make the criminal justice system more accountable. I am also proud to work in an area which can have a direct impact on individuals and their families. Helping people for whom gambling has become a problem.

During my time, I've run into people who are dedicated to helping others. Whether it is local police, public servants, social workers and yes, even politicians - there are many people out there doing their best to make a better world for others. The role of a councillor is that of a communicator - someone who listens to people and to what is being said more broadly and represents those views back to council.

Which is why, if elected, I will advertise for people who are concerned for what is happening in their community, and would like to have more of say and an understanding on how decisions are made. It is essential that these people aren't just those who voted for, or agree with the councillor. A representative must be challenged by his - or her - constituents.

Of Ants and Grasshoppers

While we are assured by banks and government that our institutions are "fundamentally sound", I think it timely to revisit and shore-up our social support services - just in case. "Plan for the worst, hope for the best" should be the catchcry of all governments at whatever level to ensure that we are prepared for what happens.

The fact of the matter is that the US financial crisis is having and will continue to have an affect on national and local economies. If only because the market operates on two emotions - greed and fear. Investment necessary for growth will go elsewhere. And jobs growth will slow, or even decline.

Much of our recent boom has been on the back of easy credit - and leveraging off our houses' increasing worth. This too will slow - and as such, consumer confidence will soften, economic growth will slow etc.

I believe we are yet to feel the true brunt of this economic crisis. Think about how much better prepared we could have been if we had, like the Ant in the Ant and the Grasshopper fable put away some of the bounty while the sun shone. Ensuring we have adequate public transport, ensuring we have adequate social, financial and accommodation infrastructure for those who need it.

In recent memory, the 90s Recession caused families real hardship. To people of my grandparent's generation, the Depression was all encompassing. We are so much more wealthy and aware now - surely we can use some of that wealth and knowledge to secure the future for our children, so that they don't need to go through the dislocation and despair associated with depression/recession.

If elected, I will ensure that Council revisits its budget, to act quickly to do what can be done to promote social infrastructure and support - supporting such groups such as Dandenong Ranges Community Relief Service, the various neighbourhood houses and other social services.

By doing so, perhaps we can make allowances and provide help for the other protagonist in the Aesop fable - the grasshopper.

Which is of course, what strong and resilient communities do.

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.