Regarding Geraldton's Sand Dunes at Southgates: Ian Blayney's letter to the Minister

Ian Blayney MLA, Member for Geraldton, has written to Jon Day, the state Government's Minister for Planning, expressing his protest against changes that could see development take place at Geraldton's Southgates. 

In the letter he focusses on the environmental impact disrupting the sand recharge would have to Geraldton's beaches. 


Below is a recent ABC article on the existing erosion problems Geraldton's beaches are facing. 

A developer is trying to get permission to subdivide our precious sand dunes

Mayor slams Minister’s plans for Southgates

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn has described the State Government’s plan to change an amendment which will result in the rezoning of Southgates Dunes for development and future urban subdivision as “nothing short of environmental terrorism”.

The proposed changes to Planning Scheme Amendment No. 4 went to council Tuesday night at the Agenda Forum after the Minister for Environment, Hon Albert Jacob, and the Minister for Planning, Hon John Day, reached agreement on the conditions to which the Amendment should be subject if it is to be implemented.

Mayor Van Styn has hit back at the proposed changes to the Amendment saying that any development on the land would destroy sand supply to other local beaches and are completely outrageous.

“We are flat out carting sand to Beresford to save our beaches (from Pages beach) and here we have a proposal that will make that problem a lot worse,” he said.

“The idea of destroying the sand supply to our northern beaches is mind blowing and it’s hard to believe that anybody could think that is in any way a good idea.”

The Amendment involves subdividing an area of around 780ha of land on Southgates Dunes.

The Local Planning Scheme Amendment in its current form poses significant risks for the City both financially and environmentally.

“The Southgates Dunes are iconic and represent Geraldton a much as our lighthouse,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“We also need to be reminded the proposed developer is the same developer that was responsible for the mess at Cape Burney,” he added.

If the motion to object the proposal is passed by Council next week, the City will immediately advise the Minister for Planning that the Council strongly objects to the implementation of Local Planning Scheme Amendment No. 4 in its current form.

“Here is yet another example, of Perth based planning bureaucracies making appalling planning decisions that are completely out of step with local sentiment and is another clear example of why local government should be the masters of their own planning,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“I call on all of our community to do all they can to protest against this outrageous proposal.”


Has there already been excessive mining at Southgates?

Many residents over the past several months have expressed their outrage to Everything Geraldton over how much sand has already been taken from Southgates. It's clear from the beach, and the road, that much of the natural and iconic dunes have been flattened. 

What's not known by most locals is that conveniently the level to which the dunes have been flattened is the exact same height that the EPA have said needs to be in place when/if any sub-division occurs. 

Some locals are questioning if EPA guidelines have been breached, or if too much sand has been taken already from the dunes, due to the obvious scaring that is clearly visible to all passers-by. 

The mining that is taking place at Southgates is for the lime sand to be used by farmers. It is used to increase the pH levels of soil. The mining, if done at low enough levels, is sustainable, as the dunes do grow each year. 

 


Everything Geraldton welcomes your feedback regarding "Save Southgates". Provide your feedback with the link below. Or email geraldton@justeverything.com.au


If you would like to contact our local representatives, here are their contact details. 


Ian Blayney

Shop 2, 5 Chapman Road
Geraldton WA 6530
Ph: 9964 1640
Fax: 9964 2892
Email: ian.blayney@mp.wa.gov.au


Paul Brown

Unit 3, 5 Chapman Road
GERALDTON WA 6530
Ph: (08) 9921 4818
Fax: (08) 9921 4972
Email: paul.brown@mp.wa.gov.au


Darren West

84 Marine Terrace
GERALDTON WA 6530
PO Box 578 GERALDTON 6531
Ph: (08) 9964 1001
Fax: (08) 9964 1002
Email: darren.west.mp@mp.wa.gov.au


Mayor Van Styn has set up a Facebook page called Save Southgates. Links below. Like the page and share with your friends if you're interested in getting behind it. 

Let's save Southgates! #savesouthgates

Posted by Save Southgates on Friday, March 18, 2016

Fantastic new learning facilities for Geraldton - video

Yesterday, Thursday March 3 2016, Durack Institute of Technology officially opened three fantastic new facilities.

  • Health, Education and Community Services Facility
  • Aboriginal Learning Centre
  • Evolution Hair, Beauty and Massage Training salon

Hon. Liza Harvey and Hon. Terry Redman MLA were in attendance for the opening, along with staff, students and others. Check out the short video above, which gives a brief look at these great new assets for our community. 

Paul Brown nominates for Seat of Geraldton

Paul Brown with wife Rebecca, son Jack and daughter Jaymee.

Nationals WA MP Paul Brown has today confirmed his intentions to contest the Seat of Geraldton in the 2017 State election.

Mr Brown said he had officially nominated for the position this week after much discussion with family, friends and colleagues around the move.

“There are many reasons why I’ve decided to contest the seat of Geraldton, but ultimately, it comes down to ensuring the people of Geraldton have a strong voice to stand up and fight for their best interests in State Parliament,” Mr Brown said.

“Living and working in Geraldton, I hear feedback that the people of Geraldton want to see change. Geraldton is a major regional centre and a key player in regional WA and I want to help see it reach its full potential.”

Mr Brown said Geraldton residents felt like they had missed out on opportunities in recent years.

“Projects like the Oakajee Port, the Geraldton Hospital, and economic revitalisation of the town have slipped by the wayside because there simply hasn’t been that drive in State Parliament to make these projects happen.

“The Nationals WA have a strong track record of delivering for regional Western Australia, and I want to see Geraldton get its fair share.”

Mr Brown said The Nationals WA had a history of challenging the status quo – with Brendon Grylls, Wendy Duncan and Mia Davies all vacating safe seats in 2013 to safeguard the future of Royalties for Regions.

“Leaving the Agricultural Region to contest the Seat of Geraldton might be a risk, but the greater risk would be not to do it and leave Geraldton’s future to city-based decision makers.”

Mr Brown said the 2017 State Election was particularly important for voters outside the metropolitan region – with changing electoral boundaries abolishing the electorate of Eyre to create a new electorate in Perth.

“Less country seats and more city seats means regional voters need to make sure they have a strong regional voice in the Parliament that will represent their interests and have the capacity to deliver,” he said.

“The people who choose to live and work in great regional communities like Geraldton deserve better than having their voice lost in a party room dominated by Perth politicians.”

The Nationals WA will pre-select for the Seat of Geraldton on April 30.

Greenough residents wanting to keep their "G" number plates

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has written to Transport Minister Hon Dean Nalder regarding the issue of localised car number plates.

“I’ve been approached by a number of constituents who have concerns about their ability to access local plates for their cars in future.

“The issues are to do with number plates issued by the Shire of Greenough since its amalgamation with the City of Greater Geraldton.

“I’ve asked the Minister to advise whether a person with an existing G plate can obtain new ones?

“Also, whether it’s possible to buy a set of G plates from someone who already has a set and wishes to sell them?

“Another issue raised with me is – if a plate has been handed back and is no longer used, is it possible to gain a list of those plates and get them reissued?

“And lastly, like all Shires in the region, Greenough issued a series of special plates in reverse order. Is it still possible to obtain these plates?

“While the Shire no longer exists and the new local authority no longer carries the name Greenough, locals have a strong attachment to their area and genuinely would like to keep, or obtain their number plates,” said Mr Blayney.

Melissa Price wants a simpler system for penalty rates for employees

Durack MP Melissa Price is arguing for a simplified system of payment for employees, arguing that a simpler system would encourage more businesses to open more hours, thus creating more jobs. 

Daniel Hurst writing for The Guardian (the international publication, not the local paper):

Melissa Price, who represents the Western Australian seat of Durack, criticised the “complex” existing rules in a submission to the Fair Work Commission (FWC), which is reviewing penalty rates in hospitality and retail awards.

Click here to read the full article. 

Mobile black spots on the agenda

Member for Durack Melissa Price has again asked for nominations of mobile black spot locations in the electorate of Durack to be submitted by December 21st for consideration under Round 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Programme.

“The Commonwealth Government has committed $60 million which will help provide new or upgraded mobile coverage in Durack under Round 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Programme,” Ms Price said.
“I strongly encourage residents of Durack to nominate mobile black spots in the local area before the deadline of December 21.”
Black spot nominations for Round 2 of the Programme can be made online at communications.gov.au/blackspots or emailed to Ms Price at Melissa.Price.MP@aph.gov.au.
“The Turnbull Government understands the importance of mobile coverage in regional and remote areas of Australia. The Coalition invested $100 million under Round 1 of the programme which will see almost 500 new mobile base stations built nationally. This is the biggest one-time increase in mobile coverage from a single funding programme in the history of mobile telecommunications in Australia,” Ms Price said.

Locations nominated as mobile black spots by people living in Durack will be added to a national database.

The database will be provided to mobile operators as part of a competitive selection process, where operators will be required to nominate sites where they would build new or upgraded base stations to serve the black spot locations nominated by the public.

The Government will then select successful locations in accordance with the ranking process set out in the Mobile Black Spot Programme Round 2 guidelines, which will be issued publicly prior to the commencement of the competitive selection process.

The competitive selection process is scheduled to begin in early 2016, and the Government expects to be in a position to announce the successful locations under Round 2 by the end of 2016.

Over 6,000 locations were nominated under Round 1 of the programme, with Round 1 set to provide new or upgraded coverage to around 3,000 of the nominated black spots.

Black spots which are not set to receive new or upgraded coverage under Round 1 of the programme will remain in the database as eligible locations for Round 2.

 

Hundreds of millions to be invested in tackling ice

Durack will benefit from extra efforts to tackle the drug ice as part of recent announcements by the Turnbull Government Member for Durack Melissa Price said today.

The Government will invest almost $300 million over four years to improve treatment, after care, education, prevention, support and community engagement to tackle ice.

The package includes an additional $241.5 million to be invested through the 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs), which will use their local knowledge to boost the alcohol and other drug treatment sector and reduce demand for ice, and an additional $13 million to introduce new MBS items for Addiction Medicine Specialists to increase the availability of treatment.

The announcement follows the Ice Forums Ms Price hosted in Broome in Geraldton, to form part of the final National Ice Taskforce report presented to the Prime Minister.

“Police all over Australia including our local police have done a great job, making a record 26,000 arrests in 2013-14. In 2014, customs intercepted more than 50 times as much ice by weight than in 2010,” Ms Price said.
“But ice remains easy to get, and the price hasn’t changed. The Taskforce says we must also address demand if we are to be effective in combatting ice.
“I’m very pleased to see local people will make decisions about how best to help our region’s ice problem. This is much better than Canberra deciding what’s best for us.”

Minister responsible for drug and alcohol policy Senator the Hon Fiona Nash said helping those who are hooked on this drug to get off it takes the biggest buyers out of the market and reduces demand.

“PHNs will choose what forms of treatment is best bang for buck in the local region – be that counselling, rehabilitation or other forms of treatment. Government and PHNs will also work closely with the Aboriginal Community Controlled health sector to invest in culturally appropriate services.
“Existing services will be extended by another 12 months to 30 June 2017 to allow considered planning of service delivery by PHNs going forward.
“The PHNs also deliver mental health treatment services which will provide a vital link between the drug and alcohol treatment sector and the mental health sector.

This means helping people who are on the drug to get off it, and educating others never to start taking it. Removing the buyers from the market will break the business model of the drug dealers. For more information about the National Ice Taskforce, including the Final Report, go to pmc.gov.au/ice

 

Call for Green Army participants

Member for Durack Melissa Price is encouraging young people to join the Green Army, joining what is fast becoming the largest-ever team of young Australians supporting environmental action across the country.

“Green Army projects are underway around the country and young people who want to gain valuable skills, training and experience in environmental and conservation fields are encouraged to register their interest,” Ms Price said.

“The Geraldton Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo Propagation/Revegetation Project – Stage 1 will be based at the City of Greater Geraldton Community Nursery, planting native seedlings that will provide habitat and foraging food for the endangered black cockatoo.

“The team will also educate the public that visit the nursery on the importance of planting native seedlings in their backyards and how it can contribute to increasing the Carnaby's populations.

“They will also help with planting activities around the City of Greater Geraldton to improve habitat values for the Carnaby's.

“Planting native flora for the black cockatoo during this project will provide much needed food sources and habitat for this endangered species.”

The Green Army provides young people across the country with a chance to take part in important environmental and conservation activities, while at the same time receiving training and qualifications.

Participation is open to a diverse range of young people, including Indigenous Australians, school leavers, gap year students, graduates and job seekers. Participants must be aged between 17 and 24 years and an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

The Green Army was a key Coalition election commitment, and with more than $700 million committed over four years, the Green Army is one of the Government's major environmental initiatives and encourages practical action to support local environment and heritage conservation projects across Australia, providing training to thousands of young Australians by 2018-2019.

Young Australians interested in joining the Green Army can apply through the appointed Service Providers for each state and territory. Contact details for Service Providers are available from environment.gov.au/green-army

Mark McGowan visits Geraldton to talk jobs

WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan visited Geraldton last week to talk to the community about Labor’s vision to create jobs.

Mr McGowan said “We are here to put jobs on the agenda.

“We all know that the resources sector is changing, so it’s important to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities for West Australians.

“It should have happened a long time ago but unfortunately Colin Barnett failed to plan for life beyond the resources boom. This is why so many West Australians, including people in Geraldton, are now facing the prospect of unemployment and this is why we should be talking about ways to diversify the economy and create new jobs.

“We’ve already announced important plans to ensure that people and businesses in regional WA benefit from big State Government projects.

“A WA Labor Government will give people in Geraldton a fair go.”

Mr McGowan also said WA Labor’s Priority Start policy would create jobs in Geraldton, by ensuring all big State Government construction projects deliver apprenticeships and traineeships for locals.

 

Finally: Tougher Home Burglary Laws pass Parliament

After making the promise at the last state election to toughen home burglary laws the Liberal party has at long last delivered something. After spending many months in the upper house, the WA parliament finally passed the legislation. Full press release from Ian Blayney's office follows:


The Liberal National Government has re-affirmed its commitment to making WA communities safer after its tough home invasion and burglary laws passed Parliament last night.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said in delivering this election commitment, the toughest penalties in Australia would be imposed for serious home invasion offenders.  Mandatory sentencing laws for serial home burglars would also be tightened. 

“These tough new laws protect the people targeted for home burglaries and those that are terrorised and attacked during a home invasion,” Mr Blayney said.

“The Liberal National Government promised residents of Geraldton that we would be tough on crime and we have delivered on that commitment today.”

Mr Blayney the legislation mandated minimum jail terms of 75 per cent of the maximum sentence for an adult offender who committed serious physical or sexual assault during a home burglary. This means: 

• an offender who breaks into a house and sexually assaults someone will face a minimum of 15 years jail;

• an offender who breaks into a house and physically assaults someone causing serious harm will face a minimum of seven years, six months jail; and

• an offender who breaks into a house and indecently assaults someone will face a minimum of five years, three months jail.

Mr Blayney said the three strike rules would also be tightened to stop offenders being able to have all their offences bundled together as one strike.

“Under the new laws, if an offender has committed three burglaries, on three days that is three strikes and they’re going to jail,” Mr Blayney said

“We know that the majority of home invasions are committed by prolific offenders. To get these offenders off the streets and into a prison cell will help burglary rates decrease.”

Mr Blayney said the Liberal National Government was dedicated to making communities safer through tough laws and by providing police with the resources they needed to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

Melissa Price stood by Abbott until the very end

Melissa Price

For those of you watching the political saga last night live, you may have caught a glimpse of Durack MP Melissa Price in Tony Abbott's entourage heading toward the fateful vote that would see Abbott lose the leadership of the Liberal party, and thus the Prime Ministership. 

Ms Price has had both Turnbull and Abbott in Geraldton in recent months. Several months ago when Abbott's job was on the line, Ms Price spoke in favour of keeping him at the helm. 

The ABC's Karla Arnall spoke with Ms Price, who said she was completely taken by surprise at yesterday's events. 

Click here to read the article in full. 

 

Sadly, this is what we do if our neighbours are in trouble

Once upon a time there was a normal family. They were called the Jobs family. There was a mum, a dad, a little boy, and a little girl. 

They lived in a beautiful street with many different homes. Some were large, some were small. Some were elegant and some were simple. 

The Jobs family lived in a simple home. It had stood for many years, and was a great asset to the street. 

One night, the Jobs family home burnt down. It was no fault of the Jobs family. There was some shoddy wiring which started an electrical fire. The family all survived the fire, but all their possessions were destroyed. They had no beds, no clothes, just a few coins in their pockets and the pyjamas they were wearing. 

With nowhere to go, they headed to their neighbour's home to ask for help. Perhaps their kind neighbours would put them up for a few nights and help them a little. 

They headed to one of the largest homes in the street. This large house was home to the Abbott family. They were a very fat family, because they had way more food than they could ever eat. The house was so large that it was often difficult to find someone in it. And importantly, the family was a Christian family. They claimed they loved people just like Jesus, and thus they had a rule that if anyone ever came inside their home and asked for help, they would do everything they could to help them. 

Their reputation for kindness was well known. So the Jobs family went and knocked on their door. 

But things had changed recently at the Abbott family residence. The Jobs family didn't know this, but the head of the household had convinced many people in the family that anyone who comes to the door asking for help is dangerous, or wants to take all their food. Despite all being morbidly obese, some of the Abbott household members started fearing the imaginary scenarios that Mr Abbott had told them about. So they put together an armed force to stand outside the home to arrest anyone who approached the door. 

Inside the home, there was still a plaque on the wall that said "We will help anyone who comes inside and asks for help." This made all the residence of the home feel nice. They were able to tell themselves they were lovely and kind. Sometimes they would open a window and throw a few dollars out of it. That really made them feel special. 

The Jobs family were arrested before they even got to the front door. The children and the parents were all taken away to a factory warehouse on the other side of town, where residents of the Abbott home could not see them. One of the young children who lived in the Abbott residence asked why the poor family with no home couldn't come inside.

Mr Abbott started to make fun of the little boy who asked the honest question. He reminded everyone in the home that he was a Christian, and wanted to protect the family. But some people within the family started to question the need to be so harsh on the Jobs family. Everyone in the Abbott residence knew of the tragic fire. It had been all over the news. But the people who were worried about the Jobs family were told to keep the noise down because the footy was on.  

Meanwhile, the Jobs family were taken to one of the most horrible places they had ever imagined. During their stay, one of their children was sexually abused. They were imprisoned and treated like criminals, and they had no idea if they were ever going to be able to leave. They cried every day. Some of the people that ran the warehouse were horrified at the conditions. They went and told Mr Abbott how bad it was. But instead of fixing the problems, Mr Abbott decided to make a new house rule. If anyone spoke about anything that happened at the warehouse, even of sexual abuse, they would be locked under the stairs for two years. 

The Abbott family continued getting fatter and fatter, and celebrating what wonderful Christians they all were.

And no one really knows what happened to the Jobs family.




Free Webinar for those running for Council

Are you interested in running for Council but have questions about Local Government, becoming an elected member, Councillor roles and responsibilities, Council meetings, personal responsibilities or the impacts it may have on your home life then you won’t want to miss the Free Webinar on becoming an elected member tomorrow (Wednesday 12 August) at5.30pm.

The 45 minute long webinar provides opportunity to listen to and ask questions of Local Government experts who will give clear guidance on what Elected Members can and cannot do

For more information on the Webinar contact James McGovern at WALGA on 9213 2093 or to register go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6537187432416282114

Local woman has a go at becoming a councillor

Renee Ellis has decided to nominate to be elected as a local Councillor for the City of Greater Geraldton in the upcoming elections in October.

Renee is an experienced lawyer with several years of social justice advocacy in regional and remote Australia, including various management and leadership roles.

In February 2015 Renee was appointed as a member of the Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Reference Group which provides counsel to the Department of Regional Development and the Minister on matters relating to women's interests, regional sustainability and community cohesion.

Renee also is a board member for the Geraldton Resource Centre, and runs her own Legal Business

However, one of Renee’s great passions is encouraging other women to take leadership roles and find their voice.

‘I think it’svital that women are able to represent their own needs and have their voices heard in every aspect of community, social, business and family life’

Since moving from South Australia Renee has noticed a stark difference between the support and encouragement to take up leadership roles women received in South Australia to that ofWestern Australia.

One thing that does stand out to Renee is the gender imbalance in the City of Greater Geraldton Council.

‘Currently there are two female Councillors amongst twelve Councillors, and one Mayor. That is not even 20%, when women in Geraldton make up over half of the population. It makes me really sad to think that women aren’t seeing leadership roles, like becoming a local Councillor within their reach’.

Having previous experience as a Councillor in Port Augusta, South Australia Renee understands that being a Councillor can be a greatly rewarding and empowering experience.

‘I honestly would love to see more women running for roles in the Council at these upcoming local Government elections and I would encourage any woman who is considering running, or is curious to hear more to contact me, I would be more than happy to help and support other women on their leadership journey’.

Renee can be contacted at reneeellis@live.com.au or https://www.facebook.com/ReneeEllis2015

Anyone who would like to nominate for Council can also contact the Electoral Commission or find information on the Department of Local Communities Website at http://dlg.wa.gov.au/

State Government breaks promise to fishers

Revenue from fishing licensing that was promised by the Liberal party to be returned to the sector has been cut in half, leaving fishers angry. 

Andrew O'Connor for the ABC:

The State Government is facing a backlash from Western Australia's recreational fishers who are angry over the axing of funding to key conservation and education initiatives.

In the lead-up to the 2013 election, the Liberal Party guaranteed Recfishwest 25 per cent of more than $7 million raised in licence revenue would be allocated to the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund.

But Dr Andrew Rowland from Recfishwest said the Government has cut money flowing to the fund by half, breaking that election promise.

Geraldton fuel prices similar to Perth

During the recent December/January holiday period, Geraldton residents were outraged over the large, inexplicable difference in fuel prices between Geraldton and Perth. 

Apologists for the fuel retailers in town justified the 20 - 30 cent difference by saying it costs more to get fuel to the Mid West, retailers needed to charge the extra just to survive, and if you don't like it, leave. 

MLA Ian Blayney responded to the public outrage over what felt like extortion by calling on the Minister for Commerce to investigate the situation (link).

Since Blayney's call for an investigation, and the public and media outcry, prices have mysteriously come much closer to Perth prices. 

The Perth Metro average today was 137 cents for regular unleaded. 

Prices in Geraldton today ranged from 131.5 cents to 147.9, for regular unleaded. At least 6 fuel stations were less than the Perth Metro average. 

In December, the difference between the Mid West and Perth Metro for the average price of ULP was 25.2 cents. In May so far, the difference has been 6.9 cents. 

Other than the threat of investigation, it's unclear why fuel is all of a sudden able to be sold at prices similar to Perth. 

Average ULP Price Difference between Mid West and Perth Metro

Prices via FuelWatch