Chansey Paech Candidate for Alice Springs Town Council 2012

As a candidate for the Alice Springs Town Council, my aim is to represent and be available to all residents of our town. I believe we have all made a great financial commitment and personal investment in the future of Alice, whether we live in the urban town area, a town camp, or on a rural block.

I’d like to tell you and your members a little about why I am standing. I want to give something back to the town that has been so supportive of me and my family over many generations.

I am committed to working as part of a council team to put a positive voice forward to continue developing our town. We need to focus on what is achievable and financially responsible.

To address your specific issues:

What is your position on maintaining the integrity of zoning and lot sizes in the rural area?

I believe the amenity of the rural area should be maintained. This does not mean that our planning should be set in stone, but residents and council should have a strong and representative voice in planning decisions.

What is your position on the excessive number of streetlights the rural area?

What is your position on streetlights in the proposed Kilgariff subdivision?

Safety would be my first priority on the question of streetlighting. If the majority of rural residents believe there are too many street lights in the rural area, and there are no issues that would impact on safe road use, this may be an issue council can investigate.

Kilgariff is planned as a residential subdivision and I understand streetlighting will reflect this.

What is your position on the role of elected Members, in their relationship with Council officers and consultation with electors?

Are you asking for more consultation with councillors on issues pertaining to RAA? If elected, I would be available to discuss local government issues with rural residents, as I would with any Alice resident. Communication is of course a two-way street.

What is your position on the unresolved stormwater management in the rural area?

This is an issue I have no information on and would want to discuss with the relevant experienced officers employed by ASTC before taking a position.

What is your position on the protection of our natural environment within the Municipality?

One of my platforms is to ensure our parks and public spaces are more user and family friendly. I believe our wonderful natural environment in and around Alice Springs is one of our major attractions and should be protected.

What is your position on something as simple as tip shop? Should we have to pay to dump clean loads of re-usable and recyclable material such as glass, steel and green waste at the dump?

I was an enthusiastic user of the old tip shop and am keen for local council to investigate ways of increasing options to re-use and recycle as plans are developed for our new land fill.

What is your position on encouraging local enterprise and innovation with real community benifits?

The opportunities presented by innovative recycling schemes, the role of council in increasing childcare options in Alice Springs and the partnerships that can be formed between local government and the community are issues I am committed to exploring on council. As a local councillor, my prime motivation is to ensure what we do has ‘real community benefits.’

Finally, how committed are you to any or all of your “election promises”?

Council should be focused on council business. This is why the commitments I am making are all based on local government responsibilities, not promises that fall way outside local council’s remit. I am fully committed to achieving what I have committed to in my campaign.

Thank you for this opportunity
Chansey Paech

Liz Martin  Candidate for Alice Springs Town Council 2012

Planning & Block Sizes

While I have supported the Kilgariff development for many reasons including the very real need for affordable housing required to attract key professionals and workers to Alice Springs (a major issue for business) I have also maintained that the integrity of existing R, RL and RR blocks should be maintained as those residents have invested considerably in that lifestyle. I will continue to maintain that stance to the capacity of council.

What is your position on maintaining the integrity of zoning and lot sizes in the rural area?

As above, however I do believe in community consultation and the ASRRA has been very active in this area. When I did a call around people I know “South of the Gap” in relation to Kilgariff the response was about 50/50 – when in consultation with the rest of the town in was closer to 80/20. Given decision making also has to be balanced against the rights of the owner and the nature of the subdivision (and many other aspects).
The only thing I can say with honesty is that I will judge each application on its merits taking into account public comment.

However, for me your question is hard to answer. The term ‘rural area’ is very generic and different people conjure up different interpretations of what a ‘rural’ area is - I would be talking in more specific terms. If I was living in a residential rural area where the residents are overwhelmingly against subdivision or rezoning, I would be setting a realistic boundary and lobbying to have that specific area declared the minimum zoning / size of block required. One of the problems now is that no such declaration or regulation was made when people purchased their blocks originally. I spoke to a man just the other day who bought his block years ago with the intention of dividing it into four smaller blocks for his children when they grew up so it is hard to get him to see the other perspective. I don’t know if this is even a possibility in the NT as I haven’t been involved in planning
- but it has been done in other areas and I am happy to look into it and will support any reasonable application/submission to that effect.

What is your position on the excessive number of streetlights the rural area?

Obviously the cost of street lighting is also a huge impost on council too and I would like to see that reduced for both financial and environmental reasons - but we have to weigh that up against our duty of care, other residents needs and of course road safety even though it is not a legislated requirement. While I don’t want lighting down Norris Bell Avenue I do want lighting at the Stuart Highway intersection as I have witnessed several
pedestrian deaths occur there over the years. I personally narrowly missed running over two small children on Ilparpa Road several years ago when they ran across the road in front of me in the dark. It terrified me. Generally speaking, the denser the population the bigger the need for lighting. There is also a need for lighting in dangerous places. Having said that, and taking into account what I said above about specific areas - if residents and road users overwhelmingly have a particular position in a specific area I am happy to support it.

What is your position on streetlights in the proposed Kilgariff subdivision?

Kilgariff, from my perspective at least, (noting neither I or council have control over DCA or NT Govt) should be a suburb that is

a) affordable – assumably attracting first home buyers and young families (need some lighting)
b) healthy – parks, walking paths and bike trails encouraging healthy lifestyles (need some lighting)
c) green – maximise the use of environmentally friendly initiatives in all areas including subtle solar or other alternative lighting.

While I have played a small role in this development through council I have been involved on a personal level and I believe at the end of the day the residents of Kilgariff will re-shape that suburb to what they want.

The Role of Elected Members
Almost twelve years ago, the Council resolved to consult rural residents on Council issues that would specifically affect them. Apart from two
instances in the last 12 months,this has never happened, except at the instigation of ASRAA. During the term of the last council, I could count on
my thumbs the number of times an elected member (or an officer) has contacted ASRAA in an act of consultation.

I have personally spoken many times to rural residents south of the gap in relation different issues to do with flooding, stormwater, developmental issues, roads, airport development, Kilgariff, road and rail bypass facilities (with both freight modes set to double in next ten years). Some-times this has been at my instigation and sometimes at theirs. There are a lot of people living in rural areas who are not members of ASRAA and in fact when a group were going to set up another association with a differing perspective I recommended they talk to you or Domenic first to see if there could be an alliance with either rather than bring in another group. Here at the Hall of Fame we have initiated a “good neighbor policy” with surrounding town camps and it has worked extremely well. As Kilgariff develops we will continue this program to that area.

What is your position on the role of elected Members, in their relationship with Council officers and consultation with electors?

It should be consultation all throughout and I realise this does not happen in the Alice Springs Town Council at best practice levels and there is room for improvement. The Local Government Act is very specific about how this works and while this process is sometimes frustrating it has to be adhered to. Personally I would love to be out and about more in the community but like most elected members I have a fulltime job and a finite amount of time to do this. I allow 15 -20 hours per week for my council work and this should be sufficient. However, when so much time is wasted WASTED arguing on non-council business or has to be designated to pressing business (and there has been plenty of that this term) it cut backs on what could be done. I have no idea what the logic was behind getting rid of the ninth aldermanic position as there is plenty of workload. This dynamic is not going to change unless we have a council that has plenty of healthy debate, votes, then goes on with implementation of the decision without viciousness, sabotage and disruption. I have made no secret of the fact that I think council needs to focus more on our core business – roads, rates and rubbish – all of which are critical issues for rural residents - but also on cohesiveness and inclusion of our community as a whole.

What is your position on the unresolved stormwater management in the rural area?

Flooding;
Poor subdivision design, particularly Ilparpa and Heenan Road, continually result in unacceptable levels of soil erosion and flooding respectively.
Flooding and storm water management are issues that impact more than the rural area. It is one of the issues that I get the most phone calls about– particularly on developments that have been halted because of stormwater compliance issues and from both urban and rural residents who are .
adversely impacted with flooding. One of my concerns is that the new Built Form Guidelines actually make this more complex and I want it to be simplified and a bit more lateral to allow new initiatives to be implemented - in Kilgariff particularly. The twelfth council will deal with this and ASRRA will be able to make comment. Funding is also a major concern. There is simply not enough funds to halt the deterioration of our roads and associated infrastructure let alone keep up with maintenance levels or fund new works.

This is an area that I feel I do have some skills and experience and if council focused more on its core business then I could utilise them better in many ways – especially lobbying for an extension of and more funding through the Roads to Recovery program. The deliberate disruption (and dare I say it – hijacking) of council has been at the detriment of both council’s role in the community and the role of individual elected members who would rather be just getting on with their jobs!

Tree Protection;
Recent months have highlighted the lack of a Council Policy in relation to the protection of trees in our community. On the one hand Council gets
AAPA permission to remove the smallest of street trees, and yet other landholders can remove any tree without consulting anyone.

I support a significant tree register

What is your position on the protection of our natural environment within the Municipality?
Different parts of the municipality require different types of protection eg: cultural, natural or areas of historical significance and I do believe in protecting them all. Noting DCA has final say if it’s in relation to development.

Recycling; Reuse v Re Use;
For whatever reason, the outgoing Council did not go anywhere near re-establishing the level of re use of materials via a real tipshop, although
they did make some costly advances in reuse of waste ie glass.
What is your position on something as simple as tip shop? Should we have to pay to dump clean loads of re-usable and recyclable material such
as glass, steel and green waste at the dump?

Considering the debacle that the 11th council inherited at the landfill / tip shop I think this is an area we have made major improvements albeit many of those have not yet filtered through to the general public. The development of our new council operated regional waste facility over the next few years will see much of this come to fruition (including better utilisation of the glass crusher which was not a council cost). Looking at options for developing our landfill was a project I was involved in and enjoyed and hopefully look forward to being involved into the future as council takes over full management of the landfill next financial year. I am one of this towns best customers of the tip shop and will continue to be.

I would like to see our tip shop in Alice Springs operate on the same model as Goolwa SA where you can go to the tip shop and dispose of goods (if wanted) free of charge before you take the rest of your waste to the transfer station or landfill. There are huge costs in developing a facility as state of the art as we’d like to do so initially council has no choice but to aim for cost recovery but YES, I would like to see free disposal of re- usables and recyclables as we develop and believe in a staged implementation for same.

Cash for Cans was a fantastic initiative not only cleaning the environment but extending the life of the landfill. I am now surrounded by a sea of green grass instead of a sea of green cans!

Local business;
What is your position on encouraging local enterprise and innovation with real community benifits?

I could write a novel on this but the short answer is yes; local business needs to be supported and encouraged to the best of council’s ability. Two of the three key issues that I am frequently contacted about are lack of affordable housing and the subsequent inability to attract key professionals and workers.

The third of course, is crime and antisocial behavior and we really need to get some federal financial support to expand our ranger department and depot staffing. Firstly because our funding is based on our municipality and yet we provide mammoth services and devote huge resources to the wider region and secondly because of the urban drift caused by both the intervention and utilisation of the services we provide to that wider region of Central Australia.

I think everybody would support local enterprise and innovation and real community benefits but without knowing what they are its hard to say to what extent in kind, with lobbying, new initiatives or financial support.

Finally, how committed are you to any or all of your “election promises”?

My election promise is to refocus council to its core business of roads, rates and rubbish and its charter to foster community well being. Of course I have my pet projects and continued promotion of the tourism industry is one of those as well as ensuring continuation of community grants for events, activities and the arts.

Beware some of the promises out there – some are outside the scope of council and others will put your rates up up

Like any business (in fact more so) council is accountable to balancing our budget and in these tough economic times we need to keep rates commensurate with the real cost of service provision.

If you require any further detail or clarification on any of these issues, please don't hesitate to contact me. Remember, responses no later than evening of Thursday 22/3/12 please.

Thank You for giving me this opportunity. I can be contacted by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by mobile 0429 201 549 if any-one wants more information. I DID try to keep it brief but some of this is very complex and there is no short answer.

Now more than ever Alice Springs needs you to make your vote count by electing a council that can work together. While I would like to be elected to next council I know I can continue to contribute to my town and do my community work as an individual. Others will not do this as their agendas are different and their promises undeliverable.

Thanks, Liz

Dianne Logan, Candidate for Councillor 2012

What is your position on maintaining the integrity of zoning and lot sizes in the rural area?

Whilst not being involved in planning the rural area is renowned for space living and I believe the existing blocks
should be maintained in its existing zoning with some consideration for minimal private division.
I do not see the Kigariff estate with its subdivision as an intrusion to the rural area as it is set along the highway
amongst industry and business and borders on some of the true rural lifestyle.



Streetlighting


What is your position on the excessive number of streetlights the rural area?



I agree there is not the need for excessive lighting in the rural area, however there is a need for necessary lighting in
areas. If elected I would be happy to liaise with community on issues of lighting in particular areas.

What is your position on streetlights in the proposed Kilgariff subdivision?

As a newbie I would like to more research on the internals of the Kilgariff subdivision.



The Role of Elected Members;


What is your position on the role of elected Members, in their relationship with Council officers and
consultation with electors?

If I am elected I see the need to work together in identifying and working with issues that can have an immediate
impact on our town. To consult with all parties, including the community.



Flooding;


What is your position on the unresolved stormwater management in the rural area?

If I am elected I would consult with fellow councilors and further research the problem.


Tree Protection;

What is your position on the protection of our natural environment within the Municipality?

I fully believe we should be maintaining our beautiful trees for many reasons and to maintain a program for further
tree planting.


Recycling; Reuse v Re Use;

What is your position on something as simple as tip shop? Should we have to pay to dump clean
loads of re-usable and recyclable material such as glass, steel and green waste at the dump?

I am looking forward to working in the area of recycling and consulting with fellow councilors on the logistics and
financial issues on the fees at the dump. If at all possible I would work towards a more reasonable fee for dumping
recyclable goodies


Local business;

What is your position on encouraging local enterprise and innovation with real community benifits?

I fully support local enterprise and am disheartened by the closures of some of our truly traditional businesses in
town. If there is some way council can become involved I will certainly be encouraging any forthcoming benefits to
our community.

Finally, how committed are you to any or all of your “election promises”?

I am not making promises. I am committed to taking an active role working with business and community in creating
a UNITED town and working within the guidelines of the Local Government Act.

Matthew Campbell, Candidate for Councillor 2012

Planning;
What is your position on maintaining the integrity of
zoning and lot sizes in the rural area?

My position is that nothing should change in planning
terms, whether it is in the rural area or elsewhere
unless there are compelling public interest reasons for
change. Profits for developers do not meet a public
interest criteria.

Streetlighting


What is your position on the excessive number of
streetlights the rural area?


My approach to working on council is to be an engaged
member of council. This means that I will take seriously
the right of the public to be involved in decision making
that affects them. If the people of the rural area as
a whole feel that street lights are not needed, then
this needs to be listened to. However it must also
be noted that Council also has responsibilities for
services and infrastructure that must meet a public
interest test so these things need to be worked through.
Good decisions will come from engaged processes-
something I am committed to.

What is your position on streetlights in the
proposed Kilgarrif subdivision?

I do not know enough about the plans for Kilgarrif to
comment on this. It is my understanding that
the Kilgarrif subdivision is seeking to have a higher
density of dwellings than the rural area. I assume
that this will impact on the needs for lighting in the
area. Again I would seek to understand the issues
better through talking to members of the public before
committing myself on this issue.

The Role of Elected Members;

What is your position on the role of elected Members,
in their relationship with Council officers and
consultation with electors?

Members of council, including both elected and
staff should be working with the members of the
public. We should be talking and seeking views. I am
committed to working in this way and will do what I
can to encourage the officers of the council to take
engagement seriously.

Flooding;

What is your position on the
unresolved stormwater management in the rural area?

This sounds like a complex issue. Poor design leads
to unforeseen problems which are usually costly and
difficult to fix. However the cost needs to be weighed
against the ongoing problems caused by the poor
design as they will not go away. Issues such as
inconvenience, the cost of remedial work, reduction in
amenity need to be understood and considered. My
view would be that plans should be put in place and
staged works undertaken to alleviate such problems.

Tree Protection;

What is your position on the protection of our natural
environment within the Municipality?

I think that council should have a set of principles (if
not a management plan) for the Alice Springs area.
This would provide guidance as to how trees should be
managed, both in public and private realms. Further we
should be doing more to promote our natural heritage
through awareness raising, including projects that
involve public participation.

Recycling; Reuse v Re Use

I think that there should be effort put into opening
up the tip shop again. It makes environmental and
economic sense. However we need to be aware that
tip fees are recognized as having a role in reducing
landfill. This needs to be balanced in relation to the
issue of illegal dumping which causes other problems.

Local business;

What is your position on encouraging local enterprise
and innovation with real community benefits?

Entrepreneurship, including social entrepreneurship
is critical for the success of the town. Council has a
small role to play in encouraging new businesses,

but it should be demonstrating its commitment to this,
including by lobbying the NT and federal governments
where appropriate.

Finally, how committed are you to any or all of
your “election promises”?

I am absolutely committed to the principle of engaging
the public in decision making. I am a community
engagement researcher and know that engagement
is critical to making good decisions. All of my work on
council will be focused on involving the public. If elected
I am there as a representative of the people, a role I take
very seriously.

Brendan Heenan. Candidate for Councillor

Planning;

I support the existing current size blocks R, RL &RR that are there now and see no
reason to change the size. I do support the Kilgariff sub-division as the town needs to
grow.


What is your position on maintaining the integrity of zoning and lot sizes in the rural area?

Streetlighting

What is your position on the excessive number of streetlights the rural area?
What is your position on streetlights in the proposed Kilgariff subdivision?

I support street lights on street corners in rural areas as Visitors may have trouble looking for signs
in the dark.
Are there any Australian standard for rural areas?
Rural residents need to lobby the ASTC re this if there are too many lights and do not need any
more.
The Kilgariff subdivision is a normal suburb and there are Australian standards.

The Role of Elected Members;

What is your position on the role of elected Members, in their relationship with Council officers and
consultation with electors?

Elected members need to go to the CEO first to discuss matters of importance that may arise with
the different directors.
Rate payers have the opportunity to lobby council on any issue.

Flooding;

What is your position on the unresolved stormwater management in the rural area?

We need to get a report on these areas.

Tree Protection;
What is your position on the protection of our natural environment within the Municipality?

Greening Australia as I have been told have a register of significant trees.
Council needs to follow this up. I do support a register , but how far do we go with it.

Recycling; Reuse v Re Use;
What is your position on something as simple as tip shop? Should we have to pay to dump clean
loads of re-usable and recyclable material such as glass, steel and green waste at the dump?

Council have received a Federal grant to build a up to date drop off and recycling area for the
landfill, and included will be a recycling tip shop area.
The Landfill as you know needs to make money for the future maintenance of the landfill.
Some small articles eg push bikes etc I would like to see just dropped of at the tip shop
With Council taking over the running last year there has been a great improvement in recycling and
better practice and this will continue in the future.

Local business;

What is your position on encouraging local enterprise and innovation with real community benefits?

Any business and the community should be supported as much as Council can do within its
charter.

Finally, how committed are you to any or all of your “election promises”?

The council has the responsibility for roads, rates and rubbish and I fully support as much as I can
for these projects.