as posted on Media-Newswire.com
(Media-Newswire.com) - The State Government has injected nearly $1million into local projects to improve the health of the Swan and Canning rivers.
A total of 14 projects were funded under the Swan River Trust�s Riverbank program for 2007-08.
Environment Minister David Templeman said the program enabled local and State government land managers to receive funding from the State Government to undertake river restoration works.
"Riverbank funding is provided for a wide range of foreshore restoration and protection activities that enhance and manage native vegetation, improve degraded areas, mitigate erosion and address public amenity values and safety,�" he said.
"Healthy foreshores are essential for maintaining the health of rivers and these 14 projects will prove invaluable to the foreshores, health of the waterways and visual appearance of the area.
"Through weed control, planting, landscape planning and erosion control, we can preserve our riverbanks and rivers for generations to come."
The Minister said that the projects could only achieve positive results if local and State governments and environmental community groups worked together.
"By uniting in our efforts, we are ensuring the future of our riverine environment," he said
"Since the inception of Riverbank in 2002, the program has grown in popularity, with the largest funding requests received this year.
"We are continuing to look at ways to fund high-quality projects that missed out in this round.
"The health of the rivers is a priority and we must all act now to protect the future of the rivers. The Carpenter Government is leading the way in preparing Western Australia to meet the challenges of our changing climate.�"
Since 2002, the State Government has committed more than $4.25million to 110 Riverbank projects.
Riverbank projects for 2007-08 include:
$58,000 for phase two of the City of Bayswater Tranby foreshore restoration project in Maylands. Last year, Riverbank provided $73,064 for phase one of the project. Phase two works include erosion control, weed removal and planting of native vegetation;
$3,850 to the City of Gosnells for phase three for control of Taro on the Canning River and tributaries. This project was funded $31,500 under the Riverbank program two years ago and received $9,400 last year. The project is working to eradicate Taro which is a serious weed growing along the Canning River that has been displacing native plant species. The project steering committee comprises representatives from the Cities of Armadale, Canning and Gosnells, South East Regional Centre of Urban Landcare and the Department of Environment and Conservation ( DEC );
$23,375 to the City of Canning for an Eco education demonstration site. The project includes the rehabilitation of a section of the Canning River, weed control and planting of native vegetation. Project partners include the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare, DEC, Canning Regional Park Volunteers, Wilson Wetland Action Group and Two Rivers Catchment Group;
$149,571 to the City of Swan for foreshore rehabilitation as part of the Swan Riverside Regional Park project in Viveash. The project includes extensive foreshore bank stabilisation rehabilitation works, weed control and revegetation. This project has received almost $45,000 in the past two years;
$97,168 for the Ashfield Parade foreshore restoration project in the Town of Bassendean. The funds will be directed towards stabilisation works, formalising access points and pathways, weed control and establishment of local native foreshore vegetation. The project received $325,153 last year;
$84,636 for the City of South Perth�s Cloister foreshore erosion control program, which will include erosion control works and restoration to foreshore vegetation near the Edgewater Road footbridge overpass in Salter Point;
$23,900 to the City of Gosnells who has identified three sub-projects along the Canning River which need weeds removed and native plants restored. Riverbank is providing funding to the projects undertaken in partnership with the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group and a number of local community groups;
$15,175 allocated to three sub-projects along the Canning River in the City of Armadale. The sites in Roleystone and Kelmscott need weeds removed and native vegetation planted. The Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group and a number of local community groups, including the Friends of Roley Pools, will help to restore the areas;
$510,000 to the City of South Perth for the creation of Sir James Mitchell Park beach on the South Perth foreshore. Funds will be provided to start works on developing a beach, including the replacement of eroding foreshores and nodes of local native vegetation; and
$14,360 allocated to foreshore rehabilitation works at Masons Landing in the Canning River Regional Park. DEC will manage weed control and planting of native vegetation along the foreshore. The project will be undertaken in partnership with the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare and the Two Rivers Catchment Group.
Minister's office: 9220 5050
as posted on Media-Newswire.com
Saturday 24 November 2007
Thursday 22 November 2007
High speed chase under investigation following man's death
as posted on TheWest
Major crash officers are investigating an early-morning high-speed chase through Perth’s southern suburbs after the death of a man who was found injured near a crashed car shortly after police abandoned the chase.
Acting South-East Metro Superintendent Andrew Henderson said that an internal investigation along with the crash investigation was underway to ensure that police car-chase protocols had been followed correctly.
Mr Henderson would not speculate on the details of the crash, but confirmed that in line with standard police procedures, the police car had been forensically tested and towed away from the scene.
Police began pursuing a car in Beckenham about 12.40am, when the driver failed to stop, and chased it at speeds of up to 140kmh through Thornlie, Kenwick, Canning Vale and Southern River for 14 minutes, before abandoning the chase on Ranford Road in Forrestdale.
Shortly afterwards, officers located the car further along Ranford Road, and discovered a man in a serious condition near the vehicle.
He later died in Royal Perth Hospital.
It is unsure at this stage whether the dead man was a pedestrian or the driver of the car.
His details were not released as the man’s relatives have not yet been informed of his death.
PETER KERR
as posted on TheWest
Major crash officers are investigating an early-morning high-speed chase through Perth’s southern suburbs after the death of a man who was found injured near a crashed car shortly after police abandoned the chase.
Acting South-East Metro Superintendent Andrew Henderson said that an internal investigation along with the crash investigation was underway to ensure that police car-chase protocols had been followed correctly.
Mr Henderson would not speculate on the details of the crash, but confirmed that in line with standard police procedures, the police car had been forensically tested and towed away from the scene.
Police began pursuing a car in Beckenham about 12.40am, when the driver failed to stop, and chased it at speeds of up to 140kmh through Thornlie, Kenwick, Canning Vale and Southern River for 14 minutes, before abandoning the chase on Ranford Road in Forrestdale.
Shortly afterwards, officers located the car further along Ranford Road, and discovered a man in a serious condition near the vehicle.
He later died in Royal Perth Hospital.
It is unsure at this stage whether the dead man was a pedestrian or the driver of the car.
His details were not released as the man’s relatives have not yet been informed of his death.
PETER KERR
as posted on TheWest
Wednesday 21 November 2007
Australia. Riverbank restoration program funds community projects
as posted on BYM
The State Government has injected nearly $1million into local projects to improve the health of the Swan and Canning rivers.
A total of 14 projects were funded under the Swan River Trust’s Riverbank program for 2007-08.
Environment Minister David Templeman said the program enabled local and State government land managers to receive funding from the State Government to undertake river restoration works.
“Riverbank funding is provided for a wide range of foreshore restoration and protection activities that enhance and manage native vegetation, improve degraded areas, mitigate erosion and address public amenity values and safety.” he said. “Healthy foreshores are essential for maintaining the health of rivers and these 14 projects will prove invaluable to the foreshores, health of the waterways and visual appearance of the area. Through weed control, planting, landscape planning and erosion control, we can preserve our riverbanks and rivers for generations to come.”
The Minister said that the projects could only achieve positive results if local and State governments and environmental community groups worked together. “By uniting in our efforts, we are ensuring the future of our riverine environment.” he said “Since the inception of Riverbank in 2002, the program has grown in popularity, with the largest funding requests received this year. We are continuing to look at ways to fund high-quality projects that missed out in this round. The health of the rivers is a priority and we must all act now to protect the future of the rivers. The Carpenter Government is leading the way in preparing Western Australia to meet the challenges of our changing climate.”
Since 2002, the State Government has committed more than $4.25million to 110 Riverbank projects.
Riverbank projects for 2007-08 include:
$58,000 for phase two of the City of Bayswater Tranby foreshore restoration project in Maylands. Last year, Riverbank provided $73,064 for phase one of the project. Phase two works include erosion control, weed removal and planting of native vegetation;
$3,850 to the City of Gosnells for phase three for control of Taro on the Canning River and tributaries. This project was funded $31,500 under the Riverbank program two years ago and received $9,400 last year. The project is working to eradicate Taro which is a serious weed growing along the Canning River that has been displacing native plant species. The project steering committee comprises representatives from the Cities of Armadale, Canning and Gosnells, South East Regional Centre of Urban Landcare and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC);
$23,375 to the City of Canning for an Eco education demonstration site. The project includes the rehabilitation of a section of the Canning River, weed control and planting of native vegetation. Project partners include the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare, DEC, Canning Regional Park Volunteers, Wilson Wetland Action Group and Two Rivers Catchment Group;
$149,571 to the City of Swan for foreshore rehabilitation as part of the Swan Riverside Regional Park project in Viveash. The project includes extensive foreshore bank stabilisation rehabilitation works, weed control and revegetation. This project has received almost $45,000 in the past two years;
$97,168 for the Ashfield Parade foreshore restoration project in the Town of Bassendean. The funds will be directed towards stabilisation works, formalising access points and pathways, weed control and establishment of local native foreshore vegetation. The project received $325,153 last year;
$84,636 for the City of South Perth’s Cloister foreshore erosion control program, which will include erosion control works and restoration to foreshore vegetation near the Edgewater Road footbridge overpass in Salter Point;
$23,900 to the City of Gosnells who has identified three sub-projects along the Canning River which need weeds removed and native plants restored. Riverbank is providing funding to the projects undertaken in partnership with the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group and a number of local community groups;
$15,175 allocated to three sub-projects along the Canning River in the City of Armadale. The sites in Roleystone and Kelmscott need weeds removed and native vegetation planted. The Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group and a number of local community groups, including the Friends of Roley Pools, will help to restore the areas;
$510,000 to the City of South Perth for the creation of Sir James Mitchell Park beach on the South Perth foreshore. Funds will be provided to start works on developing a beach, including the replacement of eroding foreshores and nodes of local native vegetation; and
$14,360 allocated to foreshore rehabilitation works at Masons Landing in the Canning River Regional Park. DEC will manage weed control and planting of native vegetation along the foreshore. The project will be undertaken in partnership with the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare and the Two Rivers Catchment Group.
as posted on BYM
The State Government has injected nearly $1million into local projects to improve the health of the Swan and Canning rivers.
A total of 14 projects were funded under the Swan River Trust’s Riverbank program for 2007-08.
Environment Minister David Templeman said the program enabled local and State government land managers to receive funding from the State Government to undertake river restoration works.
“Riverbank funding is provided for a wide range of foreshore restoration and protection activities that enhance and manage native vegetation, improve degraded areas, mitigate erosion and address public amenity values and safety.” he said. “Healthy foreshores are essential for maintaining the health of rivers and these 14 projects will prove invaluable to the foreshores, health of the waterways and visual appearance of the area. Through weed control, planting, landscape planning and erosion control, we can preserve our riverbanks and rivers for generations to come.”
The Minister said that the projects could only achieve positive results if local and State governments and environmental community groups worked together. “By uniting in our efforts, we are ensuring the future of our riverine environment.” he said “Since the inception of Riverbank in 2002, the program has grown in popularity, with the largest funding requests received this year. We are continuing to look at ways to fund high-quality projects that missed out in this round. The health of the rivers is a priority and we must all act now to protect the future of the rivers. The Carpenter Government is leading the way in preparing Western Australia to meet the challenges of our changing climate.”
Since 2002, the State Government has committed more than $4.25million to 110 Riverbank projects.
Riverbank projects for 2007-08 include:
$58,000 for phase two of the City of Bayswater Tranby foreshore restoration project in Maylands. Last year, Riverbank provided $73,064 for phase one of the project. Phase two works include erosion control, weed removal and planting of native vegetation;
$3,850 to the City of Gosnells for phase three for control of Taro on the Canning River and tributaries. This project was funded $31,500 under the Riverbank program two years ago and received $9,400 last year. The project is working to eradicate Taro which is a serious weed growing along the Canning River that has been displacing native plant species. The project steering committee comprises representatives from the Cities of Armadale, Canning and Gosnells, South East Regional Centre of Urban Landcare and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC);
$23,375 to the City of Canning for an Eco education demonstration site. The project includes the rehabilitation of a section of the Canning River, weed control and planting of native vegetation. Project partners include the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare, DEC, Canning Regional Park Volunteers, Wilson Wetland Action Group and Two Rivers Catchment Group;
$149,571 to the City of Swan for foreshore rehabilitation as part of the Swan Riverside Regional Park project in Viveash. The project includes extensive foreshore bank stabilisation rehabilitation works, weed control and revegetation. This project has received almost $45,000 in the past two years;
$97,168 for the Ashfield Parade foreshore restoration project in the Town of Bassendean. The funds will be directed towards stabilisation works, formalising access points and pathways, weed control and establishment of local native foreshore vegetation. The project received $325,153 last year;
$84,636 for the City of South Perth’s Cloister foreshore erosion control program, which will include erosion control works and restoration to foreshore vegetation near the Edgewater Road footbridge overpass in Salter Point;
$23,900 to the City of Gosnells who has identified three sub-projects along the Canning River which need weeds removed and native plants restored. Riverbank is providing funding to the projects undertaken in partnership with the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group and a number of local community groups;
$15,175 allocated to three sub-projects along the Canning River in the City of Armadale. The sites in Roleystone and Kelmscott need weeds removed and native vegetation planted. The Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group and a number of local community groups, including the Friends of Roley Pools, will help to restore the areas;
$510,000 to the City of South Perth for the creation of Sir James Mitchell Park beach on the South Perth foreshore. Funds will be provided to start works on developing a beach, including the replacement of eroding foreshores and nodes of local native vegetation; and
$14,360 allocated to foreshore rehabilitation works at Masons Landing in the Canning River Regional Park. DEC will manage weed control and planting of native vegetation along the foreshore. The project will be undertaken in partnership with the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare and the Two Rivers Catchment Group.
as posted on BYM
Power upgrades begin to show results
as posted on Media-Newswire.com
Major infrastructure upgrades in Armadale, Gosnells and Byford have significantly improved power supply reliability in the area, Energy Minister Francis Logan said today. New figures released by Western Power indicate that power outages, especially those caused by equipment failure, had dramatically reduced since April this year.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Major infrastructure upgrades in Armadale, Gosnells and Byford have significantly improved power supply reliability in the area, Energy Minister Francis Logan said today.
New figures released by Western Power indicate that power outages, especially those caused by equipment failure, had dramatically reduced since April this year.
Mr Logan said significant upgrades had occurred in the region between December last year and April this year. These included: upgrades to the Byford network which involved extending a new feeder line from the substation to the Armadale shopping centre, reinforcing and reconfiguring major overhead power lines in the northern half of the network and some extensive underground cable installations; constructing and commissioning a new $10 million zone substation at Southern River; and completion of the first stage of a comprehensive $2.9 million upgrade of the Gosnells distribution network. This involved upgrading 15km of overhead conductors, installing 25km of underground cable and installing new automatic reclosers.
The Minister said this work had helped to improve power reliability by reducing equipment failure faults and, as a result of shortened feeders, reducing the number of customers impacted by faults.
"Faults caused by equipment failure have been a major cause of outages in the region for a long time," he said.
"Western Power recognised this and millions of dollars have been allocated to upgrade and improve this equipment - and the results appear to have been instantaneous.
"More work is still being undertaken and more work is planned.
"Power interruptions from vegetation or debris contacting lines or from car accidents knocking down poles are always a risk for overhead networks, but this work will certainly reduce the number of outages."
Mr Logan today visited the Byford substation where $3.77million is being spent on a new transformer and two additional powerlines to Armadale and Gosnells.
Armadale MLA Alannah MacTiernan welcomed the upgrades, saying reliability of power supplies had been a major problem in the South East Corridor for decades.
"This investment is bringing big improvements for local businesses and for residents," Ms MacTiernan said.
Western Power managing director Doug Aberle said the improvements represented a significant investment in the reliability of supply for customers.
"The improvement we have made here in Byford represents a significant reinforcement of the network and will improve reliability for our customers in Armadale and Gosnells," Mr Aberle said.
"Further work has also been scheduled for 2009 and 2010, including the replacement and undergrounding of overhead lines in other parts of the region."
Minister's office: 9222 8950
as posted on Media-Newswire.com
Major infrastructure upgrades in Armadale, Gosnells and Byford have significantly improved power supply reliability in the area, Energy Minister Francis Logan said today. New figures released by Western Power indicate that power outages, especially those caused by equipment failure, had dramatically reduced since April this year.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Major infrastructure upgrades in Armadale, Gosnells and Byford have significantly improved power supply reliability in the area, Energy Minister Francis Logan said today.
New figures released by Western Power indicate that power outages, especially those caused by equipment failure, had dramatically reduced since April this year.
Mr Logan said significant upgrades had occurred in the region between December last year and April this year. These included: upgrades to the Byford network which involved extending a new feeder line from the substation to the Armadale shopping centre, reinforcing and reconfiguring major overhead power lines in the northern half of the network and some extensive underground cable installations; constructing and commissioning a new $10 million zone substation at Southern River; and completion of the first stage of a comprehensive $2.9 million upgrade of the Gosnells distribution network. This involved upgrading 15km of overhead conductors, installing 25km of underground cable and installing new automatic reclosers.
The Minister said this work had helped to improve power reliability by reducing equipment failure faults and, as a result of shortened feeders, reducing the number of customers impacted by faults.
"Faults caused by equipment failure have been a major cause of outages in the region for a long time," he said.
"Western Power recognised this and millions of dollars have been allocated to upgrade and improve this equipment - and the results appear to have been instantaneous.
"More work is still being undertaken and more work is planned.
"Power interruptions from vegetation or debris contacting lines or from car accidents knocking down poles are always a risk for overhead networks, but this work will certainly reduce the number of outages."
Mr Logan today visited the Byford substation where $3.77million is being spent on a new transformer and two additional powerlines to Armadale and Gosnells.
Armadale MLA Alannah MacTiernan welcomed the upgrades, saying reliability of power supplies had been a major problem in the South East Corridor for decades.
"This investment is bringing big improvements for local businesses and for residents," Ms MacTiernan said.
Western Power managing director Doug Aberle said the improvements represented a significant investment in the reliability of supply for customers.
"The improvement we have made here in Byford represents a significant reinforcement of the network and will improve reliability for our customers in Armadale and Gosnells," Mr Aberle said.
"Further work has also been scheduled for 2009 and 2010, including the replacement and undergrounding of overhead lines in other parts of the region."
Minister's office: 9222 8950
as posted on Media-Newswire.com
Tuesday 20 November 2007
Gozzy Rock 2008
as posted on COGsite
Gozzy Rock will be back at Pioneer Park Federation Drive Gosnells in 2008.
Now in its 21st year Gozzy Rock is the City of Gosnells annual contemporary music competition, promoting original music from emerging bands all over Western Australia.
Gozzy Rock comprises of 16 bands which battle it out at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre over four nights during January and February in 2008. Eight bands will then be selected to play in the final being held on 24 February 2008.
This year Gozzy Rock is partnering with Western Australian Music Industry (WAMI) for the WAMI Festival to include a stellar line up of Western Australian acts (T.B.A), to play along side the eight bands competing in the final.
Stay tuned for more information!!
So download a registration form from here and get your application to the City of Gosnells Admin before 20 December 2007 to be involved in Gozzy Rock 2008. The best of the best will share in prizes worth $5,000 from Kosmic Music.
Heats are at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre:
25 January 2008
1 February 2008
8 February 2008
15 February 2008
Final: 24 February 2008 at Pioneer Park Gosnells.
as posted on COGsite
Gozzy Rock will be back at Pioneer Park Federation Drive Gosnells in 2008.
Now in its 21st year Gozzy Rock is the City of Gosnells annual contemporary music competition, promoting original music from emerging bands all over Western Australia.
Gozzy Rock comprises of 16 bands which battle it out at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre over four nights during January and February in 2008. Eight bands will then be selected to play in the final being held on 24 February 2008.
This year Gozzy Rock is partnering with Western Australian Music Industry (WAMI) for the WAMI Festival to include a stellar line up of Western Australian acts (T.B.A), to play along side the eight bands competing in the final.
Stay tuned for more information!!
So download a registration form from here and get your application to the City of Gosnells Admin before 20 December 2007 to be involved in Gozzy Rock 2008. The best of the best will share in prizes worth $5,000 from Kosmic Music.
Heats are at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre:
25 January 2008
1 February 2008
8 February 2008
15 February 2008
Final: 24 February 2008 at Pioneer Park Gosnells.
as posted on COGsite
Monday 19 November 2007
Annual Electors Meeting ...
this meeting is due to be held on Monday 10th December at 7pm in the Reception Room of the City of Gosnells building, but please note sometimes the date of the meeting does change so keep this date available but watch out for any news of a date change, local electors are given the opportunity to ask questions and hear about the direction our council is taking, it is a great opportunity to question the finanicals and many electors use it to praise the efforts of the council and councilors
Sunday 18 November 2007
Teacher charged with sex with students
as posted on Herald Sun Sunday
A 31-year-old teacher has been charged with having sex with two female students in Perth.
Police say they charged the man, from Gosnells in eastern Perth, on Friday for the alleged offences against two girls between 2005 and 2007.
He was charged with one count of having a sexual relationship with a child under 16 years, a police statement said.
He was also charged with four counts of indecent dealings with a child 16 years or over by a person in a position of authority, and 10 counts of having sexually penetrated a child 16 years or over by a person in a position of authority.
His next court appearance date was not yet known.
as posted on Herald Sun Sunday
A 31-year-old teacher has been charged with having sex with two female students in Perth.
Police say they charged the man, from Gosnells in eastern Perth, on Friday for the alleged offences against two girls between 2005 and 2007.
He was charged with one count of having a sexual relationship with a child under 16 years, a police statement said.
He was also charged with four counts of indecent dealings with a child 16 years or over by a person in a position of authority, and 10 counts of having sexually penetrated a child 16 years or over by a person in a position of authority.
His next court appearance date was not yet known.
as posted on Herald Sun Sunday
Friday 16 November 2007
Population boom boosts funding pressures
City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle JP has called on both major political parties to pledge a boost to infrastructure funding in key growth areas after figures released today show Perth is growing faster than any other capital city in Australia.
“As a member council of the National Growth Areas Alliance, the City of Gosnells is urging the major political parties to focus on local infrastructure needs in the lead-up to this month’s Federal Election.
“Perth is experiencing near record rates of population growth and the City of Gosnells is no exception as the third fastest growth council in the outer metropolitan area.
“The level of unfunded major infrastructure projects has never been greater and without support now, high growth areas like the City of Gosnells will fall behind,” the Mayor said.
Despite the City’s strong rate of growth, it has remained in the State’s top quartile of financially viable local governments through careful economic management.
“We are proven to be sound financial managers but not even good budgeting will see us through the next 20 years, with an estimated population increase of 40,000,” Mayor Searle added.
“Already, the City’s growth has sparked a project backlog worth millions of dollars and the gap continues to widen between what we can fund and what our community needs.
“We have been well supported by the Federal Government in the past and we want to ensure that relationship continues as future funding assistance is vital to the City’s sustainability,” the Mayor said.
“New suburbs like Southern River and Canning Vale have had phenomenal growth in recent years and there are no signs of this slowing down with the City issuing more 3200 building licence approvals a year.
“With these new residential areas comes a need for the City to provide new roads, parks, footpaths, community centres and family services. At the same time, there is still a need to maintain infrastructure in established communities.
“Federal support is vital if we are to meet the demand for road projects in particular, the $4 million widening of Garden Street, between Nicholson Road and Warton Road – a major traffic link for big growth suburbs.
Mayor Searle said the National Growth Areas Alliance was about getting financial support for well run, high growth councils.
“Given the City’s financial track record and strong partnership the Federal Government, I am confident that whoever wins the Federal Election will understand the benefit of providing additional funding so that the City may continue to build strong, vibrant communities.”
Key unfunded projects in the City of Gosnells:
$2.5 million – widening of Corfield Street, Gosnells (Verna Street to Eileen Street)
$2.5 million – bridge duplication (Burslem Drive, Maddington)
$250,000 – traffic signals (Albany Highway-Gosnells Road West intersection)
$1.25 million – widening of Burslem Drive (Olga Road to Albany Highway)
$125,000 – roundabout at Gosnells Road West-Alcock Street intersection
$95,000 – roundabout at Alcock Street-Flax Street-Harmony Fields access
$636,000 – to begin Walter Padbury Reseve redevelopment
as posted on COGsite
“As a member council of the National Growth Areas Alliance, the City of Gosnells is urging the major political parties to focus on local infrastructure needs in the lead-up to this month’s Federal Election.
“Perth is experiencing near record rates of population growth and the City of Gosnells is no exception as the third fastest growth council in the outer metropolitan area.
“The level of unfunded major infrastructure projects has never been greater and without support now, high growth areas like the City of Gosnells will fall behind,” the Mayor said.
Despite the City’s strong rate of growth, it has remained in the State’s top quartile of financially viable local governments through careful economic management.
“We are proven to be sound financial managers but not even good budgeting will see us through the next 20 years, with an estimated population increase of 40,000,” Mayor Searle added.
“Already, the City’s growth has sparked a project backlog worth millions of dollars and the gap continues to widen between what we can fund and what our community needs.
“We have been well supported by the Federal Government in the past and we want to ensure that relationship continues as future funding assistance is vital to the City’s sustainability,” the Mayor said.
“New suburbs like Southern River and Canning Vale have had phenomenal growth in recent years and there are no signs of this slowing down with the City issuing more 3200 building licence approvals a year.
“With these new residential areas comes a need for the City to provide new roads, parks, footpaths, community centres and family services. At the same time, there is still a need to maintain infrastructure in established communities.
“Federal support is vital if we are to meet the demand for road projects in particular, the $4 million widening of Garden Street, between Nicholson Road and Warton Road – a major traffic link for big growth suburbs.
Mayor Searle said the National Growth Areas Alliance was about getting financial support for well run, high growth councils.
“Given the City’s financial track record and strong partnership the Federal Government, I am confident that whoever wins the Federal Election will understand the benefit of providing additional funding so that the City may continue to build strong, vibrant communities.”
Key unfunded projects in the City of Gosnells:
$2.5 million – widening of Corfield Street, Gosnells (Verna Street to Eileen Street)
$2.5 million – bridge duplication (Burslem Drive, Maddington)
$250,000 – traffic signals (Albany Highway-Gosnells Road West intersection)
$1.25 million – widening of Burslem Drive (Olga Road to Albany Highway)
$125,000 – roundabout at Gosnells Road West-Alcock Street intersection
$95,000 – roundabout at Alcock Street-Flax Street-Harmony Fields access
$636,000 – to begin Walter Padbury Reseve redevelopment
as posted on COGsite
Thursday 15 November 2007
for the record ...
Gosnells City Council uses FTR Gold® to improve the efficiency of
fortnightly meetings
Organisation Overview
The City of Gosnells, Western Australia is located 17 kilometres southeast of Perth, the state capital. It encompasses 127 square kilometres, an area about the same size as Paris, and continues to grow rapidly. About 40% of the city area remains undeveloped, but officials anticipate that over AU$1.8 billion commercial and residential development will take place during the next ten years.
Organisational Challenge
As the decision-making body of such a fast-growing city, it falls to the mayor and councillors to manage and facilitate the bidding and funds allocation for projects such as the revitalization of the downtown business district, the renovation of the civic centre and public buildings, and redevelopment of older suburbs to encourage new growth.
Council officers identified the need for recording meetings following several challenges by Councillors as to the accuracy of the minutes. On several occasions, it was alleged that what had been stated at a meeting and what was actually printed in the minutes was completely different, with the recording of comment being open to the interpretation of the minute taker. Consequently, in order to overcome unnecessary dispute, Council officers decided to record proceedings, and began to evaluate appropriate products.
Technology Solution
After considering several solutions, the council decided FTR Gold would best suit its needs. The product was far superior to any other assessed and was chosen for its: ease of use, excellent clarity of recordings, immediate playback facility, compatibility with existing software, instant access to previous recordings, ability to copy part or whole recordings with ease, and its capability of hyperlinking recording times into Microsoft Word™ documents.
The councillors were also impressed by FTR Log Notes,™ a component of the FTR Gold suite, because it’d enable them to take notes during proceedings or while listening to previously recorded audio, and use the notes to refer back to the record.
The Gosnells City Council installed FTR Gold on a standard PC along with Microsoft Office™. They linked the PC to a conference recording microphone system, plugged the microphones into an audio mixer, and configured the sound card in the PC to work with the microphones and audio mixer. The agenda for every city council meeting is created in Microsoft Word™ with hyperlinks alongside the topics for discussion. When activated, each hyperlink refers the listener to the location in the record where that topic was discussed so the listener can hear the corresponding audio. According to Pamela Campbell,
Manager Information Services for the City of Gosnells, there are no more arguments about what was actually said at meetings. “All we have to do is use the FTR Gold system to find and play exactly what was said,” she says.”
Operational Results
The Gosnells City Council has been using the FTR Gold system since August 2001 and has seen a marked improvement in the efficiency of its meetings. Besides solving the problem about “who actually said what at meetings,” FTR Gold has helped make council meetings more orderly.
as posted on ForTheRecord
fortnightly meetings
Organisation Overview
The City of Gosnells, Western Australia is located 17 kilometres southeast of Perth, the state capital. It encompasses 127 square kilometres, an area about the same size as Paris, and continues to grow rapidly. About 40% of the city area remains undeveloped, but officials anticipate that over AU$1.8 billion commercial and residential development will take place during the next ten years.
Organisational Challenge
As the decision-making body of such a fast-growing city, it falls to the mayor and councillors to manage and facilitate the bidding and funds allocation for projects such as the revitalization of the downtown business district, the renovation of the civic centre and public buildings, and redevelopment of older suburbs to encourage new growth.
Council officers identified the need for recording meetings following several challenges by Councillors as to the accuracy of the minutes. On several occasions, it was alleged that what had been stated at a meeting and what was actually printed in the minutes was completely different, with the recording of comment being open to the interpretation of the minute taker. Consequently, in order to overcome unnecessary dispute, Council officers decided to record proceedings, and began to evaluate appropriate products.
Technology Solution
After considering several solutions, the council decided FTR Gold would best suit its needs. The product was far superior to any other assessed and was chosen for its: ease of use, excellent clarity of recordings, immediate playback facility, compatibility with existing software, instant access to previous recordings, ability to copy part or whole recordings with ease, and its capability of hyperlinking recording times into Microsoft Word™ documents.
The councillors were also impressed by FTR Log Notes,™ a component of the FTR Gold suite, because it’d enable them to take notes during proceedings or while listening to previously recorded audio, and use the notes to refer back to the record.
The Gosnells City Council installed FTR Gold on a standard PC along with Microsoft Office™. They linked the PC to a conference recording microphone system, plugged the microphones into an audio mixer, and configured the sound card in the PC to work with the microphones and audio mixer. The agenda for every city council meeting is created in Microsoft Word™ with hyperlinks alongside the topics for discussion. When activated, each hyperlink refers the listener to the location in the record where that topic was discussed so the listener can hear the corresponding audio. According to Pamela Campbell,
Manager Information Services for the City of Gosnells, there are no more arguments about what was actually said at meetings. “All we have to do is use the FTR Gold system to find and play exactly what was said,” she says.”
Operational Results
The Gosnells City Council has been using the FTR Gold system since August 2001 and has seen a marked improvement in the efficiency of its meetings. Besides solving the problem about “who actually said what at meetings,” FTR Gold has helped make council meetings more orderly.
as posted on ForTheRecord
Wednesday 14 November 2007
Gosnells man missing for eight days
POLICE are seeking the whereabouts of a 38-year-old Gosnells man who was last seen on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 6.
Noel James Acton is described as being 174cm tall, of slim build with long black hair and brown eyes.
Mr Acton was last seen when he attended an appointment at 4.30pm on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 6.
He failed to turn up for work at a Maddington engineering business the next day.
Mr Acton’s car was later located unlocked at his Gosnells residence, and his belongings remain untouched.
Family and friends are concerned for Mr Acton’s welfare, as they consider his disappearance unusual and out of character.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Acton is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
as posted on PerthNow
Monday 12 November 2007
Police searching for missing man
POLICE are seeking information about the whereabouts of a man, missing from his Gosnells home since Tuesday.
Noel Acton was last seen at 10am on Tuesday, November 6 when he drove his nephew to Rockingham.
Police believe he returned home to his Rudall Place property, where he left his car but has not been seen since.
Mr Acton did not attend work at a Maddington engineering company on Tuesday.
"He hasn't touched his car and he hasn't touched his belongings since,'' police spokeswoman Ros Weatherall said.
"It is totally out of character and his family are very concerned for his welfare,'' she said.
Mr Acton is described as being 174cm tall, of slim build with long black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
as posted on news.com.au
Noel Acton was last seen at 10am on Tuesday, November 6 when he drove his nephew to Rockingham.
Police believe he returned home to his Rudall Place property, where he left his car but has not been seen since.
Mr Acton did not attend work at a Maddington engineering company on Tuesday.
"He hasn't touched his car and he hasn't touched his belongings since,'' police spokeswoman Ros Weatherall said.
"It is totally out of character and his family are very concerned for his welfare,'' she said.
Mr Acton is described as being 174cm tall, of slim build with long black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
as posted on news.com.au
Sunday 11 November 2007
Child killer Dante Arthurs stalked up to 12 girls
CHILD killer Dante Arthurs was stalking up to a dozen girls shortly before he murdered eight-year-old Sofia Rodriguez-Urrutia Shu in Canning Vale last year.
Only now can it be revealed that just days after Sophia's murder on June 26, 2006, The Sunday Times interviewed the parents of sisters - then aged 11 and 13 - whose names were on a hit list compiled by Arthurs.
Two days after the then 21-year-old Arthur's arrest on June 27, police visited a Huntingdale family with the chilling news that their daughters' names and other details were on the list.
The police visit led to the frightening revelation that Arthurs had already phoned the girls' grand-uncle, asking if he knew where the girls lived.
"The police showed us a bit of paper with all the addresses on and everything,'' the girls' mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
"He (Arthurs) had both of our girls' names, (their) uncles and cousins' names, phone numbers and addresses where he'd tried hunting them down.
"My husband went around to his uncle's house and saw him and he told him he'd had a call for the girls there. The uncle had spoken to (Arthurs), but had no idea (who he was).
"He got pretty close. We're in Huntingdale and they're in Gosnells _ one suburb away.
"It's bad enough trying to take one child away from any family: what were his plans _ trying to take two away from one family? That's just sick.''
During Arthurs' sentencing on Wednesday, prosecutor Sam Vandongen told the WA Supreme Court police had found photographs and details of potential child victims during a raid on his home.
"There was a bag with documents containing photographs and details of a number of young girls and female clothing in small sizes,'' Mr Vandongen said.
Arthurs had collected ages, addresses and directions to their homes. The bag also contained gloves, handcuffs, packing tape, a rope and a small knife.
Judge John McKechnie sentenced Arthurs to life in prison with a minimum of 13 years.
But it also emerged during sentencing that he had been let off another child sex assault in 2003 by a bungled police investigation.
On Thursday, Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan admitted police "may have blood on their hands'' after Arthurs went on to kill Sofia.
"If the cops had done their job properly, that little girl would probably still be alive,'' the Huntingdale mother said of Arthurs' first arrest.
"A friend of ours, her friend's daughter, was also on the list _ that's three girls we know of.
"It's taken all this time for them to let the public know about these other girls' names.
"They showed us a pile of girls' names. We saw photos.
"They were all under 15 and each girl had their own file.
"He had all the girls' details. Some were in his own handwriting.''
The mother said both her daughters had been models, so she suspected that was how Arthurs had found them.
"They've both done modelling and their photos were plastered everywhere,'' she said.
"They won't even do any of that now _ they won't do anything. They don't go out hardly any more and if they do, they go out with a big group.
"Just three weeks ago, my youngest burst into tears on her way to school and wouldn't go. She goes, `I can't walk to school, I'm scared _ it feels like someone's watching me'.
"They're petrified. They're still doing it really hard. In the past few months they've even dreamed of him.
"My oldest ... saw (Arthurs) on the news the other night and goes, `I don't want to know about it _ leave me alone!', and shut herself in her room, bawled her eyes out and didn't talk to anyone all night.''
Though both girls received psychological counselling after being told they were targets, they still suffer nightmares 18 months on.
The mother said it had torn the family apart. ``When the police spoke to my (eldest) daughter she just cracked. She lost it. She broke down and cried,'' she said.
The father said: ``It felt like someone had ripped my heart straight out of me.
"When they showed me those names on that piece of paper I couldn't talk to them _ every time I spoke, I cried. My daughters could have been raped or killed.''
as posted on PerthNow
Only now can it be revealed that just days after Sophia's murder on June 26, 2006, The Sunday Times interviewed the parents of sisters - then aged 11 and 13 - whose names were on a hit list compiled by Arthurs.
Two days after the then 21-year-old Arthur's arrest on June 27, police visited a Huntingdale family with the chilling news that their daughters' names and other details were on the list.
The police visit led to the frightening revelation that Arthurs had already phoned the girls' grand-uncle, asking if he knew where the girls lived.
"The police showed us a bit of paper with all the addresses on and everything,'' the girls' mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
"He (Arthurs) had both of our girls' names, (their) uncles and cousins' names, phone numbers and addresses where he'd tried hunting them down.
"My husband went around to his uncle's house and saw him and he told him he'd had a call for the girls there. The uncle had spoken to (Arthurs), but had no idea (who he was).
"He got pretty close. We're in Huntingdale and they're in Gosnells _ one suburb away.
"It's bad enough trying to take one child away from any family: what were his plans _ trying to take two away from one family? That's just sick.''
During Arthurs' sentencing on Wednesday, prosecutor Sam Vandongen told the WA Supreme Court police had found photographs and details of potential child victims during a raid on his home.
"There was a bag with documents containing photographs and details of a number of young girls and female clothing in small sizes,'' Mr Vandongen said.
Arthurs had collected ages, addresses and directions to their homes. The bag also contained gloves, handcuffs, packing tape, a rope and a small knife.
Judge John McKechnie sentenced Arthurs to life in prison with a minimum of 13 years.
But it also emerged during sentencing that he had been let off another child sex assault in 2003 by a bungled police investigation.
On Thursday, Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan admitted police "may have blood on their hands'' after Arthurs went on to kill Sofia.
"If the cops had done their job properly, that little girl would probably still be alive,'' the Huntingdale mother said of Arthurs' first arrest.
"A friend of ours, her friend's daughter, was also on the list _ that's three girls we know of.
"It's taken all this time for them to let the public know about these other girls' names.
"They showed us a pile of girls' names. We saw photos.
"They were all under 15 and each girl had their own file.
"He had all the girls' details. Some were in his own handwriting.''
The mother said both her daughters had been models, so she suspected that was how Arthurs had found them.
"They've both done modelling and their photos were plastered everywhere,'' she said.
"They won't even do any of that now _ they won't do anything. They don't go out hardly any more and if they do, they go out with a big group.
"Just three weeks ago, my youngest burst into tears on her way to school and wouldn't go. She goes, `I can't walk to school, I'm scared _ it feels like someone's watching me'.
"They're petrified. They're still doing it really hard. In the past few months they've even dreamed of him.
"My oldest ... saw (Arthurs) on the news the other night and goes, `I don't want to know about it _ leave me alone!', and shut herself in her room, bawled her eyes out and didn't talk to anyone all night.''
Though both girls received psychological counselling after being told they were targets, they still suffer nightmares 18 months on.
The mother said it had torn the family apart. ``When the police spoke to my (eldest) daughter she just cracked. She lost it. She broke down and cried,'' she said.
The father said: ``It felt like someone had ripped my heart straight out of me.
"When they showed me those names on that piece of paper I couldn't talk to them _ every time I spoke, I cried. My daughters could have been raped or killed.''
as posted on PerthNow
Saturday 10 November 2007
Snake bite peril for family pet
Craig and Maree Power are all too familiar with the danger of snake bites.
The couple were forced to make a mercy dash to the vet after their five-year-old dog Koada had a particularly close call with a brown snake at their Gosnells property last month.
The golden retriever was playing alongside a creek on the family property when he discovered the snake and brought it to the house.
Less than 20 minutes later, Koada had collapsed.
“His front legs just gave way and he went all glassy-eyed and couldn’t get up,” Mrs Power said. “I never even thought Koada might have been bitten — I was more worried about the kids.
“It was lucky they had seen the snake because 25 minutes later when we were on our way to the vet he just stood up and we thought he was all right – if we hadn’t known (he had been bitten) we would have turned around and gone home.”
Luckily, the family continued on to the vet, where Koada was given a dose of anti-venom.
Murdoch University senior lecturer in veterinary emergency and critical care Katrin Swindells said staff had seen a spike in the number of snake bites around Perth since October as the weather warmed up.
RACHEL DONKIN
as posted on TheWest
Tuesday 6 November 2007
Safe City Bright City Christmas Lights Competition
Proudly sponsored by the Examiner Newspapers (WA) since
1999 and supported by Centro Maddington
Get into the Christmas spirit this year and enter the Safe City Christmas Lights competition. Decorate your house with Christmas lights and you could win a prize. Or you and your neighbours may wish to enter the Best Decorated Street category. Prizes are being offered in two categories.
‘Best Private Residence’ - winner will receive $500 and a plaque. Four runners-up will receive a $100 Centro Maddington voucher.
‘Best Decorated Street’ (5 Houses or more) – winners will receive $1,000 and a commemorative street sign.
All unsuccessful entrants in the ‘Best Private Residence’ category will go into a draw to win one of two $50 Centro Maddington vouchers.
The aim is to generate community spirit across the suburbs by encouraging the residents of the City of Gosnells to share in the Christmas festivities by visiting the locations of the houses that have entered the competition. See the sights in a friendly atmosphere and appreciate the effort that has been put into these amazing displays around homes all over the City.
Entries close at 5pm on Tuesday 11 December 2007 and late entries will not be accepted. Judging will take place between Tuesday 11 December 2007 and Thursday 13 December 2007. All entrants are requested to leave their lights on until at least 11.00pm between these nights
For any further information please call Safe City on 9391 6022 or email safecity@gosnells.wa.gov.au
as posted on COGSite visit the site to enter your house or street
as a tradition we (my family home) put our lights up on or around October 31 (Halloween) and leave them up till after Australia Day, they may not be full on but we do our bit for the festive season - Peter Evans
1999 and supported by Centro Maddington
Get into the Christmas spirit this year and enter the Safe City Christmas Lights competition. Decorate your house with Christmas lights and you could win a prize. Or you and your neighbours may wish to enter the Best Decorated Street category. Prizes are being offered in two categories.
‘Best Private Residence’ - winner will receive $500 and a plaque. Four runners-up will receive a $100 Centro Maddington voucher.
‘Best Decorated Street’ (5 Houses or more) – winners will receive $1,000 and a commemorative street sign.
All unsuccessful entrants in the ‘Best Private Residence’ category will go into a draw to win one of two $50 Centro Maddington vouchers.
The aim is to generate community spirit across the suburbs by encouraging the residents of the City of Gosnells to share in the Christmas festivities by visiting the locations of the houses that have entered the competition. See the sights in a friendly atmosphere and appreciate the effort that has been put into these amazing displays around homes all over the City.
Entries close at 5pm on Tuesday 11 December 2007 and late entries will not be accepted. Judging will take place between Tuesday 11 December 2007 and Thursday 13 December 2007. All entrants are requested to leave their lights on until at least 11.00pm between these nights
For any further information please call Safe City on 9391 6022 or email safecity@gosnells.wa.gov.au
as posted on COGSite visit the site to enter your house or street
as a tradition we (my family home) put our lights up on or around October 31 (Halloween) and leave them up till after Australia Day, they may not be full on but we do our bit for the festive season - Peter Evans
WA is important to the Liberals: Downer
Western Australia is enormously important in the federal election and the Liberal Party is placing a great deal of emphasis on the state, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says.
Mr Downer said despite the fact WA had only 15 out of 150 of the country’s lower house seats, it did not make it less important to the campaign and he denied the prime minister was neglecting the state.
“Mr Howard has been here,” Mr Downer told reporters in Perth, where he was campaigning in the Labor-held marginal seat of Cowan.
“Australia is a big country and he can’t be here everyday. Western Australia is enormously important in terms of the election and certainly the Liberal party is placing a great deal of emphasis on Western Australia.”
WA has four marginal seats all in the Perth metropolitan area.
Cowan and Swan are held by the ALP, while the liberals hold Hasluck and Stirling.
“You say only 15 seats, that’s not unimportant ... so I think Western Australia is very important,” Mr Downer added.
“And quite a lot of seats here are marginal Liberal and marginal Labor, so that tends to focus the mind.”
The foreign minister today announced a re-elected coalition government would provide $3 million to upgrade the Kingsway Sporting Complex in the Cowan seat’s suburb of Madeley.
Mr Downer took time out at the Madeley complex to shoot for goal at a netball court, bagging one on his second attempt.
He said he had no real prior experience at the game, except that his three daughters played.
Mr Downer then travelled to the seat of Hasluck - where he was due to announce $95,000 in funding to rebuild the fire-damaged pavilion at Jackmann Oval and a $100,000 grant so the Gosnells bowling club could buy a new synthetic bowling green.
as posted on TheWest
Mr Downer said despite the fact WA had only 15 out of 150 of the country’s lower house seats, it did not make it less important to the campaign and he denied the prime minister was neglecting the state.
“Mr Howard has been here,” Mr Downer told reporters in Perth, where he was campaigning in the Labor-held marginal seat of Cowan.
“Australia is a big country and he can’t be here everyday. Western Australia is enormously important in terms of the election and certainly the Liberal party is placing a great deal of emphasis on Western Australia.”
WA has four marginal seats all in the Perth metropolitan area.
Cowan and Swan are held by the ALP, while the liberals hold Hasluck and Stirling.
“You say only 15 seats, that’s not unimportant ... so I think Western Australia is very important,” Mr Downer added.
“And quite a lot of seats here are marginal Liberal and marginal Labor, so that tends to focus the mind.”
The foreign minister today announced a re-elected coalition government would provide $3 million to upgrade the Kingsway Sporting Complex in the Cowan seat’s suburb of Madeley.
Mr Downer took time out at the Madeley complex to shoot for goal at a netball court, bagging one on his second attempt.
He said he had no real prior experience at the game, except that his three daughters played.
Mr Downer then travelled to the seat of Hasluck - where he was due to announce $95,000 in funding to rebuild the fire-damaged pavilion at Jackmann Oval and a $100,000 grant so the Gosnells bowling club could buy a new synthetic bowling green.
as posted on TheWest
Monday 5 November 2007
Mix it up with Moonbaki
Moonbaki Multicultural Choral Group raises the roof with a free performance of songs and movements from around the world at Thornlie Library on Saturday 22 December.
The group is a mixture of spirited local people who celebrate our community’s cultural diversity and enjoy fellowship through music.
This event is from 10am to 11am. For more details, please call T: 9459 2499.
as posted on COGSite
The group is a mixture of spirited local people who celebrate our community’s cultural diversity and enjoy fellowship through music.
This event is from 10am to 11am. For more details, please call T: 9459 2499.
as posted on COGSite
Sunday 4 November 2007
Bingo on Permanent Suspension
At present we have placed Saturday Night Bingo on permanent suspension.
We do not know if it will return early next year, but at present we have no plans to bring it back.
as posted on Gosnells PCYC
We do not know if it will return early next year, but at present we have no plans to bring it back.
as posted on Gosnells PCYC
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