as posted here
WA health authorities have today confirmed two more deaths linked to swine influenza, both occurring in the past two days.
A 78-year-old man died at Royal Perth Hospital on Monday and a 39-year-old woman died at Armadale Kelmscott Memorial Hospital today. Both had significant underlying medical conditions.
WA has now recorded 12 deaths related to human swine influenza, A/H1N1.
Nationally 29,000 people have tested positive to the virus.
as posted here
Thursday 13 August 2009
Pollies miss pay rise but get allowance boost
as posted here
WA's politicians look set to miss out on a pay rise next year, although they could get an increase in their electoral allowances after Labor revealed it had backed a boost in the payments in its submission to the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal
The independent tribunal, which takes into account submissions from the public and political parties, will announce its wage determination on Friday for the next financial year.
In its submission, the Barnett Government called for a freeze on both wages and electoral allowances because of the tough economic times.
Politicians' wages rose 4.2 per cent last year, taking a backbencher's salary to about $129,000 a year - slightly above the nation's other parliaments.
They received a similar increase in their electoral allowance, which helps them to manage expenses such as offices, to about $50,000 a year.
With other stipends such as car and travel allowances, the average backbencher collects more than $200,000 a year.
A Labor spokeswoman said a rise in the electoral allowance was warranted by the increasing technology and training costs facing local MPs.
Nationals leader Brendon Grylls said he supported freezing MPs salaries because the Government had asked the public service to "tighten its belt" and politicians should take the lead in these matters, but it had not made a submission.
as posted here
WA's politicians look set to miss out on a pay rise next year, although they could get an increase in their electoral allowances after Labor revealed it had backed a boost in the payments in its submission to the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal
The independent tribunal, which takes into account submissions from the public and political parties, will announce its wage determination on Friday for the next financial year.
In its submission, the Barnett Government called for a freeze on both wages and electoral allowances because of the tough economic times.
Politicians' wages rose 4.2 per cent last year, taking a backbencher's salary to about $129,000 a year - slightly above the nation's other parliaments.
They received a similar increase in their electoral allowance, which helps them to manage expenses such as offices, to about $50,000 a year.
With other stipends such as car and travel allowances, the average backbencher collects more than $200,000 a year.
A Labor spokeswoman said a rise in the electoral allowance was warranted by the increasing technology and training costs facing local MPs.
Nationals leader Brendon Grylls said he supported freezing MPs salaries because the Government had asked the public service to "tighten its belt" and politicians should take the lead in these matters, but it had not made a submission.
as posted here
First past the post for council elections
as posted here
WA's local government elections in October will be carried out using the first-past-the-post voting system after State Parliament last night voted for the amendment, two years after Labor scrapped it.
Proportional preferential voting was introduced in 2007 despite criticism from WALGA, which said it was not consulted and the system was too complicated.
Local Government Minister John Castrilli introduced an amendment to return to the old system and called on Parliament to expedite the Bill for the October council elections.
"This important amendment has the capacity to deliver a simpler, less factional-driven electoral process to the local government sector," he said earlier this year.
WALGA has said the first-past-the-post was simpler, it stopped candidates running as a ticket and it helped stop factionalism.
WA Local Government Association President Cr Bill Mitchell today applauded the Government for pushing through the change.
"There was very little time and significant resistance from the various government departments to have this change made in time for the October elections but the Minister has pushed through all that," Mr Mitchell said.
"Given that the legislation had lapsed previously and that the timeframe was down to just two days, the Association was preparing the sector to accept that the change would not be made in time."
Mr Mitchell said under the first-past-the-post system candidates needed only to win the support of their local community whereas under the PPV system there was a greater focus on running mates and back room deals that mostly suit the organised, larger political parties.
"The move back to first-past-the-post returns control of Council elections to the community and lessens the influence and potential manipulation by the major political parties," he said.
The elections will be held on October 17.
as posted here
WA's local government elections in October will be carried out using the first-past-the-post voting system after State Parliament last night voted for the amendment, two years after Labor scrapped it.
Proportional preferential voting was introduced in 2007 despite criticism from WALGA, which said it was not consulted and the system was too complicated.
Local Government Minister John Castrilli introduced an amendment to return to the old system and called on Parliament to expedite the Bill for the October council elections.
"This important amendment has the capacity to deliver a simpler, less factional-driven electoral process to the local government sector," he said earlier this year.
WALGA has said the first-past-the-post was simpler, it stopped candidates running as a ticket and it helped stop factionalism.
WA Local Government Association President Cr Bill Mitchell today applauded the Government for pushing through the change.
"There was very little time and significant resistance from the various government departments to have this change made in time for the October elections but the Minister has pushed through all that," Mr Mitchell said.
"Given that the legislation had lapsed previously and that the timeframe was down to just two days, the Association was preparing the sector to accept that the change would not be made in time."
Mr Mitchell said under the first-past-the-post system candidates needed only to win the support of their local community whereas under the PPV system there was a greater focus on running mates and back room deals that mostly suit the organised, larger political parties.
"The move back to first-past-the-post returns control of Council elections to the community and lessens the influence and potential manipulation by the major political parties," he said.
The elections will be held on October 17.
as posted here
Mild earthquake rocks Wheatbelt
Troy Buswell to demand a bigger share of GST for WA
as posted here
TREASURER Troy Buswell says WA has been cheated on its share of the GST and will demand a bigger cut for the state at a showdown in Canberra today.
The heads of state treasury departments are preparing for a confrontation on the division of GST revenues today, with resource states WA and Queensland claiming the tax should be used to help build their infrastructure.
Changes to the formula for distributing GST that have been proposed by the Commonwealth Grants Commission have been the subject of heated debate among the states.
The commission has accepted arguments from Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory that their rapidly growing populations are putting strains on infrastructure for which they need compensation.
Queensland argued that over the past decade, its population had grown by 22.5 per cent, compared with 10 per cent in New South Wales and 12.6 per cent in Victoria. This meant it had to spend more on transport, water, power, schools, hospitals, police stations and prisons.
NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT argued that the fair division of GST required only that it should enable all states to deliver equivalent quality services on an annual basis.
But the commission accepted the argument of the resource states in its draft recommendation. It said the division of grants was not just about the annual budget bottom line, but about the financial net worth of states.
A joint statement by Mr Buswell and Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser said they were being cheated by the existing formula.
"Queensland and Western Australia were Australia’s economic engine rooms leading into the global recession, and we are best-placed to lead the nation out of it," they said.
"Both have outpaced the national rate of economic growth over the last dozen years, and both have had lower unemployment rates than the national average.
"However, Queensland and Western Australia are both donor States.
"On a per capita basis, Queensland and Western Australia will both receive a GST allocation well below the average per capita GST distribution.
"And despite the protests of the southern States, Queensland and Western Australia will both receive a lower GST per capita than both NSW and Victoria.
"Presently Western Australia receives around $910million less than its per capita share while Queensland misses out on $700million.
"The current formula recognises the provision of services - but common sense would suggest that the provision of services requires not just people, but buildings and other infrastructure too."
WA and Queensland receive lower GST per capita because their resource richness gives those states greater taxing power than other states, for which they are penalised by the commission.
However, NSW and Victoria have argued that the commission's proposed changes would greatly damage their ability to provide services
as posted here
TREASURER Troy Buswell says WA has been cheated on its share of the GST and will demand a bigger cut for the state at a showdown in Canberra today.
The heads of state treasury departments are preparing for a confrontation on the division of GST revenues today, with resource states WA and Queensland claiming the tax should be used to help build their infrastructure.
Changes to the formula for distributing GST that have been proposed by the Commonwealth Grants Commission have been the subject of heated debate among the states.
The commission has accepted arguments from Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory that their rapidly growing populations are putting strains on infrastructure for which they need compensation.
Queensland argued that over the past decade, its population had grown by 22.5 per cent, compared with 10 per cent in New South Wales and 12.6 per cent in Victoria. This meant it had to spend more on transport, water, power, schools, hospitals, police stations and prisons.
NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT argued that the fair division of GST required only that it should enable all states to deliver equivalent quality services on an annual basis.
But the commission accepted the argument of the resource states in its draft recommendation. It said the division of grants was not just about the annual budget bottom line, but about the financial net worth of states.
A joint statement by Mr Buswell and Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser said they were being cheated by the existing formula.
"Queensland and Western Australia were Australia’s economic engine rooms leading into the global recession, and we are best-placed to lead the nation out of it," they said.
"Both have outpaced the national rate of economic growth over the last dozen years, and both have had lower unemployment rates than the national average.
"However, Queensland and Western Australia are both donor States.
"On a per capita basis, Queensland and Western Australia will both receive a GST allocation well below the average per capita GST distribution.
"And despite the protests of the southern States, Queensland and Western Australia will both receive a lower GST per capita than both NSW and Victoria.
"Presently Western Australia receives around $910million less than its per capita share while Queensland misses out on $700million.
"The current formula recognises the provision of services - but common sense would suggest that the provision of services requires not just people, but buildings and other infrastructure too."
WA and Queensland receive lower GST per capita because their resource richness gives those states greater taxing power than other states, for which they are penalised by the commission.
However, NSW and Victoria have argued that the commission's proposed changes would greatly damage their ability to provide services
as posted here
All making an effort
as posted here
LOCAL councils are all doing their bit to protect the environment, particularly in waste and water management, according to a new survey published last week by an eco-watchdog group.
The Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire excelled in natural resource management scoring 100 per cent in survey responses while Gosnells and Armadale scored highly for waste management with 9/10 and 8/10, respectively.
The survey, published by HowGreen Is My Council, assessed the performance of metropolitan councils in a range of categories including access to information, climate change and sustainable transport, environmental sustainability and natural resource, waste and water management.
HowGreen spokeswoman Brenda Conochie said councils have “enormous potential” to affect the planet’s air, soil, water, biodiversity and climate at the local level.
In the access of information category S-J received four stars out of four, followed by Armadale with three and Gosnells none.
But Gosnells received six out of 12 stars in the climate change and sustainable transport, followed by Armadale (4) and SJ (3).
None offset their vehicle fleets’ carbon emissions, publish energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions or have addressed peak oil risks and vulnerabilities.
They have all purchased green power and participated in the Cities for Climate Change program.
Ms Conochie said the survey, which was online at www.howgreen.net.au was a “user-friendly” tool for residents, councillors and staff of Perth’s metropolitan councils.
“Our site recognises local governments’ efforts to protect the environment, while also drawing attention to gaps and, we hope, raising the bar to encourage further innovation and best practice,” she said.
There are plans to extend the service for country councils.
More detailed responses from the surveys are on the website.
as posted here
LOCAL councils are all doing their bit to protect the environment, particularly in waste and water management, according to a new survey published last week by an eco-watchdog group.
The Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire excelled in natural resource management scoring 100 per cent in survey responses while Gosnells and Armadale scored highly for waste management with 9/10 and 8/10, respectively.
The survey, published by HowGreen Is My Council, assessed the performance of metropolitan councils in a range of categories including access to information, climate change and sustainable transport, environmental sustainability and natural resource, waste and water management.
HowGreen spokeswoman Brenda Conochie said councils have “enormous potential” to affect the planet’s air, soil, water, biodiversity and climate at the local level.
In the access of information category S-J received four stars out of four, followed by Armadale with three and Gosnells none.
But Gosnells received six out of 12 stars in the climate change and sustainable transport, followed by Armadale (4) and SJ (3).
None offset their vehicle fleets’ carbon emissions, publish energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions or have addressed peak oil risks and vulnerabilities.
They have all purchased green power and participated in the Cities for Climate Change program.
Ms Conochie said the survey, which was online at www.howgreen.net.au was a “user-friendly” tool for residents, councillors and staff of Perth’s metropolitan councils.
“Our site recognises local governments’ efforts to protect the environment, while also drawing attention to gaps and, we hope, raising the bar to encourage further innovation and best practice,” she said.
There are plans to extend the service for country councils.
More detailed responses from the surveys are on the website.
as posted here
Central area plans proceed
as posted here
A PLAN to revitalise Maddington moved a step closer with the Central Maddington Outline Development Plan and an associated town planning scheme amendment being approved by the City of Gosnells.
The approvals came after public consultation through which 129 submissions were made regarding the plan to subdivide and develop about 150ha of land near Maddington railway station.
Matters raised in the submissions related to proposed increased residential density, new roads and areas of public parkland.
Mayor Olwen Searle said the approved plan reflected a series of modifications to the plan that was advertised for public comment, with many of the changes made in response to landowner submissions.
“Approval of the proposals has paved the way for further work to be undertaken to establish detailed design guidelines for the area,” she said.
“The City will now prepare a development contribution plan, which is needed to fund infrastructure works such as new roads and land acquisition for new parkland to facilitate the proposed redevelopment.
“This will be a challenging aspect of the planning for the Central Maddington area given there are approximately 550 individual properties and 470 landowners affected.”
Cr Searle said the proposals would now go to the WA Planning Commission for consideration and adoption.
Landowners could comment on the changes made to the plan adopted by the council. Such comments would be forwarded to the commission.
“While the approval by council is an important milestone there are still several steps to be taken before approval of applications for subdivision and development in the area can occur,” Cr Searle said.
“A positive decision of the commission as well as the required development contribution plan are critical requirements to allow this to occur.”
as posted here
A PLAN to revitalise Maddington moved a step closer with the Central Maddington Outline Development Plan and an associated town planning scheme amendment being approved by the City of Gosnells.
The approvals came after public consultation through which 129 submissions were made regarding the plan to subdivide and develop about 150ha of land near Maddington railway station.
Matters raised in the submissions related to proposed increased residential density, new roads and areas of public parkland.
Mayor Olwen Searle said the approved plan reflected a series of modifications to the plan that was advertised for public comment, with many of the changes made in response to landowner submissions.
“Approval of the proposals has paved the way for further work to be undertaken to establish detailed design guidelines for the area,” she said.
“The City will now prepare a development contribution plan, which is needed to fund infrastructure works such as new roads and land acquisition for new parkland to facilitate the proposed redevelopment.
“This will be a challenging aspect of the planning for the Central Maddington area given there are approximately 550 individual properties and 470 landowners affected.”
Cr Searle said the proposals would now go to the WA Planning Commission for consideration and adoption.
Landowners could comment on the changes made to the plan adopted by the council. Such comments would be forwarded to the commission.
“While the approval by council is an important milestone there are still several steps to be taken before approval of applications for subdivision and development in the area can occur,” Cr Searle said.
“A positive decision of the commission as well as the required development contribution plan are critical requirements to allow this to occur.”
as posted here
Trial sparks change in electricity use
as posted here
HOMEOWNERS in Thornlie and Canning Vale are being invited to take part in an Australian-first trial by energy retailer Synergy, aimed at helping change electricity use in the home.
Synergy managing director Jim Mitchell said the Advanced Metering Proof of Concept study aimed to revolutionise the way households consumed energy and monitored their energy use.
“This will be the first study in Australia by an energy retailer delivering such a comprehensive customer experience, as we test and measure the effectiveness of innovative technology, alternative time-of-use pricing and customer support,” he said.
Mr Mitchell said the study involved communicating with customers, including through an In-Home Display, an interactive website, email and SMS, to encourage behavioural change.
“The advanced meters, with the associated communications support, are a new technology which give householders the power to control their energy use and see the cost of their energy consumption in real-time,” he said.
“Using these, households can make positive changes to the way they use energy.”
Synergy will test three different technologies – advanced meters enabling more detailed and up-to-date information on electricity consumption, in-home display units providing instant information on energy use and costs, and the Power to Change website, which provides a detailed and personalised energy analysis.
Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle said the study was an exciting development in WA’s energy market and encouraged residents to participate and be the first in WA to use technology.
Synergy will invite 500 residents to participate in the study, which is by invitation only. Thornlie and Canning Vale were chosen for the trial because of the demographics of the area.
as posted here
HOMEOWNERS in Thornlie and Canning Vale are being invited to take part in an Australian-first trial by energy retailer Synergy, aimed at helping change electricity use in the home.
Synergy managing director Jim Mitchell said the Advanced Metering Proof of Concept study aimed to revolutionise the way households consumed energy and monitored their energy use.
“This will be the first study in Australia by an energy retailer delivering such a comprehensive customer experience, as we test and measure the effectiveness of innovative technology, alternative time-of-use pricing and customer support,” he said.
Mr Mitchell said the study involved communicating with customers, including through an In-Home Display, an interactive website, email and SMS, to encourage behavioural change.
“The advanced meters, with the associated communications support, are a new technology which give householders the power to control their energy use and see the cost of their energy consumption in real-time,” he said.
“Using these, households can make positive changes to the way they use energy.”
Synergy will test three different technologies – advanced meters enabling more detailed and up-to-date information on electricity consumption, in-home display units providing instant information on energy use and costs, and the Power to Change website, which provides a detailed and personalised energy analysis.
Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle said the study was an exciting development in WA’s energy market and encouraged residents to participate and be the first in WA to use technology.
Synergy will invite 500 residents to participate in the study, which is by invitation only. Thornlie and Canning Vale were chosen for the trial because of the demographics of the area.
as posted here
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Two more swine flu patients die
as posted here
The WA Health Department has today confirmed two more deaths linked to human swine influenza.
A 62-year-old man with significant underlying medical conditions died at St John of God Hospital, in Murdoch, on August 8.
A 37-year-old woman with no underlying medical conditions died at Royal Perth Hospital a day later.
The deaths bring the number of people with swine flu to die in WA to 10.
The number of confirmed cases in the state has now passed 3000. Of those, 43 sufferers are being treated in hospital, including 11 who are in intensive care units.
as posted here
The WA Health Department has today confirmed two more deaths linked to human swine influenza.
A 62-year-old man with significant underlying medical conditions died at St John of God Hospital, in Murdoch, on August 8.
A 37-year-old woman with no underlying medical conditions died at Royal Perth Hospital a day later.
The deaths bring the number of people with swine flu to die in WA to 10.
The number of confirmed cases in the state has now passed 3000. Of those, 43 sufferers are being treated in hospital, including 11 who are in intensive care units.
as posted here
More spent on home-brand foods
as posted here
The number of Australian households buying cheaper home-brand groceries has grown in the wake of the global economic downturn, according to the latest Nielsen survey.
They now account for almost one-quarter of all grocery sales.
The average household spent a record $172.80 on home-brand products in the past quarter — a jump of 5 per cent or $8 compared with the same quarter last year.
The increasing popularity of the products across all the major chains has been driven in part by their appeal as a cheaper alternative in the global financial crisis, Nielsen said.
In the online survey, done in June, 57 per cent of consumers said they had switched to cheaper grocery brands to save money in the past year and more than one-third said they would continue to buy cheaper grocery brands even when economic conditions improved.
An earlier Nielsen survey found that 60 per cent of households believed private-label products now were much better than five years ago and that young families spent the highest proportion of their grocery money on home brands.
Mother-of-six Rachelle Dickson, who was doing a quick shop at Woolworths Subiaco Square yesterday, said she tried to buy home-brand products as much as possible.
“It is often the cheapest and I have got a big family,” she said.
PHILIPPA PERRY
as posted here
The number of Australian households buying cheaper home-brand groceries has grown in the wake of the global economic downturn, according to the latest Nielsen survey.
They now account for almost one-quarter of all grocery sales.
The average household spent a record $172.80 on home-brand products in the past quarter — a jump of 5 per cent or $8 compared with the same quarter last year.
The increasing popularity of the products across all the major chains has been driven in part by their appeal as a cheaper alternative in the global financial crisis, Nielsen said.
In the online survey, done in June, 57 per cent of consumers said they had switched to cheaper grocery brands to save money in the past year and more than one-third said they would continue to buy cheaper grocery brands even when economic conditions improved.
An earlier Nielsen survey found that 60 per cent of households believed private-label products now were much better than five years ago and that young families spent the highest proportion of their grocery money on home brands.
Mother-of-six Rachelle Dickson, who was doing a quick shop at Woolworths Subiaco Square yesterday, said she tried to buy home-brand products as much as possible.
“It is often the cheapest and I have got a big family,” she said.
PHILIPPA PERRY
as posted here
Six-car Kwinana crash delays morning run
as posted here
A six-car crash south bound on the Kwinana Freeway is causing delays for motorists this morning.
The crash is near the off ramp to Roe Highway and the right lane is blocked.
Tow trucks are at the scene and motorists are advised to take care through the area.
A crash citybound on Shepperton Road near Miller Street and a set of blacked out traffic lights at Mounts Bay Road and Spring Street in the city are also causing delays for motorists this morning.
Heading into the city, traffic is very slow on the Mitchell Freeway between Ocean Reef Road and Scarborough Beach Road while the Kwinana Freeway is building from Berrigan Drive all the way into Perth.
The Northbridge Tunnel is slow west bound but is moving well east bound.
Busy spots include Loftus Street through Leederville, Shepperton Road onto the Causeway, Wanneroo Road at Reid Highway, Tonkin Highway at Roe Highway, Tonkin Highway at Horrie Millar Drive and Kewdale Road, Tonkin Highway at Collier Road and Karrinyup Road at Marmion Avenue.
PERTH
JAYNE RICKARD
as posted here
A six-car crash south bound on the Kwinana Freeway is causing delays for motorists this morning.
The crash is near the off ramp to Roe Highway and the right lane is blocked.
Tow trucks are at the scene and motorists are advised to take care through the area.
A crash citybound on Shepperton Road near Miller Street and a set of blacked out traffic lights at Mounts Bay Road and Spring Street in the city are also causing delays for motorists this morning.
Heading into the city, traffic is very slow on the Mitchell Freeway between Ocean Reef Road and Scarborough Beach Road while the Kwinana Freeway is building from Berrigan Drive all the way into Perth.
The Northbridge Tunnel is slow west bound but is moving well east bound.
Busy spots include Loftus Street through Leederville, Shepperton Road onto the Causeway, Wanneroo Road at Reid Highway, Tonkin Highway at Roe Highway, Tonkin Highway at Horrie Millar Drive and Kewdale Road, Tonkin Highway at Collier Road and Karrinyup Road at Marmion Avenue.
PERTH
JAYNE RICKARD
as posted here
Man jailed for machete hold-up at petrol station
as posted here
A 20-year old man who threatened to kill a Huntingdale BP petrol station customer with a machete if the attendant did not hand over cash was jailed for two years in the District Court yesterday.
The court was told Alexander Phillip Walsh grabbed a customer at the petrol station on April 17 last year, holding a machete to his neck. He threatened to kill the customer if the attendant did not hand over money.
The attendant refused to comply and fled into a back room, locking himself in. The hostage managed to free himself as Walsh attempted to force his way behind the counter, but eventually gave up and left.
GIORDANO STOLLEY
as posted here
A 20-year old man who threatened to kill a Huntingdale BP petrol station customer with a machete if the attendant did not hand over cash was jailed for two years in the District Court yesterday.
The court was told Alexander Phillip Walsh grabbed a customer at the petrol station on April 17 last year, holding a machete to his neck. He threatened to kill the customer if the attendant did not hand over money.
The attendant refused to comply and fled into a back room, locking himself in. The hostage managed to free himself as Walsh attempted to force his way behind the counter, but eventually gave up and left.
GIORDANO STOLLEY
as posted here
Monday 10 August 2009
Mobility scooter deaths 'alarming
as posted here
Mobility scooter drivers have been warned to be extremely careful when using their vehicles, with the consumer watchdog alarmed at 71 scooter-related deaths in the past nine years.
Consumer Affairs Minister Craig Emerson has taken the step of issuing an official warning about the scooters, with concerns their increasing popularity is putting vulnerable lives at risk.
He says not enough attention has been given to the safe use of the vehicles, which have a top legal speed of 10 kilometres per hour.
"Tragically there have been 26 deaths in Victoria alone and more than 150 people have received hospital treatment," he said.
"While mobility scooters allow people with limited ability to maintain active, independent lifestyles, these injury statistics are alarming."
He says the deaths include on-road and off-road accidents and they highlight the potential dangers of the scooters.
"Obviously some of the people who use them aren't the fittest people on Earth, that's the whole reason for their existence," he said.
"I don't want to see anything severe happen in this space, but I do think we have an obligation to warn people of the dangers of using these scooters, particularly at dusk when they're not so easily seen."
Former scooter driver John, from Maleny on Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland, says he found it difficult to use his scooter because there was not enough road-space.
"I had a mobility scooter for two years when I had leg problems. I had it registered and insured but I stopped using it because the width of the bicycleways and footpaths at the side of the road wasn't wide enough," he told ABC Local Radio.
"When you've got big b-double trailers going past you and when you're going at 10 kilometres an hour on the main road out of Maleny, they blew me away so I had to give the scooter away instead of risking the heavier traffic."
The warning notice has a number of recommendations for scooter drivers, including ensuring the scooter is highly visible, avoiding very steep hills, taking footpaths or quiet roads when possible and wearing a helmet.
Mr Emerson says it is also very important for people to be aware of any effects that medication may have on their driving ability and to avoid drinking too much alcohol before driving.
In a statement, the managing director of Mobility Aids Australia, Andrew Gannan, says the statistics used in the warning need to be put into context.
"Scooters users are generally part of an elderly demographic, who already have the highest mortality rate, so we need to establish in what sense the scooters are deemed responsible for the level of deaths or injury," he said.
"The medical condition of the user when they purchase the scooter may be vastly different from their condition in six months' time.
"We need to establish whether there is a suggestion that the scooters themselves are 'unsafe', whether it is the people using them or even if motorists are failing to follow safe driving practices around scooter users, similar to the current debate about cyclists and motorists sharing roads."
Mr Gannan says Mobility Aids Australia only sells scooters that meet Australian standards and are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The ACCC will form a working group to come up with possible recommendations on the safe use of scooters.
as posted here
Mobility scooter drivers have been warned to be extremely careful when using their vehicles, with the consumer watchdog alarmed at 71 scooter-related deaths in the past nine years.
Consumer Affairs Minister Craig Emerson has taken the step of issuing an official warning about the scooters, with concerns their increasing popularity is putting vulnerable lives at risk.
He says not enough attention has been given to the safe use of the vehicles, which have a top legal speed of 10 kilometres per hour.
"Tragically there have been 26 deaths in Victoria alone and more than 150 people have received hospital treatment," he said.
"While mobility scooters allow people with limited ability to maintain active, independent lifestyles, these injury statistics are alarming."
He says the deaths include on-road and off-road accidents and they highlight the potential dangers of the scooters.
"Obviously some of the people who use them aren't the fittest people on Earth, that's the whole reason for their existence," he said.
"I don't want to see anything severe happen in this space, but I do think we have an obligation to warn people of the dangers of using these scooters, particularly at dusk when they're not so easily seen."
Former scooter driver John, from Maleny on Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland, says he found it difficult to use his scooter because there was not enough road-space.
"I had a mobility scooter for two years when I had leg problems. I had it registered and insured but I stopped using it because the width of the bicycleways and footpaths at the side of the road wasn't wide enough," he told ABC Local Radio.
"When you've got big b-double trailers going past you and when you're going at 10 kilometres an hour on the main road out of Maleny, they blew me away so I had to give the scooter away instead of risking the heavier traffic."
The warning notice has a number of recommendations for scooter drivers, including ensuring the scooter is highly visible, avoiding very steep hills, taking footpaths or quiet roads when possible and wearing a helmet.
Mr Emerson says it is also very important for people to be aware of any effects that medication may have on their driving ability and to avoid drinking too much alcohol before driving.
In a statement, the managing director of Mobility Aids Australia, Andrew Gannan, says the statistics used in the warning need to be put into context.
"Scooters users are generally part of an elderly demographic, who already have the highest mortality rate, so we need to establish in what sense the scooters are deemed responsible for the level of deaths or injury," he said.
"The medical condition of the user when they purchase the scooter may be vastly different from their condition in six months' time.
"We need to establish whether there is a suggestion that the scooters themselves are 'unsafe', whether it is the people using them or even if motorists are failing to follow safe driving practices around scooter users, similar to the current debate about cyclists and motorists sharing roads."
Mr Gannan says Mobility Aids Australia only sells scooters that meet Australian standards and are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The ACCC will form a working group to come up with possible recommendations on the safe use of scooters.
as posted here
Teen in court over attack on bus driver
as posted here
A 17-YEAR-OLD Langford youth has appeared in Armadale Children's Court today after being charged over the attack which left a Perth bus driver blind in one eye.
Bus driver Gerard Sin was allegedly attacked by a group of youths who were refused permission to get on the vehicle in Armadale.
The Transperth bus was travelling along Church Avenue, Armadale, and as it approached the intersection of Sixth Road a group of youths slapped on the bus to gain the driver’s attention.
Police alleged that when the bus driver opened the door, he was struck with a piece of concrete and kicked, sustaining severe injuries to his face and eye.
The teenager , who cannot be identified because he is a juvenile, was charged with causing unlawful grievous bodily harm and $2000 worth of damage to a bus.
He was not required to plead to the charges and was released on bail to seek legal advice before his next court appearance on August 24.
as posted here
WA only state to increase amount of litter
as posted here
WESTERN Australia is the country's most littered state - and the only state to have actually increased the amount of rubbish we throw away.
The National Litter Index 2009 report by Keep Australia Beautiful, released today, showed that while the volume of litter in WA was slightly down, there was in increase in the average number of items.
Cigarette butts were again the most common item dumped, with the number of butts littered increasing by 41 per cent since 2005.
Littering of plastic has increased 54.5 per cent over the last four years with paper/paperboard increasing by 60 per cent.
Keep Australia Beautiful Council WA chair Mel Hay said the figures were disappointing.
“Since the surveys started in 2005, there has been an overall trend of increasing amounts of litter and, based on number of items, WA is the most littered State in Australia,” Mr Hay said
as posted here
WESTERN Australia is the country's most littered state - and the only state to have actually increased the amount of rubbish we throw away.
The National Litter Index 2009 report by Keep Australia Beautiful, released today, showed that while the volume of litter in WA was slightly down, there was in increase in the average number of items.
Cigarette butts were again the most common item dumped, with the number of butts littered increasing by 41 per cent since 2005.
Littering of plastic has increased 54.5 per cent over the last four years with paper/paperboard increasing by 60 per cent.
Keep Australia Beautiful Council WA chair Mel Hay said the figures were disappointing.
“Since the surveys started in 2005, there has been an overall trend of increasing amounts of litter and, based on number of items, WA is the most littered State in Australia,” Mr Hay said
as posted here
School fees left unpaid in rich suburbs
as posted here
Many parents who send their children to State high schools in wealthy suburbs are refusing to pay voluntary contributions.
Figures released by the Education Department reveal that some schools in high socioeconomic areas collect less than half the total voluntary amount requested from parents.
The average collection rate of voluntary contributions at schools across WA last year was just 60 per cent. The department said the data showed that schools in lower socioeconomic areas were more likely to have lower collection rates of voluntary payments.
Lesmurdie Senior High School, which is not in a low socioeconomic area, collected just 28 per cent of contributions. Principal Keith Svendsen said many parents might have cut back on voluntary payments to ensure they could pay compulsory fees charged for some subjects, because of economic conditions.
“We understand that, but we also have to continue to fund our programs and we are reliant on any and all monies that are paid either through the grants we get from the department and the charges and contributions we get from parents,” he said.
Mt Lawley Senior High School, which draws students from high socioeconomic areas such as Mt Lawley, Coolbinia and Inglewood, collected just 50 per cent of voluntary contributions. Melville SHS had the most voluntary contributions paid with 98 per cent. Thornlie SHS had the least with 19 per cent.
Education Department spokesman John Leaf said voluntary contributions met some of the costs of providing textbooks, stationery and other materials. “Schools can also collect money from parents for non-compulsory aspects of schooling which may include optional courses, excursions and swimming lessons,” he said.
Mr Leaf said schools in poorer areas with low collection rates could apply for supplementary funding through the Secondary Assistance Scheme.
Schools can request up to $235 a year in voluntary payments for Year 8 to 10 students. Many principals are worried schools will suffer next year under State Government plans to scrap a $100-a-student subsidy paid directly to high schools.
Unless they have a health care card, parents will be asked to pay the full contribution.
BETHANY HIATT
as posted here
Many parents who send their children to State high schools in wealthy suburbs are refusing to pay voluntary contributions.
Figures released by the Education Department reveal that some schools in high socioeconomic areas collect less than half the total voluntary amount requested from parents.
The average collection rate of voluntary contributions at schools across WA last year was just 60 per cent. The department said the data showed that schools in lower socioeconomic areas were more likely to have lower collection rates of voluntary payments.
Lesmurdie Senior High School, which is not in a low socioeconomic area, collected just 28 per cent of contributions. Principal Keith Svendsen said many parents might have cut back on voluntary payments to ensure they could pay compulsory fees charged for some subjects, because of economic conditions.
“We understand that, but we also have to continue to fund our programs and we are reliant on any and all monies that are paid either through the grants we get from the department and the charges and contributions we get from parents,” he said.
Mt Lawley Senior High School, which draws students from high socioeconomic areas such as Mt Lawley, Coolbinia and Inglewood, collected just 50 per cent of voluntary contributions. Melville SHS had the most voluntary contributions paid with 98 per cent. Thornlie SHS had the least with 19 per cent.
Education Department spokesman John Leaf said voluntary contributions met some of the costs of providing textbooks, stationery and other materials. “Schools can also collect money from parents for non-compulsory aspects of schooling which may include optional courses, excursions and swimming lessons,” he said.
Mr Leaf said schools in poorer areas with low collection rates could apply for supplementary funding through the Secondary Assistance Scheme.
Schools can request up to $235 a year in voluntary payments for Year 8 to 10 students. Many principals are worried schools will suffer next year under State Government plans to scrap a $100-a-student subsidy paid directly to high schools.
Unless they have a health care card, parents will be asked to pay the full contribution.
BETHANY HIATT
as posted here
Local Government Elections
as posted here
The City of Gosnells district is represented by 12 elected members, known as Councillors. The term of office for a Councillor is four years and elections are held every second year on the third Saturday in October.
The next Election Day will be on Saturday, 17 October 2009. At each election, half of the Council positions are declared vacant and a poll is conducted to determine the incoming Councillors.
Elections
The City of Gosnells holds postal elections, which are conducted on the City’s behalf by the Western Australian Electoral Commission.
What’s New?
The City has recently completed a review of Ward Boundaries and Councillor Representation, which resulted in a decision to remove ward boundaries and establish the district of Gosnells as a single ‘ward’. This means that all Councillors are now elected by electors from the whole district.
Voting in Elections
Voting papers are mailed to every person appearing on either the Residents Roll or the Owners and Occupiers Roll approximately four weeks prior to the Election Day.
Nominate to be a Councillor
To stand for election as a Councillor, you must:
be 18 years of age or older;
be an elector of the district (if you are only an elector because you are a nominee of a company then you are not eligible to stand);
(if you are a current Council member), have a term that ends on Election Day.
as posted here
The City of Gosnells district is represented by 12 elected members, known as Councillors. The term of office for a Councillor is four years and elections are held every second year on the third Saturday in October.
The next Election Day will be on Saturday, 17 October 2009. At each election, half of the Council positions are declared vacant and a poll is conducted to determine the incoming Councillors.
Elections
The City of Gosnells holds postal elections, which are conducted on the City’s behalf by the Western Australian Electoral Commission.
What’s New?
The City has recently completed a review of Ward Boundaries and Councillor Representation, which resulted in a decision to remove ward boundaries and establish the district of Gosnells as a single ‘ward’. This means that all Councillors are now elected by electors from the whole district.
Voting in Elections
Voting papers are mailed to every person appearing on either the Residents Roll or the Owners and Occupiers Roll approximately four weeks prior to the Election Day.
Nominate to be a Councillor
To stand for election as a Councillor, you must:
be 18 years of age or older;
be an elector of the district (if you are only an elector because you are a nominee of a company then you are not eligible to stand);
(if you are a current Council member), have a term that ends on Election Day.
as posted here
Friday 7 August 2009
Another home drug lab found
as posted here
Police have shut down yet another clandestine drug lab – this time in the southern suburb of Huntingdale.
Armed with a misuse of drugs search warrant, police raided a home on Redfox Crescent about 10am yesterday and allegedly discovered a crude laboratory where it appeared methamphetamine was being produced.
Officers from the Organised Crime Unit and WA Chemistry Centre experts were called out to the house to dismantle the equipment.
They found several items and chemical liquids commonly used to manufacture “ice” or “speed”.
Police arrested a 41-year-old woman on charges of attempting to manufacture a prohibited substance.
She will appear in the Armadale Magistrate’s Court today.
Nearly 80 clandestine drug labs have been discovered this year alone, a huge jump from the 28 busts last year.
Police have previously blamed the economic downturn for driving ice and speed users to “cook” their own drugs.
PERTH
LEE RONDGANGER
as posted here
Police have shut down yet another clandestine drug lab – this time in the southern suburb of Huntingdale.
Armed with a misuse of drugs search warrant, police raided a home on Redfox Crescent about 10am yesterday and allegedly discovered a crude laboratory where it appeared methamphetamine was being produced.
Officers from the Organised Crime Unit and WA Chemistry Centre experts were called out to the house to dismantle the equipment.
They found several items and chemical liquids commonly used to manufacture “ice” or “speed”.
Police arrested a 41-year-old woman on charges of attempting to manufacture a prohibited substance.
She will appear in the Armadale Magistrate’s Court today.
Nearly 80 clandestine drug labs have been discovered this year alone, a huge jump from the 28 busts last year.
Police have previously blamed the economic downturn for driving ice and speed users to “cook” their own drugs.
PERTH
LEE RONDGANGER
as posted here
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