In what must be regarded as one of the meanest acts ever, by the NSW Government, at least 30 families have had their home ear-marked for demolition by the Department of Housing.
This cruel event became a reality recent when department tenants in Brussels, Laverack, Byrnes and Dixmude Streets were advised by the Department of Housing that they wanted to redevelop those sites with townhouses.
In a draft submission to the Department of Planning, Parramatta City recently determined that town houses would not be permissible on these sites, but the Housing Department are 'hell-bent' on over-riding the wishes of local residents.
" At a time when Governments should be showing sympathy and concern for struggling families during hard economic times, the NSW Department of Housing, lead by Minister David Borger, simply turn their backs on working class families in South Granville" said Councillor Garrrard.
Monday, April 20, 2009
ACTION ON BROTHELS
After a period of unprecedented leniency in recent years towards brothel control and any sort of reasonable monitoring procedures, Parramatta City Council has established an impressive bench mark in addressing the sex industry behaviour within the local community.
Tainted by the ICAC inquiry into Wade Fryar, a former Council employee and his association with various brothels in return for sexual favours and cash, Parramatta Council now leads the way in addressing the Sex industry and continues to set new benchmarks for local government.
"In this term of Council, not one new brothel or massage parlor has been given approval, which is in quite stark contrast to the previous four years," Councillor Garrard said.
The record shows that there probably 50 sex premises within the Parramatta LGA. In recent times there has been a proliferation of oriental and therapeutic massage and treatment establishments in areas like Clyde, Granville and Toongabbie, providing sex services.
"In the last 3 months approximately $30,000 in fines have been issued against sex premises for breaches, together with orders demanding conformity with various consents".
With the creation of a new Council position, Council's Strategic Crime and Corruption Officer, a person is now responsible for the auditing and monitoring of the sex industry's behaviour. This position has highlighted the very 'cashed up' style of business which brothels represent, together with the litany of criminal activity such as sex slavery, illegal immigration, social welfare fraud, under age prostitution and drugs.
"Clearly our joint agency approach with Police, Custom Officials, Immigration and Centrelink has worked", said Councillor Garrard.
Recently other local government entities have approach Parramatta Council so as to better address their Council areas and reflect the model approach taken in Parramatta.
Tainted by the ICAC inquiry into Wade Fryar, a former Council employee and his association with various brothels in return for sexual favours and cash, Parramatta Council now leads the way in addressing the Sex industry and continues to set new benchmarks for local government.
"In this term of Council, not one new brothel or massage parlor has been given approval, which is in quite stark contrast to the previous four years," Councillor Garrard said.
The record shows that there probably 50 sex premises within the Parramatta LGA. In recent times there has been a proliferation of oriental and therapeutic massage and treatment establishments in areas like Clyde, Granville and Toongabbie, providing sex services.
"In the last 3 months approximately $30,000 in fines have been issued against sex premises for breaches, together with orders demanding conformity with various consents".
With the creation of a new Council position, Council's Strategic Crime and Corruption Officer, a person is now responsible for the auditing and monitoring of the sex industry's behaviour. This position has highlighted the very 'cashed up' style of business which brothels represent, together with the litany of criminal activity such as sex slavery, illegal immigration, social welfare fraud, under age prostitution and drugs.
"Clearly our joint agency approach with Police, Custom Officials, Immigration and Centrelink has worked", said Councillor Garrard.
Recently other local government entities have approach Parramatta Council so as to better address their Council areas and reflect the model approach taken in Parramatta.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
WORKING NEIGHBOURHOODS
Parramatta needs a 'Neghbourhoods Policy'. Woodville Independents believe that neighbourhoods help communities to have a greater say over what happens. Councils need to play a major role in facilitating action between all levels of government in order to address community needs.
Neighbourhood activity can have a positive impact on issues such as education, health, transport and crime. Policy-makers needs to take this conection more seriously.
In Parramatta we need to do things differently to achieve better community outcomes.
Neighbourhood activity can have a positive impact on issues such as education, health, transport and crime. Policy-makers needs to take this conection more seriously.
In Parramatta we need to do things differently to achieve better community outcomes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)