Moreland Mayor's Speech 2008

8/13/2019 Moreland Mayor's Speech 2008

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Incoming Mayors Speech

15 December 2008


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In-Coming Mayors Speech

Honoured Guests; Members of state and Federal Parliaments; Hon.

Christine Campbell, Hon. Carlo Carli, Kelvin Thomson M.H.R., former

mayors; oe Caputo, Robert !aro""a, Mar# $%&rien, Mar# Hi''inbotham;

former "oun"illors of the City of Moreland, Milad (l Halabi, )ndrea *haram,

+aniel de !orenis; fello- Coun"illors, Coun"il $ffi"ers, "itiens of

Moreland and friends.

am proud and honoured to stand here as the ele"ted Mayor of this 'reat,

vibrant and diverse "ity. My fello- "oun"illors besto- a 'reat privile'e and

responsibility upon me. e/press my sin"ere appre"iation to them for

pla"in' their trust in me to lead this Coun"il throu'h its first year. ta#e this

responsibility and the trust they have sho-n in me very seriously. "ommit

to servin' the people of Moreland to the best of my abilities -ith vision,

enthusiasm and ener'y. am determined to lead Coun"il in a"hievin' the

aspirations of our "ommunity and our "olle"tive ele"tion promises.

pay my respe"ts to the lo"al indi'enous people of Moreland,

a"#no-led'in' that -e are on the traditional tribal lands of the 0urund1eri

people. offer my respe"ts to their (lders and to all )bori'inal and Torres

*trait slander people.

)s a ne- Coun"il -e have "hallen'in' tas#s ahead of us over the ne/t 2

years; than#fully, -e have ener'y and a shared plan to respond to those

"hallen'es and improve our Coun"il by 'ettin' the basi"s ri'ht. &efore 'o

any further, -ould li#e to re"o'nise the team around me, and our history.

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Firstly, on behalf of the in"omin' Coun"illors, than# all the former

Coun"illors -ho served from 5662867. 9ours -as a diffi"ult role; one in

-hi"h you balan"ed a -ide ran'e of interests and demands from various

:"ompetin' 'roups% throu'hout the muni"ipality. 0ell done, you fulfilled your

role responsibly and presided over and, handed this in"omin' Coun"il a

finan"ially sound or'aniation -ith a balan"ed bud'et.

To all previous Moreland Mayors -ho "ontributed their o-n uniue

a"hievements, than# you for your "ontribution to our "ity. n parti"ular, to

the out'oin' Mayor, oe Caputo; a"#no-led'e your 'ood -or# -ith the

various "ommunities, your drive for fairness, euity and "ultural diversity

and your even8handedness and in"lusiveness -ith other "oun"illors,

irrespe"tive of their affiliations or "auses. oe, "on'ratulate you for your

'reat -or# and your tireless effort over many years; on behalf of all present

toni'ht 8 than# you for a 1ob -ell done.

*e"ondly, to all present, espe"ially the former "oun"illors and "andidates

and those disappointed they -ere unsu""essful in the re"ent ele"tion;

than# you for parti"ipatin' in our demo"rati" pro"ess and en"oura'e you to

"ontinue your involvement in our "ommunity.

!et me issue this "hallen'e to you, the residents of Moreland< 'et involved

in your lo"al 'overnment, ta#e part in the pro"esses of "onsultation and

Coun"il meetin's, have a stron' voi"e, and be heard. Moreland is a 'reat

pla"e to live, but to'ether -e "an ma#e it even better.

The re"ent Moreland ele"tions revealed a "ommunity -ith a #een desire for

fresh leadership, a "ommunity that supports a solid poli"y platform and"andidates -ho listen and a"t in the interests of Moreland residents.



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Coun"il has demonstrated its "apa"ity to rene- itself throu'h the ele"tion

pro"ess and by developin' stron' poli"ies to solve problems and respond

to emer'in' issues. Coun"il has also sho-n its ability to refle"t, throu'h its

"omposition, our 'reat multi"ultural and diverse "ommunity.

am part of this fresh approa"h to Coun"il. My o-n ba"#'round also

refle"ts the diversity of the muni"ipality no- lead. My parents mi'rated to

)ustralia from Gree"e, -ith very little money and no #no-led'e of the

(n'lish lan'ua'e. They settled in &runs-i"# and -or#ed hard to "ontribute

to the ne- "ountry they no- "all home. People, li#e my parents, "ontinue to

arrive in Moreland, brin'in' their food, their dress, their lan'ua'es and their

"ustoms, and -ith ea"h enhan"in' the ri"hness of our lives and "ommunity.

0hilst the title of :Mayor% brin's -ith it a de'ree of authority and di'nity, The

Mayor is one of eleven Coun"illors, -ho share eually in the de"ision8

ma#in' pro"ess. The statements and vie-s e/pressed by the Mayor must

al-ays represent the vie-s and poli"ies of fello- Coun"illors.

To'ether -e are a team; -e all have uniue talents and perspe"tives and

-e are all "ommitted to servin' the best interests of the Moreland

"ommunity. Coun"illors, pled'e to you, and all present toni'ht, that -e -ill

-or# to'ether in the best interests of our Moreland Community.

=nder my leadership, Coun"il -ill demonstrate that it has the "apa"ity to

harness its mission of improvin' our so"iety for the benefit of residents and

ratepayers. =nder my leadership, and -ith my fello- Coun"illors%

assistan"e, -e -ill ensure Moreland is re"o'nised as a first "lass lo"al

"oun"il.



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n the past, Moreland has e/"elled in dealin' -ith "limate "han'e,

re"on"iliation and multi"ulturalism. 0e need to build on that. t is time to be

#no-n for e/"ellin' in the delivery of essential servi"es to our "ommunity.

Residents no- ri'htly e/pe"t to be "onsulted and listened to, as part of the

de"ision8ma#in' pro"ess. t is in"umbent on Coun"il to listen, a"t and

deliver on the basi" thin's that matter most to the lo"al "ommunity.

0e must deliver on the #ey issues of street repairs, street "leanin',

rubbish "olle"tions, lo"al amenity, plannin', par#s, 'ardens and

servi"es to the youn' and elderly; and

0e must be open and a""ountable; our de"isions must be

transparent, espe"ially around plannin' and finan"e matters.

$ur roads and footpaths are in need of further repair. n my term of offi"e,

Coun"il -ill develop an infrastru"ture pro'ram to ma#e sure our lo"al roads

and footpaths are repaired and made safe for our entire "ommunity. 0e -ill

rebuild Cobur' throu'h the :Cobur' nitiative% and start similar pro1e"ts for

&runs-i"# and Glenroy.

n partnership -ith the *tate Government, Coun"il -ill re8develop the

&runs-i"# &aths. Coun"il -ill also rene- the $a# Par# )uati"s Centre and

revie- theopenin' hours of all outdoor pools, to better meet residents%

needs.



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Coun"il -ill also fo"us on providin' servi"es to youn' people. +ru's,

al"ohol and unemployment are needlessly harmin' youn' lives. 0e have a

responsibility to the youth of Moreland, to brin' viable 1obs into the distri"t

and ensure euality of opportunity from s"hoolin' to employment. n my

term of offi"e, Coun"il -ill lobby both *tate and Federal 'overnment to

deliver real 1obs, parti"ularly into our a"tivity "entres, so that people "an live

and -or# lo"ally.

To our seniors and the a'ein', you -ho -or#ed so hard to defend this 'reat

nation in -ars and "onfli"ts, you -ho -or#ed hard to edu"ate your "hildren

and are no- approa"hin' or are in retirement, Coun"il and the "ommunity

o-e you a debt of 'ratitude. n my term of offi"e, Coun"il -ill deliver more

and better servi"es, li#e Meals on 0heels and Home Help to assist you

maintain your independen"e and sense of "ommunity.

0ith the "urrent -orld e"onomi" un"ertainty, Coun"il must be fle/ible to

adapt and "han'e if and -hen reuired. The "risis is 'lobal and a""ept

that on its o-n Coun"il "an do little to influen"e the e"onomy. Ho-ever,

Coun"il understands the finan"ial pressure fa"ed by residents and in

parti"ular, pensioners. n my term of offi"e, Coun"il -ill advo"ate for a

'reater rate8rebate for pensioners and mana'e the bud'et "arefully and

responsibly to ensure rates are #ept to the lo-est level possible.

Re"ently, Coun"il si'ned onto theAustralian Made - Australian Grown

"ampai'n as a sponsor. This is not lip servi"e to )ustralian farmers and

manufa"turers, but in my term of offi"e Coun"il%s "ommitment -ill be to

pur"hase lo"ally 'ro-n produ"e and -here possible to preferen"e lo"ally

manufa"tured 'oods over imported produ"t.



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Citiens of Moreland, toni'ht, pled'e to -or# for the 'reater 'ood of our

"ommunity. *u"h a pled'e demands that be fair in my dealin's -ith

businesses, residents and "ommunity interest 'roups. To that end, ma#e

my "ommitment.

$n our -at"h, Moreland -ill "ontinue to be a leader amon'st Coun"ils. t

-ill be responsible, a""ountable and deliver first8"lass servi"es to the

"ommunity. have dis"ussed some of our plans and en"oura'e you read

the details in the -ritten poli"y se"tion.

Finally, in li'ht of the season that is upon us; let me -ish you a Happy

Christmas, and a 1oyous, safe and prosperous >e- 9ear.



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Policy Summary and Highlights 2008 2012

Implement the Coburg 2020 redevelopment strategy; the Brunswic !tructure

"lan and the Glenroy !tructure "lan;

#evelop an in$rastructure program to repair our local roads and $ootpaths and tomae them sa$e $or our entire community%

Implement a City improvement program& to eep Moreland's streets& clean and

$ree o$ rubbish;

!upport senior citi(ens by upgrading senior citi(en centres and itchens&campaigning $or a better deal $or pensioners on the rate rebate& and supportingessential services lie )ome )elp and Meals on *heels%

!upport $amilies by implementing a centralised pre-school and childcare

enrolment system $or Moreland and build new children's centres& including aGowanbrae Children's Centre;

+nsure libraries are wonder$ul resources& by continuing to increase $unds $or newboos;

,edevelop the Brunswic Baths& renew the a "ar A.uatics Centre and

investigate having outdoor pools open all year round%

/eep outdoor pools open and review morning opening hours to meet the needso$ residents;

"romote a healthy li$estyle and increase the participation o$ sports activities in our

community particularly amongst women and girls;

Continue to upgrade sports in$rastructure across the municipality;

!ee to establish youth centres across the municipality;

Improve the Arts by supporting "er$orming Arts Moreland and investigating waysto increase public art across Moreland;

+nhance Moreland's $estivals& in particular those in Brunswic& "ascoe ale&

Glenroy and 1awner and loo at ways to re-establish a Coburg $estival;

Advocate $or numerous important public transport improvements in the areas o$

greatest need;

!upport 0m3h (ones $or strip shopping centres and advocate $or grade

separation at Glenroy;

#eliver "aring Action "lans across the municipality;

Implement the Active *omen in Moreland !trategy in 2004& ensure access and

e.uity& and promote awareness amongst women o$ the opportunities available tothem%

5pgrade cycling by completing the 5p$ield Bie "ath and advocate $or a new bie

path along the Craigieburn railway line%

Administer a planning system to help create a liveable and sustainable city;

"romote housing diversity& respect neighbourhood character and sponsor betterconsultation on planning;

ppose privati(ation o$ public open space& especially the +dgar and Merri Cree

parlands in 6orth Coburg;

5pgrade playgrounds and improve public open space;

Improve streetscapes& protect signi$icant trees and continue revitali(ing ourcrees and waterways;

Implement the Climate Action "lan& the Moreland !olar City pro7ect and reduce

our water consumption;

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Increase $unding $or public toilet installations and upgrades;

!upport the local economy by promoting Moreland business and assisting the

creation o$ more 7obs in our local community;

*or to clean up inappropriate gra$$iti in Moreland%

Celebrate Christmas with carols& $und decorations in the main retail centres and$ind ways to appropriately celebrate other religious $estivals;

+nsure council meetings remain open to the public and accountable& and

maintain the hal$ hour .uestion time;

Improve community consultation and enhance customer service;

,educe red tape $or all residents dealing with Council and $or internal processes;

#evelop a sound $inancial strategy $or income growth and asset renewal;

Improve Council's engagement with the community& and increase rates o$ active

citi(enship& empowerment& decision maing and in$ormation e8change%

Detailed Policy and Initiatives 2008 2012

Council's vision $or the City will see it grow economically& have improved socialconditions $or its residents& the built and natural environment will be improved and wewill do this with open& responsive and consultative governance%

In its continuing mission $or Moreland& Council will engage in partnership with thecommunity to lead and develop9

a city with sustainable growth&

a city that cares $or and respects all citi(ens& a city that welcomes people be they Australians or new-comers to this land&

a city that celebrates its social& cultural and ethnic heritage& and

a city that promotes wellbeing%

:his policy is presented in $our themes to tae account o$ the diverse role o$ localgovernment9

Building community and reducing social disadvantage

:ransport& planning and the environment&

ocal economic conditions and pen& responsive and consultative governance

Building Community & reducing social disadvantage

Community Health and ell!eingCouncil believes that the health& sa$ety and well-being o$ the Moreland community iscouncil's $irst priority%ocal Government has a ey role to play in the provision o$ some health services and a

critical role in the identi$ication o$ needs%Council believes that the maintenance o$ .uality& independent community healthservices is essential in promoting the health& sa$ety and well-being o$ the Morelandcommunity%



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Council will9

update the municipal public heath plan in consultation with the community

and implement its recommendations

support the development o$ a new ma7or community health $acility in

Coburg and local outreach services support e$$orts to increase !tate and 1ederal $unds to reduce the waiting

lists at the Moreland Community )ealth Centre $or services such asphysiotherapy& podiatry and dental care

Continue community strengthening programs in 1awner and Glenroy

Investigate and support creation o$


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upgrading early childhood $acilities in partnership with government and

other agencies

advocating $or improved services $or children with additional needs

encouraging greater linages between early childhood and health services

improving access $or all $amilies with young children to the supportsystems they need

ensure that services are responsive to children and $amilies $rom culturally

and linguistically diverse bacgrounds

build a new Gowanbrae Community and Children>s Centre% As well as acommunity house the building will accommodate indergarten& childcare&playgroup& maternal and child health services& early intervention& alliedhealth and $amily support service%

!upport community managed children's services%

+ncourage nurses into maternal health to address sta$$ shortages $ore8ample by o$$ering cadetships%

Disa!ilityCouncil will wor to ensure that people with a disability are easily able to live& learn&wor and engage with their $amilies& neighbourhoods and communities without the manybarriers they currently $ace%Council will9

continue to improve the physical environment so it is sa$e& accessible andinclusive $or all%

improve access to in$ormation and community participation in decisions

maing $or people with a disability& their carers and their community at

large% improve access to services and to opportunities $or people with a disability

in all areas across Council and the community%

Increase the opportunities $or people with disabilities to gain employment

at Council%

eigh!ourhood HousesCouncil believes that neighbourhood houses help build stronger communities%6eighbourhood houses deliver important grass roots programs that strengthen localcommunities and provide support and servicesCouncil will9

continue to improve conditions o$ neighbourhood houses in partnershipwith the community and other levels o$ Government

increase $unding to neighbourhood houses in partnership with !tate

Government%

!upport 6eighbourhood )ouses&including prioritising the redevelopment

o$ the Brunswic and !usse8 !treet )ouses to enable a more e$$icient and$ar reaching service%

Community BuildingCouncil believes that community organisations are a vital part o$ our municipality%

Council will9 maintain the value o$ the numerous grants programs run by Council%

continue the success$ul community partnerships program



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continue to support the 1riends o$ Aileu and the Aileu-Moreland

intergovernmental agreement

'i!rary ServicesCouncil will9

ensure that the $unds $or the purchase o$ new boos are increased at aminimum o$ the C"I rate each year

continue to improve community access to online technologies

ensure that seven day a wee operations will continue $or the three largestlibraries& Coburg& Brunswic and Glenroy

continue to improve the library buildings in Moreland to ensure that they

are warm& user $riendly and available $or study

continue and enhance the award-winning Moreland ,eading "rogram&

including the in$ant reading program and e8pand the ,hyme timesessions%

(ecreation centresCouncil owned ,ecreation Centres are important community $acilities that re.uire long-term planning and consistent commitment%Council will9

implement a plan to renew all o$ Moreland's a.uatic $acilities

support the installation o$ energy and water conservation in$rastructureacross each o$ the indoor a.uatic centres

redevelop the Brunswic Baths

renew the a "ar A.uatics Centre& including dry space $or community

use& gymnasium and $itness programs& and introduce new improved waterplay3leisure $eatures $or children

continue to run outdoor pools as part o$ the contribution they mae to the

recreation in summer periods

review the morning opening hours o$ outdoor pools to better meet the

needs o$ young $amilies and people who want to avoid the middle o$ theday sun or e8ercise early in the morning

S"orting grou"s and %acilitiesCouncil believes that increased participation by citi(ens in sporting activities builds a

healthier and more active community%Council will9

continue to roll out a program o$ upgrading our many sporting pavilions on

a needs and priority basis

increase $unding $or sporting in$rastructure and l actively see grants$unding $rom !tate and 1ederal Governments

wherever possible ensue public land and public $acilities are optimally

utilised by encouraging multi use buildings and playing sur$aces

continue to support high level cricet& $ootball& soccer and other sports aswell as supporting grass roots clubs

support a new year round indoor bowls and multi use $acility in Glenroy



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implement the Moreland ,ecreation "lan to generate the best outcomes

$or local sporting clubs and encourage greater participation $rom ourcommunity% :hese plans will include how $unds can be allocated toimprove $acilities& provide council assistance in club development andpromotion and wor to ensure that all people in Moreland now theirclosest sporting venues

ensure that in$ormation about local sporting $acilities is $reely available

ensure that a wide range o$ sports are promoted such as sport that is o$

interest to a broad cross section o$ the community; senior citi(ens& peoplewith disabilities& women& di$$erent ethnic groups

continue to support community based sport in Moreland through improved$acilities& support $or club development& and promotion o$ community sport

encourage the development o$ sports speci$ic $orums to enable better

sports speci$ic dialogue with council ?along the lines o$ the success$ulsoccer based


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continuing the biennial Moreland outh !ummit and establish a outh

Council& made up o$ members between 2 and D& to lead the review o$the outh !trategy%

undertaing research and advocacy to address issues around youth

employment and education%Council will maintain current youth activities and will wor towards greater participationin such activities through greater promotion o$ events% !uch programs and other youthinitiatives provide an area o$ social interaction $or younger people& which the council willloo to enhance%

Housing *%%orda!ilityCouncil will9

advocate $or greater investment $rom !tate E 1ederal Governments in

social and public housing

identi$y opportunities $or e8pansion E redevelopment o$ e8isting public

housing stoc identi$y and support opportunities $or public3social housing in larger re-

development pro7ects ?eg re(oned industrial sites@

ensure a$$ordable housing is included in structure plan implementation

advocate $or action $rom !tate and 1ederal Governments on housing

a$$ordability

advocate $or the release o$ any surplus Government land to be utili(ed $orpublic good& including a$$ordable housing& open space& employment usesor sustainable transport

advocate $or rental re$orm in areas such as rental bidding& minimum

standards $or rental properties and better training $or landlords continue to pursue community partnerships with agencies to develop and

encourage a$$ordable housing%

Investigate the introduction o$ inclusionary (oning to $acilitate social

housing

!upport the long-term lease o$ Council properties& such as airspace& $or

social housing

"rovide ade.uate resources to ensure local private rooming houses

comply with health and building regulations

+ducation+ducation is the ey to our children's $uture and our continuing prosperity% +very studentin every school should have every chance to reach their $ull potential% :o help ensurelocal schools are schools o$ choice Council will9

support a 7unior high school in Coburg

advocate $or $unding $or in$rastructure upgrades at local schools

advocate to the !tate Government $or an increase in education investmentand standards in Moreland;

continue to support homewor groups

continue to develop active partnerships with the Inner 6orthern ocal

earning and +mployment 6etwor ?I6 +6@ and the !chool 1ocusedouth !ervices ?!1!@

!upport local children attending local schools



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Council will oppose any attempts to close any local educational $acilities and willstrongly oppose the selling o$ any educational land $or residential purposes%

Cultural DiversityCouncil will enhance multiculturalism by providing programs and activities that promotetolerance and understanding between all citi(ens o$ Moreland%Council will con$ront ignorance and pre7udice with a healthy e8ample o$ the positivebene$its o$ multiculturalism% :he banner


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Council will continue to wor at improving transport options $or all Moreland residents%:ransport is an essential component o$ achieving social& economic and environmentale.uity%Council believes that all people have the right to en7oy a sa$e travelling environment Fregardless o$ the mode o$ transport%Council recogni(es the challenges o$ increasing petrol prices and the introduction o$ an+missions :rading !ystem ?+:!@% :hese developments mean that Moreland residentsneed greater transport choice more than ever%Council opposes the proposed +ast *est road tunnel% !uch a tollway will a$$ect localamenity& will add to inner suburban congestion& and will not aid our attempts to reducegreenhouse gas emissions%Council will continue to maintain and improve local transport in$rastructure and willadvocate $or increased transport $unding $rom !tate and 1ederal Governments%Council supports lower speed limits in strip shopping centres and around schools%

Planning %or Better -rans"ortCouncil believes that integrated transport planning will lead to a better local transportsystem%Council will9

develop and implement a new Moreland Integrated :ransport !trategy

implement the Coburg& Glenroy and Brunswic !tructure plans

encourage more local 7obs& through employment attraction and retention

retain and enhance viability o$ local shopping strips

oppose selling o$$ o$ public land i%e% ic trac and ic roads where it could

be used to improve sustainable transport outcomes or where it couldprovide public bene$it such as local 7obs& aged care& childcare etc

advocate $or better use o$ ictrac land%

Pu!lic -rans"ortCouncil believes in an integrated& environmentally $riendly and properly plannedtransport system that meets the needs o$ the travelling public and a modern economy%Council will9

Continue to advocate $or ey public transport route improvements

including9o Immediate implementation o$ !mart Bus ,outes on Bell !treet ?red

orbital@ and #awson !treet3Glenlyon ,oad ?blue orbital@o 5pgrade the 5p$ield line to provide more pea services and only

carriage trainso +8tension o$ tram 4 to 1awner

o arger and bigger trams on ,outes & D& 4 and 4

o Immediate implementation o$ the #epartment o$ :ransport Bus ,eview&

especially the e8tension o$ route 2 to "ascoe ale !tationo Immediate improvements to bus services to run H days a wee and

later at night and improved $re.uencyo Better co-ordination between public transport modes

o Better bus and tram stops with more real time in$ormation& more

seating and more shelter%o More low $loor buses

o 1ree or discounted "ublic :ransport travel out o$ pea hours to

increase patronage and sa$ety



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o Immediate ad7ustments the (one anomalies between bus and train

services in the northern parts o$ Morelando Advocacy $or the movement o$ one one to Broadmeadows

advocate $or $ederal government $unding $or public transport in$rastructure

support improvements to accessibility to ensure all members o$ thecommunity including people with special needs can access train& tram& busand ta8i services

build a Coburg :ransport Interchange as a part o$ the implementation o$

the Coburg Initiative

advocate $or improvements to !ydney ,oad to enable trams to $low more

$reely% Council considers it important that changes are made to !ydney,oad to mae it $unction better $or public transport& pedestrians& people inwheelchairs& cyclists and as a shopping environment%

continue to oppose the unilateral imposition o$ e8tended clearway times

investigate ways o$ better utilising o$ all $orms o$ community transport&

possibly through a database%

Advocate $or Jat grade' tram stops to increase accessibility and to slow

tra$$ic%

Advocate $or new tram stops to be sited to best serve users not cars%

+nsure ade.uate seating& signs and lighting at all bus stops

(oadsCouncil is responsible $or maintaining and improving our local roads& paths andassociated in$rastructure%Council will9

continue to use year $orward looing plans to ensure ade.uate $unding isprovided $or the maintenance o$ our road networs

call on !tate and 1ederal Governments to provide $unding to help achieve

this aim& especially in relation to areas listed as accident blac spots

support 0m3h (ones $or strip shopping centres

ensure that replacement roads improve conditions $or all users& including

cyclists and pedestrians and introduce greater greening

advocate $or grade separation at Glenroy ,oad as outlined in the Glenroy

!tructure plan% :his will not only improve congestion and the viability o$ theshopping centre but will lin the community o$ Glenroy& which is currently

split in two by the railway line% continue to support the installation o$ tra$$ic control measures where they

are appropriate% *here tra$$ic control measures are re.uired atintersections& we will support the use o$ the toolit developed by Bicycleictoria to mae intersections sa$er $or all road users%

improve sa$ety at (ebra crossings

support !tate Government anti-hoon laws%

,eview the ,oad Asset Management "lan to re$lect the need to prioritise

roads according to their importance in meeting public transport ?bus@needs& sustainable transport ?cycling@ needs and essential $reight routes

Ad7ust tra$$ic signal phases on all roads Council owns to prioritisepedestrians and cyclists& and advocate $or a similar ad7ustment on roadsmanaged by icroads



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Par/ingCouncil believes that paring management policies are e$$ective in reducing demand onparing spaces and helping to share the cost o$ paring in$rastructure e.uitably% :hisprovides all users with sa$e& convenient and appropriate access to paring in Morelandwhilst enabling ade.uate road access $or pedestrians& cyclists& emergency vehicles&trams& buses and street maintenance and delivery vehicles%Council will9

develop and implement paring action plans $or areas o$ Moreland which

$ace a scarcity o$ car paring including our activity centres F Coburg&Brunswic and Glenroy

ensure that ade.uate paring is provided with all new developments

discourage cars $rom paring in bicycle lanes

investigate ways in which paring can be better utili(ed to supportshopping precincts& such as time limits to prevent e8cessive amounts o$ allday paring%

Car SharingCouncil supports car sharing as a way o$ reducing the number o$ cars needing paringin our local neighbourhoods& as well as reducing the number o$ vehicles on the road%Council will wor with organisations to support and promote car-sharing programs andincrease the level o$ car sharing available& particularly in the northern section o$ the city

PedestriansCouncil supports waling as a sustainable and healthy transport mode% *aling is easy&cheap and accessible $or most people%*e would lie to see more people waling more o$ten and will help mae waling atransport mode o$ choice by improving our $ootpaths and providing more resting places&and better amenity through planting more trees $or shade and providing appropriatelighting% Council will also ensure $acilities remain within waling distance%Council will9

$inalise and implement a pedestrian and waling strategy that will prioritise

actions to improve waling conditions in the city

implement innovative programs to encourage more waling trips and to

increase pedestrian sa$ety

advocate $or the installation o$ pedestrian crossings where a need is

identi$ied& including Boundary ,oad Cumberland ,oad& Glenroy ,oad and

*id$ord !treet support programs such as the


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produce a


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Considers the impact on local area tra$$ic congestion and paring

re.uirements;

"rotects our common heritage;

Consists o$ the best urban and environmental practices in design;

"rovides $or suitable (oning especially to support commercial andindustrial activities;

Creates the best possible environment and .uality o$ li$e $or current and

$uture residents;

ins in with Moreland>s pen !pace !trategy and ensures ade.uateprovision $or all residents to access%

:aes into account the needs o$ an ageing population and is designed

within the principals o$


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Council shall restrict development in residential areas to protect neighbourhoodcharacter% 6ew development must respect the e8isting scale and built $orm o$ theneighbourhood and its pre$erred $uture character% 6o more than one story heightdi$$erence will& in general& be allowed between neighbouring properties% 1ront and sidesetbacs must also respect the established rhythm o$ buildings in the street% :heimportance o$ bac yards and garden outloos will also be respected%

3niversal Housing designCouncil will continue to advocate $or changes to the building code to include LuniversalL$eatures that improve access to appropriate housing $or people with disabilities andallow more people to Lage in placeL sa$ely%

Planning ConsultationCouncil will advise developers& be they home renovators or large developers& to wor inconsultation with a$$ected parties be$ore designing new or modi$ied buildings% #ecent

consultation will help ensure more appropriate developments%Council believes that the consultation3noti$ication re.uired $or large developmentsshould be greater than the statutory re.uirements% *e will see to increase noti$ication$or large developments to a$$ected parties :his will be done by putting in place criteria?eg% height& cost@ that once e8ceeded will ensure that additional consultation with thea$$ected community is carried out% Council will provide advice to residents on howpotential developments may a$$ect them to help them assess the impact o$ proposeddevelopments%

,eesCouncil shall put in place its own higher $ees and continue to lobby the !tate

Government $or increases to scheduled $ees $or large developments% Currently& the citysubsidies the assessment o$ private development by around %2 Million per year andthis is unacceptable%

Develo"ment Contri!utionsCouncil shall wor towards changes in the planning scheme to re.uire $inancialcontributions $rom developments to provide improved built and social in$rastructure% :hisway new development will improve the in$rastructure that we all use such as $ootpaths&pars and community services rather than 7ust maing a pro$it%

Heritage

Council will continue to promote the preservation o$ heritage areas or items and theirlins to our past% *here new construction is permitted to occur in a designated heritageprecinct the principle o$ non-intrusive design shall prevail%Council will support the incorporation into the planning scheme o$ $urther buildings o$importance to the community% Council will9

5ndertae additional heritage studies $or the area north o$ Bell !treet to

complete the research necessary to commence the preparation o$ a planningscheme amendment by 200%

"repare a planning scheme amendment to ensure ade.uate heritageprotection is contained in the Moreland "lanning !cheme by 202%

Protecting and Im"roving Pu!lic 4"en S"aceCouncil will treat our scarce parland reserves as a precious community resource%



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Council will wor to ensure that all residents have .uality& accessible open space withinsa$e waling distance ?00m@& with particular regard to higher density areas ?K00m@%Council will9

involve the local community in open space decision maing

maintain and improve public open space by allocating ade.uate resources $ormaintenance and re$urbishment o$ e8isting and additional open space as wellas seeing additional $unding $rom developers and outside bodies

In par development and improvement wors& Council will provide access $or

people with disabilities wherever possible and ensure that the design andmaintenance o$ open space provides a high standard o$ sa$ety $or users

"rogressively upgrade playgrounds in Moreland and will provide shade andseating where possible

audit o$ all pars and ensure any unnamed pars are given names by the

community

introduce a pars heritage program& to in$orm residents o$ the history o$ their

local pars%

Shared %acilitiesCouncil will protect sporting reserves and move to ensure that all public land and openspace is utilised to its $ull potential%Council will9

pursue partnerships to place open space and sporting $acilities at local

schools& which will bene$it both the local community and the schools

investigate ways to contribute to open space improvements and will pursueopportunities through the !tate Government's

program develop guidelines and memoranda o$ understanding with schools regarding

out o$ hours public access to grounds to ensure that liability3duty o$ careissues are ade.uately addressed

see a$ter hours access arrangements to the grounds o$ Brunswic 6orth

"rimary !chool& Glenroy "rimary !chool and Glenroy *est "rimary%

4"en S"ace CorridorsCouncil supports the consolidation o$ open space corridors and the permanent re(oningo$ land with particular regard to !tate-owned properties%

Council opposes any privatisation o$ open space held in trust by any agency% Inparticular& Council opposes the sale o$ icroads land nown as the +dgars and MerriCree parlands% Council will not cease lobbying until the !tate Government trans$ersthe land to the people o$ Moreland%

Council$s Plan %or 5reening orelandCouncil will continue its strong emphasis on improving and greening streetscapes andrevegetation initiative%Council will9

increase the number o$ street trees and ensure they are well managed and

add amenity to the neighbourhood introduce local legislation to protect signi$icant trees

prioritise plantings in streets that are used as pedestrian routes to activity

centres



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plant trees along well utili(ed o$$ road shared paths such as the western ring

road path

hold community and school planting days%

+stablish a signi$icant tree registry

"reserve e8isting natural assets& including all street trees%

"romote training that will ensure all pars sta$$ are silled in indigenous plant

identi$ication& care and maintenance

+nsure greener and more permeable streetscapes& including reducing road

pavements and planting trees within the roadway in streets with narrow$ootpaths%

Cree/s & ater6aysMoreland's waterways are a scarce and wonder$ul resource and their improvement hasbeen instrumental in bringing bac native $lora and $auna to the area%Council will9

continue its e$$orts to revitalise the Moonee "onds Cree% Council will

continue to support the principles o$ the Moonee "onds Cree Concept "lanand the resourcing o$ the Moonee "onds Cree Coordinating Committee

Continue $ocus on the regeneration o$ the +dgar& Merlynston and *estbreen

crees

wor with the Merri Cree Management committee $or improvements to the

cree environs and increased water .uality o$ the precious Merri Cree

devote resources to the Moonee "onds Cree revitalisation and to attracting$unding $rom state and $ederal government agencies and private companies

including Melbourne *ater& "ars ictoria& Melbourne City in Authority and:ransurban

continue to wor with the Crees 1riends groups& believing that the most

e$$ective way o$ improving the crees is to involve local residents

implement the Moreland !tormwater Management "lan

have a


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support new programs designed to encourage a whole o$ community

approach to sustainability

support $ood security pro7ects and investigate the role community gardenscould play in providing a more sustainable local $ood base% A $ood security

tas$orce will be initiated and supported% advocate $or higher environmental standards $or new dwellings

provide in$ormation to planning applicants to assist with environmentally

$riendly design and to minimise environmental impacts o$ developments

maintain or increase current $unding levels $or energy programs& initiatives

and community education

support and engage in environmental and community partnerships withC+,+!

,evise the current Climate Action "lan 200H F200 to ensure Council is

carbon neutral by 202 and Moreland is carbon neutral by 2020%

Continue support o$ the IC+I ?International Cities $or Climate "rotectionInitiative@ program%

!upport the development o$ a pea oil strategy by Nune 2004 aimed at

addressing the implications o$ pea oil $or Council operations; and providingrecommendations on reducing Council's oil dependence by Nune 2004%

Investigate the replacement o$ all electric hot water systems in Council

buildings with solar hot water systems and all Council owned lights with solarlights

Install sylights where possible in Council buildings to increase the amount o$

natural lighting& and reduce lighting energy use%

!upport the conversion o$ non-Council owned street lighting to the most

energy e$$icient option available at each changeover o$ globes%

Continue to support the purchase o$ 00O Greenpower $or all Council

operations%

,e.uire all new developments to be connected to reticulated gas%

aterCouncil will9

reduce Council water consumption 2O by 20 $rom baseline consumption

in 200%

reduce community water consumption 20O by 20 $rom baseline

consumption in 200% increase council water reuse

increase the uptae o$ water e$$icient technologies by residents& including grey

water and rainwater harvesting systems

support the use o$ water saving techni.ues at our pars and gardens such as

computer controlled sprinler systems and the use o$ plants that re.uire lesswater

where appropriate renew playing $ields with drought tolerant tur$

,etro$it council buildings with water saving measures and ensure that new

buildings install a minimum o$ AAA $ittings

develop and implement& i$ needed& a community action plan $or stage waterrestrictions to in$orm and help our community deal with its impact

advocate $or individual water allocations& to replace watering restrictions so

that residents can better manage watering their gardens%Monday, 34 +e"ember 5667 23 of 33


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,evise the current *atershed !trategy to9

o plan $or the whole water cycleo including stormwater management

o include waste water recycling and the use o$ stormwater $or open

space watering;o continue to advocate $or the widespread use o$ rainwater tans;

o include an increase in the percentage o$ Councils own water use

that is not sourced $rom the mains& while reducing the total amounto$ water used $rom all sources

o complete the conversion o$ all sports $ields to warm seasons

grasses by 202o advocate $or the installation o$ 2 wetlands& at ma7or cree discharge

points& as natural $iltration systems $or stormwater discharge by202%

asteMoreland has consistently advocated $or waste management policies designed toincrease recycling and reduce land$ill%Council will9

continue to provide a reliable waste collection service

wor with the community towards reducing the .uantity o$ waste that is sent toland$ill

provide e$$icient and reliable recycling and green waste services

continue to pursue improvements to the appearance and maintenance o$

state owned land such as ,ailway corridors

wor with local schools on waste education and litter reduction%

DrainageCouncil will continue to $und improvements to Moreland drainage system; we will alsoloo $or innovative ways to deal with the increasing run o$$ $rom more $re.uent stormevents%

Pu!lic -oilets"ublic toilets are important assets to the local community% :here is currently a lac o$accessible& clean and sa$e public toilets in shopping centres in the municipality%Council will $und at a minimum two new public toilet upgrades per year% :hese will be$unded once an assessment has been done based on priority& pro7ected use and relativeneed%

'ocal +conomic Conditions

A vibrant and thriving local economy providing 7obs and local access to shops andservices is critical in a sustainable society% Council sees reducing unemployment in themunicipality as one o$ its highest priorities and supports initiatives that create localemployment and training opportunities%

Promoting oreland BusinessCouncil will actively generate interest in& and understanding o$& local product and serviceo$$erings& to assist in the encouragement o$ a vibrant local economy%Council will provide in$ormation on obtaining local products and services& including9



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oo $or ways to support the creation o$ themed business directories%

+8amples might include9o Building E renovation supplies guide

o ,estaurant guide

o

ive +ntertainment guide 3 theatre E gigs calendaro 1actory outlets shopping guide

o 6iche business guides& particularly $or multicultural businesses

o eisure and sporting clubs E $acilities guide

o )istorical E tourist guide

+nsure these guides are published and maintained on the internet

"romote Moreland as a destination $or shopping& leisure and tourism%

Conduct campaigns and $estivals to encourage the en7oyment o$ what the

Moreland economy has to o$$er%

5phold and improve the amenity and appeal o$ local shopping centres with

practical measures such as clear paring signage& appropriate levels o$cleaning and rubbish $acilities& provision o$ bie racs& seating and otherbeauti$ication%

oreland 7enturesCouncil will continue its broad and inventive program o$ initiatives to encourage andsupport new businesses& including9

the Moreland Community +nterprise Centre which provides a$$ordable o$$ice

space to new businesses and organisations;

the Moreland Business Incubator which provides a$$ordable o$$ice and light

industry space and a supportive learning environment;

Active membership o$ 6orthin ?the 6orthern Melbourne regional economicdevelopment organisation@ including participation and support $or pro7ectssuch as the +8port ,eadiness "rogram& and mareting the northern region%

Council will support o$ businesses by seeing to add the $ollowing initiatives to itse8isting program9

!ee $unding to e8pand the Business Incubation program to campuses in thenorthern and central areas o$ the municipality

Create and maintain a virtual business incubator& to cost-e$$ectively provide

business incubation services

Investigate an outlet in Glenroy to provide local manu$acturers& particularly

clothing and $ootwear& a direct to public shop-$ront with low levels o$ rent; toencourage the purchase o$ locally made products at $actory outlet prices%

Advocate $or large parcels o$ state owned land to be retained $or public use or

local employment creation%

!ee opportunities to encourage active commercial3industrial use o$

commercial3industrial property%

Council Service to 'ocal BusinessCouncil will see to develop a service culture in its ordinary dealings with localbusinesses& which ensures that Council obtains an enhanced reputation as a business

$acilitator%Council will9

Continue to conduct and enhance the annual Business Customer !urvey&

which will allow Council to9



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o btain a .uantitative and .ualitative understanding o$ business

satis$action with Councilo btain a better pro$ile o$ Moreland's businesses

o Identi$y business which predict the possibility o$ e8panding&

downsi(ing& moving or closing down in the coming year andearmar them $or special attention

Maintain $ormal lins between Council and bodies& which represent and

advocate $or the needs o$ local businesses% Council will continue to supportlocal traders groups including supporting a new ygon !treet traders group

+nsure transparency and awareness o$ rules and processes and use clear

plain language $or all communication and $orms%

(etail CentresAccess to local conveniences and retail shops is important $or a sustainable society%Council will9

improve the amenity and level o$ cleanliness o$ all shopping strips through the


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!upport training and career development& by providing wor e8perience and

employment at Council%

+ncourage Moreland residents to apply $or Council 7ob vacancies and ensurethat over time more council worers are local

Increase opportunities $or people with a disability to gain employment atCouncil%

+ncouraging Moreland businesses to bid $or Council contracts%

Continue Council's membership o$ Apprenticeship "lus%

Continue and e8pand Council's employment o$ apprentices across theorganisation%

Budgetary PolicyCouncil believes that budgetary policy must balance prudent $inancial management witha commitment to properly resource community services and assets& as well as the needto ensure rates 7ustice%Council recognises that $inancial management is not an end in itsel$ but a tool to deliverimproved services and outcomes $or our community%Council notes the decline in !tate and Commonwealth grants and the correspondingreliance on rates and user charges $or Council's revenue base% *e will ensure that anybroadening o$ Council's revenue base is governed by the principles o$ e.uity and thecommunity's capacity to pay%Council is committed to balanced budgets and to not borrowing to $und operationalbudgets% Moreland Council will renew and enhance Moreland's in$rastructure% *e willallow council to borrow speci$ically $or targeted in$rastructure improvements& which canarguably be seen to have an intergenerational bene$it% Any such borrowings will be

prudent and manageable within a balanced budget $ramewor& but principled in parallelwith our commitment to an e.uitable rates system%Council will conduct budgetary policy according to the $ollowing principles9

In$rastructure must be renewed - Ade.uate $unding will be allocated to ensure

that Moreland's in$rastructure will continue to be renewed;

,evenue collection must remain e.uitable and in accordance to thecommunity's capacity to pay;

!pending will also be allocated in an e.uitable manner F spending will be

e$$ectively targeted& sustainable and produce clear service delivery outcomes%

5ser charges will only be imposed where necessary and they will be set

within a range that re$lects the social& cultural and economic mae-up o$Moreland%

Standards %or 4utsourcing ContractsCouncil has a moral obligation that goes beyond the letter o$ the law& in writing up andsupervising contracts $or e8ternal parties to provide services%Council will9

ensure that Council's standards and values are re$lected in the wording o$ any

contract it o$$ers%

ensure that any contracts o$$ered are sensible& written clearly in plainlanguage& and properly e8ecuted in terms o$ Council's rights and

responsibilities% ensure that all contracts o$$ered include a clause stating Council's right to

monitor per$ormance%



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monitor the adherence o$ contractors to the terms in their contracts& to ensure

Council and community values are being met& including occupational healthand sa$ety& and the ob7ectives o$ the contract%

Consultative 5overnance

Democratic 5overnance:he $irst principle o$ local democracy is that elected councillors remain accountable totheir constituents% ocal governments provide the most important and accessibleopportunity $or citi(ens to be involved in shaping their own communities and that goodgovernance is achieved through open leadership and sensitivity to community needs&interests and aspirations%Council will continue to campaign $or the constitutional recognition o$ ocal Governmentby the Commonwealth%

Council is committed to protecting the democratic rights o$ all residents% Council willencourage all residents who are eligible to vote in Council elections to be enrolled tovote%

Political 'eadershi"Council will9

remain committed to a $ull time Mayor

support elected representatives by ongoing provision o$ an +8ecutive $$icer

Mayor and Councillors and by provision o$ appropriate technology $orcouncillors%

Port%olios and Proect (es"onsi!ilitiesCouncil is committed to a system o$ "ort$olios and "ro7ect ,esponsibilities $or the+lected Councillors& which ensures that political leadership is maintained across allareas o$ Council activity%Council will constantly review Councillor "ort$olios and "ro7ect ,esponsibilities in orderto provide the best possible governance model%

+lectoral SystemsMoreland has an electoral structure comprising o$ three wards separating the City intothree (ones9 6orth +ast represented by $our councillors& 6orth *est represented by

$our councillors and the !outh represented by three councillors%Council believes that constant review o$ these structures& as provided in the ocalGovernment Act& is essential to ascertain whether the community believes they achievethe desired level o$ representation% At the core o$ any review should be the principles o$good governance set out in the GA3MA JCode o$ Good Governance%'

*ccounta!ilityCouncil insists on the highest level o$ accountability $or Moreland% All decision-maingprocesses are open and accessible to the community%Council will9

be committed to the Code o$ Good Governance

ensure that all in.uiries and complaints are dealt with promptly and

thoroughly%



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ensure that Councillors will be available to the community and will be

committed to investigating any concerns or complaints brought $orward by thecommunity%

eep the Jlocal' in Jlocal government'% :his means that neighbourhoods and

precincts will be heard and recognised%

Council and Committee eetingsCouncil's commitment to maintaining a high level o$ accountability and openness in localgovernment includes ensuring Council and Committee meetings wor $or the bene$it o$the community%Council will9

be open and transparent - an absolute minimum o$ items will be dealt with in

closed sessions o$ Council%

ma8imise opportunities $or community observation o$ and input into decision-maing% :his will include open and interactive Council and Committee

Meetings ensure that Council meetings will be rotated throughout Moreland to $acilitate

ma8imum access by the community

maintain a hal$ hour .uestion time at the commencement o$ each CouncilMeeting%

mandate all council committees F internal& e8ternal and community F to

present minutes o$ the committee and a covering report to the Council andhence the public record& annually or more $re.uently

Community Consultation & +ngagement

Council is committed to community consultation% Puality consultation leads to improveddecision maing%Council will9

review and improve its community consultation policy and mechanisms

e8plore new approaches with the aim o$ providing yet more opportunities $or

the community to be involved in the decision maing process%

ensure that community groups and individuals wishing to participate indecisions that a$$ect them whether it is council or other authority have theirvoice heard%

CommunicationsCouncil will9

continue to use local papers& community radio& Council publications and the

Internet to communicate with Moreland residents and businesses

obtain improved coverage o$ Moreland items through both the +nglish and the

non-+nglish media

ensure that constant improvement to the Culturally and linguistically diverse

?CA#@ Community communication strategy will be a Council priority%Moreland's main community languages will be used at least in part tocommunicate ey messages to the community%

In%ormation SocietyAccess to in$ormation and in$ormation technology is critical $or a 7ust society and Councilwill continue to e8pand the strategies already in place%Council will9

Monday, 34 +e"ember 5667 2! of 33


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ensure that citi(ens' $ree access to in$ormation will be e8tended

eep municipal in$ormation services ?such as libraries@ $ree o$ charge and

readily accessible to the public

"ursue an integrated approach to communication and in$ormation will be

adopted% :his will include broadcasting& telecommunications& libraries& andMoreland's in$ormation technology resources%

Industrial (elationsCouncil believes that productivity E service .uality are best achieved as a partnershipbetween employees ?council o$$icers@& 5nions and the customer ?the community@%Council will9

provide a sa$e worplace& with appropriate security

provide ade.uate training& re-training E pro$essional development

opportunities to ensure a silled& innovative and resource$ul wor$orce

implement e.ual opportunity and ensure $air& open and e.uitable selection

processes

support the maintenance o$ an award system that provides $or e.uitable and

relevant wages and conditions o$ employees%

Customer ServiceCouncil should deliver the best possible customer service and that residents should onlyhave to mae a re.uest once to one person% Council will also ensure thatcommunication is improved between the di$$erent departments at council and thatcorrespondence is acnowledged and con$irmed within a timely mannerCouncil will9

roll out the


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:he !trategic ,esource "lan provides an overview o$ the long-term $inancial plan&including an appraisal o$ the current and altering economic situation& strategic resourcetargets& and assumptions which may emerge in the ne8t $ew years% It also provides asummary o$ the Asset Management !trategy& the ,ating !trategy and the #ebt!trategy%

Strategic (esource PlanCouncil continues to be guided by the principles adopted as part o$ its 200K J!trategic,esource "lan'% :his "lan was not static and is reviewed annually as part o$ the Councilplanning process and updated to re$lect changing circumstances%:he aim o$ the strategy is to ensure that Council is able to repair its in$rastructureassets at the level e8pected by the community& while continuing to deliver thoseservices needed%

4ccu"ational Health and Sa%ety Strategy 200892011

:his program adopted in August 200D ensures that as an employer& Council provides asa$e woring environment $or all its employees& as well as visitors and contractorscoming onto all sites%

Documents

Moreland Mayor's Speech 2008