Welcome To The Canterbury Greens

If you live in the Canterbury Council area, and you’re interested in finding out more about the Greens and getting involved in our campaigns, come along to a meeting.

We meet on the second Wednesday of every month at 6.30pm at the Club Belmore, 427 Burwood Rd Belmore. Close to Belmore Station

If you can’t make it at that time there are plenty of other ways you can support The Greens in this area and help us make it a better place to live and work in.

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Cr Eisler Introduces an Environment and Sustainability Committee to Canterbury-Bankstown Council

 

After being advised that the new Canterbury Bankstown Council will implement an Environment and Sustainability Committee I decided to talk to a manager about how it might work.

I was really impressed by some of the activities the former Bankstown Council has been carrying out. Canterbury Council was doing some similar activities but there are differences between what the two were doing.

Firstly we discussed the Litter Prevention Program. It started when the team wanted to know what they needed to do to change people’s behaviour. They decided to target the river areas where people regularly went and where there was significant amounts of litter. They asked people they saw littering whether they felt responsible for the litter. The majority did. A number believed that Council was also responsible. This led to a change of bins, and “The Pledge” where people made a commitment not to litter.

Different types of bins were trialled for a year. People won’t use bins that aren’t easy to use, are overfilled, or that are dirty to touch. Every summer staff would target popular areas of high litter count and ask people to put rubbish in the bin, then take a pledge to not litter. Photos were taken and displayed.

After 4 years the scheme was evaluated and, as a result, expanded.

Next to be targeted were spots where takeaway food packaging was dumped. Many people didn’t think what they were doing was littering. There was a trial of flashing signs in some key areas, such as parks: two weeks of “Do the Right Thing”;  one week of “Fines for Littering Apply”. Surveillance teams operated at different times and on different days, including Sundays, for a number of weeks.

Town centres were targetted next with similar programs. All three programs have had a positive impact in reducing litter.

Meanwhile a project initiated by the former Canterbury Council has received a NSW Excellence in the Environment Award for a new recycling initiative program. The construction of new apartments generates a lot of packaging and material that is thrown out. Bays were made available to store the unwanted materials and extra collections were organised as needed.

Canterbury Bankstown Council will set up a Program for City Resilience within the context of one for the whole of Sydney. City resilience is about anticipating the inevitable events that cause disruption and then developing strategies to reduce their impacts to the greatest extent possible.

The Council also has a focus on energy, combining the “Our Energy Future” program with the “Our Solar Future” program.

Finally we discussed natural resources. Work is being done on catchments and biodiversity with: ibis plan, rabbit control, habitat boxes, National Tree Day, and backyard biodiversity.

I still think that the merger of the two councils has led to a municipality that is way too big, but in regard to environmental and sustainability issues, I am excited about combining Canterbury’s activities and knowledgeable staff with Bankstown’s. I’m hopeful the new committee will have plenty to do to assist and support working to improve the sustainability of our environment in Canterbury-Bankstown and beyond.

Cr Linda Eisler

Linda Eisler wins place on Canterbury-Bankstown Council

It was a tough struggle with attempts to undermine Linda’s support base in the old East Ward.

Not only did the Our Local Community appear to be an alternative choice to The Greens’ policies in the old East Ward suburbs, but an unscrupulous campaign to undermine her well deserved reputation for integrity, honesty and transparency was carried out. A leaflet was sent out two days before the election claiming she supported high rise development. Three examples of support for medium rise development were cited, ignoring 7.5 years evidence of fighting the good fight. It was a fake leaflet in all senses of the word, including a fake author, fake address, fake printer, and no phone number. A protest has been lodged with the Electoral Commission.

Fortunately, Linda’s good work survived these attacks and actually galvanised communities to rally around Linda.

Linda has said that she would like to see communities organise themselves like Ashbury and Hurlstone Park as examples of community associations which inform their Facebook readers of upcoming issues like potential rezoning, Sydenham to Bankstown rail changes. Hurlstone Park also email members with information and get togethers.

When on council Linda established links with groups like Wolli Creek Preservation Society, Cooks River Valley Association and Canterbury Bowling Club. She could then alert them to issues coming before council, and they could contact her with issues. The Association was able to activate members much quicker than Linda could.

Linda believes the best way to empower communities is to establish local networks within communities based on suburbs, the old telephone tree concept. Once there are networks established we can begin to develop links between communities, like the Bankstown-Sydenham Alliance fighting the Metro.

Linda would also like to see Canterbury ward residents get involved with Canterbury Greens:

Local Group Meetings:

Club Belmore
427 Burwood Rd
Belmore

6:30pm every second Wednesday of the month

Bankstown residents should contact Bankstown Greens

Adam Tran
0403 805 493
convenor@bankstown.nsw.greens.org.au
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Save Our Valley: 5 questions for Local Government Candidates

Save our Valley covers Bardwell Park, Earlwood and Turrella.

 

They had 5 questions for Candidates at the Local Government elections on September 9. These are the answers given by Linda Eisler, Greens Canterbury Ward candidate in the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Election.

 

Please answer the following five questions. The questions are constructed to enable you to provide a Yes or No answer but leave space for any qualifications you may want to provide. Delete NO if your answer is YES and vice-versa and type in any comment. Please return the document by email to saveourvalleyinfo@gmail.com by Wed 6 September.

 

• : Do you think that being declared a Priority Precinct is a positive for the suburbs of Bardwell, Earlwood, Turrella? YES NO Comment/Qualification

No. None of the Priority Precincts are positive. I don’t believe they are well thought out in terms of providing the necessary infrastructure like schools, green space, community facilities, hospitals, aged care, public transport and so on. The planning departments seem to be just putting down circles and saying to developers: Go for it.

You can have development, but it needs considered planning so that people have livable, sustainable cities. It does appear that these precincts are political. These aren’t Liberal areas.

 

• Would you be supporting rezoning of properties in the ‘blue zones’ identified by the Dept of Planning and Environment? YES NO Comment/Qualification

No. Planning by zones or circles is not the way to go because it doesn’t take consideration of the topography or any other impacting factors. There needs to be a wide setback from the river for environmental and social reasons. There appears to be no understanding of the social or environmental implications of what they are zoning. They need to consult with locals who live there and understand their area. Wolli Creek Preservation Society for instance!

 

• Do you think that owners of properties outside the blue zones should be compensated for the relative loss of value of their properties? YES NO Comment/Qualification

Not at this stage. We need to be rejecting the blue zones and stating there needs to be a realistic look at the plans before considering accepting plans and talking of adequate compensation. Once satisfied with the plans we can look at who is impacted and discuss adequate compensation then.

• Are you confident that the long-term jobs created by re-development will exceed those lost from the local area by the loss of the Turrella industrial area? YES NO Comment/Qualification

No. What has been offered? How will it be created? Will the State Government actively create long-term jobs, or, leave it to market forces?

 

• Do you accept the contention by DoPE that the cost of additional infrastructure needed as the result of increased population should in part be met by Council ratepayers? YES NO Comment/Qualification

 

Definitely not! Councils don’t have the funds to meet the needs of existing residents. This is the State Government’s Plans. The whole point of priority precincts is that they put in the money to make the plans work. That’s meant to be the plus! They support the infrastructure.

Hurlstone Park Association asked the Canterbury Local Government Candidates to answer their questions.

Hurlstone Park Assoc invited Canterbury candidates to answer their questions. Only Our Local Community failed to do so.

Hurlstone Park Association

September 3 at 2:16pm · 

Do you want to know where your candidates for the Bankstown Canterbury Council election 9 September stand on the important local issues?

The Hurlstone Park Association sent all candidates for the Canterbury Ward 13 questions.

We received responses from Linda Eisler (Greens); the Labor ticket (Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam) and Philip Madirazza (Liberal). The OLC ticket (Jennifer Azzi, Michael Kotsopolous, Caterina McLean) did not respond to our questions.

Note, the Hurlstone Park Association is not aligned with any political party or politicians. We have sought and collated these responses for the Hurlstone Park community’s information. The HPA does not endorse any candidate.
These are the questions and their responses in alphabetical order of Greens, Labor and Liberal:

1. Do you support the proposed Heritage Plan for Hurlstone Park?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
I most definitely support the heritage plan for Hurlstone Park. I do have a vested interest as I live in Hurlstone Park and the character of the area is one of the reasons I moved here.
When I got onto council in 2008 I agitated for a heritage plan for the whole of the Canterbury Council area but to no avail.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Yes we support the heritage plan for Hurlstone Park. Hurlstone Park is unique in character due to its historical and aesthetics significance. Therefore the Canterbury ward Labor team believe it should be preserved. We support proposed heritage plan as a means to protect Hurlstone Park and hold to account the NSW Department of Planning & Environment. We’ll want to work with the community and consult organisations such as the Hurlstone Park Association (HPA) in any future development in Hurlstone Park.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
I believe in heritage protection plans for suburbs or individual properties that have a significant cultural or period relevance.

2. Do you support strengthened heritage protection for Hurlstone Park, Ashbury, Canterbury and Belmore?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
I want to see it for the whole of the Council area. Many beautiful and historic buildings have been lost throughout the area. We need to maintain our history as well as build new buildings. The success of a protection plan is through consultation with residents and sensible and creative planning. It can’t be done from a desk and it needs experts in the fields of architecture; planning and; heritage talking to the community. Unfortunately for developers and those who like a quick fix that takes time. But as far as I’m concerned that’s the only way to get a satisfactory outcome.

What has been developed in Canterbury, and what is proposed in the State Government Precinct plans shows what you get when you don’t do that. Unsustainable, overdeveloped, ugly, not what the community wants and not able to provide for a healthy and happy community into the future.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Yes, we believe that these protections are needed to protect the character of Canterbury, Belmore, Ashbury and Hurlstone Park. These areas are significant to the development of Australia’s identity after Federation and the inter-war years. These houses need protection with the over-development of the Sydenham to Bankstown metro.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
[no response]

3. Will you advocate for social and affordable housing targets in large developments?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
If I didn’t I doubt I’d be able to remain a member of The Greens.
This has been an important issue for us at Local, State and Federal areas. I believe the SEPP 69 is a developer’s dream. They get to overdevelop and only put 10% of housing aside for just 10 years. It hasn’t brought down the cost of housing either. There needs to be affordable housing for all and long term placements for those who are in real need and never able to buy a home.

Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Yes, we believe housing should be affordable and suitable for all families. The Canterbury Labor team if elected will fight to sure that any large development will have a social housing component as well as work with State and Federal government to increase the supply and quality of social housing in the area.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
Affordable housing will be on every one’s mind over the years to come given the growth that Sydney and Australia is experiencing. Affordable housing targets must be met, we must be competitive and affordable not only in Canterbury Bankstown but as a whole. I accept that there is strain on families and the rising costs of living.

4. What are your views on the State Government’s Southwest Metro Strategy?

Linda Eisler (Greens)
I am opposed to it. Why is it proposed at all? Why rip up a perfectly serviceable heavy rail line, cause us years of inconvenience, and replace it with another line? The answer I believe is not to improve rail services, but rather to privatise public transport, minimise unionised labor, and give the Metro builder huge property development opportunities. Experts have recently cast doubts on the claims that there will be huge increases in capacity.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
The State Government’s Southwest Metro Strategy is fundamentally flawed. There has been no additional money allocated for schools and hospitals and we don’t believe that a privatised metro is adequate replacement for state owned heavy rail. We feel that this strategy was pushed by the government during a period where we had no elected councillors. We are also concerned about budget blow out with the project and that there will be significant delays in the construction of the line.

Philip Madirazza (Lib)
The Canterbury-Bankstown has taken its fare share of Sydney’s development burden. I will ensure that any development in our area is taken with community backing and the assurance that we alone do not do all the heavy lifting.

5. Do you think the Southwest Metro should stop at Sydenham or extend beyond Sydenham?

Linda Eisler (Greens)
For all of the reasons above, I believe that if it proceeds beyond Sydenham it should proceed south towards Sans Souci and Miranda where a new train line is needed. This new line would also have the advantage of precluding the building of a toll way from the Royal National Park to St Peters. All that the existing Bankstown heavy rail line needs is an improvement in the signaling system.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
We believe that there are other areas of Sydney that need priority when building new public transport infrastructure. This includes rail to Badgerys Creek airport or light rail to Sydney Olympic park from Parramatta. This will be a massive spending project where there is already heavy rail and that the are other areas that need to be serviced by rail or a metro. We will work with other councils such as Bayside and Inner-west council to see if there are better options to the Southwest metro than what is being purposed.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
I believe that prior to growth we must be ready. We must ensure that the right infrastructure is in place to receipt this growth. I want a city that is safe, clean, easy to live and work in and as well as affordable.

6. What are your views on the DPE’s Sydenham to Bankstown Urban Renewal Corridor strategy?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
It is not an ‘urban renewal’ strategy, but merely a planning framework to allow increased dwelling densities.

The methodologies used to develop the Strategy are so deeply flawed that the project must be comprehensively re-worked in favour of planning for housing growth that will enhance livability of this corridor, rather than merely increase development opportunities.

I believe the Canterbury Council area has already met the State Government’s residential increase targets and gone beyond. What has been built and is proposed for the future will only produce the slums of tomorrow, in my opinion.

No thought or care has been given to schools, hospitals, green space, community facilities, old age homes, parking at stations, transport issues, and the list goes on.

I believe there will be perpetual shadows over the city. Already, in Charles St, a cold wind tunnel that offers little inducement to develop a sense of community. The Strategy would make our suburbs uninviting and under resourced in what a community needs to live happily and healthily.

Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
This strategy has left South-West Sydney to deal with the growing pains of an expanding population. We are expected to shoulder 35 000 new dwellings just along the Sydenham to Bankstown, this is not including the priority precincts at Bardwell Park and Riverwood. This strategy was developed in Macquarie street by planners with no connection to the community without input from local decision making bodies or community groups.This strategy has left South-West Sydney to deal with the growing pains of an expanding population. We are expected to shoulder 35 000 new dwellings just along the Sydenham to Bankstown, this is not including the priority precincts at Bardwell Park and Riverwood. This strategy was developed in Macquarie street by planners with no connection to the community without input from local decision making bodies or community groups. If elected we will pressure the NSW State government to reconsider and redraw their plans for Sydenham to Bankstown Urban Renewal Corridor strategy.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
On face value and given the broad outcomes that the DPE is looking to achieve it looks very positive. The detail in relation to planning and execution will be the deciding factor if we as a community should support the project.

7. Do you think there should be a cap on apartment approvals?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
I think there should be a decent LEP and DCP that plans for what is needed in the whole of the city. Plans that provide for low rise, medium rise, high-rise. Plans that have parks, schools and community facilities. There needs to be excellent planning and not planning for what suits the needs of government or developers. They don’t live here.
In that sense I believe there should be a cap on apartment approvals.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
We believe that any apartment approvals should be in line with community expectation and to ensure that there is no diminish in essential services for your community or degradation to community services and environment. We oppose over-development but do believe that sustainable development is needed. We will not put an arbitrary cap on apartment approvals.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
[no response]

8. Do you have any associations with the former Canterbury Council?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
Yes, I was a councillor from 2008 till 2015. However, I never participated in any corrupt behavior. I alerted ICAC to issues I had concerns with in late 2014. I have continued to assist them in their investigations. I have always represented residents, the local businesses and community groups in a fair, transparent and correct manner.

Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
The Canterbury Ward Labor Team is a fresh team of Labor members. While we have former councillors helping on our campaign such as Kayee Griffen and Esta Paschalidis-Chilas we have distanced ourselves from a number of former Labor councillors.

9. Why do you want to be a councillor on Canterbury-Bankstown Council?

Linda Eisler (Greens)
My reputation amongst residents, the local chambers of commerce, environment groups, associations like HP Assoc is that I am there to defend and promote their issues. That’s the reason I want to be a Local Government Councillor. For me, that’s the job description.

The Council meetings in my first term were ok. I didn’t like everything that got up, but there was a very different feel to things than in the period after 2012.

However, even after 2012, I enjoyed all the committees I was on, over 10. Disability; Indigenous; Multicultural; Environment; Floodplain; Southern Sydney Region of Councils; GreenWay; Traffic to name a number of them. I was meeting community people and we were creating changes and activities that were helping make the Canterbury Council area a better, more livable place.

I was involved in a lot of community consultation like the Ewen Park community centre and energy renewable scoping plan that led to the recent alternative energy meeting in the HP RSL. The Interfaith talks were a concept of mine and are still happening to day. I was also involved with the creation of Canterbury’s Statement of Common Values. I helped design a community garden in Lakemba. Plus, it was through a meeting with residents over a development on Canterbury Rd, where MLC David Shoebridge attended, and afterwards we had a meeting with a local resident that the HP Association was initially discussed and began.

There were so many activities happening in Canterbury and I was involved in many like NAIDOC Week and Mental Health Week. I loved that part of my job. I also loved helping residents with individual issues. A roundabout near Dunstaffenge St got changed as one of the engineer’s in our community mentioned a problem with the design. The lip of the road at Duntroon St near Richardson and Wrench got lowered (and that, amazingly, required persistence). The little free library was another win I had.

So that’s why I’m standing again. I love my job.

Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Clare, Imogen and Floris want to be councillors in order to represent our community and ensure that it is protected from the excesses of the NSW Liberal government overdevelopment. We are concerned that the proposed changes will affect the cohesiveness of our community by limiting green and recreational space.
We see that as the Labor ticket we are best position to work with state and federal government to ensure that the needs and interest of our community are met. We have witnessed that under the administration of the council facilities such as parks and sporting fields have become neglected. We believe that the Labor team can give the strongest voice for the residents of Canterbury ward.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
I am running for council to bring transparency to decisions and ensure that all are properly informed.

10. To whom will your preferences flow?

Linda Eisler (Greens)
I have decided to preference Labor. The team is totally new. I know Clare and I believe I can work with her.

Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
We have agreed with the Greens to do a preference swap.

Philip Madirazza (Lib)
My personal view is that people should Vote 1 above the line and leave at that… as I believe my Liberal Team can deliver the best outcomes for this community.

11. Do you have business, investment or family interests in real estate, construction or
other related business that may benefit from information gained or decisions made
by council?

Linda Eisler (Greens)
No. I own my own home and that’s it. No one in my family is in building or real estate etc.
Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
No, we do not.

Philip Madirazza (Lib)
I have no relations, interest, investments or any other related business that would see me benefit from council decisions.

12. How will your role as a councillor benefit the community?

Linda Eisler (Greens)
All I can say further to what I have said is that I will continue to be a representative that is there for the community and not for myself.

I will to continue what I was doing from 2008 to 2015 with the same honesty and integrity.

Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Clare is a strong advocate for keeping the local in local government. Clare supports local businesses and services where she can and believes that healthy communities benefit from local employment. She is committed to protecting the Labor Party’s interests and upholding the Labor Party’s collaborative approach to issues by consulting with stakeholders and residents if elected to council.
Imogen can bring a range of work and life skills to serve the community as a Councillor. She has experience as a High School teaching, Human Resources Manager and Consultant and currently Career and Job skills coach / trainer and Recruitment specialist. having worked at the top of organisations in developing strategic plans and structures Imogen can support people in working at their best.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)
Its time for a fresh, modern, safe and professional approach that will voice the concerns and needs of its constituents to all levels of government.

13. How will you keep connected to the needs and views of the people in the community you may represent?
Linda Eisler (Greens)
I’ll keep participating in groups like Cooks River Valley Association; Wolli Creek Preservation Society; Hurlstone Park Association; Hurlstone Park and Earlwood Chambers of Commerce; Facebook Communities; Council Working Groups like the ones mentioned.

I have always been good at responding to emails promptly and feeding information to the relevant directors about issues brought to me by the residents.
I’ve continued to do so on an informal basis since 2016 when Canterbury was put into Administration. I also attend a lot of community functions and forums.

Clare Raffan, Imogen Wareing, Floris Lam (Labor)
Having experience as a union organiser and in Human resources Clare and Imogen have experience in listening and voicing the concerns of people and organisations. They both know the importance of following up issues or complaints and how to actively engage with people. This has given the the skills and confidence that will be needed to represent such a large ward such as Canterbury.
Philip Madirazza (Lib)

However if elected, I would make it my business to make sure that the communication between the community and the department is constant. “Our residents deserve a voice”.

On the campaign trail

A positive Monday morning at Campsie Station with Linda Eisler, Mehreen Faruqi MLC and Emmet de Bhaldraithe.
If you want a Greens voice on Council and live in the Canterbury Ward make sure to vote for Linda Eisler on or before the 9th September!