The Mayor's Column
Next week Mosman residents will receive a copy of Mosman News, our quarterly newsletter, bringing you important news about what Council is doing for the community.
Two important fliers will accompany the newsletter with information about:
- Mosman Council’s Climate Challenge. I encourage you to read it, sign up and let us claim Mosman as a leader in Environmental matters, belying our reputation as a Bigfoot on the ecological scale.
- The campaign to keep local decisions about services and developments in local hands led by the Local Government and Shires Association.
These two issues require community support and action. Mosman Community, it is up to us!
Last week, I attended a Leaders Forum hosted by the Local Government and Shires Association on Alcohol and Violence in our communities. Councillors and local government representatives came from across the state to raise the issue with those in power in these matters, including the Hon. Graeme West, Minister for Gaming and Racing and Sport and Recreation. He spoke about the new Liquor Law Reforms which will take effect in NSW on 1 July 2008. The aim is to increase responsibility in the industry and cut red tape.
We heard that some areas have huge problems with enormous venues and long opening hours, resulting in serious crime and violence. The reforms seek to address these problems.
In my view, the biggest change for Mosman will be the deregulation of licensing which will facilitate the opening of small bars. The Melbourne style boutique bars have been cited as an example of civilized bars, with small premises and shorter hours. The Mayors of the City of Sydney, North Sydney and Manly and others have expressed preference for these instead of the large “beer barns” and their associated problems.
Can you see them adding liveliness to Mosman at night? Or do you have concerns? What do you think?
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
