The Mayor's Column
All eyes have been on the 2020 summit. There are so many ideas coming from a broad range of people from across the country, visionary ideas to take us into the future. What are the implications of the key issues from the summit for local government?
Climate change and building a sustainable future was overwhelmingly high on everyone’s list. We live in very interesting times in which we face enormous changes and the consensus of the forum, the prominent and urgent issue, is that we must tackle climate change on a national and international scale. This support is good news for local government, which in most cases has been at the forefront in adapting to the changes which have already occurred and planning strategies to mitigate future impacts on our communities.
Transport must be of high priority, with policies encouraging the use of public transport and cycleways and walking-friendly suburban precincts.
Council’s Local Environment Plans must meet the demands of urban density to accommodate our growing populations and must respond to people’s needs for quality of life, with well-designed buildings, pleasant outlooks and green open spaces, that is, homes which people enjoy.
Sustainable buildings with energy saving features, such as water tanks and solar power should be mandatory. Commercial and other multi storey buildings of the future should be based on the principles of the six star CH2 Melbourne Council building which has cutting edge technology in place to make it sustainable. Five years ago it cost 20% more to build, but is now saving 80% in energy bills, but more importantly, contributing to the health and well-being of those who work there in a 100% fresh environment.
Street lighting should be green. Mosman Council should be the first to green our street lighting when residents can voluntarily add $6 per annum to their rates next July to achieve this.
Childcare as affordable, of high quality and a “one stop shop” for children’s services has been raised. Local councils would embrace the idea of childcare services such as immunization and health checks, family support, being available in the one place. What a sensible, convenient and cost saving exercise this would be.
Governance was a hot topic. Streamlining across the three tiers of government was listed as a priority. Local government has long called for constitutional recognition in line with state and federal governments.
We will be ready in local government to meet the 2020 challenges.
Meanwhile, come and have your say at your local forums. Throughout the year Mosman Council holds community group meetings as well as Community Conversations on a variety of current issues.
Be inspirational!
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
