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Well we’re into a new decade and nothing’s really changed with people facing increased living costs, threats to up the tax on beer and wine, rail fares and car insurance up again and executive salaries still through the roof.
And our local politicians are doing OK, with Noreen Hay getting a new support role and a wage increase of $17,000 bringing her annual money closer to $200,000.
Interesting, however, to note that in a recent poll she might be in danger of losing the seat of Wollongong, but going on how the locals generally vote I doubt if this will happen because after all this has long been a Labor stronghold no matter how indifferent the qualities of their candidates have been.
And on the subject of pollies’ pay, did you read where our Prime Minister is also expected to receive thousands of extra dollars in take-home pay and superannuation, as will his parliamentary colleagues.
Good to see our hard earned taxes at work!
Wise words but more action needed
Read recently with interest some comments by Geoff Jones, the Chapter Chair of the Property Council of Australia and well known local real estate agent, who suggests we cannot afford to ignore the need to work with governments to ensure the region gets its fair share of funding.
He talked about the need for active regional planning while at the same time working to preserve our most priceless assets such as the escarpment, green corridors and beaches.
Geoff also posed the question about the future of the centre of the city.
Does this mean that his organisation might lead a concerted push to get our much debated city mall cleaned up and made more attractive, or is it just more of what Wollongong’s leaders have been renowned for – talk and no action?
Where we might go
On the subject of where our city might go in the immediate future, a quick glance at their annual report suggests that plans for 2010 to 2012 include finalising the local environment plan and a consolidated development control plan (whatever that means), as well as finalising stages one and two of the West Dapto release area, a review and implementation of a water and energy savings action plan, the implementation of a key action from the Illawarra Escarpment Strategic Management Plan and to commence preparations of village and town centre plans.
Plans, plans and more plans. Will it be more talk and little action!
Nice to see our rates being “planned”, even if nothing will really happen in the long term.
A backward step
And what about our city council’s decision to not renew the lease of Winners Souvenir Shop in the heart of our city?
This is a backward step and any visitors looking for souvenirs of our city will now have to find their way – and with considerable difficulty if you are travelling north – to the Southern Gateway Centre at Bulli Tops.
The jury’s out
The debate about whether retired police and practising legal people should serve on juries is interesting to say the least.
While the courts argue they cannot find people to undertake jury duty – when was the last time you were asked? – it doesn’t appeal to me that legal people in particular should be called up for duty.
Big Bash is winning out
And thank goodness during the holiday period when television seems to lose its way for the big bash 20/20 cricket which has been drawing thousands to the games and to TV screens all around the country.
Personally I don’t regard it as real cricket, more a hit and giggle thing, but the current interstate series has started to sway my thoughts.
Clubs in trouble
Despite the recent headlines about how much is being spent per head of our population on poker machines and the like the word around town is that at least two of our local licensed clubs are going through hard times with suggestions to staff they take pay cuts.
Naturally this was met with opposition and in once case I believe a union was called in.
Seems that the clubs have now cut the time certain staff work to help save money.
Maybe they should be looking firstly at the number of “heavyweights” they have roaming around doing very little but to look important!!
Welcome news
I spent a pleasant Australia Day with old friends out Mt Warrigal way and what a treat it was to see all those boats and water skiers using nearby Lake Illawarra.
Seems the water levels there have risen and the water fiends are relishing it.
I’m told the same thing is happening also in the Koonawarra area, and that the prawns are back in droves.
Hats off to Doug Prosser and his hard working Lake Illawarra Authority.
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I too was sad to see the loss of our only central tourist shop. WCC is about vision for the future. What about the simple vision of keeping a great tourist shop. Very disappointed with WCC's decision on this. Lacks vision and is not supported.
by Sharon C.
04 Feb 10 10:44