Newsletter

I recently produced a small newsletter of some follow ups I have been doing - thy're all rather minior matters, but they all mean a better and safer Darwin for us all.

To view the newsletter, please click here:
Council%20news%20Oct%202009.pdf

Latest News and Views

Latest News and Views

October 2009 - Laneways still not resolved

The objection date for the nominated laneway closures has been extended to the end of October. I apologise for this delay, which was caused by the short time that Karama School had to consider the impact it may have on children attending the school.

Council will look at any objections in early November and commence to close those laneways already nominated in the newspapers and ny letterbaox drop.

Please contact me urgently if you have any comments.

Britannia Crescent laneway, Anula - upgrade

At the last Anula Neighbourhood Watch meeting, John Lear raised several issues in relation to this laneway. Lights were installed about two years ago, but it seems we have taken our eye off the ball since then and the laneway is need need of some urgent maintenance.


I took some pics and sent an email off to Council. I'm please to say we have received a speedy response and an agreement to attend to all the matters raised, namely
The asphalt which is deteriorated and uneven will be removed completely and the laneway resurfaced with asphalt.
The landscaping will be pruned and tidied up
The graffiti removed and painted out
General clean up.



Here's the 'before' pic, I'll post a pic of the upgrade as soon as it is finished.

Many thanks to Lucio, our General Manager, Infrastructure for his speedy response.

Anula Neighbourhood Watch - March

At the Neighbourhood Watch meeting tonight, the group agreed to replacing the mural, which is beginning to fade, on the Anula shopping centre as our goal for this year. To this end, we will apply for assistance from the Darwin City Council Community Grant and raise funds through a Neigbourhood Party. Whilst a date has not yet been set, it will take place during The Dry and follow the recent successful Wulagi model, with live bands, raffles, food stall and other activities on a Saturday evening.

In the next month, quotes will be obtained and possible artists contacted.

Recent dog attack a reminder

A local Anula resident was bitten by a dog whilst riding his bike in the Anula greenbelt recently. Whilst the dog did not fiercely attack or savage the rider, it did bite him once, causing him to get some medical attention.

The matter was reported and the owner of the dog was issued with an infrigement notice which resulted in a $650 fine.

The matter is a reminder that as dog owners we have a responsibiity to ensure our animals are under effective control.

That said, it is good to see the dog being exercised and not just kept locked up in yards like so many animals.

Graffiti in the news again

The ABC Breakfast Show this morning covered several issues in relation to graffiti. Julia interviewed one resident who has been very active in CBD/Stuart Park/Parap area who has been painting out graffiti as quickly as it appears. I commend his efforts.. Similarly, Arthur, a Karama resident has an arrangement with the Karama Shopping Centre where he paints out in graffiti on a daily basis. The shopping centre provides the paint.

Further examples of community involvement include the Malak Neighbourhood Watch who have adopted the bus stops in their area and paint out any graffiti. Anula Neighbourhood have not only installed concrete benches in the suburb, but also remove any graffiti on them.

Council has an active graffiti removal programme, but are limited to removing graffiti from Council assetts, but are now extending it a little to NT Govt property.

Residnets can obtain a graffit removal kit from Council at no charge. The kits include gloves and a bottle of graffit removal. A $50 paint voucher can also be obtained.

There are no doubt many other individuals and groups throughout Darwin who exhibit their community pride by removing this ugly eyesore - my congratulations to them all.

Please contact me if there is anything I can do for you.

First Council meeting for '09

Council held their first meeting last night. It was a fairly quiet night - with the meeting over in short time - for us. The main agenda item was the quarterly budget review, which I am pleased to say is on target with no major issues.

At our next meeting, we will begin the budget process which takes several weeks to prepare. Beginning with a 'wish list', which we have no hope of delivering, then paring it down and prioritising. Naturally, there are winners and losers, but be assured I will fight hard for improvements to the Waters Ward.

Residents can access a copy of the agenda from the Council website, where it is available for reading or downloading. It is posted by close of business each Friday and contains the agendas for meetings in the ensuing week.