Sunday, November 30, 2008

Koonung Ward Provisional Results

I have just been informed by the returning officer, Mr. David Cook, that the community has elected me as one of its councillors for Koonung Ward. I am excited and humbled in this vote of confidence, and will do my very best to work diligently, transparently and tirelessly for the community. From other sources, I understand that congratulations are in order for Fred Chua and Charles Pick, whom I believe were also elected. My sincere commiserations to the other candidates, several of whom I know well and believe would also have made good councillors.

Counting for the remaining two wards is ongoing and results may not be available until late this evening.

The official swearing in of all councillors takes place at 6pm Monday 1st December in the Manningham City Council offices on Doncaster Road. Please feel free to attend and meet your new councillors!

Moving forward, I wish to use this website as a medium for regular communication with residents across Manningham. I will post my thoughts on policy, current issues being debated in council and seeking your input.

Thank you and stay tuned!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Let's make good use of the Federal funding!

As you can read in various articles today, the Federal Government is releasing immediate funding for local councils to improve infrastructure and indirectly, stimulate our economy. These funds must be spent by June 2009. See article.

Manningham's allocation of $419,000, will enable us to review the priority of existing capital works as well as considering new initiatives.

I am particularly interested in seeking community views on worthy projects, but as a starting point, if elected, I would focus on new/upgraded sporting and community facilities (e.g. venues for community groups, particularly those providing facilities for youths (sporting) and the aged (care centres), kinder upgrades) and reprioritised infrastructure works (e.g. making the residential eastern end of King St safer, sooner). Whilst there will undoubtedly be restrictions on how these funds can be spent, the funds will free other parts of the budget to fund those items the community wants which are currently languishing low on Council's priority list.

Don't let our Council waste this valuable funding! Recall my observations (and your "gut-feel"), that we do not appear to be getting value for money from our council, particularly when compared with other local councils. You can do something - vote REID 1 to ensure our community benefits!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Neighbourhood Watch



As you may know, I was instrumental in helping to establish a Neighbourhood Watch scheme for the area between Tram, Doncaster and Wetherby roads. Here is a publicity photo taken for the Leader newspapers at the time. Whilst I contributed at the time by finding committee members and editing the first few NHW newsletters, there is always something every member of the community can do to help. Volunteers are required for a variety of activities, most importantly for distributing newsletters in the area. You can find out more at the neighbourhood watch website www.neighbourhoodwatch.com.au (we are in Region 4 Division 1). Between Nov 3 and 28th, there will be a NHW display at The Pines Library, where you can find out more. And on 26th November, there will be a Car Park audit at the Doncaster Park and Ride. Volunteers are needed to assist with distributing crime prevention leaflets between 7am and 9am. After 9am vehicles in the carpark will be checked for security and to see if items of value have been left on display in cars - remember, you can discourage theft from your vehicle by always taking valuables with you or ensuring they are concealed.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Introduction




Thank you for making the time to discover more about me, Ivan Reid. I am a candidate for the 2008 Council Elections, Manningham, Koonung Ward. During the election campaign I will be adding more information every few days, so please visit regularly or subscribe to the news feed.

As an introduction, below is my Candidate Statement, which tells you a little about myself and the issues I stand for. After the Cup Weekend, I intend to publish some financial analysis I have done which will illustrate the questionable financial management of our Council, so come back again soon.

Fellow residents of Koonung, we face uncertain times, with financial markets in terrible turmoil. Crime is increasing, our neighbourhood character eroding. Transport and community facilities wanting. Challenging times demand better leadership. Someone who will deliver good governance on rates, services for families and the elderly, crime prevention and appropriate neighbourhood development. Concerned by rising crime, I lobbied neighbours and co-founded a Neighbourhood Watch for the area between Doncaster, Wetherby and Tram roads – the first one there. As a senior technology executive, accountable for $20 million annual budget, I have the sound financial experience to ensure our rates are managed for maximum benefit to the community. A father who has worked throughout the world, I understand the challenges facing old and young, newcomer and established resident alike. This opportunity to improve our community comes but once in four years, so don't waste your opportunity to make our beautiful city even better.

Leave me your comments or e-mail me at ivan@bettermanningham.com.
In the next few days, I'll be posting a video interview for you to meet me "in person", so come back soon!