Policies relevant to the Council of the City of Onkaparinga.
These policies integrate with my general philosophy of limited and localisation of governments. See General Policy
*watch this space over the next few days - more of my policies will be posted*
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We already pay too much in rates to council. Councils will rarely spend your money as prudently as you would.
3 years ago when I ran for council, I opposed rate rises, and since that didn't happen, I again support a freeze on rate rises for another 3 years.
Why not say "no rate rises above CPI?"
Though this is better than nothing, I believe there is already enough over-spending by council to justify a 3 year freeze.
When council is keeps to it's core functions and prudent spending, a rates freeze is possible and desirable.
I support the driving of cars on Aldinga Beach.
As a father of young children, I can sympathize that it makes the whole experience of a BBQ on the beach much easier and thus more enjoyable.
I do not believe there is any significant environmental damage caused by this practice.
To me, allowing cars on the beach makes for a cheap and enjoyable activity for families and friends.
Council bureaucracies can sometimes deny basic common sense.
I will endeavor to curb regulation and departments that ignore basic logic.
For example: The Lemon Tree
I believe drivers are better equipped to drive safely when they have a good view of other traffic. To this end I propose that vegetation on roundabouts and at corners be kept to a minimum.
Roundabouts: foliage and other be kept below 50 cm - the height of headlights on an average car. This will ensure indicators can be clearly seen across the roundabout.
Intersections: foliage (particularly hedges and bushes) should be sufficently cleared so a driver at the intersection can see 45° to their right and 45° to their left.
I'd like to have investigated the use spare council strips of land being used for local fruit trees. He's how it might work:
- if there is a some spare council land near you, you might like to plant a fruit tree
- the resident (maybe you) would plant and tend the tree
- permission would be granted as long it is suitable for that area (ie won't grow too big)
- the adopting resident would care for the tree (but is under no obligation). If it dies or diseased, it would be ripped out by either the council or resident
- there are no "rights" to the fruit, but commercial "pickers" would need special permission.
- most gardeners are generous with their produce anyway, and if enough people planted trees there would be an abundance.
- I would like investigated stormwater capture on a local level, stored underground for these trees (maybe a small tank underground feed by local collection)
I was and am opposed to the re-branding with ONKA on the grounds of wasted money. It has has cost $58,000 to re-brand (some have suggested much more). The council is not the same as a business - as rate-payers we don't have a choice which council we use, thus re-branding serves no real marketing purpose. Companies will move to Onkaparinga for low rates and low regulation - not for a nice logo.
As current letterheads, stationary and signage is used and replaced, I support it being replaced with the old logo.
New Logo
Old Logo
Transparency is vital to the long-term efficiency of councils.
All council decisions should be available online, including which elected members supported or opposed decisions.
Expenditures by council should be available to the public online. Expenses should be transparent down to amounts of $1000.
Though I am not a member of Onkaparinga Residents Association Council Watch, I do support it's objectives below:
* overuse and impartiality of consultant
* lack of transparency
* wasteful expenditure
* excessive increase in rates, fees and charges
* worthless projects
* how contracts are allocated
Become a fan of Council Watch on Facebook
Just like any employee, I believe the Chief Executive Officer of Onkaparinga should be paid fair-market value. Of course, the CEO should also be assessed by it's Key Point Indicators (KPI's) - in other words how well it has performed. This may may mean the CEO is replaced or may be kept.
I respect the need for closed sessions while negotiation of salary is happening. Immediately after the closure of the deal, this should be publicly available, as the money for the salary is paid by the rate-payers.
I was/am opposed to the closure of Bishop's Hill Rd as was suggested a number of months ago.
