With Di Bartok
Time’s a’running out
YOU may have noticed that the workmen turning Church Street Mall in Parramatta into Centenary Square are going at a cracking pace. Time's a'running out for Lord Mayor John Chedid to have his name on the shiny plaque that will adorn the $4 million project to improve the city's main public space. Seems the opening ceremony is set for September 19, a week before Clr Chedid hands over the mayoral robes to Clr Scott Lloyd in Parramatta Council's not-so-secret mayoral ballot.
Not to be outdone
ONLY problem with the September 19 date for the unveiling of Centenary Square is that was also to be the night of nights for veteran councillor, deputy Lord Mayor Paul Garrard.
A shindig at Granville Town Hall was slated for that Friday night to celebrate Clr Garrard's 40 years on council. But crafty Garrard was not to be outdone, instead ensuring that his party was shifted to the night before. He wasn't going to let a major civic project outshine him. After all, our Paul hasn't survived 40 years in politics by being backward in coming forward.
Tempting on a cold night
ON a cold night, an invitation to sleep with a winsome lady mayor might be tempting for quite a few bods out there. And Hills Mayor Michelle Byrne is getting plenty of offers, with the preferred prerequisite of warm heart. There's still time to register for a cosy-up with Mayor Michelle for her Mayor's Sleep Out, to benefit the homeless, on the night of Saturday August 23, at Bella Vista Farm. Even Alex Hawke, Federal MP for Mitchell, is leaving his warm bed to spend the night. Maybe the cherubic Baulkham Hills MP David “Dimples” Elliott will be up for a bit of spooning as well. You can too by registering at register.eventarc.com
Are the figures wrong?
NOW, NRMA reports make interesting reading, but do they get down to the nitty-gritty?
The latest, on the state of Sydney's roads and footpaths, gives a bad report card to some of our councils. It states that Parramatta spends just four per cent of its services budget on roadworks, Holroyd seven per cent and Liverpool three per cent. But Parramatta Lord Mayor John Chedid reckons that the NRMA figures are wrong, and his council actually spends twice that amount. He's the Lord Mayor, so he should know. Guess that casts a shadow over figures for other councils. What do you think?
It’s not martial law
WHEN battle tanks roll down the streets of Parramatta on August 30, don't run for cover – martial law hasn't yet been declared in the city. Relax and enjoy the celebration of 125 years of the Royal NSW Lancers. The magnificent street parade will feature cavalry, tanks and a big brass band, followed by a family fun day at Lancer Barracks in Smith St. Parade starts from Parramatta Park at 1.30pm.
Is Big Brother coming?
COULD Big Brother be coming to Parramatta soon? My council moles tell me that councillors may be looking at CCTV cameras that do more than act as a crime solvers.
They could be equipped to track where and how people shop. All for the good of businesses and citizens, of course. From what I understand, the CCTV “trackers” would enable council to better plan what businesses and facilities are wanted in the CBD. But would it make citizens nervous about walking into the city's less salubrious establishments, or even pubs at the wrong time of day?
Three day weekend on the way?
WHOO- hoo! We could be headed for a three day weekend; if a leading "business futurist" has his way. And, despite Aussies having a reputation for preferring weekends to weekdays, this idea comes from a Brit - Morris Miselowski, who explored the notion after doctors advocated the benefits of the looooong weekend. Miselowski reckons people would be more focussed in their work if they worked four rather than five days a week, 9-5. He says "getting things done as, where and when they need to be done" will be the norm, rather than trying to shoehorn it into an industrial revolution constructed work week. Of course, the benefits to family life are obvious. And I figure it would make people more efficient, save businesses money and boost the economy as people spend on recreational items such as fishing gear and barbies. It would also take pressure off our roads and public transport. In fact, I can't see anything wrong with this notion. What do you businesses out there say?
Do soccer and sex mix?
AND on a lighter note – does soccer fanaticism and sex mix? Well, yes and no. Following on from the FIFA World Cup, a sexpert friend of mine looked at an international survey that found 42 per cent of Australian male soccer fans studied would sooner watch the Cup final than make love to their women. That compared well to the overall international figure of 72 per cent, but still means a lot of frustrated women out there. Meanwhile, watching players such as Gerard Pique and Christiano Ronaldo do their fancy footwork had women all hot and bothered – with partners who often could not be bothered. Wonder what the story is out here in Wanderers land. Would rabid Wanderers passionate Parramatta councillor Steven Issa care to comment?
Sink or swim for pools
IT'S either sink or swim for councils in the maintenance of costly swimming pools, but they remain a popular civic feature. While Holroyd Council considers its controversial plan to close Wentworthville and Guildford pools and build a mega-centre at Merrylands, Blacktown Council is trying to please its citizens by building a new 25 metre heated outdoor pool in its ageing swim centre. Mayor Len Robinson admits it's a short-term solution – albeit a $900,000 short-term solution – while councillors consider ways to raise money for a proper upgrade. One thing is for sure, one of the best ways to create waves in a community is to close popular local swimming pools. And Wentworthville retailers who have spoken to me fear a slump in business if the popular pool closed. It certainly is a difficult decision for a council that is trying to be fiscally responsible while taking citizens' needs into account.
Home buyer hot spot
NO secret that the west is the hot spot for first home buyers and latest State Government figures put Spring Farm, near Camden, as top of the region. West Hoxton is second, followed by Werrington. But, as these prime first homebuyer areas move further out, the government has to ensure that infrastructure supports the growing population. Best way to support new housing is to move jobs to the west. The State Government has made a good move in promising to relocate 3000 public servants to Parramatta, Liverpool and Penrith.Where to build those offices – which, hopefully, will also attract private businesses – is causing a headache for at least one of the cities. It seems civic and state leaders are at odds over whether the planned building (s) should be part of a major civic development or on idle state land.
Toss the goss my way at dibartok@yahoo.com.au
