Effects of Emergency Services Levy Added To You Blacktown City Council Rates - How Do You Feel?

Call Out For Information

Blacktown City Council is now looking at the effects of removing the Emergency the Emergency Services Levy off Insurance policies and transferred it to the responsibility of charging on Local Council Rates.

Is this a fare process? Does this seem right to offload it from insurance companies that collected this levy, prior to Local Government's to collect it from rates. Blacktown City Council is seeking information especially if it is unfair.

 I have 2 views on this and the first one is:

1. If any State/Territory charges any Levy, levies have to be paid. I have no question on this. Why Levies are charged, would have been debated and passed through NSW Acts and Regulations, prior to today
2. If a State Levey is offloaded to Local Council, I find it difficult to understand that the Emergency Services Levey (which funded by the NSW Government), should be paid this way, Councils burdened to charge the levy, explain the levy and then collect the levy.

In the long run it seems that the NSW Government may be offloading from insurance policy holders to house and business rate payers are they seeking to reap more funds, through Local Councils, when Locals Councils, do not benefit from it directly.

Here is what Blacktown City Council is asking its community members:

"Tell us how the Emergency Services levy affects you?

Blacktown City Council is looking for case studies of people who have been adversely affected by the State Government’s decision to make local councils collect the Emergency Services Levy.

It is estimated that some Sydney homeowners are facing annual NSW fire and emergency service levies that are three or more times higher than their current insurance payments, and Blacktown City Council is looking for real examples to use in its media campaign of disapproval and disgust. 

Contact Council if you currently pay an emergency services levy through insurance and are prepared to provide details of the amount. This will then be compared with the estimated new levy, that will be collected through the rates system.

If you are also prepared to be quoted as a local resident in a Mayoral media release, that would be a huge bonus.

The new annual levy formula for homeowners is to be calculated by adding a $100 fixed rate and a variable rate of $21.90 for every $100,000 of unimproved land value as set by the NSW Valuer-General’s office.

Under a NSW government’s case study for ratepayers, a ratepayer owning residential land valued at $600,000, who paid a $92 levy this year, faces a new levy of about $220.

Others homeowners face an even bigger levy as unimproved land values soar well above $1m in Sydney’s east, north, inner west and south.

Property owners can work out their precise levy using a calculator on the fire services and emergency services levy website at fesl.nsw.gov.au."

If you would like to help Council make its case that the levy is unfair, email their media co-ordinator Alan Gale at mediaunit@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Blacktown City Council - Whalan Reserve Upgrade - Media Alert

MEDIA ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 March 2017

New upgrades at Whalan Reserve

Blacktown City Council will unveil the significant progress made for the construction of a new amenities block at Whalan Reserve next week.

The media is welcome to tour Whalan Reserve’s newest facility with Mayor Stephen Bali, ward 5 councillors and local sports groups on Tuesday 21^st March at 11am. The $1.8 m building will be home for the Rooty Hill RSL Dragons and will also accommodate regional carnivals, schools and sporting events. This is a larger building than is usually provided as it will service activities run across eight fields for numerous Council partners including NSW Rugby League and the National Rugby League.

Other work at Whalan Reserve includes the planting of 23 large Port Jackson Figs around the two cricket / AFL ovals. These will provide shade for the cricket user groups and broader community. Altogether, some 50 trees will be part of the new landscaping.  This project is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to implementing the 2008 MasterPlan vision for Whalan Reserve.

The details: 

Date and Time: Tuesday, March 21^st 2017, 11am

Location: Outside the Amenities block, Whalan Reserve Catlin Close off Debrincat Road, Whalan

Attendees: Mayor Stephen Bali, Ward 5 councillors, local sporting groups.

Contact: Keiasha Naidoo – 9389 6914/ 0428 765 230

Blacktown City Council - $3,000 Illegal Works Becomes $40,000 Fines - Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 March, 2017

$3k fine becomes $40k on appeal

A Shanes Park developer has been fined $40,000 after he appealed against a $3,000 fine issued by Blacktown City Council for the illegal construction of a pizza restaurant.Elias Soukkar was issued with a $3,000 penalty notice for the illegal construction of a pizza restaurant at 26 Stony Creek Rd, Shanes Park.

“Mr Soukkar carried out unauthorised extensions and fitout works to an existing building and intended to use it as either a restaurant or a general convenience store,” said the Mayor of Blacktown City, Stephen Bali. “Not only were the works unauthorised, but the zoning for the land does not allow that kind of use. “Our Council Officers made this very clear to him and, despite letters and verbal warnings, he went ahead with what he says was some $400,000 worth of construction and fitout works,” Mayor Bali said.

Council then issued him with a $3,000 penalty notice, which he chose to appeal and have the matter heard at Blacktown Local Court. “The magistrate found that the structure should not have been built and that a strong warning should be sent to make sure proper approvals are sought and complied with,” Mayor Bali said.

Mr Soukkar represented himself in Blacktown Local Court and was fined $40,000.

“People thinking about undertaking illegal works without permission should take this as a clear warning the courts take a very dim view of people who don’t obey the law,” Mayor Bali said.

Blacktown City Council - Club Grants - Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 March 2017

Council launches ClubGRANTS 2017

Care packages for foster children and transportation for an Indigenous choir are two of the local projects funded by last year’s Blacktown City ClubGRANTS scheme.

Applications for the this year’s Blacktown City ClubGRANTS scheme open on 3 April and close on 3 May.

Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali encourages all local non-profit community organisations to apply.

“Since its inception 16 years ago, Blacktown City ClubGRANTS has funded 810 projects worth more than $8.5 million,” said Mayor Bali.

“That’s an average of just under $10,500 per group – making it a very useful boost to fund projects and support services,” he said.

“In the past, the grants have paid for projects such as care packages for foster children, transportation costs for an Indigenous choir and books for local primary school students. 

“The capacity to fund so many projects that make a positive impact on our community illustrates the importance of the scheme.”

Foster Care Angels President Kelly Doyle from Kings Langley said the organisation successfully applied for $7,400 in the 2016 ClubGRANTS round.

“With that money we were able to make and distribute 150 care packages for foster children across Blacktown City,” she said.

“These care packages provide the kids great comfort at what is probably a traumatic time in their lives.”

Mt Druitt Indigenous Choir used the $25,000 grant it received last year to pay for buses to take children to choral performances across NSW.

“The financial support we’ve received has been massive,” President Dave Armstrong said.

“It’s taken the pressure off a lot of the fundraising we usually have to do so we can focus on our core value of helping local families.

“I encourage other groups to give ClubGRANTS a go, especially if you are doing things in the community that really benefit people and give back to the community.”

For more information about Blacktown City ClubGRANTS and to apply visit

http://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/People_and_Community/Community_Development_Grants/Community_Grants

What is ClubGRANTS?

Legislated by the NSW Government, ClubGRANTS is a community grants program funded by local clubs and administered by Blacktown City Council.

Participating clubs in Blacktown City - Blacktown Workers Club, City of Blacktown RSL Club, Riverstone Schofields Memorial Club, Rooty Hill RSL Club, Seven Hills Toongabbie RSL Club, St Marys Rugby League Club, West Tradies.

Follow the link below for high resolution photo -

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/epwgqgl82ihu0ns/AABMWoICpfOEM5s1TU1Ogn1xa?dl=0

Foster Care Angels President Kelly Doyle, Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali and Mt Druitt Indigenous Choir President Dave Armstrong.

Blacktown CIty Council Media Release More Road Closures

This is to advise that the following roads are closed due to flooding:

1)      Rouse Road, Rouse Hill

2)      Stony Creek Road, Shanes Park

Blacktown City Council Cares 'Sad Fourth Vigil' - Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE

14 March 2017

Blacktown City’s Sad Fourth Vigil

More than 100 people attended a candlelight vigil at Blacktown Council’s Bowman Hall on Monday night to remember a local woman killed in an alleged domestic violence incident.   

Harjit Kaur was found in her Glenwood home by her son last Tuesday and police have charged her husband with her murder.

The vigil was organised by the Blacktown Women’s and Girl’s Health Centre with support from Council and State Member for Blacktown John Robertson.

Mayor of Blacktown City Councillor Stephen Bali called on the community to help put a stop to domestic violence.

“80 women are killed each and every year in Australia as a result of domestic violence,” he said.

“It happens far too often and the large number of victims is a shame on the nation.

“Every Australian needs to be on the lookout for people who are domestic violence victims and take action to prevent violence in the home,” Mayor Bali said.

“It is a tragedy that last night’s vigil should be the fourth to be held in Blacktown City since 2015.”

Mayor Bali and Mr Robertson have both committed to holding a vigil every time a woman is killed as a result of domestic violence.

“Sadly this is not the first vigil in Blacktown City and each time we hope it will be the last,” Mr Robertson said.

“But if or when someone is murdered in Blacktown City as a result of domestic violence we will hold a vigil to send the message that it is unacceptable to the community.

“The people of Blacktown City are standing together to say ‘domestic violence is not OK’.”

The vigils form part of Blacktown City Council’s White Ribbon campaign to stamp out domestic violence.

As the only White Ribbon accredited council in Western Sydney, Blacktown City Council has supporting policies and procedures in its workplace and is lobbying the NSW Government to increase funding for domestic violence services.

“Blacktown City is working hard to send a strong message,” Mayor Bali said.

“We are joining forces with our citizens to create a movement against domestic violence and we call on other workplaces and local governments across the country to do the same.”

Lives lost since 2015:

·       7 March 2016: Harjit Kaur, 56, found dead in her Glenwood home. Husband, Jagdish Singh, charged with her murder.

·       21 September 2015 - Mount Druitt woman Kirralee Dugo Paepaerei, 37, pregnant with her fourth child, found with fatal head and chest injuries. Partner Josh Homann charged with her murder.

·       8 September 2015  - Lalor Park’s Linda Addams, 67, and her grandson Brayden Rhodes, 7.  Linda’s son and Brayden’s uncle Lance Rhodes, 35, charged with their murders.

·       27 April 2015 - Linda Locke, 51, bashed to death in her Quakers Hill home. Partner Jamie Walker, 46, charged with her murder.

Follow the link below for photos of Monday night’s vigil –

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8t5pozpivybssos/AADtMAAqmmqAgakONywx6Gb3a?dl=0

Road Clossures Due To Flooding - Media Release ' Blaclacktown City Council'

This is to advise that the following roads are closed due to flooding:

1)      Rouse Road, Rouse Hill

2)      Stony Creek Road, Shanes Park

3)      Grange Avenue, Marsden Park

4)      Hambledon Road, Schofields

We bring to you any media releases from Blacktown City Council, even it relates to flooding. This may not be directly within Mount Druitt but there maybe someone trying to reach these roads within our area.

Blacktown City Council Community Forum Update - Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10 March 2017

Traffic and Badgerys Creek hot topics

Heavier traffic, struggling infrastructure and Badgerys Creek Airport were the main concerns for residents who attended Blacktown City Council’s “Your Say” community Forum on Thursday night.

Some 60 residents took part in the information exchange, staged at Jim Southee Community Centre, Kings Langley.

“I began my term as Mayor promising that there would be increased communication between Council and the residents and ratepayers,” said Mayor Stephen Bali.

“From now on there will be a forum every month

“Council’s message to all residents is: ‘be involved, be informed and be heard’.

“I want to hear from as many residents and ratepayers as possible.

“The only way to hear what really matters is to provide the opportunity for people who live in the area to meet face-to-face with their Ward Councillors on a regular basis.”

Council presentations included upgrades to the Twin Willow Reserve in Kings Langley and on-going work at Endeavour Park in Kings Park.

People also heard about the restoration of Lalor Creek in Kings Langley where the creek channel was widened, protecting the banks with sandstone blocks and revegetating the area and upcoming work on Waller Creek in Allan Robertson Reserve, also in Kings Langley.

Hot on most people’s lips was the increasing traffic and the continued growth of development in the area.

Councillors, council staff and general manager Kerry Robinson provided a panel of experts to answer questions from the audience.  i

“It was pleasing to see people take up council’s initiative to meet with residents and hear their concerns face-to-face,” Mayor Bali said.

Council’s next community forum is on Tuesday, April 18 at Schofields Community Centre in Schofields.

My Editorial Notes:  It is very pleasing to see that Blacktown City Council doesn't have 'Closed Doors' in relation to hearing from our local elected  councillors and officers on  oncoming local issues and community improvement. The most pleasing thing is that these forum will occur in communities all around Blacktown Local Government Area

Blacktown City Council Goes On The Road With Forums - Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
03 March 2017

Tell Council What You Really Think

Blacktown City Council is going to great lengths to find out what its residents and ratepayers think, feel and want.

Council’s going on the road with a series of monthly community forums to be rolled out across the Blacktown City – from Riverstone to Prospect and from Ropes Crossing to Toongabbie.

The next forum will be held in Kings Langley on March 9.

“The forum gives residents in Ward Two a chance to engage with Councillors and Council staff,” Mayor Stephen Bali said.

“It’s also a great opportunity to hear presentations from Ward Two Councillors Julie Griffiths and Jaymes Diaz.

“Council’s message to all residents is: ‘be involved, be informed and be heard’.

“I want to hear from as many residents and ratepayers as possible.

“The only way to hear what really matters is to provide the opportunity for people who live in the area to meet face-to-face with their Ward Councillors on a regular basis.”

“If for some reason the questions can’t be answered on the night, we will follow through with the information.”

At the March forum, residents will hear about plans for Endeavour Park at Kings Park and will hear a presentation on the restoration of Lalor Creek at Troubadour Reserve in Kings Langley.

Mayor Bali said: “There will also be presentation about Badgerys Creek Airport and an overview of council initiatives in the coming year.”

Blacktown City Council started the community forums last year to engage with residents and will be hosting the forums on a monthly basis across the different wards.

Visit the Community Forum page on Council’s website for a full list of the community forums, regular updates, and how you can engage with Council.

Forum details:  Thursday, March 9, 7pm – 9pm at the Jim Southee Community Centre at 117 James Cook Drive, Kings Langley

Email: Forums@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Parklea Markets Sale of Animals On Hot Days.....

I know this relates to Parklea Markets, yet I am sure that  our community have shopped at Parklea markets or they still shop at Parklea Markets or  even they will be shopping there in the future. So, this is as important to Parklea Markets as it is to our  area. What happens if we have a similar markets in our area.

It is a mazing how hot weather can bring topics like hot bus drivers and commuters (Click here for post) and animals as below:

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                                                           17/2/2016 Heath And Safety For Animals At  Parklea Markets

We have had some requests for comment on the animals for sale at Parklea Markets.

Council’s formal position is that, unless a by-law is breached, we do not take action.

(So, should they escape and run around the stall holder would be penalised for an uncontrolled dog).

In this case, it is an animal treatment issue, which is handled by the RSPCA.  Council has contacted the RSPCA and we understand they have taken action.

However, the Chair of Blacktown City Council’s Companion Animals Advisory committee, Councillor Chris Quilkey, can be quoted as follows. He is unavailable for one on one interview this afternoon due to work commitments:

The Chair of Blacktown City Council’s Companion Animals Advisory committee, Councillor Chris Quilkey says he is appalled that dogs would be in cages during very hot days at Parklea Markets.

“For a start, I don’t know why people aren’t adopting pets from our Animal Holding Facility rather than buying them at a market stall,” he said. If you adopt a pet from the Council you know it is healthy, fully vaccinated and registered.  I have had a look at Parklea Markets today and am pleased to see the cages are empty and the only animals on sale are goldfish in proper tanks.

“Council asked the RSPCA to take action and it looks like they have. People selling animals have a duty of care to ensure they are well fed and watered, in clean cages and are comfortable. For dogs, this means keeping them out of the heat, because they do not sweat and can only keep cool by panting or finding a shady spot. I want to thank the concerned people who took action to make sure animals are not subjected to cruelty.”

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Arts Assistance Available

This is a great initiative. If you know anyone with our Mount Druitt or surrounding community member in or around Mount Druitt who is an artists that need that financial assistance, let them know about this. Thank you Blacktown City Council.

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                     16 February, 2017                                   

Community groups and local artists are being urged to apply for funding under Blacktown City Council’s Creative Arts Fund.

“Creativity plays an essential role in building a united, dynamic and sustainable community, and the creation of opportunities for local artists is one of the main priorities of Council’s Cultural Plan,” said Councillor Stephen Bali, Mayor of Blacktown City.

“The Creative Arts Fund provides local artists with a unique opportunity for professional development, to explore creative connections to communities and to experiment with new art forms.”

Launched as a pilot program in 2016, the Creative Arts Fund has since awarded some $40,000 worth of grants to 17 local artists and community organisations.

“This is how we like to make art in Blacktown: we build connections, encourage innovation and nurture local talent,” Mayor Bali said.

“I’m proud to be the Mayor of a city which has established such a long and distinguished history of investing in arts and culture.”

Funding is available in two categories:

CATEGORY A: Community OrganisationsLocal community organisations are eligible for grants of up to $3,000 to develop artistic programs or projects.

CATEGORY B: Individual artist or artist groups Local artists and arts workers are eligible for grants of up to $2,000 to assist their professional development or to work on an arts project with local community organisations.

Two of last year’s recipients have said the Creative Arts Fund boosted their capacity to expand and learn.

“The grant helped our Australian-born youth learn and enjoy our traditional Cook Islands culture, especially our drumming techniques,” said Margaret Nekeare-Cowan, president of the Australian-Cook Islands Community Council (NSW).

The organisation received $3,000 in the community organisation category.

“The Creative Arts Fund gave me the backbone and courage to start a complicated video and music production,” said local photographer Farzin Fardin, who received $2,000 in the individual artist’s category.

“If it wasn’t for this funding, I would not have had the motivation or the resources to do this project.”

An information session will be held at Blacktown Arts Centre from 3pm – 4pm on Thursday, 9 February 2017.

Download guidelines and apply at www.blacktownarts.com.au.

Media Release on Blacktown City Council Special Meeting - Minchinbury Incinerator

It appears that due to community fears of pollution and  health and safety issues to our very own Mount Druitt and surrounding communities, the Minchinbury Incinerator is now a bit of a 'Burnt Out'. There are many environmental issues that have not been addressed property as well as many other issues.

MEDIA ALERT

Here is the Media Release:

"Blacktown City Council is holding a special meeting tonight, beginning at 6.30, to discuss and formulate its revised position on the EfW plant at Minchinbury.

The report to council (attached) is recommending Council continue its opposition to the project, which is essentially a large incinerator burning waste to generate electricity across the M4 from the suburbs of Minchinbury, Colyton and Erskine Park.

The draft report  (Click Here) also contains a detailed analysis of Council’s concerns about the proposal.

It is a public meeting, and members of the public have advised that they want to address the meeting.

Media, of course, are also welcome.

We will be issuing a release once the Council has voted on the report."

Click here for previous post

Cool Off At Any Blacktown Pools to Beat The Heat - Blacktown City Council Media Release

Here is another Media Release from Blacktown City Council, important for community members to cool off, for the next couple of hot days coming up. Please note the extended hours at Mount Druitt Pool:

MEDIA RELEASE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday 10 February 2016

Blacktown Pools Open Longer to Beat the Heat

Pools are going to be open longer in Blacktown, as the Council moves to make life easier for those battling the heat wave in Western Sydney.

The pools at Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, and Mount Druitt Swimming Centre will stay open into the evening this weekend.

“The best thing about swimming in Blacktown’s pools is that, unlike the eastern suburbs beaches, there are no blue bottles or sea lice and it’s impossible to get sand in your pants,” Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said.

“One of the best ways to keep cool is by taking a dip at one of Council’s great leisure and aquatic facilities.

“It’s also important to remember to follow NSW Health guidelines for beating the heat.

“Drink plenty of water, keep as cool as you can, and keep a lookout for others.

“You should also have a plan set in the case of an incident,” said Councillor Bali.

Operating hours from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 February 2017 are:

	Friday 10 February 2017	Saturday 11 February 2017	Sunday 12February 2017
Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope	9pm	6pm*	7pm*
Blacktown Aquatic Centre	7.30pm	6pm	6pm
Emerton Leisure Centre	8pm	6pm	6pm
Mount Druitt Swimming Centre	7pm*	7pm*	7pm*
Riverstone Swimming Centre	6pm	6pm	6pm

*extended hours

·       Mount Druitt Swimming Centre (Ayres Grove, Mt Druitt) and Riverstone Swimming Centre (Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone) both offer 50 metre pools, a 25 metre pool and ample shaded grass areas.

·       Emerton Leisure Centre (35 Jersey Road, Emerton) is great for keeping the kids entertained with an indoor leisure pool compete with shower spray jets and bubble jets.

·       There is always surf at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope’s wave pool.

·       Blacktown Aquatic Centre offers both indoor and outdoor 50 metre pools, as well as a shaded toddler’s pool.

For further information on Blacktown City Council’s Leisure & Aquatic Facilities including opening hours and entry fees please visit www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Blacktown City Copuncil 'Media Release' - Incinerator Forum - 6th February 2017

Blacktown City Council is organising an Incinerator Forum at Minchinbury on 6th February 2017.
Click here for BCC Media Release

Blacktown City Council 'Media Release' - Street Trees - Cooler Streets and Energy Bills

How does that sound?  Incredible?

A Street project by residents in Glenwood have proven economical for the residents, as well as having cooler Streets and a better environment. Click here for BCC Media Release

Blacktown City Council - 'Media Release' - Library Media Diary - February 2017

Blacktown City Council - 'Media Release' - Library Media Diary February 2017.

Here is a 'Media Release' from Blacktown City Council on Media Diary 2017.


Basically they are activities/events that are being held during the month of February 2017 at Council Libraries, available to the public and inviting all community members within Blacktown Local Government Area, to attend.

So, if you are interested to attend, I 'm pretty sure you will feel most welcome to do so.

Click here for BCC Libruary Media Diary - February 2017