Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Council Stages City-Wide Community Forum

Blacktown City Council takes a bold step by hosting the

inaugural city-wide community forum for residents from

across the city to hear about Council’s major projects and

plans for 2019.

The community forum covers information across the entire

Council area and will be held at 7pm on Monday 12

November in the Nirimba Room, Civic Centre in Blacktown.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “We have

visited every Ward across the City this year and we now 

invite our residents to come and see some of the exciting 

projects and programs planned for our community.”

“Consistently people have asked for more engagement with 

Council about our plans and programs.

“I encourage you all to attend this final forum for the year.” 

Mayor Bali said.

Plans for the proposed International Centre of Training

Excellence (ICTE) and the Warrick Lane Precinct

Redevelopment in the CBD will be on display at the forum.

“Council is consulting with the community on these two major

transformational projects and I invite residents across the city

to attend and give us your feedback as we build a better City

for all,” Mayor Bali said.

There will be information on Council’s community programs,

business support services, Hawkesbury-Nepean Flood

Management Strategy, Kids Early Learning, library services, 

information about the Leo Kelly Arts Centre and upcoming 

events around the LGA.

Mayor Bali said community forums are a great way to 

engage with Councillors and Council officers.

“We want to you hear from you on any issues you want to

raise at this forum,” he said.

Forum details:
Date and Time: Monday 12 November at 7pm

Location: Nirimba Room, Level 5 , Civic Centre, Blacktown

 (entrance via Campbell Street)

Willmot 'Have Your Say' - Blacktown City Council Is 22nd October 2018....

A comment raised by a community member of Willmot Community, questioned the date of the recently Media Release from Blacktown City Council. This was about the 'Have your say' at Willmot.
Click here for previous post

So, we have received a response that makes sense to myself, from the Blacktown Media Department as follows:
"I was made aware that you are inquiring about the date for Willmot community forum. The Willmot forum was rescheduled and will now be held on Friday 22 October at 7pm at Willmot Public School."

We hope that this reassures the community member of the correct community meeting. It is good to see community members on their toes ensuring there is no wrong publivity of these evrnts. I can also undrrstand how these meetings can be rescheduled.

We also that the prompt response from the Blacktown Media Department.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release -Toongabbie Residents Applaud Council At Community Forum

MEDIA RELEASE

16 August 2018

Blacktown City Council’s commitment to respond to residents’ concerns was ratified at the Toongabbie forum on Monday night.

The construction of a section of footpath on Metella Road was met with clear delight by Prospect resident of over 50 years, Joseph Gauci.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “We can see the value of engaging with our community when we see results like this.”

Ward 3 residents, including some from Toongabbie, Seven Hills and Blacktown attended Council’s most recent Have Your Say forum on Monday night at Metella Road Public School in Toongabbie.

Mr Gauci attended Council’s community forum in May 2017,where he raised concerns about the lack of a footpath on his street.

At the time he challenged Council about the allocation of funding for road improvements over the five decades that he lived in the area. “All I want is a footpath outside my house. I hope I get to see one before I die,” he said.

In response, Council allocated funds for the footpath on Metella Road in the 2018/2019 budget in and construction commenced two weeks ago (work is expected to be completed this week).

“I thank Council so much for my footpath. It makes me happy to see that Council listens to us,” an elated Mr Gauci said.

Mayor Bali said: “This is the purpose of our community forums, closing the loop and coming back to the community with an answer.

“As Mayor, I am very proud that we were able to deliver the footpath in just over one year, making a loyal resident very happy.”

Other issues raised at the meeting related to street lighting, community services for the elderly and maintenance of parklands.

Council’s next community forum is in Ward 5 on Monday, 29 October, 7pm at Willmot Public School, Discovery Avenue, Willmot.

“These forums are great opportunities for people to come and meet Councillors and Council staff face-to-face, and I encourage more people to attend,” Mayor Bali said.

“Council wants to hear from you about issues in your neighbourhood.”

Next forum details:  
Monday, 29 October, 7pm at Willmot Public School, Discovery Avenue, Willmot. Email: Forums@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Blacktown City Council - Event - Community Forum 'Toongabbie' - Ward 3

Community Forum
Ward 3 
Toongabbie

You are invited to Blacktown City Council's  next community forum on Monday, 13 August at 7 pm at Metella Road Public School in Toongabbie.

Council's community forum gives the community a chance to raise your concerns about important issues that affect you. 

Bring your family and friends to the forum so they can also have their say about issues affecting their neighbourhoods.

This is an opportunity to speak directly with Councillors and Council officers. 

At the Toongabbie forum, we will provide an update on infrastructure in the area; community safety programs; and an update on parks and reserves.

We look forward to seeing you at the forum.

Details:

Toongabbie Community Forum
7 pm, Monday 13 August
Metella Road Public School
 117 - 131 Metella Road, Toongabbie 

(entry via Cornelia Road).

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Forum Invigorates ‘Give Doonie A Lift’ Campaign

MEDIA RELEASE

1 August 2018

Blacktown City’s Council’s campaign to lobby for a lift at Doonside station was welcomed at the community forum on Monday night.

More than 90 people attended Blacktown City Council’s most recent Have Your Say Forum at Doonside Community Centre to voice their frustration over government neglect of Doonside station.

Long-time Doonside resident, Wendy Calman, described her life as a parent and foster carer as “difficult” without a lift.

“When you have too many children to fit into a car, or don’t have enough car seats and you live in Doonside, then you can’t use your own station to take the children out.

“This station has been on the cards, talked about and promised for over 20 years and we still don’t have it.

“It’s clear our community is not a priority for the government or we would have a lift by now,” she said.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the continued calls from Doonside residents have become legendary in the area.

“People have signed petitions, written to the NSW government and featured in media reports about their personal experiences, but still the station is yet to get a lift,” he said.

“It is unfair to make the community wait any longer for what is the right of the residents rather than a privilege,” said Mayor Bali.

Residents made several comments, during a question and answer session, supporting Council’s campaign lobby for a lift.

One elderly resident who did not want to be named said he had lived in the area for over 50 years.

“Previously we didn’t need it because we could walk across the railway at the level crossing, now there is a ramp that is too steep and we are older.

“I really hope I get to see this lift so we can get around more easily,” he said.

Bradley Seymour, who uses a power wheelchair, attended the forum with a sign that read: “I lived my whole life in Doonside and can’t use my station”.

Other issues raised at the meeting were concerns about more community spaces for young people, commuter car park and community grants for sports clubs.

Council’s next community forum is in Ward 3 on Monday, 13 August, 7pm at Metella Road Public School, 117-131 Metella Road, Toongabbie.

“These forums are rare opportunities for people to come and meet Councillors and Council staff face-to-face, and I encourage people to attend,” Mayor Bali said.

“We want to hear your concerns.”

Next forum details: 
Monday, 13 August, 7pm at Metella Road Public School, 117-131 Metella Road, Toongabbie. Email: Forums@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Community Safety A Concern In Seven Hills

MEDIA RELEASE

13 October 2017

Community safety emerged as a strong issue at Blacktown City Council’s most recent community forum, staged at Seven Hills on Wednesday night.

“It was clear from the residents who attended that lack of policing and a consequent increase in anti-social behaviour is a real issue for them,” the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said.

“We heard a lot of frustration and will work with our local police to help implement further safety strategies in the area,” Mayor Bali said.

“This once again proved the forums’ value.  By getting out among the residents and ratepayers, the Mayor, Councillors and senior staff all hear first-hand about the hot issues in each area.”

The forum, at The Meadows Public School in Seven Hills, gave Ward 3 residents a chance to engage face-to-face with Councillors and Council staff.

Council made presentations on its support for local business and Council’s extensive library programs.

There was also a presentation by Roads and Maritime Services about proposed upgrades to the Blacktown Road and Prospect Highway intersection.

Council’s next community forum is at 7pm on Wednesday, 8 November at Whalan Community Centre, 48 Torres Crescent, Whalan.

Visit the community forum page on Council’s website for a full list of the community forums, regular updates, and how to engage with Council.

Forum details:  Wednesday, 8 November, 7pm at Whalan Community Centre, 48 Torres Crescent, Whalan.

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

What's Needed Is To Hold 'A Community Forum' Inviting All Chifley Candiddates Prior to Election Day 2nd July 2016?

We have community forums for political items of interest: change of Blacktown name,  Western Sydney Airport,  Incinerators and the list goes on.

There are times the general community may like to know their local candidates and put the Federal local test to them. In retrospect, the candidates would like to be seen actively be out in the community, putting out their policies, attacking opponents where  party affiliated or independent. So the community needs to actually hear and be heard, ask questions that deserves answers. Get the respect from the candidates.

A 'Community Forum' organised by one of the local media's would be a great suggestion. Same thing that was professionally done  at last years NSW State Election for Mount Druitt, with a convenient right venue.  The community really turned out to this event, compared the  NSW State Election before. Click here for last years NSW Mount Druitt Community Forum

A independent MC should be chosen, who runs the program of choosing good questions, generating right answers - so that correct reporting to the community can be carried out.

 I feel that we are running out of time to organise a 'Community Forum', yet this is what we need for the Federal Seat of Chifley. Yet it could still be organised. We will leave it for the powers to be!