Metre Matters For Blacktown City Council Transport Policy On Cyclists Safety - Champions of the West and MOUNT DRUITT HEIGHTS!

 A gentleman called, Tong, from Mount Druitt suggested Blacktown City Council could look at a previous advertising campaign that was provided by the Sydney City Council, was a good measurement used to reduce cycling incidents on roads. It was advertised on TV, radio and newspapers. It was called 'Metre Matters'.

He claims this has had an impact for car drivers, to have better respect for on road cyclists.

The City of Sydney offers offers 'Free cycling courses that teach low risk and responsible riding' and the idea their is at least 1 metre clearance from passing passenger vehicles speeds up to 60kms and 1 1/2 metre clearance for speeds over 60kms, front, back and sides.

Click here for City Of Sydney 'Metre Matters'

Looking at the Blacktown Integrated Transport Plan. it appears it is generally on about new cycle routes and improvements of
 others, but not  much on prevention of potential accidents and/or fatalities.

Click here for previous blog

Tong also suggests that Channel 7 promotes 'Champions of the West' - this promotes Western Sydney Awards, because it is something for the area, promoting further development which in relation to North Shore rids the neglect Western Sydney has had from relevant authorities,

Click here for 'Champions of the West'

I  can now tell you a  real that happened to myself over 15 years ago, where I attended a function in inner west of Sydney and low and behold, this conversation happened:

Myself: 'Where do live?'

Other person: 'Wheeler Heights! And where do you live?'

Myself: 'Whalan Heights!'

Other person: 'Whalan Heights. Where is that place? I haven't heard of it before!'

Myself, 'Not far from Mount Druitt Heights1'

Other person,'And where is that?'

Myself, ' Near Blacktown Heights!'

Other person: 'And where's this place?"

Myself: 'Near Parramatta Heights!'

Other person: 'I know where that is!'








 

North Mount Druitt Commuter With Public Transport Fare Issues!

One North Mount Druitt public transport commute, I spoke today, advised that she has been traveling at times from Mount Druitt train station by Sydney Trains  to Parramatta train station. Then she interchanges, catches the 524 bus to West Ryde and return home on reverse trip. She has been doing this for over 10 years is.

She is extremely happy that the new 'Opal Electronic Ticketing System' is in operation on Sydney Trains and now on Mount Druitt buses in and around Mount Druitt. At present she is concerned that she has to pay 'My bus weekly tickets' and train trips on her 'Opal Card'.

By now she advised she should be using her Opal card in the Parramatta area for buses. The claim is that the buses have the E-Readers, but they are not in operation.

If this service  was in proper order for 'Opal', she would be saving money. I suggested, will follow up with 'Opal' and report back from them, on this blogspot.

Does anyone else have any more issues, let us know?

She also supports the path way crossing required at the traffic lights,on Luxford Road, North Mount Druitt.

Click here for Traffic Light Path Way Required, Ltuxford Rd, North Druitt

Further investigation indicates that Opal Card may available on Sydney bus 524









 Click here for Information On Syndey bus 524

Blacktown City Council Looking To Support Community on 'Granny Flat Location In Whalan' - St Marys-Mount Druitt Star & Blacktown City Sun

It appears that Blacktown City Council may look at ways of resolving the 'Whalan Granny Flat' issue.

Kylie Stevens a local reporter from the Mount Druitt Star - has correctly and professionally reported on this issue, which changes the current environment, in this current local community.

While we still have no answers from the Senior Investigator, from the NSW Building Professionals Board.

 



It appears applications from 'Building Professionals Board' are quick, but investigations take forever! Now the 'Building Professional Board is 'Finger pointing' this to Blacktown City Council.


 Click here for St Marys-Mount Druitt Star

 Click here on previous Blog

Public Transport In Mount Druitt - Request By University Of NSW Student For Research

In the last 5 years or so of advocating for improved public transport, within Mount Druitt, I have been respected by all stake holders, public transport workers, local, State and Federal politicians. In return, I respect them and in no fashion would like their job. Some of them deserved to be well remunerated as they are all caring above all for the community.

Even hundreds of community members that I  know and have known and speak to, an overwhelming majority appreciate what passion I have for the Mount Druitt community. I get asked a lot, what do I get paid? Is this my full time job? What do I get out of it?

I can go back a few years ago when somebody said I would make a 'good' politician. I make a statement that to date, I have kept to my heart. 'Maybe, I could make a politician but I make better public transport advocate for the community. I will never be a politician1'. So for politicians out there, your safe from myself, running against you!

Now, back to the real story. I have been approached (by e-mail), from a NSW University Student, reasons why there is  a small percentage of  'working' commuters only catch buses, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This student, is interested in doing research in and around Mount Druitt. I need to explain that because he refers to a Group blog (that I was the main publisher of these blogs), I have received his permission to respond only as an individual member of the community. 

Here is his request:
'I am a student at the University of New South Wales and am currently undertaking a research project on the transportation services in the Mount Druitt area. I have found the Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group blog very useful and I was hoping that you might be able to assist me with some further information.

According to Transport NSW Statistics (here) only 1% of Mt Druitt area residents travel to work via bus. I am hoping to understand why this percentage is so low. Are you able to shed any light on these figures or point me in the right direction as to where I might be able to find more information?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Kind regards

Michael

Eventually, my response to Michael was:

Hi Michael,

Thank you very much. Check the local papers next week for an articles!*

Interesting facts you have provided via ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics). I haven't seen it before.

Any way, to assist you: I am shocked about this figure as I have figures on total population, which is extremely higher than the report provided. I think the total population on your report is only for workers.

Mount Druitt has been understood to be in the past a low sociology-economic area, yet currently this is changing with a younger  population moving into the area, which come from different ethnic backgrounds, compared to 20-30 years ago. This is due to housing being affordable in the both rental and purchased property markets. The area is only changing as NSW Housing sell properties that are too expensive to maintain and repair.

In Mount Druitt, we do not have buses activating the New Electronic Ticketing System: Opal Card as yet. This is soon to come and will create a bit of confusion for the elderly. This should increase use of public transport econdaryspecially with weekly commuters.

The public transport history was terrific, until the NSW Labor Government of 2009, removed 3 bus services that were well patronised. I understand, this was due to possible anti-social behavior: young people and children, missile throwing on buses, possible life threatening issues, preventing sometimes services being cancelled. Cashless buses will reduce theft towards bus drivers
 

In relation to why 1 percent of  workers commuting by bus, it comes to quite a lot of reasons:

1) Blacktown Council need to look at getting rid of outdated, stinking, dark road overpasses over pathways that are in a few suburbs, a cause of anti-social behaviors. Resurface the roads, thus providing better commuter access to buses and better health and safety. Pedestrian crossings would be a much-needed and required.

2) Most bus time table services in peak times used to be very 15 minutes, if we had every ten minute bus services and everyone knew that there was more efficient bus services, then more people would leave their vehicles at home. Most peak hour services are currently every 20 minutes. 

3) Express bus services from suburb to suburb could be introduced, with 'Express Bus Stops', identified by the community and advertised through the local and wider newspapers and radio.

4) NSW Government could offer discount fares for commuters using 2 modes of transport: usually buses and trains.For single train users or bus users they would be charged the standard fare rate.

5) Primary and Secondary Schools are not continuously promoting public transport buses as a convenient way to get to and from schools

6) As well as time tables - brief  glossy flyers showing buses services to and from Mount Druitt.

7) Very early morning bus services during the week and especially on weekends - where it is hard for shift workers to reach Mount Druitt and outer parts of Mount Druitt or even further.
8) Late evening bus services during the week and especially on weekends - where it is hard for shift workers to reach home in Mount Druitt and outer parts of Mount Druitt or even further.
9) A majority of people find public transport buses an inconvenience to use as opposed to using private cars.

10)Commuter Car Parks have been provided in recent years, to make people drive their cars to Mount Druitt, 'Park and Ride' - this is good in promoting more people getting trains but reduces people catching buses.

11) Bus Reviews must include the community and transport representatives from Blacktown Local Council.

12) Cashless buses will reduce crime. Release of the Opal Electronic Ticketing System.

13) NSW for Transport needs to promote public transport advertising for all modes of public transport Everywhere - this has been lacking since the 1970's.

14) Too many people are single drivers of private cars - Local Council and NSW State Government, need not to widen Motor ways, need to look  supplying more frequent bus services and people will catch them.
15) Place more buses to smaller streets providing looping services to major shopping hubs, interconnecting to other bus services.
16) Mount Druitt Bus Interchange needs to be upgraded to cater for the larger population.

17) A better understanding from all public transport stake holders and researchers that public transport buses links the outer community suburbs to vital large shopping and community services hubs and if we focus on other forms of transport , neglect the promotion of these vital services, our stake holders will let the community down At present there is no local promotion for catching buses from NSW for Transport, Blacktown City Council and Bus ways currently operating buses in Sydney bus region 1.

18) Mount Druitt is an important interchange of public transport modes of transport now and will be even more vitally important as population improves anon the increase facilities have been fully planned for this.

19) With the extension of the Northwest Rail Link being extended to Mount Druitt, the bus connections will play a more important  role as it becomes a T junction for railway services.

20) A lot of bus commuters are job seekers,  shoppers, visitors and/or  students and there has been lobbying for a free bus shuttle looping around the wider community and shopping hub of Mount Druitt to root Hill. IF this was introduced then this will make it easier for everyone even job seekers and local residents that are employed in the area.

I hope this helps you. What sort of study are doing? Will you be able to provide a result of your searches to us?

I have been going through what my personal thoughts and passionate feelings are to get people into buses within Mount Druitt. A lot of these improvements may take a while to achieve.

Cheers

John

Result from Michael is:

'Hi John

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!!! That is all very interesting, helpful and provides great insight! I'm still in the research phase - and hoping to take a field trip to Mount Druitt once I have the majority of my research complete. Some of what you said has come up in the Blacktown City Council's Social Plan 2012 and the Integrated Transport Management Plan, but it is great to hear it from a local resident.

Once I complete my research I will ask my supervisor whether I can share my results with you. I'm not too sure at this stage what the policy is. But I will certainly try my best!

Thanks again for your help!

Cheers

 Michael

Michael has opened my eyes in Blacktown City Council's Social Plan 2012, where it indicates that in 2011 ABS indicated that in the Mount Druitt District there is poor bus services, more accessible public transport is required and their is a lack of public transport in the North West of Blacktown  (refer to page 83 & 84). I can't wait for Michael to provide his research to us, especially if it makes a few more academics be aware of our situation - with public transport.

Click Here for Michael's ABS research for Mount Druitt

Click here for Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc Blogspot

Click here for Blacktown City Council's Social Plan 2012 

Click here for Blacktown City Council Integrated Transport Plan 



  

Building Professionals Board Are They Really Professional or Really Unprofessional' -

We found flaws in the Certification of a 'Granny Flat' in Whalan, which after nearly a week the Building Professionals Board may find 'Unprofessional'. To date they are not responding to a previous blog, which pointed out issues in the granting of the Certification, in the back end of a property, which looks the like the 'Front of the property'.

We also pointed out that Council does hold more 'power' than the Certifier in the making of decision, after careful consideration was not given to reflect the current 'environment', this means that the application in not conforming to the community's needs.

Hopefully, Council will take the right steps with the 'power' it has - maybe checking legal obligations - but that is all confirmed on the BPB website! This is the largest population and has got the right to back the community rather one applicant living outside the area.

Most people would talk to neighbours first, instead of being sneaky and not allow plans to be uniquely shown to the general public!

 So far BPB shown be known as BUB - Building Unprofessional Board!


Click Here for previous blog 

Dumped Equipment At Night In Dawson Mall - Health & Safety Issue Mount Druitt Community!

As I walked down Dawson Mall, Mount Druitt, I noticed there was a hype of activity: bobcats driving  that up and down, heavy duty trucks just park blocking the walk way and then low and behold a huge equipment, just thrown on the Mall.

Although Blacktown City Council owns the Mall, the workmen were working oblivious to actual community walkers using the path way and they were working on a empty shop, appearing to renovate it. What my concern is and was, there was no 'Health and Safety' signs placed anywhere and if one of the trucks rolled (Break not working), the this poses a community 'Health & Safety' great problem and a high potential risk of accident, possible death.

It shows poor Management from Westfield Mount Druitt, to allow contractors to place the Mount Druitt community at risk, like this:

Apologies for a blurry picture!

Opal Cards Have Been Launched/Released In And Around Mount Druitt Buses!

Good news for commuters that travel in and around Mount Druitt is Mount Druitt bus commuters are able to use Opal Cards all buses  entering and leaving the area. 

The problem is that there aren't many commuters that are using Opal Cards on buses in Mount Druitt, as yet. This reason could stem from the fact that quite a majority of bus commuters within Mount Druitt are pensioners and unemployed. They are the one's that rely on essential public transport bus services to get to and from major shopping hubs like Emerton, Plumpton, Mount Druitt, Blacktown and Penrith. Pensioner Opal Cards will be later in the year.  

The NSW Government should be applauded for getting the Opal Card released on buses and the slow process to release the Opal Card from Sydney Ferries, to where it is today. The Opal Card, may sound daunting to a lot of the community, yet once a card is issued to any members of the community, then they will be understanding how to use the card.

This is what the buses will say in Mount Druitt:

 

So if you don't have an Opal Card call them on 136725

Elizabeth Johnson Reserve, North Mount Druitt Requires Upgrade!

As we cycle or walk through Council Parks and Reserves, we can see how some of them  have not been audited/inspected for improvements.

Elizabeth John Reserve, North Mount Druitt seems like it needs quick weekly attention to clean up firstly and then there are the children facilities that are stinking and have graffiti, on them (right).

 Overall, it has great pathways for the size of land it is. Could do with a fitness activities similar to Mount Druitt RAAF Memorial Park (further down the road in Woodstock Road, Mount Druitt).


We will see  how  Blacktown City Council  upgrades/cleans this park from here on in.

Click here for Mount Druitt RAAF Memorial Park 

Mount Druitt Bus Interchange Is Back To Normal

For weeks we  have been advising the community, how the Mount Druitt Bus Interchange has been going through an upgrade. Last week  bus commuters were back to normal, catching their bus home  or getting dropped at the Mount Druitt Bus Interchange. 

Other than the foot paths being changed, there is none of the changes that I thought was going to happen! That was a much needed expansion of the Mount Druitt Bus Interchange to cater for the growing community, especially when the Second Sydney Airport, will be constructed in Badgerys Creek. 

We have to properly plan for the future and see how the Mount Druitt Bus Interchange can better suit the growing future community. Blacktown Bus Interchange caters for commuters coming of and on 2 sides of the T1 (North Shore, Northern and western Line) and T5 (Cumberland Line). This is a large bus interchange catering for the current thousands of bus commuters using these facilities, every day.

In years to come, 2nd Stage of Northwest Rail Link will cross over Mount Druitt train Station then becoming a Sydney Trains 'T' Junction. We know this is years away  but the current bus interchange will have to be revamped, upgraded, infrastructure that is engineered, planned and modern.

Click Here For North West Options

Click her for Sydney Trains Stations/Lines Map
 
Click Here for previous blog 

Granny Flat in Whalan - 'NSW Building Professionals Board' Backs Certifier But Not Whalan Community!

The Whalan Granny Flat issue seems to have sparked stake holders saying, 'Legislation needs to be changed'.  That in itself means The NSW Building Professionals Board may have realised there is errors in the legislation they are guided by.

They now are currently backing the Independent Certifier as per received e-mail:

Hi John,

I refer to your email and phone call today.

I have spoken to the certifier Nick Georgopoulos after my telephone call with you.

I have requested him to send me a copy of the complying development certificate and associated drawings.

1) During the phone call, he advised me that the CDC complies with the relevant planning instruments.

He also advised me that he has spoken to officers from the council in relation to the development.

Trevor Taylor from the council advise you the following:

I can advise however that in response to several complaints in relation to a similar development in Whalan, Council officers have investigated this matter in further detail. Initial assessment indicates this form of development is indeed permissible under current NSW State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs).

If an application for a complying development certificate complies with the relevant SEPP's, a certifying authority has to approve the application.

A certifying authority cannot impose conditions that are outside the requirement of the planning instrument.

2) Mr Taylor also advised you that

We share your concerns however in relation to the impact on local amenity, and on this basis Council officers are currently seeking consideration of legislative amendments from the NSW Government to reduce this impact. Any representations you were able to make to Government would also be welcomed in this regard.

You may propose legislative amendments to the Department of Planning directly or through Blacktown City Council.

3) The requirement for notification is follows:

• Prior to issuing a CDC, a certifier has to give 14 days notice to the properties within 20 meters of the boundary of the proposed lot
• The intention of the notice is to allow discussion between the applicant and the neighbours. It is not mandatory for an applicant to negotiate with the neighbours.
• A certifier is not required to provide any other documents (plans ) with the notice
• The applicant must give 7 days notice to neighbours before commencing any work

Regards

Ken Ketheesuran

Senior Investigator
Building Professionals Board
3 Marist Place

Parramatta NSW 2150

My questions are unanswered - bureaucrats they seem to cover themselves all the time and yet are turning a blind eye to the Whalan community! What they in fact are saying is, 'Tough luck, not our problem!'

This is  from the 'BPB's' website:

The Board’s work

Members of the Board are largely focused on strategic direction and high-level decision-making, such as:

• improving standards of building and subdivision certification, and reviewing performance of the system
• setting the goals and objectives required for the Board to implement Government policy decisions that relate to building certification
• advising the Minister on matters related to building certification
• anticipating and responding to legislative, policy, social, environmental and technological
• appointing and overseeing the work of technical committees that advise the Board on major policies and other projects to improve building certification.

Unanswered Questions:
1) 'Anticipating and responding to legislative, policy, social, environmental and technological'  - So this means from the above e-mail, they are not responding to the Community's environment and social outlook, by placing a granny flat on the wrong side of the housing property. Responding to this, means they can change can the Certification and refer for policy change.
  
2) The Independent Certifier verbally agreed on the phone that the Granny Flat could be constructed in the front of the property. The Senior Investigator was told and  no response on his e-mail. 'The cracks are now appearing!

3) This is not 'Fair' action- that the 'BPB'  doesn't support the community to keep the local community, leaving it to maintains its appearance of all housing.  I'm sure id the Senior Investigator was living next door and been living there for 40 years, his statement would change!

4) The Spokesperson from NSW Planning and Infrastructure 'Affordable Housing scheme' has paid a great compliment to previous blogs published on this issue, printed all details and pictures, for review to the ACT and Regulation. The spokesperson said although they can not do anything on this issue, they were sympathetic to what the community in general wants. The Senior Investigator has ignored this as this would affect the 'PBP'
anticipating and responding to legislative, policy, immediately.

5) Although Mr Taylor from Council says Council can not do anything - again from the 'PBP website:

Third point of contact: local council

Contact your council if the matter is beyond the certifier's power.
Councils have wide enforcement powers even when they are not the principal certifying authority for the development.
A council may issue a range of orders if a development does not comply with the development consent or complying development certificate. For example, a council may order the property owner to comply with the consent or to rectify non-compliant work.
Councils can take action in relation to:

• construction outside the approved hours
• pollution incidents
• poorly-maintained structures to prevent soil erosion
• roads and paths blocked by trucks or skip bins
• hoardings and cranes
• development that does not comply with a consent
• unauthorised development.

This development would fall under 'Unauthorised', consider change to front of property.

6)  Acting in the public interest

Accredited certifiers are public officials under the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 and public authorities under the Ombudsman Act 1974, and are subject to the requirements of these Acts.
Certifiers are also subject to (for example) the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and the Disability  Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth), and random audits by the Building Professionals Board.

7) The applicant must provide access of the Development as per the Certifiers Notice (that advised it was available), supplied to neighbours Laurie and Noel! And be contactable not unavailable, as the Cremorne applicant has been, so far.

This application is not acting in the public interest and it should be!

This more than enough reasons for Council step in immediately especially point 5 relating to the community and point 6. In fact all points are valid. This will make the bureaucrats scratch their head  rethink their decision! 

People power speaks!

PS: The Senior Investigator yesterday said, 'I'm happy for this to go to the Press!'

Click here for previous blog