Out and About with John
John Munns is a passionate East Gippslander with an interest in food, photography, cars, music and local affairs.
25 Sept 2024
Inform-all - EGGRA Inc: Who is EGRRA Inc
Inform-all - EGGRA Inc: A strong capable committed group - the EGRRA Team
Inform-all - EGGRA Inc: Use your Vote Wisely.
24 Mar 2024
Responsible Local Government - a Matter of Opinion:
It is interesting to note that there is general tone of dissatisfaction with Councillors and the Executive, such that we don’t seem have trust or believe that our local government is working in the best community interest and in any meaningful way and certainly not sustaining best value for our dollar.
The Shire organisation is considered slow, reactive, generally undisciplined, uncooperative in its dealings with any individual or community orgsanisation with differing view to those of the Mayor and CEO.
The missing link is the opportunity for open discussion and debate even Councillors seemingly are gagged, refused meaningful access to the communities they have been elected to represent.
Democratic government and governance at this level has it appears ceased to exist.
The vast majority if not all projects for Lakes Entrance over the past ten years or so have been late on delivery, over budget and/or incomplete against original specification. There is a history of poor budgetary control, incomplete transparency on the tendering process, loose contracts, coupled with apparent poor choices made regarding materials and/or design.
The CEO has it appears side stepped Lakes Entrance public meetings for 36 months.
If the above lack of fiscal control and discipline is reflected through all Shire business it is easy to assume a significant saving could be made on council rates.
There is an ineffective audit and risk committee controlled it appears by the executive - not by independent ratepayers(both domestic and business). The committee's own attrition rate is confronting.
As a community based roughly on the geographical boundaries of the old Tambo Shire we need to discuss, debate and present to Council what we need them to adopt and execute for the whole of our community - no more no less.
The latest Land use plan is considered a disaster for anywhere in the Shire other than Bairnsdale and Paynesville actually crippling development of any sort in the remaining 45,000 sq km to the East – what has our community reaction been ? – nothing.
Are we all asleep at the wheel? Has it all become too hard to handle? Has the apparent apathy been born from repetative attempts for open debate and subsequent change being cast aside?
Why do we need change ?
If you haven’t experienced the ever increasing financial squeeze, it would be surprising. It is easy to see this is just the beginning. The effects will be with us for at least 10 years.
We need all levels of government to spend our tax and rates dollars extremely carefully to ensure all the priority items are fully serviced while discretionary expenditure where necessary is carefully monitored and controlled eliminating not just reducing waste.
Recently the extent of Government influence on Aussie GDP was advised as 36%. rise of 20% over 30 months. Government with all its inefficiency, incompetence and influence is rapidly becoming out of control.
Democracy is the government by the people for the people. Priorities for expenditure need to be effectively influenced by us- you and I not decided for us, and especially not decided by unelected bureaucrats.
Agree or not? Post your comments and ideas below. It is a start.
Images copyright John Munns
Text is copyright of Bullock Island Developments Inc
25 Feb 2024
Communications During Power Outages;
Communication During Power Outages:
After a recent and violent storm which affected large areas of Victoria
and inflicting serious damage and multi-service disconnections on thousands of
homes, it was noted that information sharing was almost non-existent. There was
a complete loss of mains power, over periods ranging from days to a week or
more in some cases. This resulted in:-
·
Inability to gain information from TV or mains
Radio
·
Inability to charge mobile phones from mains power
·
Inability re re-charge batteries used to power
other radios (battery powered)
·
After an hour (the timespan of battery back-up) a
loss all phone reception
· Similarly, loss of internet services/NBN etc.
Our lead communicators and Emergency Management Controllers consistently advised to either go to the “app”, their internet website, or listen to the radio for more in depth and up to date information. How you were supposed to connect to these information sources remains a mystery. OK as long as you have Power, Phone Reception, Internet Access, and/or the ability to listen to radio over the long term etc.
So, a situation arose where scores in the community were using their
vehicles to charge their phones, many simply cruising around the streets, only
to find no reception and/or service. Others were unable to work from home due
to the lack of internet access etc. These were in some cases the very people
who work in areas such as Aged Care, Disability Services, Local Council
(Emergency Management) etc. and had specific and important roles to enact
during a crisis of this type.
Many of the younger generation who have grown up with technology, had no
concept of what to do without their trusty mobile phone and an App to guide
them along their way. How did they find out if for instance, the Supermarket
was open to feed their family, if Child Care was open, so they could go to
work, how to call their employment, Doctor if in need, or a business etc.,
without their mobile phone?
Advise was given by our communication leaders to listen to local radio.
I tried this while sitting in the car waiting for my phone to recharge. I tuned
in on the half hour and on the hour to both the ABC and Commercial Local Radio,
to listen to the latest news. The results were to say the least uninspiring.
Information was sketchy to say the least and when wanting good concise
clear information regarding what was operating what was not, who was open who
was not, or simply to gain an insight into the expected longevity of the
dis-connection of power, I heard advise to go to the App. This may have been due to the stations
themselves lacking in obtaining required information.
These are some of the circumstances occurring locally, not all by any
stretch of the imagination but they paint a very poor picture of the
preparedness of the region to deal with emergencies of this kind. As one who
spent the greater part of my working life dealing with emergencies and crisis
situations of one kind or another, I would assess the communication as inept,
failing to meet the needs of the community indeed and in one word, pathetic.
Surely in todays technologically advanced world where we can talk to men
on the moon it is not too much to ask for a professionally operated,
centralised communication base that can operate round the clock, in a building
with generated power and with the use of 2 way radio as a last resort, to disseminate vital information to for
instance to the ABC and Commercial stations, that information can then be fed
to the community. Likewise, as has been found to be both effective in the past,
to have well sited locations where this information can be posted, even if it
means using pen and paper!
The community should never again be left to their own devices as was the
case in the last days/weeks. As an example, in the Aged Care field, a situation
occurred when staff could not operate due to lack power/services and physical
attendance at the workplace. Some of our more infirm of the community were not
able to be checked on for 3 days whilst having no power/services etc. This is
by no means any reflection of the staff, they did what they could, but lacked
the necessary equipment/technology and leadership to complete a very necessary
task.
Action needs to be taken, enough costly plans have been written to no
avail, enough investigations have been made and consultancies engaged with
little or no meaningful and effective results. There is a mass of experience in
the community perhaps able to volunteer their expertise fix the problem and
fixed they must be. There have been so many emergencies in East Gippsland over
the last 20 years the region should lead in the field of emergency
management/communication not fail dismally as was the case in recent weeks.
Comment
Efficient communication is the
cornerstone of effective coordination among emergency responders, relief
organizations, and affected communities. When power is cut, clear communication
channels become the lifeline for distributing resources, mobilizing assistance,
and organizing response efforts.
During emergencies, timely and accurate information can be a matter of life and death. Maintaining communication ensures that essential safety instructions, evacuation plans, and updates reach the public. This helps individuals make informed decisions, reduces panic, and enhances overall community resilience.
Power outages often create an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. Clear and consistent communication provides reassurance to the affected population. It can offer guidance on what to expect, share empathetic messages, and foster a sense of community, mitigating the psychological impact of the emergency.
In times of crisis, families and communities seek
to reconnect and ensure each other's safety. Effective communication enables individuals to check on the well-being
of loved ones, share updates on their own situation, and coordinate mutual
assistance within neighbourhoods.
Suggested Strategies Maintaining Communication and Power During Outages:
Planning:
Before an emergency occurs, develop a comprehensive communication plan.
Identify alternative communication methods that do not rely on electricity. Use other power sources to best advantage. Solar charged batteries to power radios and
other small devices. Use of generators in communication hubs and other
important facilities. A ready supply of re-chargeable batteries. Information
boards for roadside use and in strategic locations.
Communication Hubs:
Designate locations within communities as communication hubs. These hubs can serve as information dissemination points, equipped with battery-operated radios, bulletin boards, and trained personnel. This creates a focal point for gathering and sharing critical updates.
Other Strategies
Embrace low-tech solutions such as two-way radios, or even handwritten messages. These tools can bridge communication gaps when high-tech devices are rendered useless due to power outages.
Distributing printed emergency contact lists ensures information is readily available.
Train community volunteers. Conduct regular training sessions that focus on communication protocols. Ensure volunteers are familiar with alternative communication methods and practice using them. This not only builds confidence but also streamlines the communication process during actual emergencies. Establish a network of community leaders who can disseminate information, provide updates, and act as liaisons between the affected population and emergency response teams.
Maintain information on Social Media and Messaging Apps, have it posted from a non-affected area ensuring any that can use this information source are able to obtain the latest updates. Encourage the dissemination of information through these channels, keeping in mind the need for power conservation.
Establish toll-free emergency hotlines that operate independently of the power grid. These hotlines can serve as a centralized point for individuals to seek information, report emergencies, and receive guidance during power outages. Be aware of the increasing number of homes with no landline and those of an internet dependent VOIP system connection.
Explore the implementation of resilient communication infrastructure, such as solar-powered cell towers and backup generators for critical communication hubs. This investment can ensure that essential communication channels remain operational even when the primary power source is compromised.
Investigate the ability of homes with solar
assisted and/or wind assisted systems to be able to utilise that power when
available by a simple switch system. For homes with solar assistance they could
at least draw down the power generated from their own home and maintain some
communications, keep freezers and fridges sufficiently powered to save food,
and ability to have hot water for those with ever increasing electrically
heated water services.
Maintaining good communication during emergencies when power is cut is not only crucial but also achievable with strategic planning and community engagement. The ability to convey information swiftly and reliably becomes a beacon of hope in the darkness, guiding communities through challenges and facilitating a coordinated response. By embracing diverse communication methods and fostering preparedness, societies can fortify their resilience and navigate emergencies with greater efficacy, ensuring that the light of information continues to shine even when the power is out.
The question remains after all the experiences that East Gippsland has endured over the last 20 years why are we still seemingly unable to maintain simple communications at these times?
1 Jun 2023
Fiscal Comment - Its Budget Time !
We are asked to tighten our belts,
some struggle to manage,
what example is set by our leaders?
Fact: Government must act to hold or reduce inflation.
Fact: Each and every percent rise you never get back, it is lost forever, you never get it back when 'acceptable' levels return.
Fact: Total inflation is the sum of monthly increases.
What has government done so far?
Fiddled around the edges blaming the RBA for utilising the only lever it has to use?
Rate rises 11 times in 12 months to offset government's mismanagement?
Even with this trigger pulled, inflation is not under control.
East Gippsland Shire Council can and should perhaps hold rates steady by billing the same as last year 22/23 and, perish the thought, deliver 3.5% reduced costs/services as a consequence of fiscal restraint.
Concentrate on necessary productivity and efficiency dividends.
Do what any responsible organisation does and work within a reduced budget until the end of this council term in Nov 2024 instead of being addicted to annual increases.
Set out to complete existing and very necessary capital expenditure work only instead of spreading itself too far, too thin and failing to complete projects on time and on budget.
Question: Why it is that most project expenditure exceeds budget and is delivered in stages, while somehow the ever increasing list of currently budgeted projects gets longer every year with lesser percentage of budgeted dollars actually being less every year.?
Question: Why do so many projects fail to be completed on time and on budget?
Question: Why are so many projects divided in to stages?
Now our local government in its draft budget mode,was it set in stone 6 months ago and before fiscal restraint was considered? It is suspected to obtain a 7 to 2 vote approving the largest rise in rates and charges since amalgamation nearly 25 years ago.
This autocratic undemocratic organisation proclaims transparency!
The combined views of a number of concerned locals:
29 May 2023
Local Housing Strategy. It may affect you !
I have copied below some feedback on the recent EG Housing Strategy which was sent to the Shire. These sorts of questions need to be asked and the community given better options and time to consider.
East
Gippsland Housing Strategy Feedback:
I am providing
this feedback on behalf of …………….there are a number of concerns that we have
and feel that Council have not provided adequate information on.
I believe that
the consultation process has not be fair and equitable to all. To provide
information on Council’s “Your Say” page and say that you have consulted with
community is incorrect. Many residents in East Gippsland do not have access to
the internet, and given that we are a low socio economic area there are many
that can’t afford the internet.
The notification
period for the walk in sessions was in many cases very short, making this
difficult for many to attend.
I have read
Council’s Housing Settlement Strategy and I have outlined some areas of concern
that I would like addressed.
|
Housing Settlement Strategy |
Question |
1 |
·
Planned
8271 dwellings built between 2021 and 2041. ·
Developer
profit per unit at least $100,000 represents $820,000,000. ·
Has
EGSC Audit and Risk Committee a record of Shire Councillor and Shire
Administrators (family, shareholdings etc.) interest in the land designated
for development or any pecuniary interest in any potential
construction/development company that could tender for the work or purchase
the land? |
Who benefits? If not why not? Should such a register of assets be recorded? |
2. |
East Gippsland Shire is designated a
“low socio-economic region” Adding to Bairnsdale and Paynesville
Conurbation will not improve the designation! |
How will the housing strategy change
this so that the region prospers beyond that designation? Would spreading eastwards and north to
Orbost, Cann River and Omeo be a better option for settlement. |
3. |
|
Why is a heritage site (The Tanks) not
excluded from the Lakes Entrance planned residential extension? How large and area will be excluded
and what access will be ensured? |
4. |
|
Wouldn’t the eastward spread of new
property development and industry offer greater opportunities to improve
overall infrastructure rather than focussing on the western extremity of East
Gippsland! |
5. |
|
·
Who
at EGSC will manage and be accountable/responsible for ensuring that if this
proposed strategy is established, it is a success? ·
What
are the Key Performance Indicators for that position. ·
Will
Councillors be the judge of performance rather than the administration? |
6. |
|
The Omeo Mountain Bike course/plan has
a budget of $7+ million with a totally unrealistic business plan of almost
200 visitors for every night of the year! How realistic is this strategy
document when there appears to be no growth in Omeo’s residences to accommodate
the visitors predicted for the cycling track? |
7. |
Report states that 33% of current EGSC
residents have arrived since 2016. What was the number that left/departed the
Shire. |
Why have these people left? What can we learn and correct for the
future from these departures? |
8. |
Unoccupied homes/dwellings represent
15% (400+) of East Gippsland homes. |
How can Council ensure that any new
dwellings must be occupied rather than for short stay/AirBnB holiday lets? |
9. |
|
Why is there no reference or any input
to the document from the LEGAS community process which cost over $500,000? This has infrastructure and recognised
risks for the community of Lakes Entrance. |
10. |
|
How much did this report cost to
prepare? |
11. |
The estimated growth of over 8000
dwellings in all areas as a result of this strategy. |
What increase in Council services and
infrastructure is planned to support such growth? Should sufficient increases be
projected, how does Council plan to fund them other than by increases in
rates and charges?
|
12. |
Increases on this scale (say 21,000
persons) will require increases supply of water and removal of hard waste. |
How is the increase in
management/removal of hard waste to be funded? |
13. |
Projected population and dwelling
growth. |
What increases are planned in medical,
education, emergency and transport services? Medical services are already well
overstretched to accommodate the needs of the current population, emergency
services are under staffed and under-funded, likewise schools are full to
overflowing. Transport services are to say the least basic Shire-wide. |
14. |
The growth of 8000 dwellings means an increase
of 21,000 to the population (if you average 3 per new household). Of this 21,000 at least 16,000 will be of
working age. |
Where are the projected jobs for these
new residents, the new industry, business opportunities, etc.? Many of the youth who have grown up in
the area leave after completing secondary education in order to attain higher
qualifications and/or obtain meaningful work. Increased population will
magnify this issue. What is planned to alleviate this loss of our youth in
the community. |
|
|
Specifically regarding the development
in the Lakes Entrance area, and directly in the northern area, what is
planned to preserve the Historical Site of the old Oil Works ( a heritage
area) to ensure its survival and the ability to maintain access to and from. |
|
As it seems Infill housing is planned
in East Gippsland. |
Has consideration been given to the
fall in values of surrounding larger properties, the owners of which
purchased specifically to live in a low-density housing area. Is there a planned percentage of
public housing in the high density growth areas and has consideration been
given to the overall social economic
effects of such housing?
|
|
If Infill housing is to go ahead in the so-called
‘northern growth corridor’ of Lakes Entrance |
What considerations have been given to
both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area? Currently there are no made footpaths,
and certainly none which are accessible for all. The traffic flows on
perimeter roads would increase dramatically and necessitate made footpaths
and changes in traffic management. These changes would also increase
requirements for better drainage |
|
East Gippsland has a Bushfire Overlay
and much of it also has a flood overlay. |
With an increase in population what
plans are in place to be able to manage under Emergency Conditions. Where is the Emergency Evacuation
Centre in the case of Fire, likewise for Flood. |
|
Planned
8271 dwellings built between 2021 and 2041, specifically Lakes Entrance. |
What works are planned to improve the
already limited access to and from the
town especially at peak times ? |
|
|
Current communication facilities are
already unable to cope during peak periods with many outages etc. What plans are in place to affect
improvements to the infrastructure and subsequent services, eg, NBN Mobile
etc. |
|
|
Given the amount of hitherto
undeveloped land being eaten up by these proposed developments, what offsets
are being put in place to account for loss of natural flora and fauna?
Particularly in the case of the
‘Northern Corridor’ in Lakes Entrance what offsets are planned to account for
the loss of Grey Gums in the planned developed area? |
|
|
Considering the large number of
‘Holiday Homes’ and ‘Air BnB’ properties especially in the Lakes Entrance
area has consideration been given to either re adjusting the rates for these
properties or improving control over them from a rateable value aspect. |