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From the Mayor of Walkerville
about town Issue 7 Autumn 2014
The flip-side is that this can lead to a sense of complacency in the community. In our seemingly fast-paced lives, it’s tempting to adopt a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude and leave the business of shaping the future to others.
Local Government is democracy at a grass roots level and later this year each of you can participate in the process by taking part in the general Council elections. Voting is the most direct and easiest way to make a difference. Consider that in 2010 only 38.65% of residents voted in Walkerville’s local election. Nonetheless, I know people in our community are passionate about a range of local issues.
Traffic management, protecting our green open spaces, maintaining economic growth, fostering a lively local culture and protecting our heritage are all on Council’s agenda. The reason they are on the agenda is because the community has identified them as key issues and priorities, through public consultation.
Feedback from public consultation tells Council what matters most to the community and it’s from this starting point that Council develops its strategic framework, which in turn guides and influences decisions of Council.
In 2013 we consulted on an Open space strategy which identified the most important issues around
improving and protecting our parks, ovals, gardens and reserves. The Open space strategy will be published in the next few weeks.
Last year, we also held a workshop with stakeholders on developing a Movement action plan to manage the Township’s traffic and transport requirements. The findings from this workshop will go out to public consultation until the 12 April 2014. This year, Council will also go out to the community to seek their views on a feasibility study and proposed master plan for the development of a Sports hub for the Walkerville Oval precinct.
Supported by Council’s administration, these are the kinds of critical local issues being discussed and decided upon by Elected Members at monthly Council meetings.
So if you have ever questioned a decision of Council that had an impact on you and your neighbourhood – don’t miss the opportunity to vote in 2014.
If you have vision for the future of this community and believe you can make a difference – consider nominating yourself to become an elected member.
As an elected member you will have a direct influence on the future of your community. From my experience, it is challenging work, but ultimately worthwhile.
The Local Government Association website lga.sa.gov.au has a range of online resources for people who are considering nominating themselves. Council’s website will have more information on the general election in the coming weeks.
Mayor Heather Wright
Residents are advised that Mayor Heather Wright is currently on leave.
One of the things that makes this country such a ‘lucky’ one, is the luxury of being able to take our democratic privileges for granted.
Happy memories of the official opening of the Civic & Community Centre and the 2014 Australia Day Citizenship Ceremonies. Top row, left to right: Group photo 2014 new Australian Citizens, Ruth Barker, recipient of the 2014 South Australian Citizen of the year in the Town of Walkerville and Mayor Heather Wright. Bottom row: The Mayor and His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR unveiling the dedication plaque. MC Jane Doyle (in blue) following the citizenship ceremonies.
The Town of Walkerville covers a total area of just 3.5 square kilometres and a significant proportion of the space is a beautiful shade of green! Council manages 24 open space assets and reserves, including the magnificent River Torrens Linear Park Trail. There are a range of issues Council must consider in effectively and responsibly managing these open spaces including: accessibility, amenity biodiversity, conservation, recreation and water resource management.
Council will soon release its Open space strategy which contains a register of all its open space assets as well as a series of recommendations, priorities and best practice principles to guide the management of open spaces in our Township.
The strategy will be available from the website. Printed copies will be available from Council.
Issue 7 Autumn 2014
walkerville.sa.gov.au
‘Front-of-house’ gets a makeoverCustomer services is the interface between Council and the community. In 2013, while the new Civic and Community Centre was under construction, Council was developing a service model that would integrate library and administration staff into a shared customer services team. The transition was facilitated by Ms Fiona Deckert, Manager, Community Services.
‘As part of this transition we also streamlined many of our corporate
processes to deliver services far more efficiently. Ongoing cross-training has resulted in professional development opportunities for staff, as well as a more cohesive working environment’, says Ms Deckert.
Corporate uniforms selected by customer services staff have also been introduced to ensure the team is instantly recognisable to the public.
In part, it was the design of the new Civic and Community Centre, which suggested a shared services model as for the first time in many decades,
administrative and library officers would be sharing a working space, instead of being housed in separate buildings.
One of the more obvious benefits of the shared model is that people visiting the library on a Saturday morning can also pay their rates, registrations and fines.
While the model will continue to evolve its goals remain the same: to deliver an optimum standard of service to residents, ratepayers and visitors and to contribute to an efficient and productive working environment.
Down to business Residents are advised that the draft 2014/15 Annual business plan and budget will soon be available for public consultation.
The draft Annual business plan and budget (which includes the Long term financial plan) outlines the services, projects and programs that Council is proposing to fund during the next financial year. Before the plan is endorsed, members of the public are invited to provide feedback during a 21 day consultation period.
The draft 2014/15 Annual business plan and budget will be available on the Council’s website on the 30 April 2014 as well as more information on the consultation process.
Our green open spaces
Civic & Community Centre 66 Walkerville Terrace, Gilberton SA 5081 T 08 8342 7100 (24 hours) [email protected] Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm
annual business plan2014-15
town of walkerville
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draftOSS Draft1 updated 19/3/14
OPEN SPACE STRATEGY FOR THE TOWN OF WALKERVILLE 2014
Last chance to nominate for
the 2014 Volunteer of the year awards Nominations close 5pm, 4 April 2014 Nominate online at walkerville.sa.gov.au
The Dawn Service is an integral part of every ANZAC Day and it is an event that Council is proud to support. Hundreds of people are expected to gather at the Walkerville Memorial Gardens for the ceremony. In this beautiful, quiet setting, people of all ages, and from all walks of life, including veterans, members of the armed services, community representatives and school children come together to be part of this traditional vigil. All welcome.
6.15am, 25 April 2014Walkerville Memorial Gardens Church Terrace, Walkerville
Click and sendDevelopment application forms can now be lodged online at the Council’s website. ‘While it may sound like a straightforward transition, legislative requirements to lodge an application are quite complex and the move to an online environment has taken two years to develop’, says Matthew Romaine, Manager, Planning and Infrastructure.
One of the more immediate benefits for Council is that printed planning documents no longer have to be physically stored at State Records, a process which entailed ongoing storage and retrieval fees.
My local services appThe Town of Walkerville is one of 22 Councils who have adopted the My local services app. The app has a host of practical features, including:
Report in: to report issues that need Council attention such as illegal dumping, pavement damage or graffiti
Near me: a mapping device that directs you to the nearest Council facility – such as a park, library or sporting ground
Kerbside collection: for when you can’t remember which bin to put out
Spotlight: quick access to Council information on special events, public consultation and more.
The app can be downloaded from www.lga.sa.gov.au/mylocal
ANZAC Day Dawn Service: service and sacrifice
Online developments
Walkerville Council is consulting on its:
Movement Action Plan:making our streets and public spaces safer and more user-friendly for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
‘Drop in’ consultation sessions will be held between 9.30am and 1pm, Saturday 12 April 2014 at the Civic & Community Centre 66 Walkerville Terrace, Gilberton 5081.
RSVP Monday 7 April: [email protected]. The draft Movement management plan is available from walkerville.sa.gov.au. Printed copies can be viewed at Council offices during business hours. Written submissions by post or email to Matthew Romaine, Manager, Planning and Infrastructure, [email protected], tel 8342 7100. Consultation closes: 5pm, 12 April 2014.
Psst... Last minute reminder!
walkerville.sa.gov.auCivic & Community Centre 66 Walkerville Terrace, Gilberton SA 5081 T 08 8342 7100 (24 hours) [email protected] Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm
Club5082 National Youth Week eventAs part National Youth Week, the Prospect and Walkerville Youth Advisory Committee will be hosting a youth music event at Club5082 at 126 Prospect Road, Prospect on Friday 11 April from 7pm-10.30pm.The event will showcase youth rock bands including two bands from local schools – Evolution, from St Andrew’s Primary School and City Compass from Wilderness School.
Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed rock star and best move on the dance floor. This is an alcohol and drug free event suitable for young people aged 10-18 years.
For more information on go to www.facebook.com/Club5082 or contact Mark Crabtree, Youth Development Officer, City of Prospect on 8269 5355.
Through the City of Prospect, the Town of Walkerville supports a range of programs and activities for young people who live, work or study in our Town. Information on youth programs is available from Council’s website.
Easter@the Library Easter themed craft activities
10.30am - 11.15am Tuesday, 15 April For ages 3-7 years.
In stitchesEmbroidery workshops for boys and girls, presented by the Embroiderers’ Guild. Every child gets to make something either to keep for themselves or to give as a gift.
10.30am - 12.00pm Wednesday, 16 April Cost: $2 For ages 6-10 years.
ClaymationA fun three hour session where kids make models, design a backdrop and use their models to create a storyboard.
9.30am - 12.30pm Thursday, 24 AprilCost: $5 (includes all materials)For ages 8 years plus.Maximum of 25 participants
ApologyThe January 2014 issue of About town, incorrectly referred to Tim Sarah (Director, SARAH Constructions) as James Sarah in the Message from the Mayor.
School holiday activities at the libraryThe library is presenting a range of activities for children. Holiday programs are always popular and bookings are required for all sessions. To book contact the library on 8342 7150 or [email protected]
