Candidates should knock on doors

Dear Echo News,

We have just had council elections, and I am drawn to ask how many candidates actually did any door knocking, or even setting up any meet and greet sessions.

This would be a great time for the candidates to actually talk to electors and get some real idea of people’s views and concerns.

Some claim they get a good idea from their meeting people at the various meetings they attend.

I am not at all sure that these people really represent Mr and Mrs Average.

I have spoken to quite a few people that have said “if they want my vote they will come and talk to me or arrange an easy to reach meeting place”.

So, they don’t vote, which causes some people to label non-voters as apathetic, when in fact a lot feel they are just not well enough informed to cast a vote.

A Farrall

Aveley

Brabham land concerns

Dear Echo News,

A large portion of land in Brabham comes under the direct control of the state government as it is owned by the Department for Communities, but it is not the model development the Minister for Planning and Housing would have us believe.

The rollout of urban development in the north-east corridor is fraught with problems.

The repercussions in this corridor are so significant the council has called for development to be halted until the water management issues have been reviewed and made fit for purpose.

Naturally high groundwater is exacerbated by the removal of over 100,000 mature trees; a much greater number than the 3000 or so lost to shot hole borer.

Areas cleared had tree canopy ranging from 10-15 per cent to 20-25 per cent. They now have less than 1 per cent.

This area has been denuded, filled and levelled so any inherent character has been lost.

Housing has been stacked in with barely space for a small tree and this along with extensive impervious surfaces, like roads and paving, make for an extremely hostile environment.

Last summer temperatures in Brabham and neighbouring suburbs soared to over 45C and included several brackets of days over 40C.

The suggestion these suburbs are designed for Transit Orientated Development (TOD) is laughable.

With limited shelter, roads too narrow for Transperth preferred buses and the majority of homes too far from transport nodes and shops, residents have little choice other than to commute by private vehicles.

Despite this the design premise that everyone will walk or cycle means there is little provision for parking so vehicles crowd streets reducing accessibility.

The City of Swan Council, the recipient of the fall out of this woefully inadequate planning, has taken the extraordinary step of deciding against staff proposals to recommend approval of two developments in the last two months.

Instead, they have sent a clear message to the WAPC that the style of development and environmental repercussions inherent within them are not acceptable.

In doing so, the council has also refused to accept the financial burden of remediation.

Ratepayers should not bear the cost of fixing poor planning by the state.

J Zeck 

Swan Communities Environmental Alliance

vice chair

Councils change rates

Dear Echo News,

Rates changes referred to in Gidgegannup rural rates shock: Minister blames Swan for error raise some issues in the rate setting process of City of Swan.

As a recently retired shire councillor (not City of Swan but I am a ratepayer of Swan) with 20 years’ experience, I understand and acknowledge that property valuations are set by Landgate.

Local government budgets are worked out and accepted by council vote.

Then the rate in the dollar charged relating to property valuation is worked out to achieve budget requirements which have to be accepted by the council decision process.

Local government administrations are not allowed to change budgets or rates without full council agreement.

If it is true that decisions, in City of Swan, were made without council agreement I would argue those decisions are invalid with the chief executive officer being ultimately responsible.

I agree with the Minister that any changes to rates set are the local government’s responsibility only .

D Lovelock

City of Swan

Henley Brook clearing

Dear Echo News,

I write regarding your story Henley Brook community outraged at extensive land clearing.

Land clearing in Henley Brook is only the tip of the iceberg.

The facts are Mirvac’s approval for the development was to retain over 600 fully matured trees.

For the information of the public they have not even retained two matured trees per five-acre lots that were purchased by Mirvac.

The only group of trees left is from the previous bridle paths that is owned by the City of Swan.

My neighbour is currently in a court battle with contractors approved by the city.

When pumping out underground water the salt then rose to the top and killed several large natural trees and also four of my 35-year-old 20 plus metres gum trees and several more along the street.

This is only the start of a very suspect group of people at the city. Check - out Mirvac’s advertisements in the year 2020 for Henley Brook.

M De Rosa

Henley Brook

Sad closure of hills cinema

Dear Echo News,

I was absolutely devastated to read in the Echo News about the iconic Kookaburra Cinema possibly closing down.

So many locals have enjoyed this unique experience for over 20 years.

Visitors from ‘down the hill’ as well and the comments have always been so favourable about the wonderful experience.

Hearing the kookaburra’s laughing, the kangaroo’s bounding past and the noise of other birdlife.

Lounging in the deckchairs brings back memories of the ‘olden days’ when outdoor cinemas had this seating – an experience so enjoyable.

We usually go about three or four times each season and always leave in a happy mood.

Surely the Mundaring Shire could help to save this fantastic facility in the hills perhaps some benefactor from the ‘big end of town’.

Congratulations to Mr Foyster for having been able to keep the cinema going for so long and I hope and pray that there will be a miracle and it continues to bring so much pleasure to all and sundry.

I Sanderson

Kalamunda