Bayside City Council versus Glen Eira Clowncil
Published 11 months ago in Where I Live.This blog has continually made reference to the indisputable fact that in comparison to other councils Glen Eira remains in the stone age. Once again this is clearly illustrated when the current Animal Management Draft Proposal of Bayside is compared to the anti-dog stance of Glen Eira clowncil. The following quotes derive from the draft Bayside policy and indicate the simple fact that Bayside has undertaken an enormous amount of consultative work (both professional, and community based); is motivated by an agenda which seeks equity and fairness for both dog owners and non-dog owners, and finally, believes that animals have an important physical, social, and psychological role to play in any community. The full draft policy may be accessed at: http://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/Documents/draft_domestic_animal_plan.pdf
On Community Input (p.5)
· A Domestic Animal Management Plan Community Working Group was formed. Expressions of interest to join the working group were advertised in the local newspaper and on Council’s website. Ten community members with diverse expertise and experience in animal management and community views and two Bayside Councillors were appointed to the working group. The working group also included and was managed by two Council employees and has met regularly with valuable input into the planning process. Written submissions were called for from the community.
· An on-line community survey was conducted.
· Four community forums were held during February, March and April 2007.
· In May 2007, Virginia Jackson, a consultant specialising in animal management was appointed to assist Council in the development of the Plan.
In contrast, Glen Eira is working in ‘secret’ to develop its animal management plan! All we know is that certain vets are on some panel and at least one of these vets doesn’t even operate in the local area!! As to representation by local dog owners- that is non existent!
Protecting dog owners rights (p.18)
“And, in off leash areas, people need to understand that they will encounter unleashed dogs. Certainly, dogs must be under effective control at all times, however the behaviour of dogs in off leash parks is that they will romp and play which other people have to accept.”
Glen Eira clowncil’s attitude is the reverse – every other group comes before dog owners – eg. Playgrounds erected in off leash areas; picnic tables erected in off leash areas, etc. etc.
Balanced View (p.25)
“However, whilst incidents involving dogs do occur, statistics confirm that these are quite infrequent in the full scheme of canine/human interactions. Many people’s individual experience and connection with dogs is limited and media coverage of a few highly charged incidents tends to contribute to public hysteria.”
Glen eira’s media releases over the past few years would indicate that this clowncil operates on the principle of hysteria and sensationalism – i.e. words that frequently appear in their media releases include ‘frenzied attack’; ‘savage attack’. So much for ‘educating’ the public and allaying fears!
Service before Revenue raising (p.28)
“It is hoped that a new strategy of free return of registered animals from the pound (except for repeat offenders) would encourage greater rates of registration and identification of pets. It is hoped that people would view registration as taking out an insurance policy against their animals being lost and would be aware that they would not be unfairly penalised if their animal strays through no fault of their own.”
Glen Eira’s history in this regard is impoundment fees, plus wandering at large fines – ie double dipping and plenty of money as a result!!
The Working party
The composition was as follows:
Ms Pam Weaver Save a Dog Scheme
Dr Ann Nevill Resident and South Road Animal Health
Mr Murray Solomon Resident and non pet owner
Mr Martyn Bryan Resident and volunteer with Cat Protection Society
Ms Kerrie Birch Resident and Dog Behavioural Training Service
Ms Suzanne McCourt Resident and member of FIDO & CO
Ms Gabrielle Humphris Resident and member of Ricketts Point dog walkers and bird watchers group.
Dr Jacqui Ley Resident and Animal Behaviour Consultant
Mr Terry Lack Resident and President Bayside Dog Companion School Inc.
Mr Mark Ehrman Resident and certified dog trainer
Ms Patricia Carden Resident and President Humane Society for Animal Welfare
Dr Carole Webb Cat Protection Society of Victoria
Cr Derek Wilson Councillor – Bayside City Council
Cr Terry O’Brien Councillor – Bayside City Council
Mr Bill Ryley Manager Local Laws & Investigations – Bayside City Council
Mr Ken Waixel Team Leader Local Laws – Bayside City Council
Please note the large representation of ‘doggy groups/individuals’. Again, in contrast to Glen Eira, which has steadfastly refused to even ‘consult’ with its stakeholders, and to inform the community who is currently on its ‘secret’ panel!! The ultimate question for all Glen Eira voters is – if Bayside can be so ‘democratic’ and open, then why can’t Glen Eira?? REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOU VOTE IN NOVEMBER!! I dip my hat to Bayside!!
3 Responses to “Bayside City Council versus Glen Eira Clowncil”
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Bayside are doing a good job - not only have they consulted widely they are implementing sensible strategies that meet the needs of both dog owners and non-dog owners. Recently I’ve visited some parks/beaches in Bayside Council’s area, both onlead areas and offlead areas - there is very much a feeling of the harmonious sharing of open space.
Meanwhile our own Clowncil’s strategy seems to be divide and rule - setting park user against park user. People fight over access to BBQs; sports clubs blame damage caused by footy boots to dog wee; paths are concreted for the ‘elderly’ who then find themselves terrorised by kids on skateboards who have nowhere else to go as, despite all the park redevelopment, much needed skateparks (there is only 1 in Glen Eira) never materialise.
Dog Lover you’re not wrong!! As final, conclusive proof of the difference between Bayside and our clowncil, have a look folks at the Bayside news of October 2006. There on page 9 you will find an article written by Fido - the Bayside dog lobby group. How’s that for cooperation and open-mindedness? In contrast, the Glen Eira news remains nothing more than a rate-payer funded self-glorification and propaganda exercise. I dare Glen Eira to publish an article submitted by Friends of Caulfield Park or Dogs of Glen Eira, or Glen Eira Communities Association. Let’s really see ratepayer funds put to good use where residents speak directly to residents rather than through the secret agendas of an administration and gutless councillors who are so far removed from their communities that they have no idea of what the community thinks and wants.
Glen Eira Council like to quote other Council’s financial charges as being less superior to their own. Why don’t they detail how other Councils operate their consultative processes with the same enthusiasm?…..Selective self gratification.
Perhaps a Dog Lover will come out of the closet and stand for Council. I hear the pay is very good and going to get better…..Pity we need more than “money” to encourage the right candidates to offer their service….pity it isn’t “just a job” and what we need is commitment to the benefit of residents, rather than political and commercial interests.
You know the old fashioned type of commitment, that came with providing a service to the community without an expectation of remuneration in excess of costs incurred.
Volunteers throughout Melbourne, work for the joy of giving back to the community, but Councillors no longer hold with that ideal!