Kevin Hillier says it’s time to look again at our rapid growth
No surprise to see Wyndham council’s application for a variation to the state government’s rate cap was denied. Council argued that it needed to slug ratepayers more because we live in a growth area, and cash is required for appropriate infrastructure.
While that’s probably an accurate summation, isn’t the obvious answer to slow growth and make it fit with the available funds rather than vice-versa? If we can’t afford roads and other essential services in new estates, then we can’t let new estates just pop up like toadstools in a mushroom patch.
Every councillor and council official can reel off figures and statistics on our city’s growth as if it’s a badge of honour. But, as I’ve written before, it isn’t something to celebrate when that growth actually hampers the area’s liveability, which clearly it is doing. I’ve yet to see one person in power approach this problem from another perspective, and it’s time someone did.
Many residents are up in arms because council is also going to shrink our garbage bins. The humble yellow bin will go from 140 to 120 litres, while recycling bins will increase from 240 to 360 litres. I’m a diligent recycler but find the current bin big enough. I very rarely fill it unless we’re doing a big clean-out.
But I will have problems with a smaller waste bin as mine is filled most weeks. We’re a three-person household, so I can only imagine what it will be like for bigger families.
One thing I’m sure of is that there will be no reduction in the cost to householders. There are online petitions against the smaller bins, but I doubt they’ll do any good.
Winter warmed
Interesting reaction to my piece last week on winter. I’m not a fan but many readers love the cold and welcome it with open arms. In last week’s particularly chilly blast I caved in and bought an electric blanket and now love winter because of it. It’s probably 25 years since I slept in a bed with one and I keep asking myself, why? Because of the electric blanket and my new Big Freeze beanie, winter is no longer the enemy, although we are strange bedfellows. ■
If you have any news or events, let me know at kevin@howdypartnersmedia. com.au
