CV chooses candidates

An enthusiastic group of community campaigners was chosen to run for the September 3 council elections in Wollongong.

About 100 people attended the preselection meeting for Community Voice at Thirroul Community Centre on July 24. CV was formed about a month ago.

The process was simple, democratic and transparent — values at the core of CV’s platform. Part of the reason for the formation of CV was to bring a community focus to council, standing against the entrenched corruption of local politics that culminated in the sacking of Wollongong council in 2008.

Unaccountable appointees of the former NSW Labor government have run the council since.

For full article click here.

Mayoral preselection and fundraiser THIS SUNDAY

Community Voice will hold a major social and fundraiser event this Sunday, 5pm at Port Kembla Leagues club as well as pre-select its mayoral candidate for the September council elections.

The organisers are inviting the entire Illawarra community to come and meet our council candidates and the mayoral nominees, as well as vote in the mayoral pre-selection.

This major meet and greet event is not only for Community Voice members but also their families and friends, and anyone else who is interested in participating in community democracy.

For details click here.

Candidates pre-selected for Community Voice!

Community Voice launched!

Community Voice platform

The core values which we share are to develop a people centred, creative and respectful culture and a city where we all have the opportunity to thrive!

Community participation and democracy

• We will create a city where all people are informed and engaged. An inclusive and democratic city. Council decisions will be open and transparent. A City to emphasise our indigenous and multicultural history. A city that provides infrastructure and services to meet community needs. We will deepen community democracy.
• All Council meetings and decisions will be recorded and made publicly available.
• Reinstate free and open Council documents to residents.
• Support Neighbourhood Forums to become central in decision-making, with a community voice in planning, budgeting, decision-making and strategic direction.
• Councillors will be required to attend their Neighbourhood Forum.
• The community will be well informed and have a say in important, controversial issues, such as the Sandon Point development.
• People driven initiatives will be supported in the cultural and economic life of Wollongong such as community centres gardens, and youth centres

Job creation

We have one of the Australia’s highest rates of unemployment, particularly among young people. Community Voice will work with others to build a new economy. Council will create real and green jobs through a people centred local economic development strategy. Community Voice will:

• Focus on small business and social enterprise ventures, including renewable energy, and affordable housing.
• Diversify the economy towards dynamic and low carbon businesses
• Represent people’s interests in fighting for a major increase in public and community transport, community health and education.
• Support industry networks to substantially boost the Green Jobs Initiative.

Sustainability

• Council will develop a Wollongong Sustainable Futures Plan and:
• Ensure plans and zones protect the Illawarra Escarpment, foreshore, harbour, parks, beaches and bushland with clear, inflexible zoning.
• Increase resources to manage the escarpment and work towards the establishment of a regional escarpment park.
• Work with the community to oppose coal seam gas mining in the region.
• Establish an Office of Sustainable Development and Economy
• Investment in community oriented infrastructure in public spaces
• Lobby for a 1 hour rail service from Wollongong to Sydney and extend the Green Shuttle Bus service.

Community Driven Visionary Planning

• Planning will flow from an interactive and informed community, where the uniqueness of each suburb is recognised, protected and developed. Council will:
• Take its lead from the Neighbourhood Forums and Precinct forums, taking into account planning, social, environmental and economic factors.
• Promote and facilitate access to all information about private and government development proposals
• Maximise participation in city-life and build the local economy by supporting social and cultural hubs, public space and a city centre that is vibrant, accessible and affordable.
• Improve and extend sporting facilities that assist a healthy lifestyle.
• Ensure infrastructure is built for extreme weather, including flooding.
• Advocate tirelessly with state and federal governments on behalf of our regional interests and sustainable development