Community Voice for Wollongong Council Ward 1
Jess Moore heads Community Voice's ticket in Ward 1 (Group E) for the September 3 election to Wollongong City Council. She is joined by Chris Williams, Frances Burnham and Lewis Wilson. Support Community Voice's campaign to put council back in the hands of the community!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
For an engaged and informed community
Monday, August 29, 2011
Thirroul Men's Shed should be supported
Tuesday August 30 - The Thirroul Men's Shed (TMS) has been seeking a suitable space or land in the Northern Illawarra from Wollongong City Council since last year. Jess Moore, Community Voice candidate for Ward 1 stated:
"Men's Sheds play a vital social role, particularly in communities with high unemployment like Wollongong.
"All candidates should commit to working with and supporting the Thirroul Men's Shed. It's a commitment to put community building and health and well-being first.
“It’s a commitment to ensure their vital role in the community continues, regardless of the election outcome.
"A full list of Council owned properties, their current usage, and any lease agreements should be made public. This could help community groups find existing facilities that are suitable and available.
Thirroul Men’s Shed have found suitable land at McCauley Park in Thirroul, categorized as 'community land', that they requested under public submission in May this year. They have still not had a response from the Administrators.
"The Thirroul Men's Shed is exactly the kind of thing Council property or community land should be used for."
Thursday, August 25, 2011
For a Council that Prioritises Public Transport
"Wollongong needs a better public transport network, to take pressure off ever increasing traffic congestion, combat parking problems, and reduce travel time and stress" said Jess Moore, Community Voice candidate for Ward 1.
"Public transport in the region has been neglected. Resources have been put into roads, yet the train to Sydney is slower today than it was 40 years ago."
"This is a nightmare given the number of people who must travel to Sydney for work as a result of the lack of local job opportunities."
"We need a Council that fights for state investment in local public transport solutions, and to de-prioritise roads and related infrastructure in our region."
"We need to extend the free Green Bus north & south, and establish a 1 hour Wollongong to Sydney rail service," said Ms Moore.
"This means directing resources, planning for public transport and transport links, completing the Maldon-Dombarton to free up the existing rail line for greater use by commuters, and increasing free or low cost services to encourage use."
Within a year of introducing free bus fares in the Belgian city of Hasselt, patronage increased by over 870%, now over 1000%.
"The experience in Hasselt shows that the cost of free and expanded public transport is more than offset by other gains. For example, the costs of air pollution, car accidents, and road maintenance – not to mention the benefits to well-being and the environment."
Monday, August 22, 2011
State, federal and local government must act to combat Bluescope sackings
For immediate release: August 22, 2011
Today's announcement of 800 job losses at Bluescope Steel's Port Kembla plant requires state, federal and local government to work with the community to help avoid deepening the region's unemployment crisis. Jess Moore, Community Voice candidate for Ward 1 stated:
"This announcement puts the livelihood of many in our community at risk, at a time when unemployment is already far too high.
"The community and all levels of government must work together to develop a people-centred local economic strategy. We need a focus on local job creation to meet social needs, such as investment in public transport, community health and education.
"There is a dire need to change the government's approach from reactive to proactive, and to diversify the local economy and investment."
Adrrianne Talbot-Thomson, Community Voice candidate for Ward 3 added:
"Local government must work with small business and social enterprise ventures.
"We need to create an Office of Sustainability and Economic Development to encourage investment in sustainable jobs.
"We need to strengthen local employment partnerships with resources provided by councils, business, unions, schools, universities and state and federal governments."
Friday, August 19, 2011
Why are the walls shaking?
Friday August 19, 2011 - The authorities must come clean with Stanwell Tops and Helensburgh residents over mysterious explosions that have been shaking their walls, according to Jess Moore, Community Voice Ward 1 candidate.
“Explosion have been occurring in excess of 20 per day at times, and no-one will tell residents why,” said Moore.
“These explosions intensified in March to May this year and have started again this month.”
“It’s outrageous that the people of Stanwell Tops and Helensburgh are subject to such an abuse of their rights.”
“Residents have contacted Wollongong City Council and local state and federal MPs. Council referred them to the state government who could not provide an explanation.”
“They’ve been told it’s not the Holsworthy Army Base, Peabody Metropolitan Coal, trackwork or geological instability.”
“What’s causing the explosions and how can something this invasive happen without residents knowledge?
“Is it seismic testing for coal seam gas mining in the region, that is so opposed by the community?
“Council has a responsibility to investigate, provide answers and take action to protect local residents,” said Moore.