Perth Voice Interactive

LETTERS 5.9.15

September 4, 2015

Respond to what I said
IN response to Mayor Carey’s “answer” to my previous letter (Voice, August 15, 2015), it would be helpful if he actually responded to what was actually written.
I did not question whether the appointment of a consultant to review the CEO’s performance constituted “prudent financial management”. I specifically questioned council’s choice of the most expensive tender of $10,000 (based on the length of their checklist) as being an example of this “prudence”.
As the mayor stresses, the importance that everyone must understand that council can only appoint and review one position, that being the CEO, I have two things to say.
First, when the mayor served as a councillor, he at two performance reviews of the previous CEO John Giorgi had no complaints and even voted to give the CEO a bonus. Curious then, that as soon as he came to power, he organised the coup to oust that same CEO.
Second, with all respect, it does seem to be mighty hypocritical to be sledging other councils regarding “accountability and transparency” when I don’t seem to recall any disclosure by John Carey that he and the new CEO were high school mates.
Debbie Saunders
Oxford St, Leederville

Just doing my job
I WELCOME the opportunity to respond to Mr Maller’s letter, (“Free tickets not front page,” Voice Mail, August 29, 2015).
The issue he referred to was a proposal for the City of Perth to sponsor the WA Ballet for the amount of $55,000 for 12 months. First, let me say I voted in favour of the sponsorship and strongly support the work of the WA Ballet.
It is on the public record that during debate on the item I asked a question of the CEO about whether it was normal practice for city staff to be offered a discount on the purchase of tickets as part of council sponsorship. I also commented that I believed that an allocation of 110 tickets to councillors and staff was a bit over the top.
As an elected representative it is my responsibility to ask questions of the administration on matters before the council. I am surprised anyone could possibly believe otherwise.
Is it trivial for me to scrutinise sponsorship arrangements which result in free and discounted tickets being provided to councillors and staff? Why would anyone not want this question asked?
I ask questions and make comments at council meetings regardless of whether the media is present. Journalists make their own choices about what they think is in the public interest and publish accordingly.
Mr Maller may think my proactive communication with electors is unnecessary but I respectfully disagree.
Since before I was elected and every day since I have been reaching out to people in the city to seek their feedback, ideas and input. Letters, newsletters, emails, phone calls, social media, visiting business owners and good old-fashioned door-knocking; I do them all. I believe it to be my responsibility and it is one of the most enjoyable parts of my role as a councillor.
Don’t we want our elected representatives to communicate and be responsive to community concerns? Why should the people of the City of Perth expect anything less?
Reece Harley
Councillor
City of Perth

Pick up your poop!
TO all the irresponsible dog owners who are privileged to have Riverside Gardens, a beautiful huge area, to exercise your beloved dogs in, pick up your dog’s poop!
I don’t go to the park very often, but when I did I was disgusted by the amount of doggy poop all over the park. Not little ones but big lumps of poop everywhere.
To those guilty of abusing your privilege, again I say pick up your dog’s poop!
There is no excuse — there are ample poop stations and I observed most people doing the right thing.
Donelle Phillips
Barlee St, Mount Lawley

Much better
IN response to the article in the Voice (“Mayor, rival in Facebook spat,” August 29, 2015) I am very pleased to see that, since the article was published, Cr Sylvan Albert has updated his website to now be more accurate.
Catherine Ehrhardt
Railway Pde, Maylands

Off the dial
BROADBAND to a home user is a complete waste of taxpayers’ money.
The labour, equipment and cable, installed into our home would have cost thousands of dollars.
I have had broadband connected to our house for a year now. I did not notice any difference from day one.
The next series of mobile phones will be able to do most of the chores you can do from your home line.
A lot of householders are not having a landline connected, choosing to use a mobile phone.
Communications minister Malcolm Turnbull announced on ABC TV it was too costly to run fibre-optic cable to outback communities, instead there were two satellites to be launched to cater for the outback.
Would not it be wise, considering the state of Australia’s economy, to put broadband on hold until we are in a better financial state?
Frank Granger
Melville Bch Rd, Applecross
OEC addiction

September 4, 2015

BEFORE writing Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov read about an ape raised in captivity and given a set of crayons and paper. The first thing it drew were the bars on its own cage.

For a long time, Perth’s dining scene felt like a flatulent ape, trapped inside a cage of high prices and self-congratulation.

Thankfully the re-birth of Northbridge has been the catalyst for a number of vibrant cafes with lower prices.

The latest addition is OEC Bob, a small Japanese number on Newcastle Street.

On a bright winter’s day we sat in the small stone courtyard, ignoring the smattering of tables inside.

Most of the menu was Japanese- or Korean-based, including sushi, mains (soft-shell crab, donburi, pork belly) and “sizzlers” (yakiniku beef, piggy platter, unagi).

There was also a small western breakfast section, including the compulsory eggs benedict and “big breakfast”.

We opted for the vegetarian gyoza ($7), beef bulgolgi ($12.50) and bibimbob ($13.50).

Glancing around, the clientele was pretty random: two businessmen were trying to impress each other, a table of students was staring at phones and a bloated man, wearing a pince-nez and plum blazer, was reading Fifty Shades of Grey.

Thankfully the entrees arrived and I was transported from the land of trouser dumplings to fried ones. The gyoza had a nice crispy carapace and were crammed with fresh vegetables.

I prefer my gyoza steamed, but these were tasty and a pleasant overture to the meal.

As the poor demented soul reading Fifty Shades harrumphed, a smiley waitress slid two huge bowls onto our table. The bibimbob—a signature Korean dish—featured a mountain of rice topped with sauteed vegetables and spicy pork.

It was a beautifully presented dish and all the ingredients were separated into bright piles of colour.

Complementing the meal was a small pot of chilli paste, which added a fiery kick to the unsuspecting carrots and spring onions.

The bibimbob was an interesting dish which I had never tried before, and although hard to pronounce—I challenge you to do so without conjuring a mental image of Billy Bob Thornton — was a new favourite, combining soft vegetables with slivers of rich pork.

Across the table my friend was devouring his bulgogi, a delicious medley of marinated beef, lettuce, chives and honey soy sauce.

“It’s very addictive,” he mumbled, before spearing another mound of juicy beef.

We finished off the meal with a large cappuccino ($4.50) and a short macchiato ($3.70)

I liked OEC Bob: the service was friendly and the food tasty, with a hint of sophistication.

I also liked the informal cafe vibe and the quirky menu.

These two apes, unlike Mr Nabokov’s, left the restaurant happy.

O-ec-bob: light of my life, fire of my loins…

by STEPHEN POLLOCK

Cafe OEC Bob
145 Newcastle Street
Northbridge
9227 1584
Hit that perfect beat, girl

September 4, 2015

THERE’S a gentleness to Louise Devenish’s percussion, but whether hypnotically stroking a xylophone, beating out a rhythm on djembe, striking a set of kettle drums, or digitally manipulating music on the keyboard, the passion shines through.

Her concerts are known for being cutting-edge and audiences have been surprised to find themselves circled by the performers, or sitting next to musicians staggered throughout the venue.

“With proximity different audiences members get to hear different things,” Devenish says.

“And you can feel [the musician] sweating,” she laughs.

In Electroacoustic Music for One Percussionist her innovative style will take audiences on a journey through sound, exploring the unique capabilities of individual percussion instruments and electronics.

People think they know what percussion is and expect to see a “lot of drums”, Devenish tells the Voice.

“But because of electronic sounds this is something else.”
The use of found objects, including steel pipe cut into segments add to the variety of unique sounds, she says: “sounds that are something else.”

Her show will feature works by living Australian composers.

“People think composers are 200 years old, but a lot of living Australians are composing.”

Victorian Warren Burt approached Devenish after hearing her play: “He said he had a great idea and could he write me a piece,” she says.

Collaborating via the net, Burt laid down a digitally manipulated track, over which Devenish will perform.

“I improvise, so each performance will be different.”

The UWA music lecturer commissioned WA composer Stuart James, and the result is musical spacialisation, with different sounds coming out of different speakers around the room – “kind of like surround sound,” she says.

“It’s a major work 18 minutes long, with amazing computer technology.”

Devenish has toured the world with her percussion performances, including gigs with Victoria’s Speak Percussion in Japan, USA, Canada and Korea.

Beat a path to the Astor Lounge, Wednesday September 16, 7.30 to hear her before she heads to Europe.

by JENNY D’ANGER
In Eighth heaven

September 4, 2015

THIS home in Whatley Crescent, Maylands offers a rare chance to live in the heart of the Eighth Avenue cafe strip, where you’ll find some of my all-time favourite cafes.

Whether elegant teas, scrumptious cakes or laid-back coffees, no arduous exercise is involved in getting to them from this three-bedroom abode.

Sitting on 453sqm there’s a variety of options, from simply moving in and enjoying the lifestyle, mixing business and home life with a home office by the front door, or turn the whole house into business premises (subject to council approval, of course).

The name Westonbury blazes proudly from the mellow brick wall under the wrap-around verandah — possibly where the original owners came from, or perhaps a family name.

Built in the in the early 1900s there’s plenty of heritage features with lovely ceiling roses, fireplaces and sash windows, and glowing jarrah floors.

The main bedroom’s ensuite is an immaculate federation tiled affair, accessed through a walk-in robe.

The living areas are housed in a huge rear extension with a soaring cathedral ceiling and a wall of glass that ensures this is a light-filled space on the gloomiest day.

Overhead an expansive mezzanine is a great area for a kids’ playroom or games room, or a second lounge. There’s even a cute door leading to a huge attic/loft making storage a breeze.

I loved the tiled splash-back in the generous kitchen, the bright colours and almost childlike look causing spontaneous smiling.

And the plethora of soft, honey-gold timber cupboards and drawers and a double angled pantry had me drooling.

A covered alfresco area is a pleasant spot for entertaining, or simply enjoying the outdoors and morning papers.

Stairs in the limestone retaining wall lead to an expanse of parking off a rear lane.

Although with everything necessary for life right on the doorstep, and the Maylands train station a two-minute amble away, you may want to do away with the expense of a car.

by JENNY D’ANGER

168 Whatley Crescent, Maylands
Auction
1pm, Saturday, September 12
Paul Owen | 0411 601 420
Carlos Lehn | 0416 206 736
Acton Mt Lawley | 9272 2488
ACTON MOUNT LAWLEY

September 4, 2015

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Playgrounds for all

August 28, 2015

EVERY big playground in Bayswater will, over time, become accessible for kids with disabilities following a decision of the council last week.

Cr Martin Toldo won support for his motion that at least one piece of equipment should be specialised for people with disabilities.

The rule will come into force as the city’s 10 bigger playgrounds are scheduled for renewal (the rule doesn’t apply to the many small neighbourhood playgrounds).

“Having a playground close-by with specialised equipment will drastically improve the quality of disabled children’s lives and make it easier for parents,” Cr Toldo says.

“Having to make a long drive to a playground can deter parents who already have a lot to deal with.”

Cr Toldo’s grand-daughter Téa, 4, can barely move or communicate, and is the only person in Australian known to be born with microcephaly-capillary malformation syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes multiple brain abnormalities.

• Martin Toldo and his granddaughter Téa Lake at Riverside Gardens. Photo by Matthew Dwyer

“Our nearest playground with disabled equipment is Riverside Gardens, which is around a 10-minute drive, so having somewhere closer would be much better,” he says.

“Téa gets so much joy from the wheelchair swing down there—she comes to life.”

Originally Cr Toldo wanted every playground in Bayswater to have disabled equipment, but councillors and officers advised the cost of fitting out more than 100 local playgrounds would decimate the budget.

“I helped to install a Liberty wheelchair swing a few years ago and it cost around $20,000,” said Cr Barry McKenna.

“But the joy it gave the kids was phenomenal.

“We just have to be careful we still have funds to do our general playground upgrades as well.”

Council will also consider in its mid-year budget review installing a $40,000 piece of inclusive equipment at Bardon Park.

The city’s three regional playgrounds at Riverside Gardens, Bardon Park and Robert Thompson Reserve already have equipment for kids with disabilities, but many of its seven district playgrounds do not.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK
Drago dropped

August 28, 2015

PLANS for a $25 million revamp of Frank Drago Reserve are dead in the water.

Bayswater city council has torn up its masterplan for the site, following a backlash from the community over what was derided as a “flawed” public consultation process.

In May the council unveiled its draft vision for the site but petitioners claimed soccer, tennis, bowling and croquet clubs that share the reserve didn’t get an equal look in.

Critics argued the football club was the big winner at the expense of the smaller clubs.

The council has now scaled down its plans and will focus on redeveloping the tennis clubhouse, helping the bowling club grow its membership and undertake a fresh round of consultation.

‘A-League outfit’

“We didn’t really have a masterplan, all we were doing was using ratepayers’ funds to turn Bayswater Soccer Club into an A-League outfit,” Cr Terry Kenyon said.

“That’s not the role of the city—our job is to look after all the kids, families and clubs who use the reserve. If BSC want to play in the A-League they have to fund it themselves and should take a leaf out of West Coast Eagles’ redevelopment of Lathlain Park.

“The masterplan would have put the city in debt for 20 years, with very little benefit to the ratepayers.”

Soccer club member Greg D’Orazio says Cr Kenyon is “misinformed”.

“We play in the National Premier League and from our perspective, we wanted to get our facilities up to NPL standards, that’s how all this started,” he says.

“The bottom line is we that need more space and we will continue to push for that.

“It’s a disappointing outcome from Bayswater council, but hopefully after some more consultation, we can get things moving again.

“This club gives a lot of pleasure to many people in the community.”

Mayor Sylvan Albert acknowledges public consultation did not meet community expectations, but says it would be wrong to the chuck the entire plan in the bin and adopt a “piecemeal” approach.

“It is clear we need some sort of overall vision for the site,” he says.

“We need to go back out to the community and consult with them again, rather than address a couple of issues individually.

“There is a lot of ageing infrastructure at the park and issues that need to be addressed collectively.”

Councillors Chris Cornish and Mike Anderton said the BSC had outgrown Frank Drago Reserve and it should look at relocating to Pat O’Hara Reserve.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK
Jobs rally stops traffic

August 28, 2015

WA UNIONS stopped traffic outside state parliament this week with a rally opposing the Abbott Government’s free trade deal with China.

Unions argue the deal threatens Australian jobs and exploits foreign workers, allowing Chinese companies to bring in their own workforces for projects worth more than $150 million, side-stepping qualification rules and removing the requirement that jobs be offered to local workers first. The federal government claims the deal will net Australia billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs. Protestors were joined by Perth Labor federal MP Alannah MacTiernan, who said there’ll be no market testing to see if sufficient local labour is available.
Fire station set for burned out West Perth site

August 28, 2015

A $19 MILLION fire station is to be built amidst homes in Carr Street, West Perth.

Ironically, the station will be built on the site of a warehouse that burned down in 2012 (no 27-33) near the Charles Street end.

Vincent mayor John Carey says he met with the WA government for a briefing on the station two months ago and advised it that, because of the proximity to residences, it needed to undertake early public consultation.

“We were concerned about noise and traffic pollution for residents living so close by,” he told the Voice.

“The next thing I heard about it was a statement from the state government.”

• Site of the proposed fire station on Carr Street. Photo by Matthew Dwyer

Council CEO Len Kosova warns the city will have limited input on the station’s future.

“The fire station does not require planning approval under the city’s town planning scheme, but will likely require approval from the WA planning commission under the metropolitan region scheme,” he says.

“The city would have the opportunity to provide comment.”

FESA said it would be undertaking local consultation, but says modern fire stations are built to minimise disruptions to locals. The new fire station will have three trucks and cater for up to 12 firefighters per shift.

Planning and design has started and is expected to be completed in 2017.

“A new station on the western side of the CBD will ease the pressure on the existing station in East Perth,” says WA emergency services minister Joe Francis.

“This is a sensible planning decision and reflects the state government’s commitment to provide sufficient emergency services to protect the city’s CBD, as well as suburban and regional communities.”

Vincent council spent about $160,000 clearing asbestos from the burned out site and affected nearby properties and recovered only some of the costs from the the-then owner.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK
It’s Wednesday night live

August 28, 2015

LOOK out Game of Thrones, there’s a new ratings blockbuster in town: Vincent city council is set to offer live streaming of council meetings.

Cr Josh Topelberg, who tabled the motion, says it will keep councillors on their toes and enable people to watch meetings from the comfort of their living room. Just don’t forget the popcorn.

“We already have a camera set up to record meetings, so it’s just a case of tweaking the technology a bit,” Cr Topelberg says. “Hopefully we can make a library of recordings available as well, so people can go back and check out a debate on a particular item.

“It’s all about moving with the times and encouraging more people to engage with local government.”

Officers will prepare a report on the streaming service in time for the mid-year budget review in December.

The Voice has been reassured councillors will remove their GoPro headwear if they have to pop to the toilet during meetings.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK