Traders hurt

Posted to Greater Dandenong Weekly (23/8/2010) on 27/8/2010 at 11:23pm

Commenting on “Traders hurt”

http://www.greaterdandenongweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/traders-hurt/1920994.aspx?storypage=2

Dandenong CBD needs more than just revitalisation of the streetscape; it also needs revitalisation of the shops and display windows, and mix of businesses.

Although the ultimate outcome is a plus for the traders concerned, but initial outlay could burn a big hole in their cash registers. There is a distinct disadvantage about the main road, alias National Highway 1 - it is too wide. It does not provide a right ambience for inviting shopping experience. In addition, all the shops in the CBD are spread over a very big area, and on a rainy or windy day, shoppers are likely to stay in the warm and cosy Dandenong Plaza rather than subjecting themselves to the terror of the nature.

Dandenong was once the hub of many big factories, and centre of employment. The wind of fortune has changed. Is the demographics of Dandenong ready for upmarket shopping yet? It is great to be visionary, and hopefully the project pays dividend; otherwise, the ratepayers' and taxpayers' money will be spent on creating a white elephant.

Casey calls for citywide pokies cap

Posted to Casey Weekly (24/8/2010) on 27/8/2010 at 11:39 PM

Commenting on “Casey calls for citywide pokies cap”

http://www.caseyweeklyberwick.com.au/news/local/sport/football-australian-rules/casey-calls-for-citywide-pokies-cap/1921835.aspx

Like money, improper use of gaming machines is root of all evils. Not only does it create financial hardship to many leading to the breakdown of family fabric, but also damages the health such as RSI, back problems, poor blood circulation, anxiety, sleep deprivation, etc. All gaming machines should be equipped with smart card reading device, and players can only play on the machine using a smart card, which records the duration of play, and value limit of play. With such constraints, they are compelled to take a break, and have losses capped.

Government off target

Published in Monash Weekly 7/2/2011

Liberal Government and Water Minister Peter Walsh, definitely made the wrong decision in ditching the Target 155 campaign, with so much fanfare and publicity. In business and in life, we set targets and goals not that we will achieve them definitely, but they are something to aim for, to better ourselves in many aspects of performance.

Whether or not it was introduced by the former Labor government or anyone, Target 155 "was" a fantastic idea. Saving water should not be viewed as a policy; it should be a way of life. The best part of Target 155 was that no additional tax was imposed on people using water above the target - in fact, Target 155 was a psychological barrier. As a result, the public made conscious and unconscious decisions to conserve this valuable "resource".

I cannot understand the motive behind this move. By axing the campaign, or more correctly removing this magical target, many will revert back to bad habit using more water, causing increase in household spending, which can either increase household debt, or cannibalise spending on other services. In the worst case, both evils can take place. I can only speculate that increase water consumption will benefit a small group of businesses, particularly in the water industry.

Target 155 should be synonymous to Keep Australia Beautiful, Cleanup Australia, Planet Ark, Greening Australia, Earth Hour, etc. The program should be expanded instead of being axed. Whoever initiated this in your government is very short-sighted, and can have negative impact on Liberal Party's next election outcome. Voters are wiser and better informed than many politicians think.

I shall write to all accessible media to persuade voters to NOT to vote for candidates - Liberal, Labor, Green and Independent, who lack the commitment to conserve our planet precious resources.

Monash cafe ban goes up in smoke

Posted to Monash Weekly (28/2/2011) on 3/3/2011 at 11:42 AM

Commenting on “Monash cafe ban goes up in smoke”

http://www.monashweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/monash-cafe-ban-goes-up-in-smoke/2088784.aspx

It is load of nonsense for Cr Stephen Dimopoulos to say a Monash-specific ban would be hard on traders and thinks that the cost is too great to implement it.

This very negative and short-sighted view is not dissimilar to Cr Paul Klisaris who voted against the legislation he had designed feeling that he would be supporting something that only filled the glass half-way.

There will always be people who enjoy lighting up a cigarette inside or outside eating places, but there are a lot more who don’t. By promoting City of Monash as a complete smoke-free zone for café, we can attract non-smokers coming to help improve the food business in the City.

Unfortunately I disagree with Cr Geoff Lake trying to wash his hands clean by saying that “al fresco dining was something for the state government to tackle.” City of Monash can introduce by-laws to overcome this problem. What’s wrong being the first City to implement such policy?