newsletters

Subject: Re: Dalkeith Councillor News

06 February 2008

Dear Mr Negus

Thank you for your email. You are to be congratulated for declaring your interest and stepping down from any further participation as a councillor in respect to the Dalkeith Development Proposal.

You mention in your email that as you are "the only current council member who lives in Dalkeith, this leaves the remainder of the Councillors free to look at the feedback provided by the Dalkeith community, and weigh our views against the external pressures for increased densities, to produce balanced guidelines for Dalkeith's future". You incorrectly assume that residence in the proposed development area could be the only source of a potential conflict of interest. While your sentiment is admirable it is incorrect. There can be numerous other sources that may constitute a potential conflict of interest.

You also mention that several past concepts have not been implemented, "because the planners of the day haven't taken the time to ask the community what the community wants Dalkeith to look like in the future". I would surmise that the majority of Dalkeith residents simply don't want any significant redevelopment. The current village atmosphere is a significant attraction of Dalkeith. To make it a significant commercial centre as the current proposal sets forth would largely destroy the ambience that we have come to enjoy in Dalkeith.

It seems that Council is attempting to impose a development concept on the community. This is certainly what is implied by Mr Foster's recent statement in the Post. Your point on community consultation is a good one and if Council really does want to know what Dalkeith residents would like in respect to how Dalkeith should look, feel and function then a sensitive and unbiased survey of all residents and land owners might be conducted. Such a survey does not require the expensive process of drafting a comprehensive development proposal such as the current Dalkeith Redevelopment Proposal. Rather, such a proposal unreasonably limits and directs the options of residents and landowners. It would seem Council may have put the cart before the horse.

Yours sincerely

Dr Stephen Davis
+61 409 557 151
stephen.davis@nexus-g.com

> Good morning All
>
> My name is Matthew Stirling Negus, I am one of your Dalkeith Ward Councillors, in the City of Nedlands.
>
> I live and work in Dalkeith, and have done so most of my life.
>
> I was sworn into the new Nedlands council, led by our new Mayor on the 23rd October 2007.
>
> Two weeks later, In November 2007, the city released its latest
> concept plan to establish Dalkeith's future direction. The previous council led by the previous Mayor, authorised the production of this concept.
>
> This concept is nothing new, to my knowledge the city has been working
> on various concepts, and has employed various consultants, since at least 1997.
>
> Several past concepts have not been implemented, in my view this is because the planners of the day haven't taken the time to ask the community what the community wants Dalkeith to look like in the future.
>
> Dalkeith residents should welcome and support our current
> administrations initiative, in taking the time to ask the Dalkeith residents for their input into this latest process.
>
> I am proud to have been able to help raise awareness of the current concept in the Dalkeith community.
>
> I have attended all of the council's community information sessions,
> as well as attending meetings with the ADD and the PADD groups. I have also spoken with many people during my normal daily activities and whilst on the PADD walks, encouraging them to provide constructive feedback..
>
> I am proud to have helped raise my fellow councillors, and the council administration's awareness, of the Dalkeith community's feelings towards the concept.
>
> All of the concepts that have been produced over the last 10 years
> have included the property from which I run my family's business (87 Waratah Avenue), which my family has owned since 1975 (33 years).
>
> My family home (10 Philip Road) is located behind our business, and therefore has also been affected by all of these concepts.
>
> Since entering local council I have disclosed my interests, and will continue to do so, I have stated that I would not vote on any issues conflicting with my interests.
>
> The purpose of my email today, is to advise everyone on my email list,
> the time has come for me to step back from all council work relating to the Dalkeith concept.
>
> Your councillors are about to recommence decision making in relation
> to the Dalkeith concept, I will not be part of this decision making.
>
> I am the only current council member who lives in Dalkeith, this
> leaves the remainder of the Councillors free to look at the feedback provided by the Dalkeith community, and weigh our views against the external pressures for increased densities, to produce balanced guidelines for Dalkeith's future. We are in good hands.
>
> One positive thing that has come out of this process to date, is that
> the community has come closer together, this has in my opinion made Dalkeith an even greater place to live.
>
> I look forward to continuing to work for you in the future.
>
> Have a great day
>
> Regards
>
> Matt Negus