Is anybody else annoyed that the New Year's Eve fireworks display is being moved to Birrang Marr? The first I heard of this proposal was after the decision was made to go ahead with it. For such a significant change, surely this proposal should have been floated and debated publicly before a decision was made behind closed doors?As a proud Melburnian, I like to think we have an input it what shapes our city. What's next, moving Moomba to docklands ?
This seems to be endemic of the current Lord Mayor. Doyle seems like a good bloke, he gets ideas out there to be debated, but his failure on several key issues including the Melbourne City logo is damning against him and his team.
Message to Doyle and team. Consult us more. Get us involved.
Now, to the actual proposal. I think it has merit. The Commonwealth games showed that using our skyline as a backdrop to fireworks can have good results. I'm willing to give it a go, but would like the option to go back to Princess bridge and Flinder st, if the results are something to be desired.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
VCA (M) Option B
Walked past the tent city outside of the VCA today, and couldn't help thinking about what alternatives the VCA has to maintain the integrity of it's school. Is it wishful thinking to believe with enough community pressure, Melbourne Uni will change it's mind and stop the merger of VCA and the faculty of music? (Especially given the university has lost millions in last year's financial meltdown). To the optimists, and to those that value the arts, I say no. There most definetly should be a fight.
However, given i'm a pragmatist, I have a tendancy to not place too much hope that the greater "good" will prevail, doubly so when there is large amounts of money involved. So what are the options? I think having two "silo" faculties divy up the funding is out of the question. If a merger is forced, the stakeholders need to look beyond the usual zero sum game, and look for innovative ways forward.
Is there a way to combine the strengths of the two faculties, and develop new courses utilizing both? Whilst, at the same time maintaining the "cores" of the respective faculties? Some may argue that these faculties are too specialized, and it's simply not possible. But I say, it's up to us, to define the undefined. Isn't that what arts/music is about?
However, given i'm a pragmatist, I have a tendancy to not place too much hope that the greater "good" will prevail, doubly so when there is large amounts of money involved. So what are the options? I think having two "silo" faculties divy up the funding is out of the question. If a merger is forced, the stakeholders need to look beyond the usual zero sum game, and look for innovative ways forward.
Is there a way to combine the strengths of the two faculties, and develop new courses utilizing both? Whilst, at the same time maintaining the "cores" of the respective faculties? Some may argue that these faculties are too specialized, and it's simply not possible. But I say, it's up to us, to define the undefined. Isn't that what arts/music is about?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Answers to Resource Smart Quiz!
Enter to win a $10K sustainable home makeover + educate yourself on sustainability.
Quiz can be taken here: http://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/index.html
1) What temperature should you set your thermostat in winter?
Answer 18 -20 degrees C
Why? The lower the temperature the less energy used to heat your house. Less black balloons. Better for environment.
2) When buying an air conditioner you should look for models with:
Answer: a 4.5 Star energy rating.
Why? The higher the number of stars the more energy efficient.
3) What does one black balloon represent?
Answer: 50g of green house gas.
Blackballoons are way we can visualise our harm to the environment.
4) What percentage of materials are recovered for recycling or reused by Byteback drop off points?
Answer: 97%
Byteback dropoff points are places where you can drop off old computers. Lets get these things recycled rather than sending them to the tip.
5) How much longer do energy saving globes last than regular globes?
Answer: 8 times longer.
Yes, they are more expensive, but they pay for themselves in running cost and running life. Easy way to save energy.
6) Power sourced from renewable energy like the sun, wind, water and waste is called what?
Answer: green energy
Talk to your energy, water retailer for more info on how to source green energy. A few extra dollars can make a huge difference.
7) How many plastic checkout bags are used in Victoria every year?
Answer: Around 1 billion
Do we need a plastic bag for small non food items? Green bags are an alternative people.
8) What is one benefit of installing a solar hot water system?
Answer: You could save 75% of your water bill.
The actual amount varies depending on your location, but there is a defined pay back period, after which you can pocket yearly savings.
9) How many litres of water per person per day should we be using to help us preserve out water storage?
Answer: Target 155
4 minute showers. Wash clothes when washing machine is full. Dual flush toilets. water saving taps. That's how you can save.
10) How many litres does a single flush toilet use up?
Answer: 11
Renovating a home? Consider a dual flush toilet to save water!
Quiz can be taken here: http://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/index.html
1) What temperature should you set your thermostat in winter?
Answer 18 -20 degrees C
Why? The lower the temperature the less energy used to heat your house. Less black balloons. Better for environment.
2) When buying an air conditioner you should look for models with:
Answer: a 4.5 Star energy rating.
Why? The higher the number of stars the more energy efficient.
3) What does one black balloon represent?
Answer: 50g of green house gas.
Blackballoons are way we can visualise our harm to the environment.
4) What percentage of materials are recovered for recycling or reused by Byteback drop off points?
Answer: 97%
Byteback dropoff points are places where you can drop off old computers. Lets get these things recycled rather than sending them to the tip.
5) How much longer do energy saving globes last than regular globes?
Answer: 8 times longer.
Yes, they are more expensive, but they pay for themselves in running cost and running life. Easy way to save energy.
6) Power sourced from renewable energy like the sun, wind, water and waste is called what?
Answer: green energy
Talk to your energy, water retailer for more info on how to source green energy. A few extra dollars can make a huge difference.
7) How many plastic checkout bags are used in Victoria every year?
Answer: Around 1 billion
Do we need a plastic bag for small non food items? Green bags are an alternative people.
8) What is one benefit of installing a solar hot water system?
Answer: You could save 75% of your water bill.
The actual amount varies depending on your location, but there is a defined pay back period, after which you can pocket yearly savings.
9) How many litres of water per person per day should we be using to help us preserve out water storage?
Answer: Target 155
4 minute showers. Wash clothes when washing machine is full. Dual flush toilets. water saving taps. That's how you can save.
10) How many litres does a single flush toilet use up?
Answer: 11
Renovating a home? Consider a dual flush toilet to save water!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Melburnalia 2
Finally, caught the show last Sunday arvo, after being denied a few times due to it being sold out. After checking out the venue, I now know why it sells out easily. The place is only large enough for an intimate gathering of peers.
The set itself was simple enough, very surburbia, brick veneer fences, and recycling bins. This reminds us, that Melbourne is more than just the city, rather a collection of suburbs with different people, different sub-cultures and a fabulous story to tell.
The first story, 5 in total, begins with a very familiar theme for Melburnians. Ticket inspectors! (Tip: keep your theatre ticket handy). Our friends, the blue gumbies, confront a rogue passenger who refuses to produce a ticket or speak. With a lot of humour along the way, we're drawn into the mystery surrounding the passenger. His story, is about our origins, and hence provides a very apt beginning to the night.
The second play, in contrast to the first, takes on a more serious tone. Detention centres. We hear chilling accounts from 3 "hostages", who are after the one thing that most Melburnians take for granted, dignity. The acting in the second play was superb. The raw emotions on display sent chills down my spine. Definetly, my favourite play of the night.
The third play, I could not relate to well. (Possibly because I'm not a rich uptight wanker!!) It centres on a gathering of friends in the well to do suburb of Caufield. Melodramic and superficial, are words I'd use to describe it. It represents a part of Melbourne that's perhaps more at home in Sydney.
The fourth play is a history lesson on Melbourne. About the piggeries in Preston that made way for the surburb. It's a warning to us to preserve our hertiage. Although it was portrayed in Preston, this could be about any suburb. Carlton spring to mind. Other themes that can be taken from it could be the dangers of urban sprawl.
The final play I thought was interesting. A sampling of various noises heard in the suburb of Mentone. From dogs, to bogans (what suburbs doesn't have'm?), this play I think truly represents the surburban experience.
In summary, some great peformances by the cast, and an intersting mix of plays. Well worth seeing if you're the slightest bit interested in Melbourne. What's next for Melburnalia now? A road trip to Sydney perhaps?
The set itself was simple enough, very surburbia, brick veneer fences, and recycling bins. This reminds us, that Melbourne is more than just the city, rather a collection of suburbs with different people, different sub-cultures and a fabulous story to tell.
The first story, 5 in total, begins with a very familiar theme for Melburnians. Ticket inspectors! (Tip: keep your theatre ticket handy). Our friends, the blue gumbies, confront a rogue passenger who refuses to produce a ticket or speak. With a lot of humour along the way, we're drawn into the mystery surrounding the passenger. His story, is about our origins, and hence provides a very apt beginning to the night.
The second play, in contrast to the first, takes on a more serious tone. Detention centres. We hear chilling accounts from 3 "hostages", who are after the one thing that most Melburnians take for granted, dignity. The acting in the second play was superb. The raw emotions on display sent chills down my spine. Definetly, my favourite play of the night.
The third play, I could not relate to well. (Possibly because I'm not a rich uptight wanker!!) It centres on a gathering of friends in the well to do suburb of Caufield. Melodramic and superficial, are words I'd use to describe it. It represents a part of Melbourne that's perhaps more at home in Sydney.
The fourth play is a history lesson on Melbourne. About the piggeries in Preston that made way for the surburb. It's a warning to us to preserve our hertiage. Although it was portrayed in Preston, this could be about any suburb. Carlton spring to mind. Other themes that can be taken from it could be the dangers of urban sprawl.
The final play I thought was interesting. A sampling of various noises heard in the suburb of Mentone. From dogs, to bogans (what suburbs doesn't have'm?), this play I think truly represents the surburban experience.
In summary, some great peformances by the cast, and an intersting mix of plays. Well worth seeing if you're the slightest bit interested in Melbourne. What's next for Melburnalia now? A road trip to Sydney perhaps?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Sustainable Streets Initiative
By now, everybody should know the game of "monopoly". A game where players try to collect as much realestate as possible, build homes and hopefully a hotel. It's a game that both adults and children alike enjoy.
The Sustainable Streets Initiative is about taking this concept, and modifying it to suit the sustainbility cause. It's a grass roots movement amongst neighbours whereby, residents in a street "collect" sustainable items such as rainwater tanks, solar PV panels, and other sustainable features. These items would attract points, and once enough points are collected, would allow streets to be awarded special "sustainability street" signs by the council. (No doubt this will increase land values on the street.)
The goal is not about keeping up with the Jones' as such, although that would be a great outcome for the environment, rather it's hoped that this would encourage neighbours to talk to each other and see what part each can do. We've seen great initiatives in the past whereby residents have grouped together to increase their purchasing parity when buying PV panels. Let's hope more of these outcomes come about because of this.
Local councils, it's time to create the rules and get people on board!
The Sustainable Streets Initiative is about taking this concept, and modifying it to suit the sustainbility cause. It's a grass roots movement amongst neighbours whereby, residents in a street "collect" sustainable items such as rainwater tanks, solar PV panels, and other sustainable features. These items would attract points, and once enough points are collected, would allow streets to be awarded special "sustainability street" signs by the council. (No doubt this will increase land values on the street.)
The goal is not about keeping up with the Jones' as such, although that would be a great outcome for the environment, rather it's hoped that this would encourage neighbours to talk to each other and see what part each can do. We've seen great initiatives in the past whereby residents have grouped together to increase their purchasing parity when buying PV panels. Let's hope more of these outcomes come about because of this.
Local councils, it's time to create the rules and get people on board!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Doncaster to Burwood tram proposal
Doncaster residents may have to give up on their dreams of a train line to the city, and settle for a tram line to Box Hill, where they can catch an express into town. This will bring Doncaster out of isolation for many Melbourne commuters that don't want to navigate the slow bus system.
The proposed tram line would start at Westfield Doncaster shopping centre, and run down tram rd/Station st to Deakin Burwood campus.
It is hoped that this would encourage further medium density development along the new transport corridor. Aswell as this, cement Box Hill's place as a major transport hub.
The proposed tram line would start at Westfield Doncaster shopping centre, and run down tram rd/Station st to Deakin Burwood campus.
It is hoped that this would encourage further medium density development along the new transport corridor. Aswell as this, cement Box Hill's place as a major transport hub.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Local considerations for Nunawading station upgrade
The premier recently announced the long overdue grade seperation of train tracks at springvale rd nunawading and relocation of nunawading station to the west of springvale rd. Apparently the grade seperation is due to finish 2010, but the station upgrade hopefully is still up in the air. Hopefully, some more thought into its design, especially feedback from the local community is considered before the station upgrade is implemented. (I don't want them to try to rush the implementation just to get some election kudos.)
Here's my top 3 considerations:
1) Passenger distribution. The station entrance is at the head for trains deperating towards Flinder st, and at the tail for trains from Belgrave to Lilydale. Will this be mirrored if they move the station west side? Or will the station entrance be placed in a different location. Designers need to condsider the impact on the distribution of passengers getting on a nunawading, and also downstream in stations like Blackburn and Box Hill. Overcrowding in certain carriages could be a potential fallout.
2) Shops and ammenities such as the milk bar, bakery will need to "moved" or replaced. It's a no brainer that car parking and bus stops must be replaced, but other amenities must be considered in the interest of passenger convenience. Obviously this must be co-ordinated with better links to the existing shops, the nearby community centre and the christian school closeby.
3) Redevelopment of the existing nunawading station and shops. With the tracks going under, it's a great opportunity to create a new block of land. A square or community area could be built, creating a new "Nunwading Central". The basis for this is obviously Box Hill.
Here's my top 3 considerations:
1) Passenger distribution. The station entrance is at the head for trains deperating towards Flinder st, and at the tail for trains from Belgrave to Lilydale. Will this be mirrored if they move the station west side? Or will the station entrance be placed in a different location. Designers need to condsider the impact on the distribution of passengers getting on a nunawading, and also downstream in stations like Blackburn and Box Hill. Overcrowding in certain carriages could be a potential fallout.
2) Shops and ammenities such as the milk bar, bakery will need to "moved" or replaced. It's a no brainer that car parking and bus stops must be replaced, but other amenities must be considered in the interest of passenger convenience. Obviously this must be co-ordinated with better links to the existing shops, the nearby community centre and the christian school closeby.
3) Redevelopment of the existing nunawading station and shops. With the tracks going under, it's a great opportunity to create a new block of land. A square or community area could be built, creating a new "Nunwading Central". The basis for this is obviously Box Hill.
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