Melbourne's New B-grade Stadium?

Architecturally, the new soccer & rugby stadium is worthy of praise. Aswell as this, it has some great environmental design features. However, what we're hearing now is that this stadium is not fit for Fifa world cup regulations, due to its capacity, and hence can't be used to host any world cup games. What a lack of foresight!


















According to an article on Fox sports, Fifa requires a minimum capacity of 40,000 to host games, and this stadiums maximum is 31,000. 9000 extra seats? How much does that cost? Surely, the boost in economic income from securing a world cup could have justified the cost? Now our bid seems a bit shaky.

Some may argue that Docklands is an alternative venue, but with so many other sports and events going on, there's already pressure on the Victorian government to build another stadium. AFL clubs want a better stadium deal, and with footy holding such a sway in town, does that mean another couple hundred million will be spent on a new stadium?

Do we really need another stadium Melbourne?

Melbourne as a catalyst

These were made with my amateurish gimp skills. What can you come up with? Somebody make an m&m's mashup with the melbourne city logo!

City vs Suburbs - Is the new undercity loop win/win?

• 100 million underground station at Parkville.
• 14 extra trains an hour to western and northern suburbs.
• Links from inner city to the west to Stkilda rd district.

On paper there seems to be something for everyone here. It's a nice showcase project for Brumby to bring to the next election, given public transport could potentially be a achilles heel issue for him.

The question people from the suburbs, particuarly those in the outer suburbs should ask, is this really good value for money for them? There are those that argue that the inner city is already well serviced by many modes of transport. They have trams, trains and buses that run frequently compared to the suburbs which have only buses which run every 30 minutes or so.

Of course, with a growing population, many will argue that there is always room to expand capacity, and that's what Brumby is doing with this project. There are benefits of having a denser and more populated inner city, which will bring a new vibrancy and buzz to town. Then again, will there be more violence and crime?

What about those that argue for a decentralization of Melbourne? Development of so called transport hubs in the "middle suburbs". So people can work more locally, rather than take the hike into or across town? Are these too hard, or importantly less visible for a premier preparing for an election?

Unfortunately this project is likely to reinforce the "Tale of two cities". A great inner city, and CBD, and those "wasteland" suburbs. How long can these wasteland suburbs be swept under the rug before rearing their ugly head in terms of cbd and innercity violence?

So what do you think? Is it time for some political leadership, in order to tackle outer suburban infrastructure?

Doyle's lack of consultation is dissapointing

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.

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?

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!

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?