Monday's nights response to terrorist attacks

At tomorrow night’s Council meeting I will be asking the Lord Mayor to urgently convene a high powered working party to pull together Council’s response to the increased threat of a terrorist attack following the London bombings. I understand that the Lord Mayor will distribute a Minute to address the issue of terrorism and Sydney’s sympathy and support for the people of London. However at this time no minute has been distributed or posted on the Council’s web site and therefore it is difficult for Councillors, the media and public to consider its content and scope.

I believe that the City of Sydney must unconditionally condemn the outrageous acts of terrorism perpetrated upon the innocent citizens of London and expresses its deepest sympathy to those affected by this evil outrage. Council must state that there can never be tolerance for Islamic extremism and join with the Australian community and Muslim leaders in rejecting all calls to violence as a means to resolving political or ideological conflict.

Council should acknowledge and support the United Kingdom's rapid response in seeking out those responsible and for remaining vigilant in the face of terror. In light of the latest attacks we will further acknowledge the efforts of the emergency services in London and stand in solidarity with the people of London and London's Lord Mayor in not giving in to these cowardly acts of terrorism.

In response to the heightened concerns of the citizens, workers and visitors to Sydney I will be asking the Lord Mayor to authorise the CEO to take any steps reasonably necessary to address our role in safety preparations in the City of Sydney and report any proposals back to Council in confidential session. I acknowledge that any measures to combat terrorist threat will remain primarily the responsibility of state and federal law enforcement and other agencies. However the clandestine nature of the threat to our community must involve the three levels of government in Australia as a whole of government prevention, detection and response plan.

To this end Council should specify that the following measures be urgently implemented and confidentially reported at Council’s next meeting:

1. 
   A working party of Directors, CEO and the Lord Mayor is established to meet with authorities and investigate a proactive role for Council in the domestic prevention of terrorism.
2. The existing COS CCTV systems be reviewed for any short comings including lack of coverage in key CBD areas (eg Martin Place)
3. That the costing and recommendations for expansion of the CCTV system, including any recommendation for addition CCTV staff resources and additional training, be reported.
   That current CCTV is reviewed for reliability guarantees (in light of reported faulty cameras in London).
4. Other staffing areas are investigated for additional training in identifying potential terrorist activity eg rangers and building inspectors.
5. Plans be established for COS response in the event of a terrorist attack.

In light of legitimate privacy concerns that I share, I will argue for Council to re-establish the CCTV oversight committee and protocols of the former City of Sydney.

Elephants go to court costing zoos big money

So now the International Fund for Animal Welfare and three other international leftist environmental groups are using the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to challenge the approval for Taronga to import captive Asian Elephants from Thailand. Taronga reports on 2BL that this will delay the importation by at least 2 months and cost the zoo hundreds of thousands dollars. Money that could be invested in animal conservation and education. IFFAW and other greens style conservation groups are causing irreversible damage to their reputations and those of more moderate conservation groups along the way.

You can contact them here info-au@ifaw.org and ask them to stop wasting the money of our zoos and withdraw their spiteful legal challenge.

Support for Elephant import

The first visit to Dubbo’s Western Plains Zoo in 5 years. We cycled of course, the best way to see all the animals (tip for riders – BYO bike – the lack of gears and back peddle breaks were a killer). Only five cyclists the whole day!

Highlight without question the Elephants including the two Asian Elephants from sister zoo Taronga in Sydney. They looked pretty happy with their huge natural environment including acres of land, trees for ripping apart and in ground swimming pools! Note African Elephants pictured from my visit.

I congratulate the Liberal Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell for last week finally approving the importation of endangered Asian Elephants for Taronga Zoo.

The efforts of Greens groups and surprisingly the RSPCA to prevent the importation and now to gain a court injunction to stop the import are misguided and way out of step with community attitudes and thinking. Modern zoos like the world leading Taronga and Western Plains play a major role in breeding programs to assist endangered species. The success of Western plains with the endangered Black Rhinoceros is an important but not the only example.

Breeding programs are important for maintaining genetic biodiversity. They are also critical for community eco-conservation awareness and education. The Greens and RSPCA are wasting our money in huge delay related costs and now court cases, and losing critical community support.

Not only Sydney examining more CCTV

Denmark DK reports that the debate about increased domestic security is preoccupying the leaders of other members of the Coalition of the Willing.

Future of surveillance cameras debated Surveillance cameras helped British police identify terrorists after the London bombings, but legislation limits the use of cameras in Denmark

While the large number of surveillance cameras helped British police identify the London bombers in under a week, if a similar terrorist incident took place in Copenhagen, Danish police would be hard pressed to gather information.
London has one of the highest numbers of surveillance cameras in the world. And the average Briton is caught in a camera lens over 300 times per day. In Denmark, however, surveillance cameras are only permitted in Copenhagen's light rail and underground systems, in airports, banks, post offices, and petrol stations.
The assistant head of Copenhagen Police, Mogens Kjærgaard Møller, would like to change that state of affairs.
'There is no doubt that from a police perspective, it would clearly aid our investigations,' said Møller to national broadcaster DR.
Danes are generally also positive about installing more cameras. A report from the Danish Crime Prevention Council found that two out of three Danes were not opposed to video cameras recording them on the street.
/ritzau/

City should be more involved in preventing terrorist threat

MEDIA RELEASE

Shayne Mallard calls for City to be more involved in preventing terrorist threat

Liberal City of Sydney Councillor Shayne Mallard has called upon the Council to be more involved in the prevention strategies for a potential terrorist attack in the CBD.

"I will be asking Council's CEO to urgently consult with police on how Council can be a proactive player in helping to prevent any threat of terrorism in the City," Mallard said.

Councillor Mallard's call comes after the Prime Minister has announced his support for expanded surveillance cameras in Australia as an important tool in preventing and investigating potential acts of terrorism.

"Council has one of Australia's most extensive CCTV systems covering many of the streets of the CBD and monitored 24/7 by trained staff."

"They have been effective in preventing street crime in areas such as George Street."

"Council should urgently investigate whether the CCTV should be expanded and the operators further trained to identify potential terrorist activities on our city streets,"

Shayne Mallard noted that alarming holes are apparent in the City's CCTV system.

"The recent vandalism of the Martin Place Cenotaph revealed publicly that the area is not covered by CCTV. In this current environment it is irresponsible and dangerous for one of Australia's most historic and popular pedestrian precincts not to be covered by CCTV."

Shayne Mallard whilst noting that CCTV can play a role in detection, deterrence and investigation of any terrorist activity. He also acknowledges the legitimate concerns of privacy advocates.

"I will be seeking for the re-establishment of Council's CCTV over-view committee to monitor and protect privacy protocols that are in place."

Councillor Mallard will be asking the CEO to prepare a confidential briefing to Council on steps the City can take to work with other authorities in preventing a terrorist attack.

"Council services and staff are at the front line of community activity," he said.

"CCTV, the Council Rangers, building inspectors , garbage collectors and the many other day to day activities of the Council's 2000 workforce can all be eyes and ears in our efforts to prevent terrorist attacks in Sydney."

"Council also needs to be prepared to act in the unlikely event of an attack. There must be an integrated plan that can immediately swing into action in the horrible event of an attack in the city. "

"It is important for our 150,000 residents, and 600,000 daily workers and visitors to know that all levels of government are taking the threat very seriously and working co-operatively to protect public safety," Mallard concluded.


RELEASE ENDS
25 July 2005

The 'green' drought

Back from the bush where welcome rains have soaked the ground. Excuse the imperial talk but Dad recorded 8” in June and 4” thus far in July. The tanks are overflowing but the dams are only half full. Good quality steady rains have soaked the earth and lays in puddles around the place. A bit more rain will flow to the dams.


Some farmers took a gamble and planted their winter crops. Many thought it too risky with expensive seed and held back. The promising season has convinced many to hold back their lambs and cattle from the markets with the plan to build back up their breeding stock. Good sign for the land but not our grocery bills.

I didn’t hear any complaints from my country family and friends. My mother refers to the winter rains as a ‘green drought’. Not the sort of Green drought most of us would appreciate – but one where the rains have triggered a wonderful surreal flush of green across the countryside but with the winter cold no growth and therefore no feed. With follow up rain and a warm spring this should change.

I spoke with a machinery dealer in town who was contemplating his largest springtime machinery order in 4 years. Fingers crossed for a good spring with follow up rains.

Dubbo is Liberal land and home...

This Councillor is off to the family farm at Dubbo for a few days. First visit since Christmas (see picture of front paddock) and keen to see how the winter rains have 'greened up the place' according to my Mum. The tanks are full and the dams half full and the garden is on the rebound finally!

Might not go into town after reading in today's SMH reports that the Libs have surrendered Dubbo state seat to the Nats yet again. The Liberals in Dubbo will be very disappointed. That will be the fourth chance for the Nats to lose the seat to an independent. Don't get me wrong, I hope they win it but the record of achievement is not too good. Dubbo is a semi urban regional hub that sits very comfortably within the Liberal party suite of country seats like Wagga, Albury and Bega. The business people and friends I speak to in Dubbo feel the Nats have lost touch with this community or more precisely that the Dubbo community has changed and the Nats have failed to evolve with the changed community. A similar scenario in most urbanising former Nat seats across the state. Dubbo is no longer a seat exclusively for wheat and sheep framers with Nats driving around in their city 4X4's and RM Williams. It's now a more urban area with a self sustaining township economy and aspirations and expectations more closely aligned to Liberalism than the Nats yesteryear conservative protectionism. I hope that the good people of Dubbo seize the opportunity to be part of a Brogden Liberal government in 2007. The Nats will have to work overtime to present an electable face for the new Dubbo.

Sports weekend

Sports Weekend













Go the Rabbitohs!!



Go the Swans!!










onward to victory...

Are we as hopeless as Elizabeth Farrelly thinks?

Denmark.dk and other reports that Australia is finally listing Danish architect Utzon's masterpiece the Sydney Opera House as a national landmark have appeared with approval in Copenhagen but inspired another lecture from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Culture News Denmark.dk 12 July 2005 Sydney Opera House chosen as national treasure The Australian government is seeking to make the Sydney Opera House, designed by Joern Utzon, a world landmark. The Sydney Opera House, designed by Denmark's Joern Utzon, has been placed on the list of Australia's national landmarks. Australian Minister for Environment and Heritage Ian Campbell told the APP news service that the government will also work to have the opera house added to the list of the world's cultural treasures. Campbell said that the building's unique design had helped to place Australia on the world map. 'It's fitting that after 30 years, we now acknowledge that Sydney's opera house is important for our national heritage,' said the minister.

Meanwhile Elizabeth Farrelly demonstrated her all too familiar and boorish cynicism bordering on a cultural cringe in her Saturday SMH column referring to the painful birth of the Opera House as the example of "our devotion, in Sydney, to fully fledged cultural mediocrity."

A recent study in the Harvard Design Magazine describes the Sydney Opera House as a "tragedy in world architecture" compared, for example, with the "triumph" of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim at Bilbao. Not only did Sydney cop a 1400 per cent cost blow-out and a building unsuited to opera, we also contrived, through government and cultural incompetence, to "destroy the career of its architect, Joern Utzon and [so] ... rob the world of the oeuvre of an undisputed master". The London Review of Books takes similar delight in describing the part played by the characteristic venality, corruption and philistinism of "King George's gulag" in turning Utzon's fabled interiors into "a mess of tacky ideas reminiscent of a bingo hall in, say, Middlesbrough". All this is reasonably familiar in spirit, of course, being only a slight advance on our own standard view of the Opera House fiasco as an exercise in advanced knee-jerk poppy cutting.

On a recent visit to the Louisiana collection outside Copenhagen I spent an inspiring day wandering the complex of unique buildings set amongst a breathtaking landscape housing Denmark's largest collection of modernist art. We traveled up the seaside along the concrete highway built by the Nazis for landing bombers, to see the Utzon exhibition - an architectural retrospective.

Viewing early Utzon drawings, houses and office towers, some built - most as usual not realised, shone light on the brilliance that created a building that sings to our harbour and city. The finale of the comprehensive exhibition was the Opera House (closely followed by the cathedral style Kuwait Parliament clearly the love child of our Harbour). There was a matter of fact video display about the Opera House project and it did cover the controversial relationship the Dane had with the governments of the day. I sank as my English version screen told of Utzon's controversial departure whilst the same story unfolded in Danish all around me.

We entered an amazing room seemingly purpose designed to display half a dozen models of the Opera House including one on loan form the Power House Museum. That was when I decided to risk Danish opinion on the relationship between Denmark's favourite architect and Australia (arguably their favourite Country at the moment thanks to Princess Mary). "Ahh yes that was initially resented by us but now we move on - "it's like the war," said one elderly man. A middle-aged woman commented that "Utzon is like all architects - he paid no heed to a budget," and one young man, "Utzon was not sacked, he walked off the job because he was not being paid anymore - he had massively over-spent the budgets." The apparent sentiment that Danes can put the difficulties in context and behind them to admire the masterpiece that was created in spite of the pain.

I was raised as a low church country Anglican to believe that nothing worth having in life is ever easy to come by. Hard work and painful sacrifice were always required. This applies to the creation of great art - usually born from pain and struggle. Architecture as the 'mother of all art' (Frank Lloyd Wright) is no different. Give me a painful Opera House any day to the utilitarian hassle free Olympic Stadium - a monument to government, construction and architectural pragmatism and a missed (and surely painful) architectural opportunity (not just my view but also Harry Seidler who designed a bus shelter for our 2000 Olympics). Give me a painful Sydney Town Hall (50 years of controversy in its day) to the uninspired extension to the NSW State Parliament or the eye popping bore of the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Farrelly continues her finger wagging at Sydneysiders making it clear we are probably not up to the job at East Darling Harbour:

And now, at East Darling Harbour, is our chance to show the world we can still do it; still take a site to rival any in the world, and turn it into a shining exemplar of the bog-ordinary. In less than a month from now you'll be able to judge for yourself, when the entries from the 140-odd registrants will be exhibited. So far, about 30 per cent are from overseas. Will they achieve the levels of mediocrity we expect?

These days it is unusual for the Sydney Morning Herald not to give us the answers with the sermons they publish about what we are all doing wrong. In this instance she just threw the dead cat on the table and left it there for us to think about. I guess we will have to wait for Farrelly's 'I told you so' in a few months time as she boards her flight at the pragmatic airport. I for one believe revisiting all the pain (even if it is a uniquely Australian experience) would be worth it to build an equivalent opera house on the site.

Royalty brings together two of my favourite past-times - Wine & Denmark

Denmark.dk reports: 12 July 2005 'Our Mary' opening our eyes to Aussie wines. Crown Princess Mary's Australian roots have Danes discovering the wines of her homeland
Allan Lundgren/Scanpix A Tasmanian pinot noir and other Aussie wines in display.

For years, Denmark has enjoyed the wines produced at French-born Royal Consort Prince Henrik's chateau in southern France. Now, a new member of the Danish royal family has subjects enjoying the fruits of another continent's vines. 'Our Mary', as Crown Princess Mary is now known in her native Australia, has Danes discovering wine from the island continent. Wine from Mary's home island of Tasmania has especially piqued the palates of many of the kingdom's wine connoisseurs. more from Denmark.dk

It is no surprise that Danes would fall not only for 'Our Mary' but the quality cool climate wines of Tasmania. The cheeses and creams will be next and watch out for the herrings coming south. (Blogger's confession - my father is Tasmanian and my partner is Danish).

Welcome to my blog

Welcome to my blog. This site is under construction and will be operational along with my updated web site www.shaynemallard.com on Monday (JF web administrator please note). Please come back and join for some informed and opinionated discusions

Most Right Wing Councillor

This is the the diverse bunch of Councillors elected to the City of Sydney in March 2004. I'm the one third from the left. In fact with a Council composed of mostly left wing green oriented politicians (not that diverse after all), I am the most 'right-wing' representative there. Those who know me think that is a funny joke because I am a self described Liberal moderate or progressive (more about that at my website www.shaynemallard.com). But the Liberal party supporters and constituency are thankful to have at least one sane voice at their Council.










From Left to Right (not the picture - but their politics?)
Chris Harris - Green (bearded front row)
Verity Firth - Labor Left (no show for the picture that day)
Robyn Kemmis - Independent Party (glasses centre at rear)
Marcelle Hoff - Independent Party (pearl ear-ring set front row)
Clover Moore - Lord Mayor Independent Party (collared front row)
Philip Black - Independent Party (gold tie front row)
Tony Pooley - Labor Centre (bright blue tie rear row)
John McInerney - Independent Party ('silver fox' rear row)
Michael Lee - Labor Right (brighter blue shirt rear row)
Shayne Mallard - Liberal (in there some where)