Campaigns
	Pokies milk our community dry. Fact^: - In 2004 clubs and hotels in Fairfield made total profit of $286,735,565 from 3,854 pokies - Fairfield Local Government Area (LGA) has more low income earners in the Sydney area - Fairfield LGA has one poker machine per 36 adult, NSW is one per 51 adult - Fairfield LGA expenditure per machine $74,399, 50% higher than NSW average $47,423 - Fairfield LGA exp per adult was $2,093 compared to NSW average of $923 Yet clubs and pubs are applying for more and more pokies licences, despite admitting this could create more problem gamblers: "Local clubs and pubs have applied for more poker machines while little is being done to tackle the area's gambling problems"* Fairfield Champion (26/9) I was appalled to find that Fairfield Council was not objecting to these applications. "The admission comes after an investigation by the Fairfield City Champion discovered that the council had not opposed poker machine increases at any club or pub since January" Fairfield Champion (10/10) I took it upon myself to make a detailed submission objecting to the 56 new pokies applied for by Canley Heights RSL - giving the Department seven key reasons to toss the application out Sydney Morning Herald (6/10). Further follow up letter to the Department of Gaming and Racing NSW (15/3/08) * Source: OLGR Gaming Statistics Summary (Nov 2006)
Cabramatta Sports Ground (June 07)	Community Access to Council Sports Grounds that are leased to Clubs The community is crying out for access to open space and there is a huge waiting list for sports grounds in Fairfield. Yet there are Council owned community sporting fields and parks which are being leased to clubs and other organisations - many of these are fenced off, restricting access to the public. During the 22 May council meeting I asked: "...I believe under the current arrangement, some of Council’s sports grounds may be fenced off and some may even be locked, thereby restricting general access. Can Council outline what measure we’re putting into place to let the community know that these grounds are also open to the public, especially outside the regular times booked by sporting clubs" full transcript and council's response. Fairfield Advance (30/5) Further questions I asked Council (26/6) Fairfield Advance (27/6) Daily Telegraph (7/7)
Canley Vale Train Station	Options to provide secure bicycle lock ups I asked the following at Council on 17 April... "Some commuters at who use the Canley Vale train station are going ‘green’ by riding their bike to the station to catch their train, rather than driving their car. This is a good thing, it’s helps the environment and improves fitness. However, they are tending to chain their bikes along the front fence of the station in full view of all. I table a recent photo taken at Canley Vale train station. In this case there were only two bikes chained to the station fence. This morning there were five. The visibility of the bikes are probably intended to stop people from stealing the whole bike or parts of the bikes. I think this council should support green and healthy initiatives like this. Will council look at options either by ourselves or with State Rail to provide secure bike lock ups as our way to support and encourage green transport alternatives". Read Fairfield Champion (2/5) Read Fairfield Advance (2/5)
	Remove the unsightly and unwelcoming turnstiles! Council resolved to make the Cabramatta public toilets free in July 06... But we haven't removed the turnstiles. They are unwelcoming and unfriendly. The heavy mechanism is also causing problems for the elderly. I've asked Council to urgently look at this matter on 30 March 2007. Read Fairfield Champion (4/4) Read Fairfield Champion (25/4) Read Fairfield Advance (25/4)
	Temple Tour highlights our area's rich cultural diversity. On Sunday, 8 April, Walter and I hosted a group of Buddhists and meditators on a tour of Buddhist temples in the Fairfield area. Our tour showcased temples from Theravada and Mahayana traditions, covering Vietnamese, Chinese and Laotian temples. The tour took our guests to Cabramatta, Canley Vale, Lansvale, Bonnyrigg, Wetherill Park and St Johns Park.
	The NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) changed venue for Cabramatta PCYC polling booth for the State Election - causing chaos The smaller hall used compared to previous years caused: - up to 1 hour long queues - exposure of voters to direct & harsh sunlight - intense voter frustration I've written to the NSWEC commissioner on behalf of residents asking that the larger hall be used in the future. Read Media Release Read Fairfield Champion (28/4) "...I am very glad to find out that as a local councillor you are aware of the sufferings of people of Fairfield who went out to cast their votes on 24 March 2007, but most importantly that you spoke out about it..." Ms Le, 29 March 2007.
	The NSW Electoral Commission has had more questions to answer... "Eight election officials have written a joint letter of complaint to the NSW Electoral Commission..." Fairfield Champion (4/4)... and they have asked me to assist as their local councillor. Read more
	For the past 18 months I have continually raised the issue of excessive water spillage at one of the Dutton Lane Carpark exits. It's unsightly, it's dirty and it's not a way to build a good reputation for Cabramatta. I've raised this issue as a matter of urgency at Council on 28 March. Issue resolved: Council's response (10/7) Read Fairfield Champion (3/4)
Email me to report other issues or for an update on these campaigns	Archives