ACROSS NSW the recent council elections saw large swings against the Liberals and Nationals.
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Local issues were important.
But the elections were also a referendum on what people think about Premier Baird's style of leadership.
People are angry at a premier who refuses to listen to them, and just tells everyone what to do.
Whether it’s the destruction of TAFE, local schools not being maintained, hospital crises or the shock decision to ban greyhounds, people are demanding that their voices be heard.
Premier Baird only allowed half of the voters in NSW to cast a ballot in these council elections.
Most of the other 2.4 million voters are in forcibly merged councils, and will have to wait until September next year.
Until then they will be ruled by administrators handpicked by the premier.
If Premier Baird keeps being dictatorial and refuses to listen to local communities, he does so at his peril.
Peter Primrose, Shadow Minister for Local Government
MILLTHORPE DAYCARE CENTRE CONSIDERATIONS
THE majority of the residents of George Street in Millthorpe have written submissions, signed a petition and protested to Blayney Shire Council regarding the proposed long daycare centre for 38 children and eight staff that will operate from 6.30am to 6pm.
Is that large-scale commercial development reasonable in a residential neighbourhood?
The location for the facility is totally inappropriate. George Street is a quiet residential street, with a narrow road and no footpaths.
The plot of land for the proposed development borders five residences. Its entrance is opposite an intersection. The roadway is too narrow, the parking inadequate and children would be in danger.
Other local government areas have guidelines that require off-street parking on site for long daycare centres. In Millthorpe the council are considering offering the verge opposite to the developer. Why? Even if this verge parking were to happen, the road is still to narrow with no through traffic flow.
The increase in traffic – 80 vehicle movements if we calculate drop off, pick up and staff – would make this a major commercial site. It is outside the traditional commercial area of Millthorpe and it would be dangerous.
George Street is not a flow-through street. There is not a natural set down next to the proposed centre.
Vehicles travelling south toward the centre would either have to park on the wrong side of the road or do a three-point turn to safely deposit children on the footpath in front of the proposed centre. And all this within 20 metres of an intersection.
I have researched the guidelines for long day care centres for nine local government areas, including Orange.
All of these are much more considered and specific about what developments are possible.
Under the guidelines of the nine the local government areas that I research a proposal such as that put forward for George Street could not be supported.
This highlights the need for better guidelines in Blayney and I would suggest offers council the opportunity to review their Development Plan in the area.