Rick Powell, Councillor for South Ward | Political candidate
Rick Powell, Councillor for South Ward
Phone: +61 412 405 936
Reviews
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24.01.2022 In this weeks Post, my position on the development at 95 Evans street.
24.01.2022 A big thank you to everyone who voted in the Subiaco City Council elections. And a special thank you to those who have made me your South Ward Councillor for the next four years. I also want to thank all my supporters and campaign staff for the past few weeks of intense effort theyve put into this election.... I have worked hard during this election campaign, and I will work just as hard to represent all ratepayers during my term on council. I look forward to representing you for the next four years. Thank you
23.01.2022 Last night's Subiaco Council meeting was remarkable. The public gallery was crowded with a big turn out of those who have an active interest in a developers plan to build a four storey ten unit apartment block next to the kindy at 95 Evans Street. First the good news; the council has unanimously divorced itself from the City Planners support for this project. The bottom line seemed to be that while it might be a good building, its in the wrong location. In other words it doe...s not belong next to single residential homes. The vote was 8 nil. Surprisingly the Mayor, and three other councillors, who have so far been firm in their support of this type of development didnt attend the meeting. Unfortunately thats not the end of the battle over 95 Evans Street, far from it. The developers had already bypassed the council deciding the issue by opting for another forum. Theyve put in an application with JDAP and all the council can do is make its views known. So the fight goes on.
20.01.2022 I went to the Councils briefing forum on the 95 Evans Street development last night. It was open to the public, but we could only listen. We couldnt ask any questions. It was good to see Councillors who had obviously done their homework. They really quizzed the city planning staff on this plan to wrangle ten apartments onto a single home site, as a four storey block next to the kindy.... Unfortunately, it seems that the Planning staff are resolute that this is the blueprint for the future. It will be interesting to see if this view is shared by the councillors when they vote next week.
20.01.2022 Congratulations and thanks to the Councillors who this week stood up for the citys ratepayers. At Tuesday nights meeting it was good to see thoughtful and clear headed debate address a developers desire to put a 4 storey ten unit apartment in Evans street, next to the Kindy. Perhaps that discussion was aided by the meeting being chaired by Deputy Mayor Judith Gedero, who maintained order while allowing debate to flow. Councillors spoke their mind without any sense of acrim...ony or threat of censure. A big public gallery was treated cordially, a welcome departure from the chilly reception at other meetings. At this meeting people with questions/statements, many concerning 95 Evans Street, were treated civilly and even given a little extra if they ran overtime. It was almost like an open-minded community meeting. After quizzing council planning staff closely, often clarifying issues ratepayers had raised, it was agreed that while it might be a fine building it was in the wrong location. The Council did not support the blueprint for the future that the city planners had so forcefully pressed. In effect it is a second vote of no confidence in the vision town planning staff have for our city. And again it was a unanimous vote divorcing the Councillors from the planners view. There must have been an urgent need for the Mayor and 3 Councillors to be unable to give the council the responsible notice of leave. Matters so pressing that they could not be there to support the Planners view of our future, which they have unstintingly backed. After losing the LPS5 battle our planners are now telling us zoned density is not the deciding factor, it is how much they like the developers plan. With no transition zones a developer can buy a block next to you and apply to build as many apartments as they desire. Unfortunately thats not the end of it for 95 Evans Street. The developers have opted for hearing in another forum. Theyve put in an application with JDAP. Rick Powell South Ward candidate.
18.01.2022 Thank you for the endorsement, I hope to be a strong voice for the community!
17.01.2022 The campaign for the council elections is drawing to an end. A lot of people have already voted in the South Ward, which is great. If you haven't then this is your opportunity to have your voice heard. Votes need to be in by 6pm on Saturday. If you are posting your ballot it ought to be in the mail by Wednesday afternoon to ensure it arrives in time. You can also hand deliver your vote on Saturday to the Council Chambers before 6pm. I have spoken to many of you as I have bee...n door-knocking these last few weeks, and one message is consistent. We all love Shenton Park, it's a special place and we love living here. We know change is coming to our suburb, it's how we manage it that counts. This is why your vote is so important. So please, make sure you, and your neighbours, have had your say in who you want to represent you for the next four years.
13.01.2022 Its the last day on the campaign trail and I have met many interesting people in these last few weeks. I have listed to what people love about our community and concerns you all have about our future. The thing that unites us all is our love for Shenton Park, and what a special place it is. Tonight we will know who will represent South Ward for the next four years, and be our voice on Subi Council. ... I would like to thank everyone whos voted, and remind those who have yet to vote that they have until 6pm tonight to deliver their ballot to the Subiaco council chambers.
11.01.2022 In the past few weeks Ive been doing a lot of walking the streets, talking to neighbours and door-knocking as part of this election campaign. I thought Id share some of what people have been telling me. Theres a few concerns.... Down the western end of Shenton Park its about unsustainable infill. Most people accept our suburb is going to change but its how we manage it that counts. Nobody was happy at the prospect of oversize, overlooking over shadowing neighbours. I think recognising the rights of our neighbours is essential to any fair system, and after all we are each others neighbours. Down the Eastern end of the ward its about traffic and parking. Many feel that the government did not provide adequate parking for the hospitals which has made already congested parking worse. Lets face it, nobody likes to fight for a space to park. Mind you its not just down the eastern end of Shenton Park, parking has become increasingly problematic through our suburb. Theres also safety worries about the parking around Rosalie Primary School, especially at during pick up and drop off. Twenty years ago when my children were at the school authorities were promising to address the problem then, and still nothing has happened. There were also many positives about our neighbourhood. Everyone loves our close knit community, our leafy green spaces, our family friendly atmosphere. They love our lake, our parks, our vibrant business strip, and community events. Carols by Candlelight, the Rosalie Fete, having a coffee and greeting friends as they pass. Everyone loves our suburb and wants to keep what makes it special. So do I. Thats why I'm asking for your vote in this election. Rick
11.01.2022 What a beautiful morning in Shenton Park! This is the view Im lucky to enjoy every day with my morning coffee, my own beautiful backyard. What are some of your favourite spots in Shenton Park?
10.01.2022 I would like to thank everyone who helped this happen tonight. Your support and advice has been invaluable. Thank you again to everyone who voted in these elections. I am looking forward to representing you as your councillor, and ensuring that Shenton Park remains a wonderful place to live. ... Tonight is the beginning and the hard work has just begun.
10.01.2022 Hello all, I just wanted to let you know Im going to be taking a short break from Facebook over the next few days. But dont worry, Ill be out and about in our community, so if you see me, feel free to stop and chat!
09.01.2022 I believe that one of the most pressing issues at the moment is the proposed development next to the Rosalie off site kindergarten, which is directly opposite my home. Now the future of our kindy is under threat. A developer plans to put a ten unit, four storey block of units immediately next door. It is way oversize and overshadows its neighbours. Im opposed to it and have made my objections known publicly and in submissions to the council. Vote for me, and I will be a voice for sustainable development that brings benefit to the community, not one that breaks it by ignoring zoning and other planning requirements.
07.01.2022 Tuesday night's council meeting is very important for for the future of our neighbourhood. If you want to ask any questions or make any statements at the meeting here's a link for everything you need to know. https://www.subiaco.wa.gov.au//Attending-a-meeting-of-coun
07.01.2022 Its been a warm few days for canvassing. Theres a need a good hat and sunscreen. Quite a few people are taking advantage of the sunny spring days and the long weekend to get into some gardening. I found former Mayor Helen Passmore out working in her lovely front garden, and it appears Ive already got her vote. Id like yours as well if you want a strong independent voice on Subiaco Council.
07.01.2022 All three of my children went to the Onslow Road Kindergarten and I was a regularly on site, often called in to help because I lived just over the road. Its a lovely setting. Now the playground and the classroom face having a four-story apartment block as their next door neighbour. The proposed block is nearly double the density allowed under the zoning and will overshadow its neighbours. It doesnt provide the required number of visitor parking bays, is bound to increase ...traffic and I think will make pick-up and drop-off times even worse. This is the kind of development the city planners and the mayor and her voting bloc have been pushing hard for in council. All ratepayer objections are dismissed. The Mayor has endorsed her candidate for the ward and its not me. I am not Pennys pick, and I am I not favour of this kind of over development next to a beloved kindy that has been part of our community for fifty years. I think anyone who wants to represent the community on council need to clearly state whether they will be supporting the developers or the ratepayers and the school. You know where I stand. And I need your vote if we are to retain what makes our community so special.
06.01.2022 Today is D-day on whether the Councillors will decide to support the city planners who have pushed so hard for this development, or will give their support to us - the ratepayers who have fought so hard against it. If the proposal gets up it means all the hard work we did on the LPS 5 means nothing. Developers can put in for whatever they like, ignoring the zoned density. In this case nearly double the density allowed, ten units on a single residential block next to the kindy..., and if this succeeds similar builds in other streets will follow. Below is an email I have received from retiring Councilor Julie Matheson. Council Agenda Item C2 RAR 95 Evans Street Shenton Park Do you trust planning staff and the Development Assessment Panels to approve "Transition Area" developments between R15 to R80 or R100 under LPS5? If you don't, this Council meeting is one to attend. Councillors will be debating whether they agree with the Officer Recommendation to give developers discretion to build a four storey, 10 unit development with a wall height of 12.55 metres which is above TPS4 approved wall height of no more than 6 metres but may be varied to 9 metres if there is no undue adverse impact on the adjoining residential sites or the general amenity of the locality. See cl 42(3)(a) and cl 42(3)(b). The property at 95 Evans Street is in a "Transition Area" between R15 Kindergarten site at 93 Evans Street and R100 which is planned for Railway Road in Shenton Park. A "Transition Area" is described as predominately grouped dwellings with some multiple dwellings, ref. Towards Perth and Peel @3.5million, Diverse City by Design Fact Sheets, July 2015 on page 12. Two or three storey terrace group housing would be more suitable for a "Transition Area" and they are some of the City's favourite homes. Please call me if you have any questions or email me anytime. Thank you. Cr. Julie Matheson Ruby Hutchison House, SUBIACO WA 6008 Phone: 0409 294 495 E: [email protected] www.juliematheson.com.au
05.01.2022 Hi all, The Community News - Perth have recently asked me to share my thoughts on three local government issues which have been raised by Subiaco residents, and I'd like to share them with you here. 1. Planning policies Local LPS5 and Subi East Redevelopment... People are putting to me that the handling of the LPS5 and the Subi East Redevelopment was poor, especially from the public relations point of view. In regards to the LPS 5 I think we could have got a better plan if the City Planners had taken some of the ratepayers views on board rather than dismissing them all. I also think transition zones need to be urgently addressed so we dont have big apartment blocks as next-door neighbours to residential blocks, as in the present proposal for 95 Evans Street. 2. Empty shop space in Subiaco Our Shenton Park business strip is doing well, with only one vacancy. Its vibrant and busy, and perhaps a tribute to our two independent Councillors. Its in stark contrast to Rokeby Road and the city centre where vacancy signs abound. The big problem is the dwindling footfall traffic since the closure of the Pavilion markets, the cinemas, the Station Street markets and the football at Subi oval. The lack of life in the city centre must be addressed but it will need intelligence imagination and creativity. One-off events, like street parties, will not help build the daily footfall traffic that is essential for the survival of our business centre. 3. Financial management of City materials and services I believe in prudent financial management, getting the right balance between the provision of services and value for the ratepayer dollar. Most people seem to be relatively happy with the services the City provides but many are unhappy about how much the council charges for these services via our rates. I hear consistently of homeowner shock that their rates are a fair bit higher than those of friends who live in equivalently sized blocks in neighbouring council areas. Perhaps in part thats because the City of Subiaco has a higher staff /ratepayer ratio than our neighbours, and that should be looked at as a budget consideration. And some of the questions ratepayers have been putting to me: Why has the council got fifty million dollars in the bank? Why isnt it using some of this money to keep a cap on rate rises? Why is it investing in commercial property outside our boundaries and what does that say about the faith it has in Subiacos business prospects? If elected these are some of the questions I will be putting to Council on behalf of ratepayers.
04.01.2022 I want to pay tribute to Hugh Richardson and all the work hes put in as an independent voice for the South Ward on council for the past six years. During my door knocking I havent heard a single bad word about him. I have heard a lot of praise and thanks and regret that hes not standing again. I share that regret because he has been an outstanding representative of our Shenton Park Community. Now hes passing the batton to me, and I just hope I can earn some of the warmth and respect he has garnered over the years.
03.01.2022 Ive lived in Shenton Park for over 35 years. My children went to the local kindy and then Rosalie Primary. I love our safe, leafy communal village; its been the perfect place to raise children. Im a journalist, broadcaster and corporate communications advisor. I have worked in governments at Federal, State and local level, so I understand what Councils do and how they do it. I have also owned and operated businesses in Subiaco. Subiaco has been good for my family and I wan...t to give something back. Density, amenity, facilities, traffic, transport, recreation etc. all impact our lifestyle. Change is inevitably coming to our suburb. Its how we manage it that counts. It will require open minds, goodwill, and meaningful respectful consultation. If elected, I will be your independent voice in Council and do all I can to ensure that your views are heard. Approved by Josephine A A MacFie, 15 Morgan Street Shenton Park, ph: 0410 481 340
02.01.2022 Hello, Im Rick Powell and I am standing for South Ward as an independent voice on council. I know Rosalie Primary well. It was a wonderful school for my three daughters. I was active on the school P&C, was a class liaison parent several times, went on class excursions and helped with the fete. I made many lasting friendships with other parents through my involvement in the school community.... I believe I would be a very effective representative for Rosalie, and our community on Subiaco Council and thats why Im seeking your vote. Thank you, Rick Powell Approved by Josephine A A MacFie, 15 Morgan Street Shenton Park, ph: 0410 481 340
02.01.2022 I went to the Councils briefing forum on the 95 Evans Street development last night. It was open to the public, but we could only listen. We couldnt ask any questions. It was good to see Councillors who had obviously done their homework. They really quizzed the city planning staff on this plan to wrangle ten apartments onto a single home site, as a four storey block next to the kindy. ... Unfortunately, it seems that the Planning staff are resolute that this is the blueprint for the future. It will be interesting to see if this view is shared by the councillors when they vote next week.
