I attended the Australian Israel Hawke lecture on 07/07/2009. Here are a few interesting facts presented by Dr Clive Lipchin Director AVARA Institute of Environmental Studies Israel.

The Jordon river basin surface water system is shared by Syria, Jordon, Lebanon and Israel. Flows to the Dead Sea have long ceased and the water level has dropped 30 metres since 1960. Its surface is now 416 metres below sea level.

Every country around the Mediterranean Sea uses desalination.

No long term damage has been observed in any brine discharge area.

As I begin the last year of my term as a councillor it is worthwhile reviewing what we have achieved as a Council and I as your representative. The Council’s “big” things are easy to recall, Patpa Drive, the pool, Mayor Lewis elected president of the LGA, Hazelmere and Scarborough reserve upgrades, and Holdfast Bay joining our three bin rubbish system.

The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters is collecting the rainwater off the roof of the heritage listed Norwood oval grandstand.

Seasons Greeting especially to all equal opportunity aspirants people who have joined our community since my election in Nov 2006.

Here are some of my Gems of Marion, well worth a visit.

Marion Sports & Community Club Diagonal Road: for lunch or dinner.

Public art.: Go to www.marion.sa.gov.au  type the words "public art" over the words search our site and click enter. Every work is outstanding.

Swimming Centre, Hendrie Street, a class to suit, toddlers to competition, or, just for a swim.

I was honoured to be invited to attend the 100 year celebratory dinner in the excellent public dining area of the Marion sports and Community club. The Sunday markets (1st & 3rd) are great fun. We were all pleased to hear that the Federal Govt will honour a promise of $1m towards the expansion of the main building planned over the past 3 years. This is an outstanding community managed facility for a quiet family meal or for participation in any of the activities available. Why not become a member and share in the national association opportunities?

Those of you in Central Ward who read my candidate profile and letter box flyer will know that I believe in “low rates”. I accepted the 06/07 budget increase of 4.8% and worked with my fellow councillors in setting the 07/08 increase at 5.0 % after significant public consultation that included a professionally conducted phone survey of over 600 ratepayers. I have spent many hours in consultation with ratepayers (including some of the almost 30% who are on fixed incomes) and in studying the survey results and the budget process. I consider that an appropriate increase for 08/09 is 4.5%.

Describe two major initiatives you learned at the conferences. How can they be used to benefit ratepayers?

At “The Darling, the Drought & the Dust” conference at Bourke, I learnt that for every two drops of water that runs off the SA part of the basin we draw eleven from the river. We pump Murray water to Whyalla, Adelaide, Onkaparinga, Stockwell and Keith.

The work load of councillors continued to be quite high. I had intended to observe and learn about the strategic planning and budgeting processes. It soon became obvious that I would have to work very hard to meet the “low rates” expectation I had created with my candidate profile and letterbox flyer. 

I beging work!

Thanks to those of you who read my candidate profile and letter box flyer and chose to vote for me to represent you on the 2006-2010 council.