Graham Matthews, Sydney
On September 27, Sam Byrne was elected the first ever Green mayor of Marrickville Council. But he doesn't expect smooth sailing for his Green team. The Greens hold five of the 12 positions and, as he told Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly, "Being elected mayor doesn't change the numbers on council".
Asked about what the Greens had achieved since 2004, Byrne pointed to the rehabilitation of the Cooks River as one important social gain. He also mentioned the Stamp Program, which supports those who have just been released from prison, and the employment by council of a new public transport planner.
Byrne said that council "would not be afraid" of making its voice heard on social issues, and was proud of Greens initiatives to improve community consultation, particularly objections to overdevelopment. "Under the [Barry Cotter] Labor administration there used to be only one speaker for and one speaker against a development. Now there's three speakers allowed for and against."
The Marrickville Greens are also keen to set up precinct committees to improve community access to council. "The community can push an idea, and the council can inform the community of its ideas and programs, as well as get feedback." The council has also established a new five-year development plan for Marrickville and is seeking community input.
Asked about the impact of the Howard government's industrial relations "reforms" on council, he said that "Employees need have no fear that the council won't protect them ... But we also recognise that [the laws] will have a serious impact on the community and we'll be looking at ways to ameliorate that."
Byrne pledged council support for the ACTU-sponsored national day of action against the IR laws on November 15, including supporting council employees who wanted to participate on the day.
Opposition to the occupation of Iraq is another important part of council's agenda, Byrne said. "Marrickville has a proud record of opposing this war and invasion, and the people of Marrickville expect their council to continue to support the campaign."
Recent planning legislation passed by the NSW state government will restrict councils' power to prevent major development. According to Byrne, "Development should be managed at a grassroots level with the council responding to the local topography and issues. We will certainly pressure the state government to adopt a responsible approach to development. The state government is willing to assist large projects and to take control of those out of the hands of councils. That's wrong and we'll fight that."
As mayor, Byrne will forego using the V8 Holden Statesman Caprice provided to previous mayors. Instead, he plans to "use a bicycle and look into redirecting the funds saved to provide childcare places in Marrickville".
From Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly, October 26, 2005.
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