21 July 2020

JobKeeper extension a great result
 
Last week I highlighted the need for the JobKeeper Program to be extended to provide support for the people of Cumberland City and the rest of Australia. With this in mind, I am extremely pleased by the recent announcement that the Federal Government will extend the scheme until March 2021. 

Cumberland City has many residents who benefit from this program and I am very supportive of the opportunity given to our residents and indeed all Australians, to learn new skills, up-skill, and fill jobs during this difficult time. 

In the coming months, the scheme will focus on apprenticeships, an area in which is fair to say has been in decline for many years and it's good to see the inclusion of TAFE as one of the registered training administrators for this program.   
School pedestrian crossing for Guildford Public School
 
I recently visited Guildford Public School to inspect a pedestrian school crossing that had been approved on Military Road Guildford to ensure the safety of the school's students.

With the support of Deputy Mayor Eddy Sarkis, it's great that we were able to support this great initiative and help to ensure the safety of Cumberland City residents.

Students Mohamad Elomran and Akram Omar, were the driving forces behind this initiative. I am really proud of their tenacity and perseverance to
make this crossing a reality.
Step up on public housing
 
Public housing makes up 5.77% of households in Cumberland City, ranking us 7th in Greater Sydney. Many of these properties are in a state of disrepair and wait times for maintenance can span over many years. 
 
There is no shortage of horror stories, and the mess I witnessed at a public housing property in Sydney's west recently, was amongst the worst cases I've seen. While many will say housing residents have an obligation to keep their premises clean and tidy, which is entirely correct, housing authorities also have a duty of care to these residents.
 
Housing authorities need to step up and ensure these properties are liveable and safe. This isn't an issue we can tackle alone as a Council in Sydney's west, and we require support from the State Government to ensure these responsibilities are met.
Cumberland City second fastest area for processing DAs

Cumberland City Council has been ranked the second fastest Local Government Area for processing development applications in Sydney, considered by the Regional Panel.  During the 2019/20 financial year, Cumberland City achieved a median processing time of 91 days, which is five days faster than the median processing time in the previous financial year.

Development applications can now be lodged electronically through the NSW Planning Portal that is managed by the NSW Government. For more information visit  www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au
Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival 2020 

Due to the public health risk posed by COVID-19, Cumberland City Council's annual Cherry Blossom Festival will not proceed this year. The event, which last year attracted nearly 90,000 attendees, is usually held in the Japanese Garden of the Auburn Botanic Gardens.
 
This decision was not made lightly, however the health and safety of visitors to our events and parks are of the utmost priority.
 
We understand this decision will be very disappointing for residents and tourists who have attended our Cherry Blossom Festival in recent years, but the health and safety of visitors to our events is our main concern.
 
The Japanese Gardens will be closed from 1 August to 10 September, with potential for extended closure subject to health advice. The remainder of the Auburn Botanic Gardens is expected to stay open, however, Council and parks staff will monitor this in accordance with the latest health advice on public gatherings.
 
We ask any visitors to the Auburn Botanic Gardens to observe physical distancing restrictions and hygiene precautions.

Put your Waste in the Right Place

When incorrect items are placed in your yellow recycling bin it contaminates the collection and recovery of recycling. This means that high loads of contaminated recycling bins may get sent to landfill, wasting your recycling efforts. 

To keep the recycling stream clean, only place the correct items in the yellow lid bin and keep the items loose, do not bag recycling or put soft plastics such as bags or cling wrap. Discover a list of guilty culprits found in the recycling bin and test your knowledge on our website page here.
What's On 
Drop off your chemicals

Saturday 25 July 2020, 9am to 3.30pm.

Guildford Depot, 167 Fairfield Rd, Guildford West.

For more details visit our website
Business webinars for you

8-weeks of free yoga

Boost your physical and mental being from the comfort of your home.

Classes begin 25 July to 27 September every Saturday and Sunday.

Book your spot now on our website.
Contact your Councillors

Cumberland City Council has 14 Councillors representing the five Wards of Granville, Greystanes, South Granville, Regents Park and Wentworthville. 

The primary role of a Councillor is to represent the people who live in their Ward. 

They are your local representative to Council. 

To find out who are the Councillors for your ward and their contact details please click here.

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