Colin Latchem,
Dalkeith.
Local government is not apathetic, as suggested by Councillor John Weatherall.
Camera IconColin Latchem, Dalkeith. Local government is not apathetic, as suggested by Councillor John Weatherall. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Electors care for environment, lifestyle

Colin Latchem, DalkeithWestern Suburbs Weekly

In asserting that “Local government seems to assume the end stifies the means”, his comments read more like those of someone from the development industry, rather than a member of the City of Nedlands council who one would expect to defend the council’s actions and deliberations.

His highly emotive remarks such as “loss of rights for heritage purposes and management of trees” and “imposition of a green lifestyle, controlling policies concerning vehicle spaces, use of and access to alternative energy, and over-stringent design guidelines that restrict proprietors’ choices” clearly indicate that, like Margaret Thatcher, Cr Weatherall believes that there is no such thing as society and that it should be open slather for all.

You do not need to be a greenie or a socialist to believe that for our own sakes and those of the future generations, the individual’s rights should be balanced with the neighbours’ and wider community rights and it is only responsible to retain the architectural character and health-giving greenery of our western suburbs and ensure sustainable development.

The City of Nedlands has just gone through consultations with the public over its new town planning scheme and the electors have responded magnificently.

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This shows they care for their environment and lifestyle, are far from apathetic as Cr Weatherall suggests, and put their trust in councillors and staff to respect their rights.

It does not help Cr Weatherall’s case to describe our local, democratically elected representatives as using “weapons in the front line of this war” and sadly, it is not only in socialistic nations that political unrest and corruption rule the day.