John Bissett

John Bissett – Gets Things Done!

JOHN BISSETT – GETS THINGS DONE!

As a councillor previously for Town of Victoria Park, Banksia Ward and Carlisle Ward, City of Perth I am proud of the many things I personally initiated that have made a significant difference to our Town’s residents and environs. These include:

Increased our Vibrancy

  • My suggestion to cut planning “red tape” encouraged restaurants to establish on the strip.
  • Chairman of the Victoria Park Streetscape Committee upgrading Albany Highway in 1993/95.

Public Accountability

  • Moved that a public Question time be allowed at beginning and end of each Council Meeting.
  • Moved that Council Members’ briefing sessions (EMBS) be established: adopted by Town and state-wide.
  • Set up local consultations for residents on Council plans for Lathlain Park redevelopment

Financial Accountability

  • Always insisted on transparency and accountability in Administration accounting.

Support for Local Seniors

  • As chairman of Harold Hawthorne Centre Carlisle, established the first Home and Community Care Scheme in the area.

Support for the Town’s Artists

  • Founding member of the Town of Victoria Park’s Centre for the Arts in Kent Street.

Expanded Public Open Space

  • Moved Council’s reclassification of the old Carlisle/Lathlain Bowling Club land to public open space, supported by Councillor Keith Hayes.
  • My suggestion that Burswood Park and its environs be maintained from 1% of Casino takings was adopted.
  • Raphael Park precinct traffic reduced following negotiations re my suggestion that a sliproad from Albany highway to Canning Highway be built.
  • Worked towards the establishment of a passive recreation park which included the Town’s first area for skate boarders, “the Spoon”.
  • Moved that the old night soil dump on corner of George and Anketell Streets Kensington be reforested in line with adjoining bushland.

Environmental Achievements

  • Encouraged the Perth City Council to protect remnant bushland in Kensington, adjacent to Rossiter Park,  for future generations
  • Also moved to successfully stop the indiscriminate spraying of banned poisons on verges, parks and reserves.
  • My noticing trucks dumping asbestos fencing at Kent Street sand pit adjacent to Rossiter Park in 1996 resulted in Council stopping contractors dumping waste at the site.
  • My actions also stopped Town of Victoria Park Council allowing private contractors to store their equipment and trucks at the Lathlain depot

Protected Town History

  • Ensured the protection of our Town’s history by recommending the employment of the Town’s first history librarian.
  • Personally identified the location of the old Burswood Canal adjacent to the Stadium site and presented photos to the Town’s local history collection.
  • Assisted with the compilation of “Beyond Matta Gerup: a history of Victoria Park”.
  • Took significant interest in preserving Millen Home, one of our Town’s most historic buildings.
  • Identified and ensured Council protect some significant local landmarks, such as tram stops and other historical locations.

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