www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

WHAT’SINSIDE

• HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF FAIRFIELD CITY• MAYORAL INITIATIVES - NEW YEARS EVE• WHAT’S ON

CITY LIFESPECIAL EDITION ISSUE 66 2015 FAIRFIELDCITYCOUNCIL

Have Your SayOn the future of Fairfield City THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING AN AMALGAMATION BETWEEN FAIRFIELD AND LIVERPOOL COUNCILS

COMPLETE THE SURVEYON THE BACK PAGE

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Have your say on Fairfi eld City’s future.

This is the most signifi cant reform in New South Wales local government history.

The State Government has asked Fairfi eld City Council to comment on the option of amalgamating Fairfi eld and Liverpool councils. This will create one City with a future estimated population of more than 500,000.

It is my personal view that any plans to amalgamate two cities - that are already two of the biggest in Sydney - should be a decision the people should make, not politicians or Governments on their own.

The fi nal decision will be made by the State Government.

Council feels it’s important for you the residents to be aware of these options, and to have your say.

Council currently is of the view that given we are rated one of the most effi cient by NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp) that no amalgamation proceed unless clear benefi ts are identifi ed for Fairfi eld residents. Although the State Government will make the fi nal decision, Council is determined to advocate for the best interests of the residents and our City.

Council amalgamations are discussed in more detail on the following pages.

Please take the time to complete the survey on the back.

Frank Carbone Mayor of Fairfield Cityfcarbone@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

HOW THE TWO COUNCILS COMPARE

How we compare

Fairfi eld Liverpool Combined

Population (ERP 2013) 201,427 195,355 396,782

Forecast Population 2031 239,900 288,950 500,000 +

Land Area 102km2 306km2 408km2

Average Residential Rates & Annual Charges ($300K)

$1,352 $1,618 unknown

Average Business Rates & Annual Charges ($500K)

$2,571 $2,893 unknown

Estimated Council Debt (Loans) $1.7 million $41million $42.7 million

The Current Situation

Council’s Finances Fairfi eld Liverpool

Current Financial Position (Tcorp Assessment) Sound Sound

Financial Outlook (Tcorp Assessment) Neutral Negative

Total Expenditure (2013-2014) $150 million $151 million

Average Residential Rates & Annual Charges ($300K) $1,352 $1,618

Average Business Rates & Annual Charges ($500K) $2,571 $2,893

Debt (Loans) $1.7 million $41 million

Local Representation

Number of Wards 3 2

Number of Councillors 12 10

Number of residents per Councillor 16,785 19,535

Mayor Popularly Elected Popularly Elected

For more information visit www.ourfairfi eldcity.com.au or call Council on 9725 0222 for language aides.

THE FUTURE OF FAIRFIELD CITYPlease complete the survey on the back page

2 CITY LIFE

Please complete the survey on the back page.

The State Government is considering amalgamations for NSW councils. The aim is to reduce councils from 41 to 18.

The options being considered for Fairfi eld is to stand alone or amalgamate with Liverpool. This would create one City with a future estimated population of more than 500,000.

Council’s preliminary fi ndings suggest an amalgamation will not benefi t its residents.

We are required by 30 June to submit a report to the State Government on fi nancial management, service delivery and scale and capacity. Fairfi eld Council will be able to show that it meets the Governement’s criteria.

Council is already the third largest council by population in Sydney. The current fi nancialposition is sound as rated by the NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp).

Council has a high standard of service delivery and our rates are substantially cheaper than most other councils.

While our Council does not support forced amalgamations. We want to hear your views on the City’s future.

What is an amalgamation? It is when two or more councils (local governments) combine or merge together.

Fairfi eld City’s FutureIt is important for Council to provide information to its community on the options of standing alone or amalgamating. Providing this information allows you as residents to make informed decisions, and we want to hear your views.

AMALGAMATION OR STAND ALONE?

KEY POINTS

Fairfi eld Councilis 3rd largest in Sydney

by population (over 200,000 people)

Fairfi eld Council is bigger than othercouncils

notconsidered

for an amalgamation

Fairfi eld Council’s outlook willmeet State

Government’s criteria

NSW TCorp rated Fairfi eld Council as “fi nancially sound”

Fairfi eld Council has lower residential

and business rates

A larger Council could have greater

coordinationof planning

matters, if the State transfersits powers Fairfi eld Council has high

standards of service delivery and

cheaper rates than most councils

Fairfi eld Council’sfi ndings show

amalgamation provides little benefi t for our residents

A larger Council could have a greater infl uence StateGovernment

For more information visit www.ourfairfi eldcity.com.au or call Council on 9725 0222 for language aides.

Advantages:- amalgamationwith Liverpool City Council • State Government may transfer

responsibilities such as planning matters to larger councils

• A larger Council could have greater infl uence on State and Federal Governments

• Increased funding opportunities

• Lower residential and business rates

• Decisions about service delivery refl ect local priorities

• Current local representation maintained

• Current local identity maintained

• A focus on local priorities rather than Liverpool’s developing areas

• Maintain a focus on Fairfi eld’s suburban centres while supporting Liverpool and Parramatta as regional cities

• No transitional costs

Advantages:- Fairfi eld City Council standing alone

HAVE YOUR SAY

CITY LIFE 3

Families this year can celebrate the New Year in our own City.

A Council proposal has been supported by local clubs to host the inaugural New Year’s Eve event and fi reworks spectacular.

Set to be one of Western Sydney’s biggest fi reworks displays, the celebrations will involve 10 sites across the City, along with a main site featuring family friendly entertainment and fi reworks. It is proposed that the fi reworks be released from all sites about 9pm, uniting the City in one spectacular event.

Families will have the opportunity to enjoy this event from many locations. With a total so far of 11 sites spread across the local government area there will be something close to home for all residents.

Fairfi eld libraries come of (the digital) age.The program will also see a suite of improvements aimed at transforming our libraries into a cutting edge, modern and technologically sophisticated service for our residents now and into the future.

The centre-piece of this modernisation program will be to provide the ability for our community to have a library service that could open 24 hours, seven days a week depending on demand. Other improvements will include the provision of free wi-fi and computer facilities, iPad and Android devices, an extension of group study spaces and the creation of lounge areas.

NEW YEARS EVEComing to Fairfi eld City in 2015

MAYOR’S INITIATIVES

4 CITY LIFE

X-FACTOR WINNER TO HEADLINE BRING IT ON! 2015 Marlisa Punzalan was the youngest winner of The X Factor when she took the title in 2014. The Western Sydney resident will headline Bring It On! Festival on Sunday 19 April 2015.

Marlisa will lead a big line-up of local youth talent at this year’s festival, which is the biggest Youth Week event in NSW. Last year more than 12,000 young people fl ocked to Fairfi eld Showground to join the Bring It On! Festival celebrations.

Bring It On! Festival is part of National Youth Week, which runs from 10-19 April. Youth Week aims to shine a spotlight on young people aged 12-25 and raise awareness of youth issues and needs. Youth Week provides opportunities for young people to get involved in a range of events across Fairfi eld City.

Bring It On! Festival is proudly presented by Fairfi eld City Council and sponsored by Stockland Wetherill Park.

Bring It On! Festival 2015 will feature three stages of entertainment, with Marlisa, With Confi dence, Team 9Lives, Trick it On! Tricking competition, rides, singers, dancers, food, info stalls and an active sports zone. It all ends with a LOUD TR!BE Project Dance Party from 5pm to 7.30pm.

Bring It On! Festival is a drug and alcohol-free event. A free shuttle bus service will be operating all day from local train stations.

Details about Bring It On! Festival can be found on the Council website, Facebook (www.facebook.com/bringitonfest) and Twitter (@bringitonfest).

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CITY LIFE 5

ADVENTURES IN FAIRFIELD

Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands Bike track, Lansvale

COMING SOON

6 CITY LIFE

Fairfi eld Adventure Park, Fairfi eld

COMING SOONNew Water Park including children’s water play area, Stingray surfi ng / skim-boarding half pipe ride, and family cabanas coming to Prairiewood Leisure Centre

Walking track and outdoor gym coming to Abbotsbury already at Horsley Park Reserve, Emerson Street Reserve, Adams Park and Bonnyrigg Park

CITY LIFE 7

SENIOR’S WEEK

FITNESS IN PARKSOur City has about 200 parks and 90 sportsfi elds, so there are plenty of ways for Fairfi eld City residents to keep fi t and active. There is more than 90kms of cycleway and shared path across Fairfi eld.

Horsley Park Showground has a new walking path and outdoor gym equipment. A walking circuit at Stockdale Reserve in Abbotsbury should be complete in July. Signs will inform people how many laps will burn the equivalent calories of a chocolate bar or soft drink.

There is new outdoor exercise equipment at Horsley Park Reserve and Emerson Street Reserve, which adds to the existing equipment at a number of other parks across Fairfi eld City.

The free Gyms in Parks’ program, funded by Council and the NSW Government, was launched in February. This six-week program at Endeavour Reserve allowed attendees to be put through their paces by qualifi ed fi tness instructors twice a week.

For more information visit the Fairfi eld City Council website WWW.fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

Fairfi eld City Leisure Centres will show appreciation to seniors in the community during its annual Seniors Open Day at Cabravale Leisure Centre from 8.30am to 2pm on Tuesday 17 March.And because it’s also St Patrick’s Day, they’ll be having a “Green Theme”!

This year, there will be an opportunity to participate in tai chi and aqua fi tness classes.

Visitors will be encouraged to have a free health check, including a blood sugar check and postural assessment. In addition, there will be a number of health specialists on hand – chiropractor, nutritionist, podiatrist and more – to provide advice for healthy living.

Members and guests are welcome to take part in all activities and a free morning tea. Members of Fairfi eld City Leisure Centres can win lucky door prizes and enjoy a healthy lunch.

If you are 60 years of age or older and hold an Aged Pensioner Concession Card or a Seniors Card, inquire about a monthly membership at any of Fairfi eld City’s Leisure Centres.

Membership provides access to the gym, pool, sauna, and group fi tness classes. For details, phone 9757 2433.

SENIORS WEEK

COMMUNITY WELLBEING

8 CITY LIFE

EASTERThe Easter long weekend, beginning with Good Friday and fi nishing with Easter Monday, is a fantastic opportunity to spend more time with your family and friends.

It is an important celebration for many in our community and is observed in a variety of ways across our City.

Come and join the free Easter celebrations across the City

Cabramatta Town CentreWednesday 1 April, time: 10am - 1pm

Fairfi eld City CentreThursday 2 April, time: 11am - 1pm

Canley Vale Town CentreThursday 2 April, time: 10am - 1pm

Canley Heights Town CentreThursday 2 April, time: 1pm - 3pm

Fairfi eld City will celebrate the School Holidays (from 11-26 April) with fun activities across our City for the whole family

Keep the kids reading and learning at Fairfi eld City Libraries. Throughout holiday periods, the libraries run great interactive workshops, shows, reading clubs, homework help sessions and story times. Pop into your local library to see what it has on offer during the school holidays, or visit the Fairfi eld City Council website www.fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au/libraries

The Museum and Gallery will again host its incredible arts and crafts workshops for children. Workshops build creative skills and allow children to explore their imagination with a variety of hands-on, practical sessions including art, sketching, craft and more. Sessions start on Tuesday 7 April and will run until Friday 17 April. Visit the Museum and Gallery website (www.livingmuseum.com.au) for more details and session dates or call 9609 3993 to register.

Fairfi eld City leisure centres Swim Academy will conduct Learn-to-Swim lessons (for all ages from six months to adults) during the school holidays at all three leisure centres

Fairfi eld and Prairiewood leisure centres will also host the pool infl atables again these holidays! The infl atable obstacle course was a popular addition to our pools during the Christmas holidays and is great fun for kids up to 15 years old. Visit www.fairfi eldcityleisurecentres.com.au for more information.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

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CITY LIFE 9

HARMONY DAYCelebrate the energy and diversity of Fairfi eld at our Harmony Day celebrations at the Museum and Gallery.

Harmony Day on 21 March celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Immerse yourself in contemporary and traditional music and dance, tai chi and meditation workshops, cooking demonstrations and food tasting, as well as fi lms, exhibitions and displays. Includes face painting and arts activities for children. Food and drink will be available.

Register before Friday 13 March to win one of ten, 7 day passes to Fairfi eld City’s leisure centres (valued at over $100 each).

Saturday 21 March from 11am-2pm.

Fairfi eld City Museum & Gallery, 632 The Horsley Drive, Smithfi eld.

This is a free event, but please register your attendance by contacting 9609 3993 ormuseumgallery@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

Funding Opportunities

Community organisations provide vital services throughout Fairfi eld City that help to build our community and assist the most vulnerable. All these activities help make the people and communities of Fairfi eld City a great place to live, work and play. The diversity in grant and funding opportunities ensures there is something for everyone who has an idea or program that strengthens our community and our environment.

Fairfi eld City Council’s Social Change through Creativity Grant Program, and the ClubGRANTs program 2015 funding rounds are now open for applications, with both of the 2015 rounds closing early April.

The Social Change through Creativity Grant Program aims to encourage and support creative-based projects that include and address an issue of importance in the community.

Funding through the ClubGRANTs program is for community development projects to address a wider range of community issues such as services for young people, people with disabilities, domestic violence education and prevention, and aged care.

If you are a community organisation and would like more information about these funding opportunities and how to apply, visit the Fairfi eld City Council website or www.clubgrants-fairfi eld-city-council-smartygrants-com.au.

GRANTS

COMMUNITY WELLBEING

10 CITY LIFE

A SAFER FAIRFIELD

BEAUTY RETURNS TO WATERWAY

As part of its strategy for reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in Fairfi eld, Council is installing CCTV in public open spaces in various locations across the local government area.To date, CCTV systems have successfully been installed in a number of priority locations across the City, including Villawood, Horsley Park Village, Fairfi eld Heights and selected parklands.

Stage 1 of CCTV installation at identifi ed areas within Fairfi eld CBD started in March 2015. Further works in the CBD are planned to align with the 2015-16 budget allocation.

CCTV is also being installed at the Fairfi eld Youth and Community Centre and Adventure Park sites.

Orphan School Creek is undergoing large-scale rehabilitation between Avoca Road and the Cumberland Highway, Canley Heights/Fairfi eld West.The $1.55 million project will rejuvenate more than 800 metres of the creek, with works including:

• Reshaping the creek banks

• Improvements and modifi cations to stormwater outlets

• Placement of sandstone rock to help stabilise creek banks

• Creation of a viewing area

• Planting of more than 74,000 local native plants sourced from Council’scommunity nursery at the Nalawala Sustainability Hub.

The works will result in an improved waterway and provide greater amenity for residents. The creek banks will be protected from erosion, water quality will be improved, habitat diversity will increase and residents will have greater access to this rejuvenated natural asset.

The rehabilitation of Orphan School Creek is of regional signifi cance. The health of Prospect Creek and the Georges River is directly linked to the health of Orphan School Creek, the most important tributary of Prospect Creek. It also contains remnants of river fl at eucalypt forest on coastal fl oodplains, which is an endangered ecological community of the Cumberland Plain.

The works began in February 2015 and are expected to be completed in Spring 2015, weather permitting.

If you would like to fi nd out more about the Orphan School Creek improvement project, please contact Council’s Catchment Management Offi cer on 9725 0222.

An example of creek improvement works at Wilson Creek, Simpson Road, Bonnyrigg Heights. Inset: before work commenced

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CITY LIFE 11

LEADERSHIP AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

SOCIAL MEDIA

LIKE OR FOLLOW US ON

@Fairfi eldCity @Fairfi eldMayor

@fairfi eldcity @FCC.Mayor

fairfi eldcity

Do you want to know what is happening in your areaFairfi eld City Council is committed to keeping our residents informed about projects, events, building works and other news through a number of channels.

One of the main ways to access all information about Council is through its website (www.fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au). Council established its fi rst website in 1996 and last updated in 2006.

Council is now in the process of creating a new website that will feature easy-to-fi nd and up-to-date information and new technology to meet existing and future needs, making it easier to do business with Council.

The new website will be better for:

• Engaging with our diverse community to plan our City’s future and service delivery priorities,

• Improving the quality and accessibility of content, and

• Building our capacity to do business with customers electronically, saving time and money for the community and Council.

Facebook and Twitter are great ways to keep up-to-date with Council projects and events.

For week-by-week updates on current news and events, as well as public notices and positions vacant, check your copy of Fairfax Media Ltd’s Fairfi eld Champion, which is home delivered to most residents throughout Fairfi eld City.

12 CITY LIFE

WHAT’S ON

MARCH2015

14 - 22 MarchSENIORSWEEK

Tuesday 17 MarchiPAD FOR BEGINNERSCabramatta LibraryPhone: 9725 0365Cost: FREE

Tuesday 26 MarchCABRAMATTA EAST COMMUNITY FUN DAYCabravale Leisure CentrePhone: 9723 4412

APRIL2015

Wednesday 1 AprilEASTER BUNNY CABRAMATTA TOWN CENTRE10am - 1pmCost: Free

Thursday 2 AprilEASTER BUNNY FAIRFIELD CITY CENTRE 11am-1pmCost: Free

Thursday 2 AprilEASTER BUNNYFAIRFIELD CITY CENTRE11am - 1pm Cost: FREE

Thursday 2 AprilEASTER BUNNYCANLEY VALE10am - 1pm CANLEY HEIGHTS1pm - 3pm Cost: FREE

Tuesday 7 AprilLEARN TO SWIM HOLIDAY PROGRAMAll leisure centresPhone: 9757 2433

SUNDAY 19 APRILBRING IT ON! FESTIVALFairfi eld ShowgroundCost: FREE

Monday 20 AprilLEARN TO SWIM TERM 2 PROGRAMAll leisure centresPhone: 9757 2433

Saturday 25 AprilANZAC DAY

Saturday 25 AprilANZAC DAY

MAY2015

Friday 8 MayMOTHER’S DAYIN FAIRFIELD CITY CENTRE11am - 1pmCost: Free

Sunday 10 MayMOTHER’S DAYIN FAIRFIELD CITY CENTRE

FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Fairfi eld City Council 9725 0222

UPCOMING COUNCIL EVENTS

CECILIA CASTRO EXHIBITION

Fairfi eld City Museum and Gallery

16 May - 15 August

Mapuche is a combination of previous and new works from ceramicist Cecilia Castro. This exhibition is inspired by the largest indigenous group known as the Mapuche and plots the poverty and the population of this ethnic group. The new work is presented in conjunction with Chilean and Argentinean people who identify with the Mapuche people.

Phone: 9609 3993

CITY LIFE 13

Frank Carbone Mayor

Tel 9725 0203fcarbone@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

MAYOR

George Barcha

0427 901 166gbarcha@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

Charbel Saliba

0417 708 582csaliba@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

Lawrence White

0438 222 971lwhite@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

Ken Yeung

0416 113 888kyeung@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

PARKS W

ARD

Del Bennett

0409 665 101dbennett@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

Dai Le

0410 899 787dle@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

Kien Ly

0427 961 710kly@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

Nhan Tran

0458 300 255ntran@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

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CONTACT US

PHONE 9725 0222 | FAX 9725 4249

WAKELEY ADMINISTRATION CENTRE86 Avoca Road, WakeleyBusiness Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm

MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 21, Fairfi eld NSW 1860Email mail@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

IN CASE OF EMERGENCYAmbulance/Fire/Police 000Power Failures - Integral Energy 131 003

www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

WATER/SEWERAGE PROBLEMS Sydney Water 132 090Gas Leaks - AGL 131 909

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS or COMMUNITY ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS please call 9725 0222

FOLLOW FAIRFIELD CITY COUNCIL

facebook.com/fairfieldcitytwitter.com/fairfieldcity

FAIRFIELD

WA

RD

Milovan Karajcic

0417 770 110mkarajcic@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

Ninos Khoshaba (Deputy Mayor)0447 112 210nkhoshaba@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

Joe Molluso

0418 440 971jmolluso@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

Zaya Toma

0450 924 933ztoma@fairfi eldcity.nsw.gov.au

MEET YOUR COUNCILLORS

14 CITY LIFE

Have Your Say Survey

Fairfi eld City Council

Reply Paid 21

FAIRFIELD NSW 1860

FOLD

Please return this survey by Friday 3 April 2015.

BY DROP OFF TO:

• Fairfi eld City Council Administration Building

• Child Care Centres

• Libraries

• Leisure Centres

OR

BY POST:

• Fold this page in half andseal with some adhesivetape and post back.

TAPE

No stamp requiredif posted in Australia

CITY LIFE 15

FAIRFIELD CITY’S FUTURE RESIDENT SURVEY

6. What language do you speak at home?

7. In which suburb do you live?

8. What is your age group?

17 and under 18 – 34 35 – 54 55 - 74 75 years and over

9. Gender?

Male Female Dem

ogra

phic

Que

stio

ns

YES NO UNSURE

Hav

e Yo

ur S

ayTear off survey and return to Fairfi eld City Council.No stamp required

For more information visit www.ourfairfi eldcity.com.au or call Council on 9725 0222 for language aides.

1. Are you aware of the recommendation being considered by the State Government about an amalgamation of Fairfi eld City Council and Liverpool City Council?

Yes No

2. Which of the following are important to you as a resident of Fairfi eld City? (Tick as many as you wish)

Maintain services and facilities (libraries, leisure centres, parks, buildings)

Low rates

Local identity

Focus on local priorities

Local representation

Investments in local infrastructure (buildings, roads, bridges and footpaths)

Ability to infl uence the State and Federal Governments

3. Are you concerned about the impacts of an amalgamation between Fairfi eld and Liverpool councils in any of the following areas?

Local identity

Focus on local priorities

Local representation

Ability to infl uence the State and Federal Governments

Ability to participate in local decisions

Services and facilities (libraries, leisure centres, parks, buildings)

Investments in local infrastructure (buildings, roads, bridges and footpaths)

Rates

4. Do you support Fairfi eld City standing alone and not amalgamating with Liverpool Council? Yes No

5. Why do you say that?

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16 CITY LIFE