Athina Pascoe-Bell

POLICIES

ACCESSIBLE COUNCIL

I currently make myself available to the community on weekends and after hours, as well as during business hours.
I will continue engaging with and supporting the community during my next term.
Keep an eye out for me at local shopping centres and cafes on weekends and after work.
Follow my Facebook page or contact me if you have any questions.
I always welcome discussions with members of our community.

URBAN REVITILASATION

Older suburbs require revitilisation; wider footpaths, tree planting, edge trimming.
I'm sick of seeing grass growing over the curbing and on to the roads. If re-elected, the next term of council will focus on review and bolstering public place by-laws to ensure that all residents maintain their verges.
Council spends considerable amounts of money across all suburbs, but older suburbs require renewal. We now have a Play Space Strategy to guide council spending on playgrounds and open space, and asset management plans in place to ensure that we can renew and improve other public assets as required.
Council works with communities to improve facilities, like Moulden Park School students who requested refurbishment of Tiverton Park which Council delivered. We are now working with Woodroffe school and community in the refurbishment of Woodroofe Park.
Council works in conjunction with the Northern Territory Government in urban renewal projects and opportunities.

EQUALITY AND APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR

In the past I observed inappropriate behaviour directed towards members of the community; business owners, developers, residents, including bias in decision making, attempts to harass and\or investigate inappropriately, undue process, threats to menace and stalk people.
I won't tolerate this kind of behaviour.
Members of the community should be free to go about their usual business without fear of interference.
Members of the community should be free to express to the Council or the broader community what it is that the Council is not doing appropriately.
If you experience this kind of treatment, please let me know. I believe due process, natural justice and equality are essential elements of a healthy society.

APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR OF YOUR COUNCIL

In the past I observed inappropriate behaviour by councillors, including swearing, name calling, baseless allegations, threats and attempting to seek personal benefits for them or their mates. All of this type of behaviour undermines council processes and bully other councillors into unsound decision making.
As Mayor, I don't tolerate this kind of behaviour by councillors.
Councillors neeed to consider the interests of the entire community, and need to make their case with evidence and sound debate, without conducting themselves inappropriately.

PAID PARKING IN THE CBD

People should be able to freely come into the city to undertake general activities such as using the library, meeting friends for lunch, going to the supermarket or getting a haircut. This would also support the businesses.
Paid parking in the city centre will remain remain free
We support local businesses by removing red-tape, like we did by removing alfresco dining fees.

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Council has taken an innovative approach to Animal Management By-laws, and has asked the community what they want first, demonstrating a commitment to genuine consultation with the community.
The community have indicated support for stronger dog management by-laws and also for the introduction of cat management.
New Animal Management By-Laws based on the feedback from the community were introduced in 2014!

GREEN AND COOL

In years gone by, Palmerston removed more trees than were planted. Over the last three years Council has increased tree planting to over 1,000 per year.
Our environment is hot and harsh. We need a strategy to keep the streets and walkways green and cool.
Residents have asked for community tree planting in local parks and to plant fruit and veg in local parks, Our council has delivered policies to allow residents to plant in parks and open spaces.
The Greening of Temple Terrace has greatly improved the amenity of this space and brought it into line with the lower end of Chung Wah Terrace - beautifully landscaped and valued by the community.
My focus for the next term of Council will be on water management and efficiencies.

YOUTH

Did you know that number of Palmerston teenagers and youth will approximately double in the next 10 - 15 years? That's a lot more kids to keep entertained and occupied.
We need more activities and youth engagement now and going forward.
The Palmerston Youth Festival has been a huge success, celebrating youth and geek culture for many years and will continue under my leadership.
City of Palmerston now also supports several youth centres operating in Palmerston with the support of NTG and the not for profit sector.

SENIORS

As more people choose to stay in Palmerston post retirement, we will see the number of seniors increase also.
We need to ensure facilities for seniors are accessible for mobility scooters and accessible by public transport.
My council has committed to improving connectivity and footpaths across the City of Palmerston.
Council should not expect Non-Government Organisations to fill the accessibility gap when providing services for seniors.
Gray Community Hall has been upgraded to an accessible facility supporting a diverse range of community groups.
The Zuccoli Community Hub will be an accessible, inclusive space for our diverse community, and I am happy to report that both sides of federal politics have committed $10M towards the construction of this much needed facility.

ADVOCATING FOR COMMUNITY

A voice for the community.
I will help you work through issues in order to find solutions. I represent the people, not personal interest.
I'm more than happy to present your point of view to the Council.
If there is procedural inequity in the way Council operates, I will advocate on your behalf.
Consultation is genuine and involves our diverse community.

CRIME PREVENTION

Crime is a key concern of most people in Palmerston. I have also been affected.
It's not only kids and youth who are perpetrators of crime.
Council has been actively working with Police, and other government agencies share information and intelligence on a daily basis, which has been significant improvement in the way emerging social problems are managed.
There are technologies that council can use to assist with reducing crime. We will actively seek and obtained additional CCTV cameras for police to use in Palmerston.
I am committed to continuing to work with Police and NTG to reduce crime in Palmerston.