YourOnlineCommunity started and is based in Wollongong and their weekly e-magazine WollongongOnline (sister publication to ParramattaOnline and SutherlandShireOnline) has been vocal over several years about the town planning processes there and in particular the Wollongong Council’s determination to shut down any rate-payer criticism to its activities.
Not only are the ICAC enquiry’s sex and bribery revelations shocking, they perhaps more importantly, also highlight a worrying and seemingly entrenched connection between local developers and major party political fundraisers in Wollongong.
YOC believes there are important lessons to be learnt which are relevant to all local bodies in NSW – the latest GET CONNECTED column from WOL is reproduced below:
WollongongOnline’s on-going concerns about the WCC Planning Department are well known and on the record for all to see.
Our criticisms have always been aimed at the overt and systemic managerial problems relating to high planning staff turnover and the questionable approval of DAs which appeared clearly at odds with the character of areas where the new structures were to be constructed.
It should be noted our editorial position has been criticised by many, presumably well meaning citizens and peak bodies, as being out of order (or anti-development) and there is no doubt our publication has suffered financially as a consequence of this stance.
However it must also be said the publisher, BottomLine columnist John Bown and other contributors to our weekly e-magazine never ever appreciated, or alluded to, the extent or seriousness and illegality of the situation as now being revealed in court.
WOL thinks there are already major lessons to be learned from the enquiry, and important steps which should be taken, to ensure that in future the will of an over zealous CEO and/or the acts of corrupt councillors/developers are never again allowed to ride rough shod over the legitimate concerns of local rate-payers.
WOL’s position regarding the way forward is clear and unequivocal:
Firstly, the ICAC enquiry to conclude its hearings and make recommendations
Secondly, the state authorities should then implement the ICAC recommendations
Thirdly, if not already recommended by ICAC, the Neighbourhood Committees should be re-instated
WOL would emphasise that to restore confidence in the integrity of the town planning process it is imperative that the State Government should ensure the independent voice of its citizens is heard by enshrining their rights to play an active role in the DA approval process by funding the activities of Neighbourhood Committees directly – and recouping the costs from councils if necessary.
Your Opinion Counts. CLICK HERE >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Check it out!
YOC e-magazines now have the capability of delivering VIDEO-on demand within its e-zines utilising Flash 8 technology and linking to our video sharing portal www.yoctv.com
This means readers with broadband will be able to view a video by clicking direct from the message in their Inbox – it will be displayed as a new window from the browser - but don’t try this with Dial-Up.
Check out the YOY jokes on the Flash Player Window below >>>>>>>>>>>>
 As far as YOC are aware this is a first for mass distribution e-zines in Australia and we hope you all like the innovation.
Your Opinion Counts. CLICK HERE >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Please accept our apologies
At the beginning of the year YOC commenced publishing its weekly e-magazines using a new content management system; unfortunately in some areas multiple copies are being delivered to subscribers in error – please accept our apologies.
As mentioned in previous issues we do not anticipate this will be an on-going problem and ask all readers to persevere in the meantime. If you continue to receive multiple copies please do not hesitate to email me on : andrewc@youronlinecommunity.com.au or call Michael Seaborn on ph 9516 2000 or (02) 4254 0200 Business Hours. | 
