THE street fight between Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and Cr David Hinchliffe played out in an extraordinary email exchange. Read it here.

EMAIL #1

-----Original Message-----

From: central.ward

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 27/04/2010 7:14:46 AM

Subject: Valley Mall Key Photos



Dear Lord Mayor,

BRUNSWICK ST MALL ON WEEKEND NIGHTS

Please see these images of the Brunswick St Mall in full swing. I know that you and Mall Chairman Phil DiBella share my concern about the state of cleanliness of the mall when thousands of people descend on Friday and Saturday nights.

On these and other nights the mall is effectively a massive open air venue, but without the sort of control that enclosed private venues can exert. This is why the Valley Chamber of Commerce and I have been calling for a total management plan for the Valley. This should combine detailed planning for effective public and private transport, improved pedestrian safety, cleaning in public and private spaces, coordinated police and private security, strict private and public alcohol consumption.

The State Government has agreed this plan needs to be put in place as a high priority. I would urge that you and all Council agencies work with the State.

As part of this plan, I would urge that further bins are provided for rubbish. I know that we have provided about 20 extra bins in the Valley area, but more are needed. As well, we need to have more cleaners on duty so that the rubbish doesn't build up. When people see the cumulating rubbish, they think it is okay to add to it. Keep reducing the rubbish and mall users should get the message.

I also ask that you consider what can be done in relation to those take away venues that are the main source of the rubbish -- in particular McDonalds, Subway and New York Slice pizza. We have asked them to have their staff assist in picking up their rubbish, but they continue to decline. I realise that Council has limited powers, but is there anyway we can look at denying planning approvals or any other remedy to limit these sorts of takeaways?

I look forward to your assistance and to working with you to make the Valley greener, cleaner and prouder.

Regards,

David Hinchliffe

Councillor, Central Ward.



EMAIL #2



From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Tuesday, 27 April 2010 7:32 AM

To: central.ward

Subject: Re: Valley Mall Key Photos

David

Phil di Bella is working hard to lift the standard of presentation of the valley and has already commenced work on this with VMAC and the chamber of commerce. In addition, I have also met with them on these matters.

You will recall that we recently passed an amenity local law that gave council powers to deal with a range of issues around brisbane.

I would therefore be interested in your specific recommendations on what council should do in the Valley and what powers are required for this to be implemented effectively.

I am after specifics - not vague generalisations !

Apart from the issue of council spending more money on bins and cleaning ( which we already are) - what actions will you support ?

Campbell



EMAIL #3

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 27/04/2010 9:12:56 PM

Subject: FW: Valley Mall Key Photos



Hi Campbell,

I'm delighted that you've responded to my email. There are quite a few other emails I've sent but haven't yet responses to, but I haven't given up hope.

Now, as to your questions, I'm happy to respond:

1. Council should significantly increase its cleaning team particularly at night time. Visibility and immediate pick-up is essential. Don't allow the litter in the area to build up.

2. Council should consider a special category of food licence for the Valley and it should be based on the prevalence of wrapping which ends up as litter on the street. A much higher food licence permit should apply to those take away premises whose wrapping ends up contributing so much to the abandoned waste stream. This sounds complicated, but there is almost unanimous agreement about the premises who contribute the most to litter in the Valley. McDonalds is head and shoulders above all others -- and the management at McDonalds steadfastly refuse to ask their staff to help in cleaning up the litter.

3. The higher Council fees should be hypothecated to increased Council cleaning services in the Valley.

I look forward to your response.

Regards as always.

David

EMAIL #4



-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Tuesday, 27 April 2010 9:22 PM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: Valley Mall Key Photos

David

Come on !

Surely you have some other ideas than this ?!

If we are to make a difference in the valley I need to know what you will support. Surely there are other initiatives ?

Campbell



EMAIL #5



-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 27/04/2010 9:39:05 PM

Subject: RE: Valley Mall Key Photos

Hi Campbell.

I'm really honoured by all this attention. Don't you think these suggestions below would be a good start. Anyway, where are your ideas? I'm just a humble Opposition bckbencher after all. You're the boss...

Cheers.

David



EMAIL #6



-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Wednesday, 28 April 2010 6:00 AM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: Valley Mall Key Photos

David

If you are serious about the issue then you will put on the table what measures you will support

For example in your first email yesterday you made reference to the state of private property "cleaning in public and private spaces,"

Given your long experience in the valley I am sure you have ideas on what should be done and what powers council should exercise.

For example - what sort of anti littering law enforcement should occur ?

Let's hear about these ideas !

Campbell

EMAIL #7



-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

Sent: Wednesday, 28 April 2010 10:13 PM

To: 'Campbell Newman'

Subject: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

Hi Campbell,

Sorry to take so long in getting a reply back to you. I've had a chat with a few property owners in the Valley and I think we've come up with the solution. How about a rates reduction for property owners who contribute to cleaning up their property? What a great incentive that would be. For example, I have been discussing with owners of the large 'hole in the ground' in Wickham St and Community Gardens to discuss the possibility of establishing a community garden on what is otherwise the largest 'wasteland' in the heart of the Valley. The property owner has recommended a rates discount as an incentive to cleaning up this site. There you are -- I've given you another great idea.

Now that I've answered your questions, is it possible please to have an answer to my email from last week in relation to the tree house and the similarities with the sculpture you unveiled in Chinatown Mall (photo attached). The excerpt from the email last week is:

"I note you have provided me with a copy of the report on safety as it relates to the tree house. I now provide you with a photograph of children clamboring over the sculpture you recently opened in Chinatown mall. I've included both a photo of the children climbing the sculpture and of you unveiling it about 2 months prior. As you can see it is almost the height of the tree house -- although the surface below is a lot harder. Is it your intention to fence off this sculpture? Will you put a sign up warning people of the danger and will that satisfy Council's liability? Will it be removed because of public liability? I have routinely seen many children climbing on the statue. If they fell, they would fall on the hard concrete below or perhaps on a sharp object. Incidentally, I do not propose that the sculpture should be fenced off or that it be torn down and removed. This photo highlights what might be seen as a double standard." (email sent to you from me at 11.20am on 21.4.2010)



Look forward to the response.

David

PS, I heard you had a good time in New Farm today. You're welcome to come down to New Farm,lower the speed limit (and pick up the rubbish) any time. Cheers.



EMAIL #8



-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 29/04/2010 8:26:59 PM

Subject: FW: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

Hello again Campbell.

Haven't heard back from you today. Please let me know what you think about the rates rebate idea and of course the issue of liability in relation to the sculpture.

Cheers.

David



EMAIL #9



-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Friday, 30 April 2010 7:49 AM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

David

You were given the opportunity to put real ideas on the table to clean up the valley.

Instead you make a suggestion that people need to be given a financial incentive to actually comply with the local laws of the city that you passed in the 1990s that obliges those owners to keep their buildings clean !

Again I ask you, what measures do you support to clean up the valley ?

You are the local councillor, you have been responsible for the area for twenty years, don't you have any ideas at all ?

By the way, why have you allowed the place to degenerate in the way that it has ?

Why does it take someone like Phil Di Bella to actually get something happening ?

Looking forward to some straight answers

Rgds

Campbell

EMAIL #10



-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 30/04/2010 8:08:38 AM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

Hi Campbell

Thanks for your response. I'll come back to your very personal responses about cleaning the mall later, but in the meantime, would you please address the issue of the sculpture and the photo I provided more than a week ago? And can we please play the ball and not the man Campbell.

Thanks.

David

EMAIL #11

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Friday, 30 April 2010 8:10 AM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

David

Time to do your job as a councillor and stop playing games



EMAIL #12



-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 30/04/2010 8:20:03 AM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

Hello again Campbell.

No game playing here Campbell I assure you. Just as there wasn't any game playing at the public meeting out at Marchant the other night.

Can you advise as Lord Mayor of the City with over $1 billion at your personal direction what YOU intend to do about the issues I have already referred to you? Do Opposition Councillors now decide policy? Has there been a change to the City of Brisbane Act I don't know about? Let me know which officers I can direct and I will be only too pleased to have a small army of cleaners and compliance officers down in the Valley on a regular basis.

Are you going to continue to avoid responding to the issue of the photo I have already shown you of 3 and 5 year old children climbing a 3m statue above a concrete mall while you remove a cubby house constructed by children of Newmarket? Are you also going to meet with those Newmarket children? I would have thought a Mayor like Jim Soorley or Sallyanne Atkinson wouldn't have had any trouble in doing that. In fact they would have earned points from fronting up.

Thanks Campbell.

Look foward to your answer.

David



EMAIL #13



-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Friday, 30 April 2010 8:25 AM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

David

Plse provide some answers to the direct questions I have put to you about how we should approach the clean up of the valley.

You, as usual, evade anything where you have to show some real leadership

Over to you !

Actually, I think I will leave it to Mr di Bella - I have more confidence in him than you

Rgds

Cam



EMAIL #14

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 30/04/2010 8:41:26 AM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

Dear Campbell

I have already provided many answers to your questions:

. I have requested more bins and more cleaners and more regular cleaning.

. In relation to the one park in the Valley heart area -- Trudgian Place, I have asked that Council provide daily cleaning and for the bushes which conceal inappropriate behaviour in the park to be removed. I have requested this on many previous occasions. Do I have your authority to direct officers to provide daily clean-ups for Trudgian Place and to remove the undergrowth in this park?

. I have also suggested that there should be real incentives for owners to clean up their premises. Contrary to your understanding, there are no ordinances or local laws that require a property owner to paint their building. If you want to introduce such local laws please get your many officers in Legal section to draw up the local law, spell out the detail and I will certainly consider them.

. I have also made the very brave suggestion of having different levels of permits to take into account take away food providers in the Valley and that the level of permits and permit fees should take into account the potential for litter creation. You have not commented at all on that proposal at all.

. I also have engaged with QUT 4th year Architecture students to design proposals for activation of laneways in the Valley and I will be sponsoring a display of their work and forum in the Valley in June. I will certainly be sending you an invitation to attend the opening of that display.

So, Campbell, I am more than willing to respond.

Now, please, for the benefit of those young children in Newmarket who have invested so much time and commitment to that tree-house, can you please respond to THAT issue.

Warm regards,

David

EMAIL #15

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Friday, 30 April 2010 8:55 AM

To: Danita Goodwin; David McLachlan; Jane Prentice; Kylie Jacobson; Nick Kennedy; Troy Bilsborough; David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

David

It distresses me when someone who has been a councillor since 1988 says:

". I have also suggested that there should be real incentives for owners to clean up their premises. Contrary to your understanding, there are no ordinances or local laws that require a property owner to paint their building. If you want to introduce such local laws please get your many officers in Legal section to draw up the local law, spell out the detail and I will certainly consider them."

Plse read the local law that you passed as a member of the soorley administration pertaining to the valley malls.

Very clearly it says that in the brunswick st and chinatown mall that bcc can compel owners to clean and paint their buildings. Check out local law 21 and refresh your faulty memory !

Why don't you know the facts ?

Will you back the enforcement of laws that you put in place back in the 1990s and were also amended in 2007 when you had the numbers and were the chair for economic development ?

As I have said - time for straight answers and an end to game playing !

Kind Rgds

Cam



EMAIL #16

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Jane Prentice

To: Campbell Newman

To: David McLachlan

To: Troy Bilsborough

To: Nick Kennedy

To: Danita Goodwin

To: Kylie Jacobson

Sent: 30/04/2010 9:01:56 AM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

Dear Campbell

Back in the 1990s, Council provided the paint for property owners. Check the records. If you're happy to do that again, we have a deal.

Now, can you please advise if we can have the extra cleaners, the daily servicing of Trudgian Park, the new fast food licence permits, the incentives for owners to carry out work on their premises (not just painting) outside the Valley Mall as well as inside, can I also have the power to direct officers as you suggested I should be able to do as local Councillor... and can you please answer the question of liability in relation to the children of Newmarket and the sculpture in Chinatown. I still haven't had a response.

Thanks again Campbell. Always enjoy our correspondence.

Regards as always.

David



EMAIL #17

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Friday, 30 April 2010 9:07 AM

To: David McLachlan; Jane Prentice; Kylie Jacobson; Nick Kennedy; Troy Bilsborough; David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

I don't remember you handing out free paint in the period 2004 to 2008 or you ever mentioning it !

You are the councillor and you stand condemned by all for your inaction on these matters.

Anyway, as I said I will leave it to Mr Di Bella. I know that he wants real outcomes and he is someone who make a difference.

It's sad that you are demonstrating once again that you don't really want to work with me for a better Brisbane.

Kind rgds

Cam

EMAIL #18

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Jane Prentice

To: Campbell Newman

To: David McLachlan

To: Troy Bilsborough

To: Nick Kennedy

To: Kylie Jacobson

Sent: 30/04/2010 9:15:31 AM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES



Dear Campbell,

Is it painting of the buildings in the mall that you think is the problem in the Valley? I suggest you come down to the Valley and see the litter especially on Friday and Saturday nights. I also suggest you have a look at Trudgian park. The painting of property is one of a number of issues outside the Malls, but no one (other than yourself) tells me the painting of buildings in the mall is by any measure their most significant issue. It's the state of the footpaths and the paving. Come into Chinatown and see the disgraceful stains on that paving. It looks appalling. You picked the wrong pavers for Chinatown.

So, can you please advise for the record, is your problem with the Valley the painting of buildings in the Mall?

All the best.

David



EMAIL #19

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Friday, 30 April 2010 9:44 AM

To: David McLachlan; Jane Prentice; Kylie Jacobson; Nick Kennedy; Troy Bilsborough; David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

David

I asked you several emails ago whether you supported the enforcement of anti - littering laws Just tell me your position !

Why is it so hard ?

Rgds

Cam

EMAIL #20

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Jane Prentice

To: Campbell Newman

To: David McLachlan

To: Troy Bilsborough

To: Nick Kennedy

To: Kylie Jacobson

Sent: 30/04/2010 6:19:59 PM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

Hello again Cam.

Hope you've had a good day. Now, in relation to "enforcement of anti-littering laws", are you proposing to conduct a crackdown on the public littering in the malls and fine each person $200 (as per the regulations)? Are you wanting my view on these fines? As Lord Mayor of this city, please just tell me what you're proposing to do and as local Councillor I'll be happy to give you my views. I've already given you some great ideas on cleaning up the Valley and I'll be happy to respond to your plans for a litter crackdown if you just tell me what those plans are.

Can I remind you again please about the issue of the tree house at Newmarket, about meeting with the children and about the issue of the sculpture in Chinatown.

Thanks. Have a good weekend. (I imagine I'll see you on Labor Day.)

Regards,

Dave

EMAIL #21

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Friday, 30 April 2010 6:49 PM

To: David McLachlan; Jane Prentice; Michael Corkill; dibellacoffee; David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

David

You have, sadly missed the point.

After twenty years as the local councillor you have "discovered" there is an issue. You have conveniently forgotten all your history in passing local laws that could be used to deal with these matters.

When asked a clear, simple question by me you can't even provide a statement about what you want to do to deal with the issues.

Its like this David - what will you support ?

You are the councillor, you represent the local community and business owners. What do you want the administration to do ?

Show some leadership, put aside politics and let me know what you will support !



Kind regards

Cam

EMAIL #22

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Jane Prentice

To: Campbell Newman

To: David McLachlan

To: Michael Corkill

To: dibellacoffee.com.au

Sent: 30/04/2010 8:09:21 PM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

Hi Cam.

Good to hear from you again. I have one simple question Lord Mayor as leader of our City: Can you advise whether you want to give everyone who litters $200 fines? Campbell, you're our leader. You know how much I respect your leadership. I'm happy to keep asking you as our city's leader what you actually propose and I'm then more than happy to provide you with my response? This issue of litter and cleanliness has been growing steadily in the last two years. Complaints would confirm that.

I'm sure you'll agree that my request for you to explain what you plan to do is a simple request.

Now, on that other issue I have been writing to you about, Cam, on behalf of all the children of Newmarket who have had a hand in building the tree house and who have enjoyed using it, when will you meet with them?

You were voted as the leader of our city and these residents and their children expect that their leader will be brave enough to face a group of kids. My very great respect for you would be sadly diminished if you continued to refuse to meet with some of the most inspiring young people our community has produced. I have now asked you to meet with these residents and their children no fewer than 14 times and will continue to do so until such time as you are prepared to answer me.

So, Cam, please front up to these young kids and meet with them. I'm not asking you to meet with Nicole Johnston or myself or Shayne Sutton -- just some kids who are really feeling let down by the system.

Now -- on the other issue -- as soon as you tell me what you want to do with litter, I'm only too pleased to respond.

By the way, what did you think of all the other proposals I made in relation to take away food etc?

Always good to communicate.

Have a great weekend.

David

EMAIL #23

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Saturday, 1 May 2010 8:02 AM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

David

I remind you that this email exchange started when you came to me about the cleanliness of the valley.

In response I asked you to outline what you wanted the administration to do - what tough measures would you support ?

You failed to respond.

You also showed amzing ignorance of the local laws that you had put in place when you were a member of civic cabinet.

David - why can't you ever provide a straight answer ? Why can't you stand up and show some real leadership and suggest courses of action that may be contentious ?

Again I ask you to outline, to specify what you will support to deal with the cleanliness/ litter issues in fortitude valley.

As to the cubby house/ tree house - the matter is in hand.

Thanks

Cam

EMAIL #24

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 1/05/2010 9:50:55 AM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

Hello again Cam.

I have included another photo I took an hour ago in Queen St.

Can, I am actually disappointed that as Lord Mayor you haven't told me what you -- as leader of this city -- are prepared to do in relation to litter in the Valley and city centre. You won't tell me what you're prepared to do and you haven't commented on any of the suggestions I've already made.

In the absence of any suggestion from you, I ask if you support having 20 Council officers working with Police on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to patrol the Valley (not just the malls) and the City centre instructing people who litter to pick up their litter and advise them if they fail to do so they will be fined. If they fail to respond, then I suggest either CARS or the Police fine them. But I also recommend you take on board my other suggestions as well to provide real incentives as well. There has to be a mixture of carrots as well as sticks. There still needs to be a lot more bins and a lot more regular cleaning carried out.

Since you, as Lord Mayor and leader of the city, have not made a single suggestion in relation to enforcement of litter, I guess a mere backbencher like myself has to fill the vacuum, even though we don't have any legislative power. Now, unlike you, I can't direct officers. So my opinion will have absolutely no force whatsoever if you continue to ignore me.

As Lord Mayor, you have the power to take action. I call on you carry out my request. Allocate the staff, work with the police and start tonight -- please.

Now, as for the apartment buildings in the CBD who have converted to short term accommodation, I would be pleased if you could provide me with a solicitor from Brsibane City Legal Practice to see if some local law could be developed where stronger controls can be exerted over providers of short term accommodation to ensure that we don't have the sort of problems occurring on the Gold Coast.

Again, Cam, I would really appreciate your views on this. So far I have only received insults and I have yet to receive one suggestion from you.

That truly disappoints me.

David

PS, will you meet with the children of Newmarket?



EMAIL #25

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Saturday, 1 May 2010 12:34 PM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

David

I have concerted push within council to improve the cleanliness of the CBD and Valley.

This is particularly being spearheaded by VMAC in relation to valley malls.

My position on laws that we have that impact on these issues is that they should be administered in a firm, fair and friendly way.

I suggest that you work with Mr Di Bella and with Cr Mclachlan on these matters.

It would be helpful if you could provide some leadership ( for once) and actually say what your position is.

Rgds

Cam



EMAIL #26

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

Cc: Jane Prentice

To: Campbell Newman

Cc: David McLachlan

Cc: Troy Bilsborough

Cc: Nick Kennedy

Cc: Kylie Jacobson

Sent: 1/05/2010 1:09:08 PM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

Thanks Cam.

I note in your email that you "have concerted push within council". Can you please explain what do you mean by administering laws in a "firm, fair and friendly way". Again, it's not clear what you actually stand for in relation to dealing with this growing litter problem. (By the way, you could have mentioned support for 'motherhood' in there as well....)

I have provided email after email with creative and constructive suggestions including the most recent and still you say you don't know what my position is. Frankly Cam I think the criticism you've had from public meetings and the media of late might have distorted your perception of things. I don't think you can see constructive proposals when they're presented to you. I have presented so many constructive and creative -- and controversial -- suggestions, but you say I haven't provided a "straight answer".

Anyway, I can but try. So, can you please advise in a firm, fair, friendly and clear way your answers to the following:

1. I have specifically proposed providing 20 Compliance officers to work with the police at specific times in relation to littering. Do you support that or not? Will you direct officers or not?

2. Will you introduce a class of food licence for takeaways in the Valley to take account of litter production or not?

3. Will you provide additional bins or not? Will you provide additional cleaning services for bins or not?

4. Will you provide rates incentives for property owners who come up with creative initiatives for using derelict spaces such as the hole in the ground at Wickham St (eg as community market garden) or not?

5. Will you direct officers to clear out the under-storey of bushes etc at Fr Trudgian Place on St Pauls Tce (note the many photos I have already sent you) or not?

6. Will you direct Council legal officers to assist in developing regulations to tighten up management of short term accommodation buildings in the CBD or not?

7. Will you authorise me to give officers directions (which I currently cannot do) in relation to cleaning up the Valley and the CBD or not?

When you answer these questions, we'll all know what sort of leadership you're prepared to provide on this issue. In the meantime, I'll be looking for something "firm, fair and friendly" from you in the near future.

Regards as always,

David

(PS, When are you meeting with the children of Newmarket to talk about their tree house?)

(PPS. The Governor will be opening an exhibition in the Valley (just off Chinatown) in support of the 139 Club at 5pm on Friday night next week, May 7. I would be delighted if you could be my guest and attend. You should have already received the invitation.)



EMAIL #27

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Saturday, 1 May 2010 1:17 PM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

David

You have my response.

I have had nothing from you other than the usual politics and posturing.

What's your position on enforcement of the local laws we have on the books ?

Rgds

Cam

EMAIL #28

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

Cc: Jane Prentice

To: Campbell Newman

Cc: David McLachlan

Cc: Troy Bilsborough

Cc: Nick Kennedy

Cc: Kylie Jacobson

Sent: 1/05/2010 1:40:39 PM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #28)



Hello again Cam,

Really, is that your response? Is that a fair, firm and friendly "No Comment"?

That is such a shame. No extra bins, no extra cleaning, no special permits, no working with police, no cleaning up the park, no incentives for innovative solutions...in fact, no can do, Cam.

If you read my email #24 (by the way, you are personally reading these emails aren't you -- you haven't got Michael emailing on your behalf have you?), you would see I specifically map out a strategy using existing local laws. I will repeat what I said in email #24:

"In the absence of any suggestion from you, I ask if you support having 20 Council officers working with Police on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to patrol the Valley (not just the malls) and the City centre instructing people who litter to pick up their litter and advise them if they fail to do so they will be fined. If they fail to respond, then I suggest either CARS or the Police fine them. But I also recommend you take on board my other suggestions as well to provide real incentives as well. There has to be a mixture of carrots as well as sticks. There still needs to be a lot more bins and a lot more regular cleaning carried out."

So, Cam, I have made position so clear so many times, but I have yet to hear what the Can Do man is actually going to do.

The invitation both to meet with children at Newmarket and to come to the Valley to support the exhibition for 139 Club next Friday night still stands. I'll even shout you a meal.

Regards as always,

David

EMAIL #29

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Saturday, 1 May 2010 1:50 PM

To: David McLachlan; Jane Prentice; dibellacoffee; David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #28)

David

All those things are happening (as you should know being a member of VMAC and QSMAC) !

We will get on with the job of addressing litter and amenity issues. That's what Phil di Bella and David Mclachlan are about.

Its a pity that the only thing that gets you interested in anything is the opportunity to do a media story (as you have on this one today).

Again - I would appreciate your position on the administration of existing local laws and an indication, since you seem to allude to it some emails ago, on what additional powers council should have.

Have some courage - tell me what you want !

Regards

Cam

EMAIL #30

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Jane Prentice

To: Campbell Newman

To: David McLachlan

To: dibellacoffee

Sent: 1/05/2010 2:21:47 PM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #29)



Hi Cam

Thank you again for your latest email. Unfortunately those things I've outlined (email #26) aren not all happening. I have tried so hard to keep this to specific issues and real solutions (I refer you to emails #1, 3, 7, 14, 16, 20, 24 and 26) and not personal acrimony and sledging. I think it's very unfortunate you haven't done the same. No matter, I'm prepared to overlook that.

As for courage, I have plenty. Now, when will you be meeting with those little kids in Newmarket?

Regards

David

(P.S. Does this mean you're not coming to the 139 Club exhibition next Friday night?)



EMAIL #31

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Saturday, 1 May 2010 3:04 PM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #29)

David

Sorry - you haven't answered the questions that I have put to you

Please let me know what your position is ?

What enforcement action of the local laws on the books of the BCC do you support ?

Rgds

Cam

EMAIL #32

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 1/05/2010 3:38:15 PM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #31)

Dear Cam,

With the greatest of respect, of course I've answered these questions. I refer to email #24 below (as well as all the others). You haven't replied once to any of my questions. What do YOU as LORD MAYOR propose to do in relation to the local laws? Spell out what the Can Do team will do and I will respond further.

How about instead of emails, we meet at midnight tonight for a personal inspection. Bring along some CARS officers and we can talk further. Perhaps discuss your response to my questions over a nice bottle of wine -- my shout.

Regards

David

EMAIL #33

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Saturday, 1 May 2010 3:41 PM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #31)

I am already dealing with these matters and I would have appreciated your support

No - you ran off to the media to do a story

Just like you always do !

Some things just don't change



EMAIL #34

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 1/05/2010 3:48:30 PM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #33)



But Cam you know you have my support. I can tell there's real regret in the tone of your email. Just tell me what it is that you're doing you want support for?

Regards

David



EMAIL #35

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Saturday, 1 May 2010 4:02 PM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #33)

David



This email exchange started when you came to me about the cleanliness of the valley.

I asked you to outline what you wanted the administration to do - what tough measures would you support ?

You also were ignorant of the local laws that you had put in place when you were a member of civic cabinet. You specifically said that council didn't have the necessary powers !

A councillor who was fair dinkum and not just about politics and the media would actually have a position that he was prepared to share.

You are great at identifying problems and doing media stories but you clearly don't know anything about solutions ( sorry unless that involves another report).

I will deal with issues with the support of phil di bella and cr mclachlan.

Rgds

Cam

EMAIL #36



-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 1/05/2010 4:09:20 PM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #35)



I'm sorry Cam. I've told you I'm happy to support you as Lord Mayor if you just tell me what it is you want to do. What more can I do than that? I just want to know what it is specifically you want to do in the Valley. Is that really too much to ask? I've given you so many good ideas that clearly you're not getting from people like Michael Corkill -- and I'm not being paid half as much as Michael! I just wish you could put aside all the disappointment you must be feeling about the criticism you've had at public meetings and in the media and realise that I'm here to help. Any time. Now, take my advice, spend some time with the family and later tonight we can check out the problem first hand in the Valley and settle this over a nice, cheap bottle of wine. David

EMAIL #37

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Saturday, 1 May 2010 4:13 PM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #35)

David

Thanks for the email exchange.

I feel it documents quite clearly the approach that you take to most issues. Its been a real eye opener to a number of the people I have shown in to today.

The general reaction has been " so that's what david is really like" .

Rgds

Cam



EMAIL #38



-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 1/05/2010 4:16:09 PM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #37)

Vice versa Cam. Have a rest and all the best. David

EMAIL #39



-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Saturday, 1 May 2010 4:17 PM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #37)

Same to cheers

Cam



EMAIL #40

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

Sent: Saturday, 1 May 2010 16:19

To: Campbell Newman

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES (EMAIL #39)

Amen...



Email #41

-----Original Message-----

From: Campbell Newman

Sent: Saturday, 1 May 2010 4:37 PM

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

No

Allellulia !

EMAIL #42

-----Original Message-----

From: David Hinchliffe

To: Campbell Newman

Sent: 1/05/2010 4:42:28 PM

Subject: RE: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

Sorry, don't you mean "alleluia" or possibly "hallelujah"! Now, take that rest, for both our sakes. Cheers. David

EMAIL #43

From: Campbell Newman

Date: 1 May 2010 4:47:51 PM AEST

To: David Hinchliffe

Subject: Re: CLEANING UP THE VALLEY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY ISSUES

You are the journalist !

Ill take your word for it





Originally published as Inside the Lord Mayor's inbox