Straight from city council A personal view, by Councillor Steve Morris

There were two protests directed at council last week - one on the decision not to make The Mall at Pilot Bay a one-way street and the other directed at a proposed begging and homeless bylaw.

Council was presented with a one-way proposal by the cycle lobby that was supposed to significantly increase carparks by creating angle parking alongside a new cycleway.

Councillors jumped at the prospect of more parking at the most popular attraction in our community.

However, when the details were worked through it turned out we'd actually lose a carpark! This, and the congestion the closure of one-lane would force onto an already busy road and difficulties in parking at the boat ramp, meant the Transport Committee pulled the pin on the trial.

Not dissuaded, Bike Mount are asking council to reconsider the decision of the committee. I think the whole Mount North area must be reviewed properly in terms of both transportation and parking. Looking at Pilot Bay in isolation and closing one lane risks adding to congestion.

Councillors Molloy and Baldock are pushing a bylaw banning begging and rough sleeping within 5m of a retail area. This was in response to a passionate plea from retailers in Greerton.

However, not only does the proposed bylaw have more holes than a colander, it's unenforceable and we've had advice that it probably isn't legal.

I know there's a problem, but I believe we're giving false hope to retailers while attempting to criminalise those who are genuinely homeless.

Not dissuaded, most of my colleagues say it won't be enforced but that 'it sends a message” - to whom I don't know. What I do know is that you'll be paying the legal bill when someone challenges it!