Firstly, to all Councillors, a word of support, congratulations and encouragement. There has been a good deal of negative press about Councillors of late. This needs to be immediately balanced with high praise for the dedicated, tireless and largely unrewarded work that you do on behalf of your communities. Well done and keep up the extraordinary work you do!
Some familiar issues this week – planning and Councillor regulation. Yet again we repeat our request for greater consultation and communication with us and our communities.
Councillors as advisers to MPs
Our survey on whether Councillors should be employed as Electoral officers continues and can be found at: http://surveys.infoxchange.net.au/s?s=1748
So far, around 180 current and former councillors, as well as a smaller number of community members have completed the survey. Make sure you have your say prior to the deadline for the online survey which is next Tuesday.
We believe there are broad questions that emerge from the ombudsman’s reports. Legislative reform expected around August will not solve the problems alone as I have said before. Stay tuned to continuing VLGA advocacy on this issue.
Planning & consultation
Yet another round of call-ins has caused more concern. We are asking some specific questions about the extent to which Council policies and concerns will be taken on board in decision making and whether a minimum quantum of social housing will be implemented for a project to fall into the ‘social housing’ category.
We expect that Councils, when notified of applications, will take the opportunity to consult with their community about proposals.
For more background on the VLGA’s action and views on call-ins, see my previous comments about planning reforms on my Friday 1st May eNews edition.
Conflict of interest
We are continuing to request a review process that engages Councils and our communities in meaningful consultation.
In response to the concerns we have heard from members, particularly in the rural sector, we are requesting that any changes to relationships with not-for-profit organisations exempt conflicting duties as well as gifts from giving rise to conflicts of interest.
Upcoming events
Yesterday we sent you invitations to two upcoming events - our June 4th Leading Edge Forum on Pokies Post 2012: the brave new spin?
On June 9th we will release a research report Health, Wellbeing and Community Enterprise: the role of local government. This event, to be held in Richmond, will also include discussions on social enterprises as a key tool to respond to social issues. For those who need more convincing, we will also put on a free lunch at this great networking event.
Support for young environmental crusaders
The Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) is running a youth climate summit called Power Shift in Sydney from 11th-13th of July.The summit will bring together 3,000 young people from all across the country to demand stronger action from our leaders on climate change.
Speakers include Tim Flannery and Rajendra Pachauri (head of the IPCC and Nobel Peace Prize Winner).Councils can play a key role in promoting this event to schools and youth groups in your region. We understand that some (such as Swan Hill Rural City Council) are already helping sponsor delegates to attend by providing financial assistance. For more information, see www.powershift.org.au or email ellen.sandell@youthclimatecoalition.org
World Environment Day 5th June
UN Environment Day Awards
Recently, I was invited as VLGA President to judge the Local Government Awards for the United Nations Association of Australia. 2009 marks the 10th Awards, which began in 2000 to mark Australia hosting World Environment Day in Adelaide. The theme of UN World Environment Day 2009 is 'Your Planet Needs You - UNite to Combat Climate Change'.
I will attend the Awards Presentation and Dinner to be held on World Environment Day, June 5 2009, in the following categories:
* Lincolne Scott Sustainability Leadership Award
* Szencorp Green Building Award
* Building Commission Award for Best Sustainable Residential Development
* Meeting the Greenhouse Challenge Award
* Business Awards
* Local Government Awards
* Excellence in Sustainable Water Management
* Education/ School Award
* Excellence in Marine and Coastal Management Award
* Media Award
* Community Award, and
* Individual Award.
Kitchen Table Sustainability Masterclasses – places still available
The VLGA has also been busy to ensure World Environment Day on June 5th is appropriately celebrated, with a series of 3 Masterclasses for Councillors Officers and Community Leaders with world-renowned planner and sustainability practitioner, Dr Wendy Sarkissian.
The humble kitchen table — where people share stories, discuss everyday life and use plain language — could be the most powerful way to empower people to create a sustainable future for the world, according to a new book by Dr Wendy Sarkissian.
The workshops are designed to support people working with community and sustainability issues at all levels. Participants will leave the master class armed with clear recipes for successful approaches to community engagement.
Dr. Sarkissian says “now, more than ever, we need to find ways to bring about massive changes the planetary crisis demands. We know we cannot do this without strong community engagement. Yet it is increasingly evident that our engagement approaches are not up to the challenges, leaving communities dispirited and disengaged.”
For more information, go to the front page of our website at www.vlga.org.au
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