“If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change.” Michael Jackson, Man in the Mirror
Forgive me for starting this week’s e-news with a rather ironic reference to the late king of pop, but the words carry some weight and reflect what community members and councillors are trying to achieve as we think globally and act locally.
The gathering of ALGA in Canberra last week also reflected the tremendous efforts of local communities in dealing with issues of water, greenhouse emissions, housing, financial sustainability, as well as social and physical infrastructure improvements. Some important agreements were reached demonstrating the desire of local communities to see national support for changes at the local level – I will report further on this soon.
Community members across Victoria are making changes and making better places. Advocacy at the state and national level by the VLGA and others for the recognition and support of these efforts continues.
Feedback on nation building investment
At the ACLG last week, an additional $220 million nation-building investment in community infrastructure was announced by the Federal Government. The funds were welcomed by all, but we are also seeking your feedback on the process by which Councils are receiving the grants and the criteria that have been applied. In the quest for financial sustainability and livability, are competitive and occasional grants driving strategic investment and partnerships? We welcome your feedback.
Recent Parliamentary Decisions & VLGA Campaigns
The winter session of Parliament continues to include important decisions that reflect VLGA Policy positions, including:
· The Planning Legislation Amendment Bill set to introduce the mechanics for the Development Assessment Committees was rejected;
· Container Deposit Legislation was supported via a private member’s Bill in the Upper House – although more work is needed to see it pass the Lower House;
· The Premium Solar Feed-in Tariff Bill was amended .The size of the systems eligible under the scheme was increased from 3.2kW to 5kW, and community buildings and small businesses who use less than 100MW per year were made eligible to participate. However, Environment Victoria states that despite these improvements the scheme still falls short of the gross feed-in tariff needed to get solar panels on roofs and create green jobs for Victorians.
Urban Growth Boundaries
The Planning Minister has released the draft Urban Growth Boundaries and submissions can be made up until July 17th. See www.vic.gov.au/planningmelbourne
Consultation: there are public information sessions at Bulla, Craigieburn, Melton, Sunshine, Hoppers Crossing, Beveridge, Cranbourne and South Morang. See http://www.vic.gov.au/planningmelbourne#A3 for details.
The State Government has said it will not introduce the changes unless the associated levies for social and physical infrastructure are also approved by the Parliament.
Year of Local Women in Local Government Ambassadors sought
2010 is the Year of Women in Local Government, according to Local Government Managers. The National Steering Committee is currently seeking nominations for ambassadors. The ambassador could be a female officer or manager, a Councillor or a CEO (male or female) who actively promotes the advancement of women in Local Government. Criteria and a nomination form can be downloaded from http://tinyurl.com/mwuf9q. The VLGA particularly encourages women Councillors and CEOs to nominate.
We have long campaigned for greater representation of women in Local Government. Our Women’s Policy Working Group will soon provide an update on activities and events – particularly those scheduled for 2010.
Events
Councillors have been commenting on the value of having an easy to access Events Calendar of community and council events available from the front page of our website at www.vlga.org.au
Take a look! Here are a few you may be interested in:
Harmony walk - Sunday, 12 July 2009 starting at 12.30 pm
Starting from Carlton Gardens, Melbourne through Melbourne CBD Finishing at Federation Square, Melbourne
Earth Matters Climate Change Forum - August 8, 2009
12.45pm-5.30pm (information booths open from 12noon)
Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Howitt St, Ballarat
Call 5338 0980
ReGenerating Community: Arts, Community and Governance National Conference -
Sept 2-4, 2009
RMIT University, Melbourne see www.cdn-generations.net.au/overview.htm
ReGenerating Community Conference is about ways in which global issues are being addressed locally through collaborations between artists, communities and local government.
No comments:
Post a Comment