The events remind us of the speed and unpredictability of natural disasters and the necessity for all communities to have sound Emergency Management Plans – as well as the resources to implement those plans. We know that many councils are still calling for better resourcing to protect communities and as we approach Fire Awareness Week (October 11-18), these calls must be heeded.
Minister Allan has asked for responses to the State Government’s Future directions for Provincial Victoria: www.rdv.vic.gov.au/blueprint. Interestingly, although two of the strategic directions identified in the paper could accommodate actions related to emergency management, there are currently no references to assisting councils and communities to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies.
We hope that all stakeholders will provide feedback to Regional Development Victoria by the end of this week despite the short time-frame (yet again!) for feedback.
Best wishes to MAV President Bill McArthur
Everyone at the VLGA wishes Cr Bill McArthur all the best as he recovers from ill health. We hope that Bill enjoys a swift return to good health.
WorkSafe cover for Councillors
Did you know that councillors are not covered for injuries suffered while undertaking their council duties? That is, we are not able to make claims under WorkSafe for injuries or other work related incidents.
The VLGA has been campaigning for some time to improve the protection afforded to Councillors while performing their duties.
VLGA representatives will be meeting with the Minister for Local Government this week to indicate the Board’s strong support to see WorkSafe cover for councillors, as re-stated at last Thursday’s Board Meeting.
Work Safe Week is being held from 26-30 October and this provides a good opportunity for councils to raise this issue locally.
We are holding wide ranging discussions across the sector. We hope that this unfinished business will be addressed in the near future, and we will keep you informed.
Major Transport Projects Facilitation Bill
The Major Transport Projects Facilitation Bill previously referred to in the President e-news is now law, having passed both houses of Parliament. The legislation aims to streamline the approval process for major transport projects in Victoria.
The Bill will hand power to the Planning Minister for planning approvals and a host of other approvals including many environmental approvals for large transport projects including roads, rail and ports.
The Bill specifically prevents any person from seeking court review of any decision under the Act apart from the Planning Minister's planning approval.
The Environment Defenders Office of VIC has prepared an issues paper, summarising their view on the bill. Access the paper via the EDO website. The MAV has also prepared a draft brief for members. To obtain a copy, contact Skye Holcombe on (03) 9667 5533 or sholcombe@mav.asn.au.
Call-ins, VC56 and DACs
Legislation providing the mechanisms for Development Assessment Committees will return to the Upper House next week. Although there have been some amendments, councils will still be responsible for costs of appeals against decisions of the DAC.
Importantly, planning applications that are considered by DACs will be within Activity Centre Zones for which the default position is ‘no third party rights of notice and objection’. Councils will need to specify that these rights exist for residents to have any rights to scrutinise decisions of DACS.
In addition, Amendment VC56 was introduced to the VPS in May to allow schools funded under the federal government’s Building the Education Revolution Fund to bypass the planning system for planning applications.
As we see this being used to over-ride Council and VCAT rulings we need to again ask for assurances from the Minister that local planning policies and VCAT rulings will be respected by the Minister when planning applications are called in for a faster decisions.
We have been seeking such assurances from the Minister at all meetings with him this year and will continue to make this request.
Valuation of Land Bill
A revised version of this Bill was passed by the Lower House earlier in September. As it comes to the Upper House, we have made members’ views on the ongoing pitfalls of the Bill known to MPs and will continue to call for fair valuations processes for Councils.
Transport events in October
October is a very busy month for transport. Not only is it Walktober, we have Walk to Work Day (Friday 2 October), Ride to Work Day (Wednesday 14 October), Walk to School Day (Wednesday 21 October) and a host of other events.
We would be delighted to share the outcomes of council or community events by creating a section on the Thinking Transport website…this may help to provide a pool of ideas for next year.
The VLGA has also been busy in the lead up to this month, preparing for the Children & Active Transport Forum on Tuesday 6th October and the return of the Mayors on Bikes event on Wednesday 14th October.
Anti-Poverty Week Events
In response to last week’s e-news, we’ve heard about even more council and community events.
In Our Backyard – Australian Short Films
The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (HRAFF) in conjunction with Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Social Planning and Community Development Unit are proud to screen six of the best of Australia’s short films. The In Our Backyard film program is being held at the Shire offices in Rosebud on Thursday 15th October to coincide with 2009 Anti-Poverty Week
Showcasing some of Australia’s diverse local talent, each film exclusively tackles a human rights subject. The sensitive and challenging topics include global fear and prejudice, post-war trauma and social integration.
In Our Backyard – Australian short film session
Mornington Peninsula Shire Offices, Besgrove St, Rosebud
Thursday 15th October, 6.30pm arrival for 7pm start
Entry by gold coin donation. Seating limited. Bookings essential.
For further details about this and other events please visit www.hraff.org.au or contact the Shire on: 5950 1685
Great Debate: Poverty and Homelessness: It’s all their fault – isn’t it?
St Mary’s House of Welcome will host Lindy Burnes and other ABC Radio broadcasters who will debate alongside the Debaters Association of Victoria to raise awareness of Anti-Poverty Week.
6.30 for 7pm start Tuesday 27th October
Melbourne Rowing Club – Boathouse St, Melbourne
For details of other Anti-Poverty Week Events, go to our Upcoming Events Calendar at www.vlga.org.au or the Anti-Poverty Week website
Regards,
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
rose@vlga.org.au or 0414 959 427
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