As we elect new mayors, appoint councillors to committees, attend AGMs and festive occasions and look forward to school holidays, it is not altogether surprising that there are a number of calls for submissions requiring attention. Like you, we are working to meet deadlines and consult with as many of you as possible to ensure consultation processes are meaningful.
Please feel free to contact us regarding any of the submission processes currently underway: Essential Services Commission – Performance Monitoring; Electoral Representation Review; and Conflict of Interest Review (the Minister announced at VLGA drinks last week that a Discussion Paper is about to be released).
This is the last e-news for 2009.
As the year draws to a close, I take this opportunity to wish all of you our very best for a happy and safe festive season and thank you all for your support of the VLGA in our work.
It has been a busy year and as the Copenhagen summit commences and bushfire season continues, I hope we can make the changes required to keep communities safe in 2010.
VLGA and Minister Wynne End-of-Year Celebrations
The VLGA community enjoyed a wonderful end-of-year celebration event with The Hon Richard Wynne, Minister for Local Government, last Thursday. The event was well attended, with mayors, councillors and community members travelling from all over the state especially for this event.
The Board took the opportunity to formally introduce and welcome our new CEO Maree McPherson, and we joined with the Minister to acknowledge the contribution of the interim management team, Darren Ray and Liana Thompson, as well as all of the wonderful staff at the VLGA who deliver services to our members.
John Jago Memorial Award for Governance
At last Thursday's event, Minister Wynne launched the VLGA’s ‘John Jago Memorial Award for Governance' and we will provide more information about this award for councillors in the new year.
John Jago was a tireless and dedicated worker in the fields of indigenous issues, social justice and local government. John became involved with the VLGA in 1994 and was the Association’s President from 1998 to 2000.
John led the VLGA with integrity and grace. His ability to engage with a wide range of people was inspirational, as was his commitment to social justice and good governance. John plunged in at the local level to put himself forward for election to council, becoming one of the early Wellington Shire Mayors.
His local involvement was distinguished and dignified and marked by his determination to allow all his colleagues, even those with whom he had political differences, to be effective in their representative roles.
(Source: Mike Hill, Tribute to John Jago.)
In 2008 John passed away. We lost a friend, a respected leader and fierce local government advocate. This Memorial Award is but a small legacy to a life well lived and an opportunity to celebrate democratic participation. From 2010, the recipient of this award will encapsulate the values and principles of good governance.
For more information about the award please feel free to contact Darren Ray, Director Policy & Public Affairs at the VLGA on 03 9349 7902 or darren@vlga.org.au
Essential Services Commission Inquiry into Local Government Performance Monitoring
Thank you to the many councils and community organisations for sending us your thoughts on this inquiry. When we meet with the ESC and finalise our submission, I am confident that the widespread criticism of a generic 'one-size-fits-all' model will be heard loudly and clearly. There is also widespread concern about the prospect of unnecessary duplication of data collection and a clear view that information collected must be meaningful to councils and communities.
While we all support accountability, transparency and improvement, councils across Victoria face complex challenges, so simply adding to our workloads for the sake of it will not be welcomed by the VLGA. Performance monitoring must be capable of leading directly to improvements in areas that matter to communities.
New member – Moira Shire Council
I am pleased to welcome yet another rural council member, Moira Shire Council, bringing us to 58 council members.
Moira Shire Council is home to approximately 29,000 residents. The municipality has four major towns (Cobram, Nathalia, Numurkah and Yarrawonga) as well as 18 smaller communities. It is strategically positioned just 2.5 hours’ drive from Melbourne and close to other regional centres such as Shepparton and Wodonga. Located on the majestic Murray River with access to affordable rural and urban housing, good education facilities, excellent sporting and recreation opportunities, award-winning health services, clean, fresh air and an active and friendly community, it is no surprise to those who live there that the area is experiencing strong residential and commercial growth.
Attractions include wineries, historic homesteads, galleries, craft shops, licensed clubs, water sports, fishing, beaches, forests, lakes, rivers and wetlands. This all adds up to what the locals call “the Moira advantage".
For more information on Moira, see their website.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with Moira and all our other member councils to represent your needs.
Human Rights Day – Thursday 10 December
Human Rights Day will be celebrated around Australia on 10 December. This special day allows us to reflect on both the advances that have been made in our communities as well as reflect on the disappointments. Have you ever thought about how many of your local government activities can be counted under the banner of complying with the Human Rights Charter?
One recent example has been the opportunities taken by many local governments (at last count 42 of you and rising!) to recognise White Ribbon Day (UN International Day for the elimination of Violence against Women) on 25 November. Well over one third of those see this as part of a year-round effort to reduce and prevent violence within our communities. The 16 days of action connected with White Ribbon Day link to UN International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
Reminder – VLGA Human Rights ‘Toolkit’
A reminder to all local governments that the VLGA has developed a 'toolkit' to assist councils in meeting their requirements under the Victorian Human Rights Charter.
You can download this toolkit from the VLGA website. For information on the toolkit please contact Gary Jungwirth, Human Rights Policy and Project Officer at the VLGA gary@vlga.org.au.
Gary would also welcome contact from council officers responsible for completing the annual Human Rights survey.
Summary Offences and Control of Weapons Acts Amendment Bill
The Board last Thursday agreed to join with other peak bodies to oppose the extreme powers proposed for Victorian Police contained in the Summary Offences and Control of Weapons Acts Amendment Bill.
Police powers are proposed to include the searching of children of any age and many other powers. As well as opposing the legislation in its current form, the VLGA and other peak bodies are requesting that the Bill be deferred pending a public review of alternative approaches that deal with alcohol, crime and violence issues.
The VLGA is of the strong view that any efforts to deal with alcohol, crime and violence must be consistent with the State Government’s obligations to comply with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.
Premier's Sustainability Awards
The Premier's Sustainability Awards recognise innovation and reward outstanding achievement in the sustainable use of our natural resources for the benefit of all Victorians, now and for the future. Details of eligibility and a copy of the entry kit can be found here
2010 categories for submission are:
* Large Business
* Small Business
* Built Environment
* Community
* Products and Services
* Local Government *new
* State Government *new
* Tertiary Education *new
Information sessions will be held at Sustainability Victoria, Level 28, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne on the following dates:
* This coming Friday 11 December 2009, 10am-11am
* Thursday 28 January 2010, 2.30pm-3.30pm
Victorian Transport Plan Report
12 months on…the state government reports on progress on delivering the Victorian Transport Plan
On 8 December 2008, the state government released the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan, promising action on more than 20 transport priorities. Twelve months on, the state government has released a report card to provide you with an update on progress against the VTP.
The report card can be accessed from the VLGA’s Thinking Transport website or read online from the Victorian Transport Plan website.
Events
Free seminar TODAY: Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly
Monday 7 December, 4.30-6pm
VicRoads Theatrette, Ground Floor, 60 Denmark St, Kew
Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly is a free, multi-media, interactive seminar designed to target all those involved in road design/construction and maintenance/reinstatement, including engineers, managers and field staff from VicRoads, local government, contractors and utility providers.
The final seminar is being held TODAY from 4.30pm to 6.00pm. Light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the seminar.
For more information, visit the VLGA’s Thinking Transport website.
And some event reminders…
VLGA Women’s Policy Working Group meeting
Thursday 10 December, 12-2pm at the VLGA
A focus will be on considering the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government. All are welcome. Please RSVP by Tuesday 8 December to Linda Bennett at linda@vlga.org.au or on 03 9349 7904.
Romsey pokies decision: Special Interest Forum
Friday 11 December, 2pm-3.30pm at the VLGA
RSVP by Tuesday 8 December to vlga@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7999.
Walk Against Warming
Saturday 12 December, 11.30am for a 12pm start
Join VLGA Board and staff, councillors and community members at the VLGA Offices at 11.30am. Then walk to State Library for a 12-noon start.
The timing of this event is significant as the aim is to beam a human sign from Princes Bridge across the world for the morning news of the day as leaders continue to meet in Copenhagen for climate change talks. Please consider joining us at the VLGA this coming Saturday at 11.30am! For more information go to our website
If you’d like to join the VLGA contingent let us know at vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999.
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au
