What do we mean by consultation? Whether it is about wind farms, clearways, planning call-ins or landfill levies, as local governments and communities, we expect to be consulted. ‘Consultation’ includes being told that a proposal is being considered, being asked for our views, and knowing that our views have been given serious consideration in decision making. Do we get this process right for our communities? As local governments, we know consultation with local communities is critical – and we sure know when no-one has asked us!
Your Opinions: Clearways
Last week, two metro councils resolved to challenge a decision of the State Government to extend Clearways times. Here are some comments from Cr Jackie Fristacky, councillor at the City of Yarra and Chair of the Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) to explain the situation:
“The Cities of Yarra and Stonnington have both resolved to challenge decisions by the Roads Minister and VicRoads to extend clearways times to 10am and from 3pm and 4pm on arterial roads through shopping strips.
This challenge is to the Supreme Court on errors of law by the Minister and VicRoads in the decision making process under the requirements of the Road Management Act 2004. The Minister directed VicRoads to implement new Clearway times on High Street (Stonnington) and Victoria Street (Yarra) from 22 February 2010. The VicRoads challenge relates to decisions made by it in 2008.”
The Mayor of Stonnington, Tim Smith, explains:
"Since federation debate has raged about what it means to be quintessentially Australian. One of those defining qualities must surely be our unwavering support for the little man or woman. And it is that value that underpins the City of Stonnington’s fight against extended clearway hours...
...Following the announcement the City of Stonnington immediately commissioned an impact study by independent economic experts Spiller Gibbons Swan. They estimated that, under this proposal, High Street traders alone stood to lose $6 million a year. If that was not enough to galvanise the City of Stonnington’s opposition, we were further convinced by Yarra Trams data, which clearly showed that travel time savings over the 6km between St Kilda Road and Tooronga Road, Malvern would be as little as three minutes debunking any myths that this proposal would address traffic congestion.
We are now, with the City of Yarra, issuing Supreme Court proceedings against VicRoads seeking to have this dreadful policy annulled. Central to our argument is the complete lack of regard the Government and VicRoads has shown for local interests in rolling out this policy. The Government announced its plan for extended clearway hours by press release in April 2008, in June 2008 it called for submissions from interested parties. Calling for submissions after a policy announcement could not be interpreted as genuine consultation in anyone’s books."
See Mayor Tim Smith's full piece here.
We welcome your comments on this issue.
Public Transport Survey: What moves you, what moves your vote?
I am now the Deputy Chair of the MTF which is running an online survey about Public Transport. The VLGA and 18 local governments are members of the MTF which is politically independent and exists solely to work for better public transport. In 2009 the Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) developed a public transport advocacy strategy which resolved to make a submission to the state transport budget and develop community advocacy for public transport using the pt4me2 website.
Visit www.pt4me2.org.au to have your say about Melbourne's public transport. The results will be presented to all the major political parties in May. Results will also be sorted into postcodes and the data will be available for local governments. Already we've had almost 2000 responses, but we're hoping for more!
Community respondents are asked to comment on:
* Best and worst features of Melbourne’s public transport
* Train, tram and bus issues
* Local transport issues within regions of Melbourne
* Survey for under-18’s who are very dependent on public transport
Local governments are being invited to support the project by publicising the website within their municipalities via their numerous local networks. There are a number of council tools available on the website. Local governments are encouraged to participate and queries can be directed to Susie Strain, Executive Officer, Metropolitan Transport Forum at mtf@mtf.org.au
Public Housing Inquiry
In conjunction with our presentation at the Family and Community Development Committee Inquiry into Public Housing we issued a media release drawing on the views of members. Please find the release on our website here.
Landfill Levy
There seem to be mixed messages regarding the proposal to set new landfill levies. The 2010 Statement of Government Intentions set out that:
“In 2010 the Government will set new landfill levies in order to encourage the recovery of valuable material and new products from Victoria’s waste. The details of this reform will be included in the Government’s Jobs for the Future Strategy. The higher levies will make new recycling ventures more viable and expand employment in the recycling and materials processing industries. This will reduce Victoria’s reliance on landfills and our exposure to the environmental problems caused by waste... The revenues from the new levies will be reinvested in the industry and through the Sustainability Fund in related environmental programs.”
Friday’s Herald Sun reported that levies of $50 would be reinvested into eight new waste facilities with capacity to manage compost and better recycling facilities. Minister Jennings appeared to back away from a cost burden on residents:
“Environment Minister Gavin Jennings said the research would help the state government and councils make informed decisions about waste disposal. While new waste technologies could create significant jobs and investment in the future, as well (as) helping divert waste from landfill, the government would not support excessive additional costs to households to implement it.”
Funding streams for improved waste technologies is likely to continue to be an issue during 2010. What are your views?
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Training Calendar
The Commission has put forward its calendar of training events to help groups and individuals to build more inclusive workplaces. See the Commission's website or contact Jane Lewis on 03 9023 3400 or jane.lewis@veohrc.vic.gov.au
Multicultural Commission Festival and Events funding available now
Apply now for Community grants in support of Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The grants aim to strengthen local capacity. See the VMC website for more information.
Other funding at DPCD website
You can find other funding and grants opportunities and announcements at The Department of Planning and Community Development’s website. On the site at the moment you will find: Premier's Community Volunteering Awards now open, Positive Body Image Small Grants now open. Also check Grants@DPCD Home.
Events
Vindaloo Against Violence
Wednesday 24 February
Show your support for the Indian community and signal that violence against any member of our society is not acceptable. Let the Indian community – and all immigrant communities – know that they are welcome and entitled to feel safe here. Dine at your local Indian restaurant on 24 February. Register now.
Liveable and Just Toolkit Launch
In response to the outcomes and recommendations of climate change workshops conducted across Victoria, the Liveable & Just Toolkit has been developed to assist councils to integrate social and equity issues into efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Melbourne launch
Tuesday 2 March, 9.30am-12noon
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton 3053
Register for the Melbourne launch
Regional launch
Tuesday 9 March, 10.30am-1pm
Mansfield Shire Council, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield 3722
Register for the Regional launch at Mansfield
Leading Edge Forum: 2010 State & Federal Elections: will you be heard or drowned out?
Thursday 4 March
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The March Leading Edge Forum on the topic of the 2010 State & Federal Elections: will you be heard or drowned out? is being held on Thursday 4 March.
Details:
Thursday 4 March VLGA,
60 Leicester St, Carlton
6.30pm Finger-food and refreshments
7pm LEF commences
Registrations for LEFs can now be made via our website and current LEF information can be found here.
Celebrate International Women’s Day and show solidarity with international students
Friday 5 March, 11.30am-2.00pm
State Library, Swanston Street to march to Parliament
The Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition is celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day with a March for Harmony led by female international students. Everyone is invited to show their solidarity with international students.
Female international students have a different story to tell about their life in this country. This is their day, the day they can be heard and acknowledged for the optimism, resilience and talent they bring to this country. There will be a colourful march of hundreds of women around the Melbourne CBD.
Clean Up Australia Day Sunday 7 March
Check out the Clean Up Australia website to find cleanup sites in your area.
Women’s Planning Network – International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March, 7.30-9am
Parliament House, Spring Street, Melbourne
This year’s breakfast will be held at Parliament House with Jenny Mikakos, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning as special guest speaker and also includes the presentation of the 2010 Rising Star Scholarship. Cost: WPN Members and Students: $25; Non Members: $30 Places are limited so please obtain a registration form by emailing admin@wpn.org.au or calling 9347 4622 by Friday 5 March.
Sally Isaac International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March, 7.30-9am
Reading Room, Fitzroy Library
The City of Yarra will host an International Women’s Day breakfast in Fitzroy Library’s Reading Room on Wednesday 10 March. The event celebrates Sally’s memory and her legacy. It marks the enormous contribution that many women make to public life and their community.
The event will also raise funds for the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family and friends of Sally, to create educational opportunities for young women who make a significant contribution to a range of disciplines. Check our website for more details.
Local Government Planning for a Sustainable Future
Monday 15 March
Quay West Melbourne, 26 Southgate Avenue, Southgate
Presented by Peter Aughton, this workshop will introduce local government decision makers to practical and participative planning tools that can be readily applied in their communities.
Contact Jill Moor on 9835 8900 or registrations@pics.com.au or see here on our website for the flyer and registration form.
National Ride2School Day
Wednesday 17 March
Put this date in your diary and be part of the action on National Ride2School Day on Wednesday 17 March, 2010. To see the active travel rates amongst students in your council for Term 4, 2009, see the Ride2School website. Happy Riding!
WomenCan! Conference (ALGWA)
18-19 March 2010
City of Melbourne, Yarra Room, Melbourne Town Hall
This year’s Australian Local Government Women’s Association conference has some wonderful, inspiring speakers attracting a fantastic response from people wishing to attend both the dinner on Thursday 18 March and conference on Friday 19 March, in this, the Year of Women in Local Government. ALGWA has designed the conference to appeal to both elected members and employees within the Local Government sector as women work towards furthering themselves in their careers and address gender equity issues. The conference aims to inspire women professionally and celebrate successes of women in all area of leadership.
Speakers include Professor Graham Sansom, Mary Barry, CEO of SES Victoria, Marcia Griffin, a past recipient of the Telstra Women of the Year and founder of Griffin & Row, Melissa Fyfe, state political writer for the Melbourne Age, Melissa Wealands, President of the Women’s Planning Network, and Senator Judith Troeth. For a further list of speakers, to view the program or to register, visit www.algwa.com.au
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au
Monday 15 February, 2010
Yesterday I attended the launch of Transition Decade in Melbourne – a symposium of the many individuals and networks working towards a safe climate future. Local governments obviously play a key role in adaptation and mitigation and making it possible for communities to improve amenity, shop locally, reduce transport, plan appropriate sites for housing and infrastructure – and, as a bonus (!), reduce emissions. A list of the links and groups who presented is available on the VLGA website. Enjoy their websites and ideas for your communities.
Your Opinions: Planning
As submissions to the review of the Planning and Environment Act are finalised, Hume City Council has summarised the frustrations of many. Mayor Geoff Porter and council officer David Keenan write:
“These changes take away local government’s role in the strategic planning process significantly reducing the value of local government having a Municipal Strategic Statement or undertaking strategic planning. This further reduction of planning powers follows other areas where local government is no longer the planning authority:
* Growth Areas (the GAA is now the Planning authority for Precinct Planning)
* Social Housing, the Minister is the Planning Authority and there is no consultation required with adjoining residents
* Education Stimulus for Schools, the Minister is the Planning Authority and there is no consultation required with adjoining residents
* Central Activity Districts. It is proposed that the Development Assessment Committees will be the Planning Authority
* Projects of Merit, the Minister has called in a number of these
Many councilors who stood for office on planning issues will no longer have the authority to deal with the issues. This is at a time when the Department has failed to finalize a number of reviews…”
Full piece is available on our website here. The VLGA Submission can be found on our website. We welcome your comments.
Public Housing Inquiry
The VLGA has been invited to present to the Family and Community Development Committee Inquiry into Public Housing on Wednesday 17 February. If your council has made a submission to the Inquiry, or has views on this issue, we would love to hear from you.
Financial sustainability of small rural councils
We have written to rural councils inviting participation in a key campaign for the VLGA in 2010. We are aware of the urgent need for measures to address funding shortfalls for many small rural councils. At our LEF last October in Wodonga, CEOs spoke of the need for reforms in the grants formula and roads funding. We will be pursuing this issue during 2010 and we invite your comments.
VLGA Annual Tour of councils
We will be visiting many of you this year. On our visits, we invite you to tell us your key issues for the 2010 elections and some policies and strategies you have developed that stand as best practice and could be shared with other councils. Our CEO, Maree McPherson, and Board members look forward to visiting you.
Essential Services Commission Inquiry
Please find attached the third newsletter from the ESC regarding the Local Government project. NB the call for interested councillors to share their views with the Commission. The Newsletter is on our website.
Consumer Affairs campaign against con-traders
Consumer Affairs Victoria is currently running a campaign to raise awareness of travelling con-traders: Help stop travelling con men (sic) campaign that aims to increase residents’ awareness of these traders. The travelling ‘tradies’ target the elderly and disabled, going door-to-door offering cheap home repair services, such as roof and driveway repairs or painting. A CrimeStoppers Victoria commercial is currently running on the Nine network and regional WIN TV, and information posters and brochures detailing this issue are available from Consumer Affairs Victoria by contacting 1300 55 81 81 or travelling.conmen@justice.vic.gov.au.
VLGA Training Needs Assessment Survey – please complete before Wednesday 17 February
Please complete the short online survey. As a special thank you for completing this survey we offer you the opportunity to go into the draw for 2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Windsor in Melbourne. Please contact VLGA Training on 1300 797 713 or training@vlga.org.au if you require any further information.
Ride2School
We all know how important walking and riding to school is for young people – it's good for their health, environment, education and for the family budget. Ride2School is pleased to bring you the latest active travel news regarding registered schools in your municipality.
To see the active travel rates amongst students in your council for Term 4, 2009, see the Ride2School website.
Put this date in your diary and be part of the action on National Ride2School Day on Wednesday 17 March, 2010. Happy Riding!
Disability Reference Group call for members
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is calling for expressions of interest for people to join our Disability Reference Group (DRG) for 2010-2012.
The DRG:
* assists the Commission to identify priority human rights and systemic discrimination issues affecting people with a disability
* provides advice and assistance to the Commission on the development of policies and procedures towards ensuring the delivery of appropriate and effective services to people with a disability
* provides guidance to the Commission on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and advice under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act
* provides a user perspective on the ongoing implementation of the Commission’s Strategic Plan.
The closing date for applications is 26 February 2010. Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview in March. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.
For more information or to submit an application please contact:
Rivkah Nissim, Policy and Projects Officer
Phone: (03) 903 23405; email: rivkah.nissim@veohrc.vic.gov.au
For more information about the Commission see their website.
Events
Sustainable Living Festival
6-21 February
The Sustainable Living Festival has expanded its program with a range of new local events. Visit local sustainability events in your town, suburb or street, or join in the Festival’s Main Event at Federation Square, Melbourne. Find full program details.
Timor-Leste Forum Preparing for Municipal Government in Timor-Leste
Tuesday 16 February, 5.00-8.30pm
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA's Timor-Leste Working Group is hosting a forum on Tuesday 16 February, Preparing for Municipal Government in Timor-Leste. This forum is of particular interest to our local government members and our friendship groups. Speakers from the Victorian Government, the MAV and the VLGA will contribute to the discussion about the transition to local government and how our local governments and friendship groups can assist. It is also intended to have a telephone hook up with a senior Timor-Leste Government representative to provide an update on progress towards decentralisation.
For those unable to attend in person the VLGA has created a UStream Show for the forum. There are two links: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-vlga-s-timor-leste-working-group and http://doiop.com/33bmda. All you need to do is follow the links above and it will allow you to watch and chat (contribute) via UStream. There is also a Facebook event page containing all the necessary information and sent to all Facebook friends.
Transport for Sustainable Cities
Thursday 18 February, 3-4.30pm
BMW Edge, Federation Square
Professor Ross Garnaut and Greg Hunt MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Water present their visions for sustainable transport. Hosted by Metropolitan Transport Forum, commentary by Kelvin Thomson MP, Federal member for Wills.
Event free, no RSVP required. See the Thinking Transport website for details.
Liveable and Just Toolkit Launch
In response to the outcomes and recommendations of climate change workshops conducted across Victoria, the Liveable & Just Toolkit has been developed to assist councils to integrate social and equity issues into efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Melbourne Launch
Tuesday 2 March, 9.30am-12noon
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton 3053
Register
Regional Launch
Tuesday 9 March, 10.30am-1pm
Mansfield Shire Council, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield 3722
Register
Women’s Planning Network – International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March, 7.30-9am
Parliament House, Spring Street, Melbourne
This year’s breakfast will be held at Parliament House with Jenny Mikakos, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning as our special guest speaker and also include the presentation of the 2010 Rising Star Scholarship.
Cost: WPN Members and Students: $25; Non Members: $30
Places are limited so please obtain a registration form by emailing admin@wpn.org.au or calling 9347 4622 by Friday 5 March.
Sally Isaac International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March
Reading Room, Fitzroy Library
The City of Yarra will host an International Women’s Day breakfast in Fitzroy Library’s Reading Room on Wednesday 10 March. The event celebrates Sally’s memory and her legacy. It marks the enormous contribution that many women make to public life and their community. The event will also raise funds for the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family and friends of Sally, to create educational opportunities for young women who make a significant contribution to a range of disciplines. Check our website for more details.
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au
Your Opinions: Planning
As submissions to the review of the Planning and Environment Act are finalised, Hume City Council has summarised the frustrations of many. Mayor Geoff Porter and council officer David Keenan write:
“These changes take away local government’s role in the strategic planning process significantly reducing the value of local government having a Municipal Strategic Statement or undertaking strategic planning. This further reduction of planning powers follows other areas where local government is no longer the planning authority:
* Growth Areas (the GAA is now the Planning authority for Precinct Planning)
* Social Housing, the Minister is the Planning Authority and there is no consultation required with adjoining residents
* Education Stimulus for Schools, the Minister is the Planning Authority and there is no consultation required with adjoining residents
* Central Activity Districts. It is proposed that the Development Assessment Committees will be the Planning Authority
* Projects of Merit, the Minister has called in a number of these
Many councilors who stood for office on planning issues will no longer have the authority to deal with the issues. This is at a time when the Department has failed to finalize a number of reviews…”
Full piece is available on our website here. The VLGA Submission can be found on our website. We welcome your comments.
Public Housing Inquiry
The VLGA has been invited to present to the Family and Community Development Committee Inquiry into Public Housing on Wednesday 17 February. If your council has made a submission to the Inquiry, or has views on this issue, we would love to hear from you.
Financial sustainability of small rural councils
We have written to rural councils inviting participation in a key campaign for the VLGA in 2010. We are aware of the urgent need for measures to address funding shortfalls for many small rural councils. At our LEF last October in Wodonga, CEOs spoke of the need for reforms in the grants formula and roads funding. We will be pursuing this issue during 2010 and we invite your comments.
VLGA Annual Tour of councils
We will be visiting many of you this year. On our visits, we invite you to tell us your key issues for the 2010 elections and some policies and strategies you have developed that stand as best practice and could be shared with other councils. Our CEO, Maree McPherson, and Board members look forward to visiting you.
Essential Services Commission Inquiry
Please find attached the third newsletter from the ESC regarding the Local Government project. NB the call for interested councillors to share their views with the Commission. The Newsletter is on our website.
Consumer Affairs campaign against con-traders
Consumer Affairs Victoria is currently running a campaign to raise awareness of travelling con-traders: Help stop travelling con men (sic) campaign that aims to increase residents’ awareness of these traders. The travelling ‘tradies’ target the elderly and disabled, going door-to-door offering cheap home repair services, such as roof and driveway repairs or painting. A CrimeStoppers Victoria commercial is currently running on the Nine network and regional WIN TV, and information posters and brochures detailing this issue are available from Consumer Affairs Victoria by contacting 1300 55 81 81 or travelling.conmen@justice.vic.gov.au.
VLGA Training Needs Assessment Survey – please complete before Wednesday 17 February
Please complete the short online survey. As a special thank you for completing this survey we offer you the opportunity to go into the draw for 2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Windsor in Melbourne. Please contact VLGA Training on 1300 797 713 or training@vlga.org.au if you require any further information.
Ride2School
We all know how important walking and riding to school is for young people – it's good for their health, environment, education and for the family budget. Ride2School is pleased to bring you the latest active travel news regarding registered schools in your municipality.
To see the active travel rates amongst students in your council for Term 4, 2009, see the Ride2School website.
Put this date in your diary and be part of the action on National Ride2School Day on Wednesday 17 March, 2010. Happy Riding!
Disability Reference Group call for members
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is calling for expressions of interest for people to join our Disability Reference Group (DRG) for 2010-2012.
The DRG:
* assists the Commission to identify priority human rights and systemic discrimination issues affecting people with a disability
* provides advice and assistance to the Commission on the development of policies and procedures towards ensuring the delivery of appropriate and effective services to people with a disability
* provides guidance to the Commission on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and advice under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act
* provides a user perspective on the ongoing implementation of the Commission’s Strategic Plan.
The closing date for applications is 26 February 2010. Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview in March. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.
For more information or to submit an application please contact:
Rivkah Nissim, Policy and Projects Officer
Phone: (03) 903 23405; email: rivkah.nissim@veohrc.vic.gov.au
For more information about the Commission see their website.
Events
Sustainable Living Festival
6-21 February
The Sustainable Living Festival has expanded its program with a range of new local events. Visit local sustainability events in your town, suburb or street, or join in the Festival’s Main Event at Federation Square, Melbourne. Find full program details.
Timor-Leste Forum Preparing for Municipal Government in Timor-Leste
Tuesday 16 February, 5.00-8.30pm
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA's Timor-Leste Working Group is hosting a forum on Tuesday 16 February, Preparing for Municipal Government in Timor-Leste. This forum is of particular interest to our local government members and our friendship groups. Speakers from the Victorian Government, the MAV and the VLGA will contribute to the discussion about the transition to local government and how our local governments and friendship groups can assist. It is also intended to have a telephone hook up with a senior Timor-Leste Government representative to provide an update on progress towards decentralisation.
For those unable to attend in person the VLGA has created a UStream Show for the forum. There are two links: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-vlga-s-timor-leste-working-group and http://doiop.com/33bmda. All you need to do is follow the links above and it will allow you to watch and chat (contribute) via UStream. There is also a Facebook event page containing all the necessary information and sent to all Facebook friends.
Transport for Sustainable Cities
Thursday 18 February, 3-4.30pm
BMW Edge, Federation Square
Professor Ross Garnaut and Greg Hunt MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Water present their visions for sustainable transport. Hosted by Metropolitan Transport Forum, commentary by Kelvin Thomson MP, Federal member for Wills.
Event free, no RSVP required. See the Thinking Transport website for details.
Liveable and Just Toolkit Launch
In response to the outcomes and recommendations of climate change workshops conducted across Victoria, the Liveable & Just Toolkit has been developed to assist councils to integrate social and equity issues into efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Melbourne Launch
Tuesday 2 March, 9.30am-12noon
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton 3053
Register
Regional Launch
Tuesday 9 March, 10.30am-1pm
Mansfield Shire Council, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield 3722
Register
Women’s Planning Network – International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March, 7.30-9am
Parliament House, Spring Street, Melbourne
This year’s breakfast will be held at Parliament House with Jenny Mikakos, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning as our special guest speaker and also include the presentation of the 2010 Rising Star Scholarship.
Cost: WPN Members and Students: $25; Non Members: $30
Places are limited so please obtain a registration form by emailing admin@wpn.org.au or calling 9347 4622 by Friday 5 March.
Sally Isaac International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March
Reading Room, Fitzroy Library
The City of Yarra will host an International Women’s Day breakfast in Fitzroy Library’s Reading Room on Wednesday 10 March. The event celebrates Sally’s memory and her legacy. It marks the enormous contribution that many women make to public life and their community. The event will also raise funds for the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family and friends of Sally, to create educational opportunities for young women who make a significant contribution to a range of disciplines. Check our website for more details.
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au
Monday 8 February, 2010
To those of you who lost loved ones, homes, beautiful environments on Saturday 7 February 2009, the VLGA Board and staff convey our thoughts and deepest sympathy as you recall the events of 12 months ago.
In 'Your Opinions' this week, Mayor Ken King, Nillumbik, writes about his community’s recovery.
Your Opinions: Reflections on Black Saturday - Nillumbik
Thursday 4 February 2010 and the rain falls steadily on the iron roof, the paddocks are green, the dams full. December saw the hay cutters busy, their metronome clunking as the bales are ejected, the vineyards and orchards are netted against bird attack. So, so different to early February 2009. This welcome appearance of normality is a thin veil for the sadness that remains in our community.
Twenty-two percent of Nillumbik burned, 41 lives lost and 135 homes destroyed or damaged and many other outbuildings destroyed across the areas of Strathewen, St Andrews, Arthurs Creek and Christmas Hills. Families and communities ravaged, fauna and flora obliterated, February 7 2009 has changed Nillumbik forever.
Read Mayor Ken King’s full piece on the VLGA website.
Councils working for community safety
When Mayor Peter Beales spoke at the VLGA Essential Mayors’ Weekend 2010, he spoke passionately of the difficulties faced by Murrindindi Shire during 2009. He also spoke of the extraordinary commitment of councillors to their communities and the ongoing and extensive efforts of council staff to deliver services to the fire ravaged community.
The discussion that followed outlined key issues for councils and communities as we strive to improve our disaster preparedness:
* Local governments are underestimated in their capacity to deliver services for their community and respond to crisis situations
* New responsibilities passed to local governments such as responding to heatwaves and providing places of last resort require adequate funding – current rate and grant funding streams cannot absorb new responsibilities
* Co-ordination with emergency services is required at the policy level involving councillors as well as at the operational level for urban, rural and peri-urban/interface councils
These key issues require ongoing advocacy.
WorkCover
We are pleased to report that the Accident Compensation Bill was passed by the Lower House last week with the support of both the Government and the Opposition. The Bill removes the exclusion of councillors from the WorkCover scheme. Implementation is delayed under the Bill until July 2010 to allow for the necessary guidelines to be developed.
See Hansard. You can also access the Accident Compensation Amendment Bill 2009 here
ASU Campaign
The Australian Services Union is undertaking a campaign against the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate (set up under s.223 Local Government Act). The LGI can investigate ‘any person’ including council workers, family, friends or the general community. Inspectors are directly appointed by the Minister and are not subject to the Public Administration Act. A person must not refuse a requirement of an inspector (maximum penalty 2 years imprisonment).
Do we require the LGI with such unfettered powers? Can other existing mechanisms of regulation (Code of Conduct Panel, Ombudsman, Conflict of Interest laws, investigations by LGV), when properly enforced, ensure good governance? Forward your thoughts about this to me at rose@vlga.org.au
Planning and Environment Act Review
Submissions on the Draft Bill are due this Friday 12 February. The VLGA Submission will be available for viewing early this week. If councils have not had their Ordinary Council meetings prior to 12 February, arrangements can be made with DPCD to make submissions by 26 February.
Social Housing
At the Essential Mayors’ weekend, Minister Wynne was quizzed on the justification for social housing projects circumventing council consultation processes. We collected the thoughts of Mayors present at the weekend and have summarised the main concerns (a copy of the summary is available on our website).
The VLGA Affordable Housing Working Group will continue to refine our advocacy position and strategy on this issue. The VLGA has been invited to present to the Family and Community Development Committee Inquiry into Public Housing on 17 February.
Conflict of Interest Review
Feedback on the VLGA Conflict of Interest Review submission – due Friday 12 February. You can access the VLGA Draft Submission via our website
The submission includes a comparison of Conflict of Interest laws across all Australian states and an analysis of how other states deal with common problems.
Essential Services Commission Inquiry
Many councillors, council staff and community members learnt more about the Inquiry into Performance Monitoring of Local Governments at the VLGA’s Leading Edge Forum last week. Any queries or comments on this issue can be directed to rose@vlga.org.au or Andrew Chow at the Essential Services Commission at localgovernment@esc.vic.gov.au. Help to ensure that any framework that is introduced is fair, useful and effective in driving improvement in areas valuable to communities.
VLGA Training Needs Assessment Survey
VLGA Training would appreciate if you would participate in a short confidential online Training Needs Assessment Survey designed for councillors, council staff and community members.
Your participation in this online survey will assist VLGA Training to continue to provide responsive learning and development options that help to build our capacity to work together for the benefit of our local communities.
The online survey should take you around 10 minutes from start to finish, and can be accessed here
As a special thankyou for completing this survey we offer you the opportunity to go into the draw for 2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Windsor in Melbourne. This survey closes on Wednesday 17 February.
Please contact VLGA Training on 1300 797 713 or training@vlga.org.au if you require any further information.
Events
Working group meeting times
Women’s Policy Working Group: Thursday 11 February, 12.30-2pm at the VLGA
Local Government Working Group on Gambling: Wednesday 17 Feb, 9-11am at the VLGA
Timor-Leste Working Group: Thursday 11 February, 5-7pm at the VLGA
Launch the Transition Decade
Sunday 14 February, 12pm
Melbourne Town Hall
Speakers include: Professor David de Kretser, A.C, The Governor of Victoria; Professor Rob Adams AM, Director Design & Urban Environment, City of Melbourne; Senator Christine Milne,
Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens; Uncle Bob Randall, Yankunytjatjara Elder and Traditional Owner of Uluru.
"This could be the most important climate action event of the year" David Spratt is co-author of Climate Code Red
LIMITED SEATS - REGISTER NOW
Sustainable Living Festival
6-21 February
The Sustainable Living Festival has expanded its program with a range of new local events. Visit local sustainability events in your town, suburb or street, or join in the Festival’s Main Event at Federation Square, Melbourne. Find full program details here
Timor-Leste Forum - 'Preparing for Municipal Government in Timor-Leste'
Tuesday 16 February, 5.00-8.30pm
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA's Timor-Leste Working Group is hosting a forum on Tuesday 16 February, Preparing for Municipal Government in Timor-Leste. This forum is of particular interest to our local government members and our friendship groups. Speakers from the Victorian Government, the MAV and the VLGA will contribute to the discussion about the transition to local government and how our local governments and friendship groups can assist. It is also intended to have a telephone hook up with a senior Timor-Leste Government representative to provide an update on progress towards decentralisation.
Please RSVP to vlga@vlga.org.au or phone (03) 9349 7999.
For those unable to attend in person the VLGA has created a UStream Show for the forum. You can access UStream here or here.
All you need to do is follow the links above and it will allow you to watch and chat (contribute) via UStream. There is also a Facebook event page containing all the necessary information and sent to all Facebook friends.
Transport for Sustainable Cities
Thursday 18 February, 3-4.30pm
BMW Edge, Federation Square
Professor Ross Garnaut and Greg Hunt MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Water present their visions for sustainable transport. Hosted by Metropolitan Transport Forum, commentary by Kelvin Thomson MP, Federal member for Wills.
Event free, no RSVP required. See the Thinking Transport website for details.
Liveable and Just Toolkit Launch
In response to the outcomes and recommendations of climate change workshops conducted across Victoria, the Liveable & Just Toolkit has been developed to assist councils to integrate social and equity issues into efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Melbourne launch
Tuesday 2 March, 9.30am-12noon
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton 3053
Register here
Regional launch
Tuesday 9 March, 10.30am-1pm
Mansfield Shire Council, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield 3722
Register here
Sally Isaac International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March
Reading Room, Fitzroy Library
The City of Yarra will host an International Women’s Day breakfast in Fitzroy Library’s Reading Room on Wednesday 10 March. The event celebrates Sally’s memory and her legacy. It marks the enormous contribution that many women make to public life and their community. The event will also raise funds for the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family and friends of Sally, to create educational opportunities for young women who make a significant contribution to a range of disciplines. See our website for more details.
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au
In 'Your Opinions' this week, Mayor Ken King, Nillumbik, writes about his community’s recovery.
Your Opinions: Reflections on Black Saturday - Nillumbik
Thursday 4 February 2010 and the rain falls steadily on the iron roof, the paddocks are green, the dams full. December saw the hay cutters busy, their metronome clunking as the bales are ejected, the vineyards and orchards are netted against bird attack. So, so different to early February 2009. This welcome appearance of normality is a thin veil for the sadness that remains in our community.
Twenty-two percent of Nillumbik burned, 41 lives lost and 135 homes destroyed or damaged and many other outbuildings destroyed across the areas of Strathewen, St Andrews, Arthurs Creek and Christmas Hills. Families and communities ravaged, fauna and flora obliterated, February 7 2009 has changed Nillumbik forever.
Read Mayor Ken King’s full piece on the VLGA website.
Councils working for community safety
When Mayor Peter Beales spoke at the VLGA Essential Mayors’ Weekend 2010, he spoke passionately of the difficulties faced by Murrindindi Shire during 2009. He also spoke of the extraordinary commitment of councillors to their communities and the ongoing and extensive efforts of council staff to deliver services to the fire ravaged community.
The discussion that followed outlined key issues for councils and communities as we strive to improve our disaster preparedness:
* Local governments are underestimated in their capacity to deliver services for their community and respond to crisis situations
* New responsibilities passed to local governments such as responding to heatwaves and providing places of last resort require adequate funding – current rate and grant funding streams cannot absorb new responsibilities
* Co-ordination with emergency services is required at the policy level involving councillors as well as at the operational level for urban, rural and peri-urban/interface councils
These key issues require ongoing advocacy.
WorkCover
We are pleased to report that the Accident Compensation Bill was passed by the Lower House last week with the support of both the Government and the Opposition. The Bill removes the exclusion of councillors from the WorkCover scheme. Implementation is delayed under the Bill until July 2010 to allow for the necessary guidelines to be developed.
See Hansard. You can also access the Accident Compensation Amendment Bill 2009 here
ASU Campaign
The Australian Services Union is undertaking a campaign against the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate (set up under s.223 Local Government Act). The LGI can investigate ‘any person’ including council workers, family, friends or the general community. Inspectors are directly appointed by the Minister and are not subject to the Public Administration Act. A person must not refuse a requirement of an inspector (maximum penalty 2 years imprisonment).
Do we require the LGI with such unfettered powers? Can other existing mechanisms of regulation (Code of Conduct Panel, Ombudsman, Conflict of Interest laws, investigations by LGV), when properly enforced, ensure good governance? Forward your thoughts about this to me at rose@vlga.org.au
Planning and Environment Act Review
Submissions on the Draft Bill are due this Friday 12 February. The VLGA Submission will be available for viewing early this week. If councils have not had their Ordinary Council meetings prior to 12 February, arrangements can be made with DPCD to make submissions by 26 February.
Social Housing
At the Essential Mayors’ weekend, Minister Wynne was quizzed on the justification for social housing projects circumventing council consultation processes. We collected the thoughts of Mayors present at the weekend and have summarised the main concerns (a copy of the summary is available on our website).
The VLGA Affordable Housing Working Group will continue to refine our advocacy position and strategy on this issue. The VLGA has been invited to present to the Family and Community Development Committee Inquiry into Public Housing on 17 February.
Conflict of Interest Review
Feedback on the VLGA Conflict of Interest Review submission – due Friday 12 February. You can access the VLGA Draft Submission via our website
The submission includes a comparison of Conflict of Interest laws across all Australian states and an analysis of how other states deal with common problems.
Essential Services Commission Inquiry
Many councillors, council staff and community members learnt more about the Inquiry into Performance Monitoring of Local Governments at the VLGA’s Leading Edge Forum last week. Any queries or comments on this issue can be directed to rose@vlga.org.au or Andrew Chow at the Essential Services Commission at localgovernment@esc.vic.gov.au. Help to ensure that any framework that is introduced is fair, useful and effective in driving improvement in areas valuable to communities.
VLGA Training Needs Assessment Survey
VLGA Training would appreciate if you would participate in a short confidential online Training Needs Assessment Survey designed for councillors, council staff and community members.
Your participation in this online survey will assist VLGA Training to continue to provide responsive learning and development options that help to build our capacity to work together for the benefit of our local communities.
The online survey should take you around 10 minutes from start to finish, and can be accessed here
As a special thankyou for completing this survey we offer you the opportunity to go into the draw for 2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Windsor in Melbourne. This survey closes on Wednesday 17 February.
Please contact VLGA Training on 1300 797 713 or training@vlga.org.au if you require any further information.
Events
Working group meeting times
Women’s Policy Working Group: Thursday 11 February, 12.30-2pm at the VLGA
Local Government Working Group on Gambling: Wednesday 17 Feb, 9-11am at the VLGA
Timor-Leste Working Group: Thursday 11 February, 5-7pm at the VLGA
Launch the Transition Decade
Sunday 14 February, 12pm
Melbourne Town Hall
Speakers include: Professor David de Kretser, A.C, The Governor of Victoria; Professor Rob Adams AM, Director Design & Urban Environment, City of Melbourne; Senator Christine Milne,
Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens; Uncle Bob Randall, Yankunytjatjara Elder and Traditional Owner of Uluru.
"This could be the most important climate action event of the year" David Spratt is co-author of Climate Code Red
LIMITED SEATS - REGISTER NOW
Sustainable Living Festival
6-21 February
The Sustainable Living Festival has expanded its program with a range of new local events. Visit local sustainability events in your town, suburb or street, or join in the Festival’s Main Event at Federation Square, Melbourne. Find full program details here
Timor-Leste Forum - 'Preparing for Municipal Government in Timor-Leste'
Tuesday 16 February, 5.00-8.30pm
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA's Timor-Leste Working Group is hosting a forum on Tuesday 16 February, Preparing for Municipal Government in Timor-Leste. This forum is of particular interest to our local government members and our friendship groups. Speakers from the Victorian Government, the MAV and the VLGA will contribute to the discussion about the transition to local government and how our local governments and friendship groups can assist. It is also intended to have a telephone hook up with a senior Timor-Leste Government representative to provide an update on progress towards decentralisation.
Please RSVP to vlga@vlga.org.au or phone (03) 9349 7999.
For those unable to attend in person the VLGA has created a UStream Show for the forum. You can access UStream here or here.
All you need to do is follow the links above and it will allow you to watch and chat (contribute) via UStream. There is also a Facebook event page containing all the necessary information and sent to all Facebook friends.
Transport for Sustainable Cities
Thursday 18 February, 3-4.30pm
BMW Edge, Federation Square
Professor Ross Garnaut and Greg Hunt MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Water present their visions for sustainable transport. Hosted by Metropolitan Transport Forum, commentary by Kelvin Thomson MP, Federal member for Wills.
Event free, no RSVP required. See the Thinking Transport website for details.
Liveable and Just Toolkit Launch
In response to the outcomes and recommendations of climate change workshops conducted across Victoria, the Liveable & Just Toolkit has been developed to assist councils to integrate social and equity issues into efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Melbourne launch
Tuesday 2 March, 9.30am-12noon
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton 3053
Register here
Regional launch
Tuesday 9 March, 10.30am-1pm
Mansfield Shire Council, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield 3722
Register here
Sally Isaac International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March
Reading Room, Fitzroy Library
The City of Yarra will host an International Women’s Day breakfast in Fitzroy Library’s Reading Room on Wednesday 10 March. The event celebrates Sally’s memory and her legacy. It marks the enormous contribution that many women make to public life and their community. The event will also raise funds for the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family and friends of Sally, to create educational opportunities for young women who make a significant contribution to a range of disciplines. See our website for more details.
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au
Monday 1 February, 2010
Welcome to the VLGA President’s weekly eNews for 2010.
Mayors enjoy VLGA training weekend
Returning from the VLGA Essential Mayors’ Weekend, I am impressed by the commitment of our mayors across Victoria to developing skills and knowledge to best represent councils and communities during 2010. The two day training course was enjoyed by over 30 mayors – and of course a quota of fun was had by all attendees as well.
"The weekend was an excellent event, great speakers, terrific discussions and a rare opportunity to share views, ideas and tips on what makes a successful Mayoralty!”
Cr Jane Garrett
Mayor, City of Yarra
Both Minister Wynne and Jeanette Powell (Shadow Minister for Local Government) addressed the group and fielded spirited questions on issues such as consultation, planning, social housing and Neighbourhood Safer Places. Mayors immediately put into practice skills on leadership and advocacy by making their views known.
A double election year
In the lead up to this double election year, we have been working relentlessly over summer on:
* Essential Services Commission – performance monitoring of local government
* Conflict of Interest Review
* Electoral Representation Review
* Financial sustainability of small rural councils
* Climate change and sustainability
* WorkCover for councillors
* Planning issues…
…all of which will inform our advocacy with state and federal leaders throughout 2010. A key focus for us this year will be campaigns on your behalf for commitments to policy reforms on key issues for local government.
Consultation and social housing emerged as key issues this weekend. Keep us informed of your key concerns and priorities.
Your opinions
This year I will be incorporating your opinions and perspectives into eNews via ‘opinion pieces’ on issues of importance to your communities. I invite you to submit your views to enhance inter-council discussion and debate. This week, I have included views on the following issues:
Essential Services Commission
The Essential Services Commission is part way through developing a framework for performance monitoring of local government. The VLGA has been engaged with the commission to find ways to include all stakeholders in the debate and develop a framework that is valuable for communities rather than resource intensive data collection resulting in unfair league tables of councils.
Over January, Cr Colin Hampton of Frankston City Council resigned from the ESC Consultative Committee due to concerns about process, inclusivity of the group and the number of councillors invited to be involved. The VLGA has now been invited onto the Committee.
Cr Michael Tudball, former Mayor, Moorabool Shire Council, is on the ESC Consultative Committee and writes:
“There are a couple of key points that I have been impressing upon the ESC and those involved in the review. Firstly, that council priorities are usually responsive to community demands, expectations and priorities... Secondly, the ‘cost shifting’ argument ... The final area I have been advocating ... is we need to ensure that the LGA has had the opportunity to provide comments against the ‘scores’ to put them into context.
I believe this provides a great opportunity for LGA to have streamlined and consistent reporting to our communities that makes sense to them, enables them to understand the results and also to look at how we do compare to others within the sector as long as those comparisons are fair, objective and explained.
I encourage Councillors and Community members to get involved in this review, provide feedback directly to the ESC at http://www.esc.vic.gov.au/NR/exeres/EC74C2B0-6D25-491E-A046-A41D19E38680.htm or to members of the Consultative Committee that are also listed on the ESC website.”
Read Cr Tudball’s full opinion piece on the VLGA website.
Planning – call in of 38 storey tower in Whitehorse
Mayor Bill Pemberton, Whitehorse City Council, has been dealing with the most recent call-in by Minister Madden. He writes:
“State Government Minister Justin Madden recently called in from VCAT an application that had been considered by Whitehorse City Council. The development proposal that was scheduled to be heard at VCAT in 2010 has generated a great deal of community debate prior to and since the Minister’s direct involvement.
The State Government has recognised that the transport interchange is the busiest metropolitan interchange outside central Melbourne and is in dire need of an upgrade.
Its redevelopment is intrinsically linked to increased residential development on this site and despite this the government has not yet committed funds or outlined a timeline for the redevelopment of this significant public transport hub in the eastern suburbs.”
Read Mayor Pemberton’s full opinion piece on the VLGA website.
If you have views on these issues or others, please submit your opinion pieces to me at rose@vlga.org.au
VLGA Training news
VLGA Training is pleased to announce two online training opportunities, available free to VLGA members during February and March:
How to Manage Priorities – available free to members from 1-28 February 2010
Fair Work Act 2009 – available free to members from now until 31 March 2010
See the VLGA Training website for access to these courses.
Feedback on the VLGA Conflict of Interest Review submission – due February 12
You can access the VLGA Draft Submission on our website.
The submission includes a comparison of Conflict of Interest laws across all Australian states and an analysis of how other states deal with common problems.
Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission’s final report – A Sustainable Future for Victoria: Getting Environmental Regulation Right
The Victorian Government released the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission’s final report A Sustainable Future for Victoria: Getting Environmental Regulation Right together with its response.
Copies of the final report and overview, as well as the Government’s response and the Treasurer’s press release, are available on the Commission’s website.
For more information, including how to obtain a printed copy of the final report or overview, please contact the Commission, ph: (03) 9092 5800, fax: (03) 9092 5845, email: environment@vcec.vic.gov.au or see their website
Join us in 2010 – Year of Women in Local Government
The VLGA encourages you to join us in becoming an official partner of the Year of Women in Local Government 2010. Check out www.lgwomen2010.org.au. There are three levels of contribution – follow this link.
If you would like more information about how the VLGA’s Women’s Policy Working Group is planning to support the YoWiLG, please contact Linda Bennett on 03 9349 7904 or linda@vlga.org.au.
Events
February Delegates Meeting and Leading Edge Forum
Thursday 4 February
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The February Leading Edge Forum on the topic of the Essential Services Commission’s Inquiry into Performance Monitoring Frameworks for Local Governments is being held on Thursday 4 February.
VLGA Delegates are also invited to attend a Delegates’ meeting prior to the LEF from 6pm-6.30pm in the VLGA office. This informal meeting will be a delegates-only discussion, giving you the opportunity to feed in the issues and concerns of your council and discuss these with other delegates.
Details:
Thursday 4 February, 2010
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
6pm Delegates’ meeting
6.30pm Finger-food and drinks
7pm LEF commences
Registrations for all LEFs can now be made via our website.
YIPAA Seminar
Statement of Government Intentions: The Big Ideas
Thursday 4 February, 7.30-9am
VMIA, Level 30, 35 Collins Street, Melbourne
As part of their Sectors at Sunrise seminar series, the Institute of Public Administration Australia is presenting an analysis and discussion of the 2010 Statement of Government Intentions, which sets out the Victorian Government’s agenda for the future of our state over the year ahead, including the transport sector and The Victorian Transport Plan released in 2008.
The seminar features Michael Kane, Executive Director, Policy and Strategy at the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Patricia Faulkner, National Partner in Charge – State Government, KPMG.
Check out the IPAA website for more details or to register:
Liveable and Just Toolkit Launch
In response to the outcomes and recommendations of climate change workshops conducted across Victoria, the Liveable & Just Toolkit has been developed to assist councils to integrate social and equity issues into efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Melbourne launch
Tuesday 2 March, 9.30am-12noon
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton 3053
Regional launch
Tuesday 9 March, 10.30am-1pm
Mansfield Shire Council, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield 3722
See our website for further details.
Sally Isaac International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March
Reading Room, Fitzroy Library
The City of Yarra will host an International Women’s Day breakfast in Fitzroy Library’s Reading Room on Wednesday 10 March. The event celebrates Sally’s memory and her legacy. It marks the enormous contribution that many women make to public life and their community. The event will also raise funds for the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family and friends of Sally, to create educational opportunities for young women who make a significant contribution to a range of disciplines. See our website for more details.
Introducing the EMILY’s List Empowering the Community Sector – Political Skills Training
As part of the VLGA’s distribution of useful information to our members and networks, please see the VLGA web-site by following the link below to see skills training information from EMILY’s List.
For program and registration information, follow this link.
I will continue our weekly eNews connecting you with issues and events.
I look forward to another productive year leading the VLGA and our membership to improvements for communities. Please contact me any time if there are issues you wish to discuss.
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au
Mayors enjoy VLGA training weekend
Returning from the VLGA Essential Mayors’ Weekend, I am impressed by the commitment of our mayors across Victoria to developing skills and knowledge to best represent councils and communities during 2010. The two day training course was enjoyed by over 30 mayors – and of course a quota of fun was had by all attendees as well.
"The weekend was an excellent event, great speakers, terrific discussions and a rare opportunity to share views, ideas and tips on what makes a successful Mayoralty!”
Cr Jane Garrett
Mayor, City of Yarra
Both Minister Wynne and Jeanette Powell (Shadow Minister for Local Government) addressed the group and fielded spirited questions on issues such as consultation, planning, social housing and Neighbourhood Safer Places. Mayors immediately put into practice skills on leadership and advocacy by making their views known.
A double election year
In the lead up to this double election year, we have been working relentlessly over summer on:
* Essential Services Commission – performance monitoring of local government
* Conflict of Interest Review
* Electoral Representation Review
* Financial sustainability of small rural councils
* Climate change and sustainability
* WorkCover for councillors
* Planning issues…
…all of which will inform our advocacy with state and federal leaders throughout 2010. A key focus for us this year will be campaigns on your behalf for commitments to policy reforms on key issues for local government.
Consultation and social housing emerged as key issues this weekend. Keep us informed of your key concerns and priorities.
Your opinions
This year I will be incorporating your opinions and perspectives into eNews via ‘opinion pieces’ on issues of importance to your communities. I invite you to submit your views to enhance inter-council discussion and debate. This week, I have included views on the following issues:
Essential Services Commission
The Essential Services Commission is part way through developing a framework for performance monitoring of local government. The VLGA has been engaged with the commission to find ways to include all stakeholders in the debate and develop a framework that is valuable for communities rather than resource intensive data collection resulting in unfair league tables of councils.
Over January, Cr Colin Hampton of Frankston City Council resigned from the ESC Consultative Committee due to concerns about process, inclusivity of the group and the number of councillors invited to be involved. The VLGA has now been invited onto the Committee.
Cr Michael Tudball, former Mayor, Moorabool Shire Council, is on the ESC Consultative Committee and writes:
“There are a couple of key points that I have been impressing upon the ESC and those involved in the review. Firstly, that council priorities are usually responsive to community demands, expectations and priorities... Secondly, the ‘cost shifting’ argument ... The final area I have been advocating ... is we need to ensure that the LGA has had the opportunity to provide comments against the ‘scores’ to put them into context.
I believe this provides a great opportunity for LGA to have streamlined and consistent reporting to our communities that makes sense to them, enables them to understand the results and also to look at how we do compare to others within the sector as long as those comparisons are fair, objective and explained.
I encourage Councillors and Community members to get involved in this review, provide feedback directly to the ESC at http://www.esc.vic.gov.au/NR/exeres/EC74C2B0-6D25-491E-A046-A41D19E38680.htm or to members of the Consultative Committee that are also listed on the ESC website.”
Read Cr Tudball’s full opinion piece on the VLGA website.
Planning – call in of 38 storey tower in Whitehorse
Mayor Bill Pemberton, Whitehorse City Council, has been dealing with the most recent call-in by Minister Madden. He writes:
“State Government Minister Justin Madden recently called in from VCAT an application that had been considered by Whitehorse City Council. The development proposal that was scheduled to be heard at VCAT in 2010 has generated a great deal of community debate prior to and since the Minister’s direct involvement.
The State Government has recognised that the transport interchange is the busiest metropolitan interchange outside central Melbourne and is in dire need of an upgrade.
Its redevelopment is intrinsically linked to increased residential development on this site and despite this the government has not yet committed funds or outlined a timeline for the redevelopment of this significant public transport hub in the eastern suburbs.”
Read Mayor Pemberton’s full opinion piece on the VLGA website.
If you have views on these issues or others, please submit your opinion pieces to me at rose@vlga.org.au
VLGA Training news
VLGA Training is pleased to announce two online training opportunities, available free to VLGA members during February and March:
How to Manage Priorities – available free to members from 1-28 February 2010
Fair Work Act 2009 – available free to members from now until 31 March 2010
See the VLGA Training website for access to these courses.
Feedback on the VLGA Conflict of Interest Review submission – due February 12
You can access the VLGA Draft Submission on our website.
The submission includes a comparison of Conflict of Interest laws across all Australian states and an analysis of how other states deal with common problems.
Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission’s final report – A Sustainable Future for Victoria: Getting Environmental Regulation Right
The Victorian Government released the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission’s final report A Sustainable Future for Victoria: Getting Environmental Regulation Right together with its response.
Copies of the final report and overview, as well as the Government’s response and the Treasurer’s press release, are available on the Commission’s website.
For more information, including how to obtain a printed copy of the final report or overview, please contact the Commission, ph: (03) 9092 5800, fax: (03) 9092 5845, email: environment@vcec.vic.gov.au or see their website
Join us in 2010 – Year of Women in Local Government
The VLGA encourages you to join us in becoming an official partner of the Year of Women in Local Government 2010. Check out www.lgwomen2010.org.au. There are three levels of contribution – follow this link.
If you would like more information about how the VLGA’s Women’s Policy Working Group is planning to support the YoWiLG, please contact Linda Bennett on 03 9349 7904 or linda@vlga.org.au.
Events
February Delegates Meeting and Leading Edge Forum
Thursday 4 February
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The February Leading Edge Forum on the topic of the Essential Services Commission’s Inquiry into Performance Monitoring Frameworks for Local Governments is being held on Thursday 4 February.
VLGA Delegates are also invited to attend a Delegates’ meeting prior to the LEF from 6pm-6.30pm in the VLGA office. This informal meeting will be a delegates-only discussion, giving you the opportunity to feed in the issues and concerns of your council and discuss these with other delegates.
Details:
Thursday 4 February, 2010
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
6pm Delegates’ meeting
6.30pm Finger-food and drinks
7pm LEF commences
Registrations for all LEFs can now be made via our website.
YIPAA Seminar
Statement of Government Intentions: The Big Ideas
Thursday 4 February, 7.30-9am
VMIA, Level 30, 35 Collins Street, Melbourne
As part of their Sectors at Sunrise seminar series, the Institute of Public Administration Australia is presenting an analysis and discussion of the 2010 Statement of Government Intentions, which sets out the Victorian Government’s agenda for the future of our state over the year ahead, including the transport sector and The Victorian Transport Plan released in 2008.
The seminar features Michael Kane, Executive Director, Policy and Strategy at the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Patricia Faulkner, National Partner in Charge – State Government, KPMG.
Check out the IPAA website for more details or to register:
Liveable and Just Toolkit Launch
In response to the outcomes and recommendations of climate change workshops conducted across Victoria, the Liveable & Just Toolkit has been developed to assist councils to integrate social and equity issues into efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Melbourne launch
Tuesday 2 March, 9.30am-12noon
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton 3053
Regional launch
Tuesday 9 March, 10.30am-1pm
Mansfield Shire Council, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield 3722
See our website for further details.
Sally Isaac International Women’s Day breakfast
Wednesday 10 March
Reading Room, Fitzroy Library
The City of Yarra will host an International Women’s Day breakfast in Fitzroy Library’s Reading Room on Wednesday 10 March. The event celebrates Sally’s memory and her legacy. It marks the enormous contribution that many women make to public life and their community. The event will also raise funds for the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family and friends of Sally, to create educational opportunities for young women who make a significant contribution to a range of disciplines. See our website for more details.
Introducing the EMILY’s List Empowering the Community Sector – Political Skills Training
As part of the VLGA’s distribution of useful information to our members and networks, please see the VLGA web-site by following the link below to see skills training information from EMILY’s List.
For program and registration information, follow this link.
I will continue our weekly eNews connecting you with issues and events.
I look forward to another productive year leading the VLGA and our membership to improvements for communities. Please contact me any time if there are issues you wish to discuss.
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)