The great debate is only a few days away, and I hope to see many of you at Thursday night’s Leading Edge Forum, Community input in planning decisions - help or hindrance debate at the VLGA. There are only a few places left, so register here.
The past week has been very busy with board meetings, resource committees and our climate change advisory committee. I am always heartened by the commitment of our members and staff. The climate change advisory committee has been the highlight of my week because we had an inspiring debate about food security and how this challenge relates to broader issues of climate change, social equity and human rights. The VLGA has been active in this area since 2005, and we are trying to address the absence of whole-of-government policy on integrated planning for public health and wellbeing and community resilience. Watch this space – there’s some exciting work being planned.
Now open – online survey on housing strategies
We encourage councillors and officers to participate in this brief 10 minute online survey. Members have requested we find out how local governments are setting and implementing housing and/or affordable housing policies. We will publish an overview of the results, including links to initiatives, information and networks. We are still welcoming new members to our Advisory Group – and could do with more councillors. Find the online survey here. For more information contact Dr Rebecca Barlow at rebecca@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7941.
Pokies auction results … further analysis now available
As well as data released by the State Government, our Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) has received further analysis on the level of change between existing venues; potential applications by certain venues for increases in gaming machines; potential new gaming venues; and the amount payable by gaming venues for the entitlements purchased. Further information here.
Social Inclusion Principles for Transport Engineers Seminar
We were delighted with the attendance of over 50 planners, engineers and others from local and state government departments and consultancies who came together to discuss the social implications of transport. Our thanks to partners including Engineers Australia and the Department of Transport. Presentations and handouts developed specifically for local governments are now on our Thinking Transport website. Also, a reminder that our online survey to assist local governments implement sustainable transport networks is still open, and can be found here. Further information from Gordon Young at gordon@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7943.
Watch this space
Threat to Local Government Language Services Program?
For years the State Government has helped local governments meet the costs of essential interpreting and translating services. Local governments with over 200 residents with low English proficiency have chosen between a direct grant and a line of credit provided by VITS Language Link. 2009-10 funding came with Minister Wynne’s indication that this would be the final year of the current funding arrangements. We believe the State Government should continue this support and we are conveying member concerns and the need for information about future funding arrangements. Minister Wynne has requested Local Government Victoria work with other areas of government to determine future support. We’ll keep you posted.
VLGA events for your diary
Local governments preventing violence against women workshop
Tuesday 15 June 2010, 10am-3.30pm
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Our 15 June workshop is for councillors and officers who want to build relationships and support change. Hear how to get prevention of violence against women high on your local government agenda and make useful connections. Places are limited so register here. For further information contact Linda Bennett at linda@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7904.
Other upcoming events
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Night – tickets now on sale
Friday 18 June 2010, 6.30pm-11.00pm
Atlantic Room, Central Pier, Docklands
Winners from each award category will be announced, along with Dame Phyllis Frost recipients and the prestigious Sustainable City of the Year and Clean Beach of the Year. Connect with a diverse group of like-minded people and decision makers from the sustainability sector. Further information on our Events Calendar or here. To purchase tickets for the KABV Awards Night contact Joanna Meyer on (03) 8626 8750 or email kabv@sustainability.vic.gov.au.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
VLGA President
0438 006 656
heinz@vlga.org.au
The past week has been very busy with board meetings, resource committees and our climate change advisory committee. I am always heartened by the commitment of our members and staff. The climate change advisory committee has been the highlight of my week because we had an inspiring debate about food security and how this challenge relates to broader issues of climate change, social equity and human rights. The VLGA has been active in this area since 2005, and we are trying to address the absence of whole-of-government policy on integrated planning for public health and wellbeing and community resilience. Watch this space – there’s some exciting work being planned.
Now open – online survey on housing strategies
We encourage councillors and officers to participate in this brief 10 minute online survey. Members have requested we find out how local governments are setting and implementing housing and/or affordable housing policies. We will publish an overview of the results, including links to initiatives, information and networks. We are still welcoming new members to our Advisory Group – and could do with more councillors. Find the online survey here. For more information contact Dr Rebecca Barlow at rebecca@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7941.
Pokies auction results … further analysis now available
As well as data released by the State Government, our Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) has received further analysis on the level of change between existing venues; potential applications by certain venues for increases in gaming machines; potential new gaming venues; and the amount payable by gaming venues for the entitlements purchased. Further information here.
Social Inclusion Principles for Transport Engineers Seminar
We were delighted with the attendance of over 50 planners, engineers and others from local and state government departments and consultancies who came together to discuss the social implications of transport. Our thanks to partners including Engineers Australia and the Department of Transport. Presentations and handouts developed specifically for local governments are now on our Thinking Transport website. Also, a reminder that our online survey to assist local governments implement sustainable transport networks is still open, and can be found here. Further information from Gordon Young at gordon@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7943.
Watch this space
Threat to Local Government Language Services Program?
For years the State Government has helped local governments meet the costs of essential interpreting and translating services. Local governments with over 200 residents with low English proficiency have chosen between a direct grant and a line of credit provided by VITS Language Link. 2009-10 funding came with Minister Wynne’s indication that this would be the final year of the current funding arrangements. We believe the State Government should continue this support and we are conveying member concerns and the need for information about future funding arrangements. Minister Wynne has requested Local Government Victoria work with other areas of government to determine future support. We’ll keep you posted.
VLGA events for your diary
Local governments preventing violence against women workshop
Tuesday 15 June 2010, 10am-3.30pm
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Our 15 June workshop is for councillors and officers who want to build relationships and support change. Hear how to get prevention of violence against women high on your local government agenda and make useful connections. Places are limited so register here. For further information contact Linda Bennett at linda@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7904.
Other upcoming events
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Night – tickets now on sale
Friday 18 June 2010, 6.30pm-11.00pm
Atlantic Room, Central Pier, Docklands
Winners from each award category will be announced, along with Dame Phyllis Frost recipients and the prestigious Sustainable City of the Year and Clean Beach of the Year. Connect with a diverse group of like-minded people and decision makers from the sustainability sector. Further information on our Events Calendar or here. To purchase tickets for the KABV Awards Night contact Joanna Meyer on (03) 8626 8750 or email kabv@sustainability.vic.gov.au.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
VLGA President
0438 006 656
heinz@vlga.org.au
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