VLGA to sit on Working Group to agree reforms to planning laws
Following the strong advocacy of the VLGA and others, we are glad to see the State Government defer reforms to the Planning and Environment Act and to appoint a Working Group which we have been invited to be represented on. In our submission to the review we strongly opposed many of the reforms released in an Exposure Draft earlier this year. We were strongly critical of proposed amendments that dilute, rather than strengthen, the role of local government in planning processes – in particular the proposal for applicants to be authorised to prepare their own planning scheme amendments. Throughout the past two years, local governments have experienced an increase in processes that diminish their authority to make planning decisions for, and in close consultation with, their communities, and we will be seeking commitments from all parties that this cease. See a full copy of our submission here. We will keep members informed of our participation in the Working Group and we look forward to your continuing feedback.
Gambling Indicators for Local Areas
Our thanks goes out to Hayden Brown, Social Planner at the City of Greater Dandenong, for developing and sharing a terrific resource that sets out the measures and rankings of gambling losses as well as venue and EGM numbers for 2009-10. Access the resource here. Hayden is also a valued contributor to the VLGA’s Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG). For more information about the work of LGWGOG please contact Darren Ray at darren@vlga.org.au or (03) 9349 7901.
Dwelling and Land Prices in Victoria 1985-2010
Once again, Hayden has produced yet another excellent resource in the form of an interactive spreadsheet containing information on price trends in Victorian municipalities for houses, units and land over the last 25 years. Go here to access your local information. We are sure you will find this data fascinating.
Interpreter Scholarship Program
The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) is offering scholarships to students enrolled in the 2011 RMIT University Diploma of Interpreting. The six languages being targeted in the 2011 program include Assyrian, Haka (Chin), Tedim (Chin), Kurdish (Kurmanci), Kurdish (Sorani) and Pashtu, which are particularly relevant to the Burmese, Iraqi and Afghani communities. Scholarship recipients will receive $2,000 to cover course fees for a Government-funded place in the Diploma of Interpreting. Graduates who complete the course with a grade of 70% or higher will be eligible for National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) paraprofessional accreditation. The course will run part-time from February 2011 to November 2011. The deadline to apply for the VMC Interpreter Scholarship Program is 1 December 2010. For more information contact Leah Bramhill on leah.bramhill@vmc.vic.gov.au or (03) 9651 0675.
Watch this space
2010 Excellence in Local Government Leadership Program (ELGLP) & scholarships
Applications for ANZSOG’s ELGLP are now open. The program is a three week residential program running from 22 November to 10 December and drawing on ANZSOG’s existing expertise, but tailored specifically for the local government sector. The best of academia and practice will be underpinned by purpose-built case study materials, role plays, peer clinics, small group work and problem-solving exercises. Applications close 15 October. Download the program brochure and application form including information about scholarships in Appendix 1. We strongly encourage councillors and staff to consider applying for the scholarships, which this year include 10 Australia-wide half scholarships for high potential female councillors/mayors and/or CEOs/senior executives with capacity to benefit from the program and contribute to the local government sector (sponsored by the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government), as well as eight half scholarships for Victoria sponsored by various State Government departments and MAV Insurance. VLGA events for your diary
October LEF – Acting together for a sustainable future: local government and community environment action and programs
Thursday 7 October, 6-9pmVLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Join the VLGA and Sustainability Victoria at our next Leading Edge Forum on Thursday 7 October for finger-food, refreshments and networking from 6pm, followed by interesting discussion about emerging actions and programs relevant to local government and community action. Topics that will be discussed include: Sustainable Precincts, including Zero Emission Neighbourhoods, Armstrong Creek, and Smart Energy Zones; helpful sustainability information and tools for local government, including the Utility Tracker, Best Practice Tracker, and Sustainability Resource Locator; Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria's programs recognising and celebrating community actions at a grassroots level; greenpower trends and challenges; and the new Victorian Government Climate Communities website and grants program supporting local actions tackling climate change. For more information and to RSVP go here.
Other events
Boroondara Conversations
Friday 17 September, 9.30am-3.30pm
Chandelier Room, Hawthorn Town Hall
The City of Boroondara is facilitating a hands-on interactive workshop with local council stakeholders to understand and draw conclusions about the state of practice of local democracy in Victoria. For information, or to register, contact Helena Johansson at helena.johansson@boroondara.vic.gov.au or (03) 9278 4892.
Eco City Youth Forum
Thursday 23 September
10am-1.30pm at Swanston Hall, Melbourne Town Hall
then 1.30-3.30pm at Signal, Flinders Walk Northbank
The City of Melbourne is holding this free forum for young people aged 13 – 17 years of age to speak about issues that matter to them, then help other young people to develop environment project ideas to present to Council. Young people can attend on the day or contribute via Facebook (EcoCity) or Twitter (#ecocity) before, during and after the event. RSVP by 20 September to ecocityforum@melbourne.vic.gov.au. Find more information here.
Latrobe Valley – Powering towards a new economy
Thursday 30 September, 9am-4pm
Monash University, Gippsland campus
The CEDA forum will discuss and set a vision for the region to adapt to a low carbon emissions future. Join business, industry and policy makers to discuss opportunities and priorities to power a new economy and future for the Latrobe Valley. To register, or for more information, go here.
Community Newspaper Association of Victoria (CNAV) 5th Annual Conference
Friday October 15 – Sunday October 17The Fountain Room, Warragul Arts Centre
The CNAV is the peak body representing community newspapers in Victoria, defined as a newspaper or newsletter owned by the community; that is, produced by a community house, or a group of volunteers for a town or community group. This conference will give attendees the opportunity to share ideas, knowledge and experience, join a network of community newspapers, update knowledge on production, management, revenue and editorial matters and enter your publication for an award. For more information about the awards contact Liz Hart at Monash University, Berwick Campus on (03) 9904 7040. For more information or to register for the conference, go here.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au
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