Member feedback sought on new State Planning Policy Framework (Clauses 10-19)
A revised SPPF was introduced by Amendment VC71 to the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes on 20 September 2010. This was previously unfinished business from the Making Local Policy Stronger process which the VLGA actively participated in a few years ago. The SPPF has been modernised with new themes and structure to accommodate new emerging State policies, improve policy expression and help strengthen its links with the Local Planning Policy Framework (LPPF). Another key change made last week is clarification regarding when prescriptive provisions can be used. This has been a controversial and complex issue for local governments and communities – a new practice note that provides guidance about when mandatory provisions can be used in the planning scheme has been developed and can be found here. Of course, the introduction of any new planning provisions comes with some implementation costs and inconvenience, so we are interested to hear the views of planning departments, councillors and the community. Feel free to email us your concerns via our Director Policy & Public Affairs, Darren Ray at darren@vlga.org.au or (03) 9349 7999. For further questions and answers regarding VC71, go here, or to see the complete version of the rewritten SPPF provisions go here.Volunteer marshals sought for mayors on bikes event
The VLGA’s Mayors on Bikes event is seeking volunteer marshals to help guide the bike ride on Wednesday 13 October 2010. The event aims to raise awareness in mayors and councillors of the benefits and challenges of cycling by leading them on a ride along the Gardiners Creek Trail, following the Monash Freeway. Marshals will assist the event by ensuring participants find key points of interest and can follow the route easily. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Gordon Young at gordon@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7943.
Let’s talk about transport in your patch
The VLGA’s Local Government Transport Facilitator, Gordon Young, has visited a number of local governments over the last month to discuss transport initiatives and challenges faced by metropolitan, rural and interface local governments. The visits have also been designed to find out how the VLGA can provide more assistance. Common responses include advocacy to the State Government and help with strategic planning. Over the coming month Gordon will be visiting more local governments. If you wish to discuss the transport situation in your area and how we can help, email gordon@vlga.org.au or call (03) 9349 7943 to arrange a meeting.
VLGA constitution review
The outcomes of the recent consultation meeting and the VLGA Board’s subsequent decisions can be found on the VLGA website by clicking here. Your further comments are welcomed. The draft revised Constitution will be considered by the Board at its meeting on 7 October and then voted on by members at a Special General Meeting on the same night as the VLGA’s AGM on 4 November. Please contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance on 0417 392 078 or email ron@vlga.org.au if you have any queries.
Ferrier Hodgson's Pubs on Tap Newsletter
The second issue of Ferrier Hodgson’s Pubs on Tap newsletter is now available here. The newsletter provides an update on the latest developments and issues affecting the hospitality sector. The views contained in this issue are those of the authors and not the VLGA. This edition discusses issues of increased costs and decreased revenue for gaming pubs and clubs as a result of the pokies-regulation deal between Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Tasmanian Independent MP Andrew Wilkie.
2010 Heart Foundation Local Government Awards: Victorian Winners
At a recent VLGA forum the Victorian winners of the Heart Foundation’s 2010 Local Government Awards were announced. The City of Yarra was the state overall winner and national employee health and wellbeing category winner. The City of Melbourne was highly commended across the state. The City of Casey was the state and national winner for the facilities category, with Bass Coast Shire Council being highly commended across the state. The City of Greater Geelong was the state winner of the healthy weight category. The Cities of Greater Dandenong and Stonnington were both highly commended across the state for the category of priority groups. Well done to all local governments who participated and were recognised. For more information on the awards or to view the winning entries go here.
Watch this space
Local Government Women’s Charter Awards – it’s easy to apply
You can nominate your local government, a community group, a young woman or young women’s group for the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter Awards until 4 October. For more information go here or contact the project team to help complete your application over the phone by calling Linda Bennett on 0417 139 796 or emailing linda@vlga.org.au.
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 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 will 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
ALGWA’s October Networking Lunch
Thursday 7 October, 12.15 – 2pm
Room K, Parliament House, Spring St, Melbourne
Join the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) members and friends for its October Networking Lunch where the 2010 ALGWA Study Award Winner will be announced. Guest speaker is Jaala Pulford MLC, Member for Western Victoria and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development, Industry and Trade. For more information and to register go here.
The Royal Children’s Hospital Safety Centre’s Safety Outdoors workshop
Tuesday 9 November, 9am-12.30pm
Ella Latham Meeting Room, 1st floor, Royal Children’s Hospital
A workshop for health practitioners on keeping children and young people safe in inland waterways, around animals and on farms. For more information and to register go here.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au
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