‘New deal’ for local communities and local governments
In the last month or so the VLGA has called for ‘a new deal’ for local communities and their local governments, see Bendigo speech and media release. Last week on morning radio, the Premier acknowledged rating and other pressures in communities across the state. I am confident the Whelan Report and other advocacy the VLGA is supporting will not be buried, especially now that all major parties have accepted there is a problem. With jobs, health, education, crime and public transport likely to dominate the next four weeks, it is unlikely that local government will be offered a detailed reform package. But I am not depressed about this. More than at any time since amalgamation, the VLGA, members and other peaks are well placed to demand the next state government and parliament ‘put local governments and people front and centre’. For the next state government to expect local governments to deliver on key policy objectives, they must first commit to and resource a proper collaborative partnership – and not just on paper. We will say more about this in the next few days.
Planning Local Communities Together State Election Kit
As promised, and fresh from the Melbourne Cup public holiday, members will receive their Planning Local Communities Together Kit. This will focus on key messages and strategies they can campaign on during the State Election, and beyond. The Kit is informed by valuable community feedback the VLGA has gathered, including:
* Resident views on the planning and development
* Resident awareness of the various players and the extent of their roles,
* Resident ideas and opportunities to increase their role and involvement in planning.
For more information, contact our CEO Maree McPherson at maree@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7999.
John Jago Good Governance Award
Members received information last week for the inaugural John Jago Good Governance Award. I know it can take time for councillors and interested staff to see this information, so if you haven’t heard about it talk with your CEO. For more information, contact VLGA Director Governance, Ron Exiner, at ron@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA events for your diary
VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 4 November, 6-9pm
VLGA Carlton
Join us for finger-food and refreshments from 6pm, with the Annual General Meeting to commence at 7pm. Following the AGM, we will hear from Noelene Duff, Whitehorse CEO, about the Year of Women in Local Government and her role as YoWiLG ambassador.
Register your attendance here.
Special Forum: Local Government Smoke-Free Policies in Outdoor Areas
Thursday 18 November, 5.30pm
VLGA Carlton
More information and register here.
VLGA Special General Meeting (Constitution)
Thursday 18 November, 7.30pm
Draft Constitution here.
CASPN Conference: After Sorry, What Next? Local government connecting with Aboriginal communities
Wednesday 24 November, 9.00am-5.00pm
Northcote
More information and register here.
Other events
Barwon Safe Parties Symposium
Thursday 4 – Friday 5 November
Geelong
More information and to register, go here.
Women on boards: what you need to know
Mondays 8 & 15 November
Swan Hill
More information and register here.
Moving Australian Cities – Tackling Urban Congestion
Thursday 11 November
Melbourne
More information and register here.
Delivering the Victorian Transport Plan – the partnership imperative
Friday 12 November 2010
Doncaster
More information here.
Housing Bus Tour
Saturday 13 November, 9am-12.30pm
Melbourne
More information here.
ALGWA National Conference
Monday 25 – Wednesday 27 November
Macquarie Park, NSW
More information and register here.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au
No comments:
Post a Comment