It was great to see so many of you at the Essential Mayors’ Weekend 2012 at Torquay just a few days ago. We welcomed the Minister for Local Government the Hon Jeanette Powell on Thursday evening, and Shadow Minister the Hon Richard Wynne on Friday evening, and we enjoyed hearing from them on their perspectives about the sector. Our Masterclasses were also very popular and the atmosphere of the weekend demonstrated to me that mayors have formed some close working relationships with one another already. Good luck to you all in the year ahead.
I wanted to mention two pieces of positive news from the Victorian Government this week. Note the article below on the Victorian Government’s Action Plan for preventing violence against women, and please take the time to have your say in the consultation process. The VLGA was also pleased to see the media release from Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week about his regional tour of Western Victoria with local MP Simon Ramsay, and their meetings with several councils.
Members may be interested to know about the Country Fire Authority’s new smartphone application – FireReady. Victorians are urged to develop their fire plan early and practise it with family or friends. For those who are planning to travel, visit the CFA website to check the fire warnings before you go, and to see useful resources and tools, including Online Bushfire Information Session, the My Plan and Travellers' Checklist. Download the free CFA FireReady smartphone app for the latest information and updates, from wherever you are. I’m using it and it’s a great initiative.
I look forward to seeing you around the traps. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to call me to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Constitutional recognition of local government – Expert Panel Final Report released
Federal Local Government Minister Simon Crean released the final report drafted by the independent Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government for the Government in December 2011. The VLGA has resolved to support the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) campaign for constitutional recognition. The key issues raised in the VLGA’s submission are:* democratic local government should be recognised in the Australian Constitution as the third level of government in Australia; and
* this recognition should be in a way which guarantees, constitutionally, the capacity of the Commonwealth Government to fund local governments directly when this is appropriate.
The VLGA welcomes the Minister’s acknowledgement of the need to protect the Commonwealth Government’s ability to directly fund local government and the objective to create a relationship that supports, facilitates and drives collaboration among all three levels of government. As part of the public discussion paper, the Expert Panel identified four forms of recognition: symbolic recognition, financial recognition, democratic recognition and recognition through federal cooperation. The report stated that financial recognition has the highest support base among the political leadership at both federal and State levels, although much of this support is only ‘in-principle’ and subject to the precise wording of any referendum proposal. A majority of panel members concluded that financial recognition is a viable option within the 2013 timeframe indicated by the terms of reference. The VLGA’s position is that it will support the more detailed positions of the MAV and ALGA. The VLGA will continue to communicate with members as this process continues in order to ensure that a successful campaign is implemented to achieve the overall goal of constitutional recognition of local government. The Federal Government aims to provide comment to the final report in early 2012.
And Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
On Thursday last week a report on how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples could be recognised in the Constitution was presented to the Prime Minister by members of the Panel on Constitutional Recognition. The comprehensive report draws on the Panel's extensive consultations across the country, more than 3500 submissions received, research and national surveys, as well as meetings with Indigenous leaders, and the advice of constitutional law experts. The Panel’s recommendations include recognising and respecting the continuing cultures, languages and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples, removing racist elements from the Constitution and prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of race, colour or ethnic or national origin. VLGA partners Reconciliation Victoria, in conjunction with ANTaR Victoria and VCOSS, welcomed the recommendations in the report. Their joint media release said that “the Panel’s report has been developed from a strong process of community engagement. Australians were clear that they want recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution, and for the racist elements to be removed. All levels of government now have a role to play in facilitating a referendum and in helping to secure broad community support to ensure the Australian Constitution reflects our community today.” The VLGA also welcomes the report and we urge our members to consider the Panel’s proposed changes to Australia’s Constitution.
Victorian Government action on preventing violence against women
The VLGA congratulates Women’s Affairs Minister the Hon Mary Wooldridge on her announcement of a whole-of-Government Action Plan to address violence against women and their children. Minister Wooldridge says the Government intends to “address all forms of violence against women and their children under the Action Plan, with a continued strong focus on family violence and sexual assault, given their serious and widespread impact on women and their children.” The Minister is seeking input from stakeholders, and VLGA members interested in providing comment on the Action Plan can access the Consultation Framework here. The Consultation Framework outlines the Government’s current effort in addressing violence against women and their children, and identifies proposed future directions and action areas. In particular, the Minister would like responses to the questions on page 18. Written feedback should be sent via email by 23 March 2012. A template for written submissions is available on the DHS website.
Food Security News - HealthWest Food Security Network – Food Access Profiles launched
The VLGA congratulates the HealthWest Food Security Network on its launch of Food Access Profiles for the six local governments across the western metropolitan region: Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham. Each Food Access Profile includes information on location of fruit and vegetable and take-away outlets, Victorian Healthy Food Basket survey results, vulnerable populations, and recommendations for change specific to each LGA. The Food Access Profiles are available from the HealthWest website.And more…
And for those members interested in a good read, see this article from The Conversation regarding “choosing suburbs over food”.
National Broadband Network
VLGA member local governments will be watching the development of the National Broadband Network with interest. A recent article in The Age draws attention to comments made by NBN Co’s head that if councils reject NBN Co’s development applications for fixed wireless towers, they will have to rely on slower satellite internet services. It’s a topical issue and one we all need to keep an eye on.
Exploring community acceptance of rural wind farms in Australia: a snapshot
Members might also be interested to see a recent CSIRO research report on public attitudes to wind farms. A peer-reviewed study by Brisbane researchers investigated attitudes to nine wind farms in various stages of development in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Given that so many local governments in Victoria have dealt with wind farm development applications and their objectors, we have made the report available for download.
ABS Census information session on Victorian Population Data
Because it is such a substantial change, the ABS will be presenting this information session to assist in clarifying plans for the preparation and release of population estimates under the new geography. The session will explain how population estimates are currently prepared and released, and how and when they will be prepared and released. Maps will also be available to show how the new geography will impact on population estimates for Victoria. There will also be a presentation from the Department of Planning and Community Development on the opportunities that population and census data offer to enhance the evidence base the Victorian Government requires for its policy making, planning and service delivery functions. The session will be held at the Department of Transport Theatre, 121 Exhibition St, Melbourne on Wednesday 22 February, 2-4.30pm. Please register your interest by email with 'Population Seminar' in the subject line by 10 February. Please include your name, organisation, and contact details in the email. If you have any questions, or wish to nominate 'questions on notice', please don't hesitate to include these when you register your interest.
Arts Victoria Facilities Audit
Positive Solutions will be conducting a Facilities Audit for Arts Victoria in mid-January, and local government officers will be contacted and asked to complete a short online survey. The audit will focus on government-owned regional performing and visual arts facilities in Victoria. It will include State and local government owned facilities dedicated primarily to the performing and visual arts. Facilities incorporated in the audit will include:
* performance venues regularly supporting professional activity – public exhibition spaces, museums with visual arts exhibition spaces, and galleries (excluding private galleries)
* arts development facilities that support professional practice
Venues occasionally used for arts purposes and facilities with a local and/or training focus will not be included. Educational facilities also fall outside the scope of audit, except where a facility of regional significance has been developed on school/university grounds. For further information please contact David Fishel, Director, Positive Solutions via email.
RMIT Diploma of Community Development
RMIT University is offering a program aimed at community leaders, experienced volunteers, workers and managers in community service organisations. The Diploma of Community Development is delivered through intensive workshops one to two days per month at the RMIT City Campus. An information session will be held on Thursday 2 February, 10am-12pm, at RMIT University Building 51, Level 3, Room 6 80-92 Victoria Street, Melbourne. To register for the information session via email. For more information, contact the Community Services team at RMIT on 9925 4464 or 9925 4226.
VLGA Events
First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore: who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia; and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. Confirmed speakers include Dr Clinton Fernandes, Cr Rachel Powning and Rae Kingsbury. See the flyer for more information. You can register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Being Deputy Mayor in the final council year
Thursday 9 February 2012
5.30pm for 6pm start -9pm (incl. light refreshments)
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2012. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this could be particularly challenging during an election year. The role can vary from simply deputising for the Mayor when they are unavailable, to sharing some of the team-building, strategy and other responsibilities with the Mayor. This session will include ample time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your council. It is a unique opportunity to learn from others performing the same role, share and reflect on your own experiences, hear about strategies from others and plan for the rest of your term.
For further information please phone (03) 9349 7999 or download the registration form.
Other Events
Launch of ‘Cyber-bullying’ CALDCOM Storyboard
Hosted by the Moreland City Council
Monday 6 February, 9.30am for 10-11.30am
Council Chambers, 90 Bell Street Coburg
Moreland City Council is pleased to be launching their design of a Cyber Bullying Storyboard on 6 February at the council chambers. To RSVP or for further information, contact Tony O’Brien via email or phone 9240 2379.
Street by Street – recovering the practice and art of neighbourliness training workshop
Tuesday 21 February, 10am-3pmAngliss Conference Centre, Melbourne
Street by Street is a national neighbourhood support program that links people who live in the same street or nearby. The focus is on practical helping tasks such as taking the bin in and out, hanging washing, getting a few items from the shops, or getting mail from the letter box. A training workshop for leaders and participants in the Street by Street program will be held on Tuesday 21 February in Melbourne. For further information on the program, and to register, go here.
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