It was terrific to see many of you at our first Leading Edge Forum for 2012 on Thursday evening – the event was at capacity and we had to close bookings. We were privileged to have such excellent presenters on the topic of 2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges. My sincere thanks to all speakers, including His Excellency Snr Abel Guterres, Timor-Leste Ambassador to Australia; Rae Kingsbury; Dr Clinton Fernandes; and Cr Rachel Powning. If you were unable to be there you can still view the Forum via webcast. As councillors and officers, we know that planning matters are never far from the news. In the past week we have noted three quite different planning issues that reflect the diversity of our member local governments and their communities’ aspirations and needs. Planning Minister Mathew Guy has approved the rezoning of 228 hectares of residential land in the Latrobe Valley, as requested by Latrobe City Council through a planning amendment. This will allow for more than 2,600 lots and follows last year’s release of 562 hectares of land supply, bringing the potential number of new homes in the region to 6,500 across almost 800 hectares. The amendment rezoned land from Rural Living, Low Density Residential and Farming Zones to a Residential 1 Zone and involved consultation with landowners and agencies including the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Department of Primary Industries, Gippsland Water, the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and the Environment Protection Authority. Congratulations to Latrobe City on what appears to be a well thought-through process. Last week, Stonnington councillors voted unanimously to reject a planning application for a large housing development in Armadale. The proposal included 475 dwellings in towers of up to 12 storeys on a 2.5-hectare site. The Council's decision is expected to be challenged by the developer at VCAT. The Age article of 31 January has the full story. We also note the comments by Mount Alexander Shire Mayor, Cr Janet Cropley, in The Saturday Age in relation to the VCGR’s approval of 65 new poker machines in Castlemaine despite solid community opposition.
I look forward to seeing you out and about. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you on 0407 364 509, or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Rates and revenue – the ongoing debate
The topic of rate pegging was discussed by mayors at the VLGA’s Essential Mayors Weekend a couple of weeks ago. Members may be interested to know that in New South Wales the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has recommended a maximum rate rise of 3.6 per cent for 2012/13. As a result, several local governments in NSW are planning to lobby the IPART to seek a larger increase. NSW is the only jurisdiction in Australia in which the State Government currently enforces formal restrictions on the percentage by which local governments may increase rates. There was a campaign by local governments under the Local Government and Shires Association of NSW to call for the abolition of rate pegging at the last State election. Local governments in NSW have indicated that rate pegging has long been causing problems for council budgets as the rate cap is not enough to cover normal annual cost increases, let alone the impact of population increases and escalating expenses such as increased services and infrastructure. The MAV publishes a local government CPI figure each year, which estimates the overall impact of increases in labour and materials costs. This figure for 2010/11 was 3.6 per cent. Juxtaposing the NSW situation to Victoria would mean that, overall, there would be no capacity to respond to population increases, higher demands for services and growing infrastructure needs. Rate pegging would impact adversely on all municipalities in Victoria, and particularly on rural local governments. A number of rural local governments have sought to address their infrastructure needs through higher than average rate increases. The VLGA supports the recommendations made by the Whelan Report to ensure the sustainability of rural local governments is maintained and protected. As the issue of rates raises its head in the Victorian context, especially with the focus on cost of living for Victorians, the VLGA strongly urges the Victorian Government to remember the Whelan Report, which they supported in Opposition – and to avoid the prospect of reduced services and infrastructure in rural communities through rate pegging.
The role of Government in public housing
Victorian Housing Minister Wendy Lovell has signalled that she is open to housing associations taking a bigger role in managing public housing. “Is government the right vehicle to look after public housing or should it be the housing associations?” she asked in this article in The Age on 31 January. The Minister indicated this question would be part of the State's review of “all aspects” of public housing. The review would also examine whether public tenants’ typical lifetime tenure could be replaced by “limited tenure”, and assess public rents. Last May, the Shadow Minister for Housing and Local Government Richard Wynne, in his post-Budget media release, said the Victorian Budget had failed Victorians because it contained:
* No new growth funding for building or acquiring public and social housing;
* The lowest target for upgrading public housing in a decade;
* The lowest target for assisting families at risk of homelessness through the Transitional Housing Management program in a decade;
* No projected improvement in the number of families being turned away from crisis accommodation services; and
* No projected improvement in the waiting times faced by families on the Early Housing Waiting List.
The VLGA understands that the Department of Human Services will be releasing a discussion paper seeking comment and submissions in the next few weeks, and we will keep members informed of developments. This issue will also be discussed at our upcoming Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group meeting on Wednesday 22 February, 3.30-5pm. We encourage interested members to come along. The agenda will include security of tenure in public housing and stock transfers to community housing. For further information contact VLGA Policy Officer Jieh-Yung Lo via email or phone (03) 9349 7980.
VLGA Submission to the Coalition’s Policy Discussion Paper on Gambling Reform
Last week, the VLGA submitted our response to the Federal Coalition’s Policy Discussion Paper. The Discussion Paper focused on seven areas for comment, including Commonwealth policy, pre-commitment schemes, counselling and support services, self-exclusion programs, online gambling, credit facilities and advertising. In summary, the VLGA believes that as all levels of government are involved in contributing to the high costs associated with problem gambling, all levels of government should be involved in the reform discussion. Local governments incur significant costs assessing planning permits and making submissions to regulatory bodies, as well as supporting local community health and social programs. Interested members can view our response here. For more information contact Darren Ray via email.Bang your drum! Reminder that entries close 17 February for the 2012 National Awards for Local Government
It’s not too late for local governments to complete an application if you want to get credit for excellent work in any of the following 16 areas: Active Arts; Asset and Financial Management; Energy Smart; Engaging and Strengthening Indigenous Communities; Excellence in Alcohol Management; Excellence in Road Safety; Improving Services to Remote Communities; Innovative Infrastructure Development; Innovation in Natural Resource Management; Land-Use Planning – Addressing Disaster Risk and Enhancing Resilience; Promoting Reconciliation; Regional Collaborations; Rural and Remote Health; Strength in Diversity; Women in Local Government; Youth Engagement and Participation. View this link for more detail.Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll
The Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll will serve to formally acknowledge and celebrate the wide-ranging achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians. The inaugural inductees will be publicly announced later this month. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell has said that “the annual Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll, the first of its kind in Australia, is set to be a permanent record of Indigenous Victorians’ contributions and achievements”. The VLGA congratulates the Victorian Government on this very important initiative and we are pleased to hear that 20 Indigenous Victorians will be inducted to the inaugural Roll at a special event on 17 February. Members wishing to know more about the Honour Roll can go here.
Urban Climate Justice Roundtable notes now available
On 29 November 2011, the VLGA jointly hosted the inaugural Urban Climate Justice Roundtable with Griffith, Curtin, Macquarie, Monash and RMIT Universities at Storey Hall in Melbourne. The aim of the roundtable was to bring together a caucus of diverse members of our community to identify and advance climate justice imperatives and opportunities within the Australian city context. The emphasis was on collaborative engagement, deliberation and dialogue focused around key questions such as:
* What is the climate-just city?
* How do the practices and stories of climate justice connect people with other elements of the natural world?
* How does the notion of a ‘climate just’ city challenge, complement, or replace current rights and privileges?
* Who dominates, who benefits and who gets left behind?
The event was well attended by a diverse cross-section of local government, community and other participants. Download the emerging themes and conversation maps from the workshop.
ACELG Future Focus on Local Government Regions
In their recent bulletin, the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) profiled their collaboration with the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils on a study comparing the structures, operations and activities of various Regional Organisations of Councils (ROCs) in New South Wales and similar groups in Western Australia. The report outlines the variety of ROCs (or council alliances) in the two states and suggests some future directions, including the greater use of ROCs by State and Federal Governments as an important channel for regional funding and consultation and as a mechanism to enhance local government performance. The report includes recommendations to explore appropriate legal and business structures for ROCs that allow for more efficient business operations, and how ROCs could provide a greater regional consultation function. Download the report from the ACELG website.
Call for Papers - Thriving Neighbourhoods 2012
12-14 November 2012, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Papers and presentations are invited for Thriving Neighbourhoods 2012 – an international conference on emerging approaches to the planning, design and management of local neighbourhoods that are set to radically improve health, social engagement, environmental quality, productivity and the sustainable prosperity of communities. Thriving communities have the resilience needed to adapt creatively to unexpected challenges such as climate change, population change, rapid technological change, social upheaval and economic crises. The complexity of the systems involved in creating thriving communities challenges researchers, planners, developers and managers. But the potential returns are massive. Papers and presentations are invited on research and practice related to the challenge of creating and supporting thriving neighbourhoods and communities. For submission themes, dates and other information, go to www.thrivingneighbourhoods.org.
New IAP2 Training 6 & 7 March in Melbourne – now open for online registration
The IAP2 Training Program offers a Certificate in Public Participation throughout Australasia, North America, Europe and Asia. The IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation consists of three modules:
* Planning for Effective Public Participation (2 days) – An interactive and experiential module that encourages students to explore their own challenges in community engagement with their facilitator and peers. Using examples and practical exercises, participants learn how to build realistic engagement plans.
* Communication for Effective Public Participation (1 day) – This course will provide an overview of the communication skills used by public participation practitioners, this module focuses on how to prepare and present information as a key part of engaging communities.
* Techniques for Effective Public Participation (2 days) – This two-day course provides an introduction to a range of practical tools and techniques for community engagement.
At the conclusion of the courses students will have learned tools and techniques that can be used at all levels of IAP2’s Public Participation Spectrum. Please note it is an IAP2 prerequisite that Module 1 is completed prior to attending Module 2 or 3. To register or to find out more about Module 1 go here.
VLGA Events
Being Deputy Mayor in the final council year
Thursday 9 February
5.30pm for 6pm start -9pm (incl. light refreshments)
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Last minute registrations for our event this week are still possible. 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 about late registrations please phone Sarah Colgan on (03) 9349 7983 or download the registration form.
March Leading Edge Forum: Local Governments and Alcohol in the Community
Thursday 1 March, from 6pm
Hosted by the City of Greater Geelong, City Hall, entry via Little Malop Street
Managing alcohol is a key responsibility for local governments. As community harms and costs resulting from alcohol harm become more widely understood there is increasing pressure for all levels of government to act and develop strategies that reduce alcohol related harm. Hosted by the City of Greater Geelong, this Leading Edge Forum will focus on the policy implications of packaged liquor, venue management and community health impacts. Join us in Geelong to hear a range of speakers presenting academic research and practical insights from councils on this important topic. You can register online or telephone (03) 9349 7999 to RSVP.Thursday 1 March, from 6pm
Hosted by the City of Greater Geelong, City Hall, entry via Little Malop Street
Other Events
Information session: Vocational Graduate Certificate in Community Advocacy
Wednesday 15 February, 8pm
81-85 Barry Street, Carlton
Chisholm Institute is offering a nationally accredited, postgraduate skills-based course for people wanting to develop and improve their effectiveness in organising communities and lobbying for progressive social change. The part-time, one-year course will comprise a mix of off-campus learning and professional full-day workshops at a Melbourne city location.
Units include: strategic planning; organising for social change; organisation building; community engagement; and working with the media. Download the flyer, and phone (03) 9212 5024 to register to attend information evening.
‘Are Melbourne’s Growth Areas Sustainable?’
Wednesday 22 February, 4-6pm
Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, City
The Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) invites you to their February forum with emcee Terry Laidler, and speakers including Bill Forrest, Meredith Sussex, Griff Davis, Janet Rice, Paul Hamilton, Peter Seamer and Prof Michael Buxton. MTF is hosting this event as part of the Sustainable Living Festival series of events during February 2012. There is no entry charge or booking required. For further details: send an email or go to http://festival.slf.org.au or www.thatsmelbourne.com.au.
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