VLGA President’s Message
On Friday, Planning Minister Matthew Guy “declared war on red tape” in the planning system, and released the Victorian Government’s response to the Initial Report of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Victorian Planning System, otherwise known as the Underwood Review. The Minister indicated the Government will immediately implement recommendations from the Initial Report including:
• Reform of the planning scheme amendment (rezoning) process
• A code assessment track for simple, low-impact permit applications
• Reform zones and planning provisions to simplify complex and lengthy regulations
• A review of the Farming Zone to give more flexibility to Victoria’s farmers and rural communities
• An increase in performance accountability for local councils and state referral authorities
These changes might be popular on several fronts with the public, and will enable the Government to demonstrate that it is doing something constructive about the Victorian Planning System after years of unfinished reviews of the Victorian Planning and Environment Act 1987. We know, however, that our members will be especially interested in the increased performance accountability for local governments, and I would value hearing from you about this issue. The Minister’s statements and associated documents can be found here. The VLGA held another successful Delegates' Dinner last Wednesday night hosted by our Vice President Cr Heinz Kreutz. Our guest speaker was Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp from Victoria Police who stood in for Chief Commissioner Ken Lay at the last minute who was called to other urgent business. We were not disappointed – delegates agreed unanimously that Andrew was a wonderful speaker and provided us with very useful insights. National Volunteer Week starts today, and on behalf of everyone at the VLGA I thank all the wonderful volunteers who support local governments through delivery of a wide range of services from Meals on Wheels, right through to governing on S.86 Committees of Management. More than six million Australians volunteer to various services, and you can find useful downloads on the Volunteering Australia website. Please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 0407 364 509, or drop me an email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Federal Budget 2012
Local government fared well from the Federal Budget with the continuation of significant funding. The Roads to Recovery (R2R) program has been extended for a further five years beyond 2014, with $350 million a year for five years from 2014 to 2019 under the program. The Australian Government also announced blackspot funding of $60 million a year for five years from 2014-19 and, $20 million a year over seven years from 2012-13 for heavy vehicle safety. Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) to local governments will also be maintained in real terms, with the Government deciding to bring forward the first two quarterly payments of the 2012-13 FAGs into 2011-12. There is an excellent analysis of the Federal Budget from several commentators in this week’s special edition of The Conversation.
Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, 14-20 May 2012
The seventh annual Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW) begins today, marking the beginning of a range of activities and events promoting the responsible gambling message throughout Victoria. As a means of prevention and early intervention, young people are a particular focus of this year’s RGAW. The VLGA participates on the RGAW Steering Committee and urges all local governments to actively promote RGAW. For more information on the events and activities available, visit the RGAW website.
Have your say on the Victorian Metropolitan Planning Strategy
The VLGA urges Planning Minister Matthew Guy to reach out beyond online forums for the consultation process on the Metropolitan Planning Strategy. The Victorian Government is urging local governments, industry groups, peak bodies and community members to have their say on the strategy. To support the strategy, the Minister has announced the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Committee. We trust that the MAC will undertake detailed discussions with local governments, key industry bodies and stakeholders to gain various perspectives on the strategy. The VLGA believes that by having greater scope and engagement in the consultation process community confidence will be enhanced.
East Gippsland, Horsham, Nillumbik, Baw Baw and Moyne ‘Think women’
The VLGA’s Think women for local government 2012 project regional forums have been completed in the past fortnight, and we thank mayors, councillors, CEOs and officers across the ten local governments that sponsored the forums for all their support. More than 200 women across Victoria have attended forums, and in the last two weeks our Women’s Policy Officer Linda Bennett has travelled around the State to be part of forums in Lakes Entrance, Horsham, Nillumbik and Port Fairy. Thanks also to Baw Baw Shire who hosted at Warragul on Wednesday.
GST Treatment of Australian taxes, fees and charges
On 2 May the Assistant Treasurer and Minister Assisting for Deregulation released exposure draft regulation and explanatory material specifying the GST treatment of certain Australian government fees and charges for public consultation. The exposure draft Regulations prescribe fees and charges that will be treated as GST exempt, and fees and charges that will be treated as taxable supplies from 1 July 2012. The draft Regulation will ensure that the GST treatment of particular goods and services supplied by government related entities is consistent with the principles contained in the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations. These regulations are important as they will apply to local government as well as state and Commonwealth jurisdictions. Submissions are open until 30 May. DPCD has been working with the Department of Treasury and Finance on this issue and will coordinate submissions to the Commonwealth from Victorian local governments if desired. For more information contact Leighton Vivian via email or phone 9937 0535.
Funding for the NDIS welcomed
The VLGA welcomes the announcement made in the 2012/13 Federal Budget to fund the building blocks of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The allocation of $1.03 billion over four years includes $342.5 million for individualised packages and $664.5 million for information technology, workforce development and other investment measures needed to launch the NDIS. In the 2012/13 Victorian Budget, the Government allocated specific funding of $900,000 to support preparatory work such as improving service integration and support options for people with a disability. The VLGA also acknowledges the commitment and support made by the Government to ensure Victoria is well-placed for the introduction of the NDIS.
Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund open
The 2012 round of the Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund is now open.
The Fund aims to:
* Support projects that will enable Victoria’s most captivating and exciting precincts to remain sustainable and attractive for investment and cultural and tourism activities; and
* Support the upgrade of existing or construction of new community facilities, promoting greater use and access by Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Capital infrastructure grants are available to culturally and linguistically diverse community organisations for the restoration or construction of community-owned facilities, and to local governments across Victoria to enhance cultural precincts. Applications for Small Grants and Expression of Interest for Major Grants can be submitted until close of business on 8 June 2012.
CHFV is looking for an Executive Officer
VLGA member, the Community Housing Federation of Victoria, is looking for an Executive Officer. The successful candidate for this position will have the ability to provide direction and leadership toward the achievement of CHFV’s philosophy, mission, and strategic goals and effectively managing the organisation, including a growing work program and highly engaged staff team to build the capacity of the sector. Visit http://www.chfv.org.au/chfv-employment/ for a copy of Key Selection Criteria available in the Position Description. Applications close by COB on Friday 25 May 2012.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
The Timor-Leste Presidential Election: What does it mean for the Parliamentary Election and what does it mean for Australia?
Tuesday 22 May, 5.30-8pm
Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St
Numbers strictly limited!
The VLGA’s Timor-Leste Advisory Group in partnership with the Australian Timor-Leste Friendship Network is hosting this forum. Professor Damien Kingsbury, Rae Kingsbury and Richard Brown will speak at the forum. See our website for flyer and details. Numbers are limited so RSVP promptly. For those unable to attend don’t forget that the forum is webcast live from 6.15pm via http://timorlive.vlga.org.au and you can view the webcast afterwards via the same link.
June Leading Edge Forum – 'From little things... Stories from the sector'
Thursday 7 June, 6-9pm
Carlton
In partnership with co-host Reconciliation Victoria, we invite you to join us for this Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum, featuring representatives from three local governments who will share their stories of inspiring reconciliation projects in their communities. RSVP online by Monday 4 June or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
4th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
28-29 May
Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre
Victoria is experiencing an infrastructure backlog to meet growing economic and community needs. The State Government has begun planning and investment to address the backlog and realise Victoria's potential. This conference will discuss the prioritisation, planning and delivery of critical transport infrastructure in Victoria.
IAP2 in Victoria – ‘Engagement without borders’
Tuesday 29 May, 9.30am-4.30pm
Abbotsford Convent
‘Engagement without Borders’ is an inclusive engagement feast being held at Melbourne’s renowned Abbotsford Convent. Internationally regarded community engagement specialist Wendy Sarkissian will be hosting the day. Wendy will guide you on a whole-day SpeakOut! session to help extend your reach and attract diverse people from all corners of the community to the conversation. Bookings are essential.
Problem Gambling in the EMR: Addressing the social risk factors in our community
Thursday 7 June, 9am-12noon
Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley
The Inner East Primary Care Partnership invites you to find out about the emerging trends of gambling within the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR), prevention initiatives at a local level, early intervention, and treatment options and services. This forum is open to HACC services, education services, youth and family services, health promotion and social planners within local government, gamblers help services, community health services and anyone working within the EMR who has an interest in problem gambling prevention. See the Inner East PCP website for flyer and registration details.
On Friday, Planning Minister Matthew Guy “declared war on red tape” in the planning system, and released the Victorian Government’s response to the Initial Report of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Victorian Planning System, otherwise known as the Underwood Review. The Minister indicated the Government will immediately implement recommendations from the Initial Report including:
• Reform of the planning scheme amendment (rezoning) process
• A code assessment track for simple, low-impact permit applications
• Reform zones and planning provisions to simplify complex and lengthy regulations
• A review of the Farming Zone to give more flexibility to Victoria’s farmers and rural communities
• An increase in performance accountability for local councils and state referral authorities
These changes might be popular on several fronts with the public, and will enable the Government to demonstrate that it is doing something constructive about the Victorian Planning System after years of unfinished reviews of the Victorian Planning and Environment Act 1987. We know, however, that our members will be especially interested in the increased performance accountability for local governments, and I would value hearing from you about this issue. The Minister’s statements and associated documents can be found here. The VLGA held another successful Delegates' Dinner last Wednesday night hosted by our Vice President Cr Heinz Kreutz. Our guest speaker was Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp from Victoria Police who stood in for Chief Commissioner Ken Lay at the last minute who was called to other urgent business. We were not disappointed – delegates agreed unanimously that Andrew was a wonderful speaker and provided us with very useful insights. National Volunteer Week starts today, and on behalf of everyone at the VLGA I thank all the wonderful volunteers who support local governments through delivery of a wide range of services from Meals on Wheels, right through to governing on S.86 Committees of Management. More than six million Australians volunteer to various services, and you can find useful downloads on the Volunteering Australia website. Please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 0407 364 509, or drop me an email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Federal Budget 2012
Local government fared well from the Federal Budget with the continuation of significant funding. The Roads to Recovery (R2R) program has been extended for a further five years beyond 2014, with $350 million a year for five years from 2014 to 2019 under the program. The Australian Government also announced blackspot funding of $60 million a year for five years from 2014-19 and, $20 million a year over seven years from 2012-13 for heavy vehicle safety. Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) to local governments will also be maintained in real terms, with the Government deciding to bring forward the first two quarterly payments of the 2012-13 FAGs into 2011-12. There is an excellent analysis of the Federal Budget from several commentators in this week’s special edition of The Conversation.
Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, 14-20 May 2012
The seventh annual Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW) begins today, marking the beginning of a range of activities and events promoting the responsible gambling message throughout Victoria. As a means of prevention and early intervention, young people are a particular focus of this year’s RGAW. The VLGA participates on the RGAW Steering Committee and urges all local governments to actively promote RGAW. For more information on the events and activities available, visit the RGAW website.
Have your say on the Victorian Metropolitan Planning Strategy
The VLGA urges Planning Minister Matthew Guy to reach out beyond online forums for the consultation process on the Metropolitan Planning Strategy. The Victorian Government is urging local governments, industry groups, peak bodies and community members to have their say on the strategy. To support the strategy, the Minister has announced the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Committee. We trust that the MAC will undertake detailed discussions with local governments, key industry bodies and stakeholders to gain various perspectives on the strategy. The VLGA believes that by having greater scope and engagement in the consultation process community confidence will be enhanced.
East Gippsland, Horsham, Nillumbik, Baw Baw and Moyne ‘Think women’
The VLGA’s Think women for local government 2012 project regional forums have been completed in the past fortnight, and we thank mayors, councillors, CEOs and officers across the ten local governments that sponsored the forums for all their support. More than 200 women across Victoria have attended forums, and in the last two weeks our Women’s Policy Officer Linda Bennett has travelled around the State to be part of forums in Lakes Entrance, Horsham, Nillumbik and Port Fairy. Thanks also to Baw Baw Shire who hosted at Warragul on Wednesday.
GST Treatment of Australian taxes, fees and charges
On 2 May the Assistant Treasurer and Minister Assisting for Deregulation released exposure draft regulation and explanatory material specifying the GST treatment of certain Australian government fees and charges for public consultation. The exposure draft Regulations prescribe fees and charges that will be treated as GST exempt, and fees and charges that will be treated as taxable supplies from 1 July 2012. The draft Regulation will ensure that the GST treatment of particular goods and services supplied by government related entities is consistent with the principles contained in the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations. These regulations are important as they will apply to local government as well as state and Commonwealth jurisdictions. Submissions are open until 30 May. DPCD has been working with the Department of Treasury and Finance on this issue and will coordinate submissions to the Commonwealth from Victorian local governments if desired. For more information contact Leighton Vivian via email or phone 9937 0535.
Funding for the NDIS welcomed
The VLGA welcomes the announcement made in the 2012/13 Federal Budget to fund the building blocks of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The allocation of $1.03 billion over four years includes $342.5 million for individualised packages and $664.5 million for information technology, workforce development and other investment measures needed to launch the NDIS. In the 2012/13 Victorian Budget, the Government allocated specific funding of $900,000 to support preparatory work such as improving service integration and support options for people with a disability. The VLGA also acknowledges the commitment and support made by the Government to ensure Victoria is well-placed for the introduction of the NDIS.
Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund open
The 2012 round of the Cultural Precincts and Community Infrastructure Fund is now open.
The Fund aims to:
* Support projects that will enable Victoria’s most captivating and exciting precincts to remain sustainable and attractive for investment and cultural and tourism activities; and
* Support the upgrade of existing or construction of new community facilities, promoting greater use and access by Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Capital infrastructure grants are available to culturally and linguistically diverse community organisations for the restoration or construction of community-owned facilities, and to local governments across Victoria to enhance cultural precincts. Applications for Small Grants and Expression of Interest for Major Grants can be submitted until close of business on 8 June 2012.
CHFV is looking for an Executive Officer
VLGA member, the Community Housing Federation of Victoria, is looking for an Executive Officer. The successful candidate for this position will have the ability to provide direction and leadership toward the achievement of CHFV’s philosophy, mission, and strategic goals and effectively managing the organisation, including a growing work program and highly engaged staff team to build the capacity of the sector. Visit http://www.chfv.org.au/chfv-employment/ for a copy of Key Selection Criteria available in the Position Description. Applications close by COB on Friday 25 May 2012.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
The Timor-Leste Presidential Election: What does it mean for the Parliamentary Election and what does it mean for Australia?
Tuesday 22 May, 5.30-8pm
Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St
Numbers strictly limited!
The VLGA’s Timor-Leste Advisory Group in partnership with the Australian Timor-Leste Friendship Network is hosting this forum. Professor Damien Kingsbury, Rae Kingsbury and Richard Brown will speak at the forum. See our website for flyer and details. Numbers are limited so RSVP promptly. For those unable to attend don’t forget that the forum is webcast live from 6.15pm via http://timorlive.vlga.org.au and you can view the webcast afterwards via the same link.
June Leading Edge Forum – 'From little things... Stories from the sector'
Thursday 7 June, 6-9pm
Carlton
In partnership with co-host Reconciliation Victoria, we invite you to join us for this Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum, featuring representatives from three local governments who will share their stories of inspiring reconciliation projects in their communities. RSVP online by Monday 4 June or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
4th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
28-29 May
Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre
Victoria is experiencing an infrastructure backlog to meet growing economic and community needs. The State Government has begun planning and investment to address the backlog and realise Victoria's potential. This conference will discuss the prioritisation, planning and delivery of critical transport infrastructure in Victoria.
IAP2 in Victoria – ‘Engagement without borders’
Tuesday 29 May, 9.30am-4.30pm
Abbotsford Convent
‘Engagement without Borders’ is an inclusive engagement feast being held at Melbourne’s renowned Abbotsford Convent. Internationally regarded community engagement specialist Wendy Sarkissian will be hosting the day. Wendy will guide you on a whole-day SpeakOut! session to help extend your reach and attract diverse people from all corners of the community to the conversation. Bookings are essential.
Problem Gambling in the EMR: Addressing the social risk factors in our community
Thursday 7 June, 9am-12noon
Monash Civic Centre, 293 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley
The Inner East Primary Care Partnership invites you to find out about the emerging trends of gambling within the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR), prevention initiatives at a local level, early intervention, and treatment options and services. This forum is open to HACC services, education services, youth and family services, health promotion and social planners within local government, gamblers help services, community health services and anyone working within the EMR who has an interest in problem gambling prevention. See the Inner East PCP website for flyer and registration details.
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