Friday, 1 May 2009

Breast Cancer - Mother’s Day Classic

As a mum with a connection with breast cancer shared by so many Victorians, I would like to draw your attention to the many Mother’s Day Classic events being held around the state in regional and metro areas next Sunday 10^th May.

Proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  I know many Councils are actively supporting the events and thank you for this!  For more information see www.mothersdayclassic.org

 

A Right … or A Passage? Community Participation in Major Planning Reforms

Recently, Councils have been asked to respond to multiple reforms and changing practices with respect to Planning: new Residential Zones, new Activity Centre Zones, review of the Planning Act, introduction of the Development Assessment Committees (DACs) and more. 

Reviews are very welcome, but the VLGA is concerned where processes appear hurried, details unclear and the commitment to genuine partnership between local and state governments is questioned.

Consultation with Local Governments and community ownership of planning is vulnerable to competing pressures for quick legislative reforms, rapid development and responses to the global financial crisis, bushfires and population growth.  But substantial changes require substantial consultation and engagement with Local Governments and local communities.

The new Residential Zones have had a mixed reception from Councils with most requesting further details and resources for Councils to undertake necessary strategic to implement  the new Residential Zones across Victoria.

The VLGA also has concerns about the legislation currently before Parliament introducing the DACs.  The proposed structure of the DACs results in Local Governments losing decision-making control, but bearing the costs and responsibility for decisions of the DACs.

Moreover, in such a busy time for planning reform where strong community and government partnerships are sought, the most helpful public comments are those that focus on supporting Councillors and communities in the process of decision making rather than derision - as preferred by some recent commentators.  It’s not constructive for some of our own – including former Councillors and leaders taking pot-shots at our sector.

In the highly pressurised Local Government theatre, consultative planning can be pushed backstage.  Our task should be to prefer good planning with extensive participation from Councils and communities occurring prior to substantial change.

Placing Reconciliation In Council Plans

This week I will be writing to Mayors and CEOs demonstrating how easy it is for all of us to include references to Reconciliation in our Council Plans – regardless of whether we are currently doing things in this policy space. There are great examples of simple yet effective things we can all do so make sure you ask your Mayors and CEOs about this issue.

Important Diary Dates

Don’t forget the following events and dates as previously publicised:

1. VLGA Member’s Planning Day - 10am-4pm Saturday 23^rd May, Box Hill Town Hall

2. World Environment Day Masterclasses Friday 5^th June. Join author of KITCHEN TABLE SUSTAINABILITY – Practical Recipes for Community Engagement with Sustainability, to learn how to engage stakeholders in creating sustainable communities

You can get more details by visiting our website at www.vlga.org.au

New members – Mornington Peninsula Shire Council & Mildura Rural City Council

I would like to warmly welcome 2 new Local Government members to the VLGA - Mornington Peninsula Shire Council & Mildura Rural City Council.

Mornington Peninsula Shire

The Mornington Peninsula is located just over an hour’s drive from the city, is often described as Melbourne’s playground.

Mornington Peninsula Shire was formed in 1994 with the amalgamation of the Shires of Mornington, Flinders and Hastings. 

It is a 720 square kilometre boot-shaped peninsula separating Port Phillip and Western Port Bays.  The peninsula, as it’s affectionately known, is a mixture of urban areas, resort towns, tourist development and rural land. It also boasts more than 190 kilometres or 10 per cent of the state’s coastline.  The Shire aims to maintain a peninsula that is 70 per cent rural. 

The majority of the residential population is clustered along the coastline of Port Phillip Bay, between Mount Eliza and Dromana.  Many beach holiday houses are based along the Port Phillip coastline, with the population swelling by up to 30 per cent in the summer months.

Much of the rural area is used for farms, orchards and market gardens.

The Shire is well known and loved for its many attractions, which include national and state parks, beaches, golf courses and first-class food and wine.

In the past eight years, the Shire has taken significant steps in implementing its commitment to a Sustainable Peninsula.  The Shire’s strategic plan supports this commitment by nurturing our local character and sense of place; protecting our environment and climate change; creating safe, healthy and engaged communities; supporting a sustainable peninsula economy and being responsive, accountable and forward looking. 

Mildura Rural City Council

Mildura Rural City is situated in Victoria’s north-west, and is home to around 60,000 residents.  Covering around 10 percent of the state’s area, its landscape ranges from precious Mallee vegetation to grain farms, intensive horticulture, vibrant towns and the beautiful banks of the Murray River.

It is a rapidly growing municipality that includes Mildura city as well as a number of other communities including Red Cliffs, Merbein and Irymple near the Murray River, and Ouyen and Murrayville further inland.  Mildura Rural City’s people are culturally diverse, and along with vibrant street life, local produce and strong arts community, give a unique cosmopolitan feel.

Positioned near the borders of three states, on the crossroads of transport links between three capital cities and near the meeting point of Australia’s two great rivers, the region’s strategic location continues to aid development and provides a distinctive regional flavour.  The district produces hundreds of millions of dollars in export revenue through sustainable, clean and green horticulture.  Significant commodities include dried fruits, olives, grains, vegetables, citrus, table grapes and wine; and the municipality includes significant education and health services including university and TAFE institutions, a number of hospitals and medical specialties.