There were many clarifications provided, questions posed and ideas for future VLGA advocacy. I would like to thank John Rantino from Maddocks Lawyers and the CEO of Greater Geelong Kay Rundle for presenting. As always our talented staff turned on a great night, especially Ron Exiner and Liana Thompson.
We have recorded the live webcast so all you have to do is find the time to go to the link I sent you last week http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vlga-leading-edge-forum
Then scroll down on your left hand side until you see VLGA's Video Clips (18). Then click on the left hand side image entitled LEF April 2 2009 Conflict Of Interest.
We will load presentations on our website soon.
While I know you are very busy please participate in our brief online survey on Conflicts of Interest at http://surveys.infoxchange.net.au/s?s=1586
It is with great pleasure that I can announce that the Central Goldfields and Glenelg Shires have just joined the VLGA.
Central Goldfields
Home to around 13,000 residents, Central Goldfields lies in the heart of the Victorian Goldfields surrounded by many historic townships and villages which began during the 1850s gold rush.
Already renowned for a rich history, this region is rapidly emerging as a place where visitors can find a wide variety of fine food and wine whilst also indulging their passions for fine art, architecture, craft or following family history.
Maryborough is the Shire’s major business centre with a population of around 8000. Other towns in the Shire include Bealiba, Carisbrook, Dunolly, Majorca, Talbot, Timor and the rural districts surrounding these centres and are famous for their heritage architecture and significant agriculture industries.
Glenelg
Home to just over 20,000 residents, Portland is Glenelg Shire’s largest town (10,000), with smaller town centres including Casterton, Heywood, Dartmoor and Nelson.
Whether you choose to live in a coastal environment or in a rural setting, the diverse nature of the Glenelg Shire makes it a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. Live by the sea, in town or on a farm – the choice is yours.
Glenelg’s economic profile reveals a diverse industry base with significant involvement in manufacturing, community and health services, tourism, education, transport and retail. It is made up of friendly and vibrant communities with a large number of sporting, community and cultural organisations to participate in.
For the families there are a large number of first class primary and secondary schools, a TAFE campus and the Warrnambool campus of Deakin University is just an hour away.
We welcome Central Goldfields and Glenelg Shires and look forward to working closely with them – particularly on economic and social planning as well as the changing needs of smaller rural settlements.
Human Rights Charter Report Tabled In Parliament
The VLGA was present on Tuesday to see the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission’s 2008 report on the operation of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities introduced into the Victorian Parliament.
The report is not yet available on-line, but we will load this onto our website soon.
We were particularly involved in the development of the VEOHRC survey and made a number of recommendations to the Commission prior to the survey being distributed to Local Governments.
Our work on a number of projects is highlighted throughout the Local Government section of the Report and our leadership in this area is documented.
At the launch the Attorney General and VEOHRC’s CEO, Dr Helen Szoke highlighted Local Government as an area of concern; particularly that there is a risk for the implementation of the Charter not only to stall, but to ‘go backwards’ with the pressures of bushfires and the financial crisis heavily impacting on the implementation of the Charter”.
While our efforts have been recognized in the report and the VLGA is clearly at the Human Rights forefront for Victorian Local Governments, much more still needs to be done and we will keep you informed.
Improving Energy Supplies in Rural & Regional
In October last year the VLGA supported the Consumer Utilities Advisory Centre (CUAC) to hold a Forum on this important issue.
Poor energy supply in rural and regional communities places real and immediate constraints on their capacity to expand local business, attract new investment and offer energy security to residents. In
The Forum explored these problems as well as solutions including tips on how to build the case for renewable energy.
A Forum Summary Report has been prepared and can be viewed on our website at http://www.vlga.org.au/resources/items/2009/04/272130-upload-00001.pdf
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