Filming council meetings
Should cameras be allowed to film non-confidential Council meetings? This question was raised this week as more ash falls from the Ombudsman’s explosive reports.
Councils need to pursue open and transparent democratic decision making and this involves making meetings open and accessible. This may involve access to meeting papers, access to an open question time, media attendance at meetings and even web-casting or recording Council meetings, as in the UK. Participatory democracy can accommodate technological advances and the new ways in which communities participate in decision making.
Let us know what you think.
National Reconciliation Week: 27 May - 3 June 2009
Councils around Victoria have joined with their local indigenous communities to celebrate Reconciliation Week. A reminder that the development of your Council Plan provides a good opportunity to embed reconciliation goals. We outlined this opportunity in an email to Mayors and CEOs earlier this month.
We are aware that Reconciliation Victoria has not been funded in the 2009/2010 State Budget. We will continue to express our strong disappointment about this, and lobby to ensure their important activities can continue.
Online survey in response to Ombudsman’s Report
Our survey received around 250 responses over one week. Thank you for your quick responses.
The results were interesting. About half of the respondents to the relevant question believed a ban on Councillors working as electoral officers should be implemented. A stronger majority of community respondents held this view. The other half of the respondents believed this was not the best way of addressing the concerns raised in the Ombudsman’s report.
Again, opinion is equally divided on whether the current Conflict of Interest provisions are adequate to deal with the issues. There was support, but not overwhelming, for looking at other measures including additional training or Code of Conduct principles.
We will examine these results more closely and discuss the implications with you over the coming weeks.
Taking a position on pokies legislation
In responsible Gambling Awareness Week 2009, Victorians are spending increasing amounts on pokies. The Local Government Working Group On Gambling (LGWGOG) which is a group of over 30 local governments and community organisations concerned with problem gambling, is demanding further amendments to the Gambling Regulation Amendment (Licensing) Bill 2009 when the Parliament reconsiders it in early June.
Victorians spent over $2.5 billion on poker machines in 2008 – over $600 per Victorian adult. Moreover, 28% of Victorians who gamble on pokies on a weekly basis experience gambling problems.
Local Governments have been counting the cost to our communities of pokies, usually placed in areas of disadvantage, and are determined to see measures implemented to minimise their harm – particularly for problem gamblers.
The LGWGOG is therefore calling on all Government and non-Government parties to amend the Bill to:
* bring forward a ban on ATMs within venues and for exemptions only to be allowed in very limited circumstances where there are no alternative electronic banking or EFTPOS services in local communities, and
* strengthen mechanisms for pre-commitment of loss limits as indicative Australian research has found pre-commitment mechanisms that allow gamblers to self-restrict access to cash will be of immediate benefit to problem gamblers, and
* guarantee a minimum license entitlement of between 20 and 30 pokies to protect smaller clubs involved in the ‘highest bidder’ auction.
This last position is not an anti-competitive one. We are hardly talking about a level playing field between say Woolworths and the local bowls.
The social and economic impact of problem gambling on local communities is apparent to local governments across Victoria. LGWGOG members, auspiced by the VLGA, impress upon both Government and non-Government parties that the community expects them to take this opportunity to enact laws that reduce the negative impacts on problem gamblers.
Leading Edge Forum June 4th
Pokies post 2012: the brave new spin?
Don’t forget the VLGA’s June Leading Edge Forum on June 4th pokies post 2012: the brave new spin? With dinner at 6pm and then the LEF starting at 7pm, speakers include pokies activist and Manningham Councillor Stephen Mayne and Chair of the Interchurch Gambling Taskforce Mark Zirnsak.
Further details available at www.vlga.org.au
Friday 22nd May, 2009
Firstly, to all Councillors, a word of support, congratulations and encouragement. There has been a good deal of negative press about Councillors of late. This needs to be immediately balanced with high praise for the dedicated, tireless and largely unrewarded work that you do on behalf of your communities. Well done and keep up the extraordinary work you do!
Some familiar issues this week – planning and Councillor regulation. Yet again we repeat our request for greater consultation and communication with us and our communities.
Councillors as advisers to MPs
Our survey on whether Councillors should be employed as Electoral officers continues and can be found at: http://surveys.infoxchange.net.au/s?s=1748
So far, around 180 current and former councillors, as well as a smaller number of community members have completed the survey. Make sure you have your say prior to the deadline for the online survey which is next Tuesday.
We believe there are broad questions that emerge from the ombudsman’s reports. Legislative reform expected around August will not solve the problems alone as I have said before. Stay tuned to continuing VLGA advocacy on this issue.
Planning & consultation
Yet another round of call-ins has caused more concern. We are asking some specific questions about the extent to which Council policies and concerns will be taken on board in decision making and whether a minimum quantum of social housing will be implemented for a project to fall into the ‘social housing’ category.
We expect that Councils, when notified of applications, will take the opportunity to consult with their community about proposals.
For more background on the VLGA’s action and views on call-ins, see my previous comments about planning reforms on my Friday 1st May eNews edition.
Conflict of interest
We are continuing to request a review process that engages Councils and our communities in meaningful consultation.
In response to the concerns we have heard from members, particularly in the rural sector, we are requesting that any changes to relationships with not-for-profit organisations exempt conflicting duties as well as gifts from giving rise to conflicts of interest.
Upcoming events
Yesterday we sent you invitations to two upcoming events - our June 4th Leading Edge Forum on Pokies Post 2012: the brave new spin?
On June 9th we will release a research report Health, Wellbeing and Community Enterprise: the role of local government. This event, to be held in Richmond, will also include discussions on social enterprises as a key tool to respond to social issues. For those who need more convincing, we will also put on a free lunch at this great networking event.
Support for young environmental crusaders
The Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) is running a youth climate summit called Power Shift in Sydney from 11th-13th of July.The summit will bring together 3,000 young people from all across the country to demand stronger action from our leaders on climate change.
Speakers include Tim Flannery and Rajendra Pachauri (head of the IPCC and Nobel Peace Prize Winner).Councils can play a key role in promoting this event to schools and youth groups in your region. We understand that some (such as Swan Hill Rural City Council) are already helping sponsor delegates to attend by providing financial assistance. For more information, see www.powershift.org.au or email ellen.sandell@youthclimatecoalition.org
World Environment Day 5th June
UN Environment Day Awards
Recently, I was invited as VLGA President to judge the Local Government Awards for the United Nations Association of Australia. 2009 marks the 10th Awards, which began in 2000 to mark Australia hosting World Environment Day in Adelaide. The theme of UN World Environment Day 2009 is 'Your Planet Needs You - UNite to Combat Climate Change'.
I will attend the Awards Presentation and Dinner to be held on World Environment Day, June 5 2009, in the following categories:
* Lincolne Scott Sustainability Leadership Award
* Szencorp Green Building Award
* Building Commission Award for Best Sustainable Residential Development
* Meeting the Greenhouse Challenge Award
* Business Awards
* Local Government Awards
* Excellence in Sustainable Water Management
* Education/ School Award
* Excellence in Marine and Coastal Management Award
* Media Award
* Community Award, and
* Individual Award.
Kitchen Table Sustainability Masterclasses – places still available
The VLGA has also been busy to ensure World Environment Day on June 5th is appropriately celebrated, with a series of 3 Masterclasses for Councillors Officers and Community Leaders with world-renowned planner and sustainability practitioner, Dr Wendy Sarkissian.
The humble kitchen table — where people share stories, discuss everyday life and use plain language — could be the most powerful way to empower people to create a sustainable future for the world, according to a new book by Dr Wendy Sarkissian.
The workshops are designed to support people working with community and sustainability issues at all levels. Participants will leave the master class armed with clear recipes for successful approaches to community engagement.
Dr. Sarkissian says “now, more than ever, we need to find ways to bring about massive changes the planetary crisis demands. We know we cannot do this without strong community engagement. Yet it is increasingly evident that our engagement approaches are not up to the challenges, leaving communities dispirited and disengaged.”
For more information, go to the front page of our website at www.vlga.org.au
Friday, 15 May 2009
Ombudsman’s Report
It has been a difficult week for local government in
· The alleged wrong-doing of a few should not tarnish the reputation of the hundreds of hard working councillors who conduct themselves with propriety and integrity
· A hurried legislative response, without consultation with the sector, is unlikely to address root causes or provide long-term solutions for ensuring good governance, and
· Resources are required for Local Government Victoria to ensure adequate training and support for Councillors and officers and capacity to respond to complaints regarding improper conduct.
We will continue to urge the Minister and his colleagues to consult with the local government sector prior to any legislative amendments that affect Councillors and their communities.
Current Campaigns - Conflicts of Interest
As you would be aware, the VLGA has been actively representing the sector’s concerns with the new Conflict of Interest provisions in the Local Government Act. We have undertaken an on-line survey, conducted a Leading Edge Forum (LEF) and last week met with Local Government Victoria.
As a result, we have emailed PA’s to Councillors and CEOs with an update as well as a VLGA Good Governance Grab on getting help with conflict of interest.
I’d love to hear some views from our community members, as this issue has implications for how our local democracies function, and therefore the health of participation in local communities.
Copies of both of these documents are available on the left hand side of our website’s front page under Current Campaigns – www.vlga.org.au
Members’ Planning Day
We need to hear from you by this coming Monday if you are planning to attend the VLGA Members’ Day on Saturday 23 May at the
The day is free for members and is an opportunity for new and experienced Councillors to meet with colleagues, share ideas and feel inspired about connecting and working with your communities.
Christine Nixon will share her fascinating insights into local communities following her three months of work with the Bushfire recovery team. Don’t miss this (free!) opportunity for meeting, sharing and learning.
VLGA Delegates
Are you the VLGA delegate for your Council? If so, you will soon receive an update on VLGA activities, events and information about your role. The VLGA thrives on the input of its members and we encourage all Council delegates, as well as individual members, to make the most of our willingness to hear from you, offer advice, pool your ideas and advocate on your behalf.
VicHealth Food Security Grant
Is the lack of access to locally provided food a major contributor to climate change and social disadvantage?
Well, as part of our groundbreaking projects and collaborations, the VLGA is delighted that our long-time supporter and project partner Trevor Budge has been successful in securing funding for a project that will look at the economic impacts of local food supplies.
To date, the weakest area of knowledge in this whole topic of localised food supplies is the economic significance and role of localised food supplies in all its dimensions. The economic importance of food is not widely known and documented at the local, regional or even wider level.
This new project will fit well with our own Food Security Research Project which was also commissioned by VicHealth to look at the land use implications of food security. Watch this space for more news.
Planning & Environment Act Review
We appreciate copies of many submissions being sent to us. We have submitted our response which can be found on the left hand side of our website’s front page under Current Campaigns – www.vlga.org.au
Friday, 8 May 2009
As Councils prepare their own budgets with a minimum of four weeks of community consultation, it is interesting to reflect on the State Government budget process: weeks of anticipation, a media lock-up with mobile phones confiscated, 45 press releases, media saturated with analysis of a horse that has bolted.
I offer an analysis from the VLGA below, hopeful that engagement in the budget process in this way might one day make way for greater community participation in one of, if not, the most important decision of a government.
Investing in communities - with some noticeable gaps
Councils across
Communities
The budget promises considerable spending for community renewal and development matching the rhetoric of a fairer, more liveable and just
Bushfires
The provision for bushfire recovery is necessarily generous with a particular emphasis on communications. The learnings of the Royal Commission should continue to inform recovery assistance and budget allocations. The rebuilding and rehabilitation tasks that lie ahead for local communities are immense and the $10M community recovery fund and $15M road and public transport restoration funds appear low. There are no clear allocations of funds to local governments, although we are aware that funds can be made available to assist affected Councils on request.
Rural and regional Victoria
Rural and regional
Jobs?
Employment underpins this budget – almost half of the 45 media statements released with the budget refer to the creation of 35,000 jobs. The bulk of these jobs are in the construction industry offering marginal relief to rural and peri-urban areas affected by unemployment, drought related down-turn and the impact of the global financial crisis.
Transport
This budget fulfils an important first step in implementing the Victorian Transport Plan with improvements outlined in the plan funded in this budget – roughly split between improvements to roads and public transport. However, the timeframes for some of the larger funded projects are unclear at this stage. There are also some noticeable omissions: the Regional Rail Link (a project that would build new rail track from Werribee to Tarneit to Sunshine, with the benefits of easing congestion and adding independence to the rail network) was a notable exception in the budget announcement. Minister Kosky has indicated that Federal Government funds will precede any state announcements, compared with the Peninsula Link, which was announced, despite still the requirement of Federal funds.
Planning
The much-anticipated online planning project will receive considerable new funds which is to be welcomed. However, we would hope for further clarification about the purpose, role and decision-making frameworks for the Development Facilitation Unit – which will receive a considerable amount of funding to identify projects that the Minister can call in.
The $35,000 for each council to develop housing responses to
Summary
While there are small increases in overall budget allocation to programs to benefit local communities through Councils, there are always projects that miss out. Just as for Councils, the State Government has to prioritise spending and so it is that response to bushfires and the GFC have been prioritised. Nevertheless, we have unfulfilled expectations of a more proactive response to climate change and meeting the needs of specific support for struggling rural communities and Councils.
Reminder of next Leading Edge Forum
Don’t forget our next Leading Edge Forum will be held next Thursday, 14th May in Rosebud.
Please join us for dinner at 6pm, then a stimulating discussion including experiences of 3 existing rural-metro council and community partnerships and the potential for new ones from 7pm.
The venue will be the Mornington Peninsula Shire Offices at
Please RSVP to vlga@vlga.org.au if you are able to join us.
If you are not able to attend but still have an interest, on the night you can go to the following link to view the Live Webcast and join in the discussion:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vlga-leading-edge-forum
Members’ Planning Day – May 23rd
The VLGA will be emailing PAs to Councillors and CEOs, as well as our individual and group members, a final copy of the Agenda for the Members’ Planning Day and our Draft Strategic Plan.
This Planning Day will be held on May 23rd at the
Conflict of Interest
Watch out for some further advice next week as the VLGA continues to discuss issues with the Minister and his Department. We are glad to see that the Minister has indicated a willingness to consider some changes following the advocacy the VLGA and our members have taken to date.
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 10th 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:
- VLGA Member’s Planning Day - 10am-4pm Saturday 23rd May,
- World Environment Day Masterclasses Friday 5th June. Join author of KITCHEN TABLE SUSTAINABILITY – Practical Recipes for Community Engagement with Sustainability, to learn how to engage stakeholders in creating sustainable communities
New members – Mornington Peninsula Shire Council & Mildura Rural City Council
The
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
The majority of the residential population is clustered along the coastline of Port Phillip Bay, between
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
Mildura Rural City Council
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
Positioned near the borders of three states, on the crossroads of transport links between three capital cities and near the meeting point of
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