Harmony n. – agreement in feeling and opinion
Surrounded by the spirit of harmony captured at yesterday’s walk, perhaps we can reach some much sought after agreement between state and local governments with respect to planning call ins, urban growth boundaries, the importance of local government, conflict of interest regulation and issues such as climate change, pokies, rooming houses, public housing, public transport, indigenous funding, human rights ... it is a long list! We will keep talking and walking in pursuit of ‘harmony’ between all three tiers of government and community
Holding local government in high regard
Local Government in Victoria Report 2008
Local Government Victoria has released their 2008 Report on Local Government. There are some good results.
In his foreword, Minister Wynne states that “…the report focuses on Key Performance Indicators for local government – indicators agreed by the Victorian Government and councils. The key indicators on overall financial performance and asset management show pleasing trends of improving performance by councils.
“It is also encouraging that over the longer term, councils have improved the satisfaction ratings given by their community. Whilst there has been some plateauing of satisfaction ratings in recent years with slight declines for some service areas, the overall results continue to be positive.”
It is often challenging to convince everyone that as a sector we are improving. Take a look at the report as it explains why trust can be maintained in the level of government closest to our local communities. A copy can be found at www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au
The article by Jason Dowling in last Tuesday’s Age newspaper, ‘They’re Rubbish’, has stirred some reactions.
The reputation of Councils has been damaged by recent events, and, frustratingly, the actions of a few reflect on all elected Councillors. However, rather than conclude that this leaves us at our ‘lowest ebb since amalgamations’, everyone in local government knows how hard we work and how difficult it can be to connect communities and councils and serve the diverse interests of all stakeholders.
Local governments are continuing to lead the way in delivering environmental sustainability, community services, community initiatives, public health and well-being projects, management of open space and much more.
The VLGA will continue to shine the spotlight on the efforts of the hard working, dedicated and ethical majority of Councillors, while seeking on-going reforms that improve decision-making and community engagement – particularly the protection of the right of local communities to have a real say in planning matters.
The only way we can counter colourful media comments, is to continue to inform our local communities of the good work the vast majority do.
Planning – there’s more
On Friday, the Planning Minister announced that “Projects worth more than $371 million with the potential to create more than 612 jobs have been saved from costly planning delays, with the Brumby Labor Government’s third round of fast-tracking.” www.premier.vic.gov.au/minister-for-planning
Three applications awaiting decisions at VCAT have been called in and one planning scheme amendment has been fast-tracked (leaving us all wondering).
While the Minister justifies these latest call-ins as “removing unnecessary delays in the planning system”, calling in the projects from VCAT has also removed objectors’ rights to the appeal process.
A more equitable and transparent means of removing blockages could include requiring a priority listing at VCAT or providing extra resources to VCAT. If VCAT queues are truly seen as “unnecessary delays”, then let’s see the resources to fix this for all applications and maintain a robust planning system in which all applications – big or small – are subject to equal merit-based scrutiny.
VLGA Conflict of Interest Update – Urgent Feedback Sought
In the next few days, we will send you an update on Conflict of Interest outlining key concerns and suggested solutions to the legislative provisions introduced last November. Your feedback on this update is most welcome.
We have undertaken extensive consultation to reach the positions stated in this Update, including:
- conducting two on-line surveys on Conflict Of Interest and Councillors as advisers to MPs (including 346 responses from Councillors and staff)
- directly discussing the matter with 55 Councils visited as part of the VLGA Annual Tour
- conducting a Leading Edge Forum (with 40 attendees)
- meeting with representatives of Local Government Victoria (LGV), and
- attending LGV Conflict of Interest forums conducted across
As we will be tabling our position in our meeting with Local Government Minister Richard Wynne, we’d appreciate any comments as soon as practicable.
VLGA News: CEO and events
Following the recent resignation of Rae Kingsbury (Perry) from the position of CEO, the Board will soon be recruiting a CEO. Many of you have asked about Rae and the VLGA continues to forward all of your messages.
Here are a few other matters discussed at the last Board meeting that you may be interested in finding out more about:
* Councillor John Jago Memorial Award for Governance
* Campaign for Safe Rooming Houses in
Feel free to contact me or the VLGA office for more information.
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