From Maffra to Dili, change occurs when people with ideas and energy decide to make it happen. At the Small Town Summit at Maffra last week, I heard Julie Nethercote talk about how Open Days at Yarram were born last year and now record house sales tell the story; Genevieve Barlow talked about the Transition Town initiatives at Newstead in Mt Alexander Shire. On another scale, yesterday we were reminded of the courage of the people of Timor-Leste who spoke their mind ten years ago and drove change.
Bold initiatives are occurring at the local level across Victoria and at the VLGA we are improving our capacity for collecting and sharing these.
Timor-Leste celebrates 10 year anniversary
The VLGA joins with the people of Timor-Leste in celebrating the tenth anniversary of the vote for independence from Indonesia on August 30, 1999. The many Friendship groups around Victoria are an ongoing opportunity for Victorian Local Governments and communities to provide financial and moral support for the people of Timor-Leste in their continuing struggle for prosperity and security.
We acknowledge and thank the many Councils that continue to support Friendship Groups with communities in Timor-Leste.
The VLGA remains committed to assisting Timor-Leste and is continuing discussions on providing training for elected officials and appointed officials in time for the first municipal elections and the establishment of Liaison Offices in both Dili and Australia. Board member, Richard Brown, chairs the VLGA Timor-Leste Working Group driving these projects.
Tonight, the VLGA is hosting a farewell to Abel Guterres, Timor-Leste Consul General, who has been pivotal in assisting the VLGA to forge its strong links with the people of Timor-Leste.
Rural initiatives show-cased at Small Town Summit in Maffra
Everyone who travelled to Maffra last week learnt something about the way Victorian communities are responding to the global and climate crises shaping our 21st century lives. Accessible tourism, persistence with media outlets, attracting health professionals and creating new jobs through a sustainable revolution were just some of the ideas discussed.
The final debate between Matt Wright from Zero Emissions and Charlie Speirs from Clean Coal Victoria was fascinating and South Gippsland Shire Council’s Andrew McEwan’s final message of “We can solve it” was welcomed for its optimism. Localisation and Transition Towns will be critical in the sustainable revolution and we look forward to further discussion on these movements.
Climate Change Green Paper
This Thursday, the Board will approve themes of the VLGA’s Response to the State Government’s Green Paper. For the most part, the VLGA will be concentrating on the adaptation issues, as well as building community capacity and ensuring the social equity implications of climate change are managed. This is consistent with the focus and work of our Liveable and Just Project.
After consideration by the Board, we will liaise closely with our Climate Change Working Group and our members before finalising our response by the end of September. If you have any ideas you would like us to consider, please let me know.
Planning and Environment Act Review Update
The next stage of the review of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 has been announced. The Department of Planning and Community Development has now prepared five response papers that set out proposals to respond to the various issues and suggestions raised. The five papers and the submissions are available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning. The reforms proposed in the response papers include:
• Update the objectives of planning in Victoria.
• Improve the operation of the amendment process.
• Improve the operation of the permit process.
• Introduce a new procedure for the consideration of projects declared as state significant major development.
• Improve the operation of s173 agreements.
• Provide for monitoring and reporting on the performance of the planning system through annual reporting.
• Introduce a general power for the Minister to issue directions and guidelines about actions and procedures under the Act.
• A range of miscellaneous changes to improve the operation of the Act.
We look forward to hearing your feedback on the response papers prior to a Draft Exposure Bill being presented to the Parliament later in the year.
Each of the five response papers includes details of how to provide your feedback and the relevant person that you can contact. We would greatly appreciate it if you could provide a copy of your feedback to us.
Events
The VLGA continues to run ‘leading edge events’, which are proving to be very popular, so don’t miss out!
This Thursday’s Leading Edge Forum is on Women in Local Government: ponder, plan and get practical.
This is a rare opportunity for women members and men who support them to get together to listen ponder and plan for VLGA’s participation in the National Year of Women in Local Government in 2010 and our strategy for the 2012 elections.
A panel featuring four women Councillors and former Mayors from different regions, perspectives and experiences will reflect with you what we have to build on and where we can go.
We would love to see you on Thursday 3rd September for an evening of information sharing, debate and strategic thinking. Oh, and of course great food and company!
All are welcome, as gender equity is work that involves us all.
This Leading Edge Forum will be web-cast live.
Details:
Thursday 3rd September 2009
Rear Meeting Room, Ground Floor, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
6.30pm Drinks and Finger Food; 7.00-9.00pm Leading Edge Forum
Please RSVP to: 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
Planning and Building - Residential Amenity Impacts of Licensed Premises
Come along to this workshop to hear how, in a recent landmark VCAT decision, the Tribunal set out a test to assess the cumulative impacts of licensed premises in a relevant area.
Will this interpretation be relevant when considering future planning applications for licenced premises in your municipality?
How is the cumulative impact on the residential amenity of the surrounding area to be assessed? Issues include:
• operating hours and patron numbers
• the incidence of violence, property damage and anti-social behaviour
• the density, mix and type of licensed premises
Details:
2.00 - 4.00 PM, Friday 11 September 2009
Rear Meeting Room, VLGA 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
The speaker will be Mimi Marcus, Senior Associate from Maddocks who acted for Yarra City Council at VCAT - followed by a panel discussion
Numbers limited. Please RSVP by Friday 4 September to: 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
I hope this enews finds you all well. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss these or any other issues.
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
rose@vlga.org.au or 0414 959 427
Monday 24th August, 2009
Thank you to Baw Baw Mayor and VLGA Vice-President Cr Ruth McGowan, who capably managed the VLGA Presidency for the past four weeks. While I stood for pre-selection for the state election, it was not to be and I have returned to the VLGA to vigorously represent members.
What a privileged and enjoyable role it is to advocate on your behalf. I will continue to champion your needs and views on issues from bushfires, to planning, sustainability and community engagement. I welcome your calls and emails on issues affecting your community.
Please excuse the length and size of this e-news! Lots of interesting things have been happening at the VLGA, and in the community. And in future we will be leaning towards briefer introductions with links for more information.
Conflicting Duties – Media Coverage and Other Developments
The passage of the Local Government Amendment (Conflicting Duties) Bill might not be that smooth, with considerable concerns raised by the Parliament’s Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee.
One of the critical points raised is that:
“The Committee considers that the new section 28B may be incompatible with the Charter right of electors in the 2008 local government elections to a guarantee of the free expression of their will.”
Specifically, the Committee has asked the Minister to respond to a series of questions summarised by me below:
a) Does the Bill discriminate on the basis of political activity?
b) Is the ban a ‘reasonable limit’ on the right to be free from such discrimination?
c) Have alternative ways of responding to the Ombudsman’s recommendations been considered?
d) Does the ban on existing Councillors unreasonably annul the results of the 2008 local government elections?
e) Is the 7 day period for Councillors to resign an arbitrary interference in the private rights of the affected Councillors?
See Pages 11 to 16 of the following Alert Digest for more detail.
An amendment to remove the retrospective element to the ban has been proposed by other parties in the Upper House. We will await further debate and provide updates on this issue.
In case you have not seen the wonderfully clear article from Former Hume Mayor and current Councillor Burhan Yigit, you will find links on our website to this and other media coverage of the issue.
Opinion Piece in The Age by Burhan Yigit
Municipal clean-up comes at a price for ratepayers
New Bill may force Geelong by-election
We're just scapegoats, councillors complain
Compo call for councillors banned from working for MPs
Councillors face ban on working for MPs
If articles have appeared in your local papers, we’d appreciate it if you could forward us the weblinks.
Planning Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 – DACS Bill in dispute
On August 11, the Victorian Lower House referred this Bill to the Dispute Resolution Committee. Since 2003, a Bill that is passed by the Legislative Assembly but rejected by the Legislative Council is now referred to as a Disputed Bill and is referred to the Committee.
The Committee must decide within 30 days whether the Bill should pass or be amended and agreement from both Houses is sought.
Alternatively, if no agreement is reached, the Bill becomes as Deadlocked Bill which can be used to trigger an election - like the Commonwealth provisions.
In short, this process can be used to force amendments, passage of the DACs legislation – or an early election.
The VLGA wrote to Minister Madden in April requesting that he consider amendments to the DACs Bill. Watch this space – or contact us for more details.
Bushfires
Last week was an important week for all Victorian communities facing ongoing threats from future bushfires. The Recommendations from the Royal Commission Interim report and the immediate responses from the State Government are being digested by Councils and communities.
Understanding the variety of responses and the enormous efforts of many groups in dealing with fire-related issues and responding to the needs of communities at-risk, the VLGA will continue to seek your feedback and advocate as required. Please contact us if there are specific issues you would like us to raise.
Affordable/Social Housing and Engagement: are the two incompatible?
The VLGA was pleased to host a packed housing forum this week. Four speakers addressed the question Affordable/Social Housing and Engagement: are the two incompatible?
We’d like to thank the presenters and the highly engaged participants for the energy generated to raise the profile of affordable and social housing.
Facilitated by the VLGA’s Affordable Housing Working Group Chairperson, Cr Jeanette McRae, the Forum also warmly supported the need to further build the capacity of Councils and communities to work together to deliver more affordable and social housing. This Forum was so successful that we are thinking of touring the regions. If you would like to hold a Forum of your own, and you are accessible to lots of other Councils, let us know
We will soon load summaries of the presentations and discussions onto our website.
Essential Services Commission – Performance Indicators for Councils
We have welcomed the promise of more resources for Local Government Victoria’s Inspection and Compliance functions, but we await further discussions regarding the Minister’s referral to the ESC to help with a compliance regime.
We are particularly interested in performance Indicators that can reflect different community needs and Council responses to these – rather than uniform assessments that result in comparisons between vastly different communities.
We have also received confirmation from the Minister that we will be consulted on these changes, so we will make sure your voice is heard.
DHS Heat-wave Planning Guide
Many of you will know of the DHS’s groundbreaking work to explore the local impacts, and the responses necessary for heat-waves. The purpose of this guide is to provide local councils with:
• guidance on the development of a heat-wave plan
• assistance to incorporate heat-wave plans into existing municipal plans.
It is intended that this guide will not only be a resource for local councils, but will help other organisations, such as:
• hospitals
• schools
• employers
• Primary Care Partnerships
• community and health services
• Divisions of General Practice
• police, ambulance and other emergency services
• other non-government and government agencies.
Below is a very helpful guide, and it can be downloaded from
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/downloads/planning-guide.pdf
Events
Leading Edge Forum: Women in Local Government
When: Thursday 3rd September 2009, 6.30pm Drinks and Finger Food; 7.00-9.00pm LEF
Venue: Rear Meeting Room, Ground Floor, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
RSVPs: 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
Special VLGA Workshop – Residential Amenity Impacts of Licensed Premises…more than just NOISE?
When: Friday 11th September 2009, 2-4pm
Venue: Rear Meeting Room, Ground Floor, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
RSVPs: 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
I hope this enews finds you all well. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss these or any other issues.
Cr Rose Iser
President
0414 959 427 or Rose@vlga.org.au
What a privileged and enjoyable role it is to advocate on your behalf. I will continue to champion your needs and views on issues from bushfires, to planning, sustainability and community engagement. I welcome your calls and emails on issues affecting your community.
Please excuse the length and size of this e-news! Lots of interesting things have been happening at the VLGA, and in the community. And in future we will be leaning towards briefer introductions with links for more information.
Conflicting Duties – Media Coverage and Other Developments
The passage of the Local Government Amendment (Conflicting Duties) Bill might not be that smooth, with considerable concerns raised by the Parliament’s Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee.
One of the critical points raised is that:
“The Committee considers that the new section 28B may be incompatible with the Charter right of electors in the 2008 local government elections to a guarantee of the free expression of their will.”
Specifically, the Committee has asked the Minister to respond to a series of questions summarised by me below:
a) Does the Bill discriminate on the basis of political activity?
b) Is the ban a ‘reasonable limit’ on the right to be free from such discrimination?
c) Have alternative ways of responding to the Ombudsman’s recommendations been considered?
d) Does the ban on existing Councillors unreasonably annul the results of the 2008 local government elections?
e) Is the 7 day period for Councillors to resign an arbitrary interference in the private rights of the affected Councillors?
See Pages 11 to 16 of the following Alert Digest for more detail.
An amendment to remove the retrospective element to the ban has been proposed by other parties in the Upper House. We will await further debate and provide updates on this issue.
In case you have not seen the wonderfully clear article from Former Hume Mayor and current Councillor Burhan Yigit, you will find links on our website to this and other media coverage of the issue.
Opinion Piece in The Age by Burhan Yigit
Municipal clean-up comes at a price for ratepayers
New Bill may force Geelong by-election
We're just scapegoats, councillors complain
Compo call for councillors banned from working for MPs
Councillors face ban on working for MPs
If articles have appeared in your local papers, we’d appreciate it if you could forward us the weblinks.
Planning Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 – DACS Bill in dispute
On August 11, the Victorian Lower House referred this Bill to the Dispute Resolution Committee. Since 2003, a Bill that is passed by the Legislative Assembly but rejected by the Legislative Council is now referred to as a Disputed Bill and is referred to the Committee.
The Committee must decide within 30 days whether the Bill should pass or be amended and agreement from both Houses is sought.
Alternatively, if no agreement is reached, the Bill becomes as Deadlocked Bill which can be used to trigger an election - like the Commonwealth provisions.
In short, this process can be used to force amendments, passage of the DACs legislation – or an early election.
The VLGA wrote to Minister Madden in April requesting that he consider amendments to the DACs Bill. Watch this space – or contact us for more details.
Bushfires
Last week was an important week for all Victorian communities facing ongoing threats from future bushfires. The Recommendations from the Royal Commission Interim report and the immediate responses from the State Government are being digested by Councils and communities.
Understanding the variety of responses and the enormous efforts of many groups in dealing with fire-related issues and responding to the needs of communities at-risk, the VLGA will continue to seek your feedback and advocate as required. Please contact us if there are specific issues you would like us to raise.
Affordable/Social Housing and Engagement: are the two incompatible?
The VLGA was pleased to host a packed housing forum this week. Four speakers addressed the question Affordable/Social Housing and Engagement: are the two incompatible?
We’d like to thank the presenters and the highly engaged participants for the energy generated to raise the profile of affordable and social housing.
Facilitated by the VLGA’s Affordable Housing Working Group Chairperson, Cr Jeanette McRae, the Forum also warmly supported the need to further build the capacity of Councils and communities to work together to deliver more affordable and social housing. This Forum was so successful that we are thinking of touring the regions. If you would like to hold a Forum of your own, and you are accessible to lots of other Councils, let us know
We will soon load summaries of the presentations and discussions onto our website.
Essential Services Commission – Performance Indicators for Councils
We have welcomed the promise of more resources for Local Government Victoria’s Inspection and Compliance functions, but we await further discussions regarding the Minister’s referral to the ESC to help with a compliance regime.
We are particularly interested in performance Indicators that can reflect different community needs and Council responses to these – rather than uniform assessments that result in comparisons between vastly different communities.
We have also received confirmation from the Minister that we will be consulted on these changes, so we will make sure your voice is heard.
DHS Heat-wave Planning Guide
Many of you will know of the DHS’s groundbreaking work to explore the local impacts, and the responses necessary for heat-waves. The purpose of this guide is to provide local councils with:
• guidance on the development of a heat-wave plan
• assistance to incorporate heat-wave plans into existing municipal plans.
It is intended that this guide will not only be a resource for local councils, but will help other organisations, such as:
• hospitals
• schools
• employers
• Primary Care Partnerships
• community and health services
• Divisions of General Practice
• police, ambulance and other emergency services
• other non-government and government agencies.
Below is a very helpful guide, and it can be downloaded from
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/downloads/planning-guide.pdf
Events
Leading Edge Forum: Women in Local Government
When: Thursday 3rd September 2009, 6.30pm Drinks and Finger Food; 7.00-9.00pm LEF
Venue: Rear Meeting Room, Ground Floor, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
RSVPs: 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
Special VLGA Workshop – Residential Amenity Impacts of Licensed Premises…more than just NOISE?
When: Friday 11th September 2009, 2-4pm
Venue: Rear Meeting Room, Ground Floor, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
RSVPs: 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
I hope this enews finds you all well. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss these or any other issues.
Cr Rose Iser
President
0414 959 427 or Rose@vlga.org.au
Tuesday 18th August, 2009
Bushfires Royal Commission
This edition of enews follows the release of the Bushfires Royal Commission as the Interim Report was released late yesterday.
My observations here are based on my experience as a Mayor of a bushfire-affected area and as a representative of the sector.
The recommendations are welcomed as a way forward to make Victoria a safer place in times where there is an ever-increasing risk of bushfires as a consequence of climate change. While the coordinated response to the Interim Report will be led by the State Government there is much that local Government can do, and has been doing, to help communities to plan and prepare for the coming fire season.
Many of us have already begun planning for the Community Bushfire Awareness Week which will start on 11th October as a way to help prepare our vulnerable communities.
With this Interim Report, it is helpful to receive clarity on some of the key issues such as the ‘stay or go’ policy and early warning systems. Councils will be keenly waiting for the State Government’s response which will be delivered by the end of the month.
We will be seeking further clarity on issues such as; what criteria a Neighbour-hood Safer Place may need to meet; details on the Township Protection Plans; advice on what are the 50 towns that have been designated at higher risk around the state for the upcoming season.
It is worth noting that some of the more contentious issues such as roadside clearing will be considered in the final report that will be delivered by July 31 next year.
3 New VLGA Positions
As a result of our successful growth over the last few months, the VLGA is looking to recruit the following positions:
1) Local Government Policy and Projects Officer (30 hours per week)
2) Local Government Learning and Development Officer (Full-time)&
3) Human Rights Policy and Project Officer (20 hours per week).
Applications for these positions close on August 28th.
If you, or someone you know might be interested in these Positions, you can find Position Descriptions and Application information on the right hand side of the front page of our website at http://www.vlga.org.au/ For more information, contact our Director Public Affairs and Organisational Development, Liana Thompson via email liana@vlga.org.au
Special VLGA Workshop – Residential Amenity Impacts of Licensed Premises .... more than just NOISE?
Come along to this workshop to hear how in a recent landmark VCAT decision, the Tribunal set out a test to assess the cumulative impacts of licensed premises in a relevant area.
Presented in association with Maddocks Lawyers, Issues include:
• operating hours and patron numbers
• the incidence of violence, property damage and anti-social behaviour, and
• the density, mix and type of licensed premises
This workshop will feature Mimi Marcus, Senior Associate from Maddocks, who acted for Yarra City Council at VCAT, followed by a panel discussion.
Please pass notice of this event onto Councillors and Senior Planning Staff who might be interested in this topic.
When: - Friday 11th September, 2009, 2-4pm
Venue: - VLGA Meeting Room, Rea 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
RSVPs: - 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
For details of this and other events, go to our Upcoming Events Calendar on the right hand side of the front page of our website at http://www.vlga.org.au/
Conflict Of Interest Review – Next Steps
As stated in my last enews, staff and I recently met with the Minister for Local Government, Richard Wynne, to discuss a number of issues including Conflict Of Interest, Workcover coverage for Councillors, and Bushfires.
We have sent a letter to the sector in regards to this meeting, outlining our commitment to participating in the promised review of the Conflict Of Interest Legislation, starting in November. If you have not seen this letter, email the office and we will send you a copy via vlga@vlga.org.au
Role of VLGA Member Council Delegates
We are currently sending all of our 56 Member Council Delegates a detailed letter explaining the role and expectations of VLGA Delegates, and improved ways that we will be communicating with them. As our eyes and ears in the sector, we will make sure our communications are convenient, given their steep workloads.
For further information, contact me at ruth@vlga.org.au
VLGA ‘Service Offer’
Having now visited over 64 of the 79 Councils, it has been good to get feedback on what VLGA services people are aware of. So, in the next week or so we will be writing to our Member Local Governments to explain the services we offer and outline the ways we are committed to assisting member councils.
Regards
Cr Ruth McGowan
Interim President
0431 664 693 or ruth@vlga.org.au
This edition of enews follows the release of the Bushfires Royal Commission as the Interim Report was released late yesterday.
My observations here are based on my experience as a Mayor of a bushfire-affected area and as a representative of the sector.
The recommendations are welcomed as a way forward to make Victoria a safer place in times where there is an ever-increasing risk of bushfires as a consequence of climate change. While the coordinated response to the Interim Report will be led by the State Government there is much that local Government can do, and has been doing, to help communities to plan and prepare for the coming fire season.
Many of us have already begun planning for the Community Bushfire Awareness Week which will start on 11th October as a way to help prepare our vulnerable communities.
With this Interim Report, it is helpful to receive clarity on some of the key issues such as the ‘stay or go’ policy and early warning systems. Councils will be keenly waiting for the State Government’s response which will be delivered by the end of the month.
We will be seeking further clarity on issues such as; what criteria a Neighbour-hood Safer Place may need to meet; details on the Township Protection Plans; advice on what are the 50 towns that have been designated at higher risk around the state for the upcoming season.
It is worth noting that some of the more contentious issues such as roadside clearing will be considered in the final report that will be delivered by July 31 next year.
3 New VLGA Positions
As a result of our successful growth over the last few months, the VLGA is looking to recruit the following positions:
1) Local Government Policy and Projects Officer (30 hours per week)
2) Local Government Learning and Development Officer (Full-time)&
3) Human Rights Policy and Project Officer (20 hours per week).
Applications for these positions close on August 28th.
If you, or someone you know might be interested in these Positions, you can find Position Descriptions and Application information on the right hand side of the front page of our website at http://www.vlga.org.au/ For more information, contact our Director Public Affairs and Organisational Development, Liana Thompson via email liana@vlga.org.au
Special VLGA Workshop – Residential Amenity Impacts of Licensed Premises .... more than just NOISE?
Come along to this workshop to hear how in a recent landmark VCAT decision, the Tribunal set out a test to assess the cumulative impacts of licensed premises in a relevant area.
Presented in association with Maddocks Lawyers, Issues include:
• operating hours and patron numbers
• the incidence of violence, property damage and anti-social behaviour, and
• the density, mix and type of licensed premises
This workshop will feature Mimi Marcus, Senior Associate from Maddocks, who acted for Yarra City Council at VCAT, followed by a panel discussion.
Please pass notice of this event onto Councillors and Senior Planning Staff who might be interested in this topic.
When: - Friday 11th September, 2009, 2-4pm
Venue: - VLGA Meeting Room, Rea 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
RSVPs: - 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
For details of this and other events, go to our Upcoming Events Calendar on the right hand side of the front page of our website at http://www.vlga.org.au/
Conflict Of Interest Review – Next Steps
As stated in my last enews, staff and I recently met with the Minister for Local Government, Richard Wynne, to discuss a number of issues including Conflict Of Interest, Workcover coverage for Councillors, and Bushfires.
We have sent a letter to the sector in regards to this meeting, outlining our commitment to participating in the promised review of the Conflict Of Interest Legislation, starting in November. If you have not seen this letter, email the office and we will send you a copy via vlga@vlga.org.au
Role of VLGA Member Council Delegates
We are currently sending all of our 56 Member Council Delegates a detailed letter explaining the role and expectations of VLGA Delegates, and improved ways that we will be communicating with them. As our eyes and ears in the sector, we will make sure our communications are convenient, given their steep workloads.
For further information, contact me at ruth@vlga.org.au
VLGA ‘Service Offer’
Having now visited over 64 of the 79 Councils, it has been good to get feedback on what VLGA services people are aware of. So, in the next week or so we will be writing to our Member Local Governments to explain the services we offer and outline the ways we are committed to assisting member councils.
Regards
Cr Ruth McGowan
Interim President
0431 664 693 or ruth@vlga.org.au
Monday 10th August, 2009
Before I get into developments and future events, I wanted to pause and reflect on the impact on communities of a lot of the things reported here and elsewhere.
While we are mainly a Local Government peak body, I am struck by the continuing relevance of the VLGA to the broader community.
There will always be challenges and opportunities affecting our ability to assist an independent and strong sector flourish. It is also true that we need to advocate for genuine democracy and liveable communities to improve our sector’s profound and close connections with ordinary citizens.
Many in the community look to Local Governments to join with communities to improve well being, and to ensure communities have a real say in their own futures. So as you read this latest update, I hope you will also reflect on the obvious benefits for communities in the work the VLGA does.
CEO Recruitment
The VLGA Board last week resolved to engage the services of jo fisher executive to assist us to appoint a permanent CEO. As you would know, Darren Ray has acted in the role for almost a year, as a result of an accident involving our former CEO, Rae Perry.
Darren informed the Board that he will not be applying for the permanent role. Having worked for us for two-and-a-half years, and having led the organisation through great change over the last year or so, Darren has decided to strike a better work / life balance.
The good news though, is that Darren will return to his former VLGA role of Director Policy & Public Affairs. On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Darren for the fantastic work he has performed in the past year as Acting CEO.
We are excited to be working with jo fisher executive an organisation that has recruited over 100 executives in local government and related sectors. Jo Fisher will now assist the Board to finalise the recruitment process, and to choose the person who will lead the organisation for the next three or more years.
Meeting With Minister Wynne Re Conflict Of Interest
As part of the advocating efforts VLGA undertakes with various levels of government we meet regularly with Minister for Local Government Richard Wynne and staff. Last week, Darren Ray, Ron Exiner (VLGA Policy Officer) and I met with the Minster and staff to discuss the concerns of members re the unjust and unfair restrictions on councillors working for MPs. We argued that at the very least this legislation should not be made retrospective and should only apply for new councillors elected from 2012 onwards. Unfortunately the Minister remains resolute in his convictions to push through on this Bill which is currently due for its second reading in parliament this week. This will mean many councillors will be in the unenviable position of having to choose between their job and career or their commitment to public office as a councillor.
At our meeting we also communicated community and sector concerns and suggestions re Conflict of Interest - see content on the front page of our website at www.vlga.org.au
I am delighted to be able to report to you that the Minister has now agreed to include the VLGA and the sector in a detailed review of the legislation starting in November. We will keep you involved in these discussions and hope to see some common sense being applied to the review of this legislation.
MAV Sets Up Fighting Fund
In another welcome development, the MAV has decided to set up a fighting fund
to challenge the Local Government Amendment (Conflicting Duties) Bill.
In an email to Councils from MAV President, Cr Bill McArthur, it has been confirmed that the MAV has received legal advice that any action to query the validity of the legislation would need to be undertaken by an affected individual or individuals. Given this advice, the MAV Management Committee has resolved that it will:
1. Identify if one or more individuals are prepared to seek a declaration in the Supreme Court of Victoria that the provision within the Local Government (Conflicting Duties) Act disqualifying electorate officers and ministerial advisors from being councillors is inconsistent with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibility Act
2. Invite councils and others to contribute to a newly created fund to assist the selected individual(s) in meeting the costs relating to the declaration.
Importantly, the action will need to be taken by individual(s), not the MAV. The fund will be held in trust and funding of any amount that councils are able to contribute towards this action would be welcome. It was agreed that an indicative figure that councils may wish to consider is $3,000 for metropolitan councils and $1,500 for rural councils.
Further information will be provided by the MAV shortly about the arrangements for councils wishing to contribute to the fund. If for any reason the declaration does not proceed, all funds will be returned to participating councils.
August Leading Edge Forum - Cutting Edge Issues & Webcast
Last Thursday about 30 people joined us to discuss the reputation and independence of Local Governments, Climate Change, Rooming House Regulation and other issues. For those unable to make it on the night, you can see what was discussed at this LEF by viewing the live webcast at
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vlga-leading-edge-forum
Leading Edge Forums coming up! September (Women Councillors) and October (Financial Viability Of Smaller, Rural Shires)
September (Women Councillors)
Speaking of our LEF's, on Thursday 3rd September at the VLGA in Carlton we will focus on planning for the 2010 Year Of Women In Local Government. This is a rare opportunity for women members and those men and women who support them, to get together to listen, ponder and consider how VLGA can participate in the National Year of Women in Local Government in 2010, and our strategy towards the 2012 elections.
As well as panel speakers, we will hold focus groups as a key part of informing the VLGA’s approach to Councillor development, and increasing the number and diversity of women candidates in the 2012 Local Government elections.
We want to hear what you think. The Victorian Office of Women’s Policy will be present to hear your views. All welcome. Gender equity is work which involves all of us.
October (Financial Viability Of Smaller, Rural Shires)
On Thursday 8th October (note this is the second Thursday, not the first), VLGA Members Wodonga City Council, will host a timely and topical discussion on the financial viability of smaller, rural shires. The VLGA has long held the policy position of greater funding for these shires, and we hope to gain more ideas from the sector in the lead-up to our State Election Campaign.
Role of Delegates and Service Offer to Smaller Rural Shires
Last week the Board also passed the Budget for 2009-10, including funding for events and services to increase our contact and support for VLGA delegates, and our smaller rural shire members.
This work will accompany our efforts to better engage our community members, and to explain the importance of our focus in our sector.
I am personally working with the VLGA to see these actions progressed over the month of August, so look out for announcements shortly.
Workcover Coverage For Councillors
Many of you will know that in 2007 and 2008, the VLGA called for such coverage in our Councillor Remuneration Campaign, and in a submission to the Accident Compensation Act Review by Peter Hanks QC.
As reform to Worker's Compensation provisions is likely to be dealt with in the near future by the Parliament, the Board has also asked the Acting CEO to see if an agreed sector position can be reached.
While this issue is more complex as a result of amendments to the Local Government Act (e.g. Councillor Conduct Panels) last November, it will still be important for the VLGA to advocate strongly on behalf of Councillors. After all, this and other advocacy issues will help to increase the diversity and number of citizens standing for elections.
Transport Events
Victorian Transport Infrastructure Summit
Now in its 7th year, the Victorian Transport Infrastructure Summit has developed into a pivotal forum for industry, transport users and government representatives to exchange open and practical discussions on current projects and future planning developments.
Delegates at the event will have the opportunity to discuss the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan and assess the planning, funding and strategy necessary to ensure Victoria’s sustainable transport future. More information and the detailed agenda is available from the summit website – http://www.informa.com.au/victransport
VLGA members are offered an exclusive 50% discount to attend. To receive this exclusive discount, a different registration form must be used (not available from the Informa website). To obtain a copy of this registration form, please contact the VLGA office.
Bike Futures 2009
Bike Futures is a Bicycle Network event being organised by Bicycle Victoria. The conference is a new initiative by Bicycle Network and it is envisaged the Conference will be an annual event. The primary aim is to help national and local leaders, planners, designers and builders respond to the critical demands brought on by the explosion in growth of bike transportation and recreation across Australia.
Bike Futures will be held at the MCG function centre, Melbourne on Thursday 15 to Friday 16 October 2009. Conference papers are now being called for. To find out how to submit your paper or to register to attend the event, visit www.bv.com.au
The Children & Active Transport Forum is an initiative of Kids – ‘Go for your life’, and VLGA has joined as a planning partner for the forum.
The forum is open to health professionals, Local Government staff and councillors and children’s service providers.
It will explore how to increase children’s participation in active transport, through increased awareness of the relationship between active transport and children’s health and wellbeing; increased collaboration between all stakeholders; greater understanding of stakeholder role and responsibilities; and overcoming barriers and limitations to children’s participation in active transport.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the VLGA’s Local Government Transport Facilitator, Stacey Bloomfield on 03 9349 7943 or Stacey@vlga.org.au if you require any further info.
I hope this enews finds you all well. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss these or any other issues.
Cr Ruth McGowan
Interim President
0431 664 693 or Ruth@vlga.org.au
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