While many Victorians were cold and wet at the Grand Final at the weekend, and many BBQs would have been washed out, the rains have been very welcome. As our Annual Tour to all Victorian Councils draws to a close (we have now visited 70 Councils this year), we are hearing some relief and optimism about the spring rainfall to date.
That said, parts of Australia still experienced the lowest August rainfall on record and Victoria is likely to experience a warmer than normal spring according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Victoria’s response to climate change must be effective in order to protect and assist rural and urban communities from the impact of weather variations, extreme events, sea-level rises and bushfires.
Victoria will have local government voices at Copenhagen in December – further information can be obtained from ICLEI. ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is coordinating a world-wide effort to ensure the work and experiences of cities and local governments are recognised in the new UN climate agreement; see Climate Mayors
There is also a Copenhagen Climate Change forum on Monday 12 October 2009, 3.30pm-5.00pm, at the Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne on the implications for cities and local government, featuring a keynote address by Mr Gino Van Begin, Deputy Secretary General of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, and Regional Director for Europe, as well as high-level briefings on behalf of the Australian negotiating team for Copenhagen and the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors.
VLGA Response to State Government’s Climate Change Green Paper
I need to remind everyone that today is the last day to send in your comments on our draft Submission. We emailed a draft copy of the VLGA’s submission to you last week. If you would like to comment, contact Liana Thompson via email at liana@vlga.org.au or by phone on 03 9349 7902.
Leading Edge Forum in Wodonga - Financial Sustainability & Rural Shires: Challenges & Opportunities
Thursday 8th October, 6.30-9.15pm
104 Hovell Street, Wodonga
6.30pm Drinks, Networking & Finger Food
7.00-9.15pm Leading Edge Forum
LEF speakers are:
Gavin Cator, Wodonga City Council CEO & Former LGPro President
Roseanne Kava, Gannawarra Shire Council CEO
Kevin Hannagan, Strathbogie Shire Council CEO & LGPro Vice-President
Cr Rose Iser, VLGA President
Please contact the VLGA office to RSVP for this event by Thursday 1st October.
This Leading Edge Forum will be web-cast live via our website.
Mayor and Councillor Allowances to increase automatically by 2.5% from 1st December, 2009
During our Councillor Remuneration campaign in 2008, we argued strongly for allowances for Mayors and Councillors to be automatically and independently adjusted by the State Services Authority (SSA). The SSA also adjusts senior executive salaries for the State Public Service.
Although politicians’ salaries are a controversial topic this week, there is no doubt that Councillors are paid well below a commensurate award rate. Understandably, some Councils, particularly small rural Councils, are conscious of the cost of their salaries. We will continue to argue for subsidies for these Councils to cover basic costs such as Councillor allowances.
The VLGA argued for automatic adjustments, as well as for the equivalent of 9% ‘superannuation’ contribution. We did this because we should never again face the situation where allowances go backwards, in real terms.
Under 73B(5) a Council must increase the councillor and mayoral allowances in accordance with this notice. Accordingly the adjustment factor applies to the level of Mayoral and Councillor allowances determined at a Council’s last review under section 74(1).
Details of the 2.5% Increases are included below. The adjusted range limits, levels and amounts take effect on 1st December 2009.
Section 73B Local Government Act 1989
In accordance with section 73B(4)(a) the adjustment factor is 2.5%. Under section 73B(4)(b) notice is hereby given of the following limits and ranges:
Category 1: Councillors $ 6,970–$16,605; Mayors up to $49,610
Category 2: Councillors $ 8,610–$20,705; Mayors up to $64,062
Category 3: Councillors $10,353–$24,805; Mayors up to $79,233
Section 26A(3) City of Melbourne Act 2001
Under section 26A(3) the new allowance amounts are:
Lord Mayor: $151,598
Deputy Lord Mayor: $ 62,013
Councillors: $ 34,440
Farewell but not Goodbye to Timor-Leste Consul General Abel Guterres
As some of you may have learned, the VLGA’s close friend and Timor-Leste Consul General Abel Guterres ends his duties in Sydney at the end of September 2009. Abel will return to Dili where he will head the Bilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until January next year. Ms. Ines da Costa Moreira, Consul, will take charge of the affairs of the Consulate General in Sydney till the arrival of the new Consul General.
In his email to friends around the country, Abel said:
“To all my great friends involved in the Friendship Relationships around Australia led by the VLGA I express my sincere appreciation to all your efforts since the year 2000 to the Friendship Relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste which has made a success story.”
As ever, Abel’s humility is notable, for without his efforts the Friendship Relationships would never have started. We will of course stay in close contact with Abel, and acknowledge his efforts in contributing to the rebuilding of Timor-Leste.
We also welcome the recent involvement of the MAV in promoting and assisting with training for local government officials in Timor-Leste. We look forward to seeing more partners join the VLGA in our ongoing efforts to provide support for the birth of local democracy in Timor-Leste.
Board members wanted for new Cemetery Trusts
The State Government has announced its intention to restructure 10 large cemetery trusts in the metropolitan area, and create two new major metropolitan cemetery trusts to be known as the Greater Metropolitan Cemetery Trust and the Southern Metropolitan Cemetery Trust. These will be paid part-time Governor in Council appointments.
The new major cemetery trusts will need board members with a mix of skills and expertise in areas such as corporate governance, finance, law, business, management and community service. Experience on public company, community or statutory authority boards, and/or knowledge of public sector accountability frameworks is desirable.
The Government wishes to ensure that they attract a significant number of qualified women applicants in view of the Government's target for 50% women membership of the boards of public bodies.
The VLGA encourages experienced councillors and community members apply.
Further information including guidelines for applicants, application forms and terms and conditions of appointment can be downloaded from here
Prospective applicants can contact Sarah Poon at the Public Health Branch of DHS on 03 9096 0356 for further information.
VLGA’s Women’s Policy Working Group
The second meeting of our Women’s Policy Working Group will be held on Wednesday 14th October from 12.30-2pm at VLGA office.
The core group warmly welcomes the participation of any VLGA member who wishes to contribute. The agenda for the meeting includes drafting our plan for the National Year of Women in Local Government in 2010 and planning ahead to increase women’s participation following the elections in 2012, following the very successful Leading Edge Forum held in September.
Enquiries to Linda Bennett at the VLGA on 03 9349 7904.
Anti-Poverty Week Events:
Equal Societies Do It Better
Everyone interested in social justice issues will value this forum on Thursday 15th October at the City of Port Phillip. With David Imber as MC, the Forum will include a range of presentations, panels and separate topic discussions to canvass ways that people are working together to address inequality and improve the lives of everyone in the community.
For details of the Forum and a Registration Form, go to our Upcoming Events Calendar on our website
Cheap and Healthy Meals in Minutes
Brimbank City Council is running a series of interactive workshops for the community during Anti-Poverty Week 2009 where you will discover how to eat well on a budget, why meals that you prepare at home are better value than fast foods and how to prepare healthy meals quickly and easily. Sessions are open for all to attend at no charge and are supported by the Food for All Program.
For session details contact Council’s Community Planning and Development Department on 03 9249 4000.
Other Anti-Poverty Week events from 11th-17th October can be found here
I trust this e-news finds you well.
Regards,
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
rose@vlga.org.au or 0414 959 427
Monday 21 September, 2009
Last week we saw significant announcements for local governments and their communities – namely the suspension of Brimbank and Bills in Parliament affecting the sector (DACs and Transport Facilitation Bill).
To begin on a more positive note, however, this week brings school holidays and the Royal Melbourne Show at which the produce of many Victorian communities is proudly displayed. Even in Melbourne, agricultural shows serve to bring communities together to display and sample local products. For dates of agricultural shows across Victoria visit www.vicagshows.com.au
When visiting the Melbourne Show at the weekend, I noticed that the Victorian Government Expo was titled ‘Fast forward’. Some irony in that!
VLGA Response to State Government’s Climate Change Green Paper
While we try and limit the number of emails we send to you, we will need to send another email to you later today with a copy of our submission for feedback.
Rather than duplicating detailed submissions from environment and other community groups, our submission will focus on the social equity implications of climate change, as well as the need to resource and support the mitigation and adaptation activities of communities and local governments.
Or in other words, ‘building all of our capacity’ to respond to, and cope with climate change.
Suspension of Brimbank Councillors
Despite the questions that have been raised about the lack of substantial evidence in the report tabled by Bill Scales last week, and the fact that at least five of the former Councillors of Brimbank have not been party to any investigations of inappropriate conduct prior to their suspension, there is no turning back the train that was put in motion some time ago.
The VLGA has grave concerns about the Brimbank community not having any elected representation until 2012. We have already flagged with Minister Wynne’s office that we will hope to see an earlier election assuming that any necessary organisational changes will be achievable earlier than 2012.
Additionally, Scales’ report is yet another statement of the need for well resourced training and mentorship for councillors, as well as fair processes for individual investigations of wrong-doing. Major announcements regarding such resources are needed from all parties in the lead-up to the next state election.
If you have not yet seen a copy of Scales’ report, we can email this to you on request. Additionally, the Ombudsman’s Annual Report was released last week and is available here
Changes to Applicable Gift Provisions Pass Lower House
In conjunction with the announcement about Brimbank, the Local Government Amendment (Offences and Other Matters) Bill 2009 was passed by the Lower House. It includes the following sections:
For section 78C(1) of the Principal Act substitute—
"(1) In this section, applicable gift means one or more gifts with a total value of, or more than, the gift disclosure threshold, received from a person or persons specified in subsection (2) in the 5 years preceding the decision or the exercise of the power, duty or function but does not include reasonable hospitality provided to a Mayor, Councillor or member of Council staff by a not-for-profit organisation at any function or event that—
(a) is conducted during those 5 years; and
(b) is attended by the Mayor, Councillor or member of Council staff in an official capacity."
"not-for-profit organisation means a body or organisation that—
(a) operates exclusively for charitable, civil or other social purposes;
and
(b) does not share or allocate the funds or profits of the body or
organisation with the owners, shareholders or executives of the
body or organisation;".
And...
21 Misuse of position—penalty
For the penalty at the foot of section 76D(1) of the Principal Act substitute—
"Penalty: 600 penalty units or imprisonment for 5 years or both."
This legislation will be debated in the Upper House in October.
DACs Legislation Returned to Parliament Last Week
After being considered by the Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC), the Planning Legislation Amendment Bill was returned to both Houses with amendments that had been agreed to by members of the DRC.
The Bill was passed by the Lower House immediately, but debate was adjourned in the Upper House to allow for discussion on the amendments before voting on the Bill.
Rather than ‘fast forwarding’ the Bill through both Houses, communities now have time to digest the amendments and decide whether they are sufficient to ensure that the partnership between local and state government on Development Assessment Committees is fair and equal.
We have now received advice on the content of the amendments so please contact us for further information.
Most Councillors Resign as MP Advisers
There were clearly misgivings expressed by many MPs when Parliament recently banned Councillors from serving their local communities and working for MPs.
Bill Scales’ report on Brimbank and his references to ‘outside organisations unduly influencing Councillors’ tell us what we know: that a simple ban does not address the wider issue of getting right the relationship between state and federal MPs and Councils.
Nevertheless, nearly every single Councillor affected by this ban has decided to continue to represent their communities, therefore remaining as Councillors and resigning from their employment.
The VLGA Board and staff acknowledge the difficult decision made by these affected Councillors.
New VLGA Staff Appointments
We are delighted to announce the appointment of 3 new staff at the VLGA. Gary Jungwirth has already started with us as our Human Rights Project Officer. We also welcome Dr Rebecca Barlow and Cr Stephanie Perri as additional Policy & Project Officers in the next few weeks. These recent appointments will enable the staff team to continue to meet member needs.
‘Piecing it Together’ Outcomes and Case Studies Now Available
Piecing it Together: local government’s role in community-business partnerships was a one-day forum presented by Maribyrnong City Council in association with VLGA and supported by IBM, NAB and Volunteer West, on 12 August.
Maribyrnong City Council’s initiative to conduct a forum arose through their work since 2004 engaging businesses to connect with schools and community organisations, including through the JAM for Kids program.
Building partnerships between business and the community sector is not a traditional role for local government, but one that has the potential to bring many benefits to local communities. The experience at Maribyrnong City Council identified the need to open for discussion “what is the role of local government in supporting and participating in community-business partnerships?”
The forum gave the opportunity for people from local governments, businesses and community organisations to share their experiences of existing and past community-business partnerships, identify the essentials of effective partnerships, and explore the question of local government’s role in these.
Participation in the forum was high, and feedback suggests that strategies, ideas and resources presented and generated on the day will be applied to future work and projects across Victoria.
You can access the fascinating outcomes and case studies via our website.
Land Care and Social Networks Research
A close associate of the VLGA’s, Nicole Reichelt from the University of Melbourne’s School of Land and Environment, is conducting some very interesting research into Land Care Groups and their benefits for social networks.
Land Care Groups perform an incredibly valuable role throughout Victoria.
Broad aims of the joint project (Department of Sustainability and Environment and University of Melbourne) include:
Beneficial outcomes of this research for Land Care Groups will include:
Federal Government Volunteer Grants for Community Organisations
While many in the community will already be aware, applications close on the 25th of this month to eligible non-profit organisations to support their volunteers and encourage volunteering by:
Volunteer Grants 2009 - call for applications now open
Volunteer Grants 2009 - Application Guidelines
I know this only leaves 4 days to apply, so please forward this email to community organisations in your area who you think would be interested.
I trust this e-news finds you well.
Regards,
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
rose@vlga.org.au or 0414 959 427
To begin on a more positive note, however, this week brings school holidays and the Royal Melbourne Show at which the produce of many Victorian communities is proudly displayed. Even in Melbourne, agricultural shows serve to bring communities together to display and sample local products. For dates of agricultural shows across Victoria visit www.vicagshows.com.au
When visiting the Melbourne Show at the weekend, I noticed that the Victorian Government Expo was titled ‘Fast forward’. Some irony in that!
VLGA Response to State Government’s Climate Change Green Paper
While we try and limit the number of emails we send to you, we will need to send another email to you later today with a copy of our submission for feedback.
Rather than duplicating detailed submissions from environment and other community groups, our submission will focus on the social equity implications of climate change, as well as the need to resource and support the mitigation and adaptation activities of communities and local governments.
Or in other words, ‘building all of our capacity’ to respond to, and cope with climate change.
Suspension of Brimbank Councillors
Despite the questions that have been raised about the lack of substantial evidence in the report tabled by Bill Scales last week, and the fact that at least five of the former Councillors of Brimbank have not been party to any investigations of inappropriate conduct prior to their suspension, there is no turning back the train that was put in motion some time ago.
The VLGA has grave concerns about the Brimbank community not having any elected representation until 2012. We have already flagged with Minister Wynne’s office that we will hope to see an earlier election assuming that any necessary organisational changes will be achievable earlier than 2012.
Additionally, Scales’ report is yet another statement of the need for well resourced training and mentorship for councillors, as well as fair processes for individual investigations of wrong-doing. Major announcements regarding such resources are needed from all parties in the lead-up to the next state election.
If you have not yet seen a copy of Scales’ report, we can email this to you on request. Additionally, the Ombudsman’s Annual Report was released last week and is available here
Changes to Applicable Gift Provisions Pass Lower House
In conjunction with the announcement about Brimbank, the Local Government Amendment (Offences and Other Matters) Bill 2009 was passed by the Lower House. It includes the following sections:
For section 78C(1) of the Principal Act substitute—
"(1) In this section, applicable gift means one or more gifts with a total value of, or more than, the gift disclosure threshold, received from a person or persons specified in subsection (2) in the 5 years preceding the decision or the exercise of the power, duty or function but does not include reasonable hospitality provided to a Mayor, Councillor or member of Council staff by a not-for-profit organisation at any function or event that—
(a) is conducted during those 5 years; and
(b) is attended by the Mayor, Councillor or member of Council staff in an official capacity."
"not-for-profit organisation means a body or organisation that—
(a) operates exclusively for charitable, civil or other social purposes;
and
(b) does not share or allocate the funds or profits of the body or
organisation with the owners, shareholders or executives of the
body or organisation;".
And...
21 Misuse of position—penalty
For the penalty at the foot of section 76D(1) of the Principal Act substitute—
"Penalty: 600 penalty units or imprisonment for 5 years or both."
This legislation will be debated in the Upper House in October.
DACs Legislation Returned to Parliament Last Week
After being considered by the Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC), the Planning Legislation Amendment Bill was returned to both Houses with amendments that had been agreed to by members of the DRC.
The Bill was passed by the Lower House immediately, but debate was adjourned in the Upper House to allow for discussion on the amendments before voting on the Bill.
Rather than ‘fast forwarding’ the Bill through both Houses, communities now have time to digest the amendments and decide whether they are sufficient to ensure that the partnership between local and state government on Development Assessment Committees is fair and equal.
We have now received advice on the content of the amendments so please contact us for further information.
Most Councillors Resign as MP Advisers
There were clearly misgivings expressed by many MPs when Parliament recently banned Councillors from serving their local communities and working for MPs.
Bill Scales’ report on Brimbank and his references to ‘outside organisations unduly influencing Councillors’ tell us what we know: that a simple ban does not address the wider issue of getting right the relationship between state and federal MPs and Councils.
Nevertheless, nearly every single Councillor affected by this ban has decided to continue to represent their communities, therefore remaining as Councillors and resigning from their employment.
The VLGA Board and staff acknowledge the difficult decision made by these affected Councillors.
New VLGA Staff Appointments
We are delighted to announce the appointment of 3 new staff at the VLGA. Gary Jungwirth has already started with us as our Human Rights Project Officer. We also welcome Dr Rebecca Barlow and Cr Stephanie Perri as additional Policy & Project Officers in the next few weeks. These recent appointments will enable the staff team to continue to meet member needs.
‘Piecing it Together’ Outcomes and Case Studies Now Available
Piecing it Together: local government’s role in community-business partnerships was a one-day forum presented by Maribyrnong City Council in association with VLGA and supported by IBM, NAB and Volunteer West, on 12 August.
Maribyrnong City Council’s initiative to conduct a forum arose through their work since 2004 engaging businesses to connect with schools and community organisations, including through the JAM for Kids program.
Building partnerships between business and the community sector is not a traditional role for local government, but one that has the potential to bring many benefits to local communities. The experience at Maribyrnong City Council identified the need to open for discussion “what is the role of local government in supporting and participating in community-business partnerships?”
The forum gave the opportunity for people from local governments, businesses and community organisations to share their experiences of existing and past community-business partnerships, identify the essentials of effective partnerships, and explore the question of local government’s role in these.
Participation in the forum was high, and feedback suggests that strategies, ideas and resources presented and generated on the day will be applied to future work and projects across Victoria.
You can access the fascinating outcomes and case studies via our website.
Land Care and Social Networks Research
A close associate of the VLGA’s, Nicole Reichelt from the University of Melbourne’s School of Land and Environment, is conducting some very interesting research into Land Care Groups and their benefits for social networks.
Land Care Groups perform an incredibly valuable role throughout Victoria.
Broad aims of the joint project (Department of Sustainability and Environment and University of Melbourne) include:
- To provide social research based understandings of the changing social landscape and policy context within which Victorian Land Care Groups currently operate in.
- To assist in the development of a community response resource kit for Land Care personnel to inform NRM community engagement and program delivery.
Beneficial outcomes of this research for Land Care Groups will include:
- Providing the opportunity for Land Care Groups to be aware of how Natural Resource Management information is shared, circulated or possibly hindered
- Developing a visual map of how members are linked in relation to each other and to the wider community
- Highlighting of where potential links are to extend/strengthen the networks
- Developing a point of reference for members to manage their local knowledge base, and
- Providing the opportunity to use a self-reflective, community planning tool.
Federal Government Volunteer Grants for Community Organisations
While many in the community will already be aware, applications close on the 25th of this month to eligible non-profit organisations to support their volunteers and encourage volunteering by:
- purchasing practical and tangible small equipment items to help volunteers; and/or
- contributing towards the reimbursement of volunteers' fuel costs incurred when carrying out their volunteering work, including those who use their cars to transport others to activities, deliver food and assist people in need.
Volunteer Grants 2009 - call for applications now open
Volunteer Grants 2009 - Application Guidelines
I know this only leaves 4 days to apply, so please forward this email to community organisations in your area who you think would be interested.
I trust this e-news finds you well.
Regards,
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
rose@vlga.org.au or 0414 959 427
Monday 14 September, 2009
Is there a week that passes without a planning issue hitting the headlines?
Last week objectors’ fees, this week, the DACs legislation may return to the Upper House with recommendations from the Disputes Committee. The Upper House may pass the DACs Bill with amendments, or it may be used as a trigger for an early election by being rejected again by the Upper House.
We will continue to impress upon the Minister for Planning and opposition parties that issues of costs, the independence of the DAC Chair and the substitution of a state government decision for a Council decision are of great concern to Councils and communities.
This week’s e-news highlights areas – planning included – in which the VLGA, councils and the community are advocating and working together to build stronger communities, and to promote participation and fairness.
And for tomorrow, 15th September, we wish you a happy International Day of Democracy – as noted by Amnesty International.
Participation a Right, Not a ‘Free Market Pricing Mechanism’
Our continued advocacy to protect the role and independence of councils, and to fight for the right of citizens to participate in local decision-making, continued last week.
On Thursday, we issued a Media Release Pricing Planning Objections Not The Way To Go in which we expressed concern at any proposal to charge objectors for opposing developments at VCAT. Thanks to many of our councillor and community members who immediately indicated strong support for our position.
It was encouraging to see the Premier swiftly throw cold water on this proposal, as reported in the media on Friday.
The VLGA will continue to advocate for other reforms that would make decision making more efficient to help fix planning delays.
As I said last week, there is still ‘unfinished business’ from several earlier State Government reviews to address bottlenecks in the planning system. There are fairer means of addressing bottlenecks. These include higher planning application fees for more complex applications, providing more resources to VCAT, as well as recognising and addressing the serious shortfall of planning staff in Local Governments – particularly in rural areas.
Let’s not forget that this State Government came to power recognising that Victorians value, and will fight for, their right to participate in planning and other decisions.
The VLGA values your support for our continued advocacy to protect and strengthen this participation.
Response to Climate Change Green Paper
Late this week, we will send you a link to our draft response to the Climate Change Green paper. We will welcome your feedback in time for the 30th September due date. Many member Councils have made submissions to this important discussion paper and we invite you to forward to us your submissions or your key priorities or areas of concern.
2009-2013 VLGA Strategic Plan Adopted
Following several months of consultation with VLGA members, the Board recently adopted a Strategic Plan up until 2013. We would like to thank many of our members who provided feedback during these consultations.
One of the VLGA’s greatest strengths is our ability to respond in a timely and flexible way to emerging issues. As well as including our ongoing priorities and outcomes, for the first time our Strategic Plan also provides guidance on how we can respond to emerging issues to best pursue members’ interests.
Our final 2009-2013 Strategic Plan will be available to view on our website shortly.
VLGA Working Groups - Councillor & Officer Vacancies
The VLGA has received a large number of Expressions of Interest for our Affordable Housing Working Group, and our Local Government and Community Childcare Alliance from our community chapter members.
To finalise membership of these two groups, we are now asking for EoI’s from Councillors and Officer representatives from our member councils.
If you have an interest in, and would like to help guide our ‘bottom-up’ policy development forums, please contact our Acting CEO Darren Ray at darren@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7901 for more information.
2009 Human Rights Survey of Local Governments
The 2009 Online Survey by the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission will measure council progress on incorporating the Human Rights and Responsibilities Charter over time.
VEOHRC is conscious of the need to maintain consistency in order to gather comparative data on the progress of councils.
So, as well as featuring many of the same questions as last year, this year’s survey is also designed to link with council initiatives, as well as the VLGA’s Human Rights ‘Milestones Project’. The VLGA Project seeks to develop a more coordinated approach across all councils towards human rights implementation and the development of indicators to measure progress.
Access the Online Survey
For more information about the survey, contact Stephanie Cauchi on 03 9281 7113 or email at stephanie.cauchi@veohrc.vic.gov.au
Stay tuned for more information on the VLGA’s Human Rights ‘Milestones Project’, and how councils and the community are working together on this important issue.
New Social Enterprise Online Information Hub Launched
The VLGA’s partner for the recent launch of reports and practical tools to promote community enterprises, Social Traders, has launched its new website. This website will be a leading resource for social enterprise practitioners and supporters.
Social Traders' website provides:
* Information about Social Traders
* Social enterprise information sheets and case studies
* The latest social enterprise news and events
* Social enterprise related policy and research initiatives
* Information on social impact measurement and social procurement
* Social enterprise resources and tools
* Community discussion forums to share experience and insights on social enterprise issues
Events
For details of the following and other events, go to the VLGA’s Upcoming Events Calendar, which can be accessed from the front page of our website
VLGA Leading Edge Forum – Thursday 8th October at Wodonga City Council
Another reminder that we will explore the challenges and opportunities of financial sustainability for smaller Rural Shires, in Wodonga from 6pm on Thursday 8th October.
This LEF will be webcast live. Speaker details will be forwarded to you shortly.
If you would like to attend, please email us at vlga@vlga.org.au or ring our office on 03 9349 7999.
Thriving or Just Surviving in Our Cities: Urban Challenges for this Century
Future Leaders in partnership with Melbourne Conversations is presenting this free event tonight Monday 14 September, at Federation Square’s BMW Edge.
Melbourne Conversations is the City of Melbourne's program of free talks. Supporters include ICLEI and Readings Books.
Speakers include Mr Rob Adams AM (Director City Design and Urban Environment at the City of Melbourne), Mr Jeb Brugmann (a leading Canadian practitioner and thinker on strategy and the process of innovation), Ms Patricia Faulkner AO (National Partner-in-Charge for Health at KPMG), and Dr Catherine Oke (City of Melbourne Councillor).
They will discuss how the experiences and future planning of cities might solve some of the pressing issues and contribute to the quality of life for all citizens. 6-7.30pm, Mon 14 Sept, Location: BMW Edge, Federation Square
I trust this e-news finds you well.
Regards,
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
rose@vlga.org.au or 0414 959 427
Last week objectors’ fees, this week, the DACs legislation may return to the Upper House with recommendations from the Disputes Committee. The Upper House may pass the DACs Bill with amendments, or it may be used as a trigger for an early election by being rejected again by the Upper House.
We will continue to impress upon the Minister for Planning and opposition parties that issues of costs, the independence of the DAC Chair and the substitution of a state government decision for a Council decision are of great concern to Councils and communities.
This week’s e-news highlights areas – planning included – in which the VLGA, councils and the community are advocating and working together to build stronger communities, and to promote participation and fairness.
And for tomorrow, 15th September, we wish you a happy International Day of Democracy – as noted by Amnesty International.
Participation a Right, Not a ‘Free Market Pricing Mechanism’
Our continued advocacy to protect the role and independence of councils, and to fight for the right of citizens to participate in local decision-making, continued last week.
On Thursday, we issued a Media Release Pricing Planning Objections Not The Way To Go in which we expressed concern at any proposal to charge objectors for opposing developments at VCAT. Thanks to many of our councillor and community members who immediately indicated strong support for our position.
It was encouraging to see the Premier swiftly throw cold water on this proposal, as reported in the media on Friday.
The VLGA will continue to advocate for other reforms that would make decision making more efficient to help fix planning delays.
As I said last week, there is still ‘unfinished business’ from several earlier State Government reviews to address bottlenecks in the planning system. There are fairer means of addressing bottlenecks. These include higher planning application fees for more complex applications, providing more resources to VCAT, as well as recognising and addressing the serious shortfall of planning staff in Local Governments – particularly in rural areas.
Let’s not forget that this State Government came to power recognising that Victorians value, and will fight for, their right to participate in planning and other decisions.
The VLGA values your support for our continued advocacy to protect and strengthen this participation.
Response to Climate Change Green Paper
Late this week, we will send you a link to our draft response to the Climate Change Green paper. We will welcome your feedback in time for the 30th September due date. Many member Councils have made submissions to this important discussion paper and we invite you to forward to us your submissions or your key priorities or areas of concern.
2009-2013 VLGA Strategic Plan Adopted
Following several months of consultation with VLGA members, the Board recently adopted a Strategic Plan up until 2013. We would like to thank many of our members who provided feedback during these consultations.
One of the VLGA’s greatest strengths is our ability to respond in a timely and flexible way to emerging issues. As well as including our ongoing priorities and outcomes, for the first time our Strategic Plan also provides guidance on how we can respond to emerging issues to best pursue members’ interests.
Our final 2009-2013 Strategic Plan will be available to view on our website shortly.
VLGA Working Groups - Councillor & Officer Vacancies
The VLGA has received a large number of Expressions of Interest for our Affordable Housing Working Group, and our Local Government and Community Childcare Alliance from our community chapter members.
To finalise membership of these two groups, we are now asking for EoI’s from Councillors and Officer representatives from our member councils.
If you have an interest in, and would like to help guide our ‘bottom-up’ policy development forums, please contact our Acting CEO Darren Ray at darren@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7901 for more information.
2009 Human Rights Survey of Local Governments
The 2009 Online Survey by the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission will measure council progress on incorporating the Human Rights and Responsibilities Charter over time.
VEOHRC is conscious of the need to maintain consistency in order to gather comparative data on the progress of councils.
So, as well as featuring many of the same questions as last year, this year’s survey is also designed to link with council initiatives, as well as the VLGA’s Human Rights ‘Milestones Project’. The VLGA Project seeks to develop a more coordinated approach across all councils towards human rights implementation and the development of indicators to measure progress.
Access the Online Survey
For more information about the survey, contact Stephanie Cauchi on 03 9281 7113 or email at stephanie.cauchi@veohrc.vic.gov.au
Stay tuned for more information on the VLGA’s Human Rights ‘Milestones Project’, and how councils and the community are working together on this important issue.
New Social Enterprise Online Information Hub Launched
The VLGA’s partner for the recent launch of reports and practical tools to promote community enterprises, Social Traders, has launched its new website. This website will be a leading resource for social enterprise practitioners and supporters.
Social Traders' website provides:
* Information about Social Traders
* Social enterprise information sheets and case studies
* The latest social enterprise news and events
* Social enterprise related policy and research initiatives
* Information on social impact measurement and social procurement
* Social enterprise resources and tools
* Community discussion forums to share experience and insights on social enterprise issues
Events
For details of the following and other events, go to the VLGA’s Upcoming Events Calendar, which can be accessed from the front page of our website
VLGA Leading Edge Forum – Thursday 8th October at Wodonga City Council
Another reminder that we will explore the challenges and opportunities of financial sustainability for smaller Rural Shires, in Wodonga from 6pm on Thursday 8th October.
This LEF will be webcast live. Speaker details will be forwarded to you shortly.
If you would like to attend, please email us at vlga@vlga.org.au or ring our office on 03 9349 7999.
Thriving or Just Surviving in Our Cities: Urban Challenges for this Century
Future Leaders in partnership with Melbourne Conversations is presenting this free event tonight Monday 14 September, at Federation Square’s BMW Edge.
Melbourne Conversations is the City of Melbourne's program of free talks. Supporters include ICLEI and Readings Books.
Speakers include Mr Rob Adams AM (Director City Design and Urban Environment at the City of Melbourne), Mr Jeb Brugmann (a leading Canadian practitioner and thinker on strategy and the process of innovation), Ms Patricia Faulkner AO (National Partner-in-Charge for Health at KPMG), and Dr Catherine Oke (City of Melbourne Councillor).
They will discuss how the experiences and future planning of cities might solve some of the pressing issues and contribute to the quality of life for all citizens. 6-7.30pm, Mon 14 Sept, Location: BMW Edge, Federation Square
I trust this e-news finds you well.
Regards,
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
rose@vlga.org.au or 0414 959 427
Monday 7 September, 2009
Announcements and decisions by the State Government last week have left many Councillors and communities feeling dismayed:
* 31 Councillors will have until 16th September to decide whether to resign from their Councils or their positions of employment; and
* The new 10/30 rules for clearing vegetation – ahead of any consideration by the Royal Commission – have been heavily criticised by some communities, particularly in Yarra Ranges where sensitive local planning policies developed over many years have been removed.
This week, there will be further debate about:
* Many aspects of the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Bill, particularly the limited scope for appealing decisions: s.263 “It is the intention of Parliament ... to preclude any appeal or review of any kind by the Supreme Court or any other court, or a tribunal (including VCAT), of any decision to which this section applies.”
* Whether the DACs legislation will continue to be treated as a Disputed Bill or whether amendments will be sought; and
* The transport corridor alignments and boundaries of the grasslands reserves, as well as many other contentious issues associated with the proposed urban growth boundaries.
We will be meeting with the Minister for Planning this week to discuss these matters and other issues including Friday’s announcement on the boundaries of five “market-ready” activity centres and the new Activity Centre Zone. As always, we welcome your feedback and will continue to advocate on behalf of our members in a variety of forums and ways.
On a more positive note, this week’s e-news has a theme of social, environmental and economic sustainability.
Also, you may have seen the advertisement in Saturday’s Age for our new CEO. A Position Description and more information are available from our Recruitment Executives, Jo Fisher Executive Pty Ltd, on 9016 6000 or http://jofisher.com.au/
Building Cities of Harmony: World Mayors' Symposium
1-3 December, 2009
Melbourne was chosen to host the Parliament of World's Religions 2009 because of its commitment to fostering harmony and co-operation between civic, government, community organisations, and religious and spiritual communities.
To encourage the sharing of city models for fostering social cohesion through the engagement of multi-cultural and multi-faith communities, a separate but related international symposium for Mayors and City Teams has been organised.
The VLGA and The Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions invite Mayors and their City Teams to attend the Building Cities of Harmony: World Mayors' Symposium, to be held in the days leading up to the Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009.
This gathering of World Mayors and their staff is a great opportunity to further community and social cohesion, and the VLGA is proud to be involved in the event.
To learn more about this symposium, go to the Partner Cities webpage
2009 Environs Australia Sustainability Awards
The VLGA was proud to sponsor and partner in the recent Awards and Ceremony held on 18th August.
Victorian winners included:
* City of Darebin
Achievement in Sustainability – urban and larger councils
Darebin’s Climate Change Action
* Melton Shire Council
Outstanding Sustainability Partnerships – urban and larger councils
Sustainable Melton
* Golden Winner: Officer Leadership Award – Peter Todd
Integrated Water Saving Initiative
Commendation was also given to the following Victorian Council:
* City of Casey
Achievement in Sustainability – urban and larger councils
Casey Community Harvest
If you would like more information about these winning entries, let me know. For more information visit Environs Australia
Children & Active Transport Forum
Registrations are now open for the Children & Active Transport Forum to be held on Tues 6th October at the William Angliss Institute in Melbourne. This free forum is an exciting opportunity for those wanting to better engage children in active transport. Attendees will learn about ways of engaging children and their families in walking and riding in their local community.
Registrations close 2nd October. To access the full agenda and to register, visit the Kinect Australia website
This Friday 11th September - Residential Amenity Impacts of Licensed Premises
We've had an overwhelming response to this workshop, where we’ll 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. The speaker will be Mimi Marcus, Senior Associate from Maddocks who acted for Yarra City Council at VCAT, followed by a panel discussion.
Details:
Friday 11th September 2009, Carlton.
Fully booked – to register for information from the event please contact the VLGA on: 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
8th October – VLGA Leading Edge Forum, Wodonga
Don’t forget we are hitting the road and heading to Wodonga on Thursday 8th October to explore the issue of financial sustainability and smaller rural shires. More information soon!
Renewal of membership – individual and community members
As we continue to improve the ways in which we liaise and communicate with our community and individual members, we remind you that it is time to renew memberships. We look forward to your continued engagement in the only local government peak body with a community membership. Call the office now to renew your membership on 9349 7999.
I trust this e-news finds you well.
Regards,
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
rose@vlga.org.au or 0414 959 427
* 31 Councillors will have until 16th September to decide whether to resign from their Councils or their positions of employment; and
* The new 10/30 rules for clearing vegetation – ahead of any consideration by the Royal Commission – have been heavily criticised by some communities, particularly in Yarra Ranges where sensitive local planning policies developed over many years have been removed.
This week, there will be further debate about:
* Many aspects of the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Bill, particularly the limited scope for appealing decisions: s.263 “It is the intention of Parliament ... to preclude any appeal or review of any kind by the Supreme Court or any other court, or a tribunal (including VCAT), of any decision to which this section applies.”
* Whether the DACs legislation will continue to be treated as a Disputed Bill or whether amendments will be sought; and
* The transport corridor alignments and boundaries of the grasslands reserves, as well as many other contentious issues associated with the proposed urban growth boundaries.
We will be meeting with the Minister for Planning this week to discuss these matters and other issues including Friday’s announcement on the boundaries of five “market-ready” activity centres and the new Activity Centre Zone. As always, we welcome your feedback and will continue to advocate on behalf of our members in a variety of forums and ways.
On a more positive note, this week’s e-news has a theme of social, environmental and economic sustainability.
Also, you may have seen the advertisement in Saturday’s Age for our new CEO. A Position Description and more information are available from our Recruitment Executives, Jo Fisher Executive Pty Ltd, on 9016 6000 or http://jofisher.com.au/
Building Cities of Harmony: World Mayors' Symposium
1-3 December, 2009
Melbourne was chosen to host the Parliament of World's Religions 2009 because of its commitment to fostering harmony and co-operation between civic, government, community organisations, and religious and spiritual communities.
To encourage the sharing of city models for fostering social cohesion through the engagement of multi-cultural and multi-faith communities, a separate but related international symposium for Mayors and City Teams has been organised.
The VLGA and The Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions invite Mayors and their City Teams to attend the Building Cities of Harmony: World Mayors' Symposium, to be held in the days leading up to the Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009.
This gathering of World Mayors and their staff is a great opportunity to further community and social cohesion, and the VLGA is proud to be involved in the event.
To learn more about this symposium, go to the Partner Cities webpage
2009 Environs Australia Sustainability Awards
The VLGA was proud to sponsor and partner in the recent Awards and Ceremony held on 18th August.
Victorian winners included:
* City of Darebin
Achievement in Sustainability – urban and larger councils
Darebin’s Climate Change Action
* Melton Shire Council
Outstanding Sustainability Partnerships – urban and larger councils
Sustainable Melton
* Golden Winner: Officer Leadership Award – Peter Todd
Integrated Water Saving Initiative
Commendation was also given to the following Victorian Council:
* City of Casey
Achievement in Sustainability – urban and larger councils
Casey Community Harvest
If you would like more information about these winning entries, let me know. For more information visit Environs Australia
Children & Active Transport Forum
Registrations are now open for the Children & Active Transport Forum to be held on Tues 6th October at the William Angliss Institute in Melbourne. This free forum is an exciting opportunity for those wanting to better engage children in active transport. Attendees will learn about ways of engaging children and their families in walking and riding in their local community.
Registrations close 2nd October. To access the full agenda and to register, visit the Kinect Australia website
This Friday 11th September - Residential Amenity Impacts of Licensed Premises
We've had an overwhelming response to this workshop, where we’ll 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. The speaker will be Mimi Marcus, Senior Associate from Maddocks who acted for Yarra City Council at VCAT, followed by a panel discussion.
Details:
Friday 11th September 2009, Carlton.
Fully booked – to register for information from the event please contact the VLGA on: 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au
8th October – VLGA Leading Edge Forum, Wodonga
Don’t forget we are hitting the road and heading to Wodonga on Thursday 8th October to explore the issue of financial sustainability and smaller rural shires. More information soon!
Renewal of membership – individual and community members
As we continue to improve the ways in which we liaise and communicate with our community and individual members, we remind you that it is time to renew memberships. We look forward to your continued engagement in the only local government peak body with a community membership. Call the office now to renew your membership on 9349 7999.
I trust this e-news finds you well.
Regards,
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
rose@vlga.org.au or 0414 959 427
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