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
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