In federal politics last week, we saw debate on climate change hijacked by debate on leadership. Both climate change and leadership matter to local government – particularly this week as Mayoral votes are taken and local government leaders prepare for Copenhagen discussions.
Local leadership is not always easy – as a Mayor put it to me over the weekend, “good governance is good relationships and good decisions” and maintaining both in the swirling waters of divisive debate requires a calm head, steady hand and a good sense of humour.
Leadership on climate change also requires the capacity to work with all stakeholders so that strong relationships and sound decisions lead to effective outcomes – and as scientists increase their warnings about climate impacts, we need to be smart about making transitions and leading the creation of sustainable communities.
Well done to all outgoing Mayors. Congratulations to you as you have led the way through Bushfire recovery efforts, difficult local issues, changes to planning and new rules for councillors. The VLGA Board and staff wish all outgoing and incoming Mayors well. Let’s see what 2010 brings!
End of year drinks this Thursday 3 December
Please join Minister Wynne and the VLGA Board and staff for end-of-year drinks. The format will be quite informal with light refreshments being served. I do hope you are available and able to attend.
Details:
Thursday 3 December, 6.30-8.30pm
VLGA Rear Meeting Room
60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Please RSVP for catering purposes by 1 December to vlga@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7999
Consultation paper on electoral representation reviews – submissions due 23 December
Local Government Victoria has released a consultation paper about electoral representation reviews. The closing date for submissions is 23 December. See www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au.
This Discussion Paper considers options for the conduct of local government electoral representation reviews. It is noted that there is no intention to return to the old system of councils undertaking their own reviews.
In reviews undertaken over the past few years, in 45 municipalities there was no change in the number of councillors. There was a significant change in the move away from single member wards.
The Victorian Electoral Commission published a report in October 2009 that detailed review processes in relation to all electoral representation and subdivision reviews conducted by the Commission. Access the report at the VEC website.
The consultation paper looks at review criteria (for number of councillors, electoral structure, ward boundaries) and process options.
Essential Services Commission – Local Government Performance Monitoring Framework
Along with CEOs, officers and councillors, I attended the ESC session last week at which various views were canvassed. Submissions to the discussion paper are due this week. Some of the key issues identified include:
* Important to recognise and rationalise existing reporting and minimise duplication
* Important to minimise additional cost impost
* There is variability in core businesses and generic areas for measurement and benchmarking
* There are difficulties in separating operational outputs and areas that intersect with policy
* Indicators need to be meaningful, specific, relevant, measurable and verifiable
* Needs to be able to achieve improvements in performance in areas that matter to community to be of public value
* What are the particular areas of concern that are not already measured and reported on?
The VLGA is looking at how we can be sure that any further performance measurement provides councillors, communities and council organisations with useful information that can lead to improved performance in areas of priority to match reasonable expectations of local government – particularly where resources are already stretched. And we look forward to the ESC monitoring other levels of government too!
We welcome your input as we provide ongoing feedback to the ESC over the next few months.
Romsey pokies decision: Special Interest Forum
We invite you to join us at a Special Interest Forum focussing on the Romsey pokies decision and its implications for communities and local governments. Speakers will include representatives from Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Maddocks Lawyers.
Forum details:
Friday 11 December
2pm-3.30pm
VLGA rear meeting rooms
60 Leicester St, Carlton
RSVPs should be made to vlga@vlga.org.au or 03 9349 7999 by Tuesday 8 December.
Presentation on State Transport Legislation
The MTF is hosting a presentation by the Department of Transport (DOT) on the Transport Integration Bill 2009 and Major Projects Facilitation Act 2009 on Wednesday 2 December 2009, 4.30-5.50pm at the MAV, Meeting Room 1, Level 12, 60 Collins Street, Melbourne.
The Major Projects Facilitation Act 2009, recently enacted, and the Transport Integration Bill 2009 to be introduced into the State Parliament imminently, make fundamental changes to Victoria's transport system.
For information and registration, contact Cr Jackie Fristacky, Chair, Metropolitan Transport Forum at jackie.fristacky@yarracity.vic.gov.au
Social Housing
As part of an ongoing program of research to support affordable housing, the City of Port Phillip has completed two studies that aim to support affordable housing projects both within Port Phillip and outside Port Phillip.
* Social Housing Car Parking Rates
* Community Engagement & Community Housing
Information about these two studies can be found via our website, or contact Gary Spivak, Housing Development Officer, City of Port Phillip at gspivak@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Launch of the CSHC Alcohol-related Harms Data Inventory Toolkit
The Alcohol-related Harms Data Inventory Toolkit, for councils participating in Cities for Safe and Healthy Communities, was launched by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP at a meeting of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors on 6 November.
The Data Inventory Toolkit outlines the indicators and datasets that can assist councils in planning, reporting and monitoring alcohol-related issues at the municipal level. Access the toolkit via our website.
Thinking transport – check out the link
Detailed information on how Victorians travel, to where, by what method and for what purpose is now available on-line as a result of a detailed study by the Victorian Government. See the Thinking Transport website.
Events in December
Zero Emissions CERES, Community Forum
Tuesday 1 December, 5-8pm
CERES Education Centre, Lee Street, East Brunswick
CERES has embarked upon becoming zero emissions by 2012. Hear about innovations in green technology and behaviour change which are the keystones to the Zero Emissions CERES program; see how these projects will address current and future energy demands and respond meaningfully to climate change; take a tour of the newly renovated EcoHouse; and get the chance to create partnerships with CERES and explore research opportunities.
Enquiries and RSVP to nia@ceres.org.au or see the flyer for further information.
MAV, ICLEI & PIA present a Planners Master Class on writing integrated, best practice licensed premises policy
Wednesday 2 December, 10am-4pm
MAV, Level 12, 60 Collins Street, Melbourne
For more information and to register please email mark.boyd@iclei.org for a registration form. Bookings including payment must be received by Monday 30 November 2009.
Join the Dalai Lama for breakfast
Thursday 10 December (International Human Rights Day)
On International Human Rights Day, and the 20th anniversary of the Dalai Lama winning the Nobel Peace Prize, you can attend a special breakfast featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama and 2009 NAIDOC person of the year Larissa Behrendt.
For further information please contact the Australia Tibet Council on (02) 9283 3466 or see their website.
Parliament of the World’s Religions
3-9 December 2009
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
For further program information, please consult the website or contact Alex Butler on 03 8622 4815 or alex@parliamentofreligions2009.org
Walk Against Warming Melbourne 2009
Saturday 12 December 2009, 12pm
State Library, Swanston St, Melbourne, walking to Princes Bridge.
We need YOU! Join tens of thousands of people at this year’s Walk Against Warming, and help us send an urgent message to world leaders that we want action for a safe climate future for our kids.
The Walk Against Warming is Australia’s biggest day of community action on climate change. Over the last four years, over 100,000 Victoria’s have joined this family friendly event to call for real action on climate change.
As world leaders gather at the global climate meeting in Copenhagen in December, we’ll be walking down Swanston St, and then forming a giant Human Sign across Princes Bridge to send them a safe climate message they can’t ignore.
Resources
Register
Regards
Cr Rose Iser
VLGA President
0414 959 427
rose@vlga.org.au
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