In this week’s eNews I would like to achieve two things.
Firstly, we would like to launch a new ‘question of the week’ segment where the VLGA poses a question to its members and asks for feedback. The intention is not necessarily to have a question every week, but as issues and opportunities arise.
Secondly, I would like to offer my views on what is often referred to as ‘dominant discourse’. I see a danger in that local communities are frequently being excluded from emerging public discourses, such as planning and population growth, two challenges which intersect in the term ‘densification’ – be it urban, metropolitan or regional.
This week’s question to kick off the debate is, “What do our members think about the population debate, an issue which has gained so much momentum in recent weeks?” The VLGA is unique in that it has such a strong and diverse membership – local government and community members, metropolitan, regional and country groups. There must be a very broad spectrum of views on the population question out there, so please let us know what you think. This will help us to further refine our State election advocacy campaign on behalf of our members.
Dominant discourse – what is it and why is this relevant to our sector?
‘Dominant discourse’ is a concept that has developed out of the work of communication theorists such as Michel Foucault and Stuart Hall. Within a given group – social, cultural, local, community, etc. – we share a set of spoken, written and behavioural expectations. Experts refer to these expectations as ‘dominant discourse’.
In Victoria and Melbourne in 2010, we live in interesting discursive times, and it has not gone unnoticed that recently in our political debate, serious efforts have been made by influential individuals and agencies to dominate the contested spaces of public discourse. Two striking examples have been planning and population growth. The two are, of course, inseparable themes. Population projections for Melbourne predict that we need to accommodate ca. 1,000,000 additional residents by 2025. This in turn has serious implications for the environment, urban densification, local planning and amenity.
The challenge we face, and hence my take on ‘dominant discourse’ in this week’s eNews, is about who controls the discourse about these pervasive issues and, by extension, who sets the agenda. From a local community and governance perspective, I am very concerned that our members are largely excluded from the debate by being subjected at State and Federal levels to (often unstated) assumptions, decisions and visions which are quite removed from the local context.
In the coming days and weeks, I will be writing more about this issue and the need for a higher value to be placed on local democracy, local decision-making and strategic local planning.
My reflections on ‘dominant discourse’ and external control of our agenda and our constituents’ agendas is therefore also a call to arms. We must actively remind our communities not to simply swallow the public rhetoric about the inevitable, but must continue to question and challenge. We must enter the public debate and help shape the dominant discourses that shape expectations and opinions. My pledge as president of the VLGA to our members is that I will endeavour to ensure that our communities are heard. To be effective I need your input, so please have a go at the ‘question of the week’ (see below) and let us know your thoughts.
Next week I will offer commentary about the vexed challenge of social housing and affordability. I will invite input from the VLGA’s Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group and its chair, our Vice President, Cr Jeanette McRae.
New members – Bass Coast Shire Council & Australian Conservation Foundation
On behalf of the Board, I take this opportunity to welcome our new members Bass Coast Shire Council and the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF). We are delighted to have them join.Victorian Local Government Charter Awards
VLGA is a signatory of and champion for the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter, as are an increasing number of local governments – around 19 to date and growing by the week. The three principles of the Charter are gender equity, diversity and active citizenship. The Women’s Charter Project received funding from the Victorian Government to work with local governments to adopt the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter and create 3 x 3 action plans (3 actions for each of the 3 principles) with the support of the Project consultant, Jenny Ashby. Adoption of the Charter and action plans will create the opportunity to enter the 2010 Charter Awards. Applications close 4 October 2010. For more information email linda@vlga.org.au or call (03) 9349 7904.
Public Place Recycling Training
The Packaging Stewardship Forum (PSF) of the Australian Food and Grocery Council in partnership with Sustainability Victoria is pleased to offer its highly regarded Public Place Recycling Training to Victorian waste and recycling service providers, State and local government officers. The training program focuses on the effective management of litter and recycling in public places. Consider attending to assist in the development of effective PPR systems and guide future grant applications. But be quick as spaces fill up quickly. For more information, go here.
Our Community getting councillors on board
Membership of Our Community is free and entitles you to receive information and resources including the regular email newsletter, Our Community Matters. Community groups can also promote themselves for free on the Our Community Directory of Organisations, sign up to receive online donations and access discounts for products - click here to join. An article in the most recent newsletter discussed new British research findings that community campaigns benefit greatly from the involvement of local councillors, and encourages community groups to proactively involve councillors in their campaign with some suggestions on how to do this effectively. It references a new publication from bassac and Urban Forum, Local Action Handy Guide for communities working with councillors. Go here to download the guide.
Tell us what you think
ESC’s Final Report
The Essential Services Commission has released its final report, Establishing a Victorian Local Government Services Report, which includes a range of recommendations. You can download this, the VLGA’s submission to the issues paper, the ESC’s most recent newsletters and its Further Consultation with Local Government and Other Stakeholders Final Report here. The Establishing a Victorian Local Government Services Report includes five key recommendations concerning: features of the Victorian Local Government Services Report; integration with council plans; implementation timelines; enabling legislation and other recommendations. Read the report here and tell us what you think by emailing me at heinz@vlga.org.au or calling me on 0438 006 656.
Watch this space
Auditor General’s Report on Problem Gambling
You may have seen recent media coverage concerning the Auditor General’s review of the State Government’s Taking Action on Problem Gambling Strategy. It is encouraging to see two key findings which the VLGA and our Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) have been advocating for some time. These recommendations require the regulator (Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation) to improve decision making by identifying principles on which net detriment can be assessed. They also require future social and economic impact assessments to include impacts not just across a whole local government area but also on communities within the LGA. This is a big win given the socio-economic profiles within a LGA can vary significantly, something the VLGA and LGWGOG have been highlighting for some time. You can see the Auditor General’s Report here. The next LGWGOG meeting is on 18 August from 9-11am at the VLGA. If you are interested in attending or want further information, contact us on 03 9349 7999 or email us at vlga@vlga.org.au.
VLGA events for your diary
Mike Hill and Constitution review consultation at our next LEF
Thursday 2 September 2010
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is reviewing its constitution and we want your input so come along to our September LEF, gather with colleagues, hear from VLGA life member Mike Hill and have your say. Mike Hill will speak about good governance and the future. We’ll also talk about our Discussion Paper and provide members with the chance to ask question and make comments. Read our Discussion Paper, which will be available on our website following the Board meeting on 19 August or go here for more information. Register here.
Other events
Local government leaders preventing violence against women conference
Thursday 26 August, 10am-4.30pm
MCG, MelbourneThursday 26 August, 10am-4.30pm
Local government leaders will come together to discuss how local governments can prevent violence against women and foster safe and inclusive environments for all. Mayors, their delegated councillors and other senior decision makers and officers who are critical contributors to actions on strategic plans are especially welcome. For further information, or to register go here. Please note: Showcase what your local government is doing to prevent violence against women by submitting some short paragraphs on a project(s) or initiative(s) that your local government has or is undertaking. As a result an A-Z booklet of PVAW activity for the delegate kits will be created. For more information email linda@vlga.org.au or call (03) 9349 7904. Deadline for contributions is 17 August.
2010 Victorian Planning Conference
2-3 September 2010
Wangaratta
This year’s Victorian Planning Conference’s sessions, seminars and workshops will be complemented by the many networking opportunities and social events showcasing excellent local produce, including dinners at world renowned Brown Brothers and All Saints Wineries. PIA and VPELA are very pleased to announce the 2010 two-day program featuring The Hon. Justin Madden MLC, Minister for Planning, Professor Brian Howe AO, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Expert Advisory Panel of the COAG Reform Council, Hugh Mackay, Australian Psychologist, Social Researcher and Writer, Dr James Bradfield Moody, Executive Director of Development CSIRO and New Inventors judge, Stuart Morris, QC, Peter Andrews, Founder of Natural Sequence Farming, Cr Geoff Lake, President of ALGA, Elida Brereton, Former Principal of Camberwell High School (and Summer Heights High), and Ross Brown, CEO of Brown Brothers Wineries. The program also boasts a range of attention grabbing seminars covering a variety of innovative topics, and to spice things up, a topical and entertaining debate around a theme close to all of our hearts, ‘Planning is the Solution of the Future’. Download the conference brochure here. For more information please contact Melita Brown on (03) 9347 1900 or mbrown@planning.org.au.
2010 Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards Weekend
8-10 October 2010
Beechworth
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria is pleased to announce the finalists of the 2010 Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards. More than 50 communities have shown their commitment to clean, sustainable living by entering the 2010 Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards. See the full list of finalists here. Tickets are now on sale for the 2010 Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards Weekend. The weekend, from 8-10 October 2010 at Beechworth, offers an opportunity to meet with like-minded people in the sector. Go here for more details.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au
No comments:
Post a Comment