Whatever the outcome, with the dramatic events of the federal election nearly behind us, we now focus on the impending State Election. The media and political commentators seem to be surprised at the ‘unusual’ situation at the federal level where the major political parties suddenly find themselves in a situation where they have to negotiate with independents. At the community level, of course, we know that this is in fact the status quo. Local governments find themselves in this situation every day, where party lines and ideologies matter far less than doing the right thing by our communities.
There is tension between local governments’ limited resources and an ever-increasing array of services and functions that they deliver, and to an even greater extent for smaller rural councils where financial sustainability is a significant challenge. This will be among several issues that we will seek to put on the agenda in the lead up to the November State Election.
Melbourne radio on Friday morning was filled with talk-back callers revealing a diverse range of views on MP-Elect Andrew Wilkie’s stance on pokies. The VLGA’s strong work through the Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) has attracted more than $80,000 over the next two years in contributions from member local governments for the University of Ballarat’s research project in partnership with the VLGA. The University has received Australian Research Council funds for a three year study, auspiced by the VLGA, into the psycho-social impacts of the introduction of electronic gaming machines. The study site will be in the Whittlesea City Council. A large number of VLGA member local governments have contributed funds so that the research can be independent of industry and government, and we can ensure that the research delivers practical benefits to Victorian communities. The research is the first of its kind to examine the public health consequences of electronic gaming machines in a local area. We know that the impacts are of great concern to local governments, and previous research suggests that the number of people with a gambling problem within a community increases after the introduction of machines within a five kilometre radius. I have written to member local governments who may still wish to contribute to the research, and to non-member councils to provide them with the same opportunity to assist with this project over the next two financial years. We are extremely appreciative of the support to date and the high level of engagement with this project.
Floods in rural and regional Victoria
Our thoughts this week turn to our members, colleagues and friends struggling in various parts of Victoria with the worst floods they have seen in some places for many years. As ever, our local government members are front and centre of responding to community and emergency needs. It has been heartening to hear many regional and rural Mayors quickly express their support and outline their emergency service responses. As the most agile level of government, it is hardly surprising that many people turn to their local governments as their first source of information. If you or people you know need to know more, you can go to the list of all local governments here. For the latest flood predictions go here, and to see the latest State Emergency Service evacuations, warnings and bulletins go here.
Successful grassroots campaigning
In keeping with the VLGA’s commitment to grassroots policy development and bottom-up approaches to achieving progressive social change and the exchange and promotion of different dialogues, we highlight the powerful work of GetUp, particularly during the recent federal election. Among its achievements, together GetUp members were able to: successfully launch a High Court constitutional challenge that put an extra 98,138 voters on the roll; build Australia's first online enrolment website to allow Australians to enrol online in just minutes rather than using fax or delivering enrolment forms by hand; win a Federal Court challenge to ensure Australians will be able to enrol online in elections to come; produce a hilarious 'action-hero' election video encouraging Australians to enrol that was seen by well over 1 million people online; support over 7,000 GetUp volunteers distributing issue scorecards, and outnumbering the major parties on many polling booths in marginal electorates; and air over 700 ad spots across the country. For more information, go here.
Reconciliation in Local Government Project
Reconciliation Victoria, in partnership with the VLGA, Reconciliation Australia and the Victorian Government, is leading the Reconciliation in Local Government Project. This project recognises and supports the valuable existing contribution and future potential of local governments to advance reconciliation outcomes. The first phase involves support for a small number of selected local governments to develop Reconciliation Action Plans, and documentation and dissemination of findings about effective approaches for local government in advancing reconciliation. The project also aims to support local governments to respond to their legislative and other obligations in areas such as Native Title, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and new Indigenous representative arrangements (Local Indigenous Networks). To discuss this project, or for more information, please contact Project Coordinator Erin McKinnon at erin.mckinnon@reconciliationvic.org.au or on (03) 9349 7988 / 0400 332 972.
State Election Public Transport Forums
This month the Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) and pt4me2 will be holding a series of political forums in conjunction with the Cities of Yarra, Port Phillip, Maribyrnong, Whitehorse and Moreland in anticipation of the 2010 State Election. Forums will feature speakers representing the major parties as well as questions from the community. For more details on each of these forums, see the Thinking Transport website.
Common sense prevails for Local Government Language Services Program
For more than a decade the State Government has funded the Local Government Language Services Program, a small but significant funding program to assist councils in making information about key services available to people with a low level of proficiency in English. Many local governments redirect this funding into the purchase of credit for services provided by VITS Language Link, a State Business Corporation, with shares owned by the State of Victoria, and have been concerned about the State Government’s intention to discontinue this funding beyond the 2009-2010 program. The VLGA, local governments and sector representatives have lobbied the State Government on this matter, and we are very pleased that common sense has prevailed, with the State Government’s recent announcement that it will reinstate this important program that effects local governments and communities across our state.
Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee recommendations on alcohol supply
Last week the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee tabled a report in the Victorian Parliament recommending stricter laws for bottle shops, including a recommendation that bottle shops should have to apply for a planning permit in the same way that bars and pubs currently have to apply. Among its reasons for this recommendation, the Committee cited evidence that there is a link between the density of licensed premises, particularly packaged outlets, and assaults. As the supply of alcohol to minors at a house party is not currently illegal, the Committee also recommended that the government introduce legislation making it illegal for older siblings or parents of friends to provide children with alcohol. The Committee expressed concern that current laws allow anyone to supply any quantity of alcohol to minors in private premises, and that currently legislation focuses only on licensed settings. The Australian Drug Foundation and Alcohol Policy Coalition support the recommendations, having previously campaigned for the adoption of supply legislation in Victoria.
Watch this space
Food for All Project workshops to begin later this year
The VLGA is currently planning half-day workshops to demonstrate the usefulness of the Food for All toolkit, including its fact sheets and mini movies, as a means of supporting local government officers to address local barriers to food security. The VLGA will also enhance knowledge and skills in the local government workforce through other means including establishing an online community of practice, providing direct in-house support to local governments with smaller workforces, and connecting local governments that wish to work with mentors who have demonstrated excellence through their work around food security. A schedule of workshops, in partnership with host local governments, will commence across Victoria later this year and into next year. We are keen to ensure the workshop content and approach meets the needs of your local government and community and would encourage you to contact Leah Galvin for a copy of the draft workshop outline and to share your views either via email at leah@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA events for your diary
October LEF – Acting together for a sustainable future: local government and community environment action and programs
Thursday 7 October, 6-9pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Join the VLGA and Sustainability Victoria at our next Leading Edge Forum on Thursday 7 October, including finger-food, refreshments and networking from 6pm, followed by interesting discussion about emerging actions and programs relevant to local government and community action. Topics that will be discussed include: Sustainable Precincts, including Zero Emission Neighbourhoods, Armstrong Creek, and Smart Energy Zones; helpful sustainability information and tools for local government, including the Utility Tracker, Best Practice Tracker, and Sustainability Resource Locator; Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria's programs recognising and celebrating community actions at a grassroots level; greenpower trends and challenges; and the new Victorian Government Climate Communities website and grants program supporting local actions tackling climate change. For more information and to RSVP go here.
Other events
Koori Stories and Song
18 September from 8pm
Northcote Town Hall Studio One, 189 High St, Northcote
The Darebin Music Feast, Songlines Aboriginal Music and the City of Darebin present an insight into aboriginality and its influence on songwriting in an entertaining and enlightening evening. For more information and to purchase your tickets go here.
Bicycle Victoria: Bike Futures Conference 2010
14 & 15 October
Etihad Stadium
A once-a-year opportunity for national and local leaders, planners, designers and builders to come together around the opportunities and challenges we face in meeting the ever rising demand for bicycle transportation. Issues the conference will tackle include: separating riders from traffic and tuning traffic signals; designing effective shared paths and developing shared use; and bike plans, land use and high return investments. Go here for more information.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au
No comments:
Post a Comment