I would like to take this opportunity to thank members who attended our Leading Edge Forum last Thursday on the Essential Services Commission’s (ESC) Performance Monitoring Framework and the Local Government Services Report they have been widely consulting on. Presentations given by ESC Chairperson Dr Ron Ben-David and ESC Director Andrew Chow were quite lively and enjoyable. It was clear that the ESC had listened to the VLGA and local governments, as summarised in many of their Final Report Recommendations. Many of our recommendations, including that local government reporting needs to be rationalised, and that smaller local governments will need assistance to participate in the first ESC Local Government Services Report early next year, have been taken up. Later in the evening, we also gathered member suggestions and shared our plans for land use planning priorities to take to the State Government. I would also like to thank many members who have passed on their appreciation to me for the VLGA’s continued advocacy on this issue which is based in our strong view that significant reforms and changes must not leave local governments and communities behind. To this end, we’ve based a lot of our State Budget feedback (below) on our advocacy and policy positions, as well as repeating our previous call for a different approach to the ways in which governments and communities work together to cope with change. I look forward to seeing you around the traps, and if you’d like to contact me, call me on 0407 364 509 or drop me an email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
VLGA Response to the 2011-12 State Budget
As other commentators have noted, the news is mixed for local governments and local communities from last week’s State budget. But before we reflect on individual announcements, it is important that we state our view that local communities and local governments are looking to the State Government to address community infrastructure and growth pressures in a more fundamental and thorough manner, which goes well beyond what was addressed in last week’s State budget.
We repeat the call we made in the VLGA’s pre-election bulletin, as we still believe it is important for the State Government to convene a Communities, Governments and Change Summit to look at these issues. Following the Summit, we would like to see all parties in the Parliament support the conduct of a public inquiry on:
• the roles and responsibilities of all levels of government
• how local impacts of change can be better planned for
• regulatory burdens facing local governments, and
• barriers and opportunities to better involve and consult local communities in planning and other important issues that have a large a?ect on them.
It is refreshing to see the State Government directly fund local governments in areas that have traditionally been the responsibility of the Federal Government. But the larger challenges we face, such as financial sustainability, now need to be tackled, as demonstrated in the Strathbogie Shire’s statement just last week.
Another example is the extra funding for children’s services (e.g. kindergartens, early intervention, and maternal and child health). This is welcome, yet local governments and local communities have been telling the State and Federal Governments that we are just not keeping pace with needs on the ground. We are not so naïve to think that we will wake up tomorrow and all of our infrastructure challenges will be solved, but surely it is time to take a different approach to thinking about solutions, and one that includes local communities in a meaningful dialogue.
Likewise, we believe that the zealous obsession with clearing state debt quickly may come at the expense of an ongoing commitment to funding community infrastructure.
Now to specific announcements: The VLGA warmly welcomes key announcements we have previously supported, including $20 million for more energy efficient street lighting; $381.6 million over five years to increase electricity subsidies for concession card holders; $329 million for flood recovery and response; $221.8 million over three years for the purchase of 7 of the proposed 40 new trains; $18 million over two years for feasibility studies associated with the Doncaster and Rowville rail links as well as the Lara to Avalon Airport link; $6.9 million for the Changing Places Program which provides urban improvement grants for capital works in metropolitan centres and regional cities and towns; $5 million over the next four years to revitalise the Frankston Activities Area; $2.5 million to define suitable sites and no-go zones for wind farms; $10 million to open up unused railway station buildings for community and sporting groups; $47 million to fix country level crossings, including upgrading the Warragul station precinct; $100 million over four years to rural and regional councils for rural and regional local government infrastructure; $100 million over four years for the Putting Locals First program; and $160 million over four years for the Country Roads and Bridges program for 40 small local governments who will now be able to access up to $1 million annually for local roads and bridges.
All of these announcements will improve the liveability of local communities, as will the $25 million over four years for local crime prevention and community safety projects; and reductions in liquor licence fees for small community clubs and businesses which will save them $13.5 million.
We are disappointed that the Regional Rail Link has not received the funding priority that it requires. Likewise, there are other key concerns to local governments that have not received funding including for bushfire shelters, recurrent library costs, and emergency management.
As the MAV has also noted, the unwanted surprise increase of $43.3 million over four years in landfill levies will also hit all local governments and communities hard at a time when local government financial sustainability and community cost of living pressures remain of real concern.
We are disappointed that a key preventative measure against homelessness and its associated harms facing more and more Victorians regardless of their incomes – the maintenance and extension of housing funding – has not been achieved with a reported reduction of 12.8%. We are however, wanting to work with Housing Minister Wendy Lovell to address this concern and to pursue a clearer and more effective relationship between us on affordable housing, as mentioned in last week’s eNews.
Some other State election commitments have been delivered including the re-funding of Reconciliation Victoria, establishment of a Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll, and funding for indigenous governance, which we welcome.
While we welcome a number of planning and governance-related announcements including $9.7 million over four years for the Planning for Melbourne and Regional Victoria Program, as well as $600,000 over four years for the new Local Government Ministerial-Mayors Advisory Panel, we are keen to have further discussions with the State Government about how these will be implemented. Both Ministers are already aware from our meetings that we want to see local governments and local communities genuinely involved in bottom-up discussions.
Showcasing local government practices web page
The VLGA seeks to facilitate the sharing of good practice examples between Victorian local governments, and we are delighted to be able to showcase members' examples on our website. We have developed a new page on our website, Showcasing local government practices. The page displays examples of local governments' work (policies, projects, activities) including Community Engagement & Well-being: Baw Baw Shire Council - Active by Design - winner of Red Cross Award; Sustainability & Environment: Towong Shire Council - Solar North East (based on the Pure Towong Energy Project); Transport: Boroondara City Council - Gardiners Creek Bikepath Upgrade: Closing the Gap; and Planning & Infrastructure: Yarra Ranges Shire Council - Planning Improvement Journey.
VCAT Red Dot Decision: Stonnington wins on residential amenity conditions for private school
In a decision likely to be welcomed by many local governments, VCAT has upheld important residential amenity conditions associated with the King David School in Armadale. The matter related to Cancellation or amendment of permit issued at direction of Tribunal under Section 87A of the Planning and Environment Act 1989. Both Stonnington (the Responsible Authority) and objectors raised concerns about how the process was used. The Tribunal noted that it is not appropriate to try and re-visit the same issues again as the initial permit had to try and strike a reasonable balance between what the school wanted and the protection of residential amenity. The permit must be viewed as an overall package. It was considered inappropriate for King David to try and 'win back' the concessions they had to concede in the crafting of the initial permit. Bearing this in mind, the Tribunal found the proposed changes to allow increased weekend activity were substantive and not appropriate and the school should 'accept the umpires decision' which had regard to balancing the school's needs against residential amenity. This was clearly the biggest of the four amendments, in terms of its impact, that was being requested. See a full copy of this Red Dot Decision here.
Moving beyond the spin: the debate about pre-commitment and pokies
The VLGA welcomes the decision by Clubs Australia to withdraw its $20 million advertising campaign against pre-commitment by players to nominate their spending limits on pokies. This was in response to overwhelming community support for the reforms, regardless of voting intention or whether people reside in metropolitan or rural locations. Many myths have been dominating media debates about this issue, including a recent contribution from a high profile AFL Club President predicting that the cost to his club to alter each of its machines would be around $15,000. This inflated figure assumes the replacement of virtually all pokie machines, which is highly unlikely for clubs that AFL clubs run. The figure is much more likely to be around $4,000 for modern Victorian venues. The South West Primary Care Partnership has produced a more balanced commentary of the proposed reforms, which can be found on our website here.
STOP PRESS! The Federal Parliamentary Inquiry released its report on gambling reform including pre-commitment on pokies on Friday. While most of the Recommendations are strongly welcomed by the VLGA, there is still some way to go before legislation is passed in Parliament. It is important to remember that before this issue became a political one, the Productivity Commission strongly supported pre-commitment for pokies, after 18 months of deliberation and over 400 submissions. We will have more to say next week about the latest recommendations.
VLGA Training for Deputy Mayors
Last Wednesday evening, the VLGA conducted a session for Deputy Mayors. It was well attended, particularly by those from regional and rural councils, some of whom travelled great distances to participate. Several aspects of the position were raised and discussed, including the need for greater clarity in the expectations of the role and how councils can support those giving the extra time required to fulfil it. Time was given to reflecting on participants’ individual circumstances, identifying areas for skill development and setting goals for the second half of the council year. The VLGA gained very useful feedback on how to build our support for leaders and council teams and participants said it was a very valuable session. Swan Hill Deputy Mayor Yvonne Jennings welcomed the session, commenting that, “it was great to be able to participate in an honest and frank discussion, and to see the possibility of better structure and support for the position of Deputy Mayor”.
Free e-waste collection
All residents from across Melbourne and the Peninsula are invited to drop off their unwanted computer, television, entertainment and home office equipment for recycling as part of a free recycling collection to be held across Melbourne on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May. All items accepted for collection will be manually dismantled in Australia and their components (including plastic, metals and glass) sent for recycling. Keeping e-waste out of landfill helps prevent hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and chromium leaching into soil and water. In addition, the recycling process saves valuable energy and the need to extract natural resources required to make new products. Check the website for the location of the eight drop-off locations (Clifton Hill, Croydon, Epping, Lilydale, Oakleigh South, Hoppers Crossing, Mornington and Springvale).
Food sensitive planning and urban design
Food sensitive planning and urban design (FSPUD) recognises that access to healthy, sustainable and equitable food is an essential part of achieving liveable communities.
The Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab (VEIL) and David Locke Associates were commissioned by the National Heart Foundation of Australia (Victorian Division) to develop a resource further articulating the idea of 'Food Sensitive Planning and Urban Design' (first articulated by VEIL in 2008 as Food Sensitive Urban Design). This new resource will be of great value to local governments. Food Sensitive Planning and Urban Design: A conceptual framework for achieving a sustainable and just food system, is intended to raise the awareness of planners, architects, urban designers, engineers, policy makers, community members and elected representatives of the need to integrate food considerations into urban land use and development. It outlines:
* key areas in planning legislation, policy and processes to realise these outcomes;
* how meeting peoples’ food needs contributes to the broader objectives of planning and urban design, including: health and fairness; sustainability and resilience; livelihoods and opportunity; and community and amenity; and
* a challenge to professionals and the broader community to take on a stronger role in ensuring that healthy, sustainable and equitable food is available for all Australians into the future.
Download the resource here.
2011 Premier’s Sustainability Awards Finalists
Congratulations to VLGA members Manningham (‘Doncaster Hill Innovative Water Solutions’ project), Latrobe (Carbon Reduction Policy and transition to a low carbon economy) and Whitehorse (Sustainable Ambassadors Program) City Councils for becoming finalists in the Local Government award category. Congratulations also to the EW Tipping Foundation, Hepburn Wind, and the Heyfield Community Resource Centre in the Community award category. See the Awards website for information about other finalists and details on the awards dinner.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Food Security in Victoria: Research to Practice
Wednesday 18 May, 10am-3.30pm
VicHealth – Ground Floor, 15-31 Pelham St, Carlton South
Places are filling fast, so don’t miss out on this VLGA Forum. Hear from a group of experts, including academics, peak bodies and practitioners, about what works and what evidence should inform our thinking, advocacy and practice. To register, email the VLGA. If you have any questions please contact Leah Galvin, Food for All Project Officer at the VLGA, by email or on (03) 9349 7999.
‘Liveable and Just’ Workshop, Bendigo: Helping local governments build community resilience to climate-related challenges
Thursday 12 May, 9.30am-4pm
Capital Theatre, View St, Bendigo
This Bendigo session is the first of a series of five rural and regional Liveable and Just Workshops conducted the VLGA, supported by mecu Ltd, and each hosted by a VLGA member local government. Join us for an entertaining and practical event, and learn how our Liveable and Just Toolkit can help you build community resilience in the face of complex climate-related challenges.
Dates and locations for subsequent sessions (all sessions run 9.30am-4pm) are:
Ballarat: Thursday 19 May - Town Hall, Sturt St
Wodonga: Thursday 26 May - Wodonga TAFE, 87 McKoy St, West Wodonga
Mildura: Friday 3 June - Alfred Deakin Centre, 180 Deakin Ave (cnr 12th St)
Traralgon: Friday 17 June - Quality Inn Latrobe Convention Centre, Princes Hwy, Traralgon
Download the flyer and registration form. For more information contact Cr Philip Schier, VLGA Policy & Project Officer, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
Conciliation Tips for Advocates: How can you get the best result for your client though the conciliation process?
Wednesday 11 May, 4-5pmLionel Murphy Centre, 360 Queen Street (between La Trobe and A’Beckett Sts), Melbourne
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and Victoria Legal Aid are presenting a series of free anti-discrimination seminars.
This free seminar will provide practical tips about how advocates can achieve positive outcomes for clients with complaints of discrimination and harassment. The session will include presentations by Emrys Nekvapil, barrister at the Victorian Bar, and Karen Toohey, Chief Executive Officer at the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission.
CBD. Video conferencing facilities will be available. For more information and to RSVP, visit the Human Rights Commission website or phone 9269 0353.
2011 ALGWA State Conference & Annual General Meeting
Friday 13 May, 9.30am-4pm
Ballarat Town Hall
ALGWA Victoria is holding their State Conference in Ballarat. Download the registration form and program from the ALGWA website. To obtain more information, you can contact Cr Cheryl Bromfield on 0448 024 755 or email. The VLGA is pleased to promote the conference to our members.
Walk the Block: step away from your desks
Tuesday 17 May
In and around your office!
Did you know that 73% of Victorian workers report inadequate physical activity, that is, less than 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day? Victoria Walks is aiming to combat workplace physical inactivity by developing the Walk the Block event. The aim is simple: to get people away from their desks and onto their feet. It will be a fun and lively event that brings together employees from corporate and community organisations, government departments and other workplaces across Victoria to ‘walk your block’ on Tuesday 17 May. The event has been developed by Victoria Walks to promote four simple workplace walking ideas:
* ‘In your stride’ – quick and easy tips to keep staff moving at work
* Walking meetings – step out for active and productive conversations
* Walkabout inductions – for new staff to learn what is close by
* Walking groups – regular walks for fit and friendly workplaces
Resources for each of these initiatives will be sent to workplaces so that walking can easily be incorporated into your own local working culture. To register your workplace or find out more, download the flyer from our website.
Learning about Aboriginal culture: Framlingham Tour
Saturday-Sunday 28-29 May 2011
Interested in doing something adventurous, rewarding and affordable for Reconciliation Week this year? The Framlingham Aboriginal Community has organised an overnight tour to the Community (north-east of Warrnambool) on 28 and 29 May. This special tour is supported by the friendship between Brunswick Neighbourhood House (BHN) and the Framlingham Community. Car-pooling may be available through the Brunswick Neighbourhood House. See more information on the VLGA website or contact BHN Coordinator Mick Fitzgerald via email or on (03) 9386 9418.
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