14 June 2011

VLGA President’s Message
This week’s eNews has a sustainability theme, with so much activity in this space at present. Last Thursday evening, our CEO Maree McPherson and I had the pleasure of attending the 2011 Premier’s Sustainability Awards and I enjoyed seeing a number of our local government colleagues there. It was a fabulous night and on behalf of all at the VLGA I extend our congratulations to the Whitehorse City Council on taking out the Local Government Award, and to finalists Latrobe City Council and Manningham City Council on their fabulous entries. The awards recognise excellence in sustainability and we are very proud of our member councils in their achievements.

Speaking of awards, the VLGA congratulates Cr Michael Tudball and Associate Professor Trevor Budge who have both received Queen’s Birthday Honours. Trevor Budge has been made a Member of the Order of Australia for his work with communities across Victoria, and in assisting Sri Lanka recover from the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004. Cr Tudball from Moorabool Shire has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for his contribution to the CFA. Congratulations to both Michael and Trevor, and if members know of anyone else in VLGA circles that has been honoured please let us know.

On another note, we have been waiting keenly to see if the State Government would keep its promise around Greater Geelong directly elected mayor submissions. We have been urging the State to publish all the submissions it has received on its website and, as of last Friday, the submissions can be found here. The VLGA thinks that it is very important that the submissions are now publicly available. Apart from the transparency issue, we are aware that a number of submissions, including those from key stakeholders, go beyond the narrow terms of reference of the consultation in order to address the overall issue of directly elected mayors (and deputy mayors). While we stuck more closely to the terms of reference, we also wrote separately to the Minister calling for a wider inquiry into the issue and highlighting a number of problem areas which must be addressed if direct election for the mayor is being contemplated. The VLGA can see both strengths and weaknesses in the proposal and we haven’t as yet taken an overall position. We note the editorial in The Age yesterday, but are not sure they have considered the issue in depth. There is much more to the roles of both mayor and councillors than ‘representing’ a city or ward respectively. In order to further debate within the sector and the community, our August Leading Edge Forum, on Thursday 4 August, will address the issue of direct elections and incorporating relevant interstate and local experience.

Thank you to those members who have made contributions to the VLGA’s response to the Review of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006. The deadline for responses has been extended until Friday 17 June and the VLGA’s response will be submitted this week. Members with further comments can contact the VLGA office and a copy of our submission will be provided via eNews next week.

I look forward to seeing you out and about. 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

Anti-Corruption and Integrity Panel consultation
In last week’s eNews we highlighted the consultation process on the State Government’s proposed anti-corruption commission. Corrections Minister Andrew McIntosh is committed to introducing the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) by the end of 2011. The VLGA encourages our local government members to take part in the consultation process, and to contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance via email or telephone (03) 9349 7999 to provide input.

Urban Renewal Authority and planning reforms
The VLGA notes lots of activity in the planning portfolio, not the least the second reading of the Victorian Urban Development Authority Amendment (Urban Renewal Authority Victoria) Bill 2011. Proposed urban renewal in areas north of Williamstown Road, Fisherman's Bend, Docklands and Richmond railway precinct again raise the issue of urban growth and affordable living. Discussion about ‘brown-fields’ sites to accommodate a greater Melbourne population of 8 million in the next 50 years, along with a strong focus in urban planning for regional cities, makes for a wider debate about long-term planning for our communities. Planning Minister Matthew Guy says the new Urban Renewal Authority will have a “clear mandate to get on with the job of delivering urban change in strategic locations” with a view to dealing with housing supply and affordability. Affordable living is a key focus of the VLGA’s Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group (DAHAG) and we encourage you to read more about the Group’s activities on our website.

Sustainable precincts
Thinking more about liveability and affordability, on Friday 17 June Sustainability Victoria will host its Sustainable precincts – what do they look like? Local Government Forum, 9.30-11.30am at Level 28, 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne. According to Sustainability Victoria, solving urban sustainability issues at a precinct scale involves innovations not possible with a 'building by building' approach. A sustainable precinct includes sustainable buildings, urban design, and infrastructure. It generates renewable energy close to the point of use, and manages water and material resources in an efficient and holistic manner. It exists in harmony with the local ecology and surrounding communities. For this free event, please RSVP by 5pm Tuesday 14 June 2011 to Nick Bailey on (03) 8626 8824.

Strategic review of Sustainability Victoria
Recently, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, announced a strategic review of Sustainability Victoria. The VLGA will be making a submission to the review, and we would be interested to hear members’ views. You can participate in a public forum, provide a written submission, or complete an online survey. Public forums will be held in Mildura, Geelong, Castlemaine, Warrnambool, Horsham, Traralgon, Box Hill, Dandenong, Melbourne CBD, Shepparton and Brunswick, and there will be a local government forum and a state agencies forum. The Terms of Reference for the review and dates for the public forums can be found on the Sustainability Vic website. The review findings and recommendations will be reported to the Minister by 31 August.

Community Housing Federation of Victoria (CHFV) Conference 2011: From Acorn to Oak

As mentioned last week, CHFV will be taking an in-depth look at the issue of future funding of community housing in Victoria, with a particular focus on how the sector can attract investment from the institutional funds market. Particular areas of focus will be:
* Funding the future of affordable housing
* How do we make a whole-of-government approach work?
* Financial models within the community housing. What can be realised?
* Alternative market solutions to funding growth
This conference is particularly relevant to the local government sector for its implications on planning and urban development, economic and social implications of the housing affordability crisis, and the positive community outcomes of access to quality, affordable rental homes. It will also be a fantastic opportunity to meet and make connections with key people across the community housing sector. For more information and to register see the CHFV webpage.

Leadership initiatives in the water sector
The International WaterCentre’s Water Leader Scholarships are now open to study the IWC Master of Integrated Water Management in 2012. The program equips students with the integration, leadership and managerial skills to become part of an elite group of water leaders with sustainable and holistic solutions to global water and climate change challenges. The program takes a multi-disciplinary, whole-of-water-cycle approach. It is a co-badged and co-taught degree by The University of Queensland, Griffith University, Monash University and The University of Western Australia. Scholarship applications are open until 1 August 2011 and the program starts in February 2012 at the University of Queensland, Brisbane. There are full-time or part-time/distance study options. To apply online go to www.watercentre.org/education/programs/scholarships or for more information email or phone (07) 3123 7766.

The centre has also recently launched a new Water Leadership Program customised for leaders at the project to middle management level who want to be more effective at exercising influence, driving change, and advancing more integrated forms of water management. Scholarship applications are open until 30 June 2011. Melbourne Water has sponsored two full scholarships that will be awarded to local government stormwater practitioners in Melbourne Water’s region.

2011 Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year & 2011 Environmental Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year Awards
The 2011 Awards are open for entry to recognise an outstanding contribution to a sustainable Australia. Self-nominations and nominations on behalf of another individuals and organisations are accepted. Nominated individuals and organisations must have achieved outcomes that have:
* made a significant contribution to a Sustainable Australia
* influenced understanding or appreciation of sustainability, in Australia and/or overseas, and
* provided leadership or inspiration in the field of sustainability.
For more information go to 2011 Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year and 2011 Environment Minister's Young Environmentalist of the Year.


Events for your diary

VLGA Events

Absolute last chance to register!
‘Liveable and Just’ Workshop: Helping local governments build community resilience to climate-related challenges
Friday 17 June, 9.30am-4pm
Quality Inn Latrobe Convention Centre, Princes Hwy, Traralgon
Following successful workshops in Ballarat, Bendigo, Wodonga and Mildura, this is your last chance to attend one of the rural and regional Liveable and Just Workshops. Conducted by the VLGA, and supported by mecu Ltd, each workshop is 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. Download the registration form. For more information contact Philip Schier, VLGA Senior Policy Officer, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7999.

July LEF: Local government: a reflection of our diverse communities?
Thursday 7 July, 6-9pm
VLGA, Carlton
True or false? Local government in Victoria is:
· an employer of choice for diverse applicants?
· a reflection of diverse communities?
· responding to worsening skills gaps?

Come along to the July LEF and be at the leading edge of challenges and debates in our sector and communities. Hear about the latest research and case studies, and from a panel of peak body representatives. Guest speaker is Professor Santina Bertone, Associate Dean Research, Swinburne University Faculty of Business and Enterprise. Download the flyer and register online here, or call the VLGA on (03) 9349 7999.


Other events

Joint Built Environment and Health Promotion sector Forum concerning the Parliamentary Inquiry into Environmental Design and Public Health
Friday 17 June, 10am-1pm
MAV, Level 11, 60 Collins Street, Melbourne

As a joint submitter to this inquiry, the VLGA invites you to a forum to be opened by the Health Minister who will be followed by a panel of experts representing a range of professionals from the planning and health fields on various issues concerning the relationship between the built environment and community good health. The presentations will be followed by a one-hour workshop to assist with the development of submissions to the inquiry from the Institute, other bodies and individuals.
Speakers include:
* The Hon. David Davis, Minister for Health
* Assoc. Prof. Trevor Budge, Latrobe University
* Assoc. Prof. Carolyn Whitzman, University of Melbourne
* Kelly Anne Jolly, Director Cardiovascular Health, Heart Foundation
* Assoc. Prof. John Fitzgerald, CEO, VicHealth
* Jason Black, Project Director, PIA
This free event will be facilitated by Ruth Davies, PIA Social Planning Chapter Chairperson; please register online.

Refugee Week 2011
Refugee Week 2011 will be celebrated from Sunday 19 June to Saturday 25 June to coincide with World Refugee Day on 20 June. A national online events calendar and free posters and resource kit are available through the Refugee Week website. On Sunday 19 June, the Refugee Advocacy Network is calling on all groups and individuals who support refugee rights to come together and participate in the Melbourne World Refugee Day Rally at the Royal Exhibition Building. There are now almost 7,000 people in detention centres in Australia, and an increasing number have been incarcerated for long periods of time. Following the rally, there will be a mass march to join the EMERGE festival in Fitzroy.

15th International Conference for Women Engineers and Scientists
19-22 June 2011
Adelaide
Jointly hosted by Engineers Australia National Committee for Women in Engineering and the International Network for Women Engineers and Scientists, the conference has been held every three years since 1964 and provides an important forum for the exchange of information and ideas for women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Find further information and registration details at the conference website.

PIA Planning for Licensed Premises
Tuesday 21 June
Melbourne
How does the built environment contribute to managing the social and economic issues of planning for licensed premises? A Planning Institute of Australia’s panel of experts will look to address these issues and more in this seminar. Speakers include Con Tsotsoros (MPIA, and DPCD), Maxine Cooper (Planning Panels Victoria) and John Rogerson (Australian Drug Foundation). The cost for PIA Members is $45, ISV/VPELA Members $55, and Non Members $60. Register by Friday 17 June online or by sending the registration form via email.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Skills for Timor-Leste’s Development: An Opportunity for Dialogue in Dili – Biennial Conference co-organised by Universidade National Timor Loro Sa’e and Victoria University
4 & 5 July 2011
Melbourne, Australia

Speakers will explore the fundamental question of how knowledge can be translated into development, which, with its economic, social, and environmental components, is the overarching long-term goal that connects the topics and shapes the dialogue. It will be a policy-oriented conference focusing on case studies of good practice and will examine opportunities and mechanisms through which Timor-Leste society can move toward a sustainable future. What knowledge and skills are needed for Timor-Leste’s development? How can Timor-Leste’s institutions of education, both formal and non-formal best prepare people to engage in the future development of the country? How can the Millennium Development Goals be reached and surpassed? More information and the registration form on the Victoria Uni website.