VLGA President’s Message
The issue of the direct election of Mayors and/or Deputy Mayors has been a hot topic of late. In advice we have provided to the State Government about the Geelong Deputy Mayor, we have reiterated our overall position as per our earlier Consultation Submission, that we don’t think either a directly elected Mayor or Deputy Mayor should be introduced before an in depth inquiry into the issues around direct election.
It is important to note that our earlier Consultation Submission was based on feedback we received from our members. We think the key question should be ‘how can the position of Mayor be made more effective from a political, organisational and community standpoint?’ This would involve considering such issues as powers, roles, remuneration, length of term, relationship with other elected councillors as well as the mode of election. We recognise that direct election for the Mayor of Greater Geelong City Council is an election commitment that the State Government seems determined to implement, without the wider inquiry for which the VLGA is advocating. In this circumstance, we think that the most desirable option is the status quo. That is, leave it up to the Council if it wants to elect a Deputy Mayor (which presumably means that the Council would elect the Deputy Mayor if it chose to have the position). We are still hopeful that the State Government will conduct a proper inquiry into this issue, particularly if it is considering extending the direct election option to other municipalities.
The VLGA considers direct election (in the context of all the issues around the position of Mayor and Deputy Mayor as outlined above) to be a very important matter and this subject will be the focus of our forthcoming August Leading Edge Forum on Thursday 4 August, so please put this into your diaries. This Forum will involve in-depth discussions, led by those who have studied and/or had direct experience of directly elected Mayors (and differing Mayoral roles and powers) from Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. We hope through this Forum to stimulate debate in the sector on the key question that we stated above – how to make the position of Mayor more effective (including consideration of the mode of election). I hope to see many of you in person on August 4, but in the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 0407 364 509 or drop me an email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Indigo Shire to join VLGA
Indigo Shire Council has confirmed its intention to join the VLGA, and we would like to warmly welcome them as new members. As well as Indigo Shire Council, the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) have also applied for membership of the VLGA, and we look forward to working with both. Indigo Shire will be known to many as a key destination to enjoy food and wine, extensive rail trails, the distinct seasons - their autumn is really something quite special - and of course their preserved history with Australia's most significant collection of historic towns including Beechworth, Rutherglen, Wahgunyah, Chiltern, Yackandandah, Kiewa-Tangambalanga, Stanley and Barnawartha. With a population in 2010 of 14,800, Indigo’s economy relies on its rural and tourism base and its regional association with Albury-Wodonga and Wangaratta. Specifically, the economy is based on farming (beef, sheep, dairy, fruit and viticulture), the processing of local primary produce and the provision of services to people, including health, social and tourism services. Indigo enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rates in rural Australia (3.6%). For more information on Indigo Shire, visit the Indigo Shire Council website.
Conflict of interest prosecutions
The VLGA has noted that a number of prosecutions of councillors, under Conflict of Interest legislation have occurred over the past year or so and we are understand there are more still pending. We are not in a position to make comments about particular cases, but we have noticed there seems to be a wide disparity in severity of punishment between different cases. When the legislation was amended and strengthened recently, the VLGA expressed a concern at the onerousness and broad range of the legislation. While we think that conflict of interest is a very important issue, we remain keen that the approach taken to tackle it is also characterised by capacity building and good governance, rather than just exclusion and punishment. We are concerned that the recent prosecutions and their outcomes reflect some of the concerns we raised at the time. We will continue to monitor these events and engage with members and the sector to work towards possible improvements in the system. In the meantime, you might have heard our CEO, Maree McPherson interviewed on ABC Ballarat radio last week with MAV President Cr Bill Macarthur about this topic. Maree discussed the need for improved information across the sector, including from the Inspectorate, so councillors and officers can better understand how legislation is being interpreted and used and consider their actions and approaches accordingly. The VLGA will be meeting this week with the Chief Municipal Inspector, David Wolf to examine how this information sharing can happen more effectively.
Infrastructure Australia Annual Report challenges government planning
The VLGA recommends that members take a look at Infrastructure Australia's Annual Report, Communicating the Imperative for Action, which includes the observation that it was disappointing that more projects had not advanced further in its pipeline of priority projects, which guides private and government investment. Its report also cited a lack of State Government investment and adequate planning. Also of interest is its challenge for local governments pitching for federal funding to explore innovative and alternative means to tackle our infrastructure woes. No doubt these views will be part of the mix of ongoing debates about the infrastructure challenges facing local government, which the VLGA will keep a keen eye on. A full copy of Communicating the Imperative for Action can be found here.
Want a high level understanding of planning issues and pokies?
The VLGA invites members to join our partners the Planning Institute of Australia (Victoria) for a seminar of experts from 5.30-7.30pm on Tuesday 19 July at Russell Kennedy Solicitors, Level 12, 469 Latrobe Street Melbourne.
The expert panel at this seminar will explore the issues associated with planning for electronic gaming machines and include Dr Kate Kerkin, Director, K2 Planning; Ragu Appudurai, Special Counsel, Russell Kennedy Solicitors; and Penny Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre. Rates are discounted for VLGA members, so to register and for more information go here.
New planning mobile phone ‘app’lication
Get a Planning Property Report anywhere, anytime! The PlannngVIC: Planning Property Report ‘app’ provides easy access to planning scheme information for any property in Victoria. The planning ‘app’ will no doubt be of great use to councillors, officers and community members as it complements the online Planning Property Report service and includes property details like zoning and overlay controls and any state heritage information that applies to the land. Features include:
* Free planning information reports for any property in Victoria
* Uses your current location or allows entry of any other address
* Search for a property on a map
* Reports are delivered in PDF format and are identical to those available from the Planning property Report service
* Save or email the report for later offline viewing
You can get more information and download the app here.
Local governments leading the way on evaluating sustainability engagement and behaviour change projects
It is never easy to measure outcomes from projects, especially when you are evaluating human behaviour. On their own initiative the Cities of Whitehorse, Knox, Bayside and the Shire of Gannawarra are launching a new web resource to assist project officers to better evaluate their sustainability engagement and behaviour change projects. Launch of the Community Sustainability Engagement Evaluation Toolbox, is on Tuesday 26 July 2011 from 10:30am – 12noon, Whitehorse Room, Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill. Please RSVP to Katrina Hawkins by email or phone 9262 6159 by Friday 22 July for catering purposes.
Nominations close soon for the Williamson Community Leadership Program 2012
Nominations for the 2012 Williamson Community Leadership Program, the leadership experience for the leaders of tomorrow, close on 31 July 2011. Leadership Victoria (LV) develops leaders through their renowned leadership programs. Their programs cater for individuals across all levels of leadership experience, deploying leaders in new contexts, and addressing issues that demand exceptional leadership. Through this work, LV adds enduring value to Victoria and beyond. Run part-time over ten months, the Williamson Community Leadership Program develops leadership through a selection of critical issues essential to the leaders of today and tomorrow. Working within a ten-year horizon, these issues come to life through seminars from prominent leaders, field trips, case studies and group projects where participants work directly with not-for-profit organisations in a two-way exchange of skills and knowledge. At the conclusion of the program, graduates join the Alumni Network – a bank of exceptional leaders who continue to work with innovative LV Projects that address issues demanding exceptional leadership. To apply and for more information on Leadership Victoria’s Williamson Community Leadership Program, visit the Leadership Victoria website.
Events for your diary
Community Housing Federation of Victoria State Conference: From Acorn to Oak: creating the blueprint for the growth of community housing in Victoria
Tuesday 19 July, 8.45am-5.00pm
Etihad Stadium, Victory Room
In the professional delivery of more than 5,000 homes over the last four years fuelled by $1billion in investment, institutional investors should have every confidence that the community housing sector is ready for a significant wave of private investment into the industry. But to earn that confidence, the community housing sector must have the structures in place to make its ‘product’ an asset that can be invested in. Further, the investment community must understand how they can deliver competitive shareholder returns while creating successful social outcomes for the community. This is the focus of CHFV Conference 2011 – a must-attend, one-day event for any stakeholder with an interest in successfully addressing Victoria’s housing affordability crisis. The conference will also feature the CHFV Conference Dinner from 7-10.30pm in Etihad Stadium’s Limelight Room, and provides a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and to meet new ones. Register online.
VCOSS Taxi Forum
Wednesday 20 July, 11am-2pm
Etihad Stadium, Limelight Room (enter Gate 4)
Have your say on Victoria’s Taxi Services! Join Keynote Speaker Professor Allan Fels AO, Chair of the Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry. The inquiry is looking at all aspects of the taxi industry, and aims to make changes that will lead to better quality services for taxi customers. The Inquiry knows that taxi services are especially important for people with different levels of mobility, including senior Victorians, users of mobility aids, and some people with disabilities who face challenges with driving or using public transport. A key focus is how the taxi system works for people who rely on taxis and identify ways to fix the current problems. This forum is being held by VCOSS to assist the Taxi Inquiry to hear the voices of taxi users. The Inquiry team wants to hear your views on the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program, Wheelchair Accessible Taxis, booking taxis, service from drivers, or anything else that affects you! Register online by Thursday 14 July.
Women Leading Change
Wednesday 20 July, 6pm
Grill 3182, Novotel, 16 The Esplanade, St Kilda
Ita Buttrose will be guest speaker at Good Shepherd Victoria’s annual women's event to celebrate the capabilities of women to achieve real change in society. Women Leading Change builds upon the success of Good Shepherd’s Audacious women's events and aims to highlight the achievements of women everywhere; not just the great and powerful, but also those battling to overcome disadvantage. Ms Buttrose, who through her own determination and success has set a positive example for so many women to excel in their chosen endeavours, will speak of her distinguished career in the context of Good Shepherd’s own important work supporting women and girls. Join Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service CEO Robyn Roberts and supporters from across business and the community to welcome Ms Buttrose as she explores her own journey leading change. Cost is $80 per ticket or $700 for group bookings of ten. Price includes drinks and canapés. To book please contact Kristen by phone 03 8412 7342 or email.
Research Showcase: Victorian Centre for Climate Change Adaptation Research
Thursday 21 July 2011, 4-6pm
Portico Room, Melbourne Town Hall
VCCCAR invites you to join them at their inaugural Research Showcase which will present outputs from the first round of VCCCAR funded climate adaptation research projects, introduce new research projects to commence in 2011 and launch a range of policy briefs, research reports and other resources for climate adaptation decision-makers. To RSVP call (03) 9035 8235 or email.
2011 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards evening
Friday 29 July, 6.30-11pm
Members Dining Room, Melbourne Cricket Club, Gate 2, MCG
Recognise and celebrate leaders in sustainability from urban and beach communities throughout Victoria at a gala evening at the Melbourne Cricket Club where sustainable Victorian food and beverages will be showcased in the Members Dining Room overlooking the city and MCG. Among the awards being presented on the night will be the Dame Phyllis Frost Award, Sustainable City of the Year and Clean Beach of the Year. For more information and to book online, go to the Keep Australia Beautiful web page.
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