VLGA President’s Message
Members may have seen the recent announcement by the State Government of a Ministerial Advisory Committee appointed to review the planning system, to find out how Victorians feel that it can be improved. More information can be found here. I strongly encourage you to engage with this review as the Terms of Reference are very broad. Of particular interest is a hint on the DPCD website to what submitters may wish to include in their submissions. In their ‘Call For Submissions’ the State Government wants to know your views on:
* What’s good about the system?
* What works well and what doesn't?
* What are the ways to fix the problems and improve the system?
* How can the planning system be more effective and efficient?
* How can the planning system be made easier to access and understand?
* Is the present planning system right for Victoria?
* Are the respective roles of the State and Local Government in the planning system still appropriate?
* What’s good about the system?
* What works well and what doesn't?
* What are the ways to fix the problems and improve the system?
* How can the planning system be more effective and efficient?
* How can the planning system be made easier to access and understand?
* Is the present planning system right for Victoria?
* Are the respective roles of the State and Local Government in the planning system still appropriate?
The VLGA Board will be considering a draft Planning Policy Position Paper at its July Board meeting, and this will no doubt inform our submission to the State Government Ministerial Advisory Committee, which is due on August 31st. The VLGA has said a lot in the past about respecting the roles and democratic powers of local government, and we expect the State Government to prioritise its policies according to these principles. However, as a sector we should resist being given responsibility for the ‘hard’ systemic problems just because ‘passing the buck’ is seen as politically expedient. We will be in touch directly with members about this issue in the coming weeks. If you are proposing to make a submission to the Ministerial Advisory Committee, please send a copy to our CEO Maree McPherson, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7901. 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
Speakers and panellists now confirmed for August Leading Edge Forum
As outlined in last week’s eNews, the VLGA considers direct election (in the context of all the issues around the position of Mayor and Deputy Mayor) to be a very important matter for local governments and communities. As a result, this subject will be the focus of our forthcoming August Leading Edge Forum in a few weeks on Thursday 4 August. We sent a flyer out on Friday for the LEF for Directly elected Mayors & Deputy Mayors: to be or not to be, what are the questions? A copy of the flyer can be found here if you did not receive it. We hope to see many councillors, officers and community members there for what will be an entertaining and informative event. You can RSVP online here or telephone us on (03) 9349 7999.
Strong support from VLGA for MAV campaign on library funding
The VLGA encourages members to support the MAV in their campaign regarding cutbacks to library funding. In our view, the recent decision taken by the State Government to reduce library funding undermines their pre-election commitments to effective consultation, as well as open and transparent decision-making. MAV President Cr Bill Macarthur last week said that “It’s inconceivable why the State would withhold this information until after council budgets were set. And it’s absurd to blame the cut on the former Government when the Coalition delivered its first Budget in May.” Cr Macarthur then called on local governments “not to sign the State’s funding agreement, as acceptance of the cut could mean a loss of at least $5.7 million in recurrent Government funding over the next four years.” A full copy of the MAV Media Release can be found here. Mayors and CEOs have been invited to a meeting at MAV this Friday, and for further information you can contact Clare Hargreaves via email. The VLGA will be speaking with the MAV about action and advocacy we can take to support their campaign.
Carbon Price – a just and smart transition?
Much will be said in the coming weeks and months about the Federal Government’s announcement of their Clean Energy Future package. The VLGA’s focus over this period will be to concentrate on three priority areas, namely whether the change is a socially just transition, how local governments can be brought into the picture and involved in any proposed changes at the community level, and finally the need to distribute information to members.
There will be a diversity of views, and many will be strongly put, but we believe that whatever happens is less important than how it will impact on people’s everyday lives. We suspect the emphasis on ensuring a socially just transition to a carbon-constrained economy may not draw a lot of coverage over the coming months. This will be disappointing given that those least able to make the transition will require more support, beyond compensation payments alone. In this sense, local governments are particularly well placed to be the spokespersons for communities, not only because we have a legislative mandate to ensure the health and wellbeing of our communities, but also because we have seen much more intimately the impacts of other economic and workforce adjustments over the decades. Our priority on climate change at the VLGA has always been to focus on the human and social justice implications. For this reason, we will be pressuring the Federal Government to be more generous in their future funding of ‘structural adjustments’ for regions like the Latrobe Valley. Yes, it is encouraging to see the PM front up in the last few days to these regions, but the test of the just nature of future plans will surely also rest on the levels of support for structural adjustment. Or in summary, our view is that $200 million will just not cut it! The VLGA’s focus on a just transition is also embodied in our Liveable and Just project, and more information on this project can be found here.
We are also keen that all levels of government now focus on better strategies to ensure food security in a carbon-constrained economy, and we will be promoting our work and advocacy on food security over the coming months. Both VLGA projects underscore the simple and inescapable fact that local governments, out of all levels of government, are best placed to build local community resilience, and so it is time for resources to flow directly to the ground where they are most needed. Local governments, after all, have been adjusting and adapting far quicker than the other levels, and we should therefore be seen as a critical partner in responding to change.
Turning now to information, it is pleasing that we are moving from talk to deeds, as local governments around the country have been ‘getting on with the job’ and calling for action for many months, including at key mainstream gatherings of peak bodies at the national level such as ALGA and at the state level such as the MAV. This is not to say that much of the talk over the coming weeks will clarify for people what impact this package will have on them. This is why the VLGA will be distributing independent information to members that may help to explain the package and its impacts, rather than engaging in what is likely to be very heated and counter-productive media commentary. Members may be interested to read the following information from Net Balance as a start, as it contains the facts. In addition, Maddocks Lawyers have also kindly done a briefing for local governments which can be found here.
We are also keen that all levels of government now focus on better strategies to ensure food security in a carbon-constrained economy, and we will be promoting our work and advocacy on food security over the coming months. Both VLGA projects underscore the simple and inescapable fact that local governments, out of all levels of government, are best placed to build local community resilience, and so it is time for resources to flow directly to the ground where they are most needed. Local governments, after all, have been adjusting and adapting far quicker than the other levels, and we should therefore be seen as a critical partner in responding to change.
Turning now to information, it is pleasing that we are moving from talk to deeds, as local governments around the country have been ‘getting on with the job’ and calling for action for many months, including at key mainstream gatherings of peak bodies at the national level such as ALGA and at the state level such as the MAV. This is not to say that much of the talk over the coming weeks will clarify for people what impact this package will have on them. This is why the VLGA will be distributing independent information to members that may help to explain the package and its impacts, rather than engaging in what is likely to be very heated and counter-productive media commentary. Members may be interested to read the following information from Net Balance as a start, as it contains the facts. In addition, Maddocks Lawyers have also kindly done a briefing for local governments which can be found here.
Bookings still open for expert seminar on planning issues and pokies
Bookings are still open for a Planning Institute of Australia (Victoria) seminar of experts from 5.30-7.30pm tomorrow Tuesday July 19 at Russell Kennedy Solicitors, Level 12 469 Latrobe Street Melbourne. The expert panel at this seminar will explore all 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.
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 add 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 on innovative LV Projects that address issues demanding exceptional leadership. To apply and for more information on Leadership Victoria’s Williamson Community Leadership Program, go here.
Events for your diary
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! You can register online here.
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 & 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 on (03) 8412 7342 or via email.
Victorian Charter of Human Rights: what the community says
Thursday 21 July 5.30pm-7pm
RMIT University, Research Lounge (opposite library)
Building 8, Level 5, 368 Swanston St
Amnesty International together with the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT University are co-hosting a forum on the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. The Victorian Government is currently reviewing the Charter, so this is a chance to have a say about what the Charter means to you. New evidence from a community survey on the value of the Charter will also be presented. For more information go here, and to register go here.
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 us 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 by email.
Challenges Facing Vietnamese And Sudanese Community Members –
Free Seminar
Free Seminar
Wednesday 27 July 2011, 10am-1.30pm
Maribyrnong City Council
Engaging Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities (CALD) in environmental sustainability can be challenging but also extremely rewarding. At this seminar we’ll share many of our learnings and insights to date from research undertaken with Vietnamese and Sudanese communities as part of the Developing Sustainable Households in Melbourne’s West project. We hope the information will assist councils and other organisations to develop strategies to encourage sustainable living practices with these communities. The Developing Sustainable Households in Melbourne’s West project was undertaken by Victoria University with the support of Maribyrnong City Council and the Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action. The project was funded through the Victorian Government Sustainability Fund, managed by Sustainability Victoria. For inquiries, please contact Rachel Soitaridis via email and to register go here.
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.
Forum on International Development Assistance in Timor-Leste
Wednesday 3 August, 6pm
VLGA, Carlton.
We are pleased to bring a forum that will look at different models for providing assistance by Australian organisations, including the Australian Government, State Governments, International NGOs and Local Government Friendship groups. It is expected that speakers representing most of these will be present. The forum will also consider issues such as:
* Assessment of needs
* Formation and management of partnerships
* Monitoring and evaluation of outcomes
* Assessment of needs
* Formation and management of partnerships
* Monitoring and evaluation of outcomes
More details shortly. Refreshments will be provided. Please RVSP to Gary Jungwirth via email or telephone (03) 9349 7999.
Economic Development Meets Planning Conference
Thursday and Friday 4-5 August
Caroline Springs
On behalf of the Victorian Chapter of Economic Development Australia and the Planning Institute of Australia, we are proud to announce an industry conference to those with an interest in the long term sustainability and liveability of all Victorian communities. Join us for stimulating conversations:
* Growth is inevitable, or is it?
* Investment attraction - how can planning and ED work together?
* Can planning controls influence investment?
* How can interface and regional Local Government areas secure jobs?
* How can the property development sector work more effectively with government to help create jobs for regions?
* What priorities must Victoria embrace to drive the economy?
* Growth is inevitable, or is it?
* Investment attraction - how can planning and ED work together?
* Can planning controls influence investment?
* How can interface and regional Local Government areas secure jobs?
* How can the property development sector work more effectively with government to help create jobs for regions?
* What priorities must Victoria embrace to drive the economy?
The Conference facilitator will be Peter Couchman, with the conference including guest speakers, interviews and panel discussions with:
Don Henry (CEO Austn Conservation Foundation)
Michael Buxton (Assoc Professor, School of Social Science & Planning, RMIT)
Prue Digby (Deputy Secretary, Dept of Planning & Community Development)
Chris de Silva (Director, Mesh liveable Urban Communities)
Carl Bruhn (GM, Town Centres, Delfin Lend Lease
and many more
To avoid disappointment book now by going here!
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