As our members and communities grapple with the impacts of population change, growth and inadequate infrastructure and funding at the local level, I am pleased to be able to inform members that the Board last week adopted a set of recommendations for ongoing advocacy with the State Government and other stakeholders concerning land use planning, population and settlement issues. These recommendations are grouped into four ‘key themes’, namely:
1. Place community engagement at the core of principles and process
2. Forge a genuine partnership between State and Local Government
3. Support strategic planning with adequate investment in infrastructure
4. Establish agreements on population and settlement issues
The recommendations are also strongly based on some of the work the VLGA undertook in the lead-up to the last State Election, member feedback since, as well as our strong policy support for equitable and sustainable communities, regardless of the setting. We are already in discussion with the State Government about how the replacement metropolitan strategy needs to be truly collaborative and engaging at the local level, and on Friday we met with the Victorian Planning System Ministerial Advisory Committee to present key issues the VLGA believes need to be considered in their review of Victoria’s overall planning system. We will say more to members about this in the coming weeks, as we finalise our written submission to the Advisory Committee. Please remember that if you have views regarding the overall effectiveness of the planning system, you can get further information here, and share your views on this topic with us. In the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 0407 364 509 or drop me a line. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
A message from our CEO, Maree McPherson – ACELG Indigenous employment roundtable
Last week, at the invitation of the Australian Centre of Excellence in Local Government, I travelled to Sydney to participate in their national roundtable on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities in local government. Having managed a local indigenous employment project personally some years ago, I was very pleased to be involved, in cooperation with the ALGA and national peak bodies, and to hear Senator the Hon Mark Arbib, Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, address us on this important issue. A number of presenters spoke to us about models that have generated success in local communities, including an outstanding example of employment brokerage across Gippsland by the Latrobe City Council's team, led by Joanne Brunt. These examples showed us that when local governments put their support behind such programs, long term results are possible – as Joanne told us, there are a number of Aboriginal employees at Latrobe who were placed through the program who will shortly be eligible for long service leave, proving this is not a short-term 'work experience' program; it is about 'real' jobs. Other presenters included Grant Paulson from Reconciliation Australia about Reconciliation Action Plans and the councils that have made them successful, and Erin McKinnon from Reconciliation Victoria about their project in partnership with the VLGA, Reconciliation Australia, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, and Baw Baw, Stonnington and Whittlesea councils. The State Library of Queensland's Indigenous Knowledge Centres model, which operates in partnership with local governments, was also inspiring. My fear is that those in the sector with past experiences of short-term traineeship projects and inability to source resources and training will be daunted and will continue to think this issue is just too challenging for us to tackle. My great hope however is that the 'take away' messages from the roundtable will stay with us and enable shared information to generate a new enthusiasm for diversity employment strategies across Australian local governments. Copies of presentations will be available from the ACELG web site shortly. The roundtable was held to assist facilitate the process of redeveloping the current Green Paper on Indigenous employment in local government, prepared by ACELG, into a White Paper.
Keeping you up to date
So what do some Mayors think of population, planning and settlement issues?
Members may be interested in a very interesting research monograph which has just been released from the Centre for Independent Studies, called Australia’s Angry Mayors: How Population Growth Frustrates Local Councils, which is based on a survey of around 500 mayors. Although the title implies strong opinions were held for one view, the truth is that the issues of land use planning, population and settlement are far more complex, as are the interests that inevitably line up for one argument or others. Recent history shows the political heat that can be generated around these issues, and that while some shy away from the issues as a result, the VLGA believes that the vacuum this leaves in public policy informed by genuine, calm community debate must not remain. There is a need for strong voices insisting that the State and Federal Governments take a fresh approach to community involvement in these issues, and the VLGA will be lobbying for this to occur. Easily said, perhaps, but as you read the above research monograph, it may be helpful to remember that old adage, “all politics is local”, when next speaking with your local member of parliament about population, planning and settlement issues. You can also see the authors speak about their research and survey.
Think women for local government 2012 project update
This VLGA project is funded by the State Government through the Office of Women’s Policy. Twenty-seven local governments have already responded to the invitation to support the project goals, and regional forums inviting women’s interest in local government will be held at Baw Baw, Boroondara, East Gippsland, Gannawarra, Greater Geelong, Hobsons Bay, Horsham, Moyne, Mount Alexander and Nillumbik.
Ballarat, Bayside, Cardinia, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Greater Shepparton, Kingston, Mitchell, Moira, Moreland, Port Phillip, Surf Coast, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges are looking to host their own local forums, events or other initiatives which suit their local communities. Opportunities are still open to work with the VLGA on local events. The City of Melbourne will host a ‘Celebrate and Challenge’ cocktail event on 9 November for CEOs, mayors, councillors, Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter champions, and senior managers so put this date in your diary now as numbers will be limited! This special event will celebrate the 52 local governments who have endorsed the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter, launch materials, resources and links to make the job easier, and formally kick-off the challenge to ‘think women for local government’ in 2012. Whether we see more and diverse women candidates in 2012 depends on this goal being owned by many. While the VLGA acts as the conduit and facilitator, our focus is also on genuine and active partnerships with local governments, community organisations and other organisations such as ALGWA and peak organisations through the Women’s Participation in Local Government (WPILG) Coalition.
The Women’s Charter Project, funded by the State Government and auspiced by the MAV for the WPILG Coalition, has helped to build a vibrant State-wide local government policy context for this work, and these partnerships will no doubt underpin the success of Think women for local government 2012. Please let us know if you would like to help build the numbers and diversity of women candidates in 2012. If you want more information or you are interested in joining the partnership contact Linda Bennett via email or on (03) 9349 7904.
Thinking transport
Members may like to take a look at some of the latest transport news on our updated Thinking Transport website. Two items of interest include Encouraging Sustainability Related Behaviours: Transport, an interesting article written by Awake Consultancy and posted at the Sustainable Melbourne website, which discusses research into efforts to encourage specific areas of sustainability-related behaviours. This is a useful resource for local governments seeking to encourage active transport and public transport in their municipalities and reduce private car use. Another item of interest is the fact that the State Government is seeking views concerning its proposal to relocate the export and import of cars from Webb Dock at the Port of Melbourne, to the Port of Geelong. You can read the Discussion Paper online, and if you would like more information on how the DoT is currently seeking to consult with a variety of stakeholders, including local government, you can find more details at the Port of Geelong Feasibility Study website.
Creative Innovation 2011
Creative Innovation 2011 is a rare opportunity to learn, think, connect and share ideas with over 35 of the world’s most influential thinkers under one roof. Inspire your leadership and achieve business success. The theme for Ci2011 is: “The challenges and opportunities of a super-connected world”. Learn and think with one of USA’s leading entrepreneurs Raymond Kurzweil, acclaimed philosopher and cognitive scientist Daniel Dennett (USA), world authority on creative thinking Edward De Bono (UK), technology entrepreneur Tan Le (USA), Stanford and IDEO design thinking expert Brendan Boyle (USA), ‘The Innovation Architect’ Paddy Miller (USA), education guru Stephen Heppell (UK), Australian of the Year Simon McKeon, and many more. If you register early (by 31 August), you will SAVE OVER $500, PLUS receive a FREE subscription to BRW magazine. (There are limited places available). To receive a further 10% discount on tickets for your staff, members and associates wishing to purchase tickets for the event the special discount code/password is “CONNECT”. This is a two-day conference plus Deep Conversations, 10 Master Classes, Gala Dinner and outstanding Australian performers and artists. To be held 16-18 November at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, you can find out more by going here.
Nominations now open for the Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) 2011 Pam Keating Award
Each year this Award provides $1,500 to a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the environment industry in Victoria. The Award recognises the work of the late Pam Keating (1954-2009) who held a number of key roles in the waste, water and sustainability fields and was an inspiration to many in those fields. You can download the Terms of Reference and Nomination Form.Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Forum on International Development Assistance in Timor-Leste
Wednesday 3 August, 6pm
VLGA, Carlton
We are pleased to host 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. See the forum flyer online. The forum will also consider such issues as:
* Assessment of needs
* Formation and management of partnerships
* Monitoring and evaluation of outcomes
Guest speakers will be Philipa Venning, Director East Timor, AusAID; Wayne Gum, Programme Impact Coordinator for East Asia, Oxfam Australia; Sofie Anselmi, Volunteer Program – Australian Partners, Australian Volunteers International; Dr Prabir Majumdar, International Projects Manager, Alternative Technology Association; and the VLGA’s Vice-President and Chair of our Timor-Leste Advisory Group, Richard Brown, who is also Project Coordinator of the Friends of Aileu. The forum will be webcast live on the evening from 6.30pm here. You can also view the webcast any time after the forum at the same link. Refreshments will be provided. Please RVSP to Gary Jungwirth via email or telephone (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA August Leading Edge Forum – Directly elected Mayors & Deputy Mayors: to be or not to be, what are the questions?
Thursday 4 August, 6-9pmVLGA, Carlton
We look forward to meeting members and friends at our August LEF for this much-anticipated debate about direct election. See the flyer online for more details and RSVP online or telephone us on (03) 9349 7999. The LEF will also be webcast live from 7pm.
Other events
Economic Development Meets Planning Conference
Thursday and Friday, 4-5 August
Caroline Springs
This industry conference is delivered by a partnership between the Victorian Chapter of Economic Development Australia and the Planning Institute of Australia, and invites those with an interest in the long term sustainability and liveability of all Victorian communities. Join them for stimulating conversations on:
* 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 is Peter Couchman; guest speakers, interviews and panellists will include:
Don Henry (CEO Aust 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.
See the conference brochure for more information and book online.
Join ANTaR Vic for a chat about Constitutional Recognition of Australia's First Peoples
Friday 5 August, 3.30pmBrotherhood of St Laurence, Father Tucker Room, 67 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
ANTaR Vic would like to invite you to an initial conversation about the current consultation by the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Australia’s First Peoples. The aims of this first meeting is to
* Provide a briefing outlining the processes involved
* Help plan for a future forum with NGOs and a possible public forum
* Establish a working party
The overall aim is to educate the broader public on the issues around Constitutional Recognition of Australia’s First Peoples and to encourage organisations and individuals to participate in this important conversation. RSVP via email to ANTaR or phone (03) 9419 3613.
The Yarra Settlement Forum invites workers to attend a Housing Forum
Tuesday 9 August, 9.30am-12.30pm
Reading Room, Fitzroy Town Hall, Napier Street, Fitzroy
Do you work with refugees with housing issues? Are you confused about the various housing options available? Do you want up-to-date information about housing in Yarra?
Come along and hear presentations by:
* Peer Education & Support Program speaker
* Housing Minister representative
* Housing Association and Service Providers
* Tenants Union of Victoria
Please RSVP by email to Katherine Vrettas at the City of Yarra.
Culture and Community Researchers’ Network
Thursday 11 August, 2.00pm-5.00pm
Graduate Centre, 1888 Grattan Street, University of Melbourne (between Swanston and Bouverie Sts)
Towards a Conceptual Handshake: bringing together theory, policy and practice of cultural indicators, a roundtable presentation of three unique perspectives from the burgeoning field of cultural indicators chaired by Dr Lachlan MacDowall, Research Coordinator, Centre for Cultural Partnerships, VCAM. From UNESCO’s benchmarks for cultural freedoms, comparison of LGA cultural provision, to community arts evaluation – diverse approaches to quantifying cultural value exist. Responding to Colin Mercer’s (2002) call for conceptual and policy ‘handshakes’, speakers draw on their doctoral research to progress the dialogue about cultural measurement, aiming to enhance the knowledge base for cultural policy, planning and development. Researchers and workers in community cultural development, arts evaluation, and local government are invited to participate in the roundtable discussion. Topics and speakers include: The political context of cultural indicators: evidence and values in democratic governance, Emma Blomkamp; Understanding outcomes of participatory arts: a framework for evaluation, Kim Dunphy; and ‘Naming the World’ as representation: a relational approach in socially-engaged arts and cultural indicators, Marnie Badham. More information here. RSVP (for afternoon tea) via email or phone (03) 9685 9067 before 8 August.
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