As ministerial call-ins continue to attract community and local government concern, our call for the State Government to provide greater clarity about the strategic basis upon which such decisions are made is all the more relevant. This is one area we included in our submission to the State Government’s review of Victoria’s Planning System. Speaking of population, growth and infrastructure, I hope to see many of you at our next Leading Edge Forum on Thursday 6 October (see details below). As other levels of government fail to articulate a solid policy basis to handle these issues, VLGA members and friends will be able to discuss the implications for local governments and communities. I look forward to seeing you around and about, and in the meantime please don’t hesitate to give me a call to discuss issues of interest to you, on 0407 364 509 or drop me a line via email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
October Leading Edge Forum: future population, infrastructure and sustainability in local communities: rethinking the debates
Join us for this special 2011 Planning Month event on Thursday 6 October from 6pm. Are we managing the issue or is it managing us?
Is more leadership and coordination needed?
Hear a range of economic, planning and environment experts reflect on the current population, planning and growth debates. Join in an interactive panel discussion, and debate the challenges, opportunities and implications for local governments and communities. Speakers include James Lamour-Reid, Committee Member, Planning Institute Australia; Brian Haratsis, Managing Director and Chief Economist, Macroplan; and Matt Ruchel, Executive Director, Victorian National Parks Association. Download the LEF Flyer and register online or call (03) 9349 7999.
Introduction of Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation Bill 2011 to Parliament
The State Government last week introduced the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation Bill 2011 into Parliament, and it has now been through its second reading. The Bill delivers on the State Government's commitment to create an integrated regulator for gambling and liquor in Victoria, responsible for regulatory, investigative and disciplinary functions under gambling and liquor legislation. The VLGA received a briefing on the Bill and has been assured that appeal rights and other processes affecting local government and community input into both liquor and gaming will not be changed. This will however place extra work on local governments, and the VLGA will be seeking more support and information from the relevant departments. You can access the Bill and the Explanatory Memorandum via the Victorian Legislation website.IAP2 Australasia’s premier Core Values Awards announced
The International Association of Public Participation’s Core Value Awards, which recognise and encourage projects that are at the forefront of public participation, have been announced. Congratulations to category winner Boroondara City Council for their Boroondara Draft Activity Centre Strategy; as well as category runner up Monash City Council for their Batesford Reserve Youth & Community Hub. You can see more information about Australian and New Zealand Regional winners here. Each of the Regional winners is eligible for the Australasian Project of the Year award which will be announced at the Awards Dinner, to be held in conjunction with The Australasian Conference for Public Participation 2011 on Thursday 20 October. Register here for the Awards dinner and the Australasian Conference for Public Participation 2011 (see further event news below).
Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee Report on the review of the Victorian Human Rights Charter
The VLGA notes that SARC has now released its report. The release has been met with widespread concern, and many have already commented that the recommendations, if implemented by the Baillieu State Government, will considerably weaken the operation of the Charter. The VLGA will continue to work with members and stakeholders to see that the views of the local government and community sectors are represented. If you would like more information contact Darren Ray, Director Policy & Public Affairs via email or (03) 9349 7902.Program released for Essential Councillor Retreat: Making the 4th year count
The program for this retreat on 18-19 November at Peppers The Sands Resort in Torquay has now been emailed to all councillors. Numbers are limited and there is an early bird discount for those who get in quickly. You can download the program and registration form from our website. For more information, contact Darren Ray, Director Policy & Public Affairs, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7902.
Refugees in Regional Victoria: implications for Regional Health Care Services
This research paper published by the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) will be of interest to many in regional and rural Victoria. It explores the challenges currently facing health care services and refugee communities. The ECCV has invited both the State and Federal governments to give due consideration to the material presented in the research paper, including recommendations that increased resources be allocated to the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy and the Refugee Health Nurse program. The research paper represents part of the ECCV’s ongoing advocacy for a more holistic, long-term approach to the health and wellbeing of refugees in regional areas.
VLGA supports Thriving Neighbourhoods
Thriving Neighbourhoods (TN) is a conference series that explores the impact of the built and natural environments on communities’ health, wellbeing and productivity. The VLGA is a major conference supporter and as such, VLGA members are entitled to a $100-discount off the registration fees. The 2011 conference at the St Kilda Town Hall, 25-26 October focuses on the role of local governments in creating liveable, sustainable and healthy communities: how they engage stakeholders including the property, planning, parks and recreation, health, and other government sectors. The conference will take these diverse groups out of their silos and work collaboratively to create a living environment where residents are healthy and productive. Paul Hawken, a renowned author whose works have transformed businesses’ thinking about their impact on the environment, will be in Melbourne to address the conference. In The Ecology of Commerce, he argues for ‘full-cost accounting’: taking account of social, environmental and economic costs to truly gauge the impact of a business decision. For the full program and to register go to http://thrivingneighbourhoods2011.org. TN is hosted by ICLEI – Local governments for Sustainability, a non-profit movement of local governments aimed at building capacity of councils to implement long-term local actions to achieve sustainable development. The City of Port Phillip is ICLEI’s principal partner.
50% discount for 9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference on 15-16 November in Melbourne. With a strong focus on issues relevant to local governments, guest presenters include Ballarat and Melbourne CEOs Anthony Schinck and Dr Kathy Alexander. There are three easy ways for VLGA members to register: on the internet; by telephone (02) 9080 4307; or via email. Make sure you quote the following exclusive VLGA event code: P11M41 with your booking. For more information and to see the program, go here.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
VLGA Training: New Councillors Workshop
Saturday 24 September, 9am-2pm
Carlton
The VLGA is holding its next New Councillors Workshop on Saturday 24 September, 9am-2pm at 60 Leicester St in Carlton. This workshop is for councillors who have come into office in the last 12 months or so, and also features a follow-up segment for councillors who attended our previous workshop in March. See our website for the program and to register. Please contact Sarah Colgan, Member Resources Officer, for further information, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7983.
Other events
Developing an alcohol and drug prevention and treatment strategy for Victoria: What do we need?
Wednesday 21 September, 9am-3pmAngliss Conference Centre, 555 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre and the Australian Drug Foundation invite you to this full-day symposium to consider the opportunities and challenges for a whole-of-government approach. As the Victorian Government works on a whole-of-government alcohol and drug strategy, it is timely to consider the key issues in terms of alcohol and drug use in our community. Speakers will explore the existing evidence around opportunities for prevention, treatment responses, system and service configurations, community engagement and population-based approaches. The symposium will seek ideas and proposals from attendees, as well as identify key issues from all sectors of government. Speakers will include the Hon Mary Wooldridge MP, Minister for Mental Health, Women’s Affairs and Community Services; Professor Dan Lubman, Director, Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre; and John Rogerson, CEO, Australian Drug Foundation. Registration is $55 full, $33 concession/student (prices are GST-inclusive). Download a registration form.
Housing: Where to from here?
Wednesday 28 September, 8.00am-2.00pm
Hilton on the Park, 192 Wellington Parade, Melbourne
With some of the world’s most expensive properties, Australia’s housing sector is never far from the headlines. The housing sector in Australia is exhibiting signs of a ‘patchwork’ economy – sluggish in some areas, booming in others. The policy challenge is more significant than the mining boom as it involves issues of town planning and broader land supply constraints while demand is influenced by a wide range of economic and social policies. A CEDA event, this Housing forum will feature Federal Housing Minister Senator Mark Arbib, and it will take an all-encompassing look at the macro-economic picture for the housing market, with a critical analysis of the public policy platforms that determine the condition of the sector. This will include the critical issue of town planning, the effectiveness of which is currently subject to review by the Baillieu Government with the establishment of the Urban Renewal Authority. An expert panel of speakers will discuss the big picture issues relating to the housing sector, public and social policy issues and the importance of getting land use and planning right. Find out more about this event, the panelists and register on the Committee for Economic Development Australia’s (CEDA) website.
Culture: A New Way of Thinking for Local Government
Tuesday 4 October, 9am-5pm
Melbourne Town Hall
How the inclusion of culture with social, environmental and economic policies strengthens local governance. This conference will include diverse perspectives on cultural policy from across the Asia-Pacific region. Conference topics will include:
* Can positive change be expected as a result of the Declaration?
* How can the Declaration assist councils to achieve best outcomes for their communities?
* What are the different ways 'culture' is interpreted and how do these influence local government policies in relation to the arts?
More information at www.culturaldevelopment.net.au.
6th Annual Community Newspapers Association of Victoria Conference
Friday-Saturday, 7-8 October
Geelong Conference Centre, Adams Court, Eastern Park Gardens
The Community Newspapers Association of Victoria (CNAV) is the peak body representing community newspapers in the state, with a current membership of around 60 members. CNAV defines a community newspaper as a newspaper or newsletter that is owned by the community. This could mean a newsletter produced by a community house or a newspaper that is produced by a group of volunteers for a town or community group. CNAV actively works with its members to enhance the capacity and standing of community newspapers, to enable them to fully realise their vital role in communities. To join CNAV at their 6th Annual Conference in Geelong, visit http://cnav.org.au/.
Climate Change Adaptation Congress
Thursday-Friday 13-14 October
Melbourne Town Hall
3 Pillars Network presents the Climate Change Adaptation National Congress in partnership with NCCARF & CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship & Net Balance. Early bird registration rates are available until 22 September for this two-day interactive forum exploring the policy, strategies and business models needed to enable a climate resilient future for Australia. Keynote speakers include Rear Admiral D. Titley, Oceanographer and Navigator of the US Navy, and Dr Graeme Pearman, Monash University. The Congress is intended for organisations at all stages of adaptation planning. Using a participative process, sessions are designed to engage the collective expertise of all attendees – drawing on Australian and International experts across a range of disciplines to help bridge ‘knowledge gaps’ and inform new ideas. Visit www.climateadaptation.com.au for more details.
‘Excite, Engage, Evolve’ Australasian Conference for Public Participation
Thursday-Friday 20-21 October
Sydney Masonic Centre
Whether you’re new to the field, a seasoned practitioner, a councillor, or a senior executive keen to learn more, these popular events are a valuable chance to gain cutting-edge knowledge and skills. Aimed at communities, governments and the private sector, this year’s dynamic, interactive program is packed with opportunities to:
* hear from inspiring leaders in the field
* learn the latest techniques from the world’s leading thinkers
* join practicing peers to share ideas and creative approaches
* celebrate and recognise some shining examples of best practice
* share the secrets of quality community engagement outcomes
Speakers include some of the world’s recognised trailblazers in public participation, including internationally renowned social researcher Mark McCrindle, ABC broadcaster and facilitator Julie McCrossin, and highly regarded researchers and thinkers, Professors Lyn Carson (University of Western Sydney) and John Gastil (University of Washington). The winners of the IAP2’s Core Values Awards (both Australasian and International) will be presented at a special Gala Dinner on 20 October. Building on IAP2’s leading-edge reputation, this event promises to:
* Excite – learn why and how to motivate, mobilise and inspire communities to reach solid and sustained results
* Engage – discover how current practice can help communities make better decisions
* Evolve – hear how to meet the challenges of a fast-changing landscape:
- how to use technology effectively to reach different audiences
- how to leave a legacy of strong, resilient communities after natural disasters and other hardships
- how to revitalise and nurture ourselves in the face of sustained community outrage.
For more information and to register, go here.
North East Branch ALGWA Think Women for Local Government 2012 Forum
Saturday 12 November, 1pm-4pm
Strathbogie Shire Civic Centre, Bury Street, Euroa
To be opened by Hon Jeanette Powell MP, this forum will share information and support the North East Local Government Women’s Association in encouraging women candidates for Local Government in 2012. Enquiries and RSVP to Cr Marg Attley, North East ALGWA President, on 0400 256 035 or email; or to Cr Colleen Furlanetto, North East ALGWA (interim) Secretary, on 0427 537 522 or email.
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