VLGA President’s Message
I am really proud to be the President of the VLGA, no more so than when we have our monthly Leading Edge Forums where we engage a diverse range of members and colleagues. Last Thursday we held a LEF in Ballarat on securing local business and jobs: exploring the barriers and opportunities and I have to say this was one of the most enjoyable and informative to date, with some travelling in excess of 3 hours to attend! My thanks once again to the City Of Ballarat for their warm hospitality. You can view the recorded webcast. I would particularly recommend that councillors find the time to take a look. We will be saying more about this issue in the coming weeks. While we were in the magnificent Ballarat Town Hall, many of us had the chance to look at some of the amazing photographs in the Ballarat International Foto Biennale. Set in an amazing 67 venues across Ballarat, this Biennale runs until 18 September, and I recommend it to members. Take a look online at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale.
This week marks National Landcare Week and this will showcase the diverse range of landcare activities and achievements across rural, regional and metropolitan Victoria. Landcare Week is also an awareness campaign for landcare and coastcare groups, farmers embracing sustainable farm management, ‘friends of’ groups, bushcare, rivercare, dunecare, Junior Landcare and any volunteer group that manages environmental issues at a local level. The purpose of the campaign is to assist groups in the landcare movement around Australia build capacity, create awareness in their community and encourage participation by attracting volunteers. For more information on events, see the 2011 Landcare Week website. 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.
Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Advance diary notice! 2011 Essential Councillor Retreat: Making the 4th year count
Councillors should pencil in 18-19 November, for the VLGA’s Essential Councillor Retreat to be held at Peppers The Sands Resort in Torquay. The retreat will feature a number of expert-led practical workshops and networking opportunities pertinent to how councillors approach the 4th year of the council term. There will be a focus on Identifying and addressing public emotion and outrage; engaging effectively with local communities; taking stock and leaving a legacy; Governing in the final year of council’s term; as well as ‘beyond facebook and twitter: communicating in ways that suit community needs. A Program Flyer and Registration Form will be sent out shortly. For more information, contact Darren Ray, Director Policy & Public Affairs via email or telephone (03) 9349 7902.
Review of Victoria’s Planning System
Another key theme the VLGA will be pursuing in our submission to the Victorian Planning System Ministerial Advisory Committee is whether there is a case to wind back local government and community input into planning decisions. Noting the State Government’s election commitments to honest and genuine community engagement and consultation; as well as restoring integrity, transparency and certainty to the planning system, we will argue strongly that there is not a case for this course of action.
The VLGA recognises that the planning system needs to achieve efficiency and avoid undue delays, costs and other impediments to economic development. However, we would ask that this inquiry places into context the claims made [by both the other levels of government and industry] about delays and impediments at the local government level. These claims need to be tested against objective data, as many of them are either baseless or are generalisations from the small proportion of actual planning matters which are not resolved in a timely and efficient manner. Such claims may represent attempts to speed up processes for the benefit of narrow vested interests at the expense of checks and balances which protect the broader public interest [including referrals to authorities for fire/flood/environmental management]. There may be a case for addressing concerns about inefficiencies, but this case should not be based on untested allegations.
Much can be gained from improving the capacity of local governments and referral authorities to process amendments and applications, such as by addressing the shortage of trained planners, rather than changing the structure and processes of the system. And of course, there is significant evidence that addressing a key system blockage – the delay in getting State Government approval for Planning Scheme Amendments – would also assist in this regard. We do not believe there is a strong evidence-based argument to slash community and local government input, and we hope that the Ministerial Advisory Committee thoroughly test the claims made by others and the implications of any proposed course of action. If you have views you would like to share with us as we finalise our submission, contact Philip Schier, the VLGA’s Senior Policy Officer, via email or on (03) 9349 7999.
Much can be gained from improving the capacity of local governments and referral authorities to process amendments and applications, such as by addressing the shortage of trained planners, rather than changing the structure and processes of the system. And of course, there is significant evidence that addressing a key system blockage – the delay in getting State Government approval for Planning Scheme Amendments – would also assist in this regard. We do not believe there is a strong evidence-based argument to slash community and local government input, and we hope that the Ministerial Advisory Committee thoroughly test the claims made by others and the implications of any proposed course of action. If you have views you would like to share with us as we finalise our submission, contact Philip Schier, the VLGA’s Senior Policy Officer, via email or on (03) 9349 7999.
Staffing position at VLGA: Local Government Gaming Policy Officer
A reminder that the VLGA is employing a part-time (0.4EFT) Local Government Gaming Policy Officer, which will be funded until the end of June 2012. This position has been made possible due to the generous contributions to the University of Ballarat Research into the Social and Economic Impacts of Pokies from local governments from around the state. Applications for this position close this Friday 9 September. If you are interested or know of someone else who may be suitable, we have also loaded this information, including a link to the position description, on our website.
Do you have views about Victoria’s road speed limits?
The issue of speed limits on our roads not only has safety implications, but also has effects on business and community activity in local areas. VLGA members will be interested to hear that the State Government has set up the Victorian Speed Limit Review with the aim to make speed limits simpler, more consistent and easier to follow. The Review provides an opportunity for Victorian road users to bring speed related issues to the attention of the policy-makers so that speed limits and their use can be improved. VicRoads is now seeking submissions on the following topics:
* Routes with large numbers of speed zone changes
* Opportunities to reduce the number of speed limit changes
* Aspects of School Speed Zones, including layout and location, times of operation and days of operation
* Strip shopping centre times
* Speed limits in town centres
* Use and application of advisory speed limits
* Minimum length of speed zones
* Consistency of speed limits under similar conditions
Submissions close on 11 October, and you can find out more information on the process and how to make submissions on the VicRoads website.
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, 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 their website.
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.
Making human rights real – Mildura workshop
Learn more about human rights and how to translate them into the work of your organisation. The Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT, the VLGA and VCOSS are hosting a series of free participatory workshops across Victoria to facilitate people's understanding of human rights and to develop a human rights approach to service delivery and policy development in locally based organisations. The Mildura workshop will be held in on Tuesday 13 September, 10am-1pm, at the Mildura Rural City Offices, 76-84 Deakin Street, Mildura. You can download the Mildura flyer and registration form from our website.
Don’t forget that workshops are being held in Springvale and Melton this week!
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 well-attended 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. To stay connected to this conference, follow it on LinkedIn, Twitter (#victransport), the Informa blog, or Youtube.
Early bird discount and offer for Creative Innovation 2011 Conference
VLGA members are advised that the early bird registration date has been extended until 16 September, and you can save over $500, plus receive a free subscription to BRW magazine. To receive a further 10% discount on tickets for your staff, members and associates the special discount code/password is CONNECT. This is a two-day conference with the theme ‘The challenges and opportunities of a super-connected world’ to be held from 16-18 November. Find out more here.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
VLGA Training: New Councillors Workshop
Saturday 24 September, 9am-2pm
VLGA, 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.
October LEF – Future population, infrastructure and sustainability in local communities: rethinking the debates
Thursday 6 October, 6-9pm
VLGA, Carlton
To be held on the eve of Victoria’s Planning Week, pencil this next LEF into your diary as we bring a range of economic, planning and sustainability experts together to reflect on the current debates about whether we are ‘managing’ population growth or it is managing us and the implications for local governments and communities. Further details will be sent to members shortly.
Other events
University of Melbourne Social Justice Initiative – Lunchtime seminar
Tuesday 6 September, 1-2pm
University of Melbourne Carlton Campus
The Social Justice Initiative is pleased to invite you to the upcoming Social Justice seminar. Professor Deborah Cobb-Clark will be presenting a lunchtime seminar entitled ‘That Pesky Problem of Gender Bias’. The seminar will be held in Theatrette 1 of the Economics and Commerce Building (also known as ‘Arts West’ building) at the University of Melbourne. For further information on this event, please visit the Social Justice Initiative website.
Gambling and its public health impact
Thursday 8 September, 5.15-7.30pm
City Campus, La Trobe University, 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne
This Public Health Association of Australia (Victoria) forum aims to bring you some analysis of problem gambling and its causes, some recent research on gambling in Victoria, and an update on the strategies of industry, government and the community sector. A highly informed panel will shed some light on all these, including Charles Livingstone who is a well-known researcher on gambling issues from Monash University’s Department of Health Social Science. He has published and commented widely on this topic over many years. Susan Rennie is a Health Promotion Advisor, North East Primary Care Partnership, who has been active at a community level addressing this issue. Paul Marden is the Manager Research, Office of Gaming and Racing, Department of Justice, and he and his colleague Rosa Billi will present the first set of findings from the Victorian Gambling Wave Two study. Cost is $3 for PHAA members and $5 for non-members. Register via email.
National Sustainable Procurement Forum
Wednesday-Thursday 7-8 September
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
ECO-Buy, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, is hosting a National Sustainable Procurement Forum. The Forum is for sustainability and procurement professionals in local governments and elsewhere. Sustainable procurement is fast developing as the next big revolution in procurement and provides opportunities for improved efficiency, reduced resource use, cost savings and of course reducing an organisation’s impact. Whether your organisation is well under way with integrating sustainability into your purchasing, or just wondering about how to get started, this forum offers a range of interesting outcome based solutions. Please visit the forum website for more information and to register.
Reinventing the Regions Series:
Hume Region – Transitioning for the Future
Friday 16 September, 8.30am-3.00pm
Parklake Hotel, 481 Wyndham Street, Shepparton
The Hume Region is probably best known as Victoria’s food bowl heartland. The region supplies Victoria and the country with 60 per cent of its agricultural products, and has a broadly diversified economy with strengths in manufacturing, food processing, packaging (warehousing and freight) and logistics. It lays at a critical juncture, linking the towns and cities of Victoria to national highways, rail freight lines and the Port of Melbourne.
It has faced significant challenges over the past few years, overcoming the impacts of droughts and flooding. To transition for the future, deeper investment in skills, education, sustainable and competitive agricultural and water management practices will be required. Importantly transport connectivity is vital for enhanced growth and this forum will provide an opportunity to look at both passenger and freight needs for the future. New and existing partnerships between the business community and government agencies will continue to be fostered and promoted as a method to collectively work towards achieving the vision for the region. It is through these partnerships the region will work towards desired outcomes for economic development, infrastructure provisions and community life. Find out more about this event, the panelists and register on the Committee for Economic Development Australia’s (CEDA) website.
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, and 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. Another CEDA event, this Housing forum will feature Federal Housing Minister Senator Mark Abib, and it will take an all-encompassing look at the macroeconomic 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 Ballieu Government with the establishment of the Urban Renewal Authority. You will hear from an expert panel of speakers discussing 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/.
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.
- 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, please click here.
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