The VLGA has communicated our congratulations to the Bass Coast Shire and community members for their successful campaign to overturn the possibility of rezoning land in Ventnor for residential development. There has been considerable media attention about this issue, but that alone is unlikely to have been the reason for the result. What is clear from the proactive approach of the Bass Coast Shire is that they had a strategic vision for residential growth for their municipality, so it was difficult to argue that this rezoning of a parcel of land outside their plan was necessary, or a sound planning outcome. What is also clear is the power of the partnership between local governments and our communities – whether this be local or more widespread. Another lesson we draw from the whole experience is that communities get motivated and advocate for issues when there is a strong strategic basis for their position. Once again, I’d like to congratulate all the stakeholders involved and acknowledge the calm leadership of Bass Coast Shire. Speaking of residential growth, I hope to see many of you at our next Leading Edge Forum on Thursday 6 October. Although there are some amazing events coming up in the near future (see below), I did want to mention two of my personal favourites coming up in early October – the annual Mayors on Bikes event, this year kindly hosted by the City of Kingston; as well as Bicycle Victoria’s Bike Futures Conference. So, whether it be ‘on a bike’ or not, I look forward to seeing you around and about. 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
Don’t be caught out! Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission’s annual Local Government Survey closes on 7 October
So far only seven metropolitan and 15 regional and rural local governments have completed VEOHRC’s annual survey. The online survey closes on 7 October. The questions for local governments are the same as those used in the 2010 Report to ensure the Commission can gather consistent comparative data. The Report questions mirrored the format of the VLGA’s Human Rights Toolkit, which looks at milestones in human rights implementation that are aimed at developing a more coordinated approach across all local governments. Hopefully this will reduce the reporting burden for local governments. A decade of inquiries into Australian Local Government: unfinished business?
The VLGA highly recommends one of the Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government’s (ACELG) working papers to members. This ACELG paper echoes a lot of advocacy positions taken by the VLGA and looks at the findings, recommendations and outcomes of nine major national and state inquiries into local government over the period from 2001 to 2008. The paper explores three key questions. First, what have been the major themes and ideas to emerge? Second, to what extent have the principal findings and recommendations been implemented? Third, how much unfinished business remains to be transacted in order to place Australian local governments on a sounder footing? The paper notes that, over time, a significant number of the inquiry recommendations have been reflected in policy and legislative change. However, the patchy nature of responses to the inquiries, and differences of opinion evident between state and local governments on priorities for further reform, point to two underlying issues that slow the process of change: * State governments tend not to respond to inquiry recommendations unless they initiate and control the agenda themselves
* Despite commissioning several of the inquiries, the local government sector itself has mostly failed to assemble and prosecute packages of reforms that are acceptable to councils generally, and that also appeal to other key stakeholders – especially state governments.
The VLGA believes that these two issues continue to focus on the question of how and when local governments can increasingly set their own agenda and find solutions that do not solely rely on other levels of government. To see what’s happening at the ACELG go here.
ALGWA celebrates 60 years!
The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) celebrates its 60th birthday on Saturday 15 October. Join them in celebrating 60 years of supporting women elected to, and working in, the local government sector, at the Box Hill Town Hall on 15 October, 2-4pm. The winner of the 2011 ALGWA Bursary award will also be announced. All are welcome, including former members. Further details to follow, or for further information contact Secretary Helen Harris via email.
Economic Development Australia (Vic) Scholarships
Applications close on 30 September for EDA Victoria’s Professional Development Program. A total of $9,000 is available for two fantastic professional development opportunities to EDA members. The first is a scholarship program worth $5,000 to develop professional skills through study in courses or study programs related to economic development (the applicant must demonstrate this relationship in their application form). The scholarship is ideally suited to both young professionals who are new to economic development and looking to develop their expertise, and to those who are more experienced and wish to further their studies or add formal qualifications to their credentials. The second opportunity is a $4,000 study tour, available to economic developers with five or more years’ experience. Applications can be made direct via the following EDA Scholarship and EDA Study Tour links. For more information regarding the program contact Ray Davies at Pyrenees Shire or Bill Millard at Warrnambool City Council.
Talking Trees: why urban forests matter
Last week the VLGA attended a breakfast organised by the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord exploring the benefits provided by urban trees and the challenges facing local governments in managing them. The Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee (VLSAC), in consultation with Accord partners and local governments across Victoria, identified trees and urban landscapes as an issue for local governments. The event is a demonstration of the Accord’s commitment to learning and knowledge sharing across levels of government on environmental sustainability issues. It was attended by local government CEOs, mayors and senior staff, State Government executives, and organisations such as City West Water and VicHealth. Facilitated by Rob Gell, a lively and passionate discussion was had between a diverse panel of speakers. Key topics explored included the tensions between open space and densification of urban development, the need for greater access to data and the importance of urban trees and green spaces for social wellbeing and health. VLGA members will be interested to note that a background paper exploring the benefits, challenges and trends in urban trees across metropolitan Melbourne was prepared by the Accord to inform the event and can be downloaded from the DSE Accord website under the resource and publications section at www.dse.vic.gov.au/accord.
Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee (SARC) Report on the review of the Victorian Human Rights Charter
The VLGA’s CEO Maree McPherson and Human Rights Policy Officer Gary Jungwirth last week attended a forum, co-hosted by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and the Law Institute of Victoria, with regards to the SARC Report, which has attracted widespread media attention. The key messages from the forum included:* The report appears to ignore the overwhelming support for the retention of the Charter – the highest support for any charter of protections disclosed in Australia’s history;
* The recommendations of the SARC do not appear to be based on the evidence presented by the submissions and at the public hearings;
* Many public authorities, including State Government departments, have provided evidence of how the Charter has enhanced their operation and had positive impacts on their service delivery;
* Submissions from the not-for-profit sector clearly called for a retention of the Charter and for enhanced training and standards.
This is in line with the VLGA’s submission and evidence to the public hearings. If you would like more information contact Darren Ray, Director Policy & Public Affairs via email or (03) 9349 7902.
50 new International Water Centre scholarships on offer for 2012
In the context of current economic downturn, the International WaterCentre (IWC) is seeking new ways to support the world's future water leaders. IWC is now offering partial-tuition scholarships to the first 50 students who enrol in an Integrated Water Management program (Master’s, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate) for 2012. The scholarships are available to Australian and international students who do not receive any external full-tuition scholarship or full-tuition funding from other sources. Each partial scholarship is valued at $5,000 for the whole Master’s program, payable per semester towards tuition fees (directly to The University of Queensland). Flexibility in program delivery is provided, with students being able to study full-time or part-time/distance. Three new specialisation streams will be offered in 2012 including international development; water, land and people; and urban water. To benefit from a partial scholarship, you need to:
1. apply for the program
2. receive an unconditional offer package from The University of Queensland
3. be one of the first 50 students to enrol in the program (enrolments open in Dec 2011/Jan 2012).
For further details and information on deadlines, go here or contact the IWC via email or (07) 3123 7766.
Events for your diary
VLGA events
October Leading Edge Forum – Future population, infrastructure and sustainability in local communities: rethinking the debates
Thursday 6 October, 6-9pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
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.
Mayors on Bikes 2011
Wednesday 12 October, 10am-1.30pm
Kingston City Council
Coinciding with Ride to Work Day, Mayors on Bikes provides a useful informal networking and information sharing event that is invaluable to any mayor interested in transport and planning issues. Join us to explore a viable sustainable transport option. This year’s Mayors on Bikes event is kindly hosted by the City of Kingston and involves mayors, other representatives from metropolitan local governments, and State Government authorities to join together in a leisurely bike ride along the Patterson River Trail, Wells Road shared path, Edithvale Road and Long Beach Trail. The ride will highlight some of the recent shared path and other upgrades, as well as the future challenges being faced by Kingston and shared by other local governments. Following the bike ride, there will be opportunity for networking over refreshments and to hear from key agencies as they discuss how local governments can work with them to bring about change in a consultative and collaborative manner. See our Mayors on Bikes event page for more information including the program, and to register.
VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 3 November, 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton
Pencil this date into your diary and join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our financial statements and Annual Report, and award a life membership at the AGM. Invitations will be sent shortly. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer Sarah Colgan via email or (03) 9349 7983.
Essential Councillor Retreat: making the 4th year count!
Friday 18 – Saturday 19 November
Peppers The Sands Resort Torquay
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.
Other events
Housing: Where to from here?
Wednesday 28 September, 8am-2pm
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 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.
Food-sensitive planning in urban design (FSPUD) forum
Thursday 6 October, 1.45-5.00pm
Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, Cnr Bell Street and St. Georges Road, Preston
The Heart Foundation invites you to a forum to learn more about the resource, Food-sensitive planning and urban design: a conceptual framework for achieving a sustainable and healthy food system. Guest speakers include Associate Professor Trevor Budge AM, La Trobe University; Jenny Donovan, Inclusive Design; Dr Lukar Thornton, Deakin University; and Kirsten Larsen, Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab (VEIL), Melbourne University. This forum will be of interest to planners, architects, urban designers, engineers, public health professionals, policy makers, community members and elected representatives. It will explore the critical need to consider food in urban land use and development and how that might be achieved. Admission is free and RSVPs are required by 5pm on Friday 30 September by email. For a copy of the FSPUD resource, go here. This event is an initiative of the Heart Foundation and is being delivered in partnership with the VLGA, and is funded by VicHealth.Thursday 6 October, 1.45-5.00pm
Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, Cnr Bell Street and St. Georges Road, Preston
2011 Roadsafe Conference: reducing road trauma
Thursday 6 – Friday 7 October
Quality Hotel, Wangaratta Gateway, Wangaratta
Topics this year include involving the community; targeting the needs; behavioural change; and ‘beyond 2011’. The 2011 Roadsafe Conference will bring people together with a strong focus on ‘Reducing Road Trauma’. After the conference, stay on for the weekend and enjoy many of the region’s highlights of natural beauty and surroundings, road trails, wine and gourmet food.
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/.
2011 Bike Futures Conference
Wednesday 12 – Friday 14 October
Etihad Stadium, 740 Bourke Street, Melbourne
The Bike Futures Conference is your key annual professional development opportunity. The conference brings together national and local leaders, planners, designers and builders. This three-day conference is presented by the Bicycle Network and hosted by Bicycle Victoria. For further information on the conference and for registration details, go to the Bike Futures Conference website. With the transport crisis a long-term reality for Australian cities, there has never been a better time to improve liveability by embracing the benefits of bicycling, according to Harry Barber, CEO of Bicycle Victoria. Now in its third year Bike Futures has become the key annual professional development for national and local leaders, planners, designers and builders to use bike transport and recreation to advance their communities. Bike Futures 2011 will discuss how to take the next steps from providing bike infrastructure – essential for mobility – to changing the ways cities work. It will bring together world leading experts as well as some of Australia’s leading practitioners on how to best respond to the issues confronting communities as they embrace the bicycle revolution. Workshop themes for the three days will include: innovative and human design, linking local initiatives with the bigger picture, shared paths and shared spaces, cycle tourism and how Vancouver BC has become the world’s most liveable city. The conference brings together ideas, solutions and practical strategies to meet the challenges provided by the bike riding boom.
The Long Walk Women's Luncheon 2011
Friday 14 October, 11.30am
Peninsula at Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Join the VLGA who will also be donating a seat to this event that will celebrate Indigenous women’s achievements over lunch with great entertainment and conversation. The Long Walk is a charity inspired by Michael Long’s walk to Canberra to get the lives of Australia’s Indigenous people back on the national agenda. Special Guests include Rosalie Kunoth-Monks; Fay Ball; The Sunshine Sisters (Emma Donovan, Jessie Lloyd and Deline Briscoe) and the MC Pauline Whyman. You can book a table of 10 for the Luncheon, and individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate seats to Indigenous women with limited funds. Please indicate donated seats by writing ‘donated seat’ as the guest name in the booking form. Seats (at $110 each) will be donated to FVPLS Victoria to distribute. Funds raised through the Women’s Luncheon will contribute to The Long Walk’s Indigenous Cultural Exchange in 2012. Please register online by Friday 30 September.
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. A 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.
Crisis and opportunity: the changing face of environmental health
Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 October
Comfort Inn Country Plaza, Halls Gap
Presented by Environmental Health Australia (Vic) Inc., and supported by the Department of Health, Northern Grampians Shire and Macpherson+Kelley Lawyers, this 2nd Annual Professional Development Symposium will feature a range of workshops, site tours and social functions specifically aimed at Local Government Environmental Health Officers, Local Laws Officers, Health Planners and others. One of the workshops will feature the VLGA’s Food Security Policy Officer speaking on ‘the relevance of addressing food security as an opportunity prior to crisis’ along with Meagan Ward, of the Grampians and Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership. You can download the conference program and conference registration.
‘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. For more information and to register, go here.
2011 Thriving Neighbourhoods Conference
Tuesday-Wednesday 25-26 October
St Kilda Town Hall
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 VLGA members are entitled to a $100-discount off the registration fees. The 2011 conference 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. The VLGA is making a financial contribution to bring Paul Hawken to the conference. Paul is 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. The program and registration details can be found at 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.
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 the local government elections 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.
9th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference
Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November
Melbourne
As an endorsing partner, the VLGA has secured a massive 50% discount for our members to this conference. 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.
5th ‘State of Australian Cities’ National Conference
Tuesday 29 November – Friday 2 December
University of Melbourne, Parkville
Australia’s society and economy are dominated by its cities and regions, and the future of Australia’s environment is also linked to urban sustainability. The State of Australian Cities is a national forum, held biennially, to share scholarship directed at the complex and multidimensional issues facing us as an urban nation. Australian cities are highly ranked internationally for their liveability, and have continued to grow strongly through a global financial crisis. Yet we are confronted with significant challenges. These challenges should not blind us to opportunities. For the first time in two decades, the Federal Government is talking about the need to address the infrastructure gap in cities. A growing body of urban researchers is interested in the policy implications of their work, while policy-makers are increasingly turning to the developing evidence base. Unlikely coalitions are springing up to address intertwined social, economic, environmental, governance, and infrastructure issues.
