VLGA President’s Message
Last week we were on the road again, with the VLGA visiting the Greater Shepparton City Council to support their efforts to attract a diverse range of candidates for the local government elections in October. I will see many of you in Canberra from today at the National General Assembly of Local Government and I look forward to talking with you and sharing ideas while we are there. Please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509 if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Urban Growth Boundary changes announced
Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week released the Growth Corridor Plans (GCP), the approval of six Precinct Structure Plans and announced the completion of the Logistical Inclusions review of Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). As part of the GCP, the VLGA advocated for the need for the Victorian Government to develop with local government an infrastructure timing, delivery and funding strategy for growth areas, the inclusion of principles into the GCP such as food security, affordable housing, integrated water management and transport planning and a more effective link between land use planning and health and wellbeing. In the outer suburbs, communities face ongoing difficulties due to inadequate transport options, inaccessible built environments, infrastructure and the lack of employment and volunteer opportunities. The VLGA will continue to place a strong emphasis on advocating for a principled and integrated basis for strategic planning at a state and regional level.
Green light funding and more from CEEP
Last week Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet and Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus announced the successful grant recipients from Round One of the Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP). A number of Victorian local governments were successful with applications to assist with bulk street light changeovers, and with other community facility projects.
More funds for local government waste recovery
Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith announced the second round of grants under the $5.5 million Metropolitan Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Fund last Thursday. Funding totalling $1.68 million is being provided to 14 local governments to help deliver projects to cut waste to landfill.
Councils and carbon
With the commencement of a price on carbon imminent, many councillors, local governments and community members are eager to understand the impacts on our sector. Carbon tax liabilities will be incurred through the operation and use of landfills by local governments, which produce significant emissions. The Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus released this media release in May providing some clarity. The government has also released a fact sheet relating to landfills and carbon pricing which indicates landfill operators have the option of charging for future emissions liabilities up front when the waste is deposited. The Metropolitan Waste Management Group (MWMG) is advising local governments to prepare their 2012/13 budgets assuming the cost of emissions will be included in landfill gate fees from 1 July 2012. The five major landfill operators servicing metropolitan Melbourne have all indicated a carbon price will be applied for waste deposited from 1 July 2012. The MWMG is holding meetings for local governments to help prepare for the introduction of the carbon price from 1 July 2012.
Local governments helping communities – local action for a low carbon future
A discussion paper by the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) has revealed that the federal government’s Clean Energy Plan can reach further into residential and business communities by working with the local government’s key strengths. The paper, Local Action for a Low Carbon Future (June 2012), was prepared by the ACELG and the Council of Capital Cities Lord Mayors (CCCLM) to identify ways for the Federal Government to work more closely with local government in bringing about Australia’s move to a low carbon future. One of the key messages from the paper is that local government can complement, supplement and amplify the actions of other levels of government in Australia’s transition to a low carbon future. Local councils can and do generate emissions reductions through more far-reaching actions such as working with private sector partners; community awareness and education, and innovative urban planning and environmental design.
Local approaches to community safety and crime prevention
The Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee of the Victorian Parliament has tabled the Final Report of the Inquiry into Locally Based Approaches to Community Safety and Crime Prevention. The report takes up many of the issued raised by the VLGA in submissions and evidence provided to the Committee. The VLGA made a submission to the inquiry based on a survey of members. Our survey found there is considerable diversity in local government responses to local community safety issues, with councils working closely with their communities and local police, often with very low levels of funding. (The survey is available on request via email). Along with several councillors and officers, the VLGA was subsequently invited to provide evidence at Committee hearings in June 2011. The report acknowledges the leadership that local governments have taken in promoting community safety and wellbeing, and that community safety and crime prevention are best addressed at the local community level. The report makes 36 recommendations, including the development of a Victorian Crime Prevention and Community Safety Framework. The committee recommends a significant expansion of local government responsibilities relating to crime prevention. The VLGA will continue to provide news and analysis on the implementation of these recommendations.
CHURP Research Project – Survey released
The Centre for Housing, Urban and Regional Planning (CHURP) from the University of Adelaide is working in partnership with the Australian Local Government Association on The Role of Local Government in Addressing Homelessness project. The project explores the role local governments currently play in addressing homelessness, and scoping the part they could play in the future. Research findings will inform a final report and handbook of best practice for the sector. To engage local governments around Australia, CHURP has prepared a survey to collect data on local government activity in homelessness and housing. For more information contact Felicity Prance on (08) 8313 4750 or via email. The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) has funded the project.
The Heart Foundation’s healthy catering program expands into local government
The Heart Foundation recognises that local governments play a vital role in creating healthier communities, and do this through measures such as providing and managing facilities and environments that support physical activity; supporting smoke-free environments; and undertaking initiatives that increase access to affordable nutritious foods. The Heart Foundation has been active in promoting healthy eating, through measures such as advocating to government on key public health nutrition initiatives, and developing and disseminating resources and guidelines on healthy fats, salt, antioxidants and healthy catering. Given this, the Heart Foundation (Victoria) is seeking to use their expertise to further expand this work, in particular, to support local governments to develop and implement healthy catering/ healthy eating policies. This includes an understanding of existing policies and the information, support or assistance local governments might like. The Heart Foundation will shortly be asking for local governments to complete a survey on healthy catering. Please look out for this survey and for more information contact Rita Alvaro, Nutrition Officer on (03) 9321 1510 or via email.
The Robin Clark Memorial Awards
Celebrate excellence; the Robin Clark Memorial Awards incorporating Aboriginal Carer of the Year Award are the pinnacle achievement within the child, youth and family sector. Who do you know who should be nominated? The Awards have been running for 11 years and were initiated by the Victorian State Government in memory of Robin Dennis Clark (1936-2001), a widely respected, inspirational leader in this field. The award nominees are nominated by peers and members of the community, recognising the sometimes unseen effort and hard work of people who improve the lives of vulnerable children and their families.
Reminder – International WaterCentre (IWC) Scholarships
Last chance to apply for Water Leadership Program Scholarships - the deadline is 30 June 2012. The Master of Integrated Water Management Scholarships applications are due by 1 August 2012.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Resilient Cities Workshop
Thursday 5 July, 3-5pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA and the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord invite you to a workshop to review and discuss information gathered to date for the 'Resilient Neighbourhoods: Integrated Approaches to Urban Change' project. This free two hour workshop has been specifically designed for councillors; sustainability officers; statutory and strategic planners; corporate planners and community engagement officers. RSVP via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
July Leading Edge Forum: Resilient Cities: What ingredients are needed to support sustainable urban change?
Thursday 5 July, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
We invite you to join us for this practical and informative Leading Edge Forum which will look at how local governments can facilitate sustainable urban change and help build resilient communities for the future. Featuring presentations from three diverse speakers, the forum will share current best practice approaches in integration, community engagement and sustainable development. RSVP online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
UNAA Business & Human Rights Workshop 4
Corporate Human Rights Due Diligence: Tracking and communicating human rights performance
Thursday 12 July, 9am-1pm
Hosted by Allens, 101 Collins St, Melbourne
This workshop, part of a series, invites professionals from diverse backgrounds wanting to learn more about business and human rights and how to apply the UN Guiding Principles in practice. The workshops build capacity to monitor and manage corporate human rights impacts and risks, and provide practical guidance on how to integrate human rights considerations into everyday business practices. Register by 5pm, Friday 6 July.
Save the date!
National Youth Disability Conference
24 & 25 September
Jasper Hotel, Melbourne
The National Youth Disability Conference will bring together young people with disabilities from across Australia, peak bodies and representative organisations to:
* Identify priority national issues faced by young Australians with disabilities and develop clear actions in relation to these.
* Strengthen the voice of young Australians with disabilities.
* Provide opportunities for service providers and peak bodies to respond more effectively to the needs of young Australians with disabilities.
Last week we were on the road again, with the VLGA visiting the Greater Shepparton City Council to support their efforts to attract a diverse range of candidates for the local government elections in October. I will see many of you in Canberra from today at the National General Assembly of Local Government and I look forward to talking with you and sharing ideas while we are there. Please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509 if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Urban Growth Boundary changes announced
Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week released the Growth Corridor Plans (GCP), the approval of six Precinct Structure Plans and announced the completion of the Logistical Inclusions review of Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). As part of the GCP, the VLGA advocated for the need for the Victorian Government to develop with local government an infrastructure timing, delivery and funding strategy for growth areas, the inclusion of principles into the GCP such as food security, affordable housing, integrated water management and transport planning and a more effective link between land use planning and health and wellbeing. In the outer suburbs, communities face ongoing difficulties due to inadequate transport options, inaccessible built environments, infrastructure and the lack of employment and volunteer opportunities. The VLGA will continue to place a strong emphasis on advocating for a principled and integrated basis for strategic planning at a state and regional level.
Green light funding and more from CEEP
Last week Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet and Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus announced the successful grant recipients from Round One of the Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP). A number of Victorian local governments were successful with applications to assist with bulk street light changeovers, and with other community facility projects.
More funds for local government waste recovery
Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith announced the second round of grants under the $5.5 million Metropolitan Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Fund last Thursday. Funding totalling $1.68 million is being provided to 14 local governments to help deliver projects to cut waste to landfill.
Councils and carbon
With the commencement of a price on carbon imminent, many councillors, local governments and community members are eager to understand the impacts on our sector. Carbon tax liabilities will be incurred through the operation and use of landfills by local governments, which produce significant emissions. The Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus released this media release in May providing some clarity. The government has also released a fact sheet relating to landfills and carbon pricing which indicates landfill operators have the option of charging for future emissions liabilities up front when the waste is deposited. The Metropolitan Waste Management Group (MWMG) is advising local governments to prepare their 2012/13 budgets assuming the cost of emissions will be included in landfill gate fees from 1 July 2012. The five major landfill operators servicing metropolitan Melbourne have all indicated a carbon price will be applied for waste deposited from 1 July 2012. The MWMG is holding meetings for local governments to help prepare for the introduction of the carbon price from 1 July 2012.
Local governments helping communities – local action for a low carbon future
A discussion paper by the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) has revealed that the federal government’s Clean Energy Plan can reach further into residential and business communities by working with the local government’s key strengths. The paper, Local Action for a Low Carbon Future (June 2012), was prepared by the ACELG and the Council of Capital Cities Lord Mayors (CCCLM) to identify ways for the Federal Government to work more closely with local government in bringing about Australia’s move to a low carbon future. One of the key messages from the paper is that local government can complement, supplement and amplify the actions of other levels of government in Australia’s transition to a low carbon future. Local councils can and do generate emissions reductions through more far-reaching actions such as working with private sector partners; community awareness and education, and innovative urban planning and environmental design.
Local approaches to community safety and crime prevention
The Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee of the Victorian Parliament has tabled the Final Report of the Inquiry into Locally Based Approaches to Community Safety and Crime Prevention. The report takes up many of the issued raised by the VLGA in submissions and evidence provided to the Committee. The VLGA made a submission to the inquiry based on a survey of members. Our survey found there is considerable diversity in local government responses to local community safety issues, with councils working closely with their communities and local police, often with very low levels of funding. (The survey is available on request via email). Along with several councillors and officers, the VLGA was subsequently invited to provide evidence at Committee hearings in June 2011. The report acknowledges the leadership that local governments have taken in promoting community safety and wellbeing, and that community safety and crime prevention are best addressed at the local community level. The report makes 36 recommendations, including the development of a Victorian Crime Prevention and Community Safety Framework. The committee recommends a significant expansion of local government responsibilities relating to crime prevention. The VLGA will continue to provide news and analysis on the implementation of these recommendations.
CHURP Research Project – Survey released
The Centre for Housing, Urban and Regional Planning (CHURP) from the University of Adelaide is working in partnership with the Australian Local Government Association on The Role of Local Government in Addressing Homelessness project. The project explores the role local governments currently play in addressing homelessness, and scoping the part they could play in the future. Research findings will inform a final report and handbook of best practice for the sector. To engage local governments around Australia, CHURP has prepared a survey to collect data on local government activity in homelessness and housing. For more information contact Felicity Prance on (08) 8313 4750 or via email. The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) has funded the project.
The Heart Foundation’s healthy catering program expands into local government
The Heart Foundation recognises that local governments play a vital role in creating healthier communities, and do this through measures such as providing and managing facilities and environments that support physical activity; supporting smoke-free environments; and undertaking initiatives that increase access to affordable nutritious foods. The Heart Foundation has been active in promoting healthy eating, through measures such as advocating to government on key public health nutrition initiatives, and developing and disseminating resources and guidelines on healthy fats, salt, antioxidants and healthy catering. Given this, the Heart Foundation (Victoria) is seeking to use their expertise to further expand this work, in particular, to support local governments to develop and implement healthy catering/ healthy eating policies. This includes an understanding of existing policies and the information, support or assistance local governments might like. The Heart Foundation will shortly be asking for local governments to complete a survey on healthy catering. Please look out for this survey and for more information contact Rita Alvaro, Nutrition Officer on (03) 9321 1510 or via email.
The Robin Clark Memorial Awards
Celebrate excellence; the Robin Clark Memorial Awards incorporating Aboriginal Carer of the Year Award are the pinnacle achievement within the child, youth and family sector. Who do you know who should be nominated? The Awards have been running for 11 years and were initiated by the Victorian State Government in memory of Robin Dennis Clark (1936-2001), a widely respected, inspirational leader in this field. The award nominees are nominated by peers and members of the community, recognising the sometimes unseen effort and hard work of people who improve the lives of vulnerable children and their families.
Reminder – International WaterCentre (IWC) Scholarships
Last chance to apply for Water Leadership Program Scholarships - the deadline is 30 June 2012. The Master of Integrated Water Management Scholarships applications are due by 1 August 2012.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Resilient Cities Workshop
Thursday 5 July, 3-5pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA and the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord invite you to a workshop to review and discuss information gathered to date for the 'Resilient Neighbourhoods: Integrated Approaches to Urban Change' project. This free two hour workshop has been specifically designed for councillors; sustainability officers; statutory and strategic planners; corporate planners and community engagement officers. RSVP via email or phone (03) 9349 7999.
July Leading Edge Forum: Resilient Cities: What ingredients are needed to support sustainable urban change?
Thursday 5 July, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
We invite you to join us for this practical and informative Leading Edge Forum which will look at how local governments can facilitate sustainable urban change and help build resilient communities for the future. Featuring presentations from three diverse speakers, the forum will share current best practice approaches in integration, community engagement and sustainable development. RSVP online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
UNAA Business & Human Rights Workshop 4
Corporate Human Rights Due Diligence: Tracking and communicating human rights performance
Thursday 12 July, 9am-1pm
Hosted by Allens, 101 Collins St, Melbourne
This workshop, part of a series, invites professionals from diverse backgrounds wanting to learn more about business and human rights and how to apply the UN Guiding Principles in practice. The workshops build capacity to monitor and manage corporate human rights impacts and risks, and provide practical guidance on how to integrate human rights considerations into everyday business practices. Register by 5pm, Friday 6 July.
Save the date!
National Youth Disability Conference
24 & 25 September
Jasper Hotel, Melbourne
The National Youth Disability Conference will bring together young people with disabilities from across Australia, peak bodies and representative organisations to:
* Identify priority national issues faced by young Australians with disabilities and develop clear actions in relation to these.
* Strengthen the voice of young Australians with disabilities.
* Provide opportunities for service providers and peak bodies to respond more effectively to the needs of young Australians with disabilities.
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