VLGA President’s Message
Last weeks’ news that local governments’ entitlements under Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) for 2011-12 have been reviewed and a ‘technical correction’ made has come at a tough time for Victorian councils. Having already adopted budgets for 2012/13 and with a call for top-up of the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Defined Benefits Scheme, many local governments will be reviewing their budgets in the next fortnight and making difficult decisions regarding service delivery and capital projects. The VLGA strongly supports the MAV’s call to the Commonwealth Government to reinstate the funding indexation factors for 2011-12 and 2012-13 so that local governments won’t be out of pocket $24.4 million this year. The VLGA understands that the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is starting to prepare its submission for a Commonwealth review of the FAGs system. I note with interest that the ALGA has also asked Federal Minister for Local Government Simon Crean to consider a proposal calling on the Commonwealth Government to establish a Parliamentary Committee as soon as possible to consider the timing of a referendum on constitutional recognition. The proposal also highlights the need for a federally funded community awareness program to educate the public about the Constitution and the need for constitutional change to recognise local government. Minister Crean has said that he would consider the establishment of a Parliamentary Committee and the case for a federally funded awareness program but reiterated the importance of broad community support and support among all political parties if a referendum was to succeed. 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
VLGA on the road again…
Last week, our CEO Maree McPherson did some more travelling around Victoria with visits to the City of Greater Bendigo and the Northern Grampians Shire. The VLGA thanks both councils for their hospitality and for engaging us in discussions about local issues.
Hume Regional Housing Forum
Also last week, Maree joined Cr Sharon Ellis from the City of Whitehorse and Anna Janson from the City of Greater Shepparton for a presentation and panel discussion at the Hume Regional Housing Forum, initiated by the Rural Housing Network. Cr Ellis spoke about the Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance and Anna presented the Greater Shepparton Housing Strategy. Maree spoke about the role of local governments in affordable housing policy and issues to consider for the future. Congratulations to the Rural Housing Network for their leadership with this forum.
Review of Aboriginal Heritage Act concludes
More than 140 written submissions from 89 different individuals and organisations have been received by the Review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, with around 165 people participating in meetings. The findings of the review have been provided to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Establishment and Effectiveness of Registered Aboriginal Parties, which will report to the Victorian Parliament later this year.
Baw Baw takes a closer step to being smoke-free
On 22 August, Baw Baw Shire Council took the next step in its Smoke Free Outdoor Areas Policy by prohibiting smoking within 10m of alfresco dining areas. After successful trials in other states, in August last year Baw Baw became Victoria’s first municipality to undertake a 12-month trial of smoking bans in outdoor dining areas. This trial is expected to be extended in the interim.
Rural innovation – local governments recognising women’s roles in disaster recovery
The Alpine Shire Council and Women's Health Goulburn North East have partnered in a project to gather women’s unique perspectives on disasters and resilience, and contribute to local community resilience planning. A series of six posters, video of insights and stories, and project findings can be found here.
Parks open to nature-based tourism
Many local governments will be interested to know that the Victorian Government will reform current policy to allow ‘appropriate environmentally sensitive’, private sector tourism investment in national parks. The changes were outlined last Thursday in the government's response to the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission's (VCEC) final report into Victoria's tourism industry.
A moratorium on fracking?
In Friday’s edition of The Age, this story indicated that the Victorian Government will consider banning 'fracking' to extract coal-seam gas in Victoria. This will be positive news for many rural local governments who are concerned about the possible impacts of fracking on their communities. The Government will demand a national set of rules to provide guidelines regulating the process, amid concern about safety, health and environmental impacts. While Victoria currently does not have a coal-seam gas industry, the Government has granted 24 exploration licences, with another eight pending.
National Anti-Racism Strategy Launched
On 24 August, Federal Race Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke launched the Australian Human Rights Commission's National Anti-Racism Strategy in Melbourne. The first step of the implementation of the strategy will be a public awareness campaign, Racism. It Stops With Me. The campaign has already attracted a large amount of interest from a number of stakeholders ranging from sport, governments, NGOs and business.
Removing hate is in your hands
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has launched its new Anti-Hate campaign. The campaign was developed in response to the Reporting Racism survey, which found a need for a place where people could report behaviour that was offensive, and to share tips on how to deal with discrimination. Any feedback can be sent to the Commission by email.
Transition to NDIS – Practical Design Fund applications open
$10 million has been committed to support initiatives and resources that would identify practical ways to prepare people with a disability, their families and carers, the disability sector and workforce for the transition to a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This funding is known as the Practical Design Fund (PDF). Applications close 3 September 2012.
Fire Awareness Awards open
The new Fire Awareness Awards website is live and entries are now open. There are 15 award categories and grants of up to $10,000 on offer for developing projects that need a little ‘nudge’ to take them to the next stage. The categories particularly relevant to VLGA members include the Government and Municipal award, the Industry award and the Media and Communications award. More information can be obtained from Sheona Urquhart via email.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
September Leading Edge Forum: Rates and revenue raising – what’s the answer?
Thursday 6 September, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government rates have been the topic of much debate recently. There are many issues to be examined for our future governance, and one of those might be whether the current rating system is an appropriate and sustainable revenue base for twenty-first century people and property services. Join us at this Leading Edge Forum to hear our speakers discuss the capacity of councils to set rates at levels appropriate to meet policy goals and deliver services and infrastructure for communities. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
Green Growth, Green Jobs, Green Living: The Transition from Efficiency to Local Resilience
Tuesday 4 September, 8.45am-12.00pm
Net Balance, Level 4, 460 Bourke St, Melbourne
Net Balance Foundation and Infrangilis, with support from ICLEI OCeania, are teaming up to deliver a new series of masterclasses to help senior public officials manage the transition to a low carbon economy during an unprecedented period of global financial and political turmoil. Register here or by email.
The role of alcohol and other drug related crime and disorder
Wednesday 5 September, 10am-12.30pm
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
This free interactive seminar aims to reflect the themes arising from the upcoming DrugInfo newsletter and Prevention Research Quarterly, ‘The role of alcohol and other drug-related crime and disorder’. Places are strictly limited, so you are advised to register early. Email the Australian Drug Foundation for more information.
National Youth Disability Conference
24 & 25 September
Jasper Hotel, Melbourne
The Conference will bring together young people with disabilities, peak bodies, representative organisations, and passionate workers and researchers in the field.
View the preliminary program here, register here and visit the NYD Conference Facebook page.
2012 Not For Profit Summit
18 October
Simonds Stadium, Kardinia Park, South Geelong
The 4th annual Not For Profit Summit is a high profile event that includes workshops, presentations, networking and exhibits. This year's theme, ‘Change – Challenge & Choice’, will deliver information on workforce, funding and sector development – all key topics for the community sector.
VLGA President’s Message
The past couple of weeks have involved significant advocacy from the VLGA on a number of issues on behalf of our members. The Victorian Parliament is currently considering the Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012. The Bill has been read for a second time in the Legislative Assembly, and was referred back to the Legislative Council. It was moved that the Bill be read for a second time and debate has been adjourned for one week. I have written a comprehensive letter to Minister Powell about the VLGA’s concerns, and this will be circulated to local governments, along with copies of our correspondence on other matters detailed below. We think there are many areas that require clarification and that there will be unintended consequences from some of the changes. We have added more detail below about our other advocacy activities. This Wednesday, in cooperation with the City of Melbourne, the VLGA will be conducting a Community and Candidate Information Session for prospective City of Melbourne local government election candidates. You can see more in our Events section below. Happy Keep Australia Beautiful Week! 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
Landfill Levy
The VLGA has written to the Victorian Auditor-General requesting that the Performance Audit – Management of Environment Levies scheduled for August 2013 be brought forward to 2012. VLGA members have expressed concern about the lack of return from the collection of levies, the need to enhance infrastructure and community education programs amongst other items.
Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Defined Benefits Scheme
Last week the VLGA wrote to Prime Minister Gillard with copies to Treasurer Swan, Premier Baillieu, Minister Crean and Minister Powell, regarding member concerns about the funding shortfall to the Defined Benefits Scheme, managed by Vision Super. We are seeking the Prime Minister’s support to remove the 15% contributions tax that local governments will be required to pay on the shortfall; and for legislation that will return the scheme to an exempt public sector fund, thereby removing the requirement to ensure full funding.
Planning zone reforms
In July, local governments were advised of the Victorian Planning Minister’s intent to change the Victorian Planning Zones ahead of the development of the Metropolitan Strategy. Based on recent media coverage, there are clearly mixed views across the sector to the proposed changes. At its August meeting, the VLGA Board will be considering our response to the Government on behalf of our members. For more information, contact our Director Policy Toby Archer, by email. Responses to the DPCD discussion paper are due 21 September 2012.
VCEC Inquiry into the Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling – have your say
The VLGA has held a number of meetings with representatives from VCEC about the inquiry. Feedback from the VLGA’s Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) indicates that it is important for all local governments to participate in the inquiry via a submission. The VLGA will be providing a submission to VCEC and will be seeking comments and case studies from members and stakeholders. Please contact Jieh-Yung Lo via email for further details. Submissions are due 31 August 2012.
Shake up of Victorian speed limits
Dozens of roads across Melbourne with multiple speed zones will be simplified under new changes to Victoria’s speed limit system. While the VLGA welcomes the outcomes of the Victorian Speed Limit Review, it is unclear whether local governments will need to conduct infrastructure changes before speeds are lowered. The review does not indicate whether local governments can determine speeds on residential streets. The VLGA is seeking feedback and comments from local governments and stakeholders. Contact Jieh-Yung Lo via email for further details.
Proposed transfer of Inspectorate’s powers to the Ombudsman Victoria
On 7 August, LGPro and the VLGA held a joint meeting with Minister McIntosh to discuss the proposed transfer of powers and responsibilities of the Local Government Investigations & Compliance Inspectorate (LGICI) to Ombudsman Victoria (OV). We have asked that the sector is consulted in the development of the proposed new model. We have jointly corresponded with the Minister as we are concerned that the proposed transfer of powers and responsibilities could subject the sector to multiple organisations auditing performance without improving outcomes. We believe that any change to current practice needs to be easy to understand, easy to navigate and avoid duplication of effort and involvement.
Inspectorate issues Election Caretaker Policy information bulletin
The election caretaker period for Victorian councils (except Brimbank City Council whose election will be held in 2015) commences at midnight on 25 September 2012. In preparation for this, the Local Government Investigations & Compliance Inspectorate conducted a review of all 79 council’s election caretaker arrangements and policies. You can view the bulletin and the good practice examples here.
Victorian Health Promotion Awards 2012
The 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion was awarded to the VLGA for building capacity in local governments and communities. We encourage our members to consider making an application for an award in 2012. Nominations opened on 6 August and will close on 14 September. To acknowledge the growth in the State’s health promotion activities, applications are extended beyond VicHealth funded projects – honouring initiatives, projects, campaigns, health agencies, individuals, organisations and teams delivering ground-breaking work to improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.
Food Alliance briefing on the National Food Plan
The Federal Government is developing a National Food Plan and on 17 July released a Green Paper. Public consultation on the Green Paper will continue until 30 September. The Food Alliance has produced a ‘Brief on the National Food Plan Green Paper’, which provides a worthwhile overview and analysis of its contents. You can read more on our Thinking Food Security website.
A Gender Agenda on Channel 31
The VLGA, in co-operation with Channel 31, has produced a documentary panel discussion about women in local government and candidacy opportunities. The program has already screened once and will run again on Sunday 26 August at 9pm.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Community and Candidate Information Session
Wednesday 22 August, 6pm
Town Hall Administration Building, 120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
In conjunction with Melbourne City Council, the VLGA is conducting a workshop for prospective City of Melbourne local government election candidates at the Melbourne Town Hall. For further information visit Melbourne City Council online.
September Leading Edge Forum: Rates and revenue raising – what’s the answer?
Thursday 6 September, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government rates have been the topic of much debate recently. There are many issues to be examined for our future governance, and one of those might be whether the current rating system is an appropriate and sustainable revenue base for twenty-first century people and property services. Join us at this Leading Edge Forum to hear our speakers discuss the capacity of councils to set rates at levels appropriate to meet policy goals and deliver services and infrastructure for communities. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
ECO-Buy 2012 Green Purchasing Expo
Wednesday 12 September, 9am-12.15pm
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Gardens
250-290 Spring St, East Melbourne
The Expo will feature suppliers of essential organisational requirements including office, cleaning, facilities management, and waste management products, along with plenty of other ideas to help green your organisation. This free event is designed to help you do your research and ensure the green products you purchase not only meet the needs of your organisation but meet genuine environmental standards. Meet the suppliers themselves and ask the difficult questions. While the event is free to attend, you do need to register.
National Youth Disability Conference
24 & 25 September
Jasper Hotel, Melbourne
The Conference will bring together young people with disabilities, peak bodies, representative organisations, and passionate workers and researchers in the field.
View the preliminary program here, register here and visit the NYD Conference Facebook page.
2012 Not For Profit Summit
18 October
Simonds Stadium, Kardinia Park, South Geelong
The 4th annual Not For Profit Summit is a high profile event that includes workshops, presentations, networking and exhibits. This year's theme, ‘Change – Challenge & Choice’, will deliver information on workforce, funding and sector development – all key topics for the community sector.
VLGA President’s Message
One of the goals of the VLGA is to support and enhance Victorian local governments in terms of financial sustainability, political leadership and capacity to engage and involve communities. We are always interested in new ideas and reform proposals which genuinely seek to strengthen local governments, and we think it is important for Victorian local governments to be generating and discussing ideas around strengthening the sector. Last week, mayors and CEOs received correspondence from the VLGA detailing our partnership with the Australian Centre of Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) to undertake the Victorian element of a national research project. This project recognises that there are considerable differences in the approaches different states have taken to local government reform in Australia. It seeks to compare and analyse these different approaches with a view to promoting discussion on the different models of strategic leadership, political leadership and better governance that are being addressed and put into place. The Victorian element will include a series of interviews and focus groups, which will be run in early 2013. These will further explore ideas that will be generated through a desktop research and literature review taking place during the remainder of 2012, and will result in us being able to locate where Victoria sits in the national context compared with different state approaches. The VLGA’s participation comes as a follow-up to our Think Tank, held in March 2012, which identified a number of important governance and representation issues that we felt warranted further investigation. The VLGA Board has endorsed our participation and committed funds to the research partnership. We think that it is very important that local governments and communities are able to start conversations ahead of any ‘top down’ change proposals, so that they can be part of the setting of agendas. If you have any comments or would like further information about the research project, please contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance, by email. 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
Local Government legislation amendments
The Victorian Parliament will resume debate on the Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012 this week. Parliament is likely to pass the Bill by the end of August. There are many questions about how the Bill will affect local government practices and procedures and the VLGA is seeking clarification from Local Government Victoria on the implementation of new legislative requirements.
Candidates geared up for October
The VLGA’s Candidate Workshop ‘Practicalities between now and E-Day’ was a great success! Participants from across Victoria came together to learn from a group of experienced local government election campaigners about the ‘dos and don’ts’ in the lead-up to the October local government elections. Remember to watch our 2012 Local Government Elections page and our Candidate Resources page for new tips, Good Governance Grabs, resources and events from the VLGA.
VLGA to host Thriving Neighbourhoods session
The VLGA will host a special session at the international Thriving Neighbourhoods 2012, to be held in Melbourne in November. As a conference supporter, VLGA members are entitled to significant discounts: up to $260 off the full registration fee, and further discounts on early bird registration. Don’t forget to register!
‘Y Council?’ at Bendigo Town Hall
Last Thursday, the VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) teamed up to deliver our second ‘Y Council?’ Forum to encourage young people to get involved with local government. Held in Bendigo, young people had an opportunity to hear from young councillors about what it’s like to be involved in local government. The VLGA and YACVic acknowledge the support of Crs Sebastian Klein and James Reade, and YACVic’s Nic Kimberley and our own Jieh-Yung Lo in making this event happen.
VLGA congratulates winner of Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Award
The VLGA extends our warm congratulations to Catherine Bateman on the awarding of the 2012 Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Award. Catherine, who works at the YWCA, was named the winner of the award from a strong field of 15 candidates at the LGPro Women’s Network Dinner on 26 July. Sally Isaac worked for the VLGA and the City of Yarra, making a profound impact on both her workplaces before her death in 2009 following a 12-month battle with cancer. That same year, Sally's family and friends established the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Update to VicTrack Rail Maintenance Guide
VicTrack has designed a rail maintenance guide specifically to assist local governments to understand who does what in the rail sector. The guide has recently been updated to reflect changes to telephone queries for Metro and V/Line that are now managed by Public Transport Victoria. The telephone number is 1800 800 007. In addition, VicTrack has set up a new and easy-to-remember central contact telephone number – 1300 VICTRACK (1300 8428 7225). Local governments can also obtain a word version of the guide, which can be tailored to suit their needs, by contacting Mac Henshall by email.
A Gender Agenda on Channel 31
The VLGA, in co-operation with Channel 31, has produced a documentary panel discussion about women in local government and candidacy opportunities. The program has already screened once and will run again on Sunday 26 August at 9pm. We will be adding the program to our website so those of you who can’t access Channel 31 can view it.
Help with MEFL’s research for a chance to win an ipad!
The Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL) is seeking Victorian households to complete a short online energy survey and electricity billing consent form (15 minutes). If you’ve lived in your home for two years or more you can complete the survey and go into the draw to win one of ten iPads. The information you provide will help MEFL, in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, conduct ground-breaking research into residential electricity consumption. For more information visit the Moreland Energy Foundation website.
Keep Australia Beautiful Week is next week!
Keep Australia Beautiful Week runs from Monday 20 – Sunday 26 August 2012. Local governments can support the campaign and a template media release is available to tailor with local information. KAB would also welcome the involvement of local community groups, Tidy Town Committees or Adopt-A-Road/Spot groups in KAB Week activities. Contact Lara Shannon, KAB National Publicist, by email for more information.
Project Procurement Executive Program
Bond University is offering the ‘Project Procurement Executive Program’ on 10 & 11 October 2012, at University of Melbourne’s Graduate House. Completion of the two-day Executive Program will provide credit towards a Bond University Professional Certificate of Project Procurement or other postgraduate programs in Infrastructure and Project Management. Please visit the website for full program details.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
September Leading Edge Forum: Rates and revenue raising – what’s the answer?
Thursday 6 September, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government rates have been the topic of much debate recently. There are many issues to be examined for our future governance, and one of those might be whether the current rating system is an appropriate and sustainable revenue base for twenty-first century people and property services. Join us at this Leading Edge Forum to hear our speakers discuss the capacity of councils to set rates at levels appropriate to meet policy goals and deliver services and infrastructure for communities. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
Community and Candidate Information Session
Wednesday 22 August, 6pm
Town Hall Administration Building, 120 Swanston Street, MelbourneIn conjunction with Melbourne City Council, the VLGA is conducting a workshop for prospective local government election candidates at the Melbourne Town Hall. For further information visit Melbourne City Council online.
Economic Development Practitioners Bootcamp
30 & 31 August
‘The Capital’ Theatre, Bendigo
Economic development practitioners are invited to a hands-on series of workshops in Bendigo. Known as the Economic Development Practitioners (EDP) Bootcamp, the workshops will have participants fighting fit to tackle the most challenging economic development programs using the latest resources, techniques and information. EDP Bootcamp will sharpen participants’ skills and knowledge by developing their professional capabilities, networks and access to resources.
The Royal Society of Victoria & Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute
Climate Change Science: Impacts and Adaptation for Victoria
21 & 22 September
Basement Theatre, Spot Building, 198 Berkeley St Carlton
Understanding and managing the risks of climate extremes is an important challenge for Australian scientists, planners and politicians. At this two-day symposium, experts will give presentations and participate in panel discussions focused on three aspects of climate change.
Mainstreet Australia – Victorian conference
Tuesday 25 September
Drum Theatre, Dandenong
This one-day Victorian conference will focus on activating main streets, building capacity of businesses, connecting with customers and community and developing co-ordinated approaches. There will be a range of presentations and panel sessions, which will explore topical issues and opportunities including: online media, innovative marketing, best practice approaches for special rates and business associations, integration of main streets in place-making and the economics of main streets.
2012 Not For Profit Summit
18 October
Simonds Stadium, Kardinia Park, South Geelong
The 4th annual Not For Profit Summit is a high profile event that includes workshops, presentations, networking and exhibits. This year's theme, ‘Change – Challenge & Choice’, will deliver information on workforce, funding and sector development – all key topics for the community sector.
Behaviour Change for Sustainability – 3rd National Congress
23 & 24 October
Monash University Law Chambers
Marsh Building, 555 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
The Carbon Tax that came into force on 1 July 2012 will surely drive incentives for increased energy efficiency in Australia. But how far will it really help transform consumer and business behaviours in energy use? Like so many other areas in sustainability, understanding what motivates sustainable behaviour and how to implement effective and sustained change projects is an issue facing organisations across all sectors of government, business and community work. Based on extensive feedback from past attendees, the Congress will combine presentations and structured discussion sessions, supported by web-based information, to support participants in further learning and implementation. Email 3pillarsnetwork for more information.
Development and Building in Bushfire Prone Areas program
29 October – 2 November
Frankston International Hotel
The Development and Building in Bushfire Prone Areas is a five-day program to enhance personal and professional skills, including discussions with leading practitioners and a practice workshop. This course is supported and endorsed by the Building Commission and Country Fire Authority and was developed to meet the recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Black Saturday Bushfires. The course will attract a 50% rebate to Victorian local government employees and employees of companies/private contractors resident in Victoria upon successful completion.
VLGA President’s Message
Councils and councillors do much great work that is rarely featured in State-wide media. The paucity of coverage of local governments and their leadership in such areas as infrastructure management, community engagement and climate change makes today’s article in The Age doubly disappointing. For the article to focus just on allegations of political party interference, two investigations, and complaints to the Ombudsman does local government a great disservice. A balanced coverage would easily find the many examples of good governance and leadership which exist in the sector. In the light of such narrow and negative coverage, that fact only “as many as one-in-five Victorians rate their council’s performance as less than ‘adequate’” is a pretty good outcome. Other levels of government would be envious of this figure. We have contacted The Age to request a right of reply. You might recall my recent article in the Herald Sun providing positive coverage of the role of councillors. On Wednesday, I was represented at the Local Government Ministerial Forum by VLGA Vice President Cr Heinz Kreutz. Heinz reports that the Forum covered a range of issues relevant to the sector and that the question and answer sessions were helpful. Heinz also took the opportunity to speak with a number of members regarding our continued concern about the lack of consultation with the sector on the Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012. Also in this week’s eNews I wish to extend the VLGA’s congratulations to member local governments on their achievements at the 2012 Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Awards. The City of Boroondara won Sustainable City of the Year and, for the second year running, Frankston Foreshore took out the Clean Beach of the Year Award. Boroondara will go on as a finalist in the Australian Sustainable Cities Awards later this year. Other VLGA members who took out category awards were Melton, Casey, Wyndham, and Greater Geelong. The VLGA, in co-operation with Channel 31, has produced a documentary panel discussion about women in local government and candidacy opportunities starring Cr Sue McMillan (Knox), Cr Charlotte Baines (Monash) and Cr Beth Ripper (Wellington) in discussion with Walkley Award-winning former ABC journalist, Agnes Cusack. The program screened yesterday and will run again on Sunday 26 August at 9pm. Don’t miss this excellent show. The VLGA will be adding the program to our website so those of you who can’t access Channel 31 can view it. 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
VLGA ‘on the road again’…
Last Monday and Tuesday, our CEO Maree McPherson visited member local governments in the top North East corner of the State when she called in at Towong, Wodonga, Moira and Benalla. Maree was pleased to see a number of councillors and receive feedback on the Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012, the Vision Super Defined Benefits Scheme, local government revenue and rates, and local issues. More visits are scheduled in August and we will be in touch soon regarding visits post-October Elections.
Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012
Thanks to the many member local governments who have been sending us their comments on the Bill to help inform our submission to Minister Powell. The Bill will go back to Parliament this week and we anticipate it will pass both houses, as it appears to have Opposition support. We think there are many areas that require clarification and there will be unintended consequences from some of the changes. We will be seeking advice from Local Government Victoria about how these will be addressed and when guidance will be provided to councils.
More VLGA election resources for candidates
The VEC candidate handbooks have been linked via our 2012 Local Government Elections page and our Candidate Resources page. We are adding regular updates so make sure you check in regularly and subscribe to our local government elections mailing list by emailing or calling us on (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA response – the future of public and community housing
Many in the community and local government sectors submitted responses last week to two discussion papers released earlier in the year by the Victorian Department of Human Services to inform the development of a Social Housing Framework. The framework will form the government’s key strategy for the social housing sector. The discussion papers raised a number of controversial issues relating to tenancy management, the interaction between the homelessness service sector and public housing, and the supply and asset management challenges faced by the social housing system. Along with many of our members, the VLGA last week submitted a response to the Department. Drawing on the expertise of our Diverse and Affordable Housing Advisory Group (DAHAG), the VLGA response focused on the necessity of ongoing capital investment in social housing, the importance of supporting local government action on affordable housing, and the need for the social housing system to have defined performance objectives and indicators. The VLGA Board has also recently endorsed the Joint Statement for a better housing future for Victoria. The seven leading housing and homelessness peak organisations developed the statement, which is available for organisations and individuals to endorse here. The statement calls on the Victorian government to:
1. Improve housing outcomes
2. Invest to fix underlying financial problems of the public housing system
3. Go for growth of the low cost housing stock
4. Help tenants build a better future
5. Work together to create a lasting change
Victoria Grants Commission – Regional Information Sessions
This year’s VGC sessions for local governments will provide an overview of the 2012-13 allocation process and will have a technical focus, aimed at local government representatives who provide information for, and complete, the annual Questionnaire for the Commission. Information sessions will be held at Narre Warren, Cobram, Melton, and Horsham. To register, you need to complete a registration form which has been circulated to all local governments CEOs. Direct inquiries to the Commission’s Executive Officer by email.
Release of new population data from the ABS
The ABS has released the Regional Population Growth, Australia publication. The publication contains data at various geographic levels, including the level of Local Government Areas. The ABS has introduced Statistical Area 2 (SA2) level data which typically approximates suburbs, towns or smaller regional areas. More information is available through the ABS Statistical Geography Portal. Queries should be sent by email.
Tickets now on sale – Premier’s Sustainability Awards
Be there on Tuesday 2 October when the winners are announced at the Premier’s Sustainability Awards, Victoria's most prestigious sustainability awards ceremony. The event will celebrate leaders and innovators in sustainability, and include entertainment and a menu showcasing the best of Victorian produce. Bookings close 9 September.
Ten ways local governments can advance gender equity
Significant new resources were launched on 27 July at the LGPro Women’s Professional Development Forum. Developed by the Gender Equity in Local Government Partnership, these resources, designed as fact sheets, aim to support local governments to build gender equity through conscious planning, policy and service delivery. These resources complement the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter, now endorsed by 64 of Victoria’s 79 local governments.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
‘Y Council?’
Thursday 9 August, 5-7pm
Bendigo Town Hall
195-229 Lyttleton Tce, Bendigo
RSVP by 2 August
Are you interested in running for council in 2012?
Are you aged between 16-25?*
Are you interested in politics?
The VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) have teamed up to run a free interactive forum in Bendigo for any young people who are thinking about running for local government in the 2012 local government elections or in the future. Participants will have a chance to ask questions of young councillors in a Q&A session, followed by an opportunity to debate council motions on controversial issues and then amend and vote for them. These are FREE events and refreshments will be provided.
*Note: you cannot run for council until you are 18, but you are still very welcome to come along!
VLGA social media updates this week
This week we follow CEO Maree McPherson on her travels to Towong, Wodonga, Moira and Benalla. Find links to recent VLGA events including the media launch of the Think women for local government 2012 Project and our August Leading Edge Form Running and Winning Issue Campaigns featuring Tony Milne – now available for viewing on Ustream. Follow our Facebook page to stay up-to-date with all the news and activities that come our way at the VLGA!
Other Events
Economic Development Practitioners Bootcamp
30 & 31 August
‘The Capital’ Theatre, Bendigo
Economic development practitioners are invited to a hands-on series of workshops in Bendigo. Known as the Economic Development Practitioners (EDP) Bootcamp, the workshops will have participants fighting fit to tackle the most challenging economic development programs using the latest resources, techniques and information. EDP Bootcamp will sharpen participants’ skills and knowledge by developing their professional capabilities, networks and access to resources.
The Royal Society of Victoria & Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute
Climate Change Science: Impacts and Adaptation for Victoria
21 & 22 September
Basement Theatre, Spot Building, 198 Berkeley St Carlton
Understanding and managing the risks of climate extremes is an important challenge for Australian scientists, planners and politicians. At this two-day symposium, experts will give presentations and participate in panel discussions focused on three aspects of climate change.
Mainstreet Australia – Victorian conference
Tuesday 25 September
Drum Theatre, Dandenong
This one day Victorian conference will focus on activating main streets, building capacity of businesses, connecting with customers and community and developing co-ordinated approaches. There will be a range of presentations and panel sessions which will explore topical issues and opportunities including: online media, innovative marketing, best practice approaches for special rates and business associations, integration of main streets in place-making and the economics of main streets.
2012 Not For Profit Summit
18 October
Simonds Stadium, Kardinia Park, South Geelong
The 4th annual Not For Profit Summit is a high profile event that includes workshops, presentations, networking and exhibits. This year's theme, Change – Challenge & Choice, will deliver information on workforce, funding and sector development – all key topics for the community sector.
Behaviour Change for Sustainability – 3rd National Congress
23 & 24 October
Monash University Law Chambers
Marsh Building, 555 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
The Carbon Tax that came into force on 1 July 2012 will surely drive incentives for increased energy efficiency in Australia. But how far will it really help transform consumer and business behaviours in energy use? Like so many other areas in sustainability, understanding what motivates sustainable behaviour and how to implement effective and sustained change projects is an issue facing organisations across all sectors of government, business and community work. Based on extensive feedback from past attendees, the Congress will combine presentations and structured discussion sessions, supported by web-based information, to support participants in further learning and implementation. Email 3pillarsnetwork for more information.
Development and Building in Bushfire Prone Areas program
29 October – 2 November
Frankston International Hotel
The Development and Building in Bushfire Prone Areas is a five-day program to enhance personal and professional skills, including discussions with leading practitioners and a practice workshop. This course is supported and endorsed by the Building Commission and Country Fire Authority and was developed to meet the recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Black Saturday Bushfires. The course will attract a 50% rebate to Victorian Local Government employees and employees of companies/private contractors resident in Victoria upon successful completion of the course.
