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.
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.
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