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.
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.
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