VLGA President’s Message
In August, 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 Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Defined Benefits Plan managed by Vision Super. We have sought 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. This week we have stepped up our campaign by writing to all other Victorian Members of the House of Representatives. We are encouraging them to meet with the local governments in their electorates to understand the impacts on the infrastructure and services provided to their local communities, and to support our call for new legislation. If councillors have meetings scheduled with local members, you might like to raise this matter with them. Today is Australian Citizenship Day. First celebrated in 2011, today is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the values of equality and respect which underpin our society and the important role that every citizen plays in shaping the Australian nation. I know this is an important day for many of our members and if you are hosting celebrations I wish you well. 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 legislative amendments
The VLGA understands that the Victorian Parliament has not yet passed the Local Government (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012, with debate continuing in the Legislative Council. The VLGA will be contacting the Minister for Local Government to ascertain when the Bill is likely to proceed.
VLGA end of term ‘thank you’ for member councillors
VLGA member councillors are invited to join us on Thursday 18 October from 6-8pm at the Leveson Hotel for a barbeque dinner and an evening of networking to enable us to say ‘thanks’ for your commitment to local government and your community. This is a free event for VLGA member councillors. Find out more and register in the events section later in this eNews.
‘End of term’ councillor survey
The VLGA is conducting a survey to assess how Victoria’s current councillors have experienced their term in office. We would like to know how councillors have managed to balance their councillor role with paid work, family, and other responsibilities. The survey will help us better understand the factors that influence councillors’ decisions about their service. The survey will take less than 15 minutes to complete. Participation will help the VLGA work for stronger local governments and better connected communities. The ‘End of term’ councillor survey is now open.
‘Moving Melbourne’
The Committee for Melbourne released a discussion paper last week. Moving Melbourne examines innovative funding and financing options that could be applied to fast-track infrastructure investment in Victoria. Highlighting successful local and international projects, Moving Melbourne demonstrates how cities around the world have used alternative funding solutions to fast-track their transport priorities. Members might also be interested in the Grattan Institute’s recent publication Tomorrow’s suburbs: Building flexible neighbourhoods and this related article of the same name in The Conversation by Jane-Frances Kelly and Peter Breadon.
$2.5 billion savings possible with energy efficient upgrades
Investing in energy efficiency provides real savings for both household budgets and for governments. A new report from the One Million Homes Alliance has found the Victorian Government could save $2.5 billion by improving the average energy efficiency of the State’s housing stock to five stars. The report, 2.5 billion reasons to invest in efficiency, shows that comprehensively retrofitting the homes of one million low-income Victorians would save significant funds in energy concessions expenditure over the next 20 years. The VLGA has been a member of the One Million Homes Alliance since 2010, along with VLGA members Moreland Energy Foundation and the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre. Other members of the alliance include Environment Victoria, the Alternative Technology Association and the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).
Community consultations on multicultural affairs
The Victorian Multicultural Commission is seeking participation in its 2012 State-wide community consultations on multicultural affairs. These consultations provide an open forum for comment on Victorian Government department’s programs, services and policies as outlined in the report, Victorian Government Initiatives and Reporting on Multicultural Affairs 2010-11. There will be twelve consultations held across the State between 19 September and 25 October. Comments and suggestions to the consultation document are sought by 26 October 2012.
Congratulations to Monash on VicHealth funding
With MonashLink and the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Monash City Council has announced a successful tender for a ground-breaking $1 million preventing violence against women project over three years. The project is the first of its kind in Australia in that it will be an integrated program across the community to promote respectful relationships and ultimately prevent violence against women. The demonstration site is being trialled in the City of Monash in the hope of creating a transferable model to be used in other municipalities across Victoria.
Regional Arts Fund applications open
The Regional Arts Fund is the Australian Government’s program that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote Australia. The Fund is managed in Victoria by Regional Arts Victoria. Applications for Round 2 2012 are now open (for projects commencing after Jan 2013) and close on 1 October 2012.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 4 October, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Pencil this date into your diary and join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our audited financial statements for 2011-12 and the Annual Report, and our special guest speaker is Alan Attwood, editor of The Big Issue. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.
VLGA end of term ‘thank you’ for member councillors
Thursday 18 October, 6-8pm
The Leveson, 46 Leveson St, North Melbourne
VLGA member councillors are invited to join us for a barbeque dinner and an evening of networking, to enable us to say ‘thanks’ for your commitment to local government and your community. This is a free event for VLGA member councillors. Register by emailing before Monday 8 October.
Other Events
IAP2 Building an Engaging Organisation and CRED!
7 & 8 November AND 9 November
Training Choice, 50 Queen St Melbourne
Bookings are only available online – to claim a special price, quote ‘Members Special’ in the subject line. Click here to view details of the course in Melbourne 7 & 8 November and here to view details of the course in Melbourne on 9 November.
Thriving Neighbourhoods 2012
12-14 November
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Southwharf
Thriving Neighbourhoods is an international conference on emerging approaches to the planning, design and management of local neighbourhoods that are set to radically improve health, social engagement, environmental quality and productivity in communities. 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, which closes on 17 September!
Victoria’s Multicultural Identity – ECCV 2012 State Conference
Tuesday 20 November
Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre
Registrations for Victoria’s Multicultural Identity State Conference are now open. The Conference will bring together government, policy makers, academics, service providers and community leaders to find intelligent solutions to Victoria’s identity challenges.
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