CEO’s Message
This week’s message comes from me as the VLGA is currently in caretaker period with nominations for Board positions having opened last Thursday. As our President Cr Samantha Dunn is contesting the Board elections, I will act as the official spokesperson for the VLGA throughout the caretaker period. A number of people have contacted the VLGA about the fires in parts of Victoria and how best to assist. The social media traffic has been swift and comprehensive, and it’s clear that tools like Facebook and Twitter have been exceptionally helpful to communities in ensuring that information reaches people quickly. Our colleagues at Wellington Shire Council have asked me to extend this message to all readers, as their Recovery Line is being inundated with calls from all over the state from people offering help. To volunteer assistance, visit here. The best way to help people in Seaton, Glenmaggie and related areas is to make cash donations to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund. There has also been a large fire in the Alpine Shire around Harrietville in the past week, and in the last 48 hours another fire has developed and is threatening communities near Violet Town. Our thoughts are with colleagues in these areas as they manage their various challenges. Victorian local governments will now be turning their minds to how they can best assist communities in Queensland and northern New South Wales as they deal with the latest devastating floods. Thank you to all councillors and officers who have assisted in spreading the word about fire emergencies and recovery across the sector through their own networks – the power of our collective communications is impressive as is the wonderful community spirit.
Maree McPherson
Keeping you up to date
VLGA Board Elections
The VLGA Voters’ Roll closed on 18 December 2012, and nominations for Board positions for the February 2013-January 2015 term opened on 24 January 2013 at 9am. Nominations close this Thursday 31 January. Visit our website to see the Election Guide.
Councils urged to have their say on draft Ministerial rates guidelines
The VLGA is urging local governments to have their say on the Victorian Government’s draft Ministerial Guidelines for Differential Rates. You can download the draft guidelines; read the discussion paper; register to attend a public forum and make a submission online. Consultation ends at 5pm on Thursday 28 February 2013.
The draft guidelines require local governments to define the type or classes of land in accordance with specified categories including: farm land; urban farm land; residential land; primary production; commercial land; community service land; sport, heritage and cultural land; industrial land; extractive industrial land; infrastructure and utilities land; vacant land and retirement villages. It appears that differential rates that address social issues and land use issues will be inconsistent with these guidelines. As noted in other eNews bulletins, the VLGA is using our member survey and roundtable discussions to inform our submission on behalf of members, and our scheduled briefing with the Department in early February.
Minister discusses leadership challenges at VLGA Essential Mayor’s Weekend
Members will be interested to read Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell’s media release regarding her speech at the VLGA Essential Mayors’ Weekend on 17 January.
Is Constitutional Recognition still on the 2013 agenda?
On 16 January the VLGA gave evidence to the Inquiry into Constitutional Recognition of Local Government Public Hearing, supporting financial recognition of local governments in the Constitution and noting our view that there are a number of pre-conditions to ensuring a successful referendum. The Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government last week released a preliminary report recommending that a financial recognition referendum be held at the same time as the 2013 federal election. The ALGA has welcomed the recommendations of the preliminary report and has noted “the dissenting report offered by the Committee's Coalition members shares ALGA's concerns about the time available to complete the steps identified in the Expert Panel report to ensure the best chances of a winnable referendum.” To view updates on the Joint Select Committee review process and the outcomes for local government, visit the ALGA website or follow the ALGA on Twitter by searching @ALGAcomms.
Info for rural councils - cyclist safety study in Baw Baw
Monash University’s Marilyn Johnson recently undertook a study in partnership with Baw Baw Shire Council, investigating the safety concerns of cyclists and drivers when travelling on the roads in the Shire. The study has been reported in this article in The Conversation and provides useful information for other rural shires with growing bicycle use.
Rural reactions to changing land use
A study into the social and economic impacts of rural land use change on local communities by Melbourne University’s Kathryn Williams, and Canberra University’s Jacki Schirmer, highlights the complexity faced by land-use planners and policy makers who are faced with making decisions in this area. The study looked at increases in cropping, dairying, grazing and plantation forestry in south western Victoria and south eastern South Australia that took place between 1991 and 2006 and studied related shifts in population and employment levels. The authors’ conclusions will be of interest to local governments trying to understand and manage the impact of changes in rural land use while also addressing any concerns expressed by residents.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events – Places are Filling Fast – Register Now!
‘Putting Together Your First Council Plan’ – almost at capacity – only a few places left
Thursday 14 February, 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
As the key strategic document, the Council Plan guides the direction of the local government into the future. Developing the four-year Council Plan is a crucial opportunity for councillors to set strategy and determine the priorities for the organisation. This training will focus on assisting all councillors to maximise their input into the new Plan, how to monitor and evaluate progress, and how to work with their colleagues and the administration to deliver an effective Council Plan that reflects issues and priorities. Hear from experienced councillors and officers, learn about successful approaches to working with colleagues and have the opportunity to draw on the experience of others to prepare for the Council Plan process. Download the registration form here.
‘Being Deputy Mayor’
Thursday 21 February, 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2013. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this can be particularly challenging. The session will include time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your local government.
‘The Council – CEO Relationship: Managing Performance’
Wednesday 20 March 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Following this very successful Masterclass at the VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend, we are opening this session up to councillors. Council’s role includes appointing and managing the CEO. This discussion workshop and panel will explore why performance management is important, why councillors have a role in providing quality feedback and how both parties can benefit from a strong process. Download the flyer and registration form here.
Other Events
Food and planning: a New York perspective
Tuesday 5 February, 2-3.30pm
Cancer Council of Victoria, 100 Drummond St Carlton
VicHealth and Heart Foundation (VIC) invite local government planners, food and nutrition, and public health professionals to a seminar with a leading practitioner on the Food Retail Expansion to Support Health (FRESH) tax and zoning incentive initiative in New York City. Local case studies on the built environment and the food system will follow. With many communities experiencing difficulties with access to healthier food choices including fruit and vegetables, the built environment’s role in influencing health and wellbeing as well as development of chronic disease has become more prominent. Spaces are strictly limited and RSVP is essential by Tuesday 29 January via email.
Tipping Point: Engagement beyond the fridge magnet
Metropolitan Waste Management Group conference
5-6 March 2013
MCG, Melbourne
Waste and litter management is currently at a tipping point of change. Social media, new technologies, population growth, urban expansion and the review of several key state and federal strategies and policies are pushing educators to develop new skills and explore new territory to engage and create valuable programs for their constituents. To see more, visit here and to register, go here.
Save the date – Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) Vic State Conference 2013
24-26 May 2013
Strathbogie Shire
The ALGWA Vic branch State Conference will be held in the Shire of Strathbogie. Minister for Local Government, the Hon Jeanette Powell, will open the Conference. The full program is to be confirmed and further details will be available soon. For more information contact ALGWA Vic via their website.
2013 Local Government Research Forum – call for papers
6-7 June 2013
University of Adelaide
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government will host the 2013 Local Government Researchers Forum. This event builds on the very successful national Local Government Researchers Forum held at UTS in December 2011 and state-based forums held in Perth and Brisbane.
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