CEO’s Message
It’s February - it seems the whole country is now in election mode, and it’s the same for us here at the VLGA. Nominations for positions on the VLGA Board have now closed. Voting opens at 9am on Thursday 7 February and closes at 5pm on Thursday 14 February, 2013. Visit our website to see a list of candidates for each category. If you are interested to hear from candidates before you cast your vote, come along to our ‘Meet the Candidates’ Leading Edge Forum (LEF) on Thursday – register your attendance online. On the topic of VLGA events, our ‘Putting Together Your First Council Plan’ councillor development session on 14 February has been fully subscribed, and as there is so much interest we will hold another session soon - stay tuned for information. Councillors can scroll to the registration details below. It is a very busy time at the VLGA. Last week, we sent a member update to all member mayors, councillors and CEOs. This update was to let you know about the VLGA’s achievements during the second half of 2012 and what we are planning for 2013. You might like to add this to a briefing agenda, and as we are currently planning our calendar of visits to member councils you might also like to arrange to have us visit you over the coming months. Finally – save the date! The VLGA’s Essential Councillor Weekend will be held on 18 and 19 October 2013 and more information will be sent out soon. Have a great week.
Maree McPherson
Keeping you up to date
VLGA State Budget Submission
The VLGA’s State Budget submission has been delivered to the Treasurer. In our submission we identify four key objectives including nine policy and service priorities to be considered for inclusion in the 2013 State Budget. The four key objectives are:
* working with local government to improve local government: where we focus on the need for a review of local government legislation, and integrating performance reporting into local governance
* partnering with local government to facilitate planning and development: including an emphasis on transport orientated development; identifying surplus land to achieve socially beneficial development and support for the implementation of planning zones
* enhancing local government capacity to respond to financial challenges: where we have called for resources to assist develop the skills of local councillors and to assist rural councillors to access training and development
* strengthening communities and local government: which includes enhancing community understanding of local government; supporting women’s participation in local government and a proposal to boost productivity and secure local business in Victoria’s regions.
Successful Metropolitan Strategy Roundtable
The VLGA held a successful roundtable discussion with a diverse group of councillors, senior officers and leading urban planners on the metropolitan planning strategy. The roundtable is the VLGA’s first stage of consultation with local government and urban policy experts and this will inform our response to the ‘Melbourne, let’s talk about the future’ discussion paper which has been developed by the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Planning. The VLGA welcomes any feedback and responses to the discussion paper. Please contact Toby Archer, Director Policy via email to provide your thoughts.
Update on Constitutional recognition referendum
The Joint Select Committee on the Constitutional Recognition of Local Government will hold a second public hearing on 20 February 2013 to hear from local government bodies and Commonwealth agencies that have provided submissions to the inquiry. Learn more in the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) news.
Councils urged to have their say on draft Ministerial rates guidelines
It was interesting to note comments from the Victorian Farmer’s Federation (VFF) President in The Weekly Times on 30 January regarding the Minister’s announcement of the draft Ministerial guidelines for differential rates. The VFF says the new guidelines are unlikely to make much difference, and they would be continuing their push for a “wide-ranging Government inquiry into how councils were financed”. 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.
What are the issues in local democratic representation?
The VLGA hosted a roundtable on 31 January with representatives from Victorian local governments, five state peak bodies, the City of Sydney, the Victorian Electoral Commission and Latrobe University. The roundtable was conducted as part of the VLGA’s partnership with the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) to analyse the approaches taken across the country to address the question of representation. The research is looking at voting structures and their impact on local democratic process; the roles of mayors and deputy mayors; approaches to the role and remuneration of councillors and the critical relationship between council administration and elected members. The roundtable tested the literature review of state and territory policies and legislation, and the next phase will be a process of consultation through interviews, focus groups and discussions. Invitations to host focus groups and further information will be circulated from next week.
Insurance companies put on notice regarding fire services levy
Media reports last week noted that insurance companies may incur fines of up to $10 million if they continue to charge customers for Victoria's fire services levy. From July the Levy will be collected by local governments via a property-based system, in what State Treasurer Kim Wells says is “the biggest state-based tax reform in decades.” The Victorian Government has budgeted $53 million for the transition to the new system which the VLGA hopes will enable local governments to implement and cover all expenses incurred in the process, to avoid further cost-shifting.
Seeking tidy towns and sustainable cities!
The Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Awards 2013, incorporating the Sustainable Cities and Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities awards are now open for entries. The awards recognise and celebrate positive actions taken by communities in Victoria to protect and enhance their local environments. With 10 community and environmental categories to choose from, entries are sought from community groups, councils, schools, young leaders and individuals. Learn more about the awards and how to enter online.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Meet the Candidates – February ‘Leading Edge’ Forum
Thursday 7 February, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Our first LEF for 2013 will provide an opportunity for members to meet and hear from the candidates for the VLGA President and Board elections. Each Presidential and Board member candidate will be given the opportunity to speak on their views on priorities for the VLGA in 2013/14 and their main areas of interest in standing for the VLGA Board. We hope you can join us for this event so you can put questions to the candidates and inform your vote for the new VLGA Board. Please register online by Monday 4 February or phone (03) 9349 7999. The Forum will be webcast live — from 7pm Thursday go here.
*Note - where registration numbers are limited, VLGA members will be given priority
‘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
Changes to Environmental Laws & Funding Opportunities in 2013
For Business, Industry and Councils - Seminar
22 February 2013, 8.45 for 9am-5pm
Lander & Rogers, Level 12, 600 Bourke St Melbourne
A number of significant changes to environmental obligations are expected to take effect in 2013 that will impact industry, business and councils across Australia. This seminar will focus on details of those changes, expected in 2013, as well as the funding opportunities available to your organisation. Visit the Australian Environment Business Network website for more information and to register.
3rd National Sustainable Food Summit
20-21 March 2013
Melbourne Town Hall
This landmark event is the largest and most diverse gathering of practitioners interested in the sustainability of our food system and will explore the question: ‘What is the roadmap to a sustainable and equitable food system?’ Learn more about the 3rd National Sustainable Food Summit, and register, here.
Citizen and Community Leadership in Natural Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery - National Workshop
Wednesday 27 March 2013
This workshop will explore the issues involved in creating a national community disaster organisation. Community innovators and leaders, service practitioners, researchers, policy makers, governments, social entrepreneurs and workers in community agencies are warmly invited to join residents in disaster-prone areas in exploring these issues. You can register online and also express interest in presenting a paper or other contribution.
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