President’s Message
Welcome back from the Easter break, and I trust you all enjoyed some time out with loved ones over the past few days. So much has happened since our last eNews and this week’s edition is chock full of information. Prime Minister Gillard has announced her new Ministry which includes a return of the Hon Anthony Albanese to the portfolios of Regional Development and Local Government. In other news, it won’t have escaped any of you that parts of north-eastern Victoria were severely affected by a recent tornado and winds of around 200kms per hour. It was gratifying to see in an ABC News report last week that VLGA members Moira Shire received praise from the local community for their rapid response to cleaning up, and working with other agencies to make the process seamless. Well done Moira – under very challenging circumstances. We’re also thinking of our colleagues in Golden Plains Shire with their support to their local community of Dereel after last week’s devastating grass fire in which a number of homes were lost. Last Wednesday evening, our CEO Maree McPherson officially launched the revised web-based version of ‘Now you’re a Councillor’. This wonderful resource is a product of the Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition - see more in the article below. Congratulations to everyone involved!
It is school holiday break, and I am taking a short ‘time out’ so I will be harder to catch for the remainder of the holidays. I look forward to seeing you about the place at various events in the next few weeks and please don’t hesitate to be in touch on 0407 364 509 if I can be of assistance.
Cr Samantha Dunn
President
Keeping you up to date
Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter event hosted at Boroondara
Last Wednesday evening, a large crowd gathered at the City of Boroondara’s Parkview Room to celebrate the achievements of Victorian local governments in working towards gender equity. With Vice-President of the YWCA Sandy Bell as MC, guests heard from Boroondara Mayor Jack Wegman; Chair of WPILGC and VLGA Vice-President Beth Ripper; ALGWA Victoria President Cr Coral Ross; Moira Shire’s Cr Alex Monk; Greater Geelong Mayor Keith Fagg; Hobsons Bay Deputy Mayor Luba Grigorovitch, and VLGA CEO Maree McPherson who launched the new Now You’re a Councillor website. The VLGA congratulates Victorian local governments on their accomplishments since the inception of the Charter. To see photos from the event, visit and ‘like’ the VLGA’s Facebook page.
Make sure you make a submission - Public Libraries review in second stage
Minister for Local Government, the Hon Jeanette Powell MP has launched the community consultation for Stage 2 of Tomorrow’s Library – the review of public libraries in Victoria. Comments from the community and local governments are due by 16 May.
The Stage 2 Discussion Paper is available to assist guide comments. The VLGA is forming our response to Stage 2 and we welcome comments via email to Peter Yates.
‘Fight for the Real You’ - new problem gambling campaign launched
The VLGA was represented last week at the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s launch of their campaign to expose problem gambling, by Premier Denis Napthine and Minister for Gaming Regulation Andrew McIntosh. The campaign features four real people sharing real stories captured in a daily video diary as they tackle their problems with gambling in the 100 Day Challenge. You can learn more about the campaign and watch the first TV commercial, and read the Premier’s media release.
PTV releases rail strategy
Public Transport Victoria has released the Network Development Plan – Metropolitan Rail to the Minister for Transport. The plan is designed to:
* expand the capacity of the existing network to meet the growing needs of the city;
* redesign train services to maximise opportunities for seamless coordination with buses and trams; and
* extend the network to areas currently not served by metropolitan rail.
Guidance for the community on council rating powers
Local Government Victoria advises they have received information from a number of municipalities that certain individuals and groups are seeking to challenge the power of Councils to impose rates and charges. LGV has produced a fact sheet setting out the key 'myths and facts' which provides guidance and information on these and related issues.
Best practice procurement guidelines
Local Government Victoria has recently released the 2013 Victorian Local Government Best Practice Procurement Guidelines for reference.
Climate Change Adaptation Plan
The VLGA is pleased that Victoria’s first Climate Change Adaptation Plan has finally been tabled in Parliament by Minister for Environment and Climate Change, the Hon Ryan Smith MP. The plan outlines six key strategies to build Victoria’s climate resilience and indicates that further dialogue with local governments will be undertaken – something the VLGA has advocated for.
Victorian Electoral Commissioner appointed
Victorian Attorney-General Robert Clark MP has announced that Victoria has a new Electoral Commissioner, with the appointment of Warwick Gately AM to the role. Mr Gately commences in the role on 29 April.
Maroondah argues case for no additional pokies
There will be no extra poker machines at Ringwood's Coach and Horses hotel after a surprise decision by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) to refuse an application for eight more machines. It is only the third time the VCGLR has refused an application for poker machines in the past 12 months. You can read more about this decision online. A summary of the decision’s key findings will also be included in the upcoming April VLGA Gambling News eBulletin.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) renamed
Now known as DisabilityCare Australia, the NDIS legislation was passed in the House of Representatives following a series of amendments introduced by the Australian Government. Amendments included the renaming, clarification that all people who are NDIS participants will be able to choose to remain in the scheme after they turn 65 and changes to the compensation provisions so that the NDIS Launch Transition Agency can conduct legal proceedings on behalf of a person with disability. The Bill will now be considered in the Senate before it becomes law.
Funding opportunities
Volunteer grants
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs has grants of up to $5000 available for eligible not-for-profit community organisations to:
* purchase portable, tangible, small equipment items to help their volunteers
* contribute to the reimbursement of fuel costs for their volunteers who use their own car to transport others to activities, deliver food, assist with medical appointments or help people in need
* contribute to the reimbursement of transport costs incurred by volunteers with disability who are unable to drive
* contribute to the cost of training courses and/or undertake background screening checks for their volunteers.
Applications close Wednesday 24 April 2013.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
April ‘Leading Edge’ Forum - Strengthening democracy: improving local government elections
Thursday 4 April, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Strengthening democracy is in the VLGA’s DNA. It’s why we were founded, and continues to be a key part of our mission today. With the 2012 local government elections completed, it’s time to reflect on how local democracy can be improved. This workshop-style forum is the first stage in a public conversation the VLGA is conducting and it will explore key challenges such as how to:
* increase community participation in the electoral process
* enhance transparency and accountability
* ‘raise the bar’ on election campaign conduct.
This is a key opportunity to express your issues and concerns, and to discuss your solutions to the challenges of local democracy. It’s a chance to draw on the insight of all those who care about local democracy including councillors, election candidates, local government officers, community activists and voters at large. The forum will help develop a stronger evidence base about what is working in local government elections and how things can be improved. Findings will contribute to a VLGA discussion paper on strengthening local democracy, for release later in 2013. Register to attend
*Note - where registration numbers are limited, VLGA members will be given priority
Planning for resilience: councillors setting the agenda with strategy and policy
Monday 8 April, 5.30pm-9pm (including light refreshments)
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Within the first six months of the council term, councillors are called on to set the agenda for key plans, policies and strategies. How can councillors ensure that these documents represent the best outcomes for their community? What opportunities are there to integrate these plans? These are the questions addressed by Resilient Neighbourhoods councillor training module. Learn more about the training and secure your place now!
Pokies Assessments: a ‘how to’ short course – only a few spaces left!
Wednesday 10 April, 9.30am-4pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Cost – Members $264, Non-members $297
Part of the VLGA's advocacy on gambling reform, this workshop will consider gambling and local government holistically, including processes, context, social and economic impacts and practical local government case studies. The session is designed for councillors statutory planners, social and community planners, social researchers and health professionals.
Topics covered include:
* Gambling and planning processes
* The context and history of gambling in Victoria
* The role of Local Planning Policies
* Useful tools and guides
* Social and economic impacts
* State and Federal regulatory changes and more
Register your place by this Friday 5 April.
‘Resilient Neighbourhoods: Integrated approaches to urban change’ Forum
Thursday 11 April 9.30am-12.30pm (including light refreshments)
60 Leicester St, Carlton
With Greater Melbourne's population growing at a rapid pace, local governments increasingly need to review and improve their strategies for sustainably managing growth and urban change. If you would like to learn more about how other local government teams and professional disciplines are working effectively together with the community to assist sustainable urban change, then this important forum is for you. The forum will showcase current practice, feature case studies and cover:
* sustainable approaches to urban change
* integration models and processes
* community engagement
* enablers and barriers
RSVP by email or call (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
AEBN Carbon Leadership Forum
New Developments to Carbon & Energy Obligations, Carbon Trading & Finance for Industry, Business and Councils in 2013
3 April 2013
Melbourne CBD
A price on carbon has been in place since 1 July 2012; however, the legislative framework around carbon continues to see change and new developments. This forum will provide details of the changes and new developments and you will hear from recognised experts from Australian government, legal, financial and industry sectors. You will also have approximately 2 hours of networking with presenters and delegates. View the program or register online.
National Mainstreet Australia Conference
12 – 15 May 2013
Federation Square, Melbourne CBD
Held only every two years, this is the biggest conference that specifically supports main street practitioners which includes; marketing coordinators, special rate programs, business/trader associations and Local Government officers from key areas such as; economic development, community development, strategic planning, place-making and tourism. Learn more and register online. Early bird registration ends this Friday 5 April.
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