From the President

The events of the past few days have shocked us all. The extent of the Victorian bushfire disaster is still impossible to comprehend and the only thing we can be sure of is that its consequences will linger for years.

As you will have seen on television and read in newspapers, about 25 councils in Victoria (more than a quarter of all councils in Victoria) have been directly impacted by the fires and have been working around the clock to support emergency personnel and coordinate relief and recovery efforts in their communities.

Everyone associated with local government should feel immensely proud of the way these councils have got to work and the relief they are bringing to traumatised communities. In many cases, these council officers and councillors have suffered their own personal losses but have continued to perform their civic roles in the interests of aiding their distressed communities. Tragically, given the scale of the human toll of these fires, each of these officers and councillors will know of friends or loved ones who have died or who have suffered property loss. All of our thoughts are with them as they put their own personal circumstances to one side and press ahead with the relief and recovery effort in the interests of helping others.

I want to take this opportunity to let you know what ALGA has been doing to play our part, on behalf of local government nationally, to support our Victorian colleagues.

On Monday morning I spoke to the Commonwealth Minister for Local Government, Anthony Albanese, about the immediate needs of councils impacted by the bushfires. I have since followed up this discussion with a letter to him proposing a number of short term initiatives that could be taken by the Australian Government to provide assistance to the councils affected. I have indicated to him that as the local government task becomes clearer over the coming weeks, we will put a more comprehensive proposal to him for assistance.

I have also written to the Attorney-General to stress the views of local government nationally that the successful Natural Disasters Mitigation Program ought to be continued with an improved funding arrangement for councils. This is vital in order to assist local government to deliver local strategies to mitigate against future disasters. There has been uncertainty over whether this program would continue to be funded, with funding only locked in until the end of June, and ALGA will continue to argue that it is vitally important that the program is continued.

There has been much attention in the media about the role of the brave emergency services personnel fighting the fires at the frontline. It is easy for people to forget though, the role played behind the scenes in the relief centres and in the recovery centres that are now being set up. Councils in Victoria lead these post incident efforts and I have attempted to highlight through a number of media interviews this work being performed by the affected councils. I have also written to all affected councils to convey ALGA's sympathy for what has occurred and offering whatever assistance we can provide to assist councils in their dealings with the Australian Government.

I continue to be in regular contact with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV). The MAV has been doing a remarkable job in not only assisting affected councils but in being a formal link between local government and the other government agencies involved in the emergency response. Since Sunday, the MAV has also been coordinating a huge number of council officers from councils in unaffected areas to assist affected councils. The number of councils and officers from unaffected areas who have volunteered to be part of the MAV strike teams has been incredible. I understand that many interstate councils have also generously been in contact with the MAV to offer their own staff and resources. The response from councils all over Australia continues to be amazing. Many have made generous donations and have sent encouraging messages of support and solidarity to the councils hit by the fires.

I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the councils in northern and western Queensland who are facing their own troubles at the moment, although thankfully without the loss of life that Victoria has seen. ALGA remains in regular contact with the Local Government Association of Queensland and we have made appropriate representations to the Australian Government on their behalf as part of our various discussions held this week. I have also written to these councils to offer any other assistance ALGA is able to provide.

Cr Geoff Lake
ALGA President

Sydney rail freight network

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese advised Federal Parliament last week that construction had commenced on the 36 km Southern Sydney Freight Line in south west Sydney.

The $309 million project will help clear the single largest bottleneck on the interstate rail network and is scheduled to be completed by early 2010.

Currently, freight trains face delays on the Sydney network because of the priority given to passenger trains and because of limited track capacity and are excluded from the urban system during peak hours.

A dedicated freight line from Macarthur to Chullora will unclog this bottleneck by providing access to up to five freight trains per hour and 24-hour access to Port Botany through southern Sydney.

The construction project also includes:

• Improved passenger access at Leumeah, Minto, Cabramatta, Sefton, Warwick Farm and Casula train stations through facilities such as lifts, pedestrian overbridges and wheelchair ramps;
• $8.7 million towards additional car parking, improved lighting, and community amenity works along the train corridor; and
• $13.5 million for the construction of noise walls along the corridor.

Minister Albanese also announced two further measures that will improve the operation of Sydney's rail network:

• The allocation of $15 million to accelerate planning and design work on the proposed new dedicated freight line between North Strathfield to Gosford estimated to cost $840 million; and
• Work to start in March/April on a $27.2 million upgrade to the Port Botany Rail Line including track rearrangement, and circuiting and signalling work.

The northern Sydney project will provide access for four freight trains an hour for 22 hours a day, while the Port Botany upgrade will increase the average train load to the Port from 40 to 60 containers.

The purpose of these and other investment totaling $1.7 billion on the interstate rail freight system is to make rail more competitive by slashing travel times and improving reliability, helping to reduce the number of trucks on our roads with each 1,500 metre train equivalent to around 100 semi trailers.

Together, rail projects currently underway and those announced in December by the Prime Minister aim to cut freight times along the Melbourne to Brisbane corridor from around 37 hours to around 26 hours - a 30 per cent improvement.

Tax reform to aid health

Taxation reform is one of the most effective measures to reduce the unsustainable economic and social burden of smoking in Australia, according to the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Cancer Council Australia in their joint Budget Submission.

The submission focuses on the potential for tobacco taxation reform to provide long-term, measurable benefits to Australia's economy while improving population health and wellbeing.

Tobacco tax increases through excise provide a twofold benefit to government: a substantial source of new revenue, and reductions in taxpayer-funded healthcare costs. The attributable improvements in overall population health would also contribute to significant increases in workplace productivity.

The recommendations are based on longstanding research and evidence and are aligned with international best practice. They are also aligned with the recommendations of the Government's National Preventative Health Taskforce. Their adoption would help Australia to prepare for the economic and social challenges of population ageing, argues the National Heart Foundation.

The submission can be found here.

It recommends that tobacco excise in Australia be increased in two phases:

• as an interim step, a 21% price increase (up 7.5c per stick); then
• following adequate investment in the control of illicit tobacco trade and support services for people trying to quit smoking, a 50% price increase on current prices (up 17.5c per stick).

Safer Internet Day

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) marked Safer Internet Day 2009 on Tuesday, with a series of internet safety events and activities across Australia. This year's activities focused on the international Safer Internet Day themes of cyberbullying and safe social networking.

Marking the event, ACMA worked with a broad network of partners who supported this event. These included police, libraries, schools, Habbo, MySpace, Telstra, Google and Microsoft. A wide range of activities included promotion of safety messages through stakeholder networks, competitions, and the launch of new safety initiatives. Safer Internet Day is observed in over fifty countries and recognised across Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. More details here.

Tour Down Under

A leg of the Tour Down Under could be held in the Clare and Gilbert Valleys district next year if the local council makes a successful bid on their involvement in the event.

Tour organisers have already visited the district to scope out possible routes and are taking registrations of interest from local councils. To successfully take on the challenge of hosting either a start or finish or a full stage of the event the council will need support from local organisations and businesses.

The Local Government Association of SA is hosting a meeting with local councils in February who may be interested in putting their hands up.

The Tour Down Under is recognised as Australia's premier international cycling race and is an integral part of South Australia's major event calendar, attracting more than half a million spectators annually.

World Environment Day awards

Nominations for the 10th Anniversary United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards 2009 are now open nationally.

Projects from businesses, local governments, community organisations, individuals, schools and the media are invited to nominate in the following categories:

• Lincolne Scott Sustainability Leadership Award
• Szencorp Green Building Award
• Building Commission Award for Best Sustainable Residential Development
• Meeting the Greenhouse Challenge Award
• Business Awards
• Local Government Awards
• Excellence in Sustainable Water Management
• Education/ School Award
• Excellence in Marine and Coastal Management Award
• Media Award
• Community Award
• Individual Award

This national awards program recognises those from all Australian sectors who display innovation and dedication in their work to protect, manage or restore the environment.

The World Environment Day Awards are held annually in support of UN World Environment Day on June 5th. The theme for UN World Environment Day 2009 is 'Your Planet Needs You - UNite to Combat Climate Change'.

For entry forms and further details, please visit www.unaavictoria.org.au

Nominations close Friday 1 May, 2009. Winners will be announced at the Awards Presentation Dinner to be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, on Friday 5 June, 2009.

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Grant funding to assist Local Governments to respond to climate change

The Australian Government invites Expressions of Interest from local governments, consortia of local governments and regional organisations for grants under the Local Adaptation Pathways Program.

The grants will assist councils to undertake risk assessments and develop adaptation action plans to prepare their communities for the likely local impacts of climate change. Councils will develop the capacity to incorporate climate change impacts into their risk management planning.

While all applications will be considered, this round of funding particularly seeks to improve participation from local governments in outer regional, remote and very remote regions.

Grants are available for a single council or a consortium of councils.

The funding which totals $500,000 is up to:

• $75,000 for a single council
• $120,000 for two councils or
• $140,000 for three or more councils.

Expressions of Interest close on 25 February. Late applications will not be accepted.

For more information please visit www.climatechange.gov.au, email adaptation_projects@climatechange.gov.au or phone (02) 6275 9233.

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An Australian Government Initiative

The Australian Government, through the Attorney-General's Department, invites applications for funding under Section 298 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), from incorporated, not-for-profit community groups and local government associations/agencies.

Applications are sought for projects which address one or more of the following areas:

• Indigenous prisoner throughcare (rehabilitation, treatment and reintegration projects)
• Crime prevention

Eligible organisations are able to seek funding of up to $500,000 for each project.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 20 March 2009. Applications must be post-marked on or before the closing date.

Application forms and information are available:

• at www.crimeprevention.gov.au
• from the:
  Community Crime Prevention Section
  Strategic Policy Coordination Branch
  Attorney-General's Department
  Robert Garran Offices
  National Circuit
  BARTON ACT 2600
• by phoning (02) 6250 6711
• by emailing poca@ag.gov.au

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Executive Workshops in Regulation to gain a competitive edge

Whilst much of the work of local governments involves regulatory activities, few professionals see themselves as regulators and fewer actually understand either regulatory concepts or the breath of available tools.

Monash's Centre for Regulatory Studies is addressing this gap by offering a two day workshop (30 and 31 March) - The Regulatory Revolution: survival skills for professionals.

Come up to speed with regulatory concepts with core ideas, frameworks and skills to apply to your local government business activities.

Our programs are aligned with industry and taught by leading academics in Melbourne's CBD.

For further information and registration click here.

Tel: (03) 9905 4135, email: Regulatory.Centre@law.monash.edu.au
or
www.law.monash.edu.au/regstudies/

Future directions of the Digital Economy

This week, ALGA lodged its comments on the December 2008 consultation draft paper released by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, on the future directions of Australia's digital economy. The paper explores options to help promote greater take up of the digital economy in Australia.

ALGA's comments respond to the following topics presented in the paper: open access to public sector information (ALGA considers that this information sharing from government to third parties as well as between the levels of government should be facilitated); developing Australia's knowledge and skills base (ALGA noted that training needs will vary between different demographics, that more harnessing of the digital economy could be achieved by leveraging the education sector and that training needs to be provided to small-to-medium sized enterprises); and the digital economy and the environment (ALGA noted the importance of product stewardship and the role of industry in e-waste policy issues). Further, ALGA noted that any national policies to promote take up of the digital economy must also closely consider the resourcing needs of smaller, rural and regional councils. ALGA also took the opportunity to stress that the National Broadband Network is integral to any moves aimed at maximising the full potential of the digital economy in Australia.

Emissions trading scheme

ALGA has been informed that the House of Representatives Economics Committee will examine the choice of emissions trading as the central policy to reduce Australia's carbon pollution.

The climate is changing and there is significant scientific evidence to suggest that it will continue to change, Australia has a climate sensitive economy and is particularly susceptible to droughts, bushfires, floods, tropical cyclones and hail storms which lead to substantial social and economic costs.

The committee's inquiry chaired by the House Economics Committee, Craig Thomson (Member for Dobell, NSW) will focus on how Australia can make the transition to a lower carbon economy both efficiently and economically.

The committee is keen to hear from industry, peak associations, academia, government departments, the scientific community and individuals. ALGA's recent submission on the Carbon Pollution REduction Scheme Green Paper is available here.

The committee will accept submissions, preferably by email, until Friday, 20 March 2009. The Committee has been asked to report back in the second half of 2009. Further details about the inquiry, including how to make a submission, can be obtained from the committee's website or by contacting the committee secretariat on (02) 6277 4209 or emailing economics.reps@aph.gov.au

Climate change forums

ICLEI Oceania is conducting a series of climate change adaptation forums which are designed to give councils a holistic look at what is involved in taking a leading approach to adaptation - one that enhances the existing risk-management frameworks that councils already use.

These forums aim to facilitate discussion about:

• how climate change impacts will change the way councils operate
• how prepared councils are to make critical decisions when faced with change and uncertainty
• what role the strategic vision plays in providing the guidance and support necessary for council staff to implement adaptation actions.

The forums will provide an introduction to an adaptive management approach, and tools that councils can use. They are also a valuable networking opportunity to explore possibilities of working together.

Melbourne forum Wednesday 4 March 2009 - RSVP by 20 February 2009.
Brisbane forum Tuesday 17 March 2009 - RSVP by 6 March 2009.
Sydney forum Tuesday 7 April 2009 - RSVP by 27 March 2009.

For more information on these forums visit the ICLEI Oceania Events pages.

Health and safety

In order to minimise health and safety risks, Pro-Visual Publishing is reminding local government and works officers of the general OHS construction induction laws in their 2009 edition of the National Guide to Public Works and Services Safety.

The new laws, which took effect 1 July 2008, specify that a person must not do construction work at a workplace unless they are registered, or taken to be registered, to perform that work.

The safety guide, which will be distributed in February, explores the reasons for the new laws and details what a site induction should include to minimise health and safety risks.

The Institute of Public Works and Services Safety (NSW) believes the Chart to be an excellent method of introducing new staff to safety and for ongoing training for existing staff.

The Guide will be distributed to all Institute of Public Works and Services Safety members and local councils across Australia. Additional copies are available and all Guides are produced and distributed without cost thanks to sponsorship.

For further information, or to obtain additional copies of the chart call (02) 8272 2611, email enquiries@provisual.com.au or see www.provisual.com.au

Additions to road network

Seven key roads have been added to the National Land Transport Network.

The roads approved for inclusion on the Network are:

• Western Motorway (M4) (NSW) - from the intersection with Westlink (M7) at Eastern Creek to the intersection with the Great Western Highway at North Strathfield;
• Townsville Ring Road (Queensland) - bypass route for the Bruce Highway to the south and west of Townsville;
• South Road (South Australia) - extension of South Road from Sir Donald Bradman Drive to the Southern Expressway;
• Great Eastern Highway (Western Australia) - from Kooyong Road to the Roe Highway via the Great Eastern Highway bypass;
• Karratha Dampier Road (Western Australia) - from Burrup Peninsula Road to the North West Coastal Highway, and then to the Great Northern Highway;
• Bunbury Port Access Road and Stage 1 of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (Western Australia) - Bunbury Port Access Road from Estuary Drive to the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (Stage 1) which will extend from the Boyanup Picton Road to the South Western Highway (south); and
• Tasman and Brooker Highways (Tasmania) - from the Midland Highway to central Hobart and to Hobart airport.

These roads will now be eligible for federal funding and reflect the important role they play in the national economy.

Although the national network accounts for only 3 per cent of Australia's total road length, it carries 15 per cent of all traffic and 18 per cent of the country's freight - and the demands on it are predicted to grow significantly in coming decades.

The Government has allocated $24.2 billion for roads funding for the period between 2008/09 and 2013/14. Projects on these roads will be eligible for a share of this funding.

Disasters Conference postponed

Roger Wilkins, the Secretary of the Federal Attorney-General's Department, has written to ALGA on the postponement of the conference. "As you would all be aware, the horrific fires in Victoria have led to many deaths, major destruction of property and damage to communities. Meanwhile, there is major flooding in North Queensland and more than 50 fires burning in New South Wales," he said. "We have therefore decided to postpone the Australian Disasters Conference scheduled to run 11 - 13 February until later this year, recognising that many of our colleagues are focused on responding to these severe events. I apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause, but I am sure you will understand and support the decision."

Have your say on the Premises Standards

The Australian Human Rights Commission is urging people with a disability, advocacy organisations, people in the building sector, local government and community organisations concerned about access to buildings to make submissions on draft Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards (Premises Standards).

The Premises Standards will clarify the level of access to buildings required to meet responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

In December 2008 the Federal Government tabled draft Premises Standards and referred the draft to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to conduct final consultations and to report to Parliament in the first half of 2009.

The draft contains significant proposals for improvements in access to new buildings and those undergoing renovation or new work. This includes: increased circulation space in new accessible toilets and around doorways; improvements in access to theatres and cinemas; increases in the number of accessible rooms in hotels and motels; improvements in signage and hearing augmentation systems in rooms with a PA system and significant increases in the number and location of unisex accessible toilets.

Once completed the intention is for changes to be made to the access provisions in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) so that the two laws are consistent. This would mean that in future someone meeting the requirements of the BCA would also be meeting the requirements of the DDA on those matters covered by the Premises Standards.

These proposed changes are significant and aim to ensure of people with a disability have equal access to buildings used for the social, cultural, health, employment, recreational and political life of our community. They are also significant for those involved in the design, construction, certification, development and management of buildings who will have to comply with them.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs has asked for submissions on the draft by the 27 February 2009 and will hold a number of public hearings (yet to be announced) probably in late March.

All the documents released by Government are on the Committee's website (the drafts can be found in the section which deals with Terms of Reference).

The Australian Human Rights Commission has produced some information to assist people to understand the content of the draft including a guide to the various documents and an FAQ

Representatives from the disability community have also produced their own material that puts forward their views on the draft. This will be available soon at www.access.afdo.org.au or www.accesstopremisesstandards.afdo.org.au

The proposals, when finalised, will result in important changes to the way in which buildings are designed and constructed and will improve access to buildings for everyone so it is important to take this opportunity to have your say.

If you would like to be placed on an e mail list to keep you informed on the Premises Standards contact michael.small@humanrights.gov.au

Regional Information Service

The Australian Government Regional Information Service (AGRIS) helps you to find information about a range of Australian Government programs and services for individuals, families, communities, farms and businesses in rural, regional and remote Australia.

You can access AGRIS through visiting the website or telephone helpline 1800 026222

Water Management Conference

The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) are calling for papers for the 2009 LGSA Water Management Conference.

The 2009 conference will be hosted by Deniliquin Council and be held in Deniliquin on 9-11 September 2009. Councils and other stakeholders are invited to forward papers and/or suggestions for the conference program.

The Water Management Conference is an annual event providing Local Government with a broad range of information on water management and issues associated with water supply and sewerage services provided by local water utilities. The conference presents an opportunity for councillors, Local Government professionals, government representatives and the broader industry to discuss emerging issues in the water portfolio from a Local Government perspective.

Papers and suggestions can be emailed to Sascha Moege, Senior Policy Officer, sascha.moege@lgsa.org.au. For information about the conference, as well as subscription to the conference email newsletter, please visit the conference website.

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Fourth annual Australian Road Engineering and Maintenance Conference 2009

Tuesday 17 - Wednesday 18, February 2009 Melbourne

See www.halledit.com.au/roads09 for full details

Implementing sustainable building practices for local and arterial roads will be one of the main topics of discussion at the Fourth Road Engineering and Maintenance Conference 2009 being held in Melbourne on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 February. The conference is held annually and draws more than 200 delegates from councils, state road authorities and the private sector from across Australia, New Zealand and other countries.

35 practical and expert speakers from councils, state road authorities and the private sector from around Australia, the UK and New Zealand will address a range of topics dealing with contemporary practices in road design, engineering and maintenance. Practical case studies, including award-winning projects, are a feature of this conference to enable councils and other road authorities to immediately implement the information presented at the conference. The speaking program is further augmented by a number of practical workshops and a highly relevant exhibition.

Conference Topics include:
Achieving Sustainability on Road Infrastructure Projects; Water Sensitive Design; Pavement Design and Materials Road Maintenance; Rural Roads; Road Project Case Studies and Delivery Models Good Paving and Sealing Practices and OHS and Working Under Traffic

Conference Speakers include:
Cliff Toms, Technical Services Manager, Port Macquarie Hastings Council
Stuart Small, Projects and Contracts Engineer, Great Lakes Council
Dr Dimitris Tsolakis, Coordinator Economic Analysis, ARRB Group Ltd
Mark Allingham, Operations Engineer Alpine Shire Council
Michael Rose, Manager Project Safety, VicRoads Major Projects Division,
Adam Macguire - Projects Director VicRoads Northern City Projects

To view the full Speaking Program and general information; please see www.halledit.com.au/roads09 You can register online or contact Denise McQueen Ph: 03 8534 5021 (direct) or 03 8534 5000 (switch)
Email denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

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Contract Negotiation Techniques and Post Tender De-Briefings

Sydney: Friday 27^th February 2009
8.30 ? 4.30 pm

 

Negotiation is one of the most fundamental skills for a local government contract manager. No one wishes to be exposed to potential personal or organisational liability for being out-negotiated, and committing to a contract that did not maximise value for money outcomes.

This one day seminar is designed to provide a solid introduction to contract negotiation and the techniques for securing meaningful concessions and lasting agreements.

The format of the seminar will be interactive and practical, and will specifically be aimed at helping participants to:

1. Plan for negotiation and determine clear objectives
2. Identify legal risks that may arise during the negotiation process
3. Instigate the most appropriate approach for a given situation
4. Manage the process of moving from the negotiation table to contract
5. Understand what's involved in drawing up a negotiated agreement
6. Identify common pitfalls in contract drafting
7. Identify techniques/procedures for effectively handling post tender de-briefings

Register now to attend the Contract Negotiation Techniques Seminar by downloading the brochure and registration form at http://pdf.aigroup.asn.au/events/2009/
Contract_Neg_Post_Tender_
January2009.pdf

http://pdf.aigroup.asn.au/events/2009/
7310_council_training_rego_form.pdf

For enquiries, please contact David Richardson on
+61 (2) 9466 5456