From the President

Last week ALGA made a submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government's Inquiry into the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on regional Australia. The submission will be available on our website when publicly released by the Committee. In the meantime, I?ll canvas some of the issues raised in today's column.

All Australian councils contribute significantly to economic and social growth in their region by focusing efforts in three key strategic areas:

• creating and maintaining the investment environment - ensuring the availability of appropriate physical and social infrastructure, striving to deliver a quality public domain, ensuring sufficient housing provision and lobbying on behalf of local and regional communities for community services such as schools, hospitals, police and emergency services;
• facilitating new local investment - actively promoting business development through strategic planning, working with business groups, running economic facilitation services; and
• attracting external investment through the creation of new business and capital ? working with regional bodies and developers to attract and create new businesses.

In broad terms, actions geared towards creating and maintaining the investment environment in regional communities are of prime importance to a majority of local councils. If these actions are successfully implemented, investment is likely to flow both within and outside the region.

For the many rural, regional and remote communities across Australia, local government is often the only institutional presence in their area and one of the key drivers of economic activity.

Given the significant role played by local governments in fostering regional development, ALGA has maintained a key interest in this policy area for many years. ALGA is a member of the Regional Development Ministerial Council and contributes to policy development through our annual Regional Cooperation and Development Forum. Over the last decade, ALGA has also commissioned National Economics to prepare our annual State of the Regions (SOR) report. Last year's report (2008-09) identified a number of significant issues, including the global financial crisis, which point to challenging times ahead for local communities.

ALGA acknowledges that there are no simple solutions when it comes to developing regional development programs or meeting the substantial challenges arising out the global financial crisis. Regional development relies on multiple ingredients and the active participation and co-ordination of multiple stakeholders.

The Australian Government must ensure that its interventions support the everyday roles played by local government in the communities. Local government must be consulted about possible measures so it can continue to work with regional communities and play an effective part in the whole of government response to issues arising from the global financial crisis.

It is important, given the budgetary pressures that will be faced by all levels of government, that future programs and initiatives designed to assist regional Australia enhance resilience and produce ongoing benefits for communities. Short-term solutions should not be pursued at the expense of desirable long-term transformational change.

Cr Geoff Lake
ALGA President

Walk Safely to School

National Walk Safely to School day will be held on Friday 15 May. 2009 marks the 10^th year of the event, which is sponsored by the Australian Government and supported by all State, Territory and local governments.

National Walk Safely to School day is a health initiative which urges parents and carers to include exercise in their young children's daily routines, encouraging healthy habits from an early age. Encouraging healthy habits early is proven to reduce obesity and related health problems. The Federal Government's Healthy Weight 2008 report found that more than a third of Australian children between the ages of 7-11 years old were overweight or obese

Local councils can participate in a number of ways. Councils can:

• sponsor a Healthy Breakfast, the menu of which has been endorsed by leading nutritionist Rosemary Stanton;
• promote Walk Safely to School Day in local papers, council newsletters, websites and calendar of events;
• create a publicity opportunity involving Mayors, transport officers and local school children;

Over 8,500 schools are expected to participate nationally.

For more information visit www.walk.com.au or contact the National PR Manager Kel Hawthorn 0433 533 588.

Diverse Australia funding

ALGA has been reminded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship of possible funding opportunities through the Diverse Australia program (previously Living in Harmony). The deadline for submitting completed applications is 6 pm AEST Friday 8th May 2009.

For more information click here.

Housing accessibility

The Australian Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has congratulated the Victorian Government on its announcement of the Build for Life awareness campaign, which will include consideration of mandating greater accessibility into new housing developments.

The announcement by Minister Madden and Minister Neville commits the Government to assessing the impact of requiring a number of low cost, or no cost, design features including step free entry, wider doorways and hallways and a bathroom on the ground floor which could be fitted out with access features in the future.

Commissioner Innes said he would like to see this initiative taken up by all governments throughout Australia.

For further information on the Australian Human Rights Commission call for a national housing strategy to improve accessibility click here.

Tourism workshops

Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre's recently announced Local Government Pathways to Sustainable Tourism Workshop Program has been embraced by the Local Government Association of Queensland which will be rolling out the program to councils across the state.

The program which has also received substantial interest from other government associations and individual councils provides a platform for councils to develop and implement comprehensive tourism strategies through close consultation with industry and local communities.

The program is now available to all local governments in Australia. Contact details for the program are available in the industry release here.

No to forced amalgamations

"Comments by the Chairman of Tasmania's peak business body, the TCCI, in relation to forced amalgamations are misguided and typically lacking substance," said Local Government Association of Tasmania President, Mayor Mike Gaffney.

"In calling for stability, his proposals have the capacity to disrupt communities and local service delivery for years to come," said Mayor Gaffney. "At a time when councils are undergoing the biggest reform in 15 years with the separation of water and sewerage, here comes a group that wants to create even more disruption."

Mayor Gaffney said it is true that council sustainability is a key challenge and the Local Government Association is working with its member councils to effect reforms that will seek to underpin the long-term financial sustainability of councils. "Long-term financial planning and improved asset management will provide greater certainty to councils and their ratepayers," he said.

"Councils are already working closely together to effect efficiencies in the operations through the sharing of resources, systems and processes. At least two councils are discussing a voluntary merger and two others have opted to share the services of a General Manager. Local government is doing its bit to improve the lot for all Tasmanians," he added.

Mayor Gaffney said the suggestion that councils should not be able to choose with whom they amalgamate is patronising and insulting. "Communities of interest and shared ideals and values are obviously not of concern to the TCCI."

The Association applauds the statements by both the State Government and the Opposition that there should not be forced amalgamations and the acknowledgement of the role that councils have in serving the needs of their local communities.

Beyondblue

Beyondblue is currently conducting a campaign which asks people who are over 80 years old and who are leading healthy and active lives to share their stories about positive ageing.

The aim is to collate and publish personal stories on the Beyondblue website that not only dispel some of the myths about ageing, but help to inspire people to live active and healthy lives into their 80s and beyond.

With the help of local councils, they are seeking first-hand accounts of what people think helps them to prevent depression and anxiety and what they do to enjoy life. Research indicates that exercise, friends, family, going out, diet and staying positive may all play a part.

Beyondblue wants healthy and active over 80s to write - in 100 words or less - what keeps them mentally and physically healthy. People who have shared their secret to a healthy, happy and active life will be contacted by beyondblue, interviewed further, and their story published on Beyondblue's website.

Over 80s keen to share their story can:

• write to Beyondblue OBE campaign
  PO Box 6100
  Hawthorn West VIC 3122
• email OBEs@beyondblue.org.au
• tell their story (rather than write) by phoning either Bonnie or Sue on 03 9810 6100.

Further information: Sue Gherdovich phone 03 9810 6100 or email sue.gherdovich@beyondblue.org.au

African Australians: A report

The last 10 years has seen several conferences and reports directed at issues for African communities in Australia, mostly with a localized perspective. The Australian Human Rights Commission felt it timely to build on this valuable foundation, but also elevate issues to the national level.

There has been no national report that looks at the issues facing African Australians from a human rights perspective. The African Australians: A report on human rights and social inclusion issues will seek to address this identified research 'gap'.

The aim of the project is two-fold:

• To explore the issues relating to the settlement of African Australians into the Australian community from a human rights perspective
• To suggest solutions to issues raised and make recommendations to stakeholders to inform future policy, program and service design as well as public debate and education.

The project will work to ensure that a more accurate documentation of the experiences of African Australians is developed, as well as illustrating the multi-dimensional nature of these experiences and related issues. The project will have a special focus on issues faced by groups that may experience greater vulnerabilities:

• Young people
• African Muslim communities
• African Muslim women

This project is being undertaken as a partnership between:

• AHRC
• AMES
• Australian Red Cross
• Diversity Health Institute
• FaHCSIA

MyriaD Consultants have been commissioned to work with the project Steering Committee and Community Reference Group to undertake this project.

To access a copy of the project Discussion Paper or for more information, click here.

Electronic submissions are encouraged on any of the issues in the Discussion Paper and comments can be sent via email to: africanaus@humanrights.gov.au

You can also contact MyriaD Consultants on 03 9315 0902 or myriad@myriadconsultants.com.au to find out about how you can participate n community consultations.

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NSW Sustainable Development Conference

Tuesday 12 - Wednesday 13 May 2009
Dockside Convention Centre, Sydney

The NSW Sustainable Development Conference 2009 will bring together decision-makers from the private and public sectors, industry leaders, local government, scientists, conservationists and others to discuss the current and future directions and frameworks for sustainability in NSW, and how it will affect NSW state and local government, business and the community.

The Conference, to be held on May 12 and 13, and featuring over 30 speakers, will provide a timely opportunity to examine progress towards sustainable objectives in a range of key areas such as: NSW policy and progress, water, waste and resource recovery, energy efficiency, climate change response and planning and urban design.

The Conference will also feature best practice case studies in sustainable development, including supporting workplaces to become more sustainable, addressing challenges of sustainability, and provide advice on how state and local government and business can achieve their sustainable development goals.

Confirmed and invited speakers include: The Hon Philip Costa, NSW Minister for Water; Rob Freeman, Executive Director, Murray-Darling Basin Authority ; Paul Bainton, Director, National Waste Taskforce; John Hudson, Director, Sustainable Systems, NSW Department of Planning ; Zoe De Saram, Acting Director, Climate Change Policy, Department of Environment and Climate Change and David Hemming, Manager, Sustainable Energy..

To view the Conference agenda and to register for the Conference, please go to www.halledit.com.au/nswsdc or contact Denise McQueen on 03 8534 5021 or
Email denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

NGA program

Full details of this year's National General Assembly of Local Government are contained in the registration brochure which will arrive in council mailboxes early next week.

As the major national event for local government, the Assembly is increasing in profile and influence as demonstrated by the willingness of many key federal politicians accepting the opportunity to engage directly with delegates at the Assembly. The following federal parliamentarians will address the Assembly:

• The Hon Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and Leader of the House;
• The Hon Malcolm Turnbull, Leader of the Opposition;
• The Hon Warren Truss, Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister for Trade, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; and
• Senator Bob Brown, Leader of the Australian Greens.

For further information or to register online, go to www.nga.alga.asn.au or call ALGA on (02) 6122 9400

2020 Response

The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, released the Federal Government response to the Australia 2020 Summit on 22 April 2009. The release follows the Prime Minister's commitment to consider fully the more than 900 ideas generated by participants to the Australia 2020 Summit.

The Response outlines ideas the government will implement, those it will explore further and those which, at this time, will not proceed. It mentions that "the Government is committed to ongoing reform of our Constitution where appropriate." This is timely given ALGA's submission to the 2020 summit called on the Australian Government to work towards recognition of local government in the Constitution, and local govenrment delegates agreed at the Constitutional Summit in December 2008 to pursue this goal. The 2020 Response includes ten chapters - based on the topics discussed at the Australia 2020 Summit - which can be viewed or downloaded separately here

GFC public hearings

Public hearings associated with the House of Representatives Inquiry into the impact of the global financial crisis on regional Australia will be held at:

• Mandurah: Friday 1 May 2009
• Busselton: Thursday 30 April 2009
• Geraldton: Wednesday 29 April 2009

For details click here.

NSW water utilities

Members of rural and regional councils have met in Sydney to discuss the future of the State?s water and sewerage utilities.

The State Government is pushing forward with recommendations made in the Inquiry into Secure and Sustainable Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Services for Non-Metropolitan NSW.

President of the Shire's Association Cr Bruce Miller said that while the LGSA supports the right of member councils to make their own choice as to pursuing an alliance or standing alone, the LGSA believes that the proposed alliance model holds the best potential for the majority of NSW councils.

"Alliances will help us to achieve all of this in a sustainable manner, and include enough flexibility to allow individual councils to respond to local conditions and community needs.

"Very importantly, it also leaves local government with control and ownership of the utilities."

Leadership grants for women

The Australian Government is encouraging women's sporting groups across the country to submit their application for this year's $500,000 Sports Leadership Grants for Women.

This year's grants and scholarships program was announced by the Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek and the Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis.

The grants have increased by $100,000 from last year and include new scholarships for women in upper sports management of up to $10,000 a year for three years, one-off grants of up to $5,000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for approved organisations.

Recipients last year included Port Pirie Regional Council employee Jean Smith, who gained a Certificate IV in Sport and Recreation (event management) with her Women in Sport Leadership grant. Ms Smith is now director of the Port Pirie State Masters Games.

Applications close on Monday, 11 May 2009. Terms and conditions apply. Details are on www.ausport.gov.au/women - or call 1800 224 412 for more information.

Waste policy meetings

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has released a National Waste Policy Consultation Paper. This is an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute their ideas, insights, views and knowledge to help shape the development of a national waste policy. Submissions close Wednesday 13 May 2009.

Public consultation sessions will be held from 21 April to 1 May 2009 in each capital city, as well as Townsville, Kalgoorlie and Wagga Wagga.

For further details please click here.

Indigenous disadvantage

In a speech to the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy this week, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, has outlined a multi-million dollar plan to target indigenous communities with new infrastructure, resources and staff to make them economically sustainable. The funding will be used for a range of projects from new housing and the upgrading of municipal services such as health clinics, schools and street lights and aims to bring services and conditions to the same standard as similar-sized communities across the nation. More details can be found here.

Grain rail campaign

Preventing more than a quarter of a million trucks from being added to traffic on our roads is the focus of an industry campaign launched today.

The campaign to upgrade the State's grain freight rail network was launched today by WestNet Rail, with the support of Cooperative Bulk Handling, Australian Railroad Group and the Western Australian Local Government Association.

WALGA President Cr Bill Mitchell said that without immediate action to upgrade the grain freight rail network, an additional 300,000 trucks per year would be added to the road network with a devastating effect on roads both in regional areas and those feeding into ports, as well as local communities.

Cr Mitchell said that the same level of funds would need to be spent investing in road infrastructure to accommodate grain freight as would be spent upgrading the rail system.

"Given that an investment of $400m is required to accommodate grain freight on either rail or road, and the additional costs to road safety, greenhouse gas emissions and community amenity in pursuing freight on the road network, a failure to invest in rail will be incredibly short-sighted," Cr Mitchell said.

"Industry is ready to commit $133m towards investment in maintaining the rail network, now it is up to both State and Federal Governments to step up and demonstrate their commitment to nation building infrastructure projects, as well as the safety and amenity of local communities."

To find out more on the campaign, visit www.grainonrail.com.au

Austroads publications

Austroads has released the following publications:

• Gisborne Sprayed Seal binder Trial (AP-T126/09)
• Ball Penetration Test - Stage 2; Field validation ( AP-T127/09)
• Comparison of the US and Australian Long term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Data on Asphalt Pavements (AP-T128/09)
• Measuring Heavy vehicle Wheel Loads Dynamically (AP-T129/09)

Copies are available from the Austroads website.

Council staff can obtain free PDF copies of all Austroads publications by using their Council ID and password. These can be obtained by emailing a request to austroads@austroads.com.au

MobileMuster local government awards

MobileMuster, the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry, is calling on local councils who have helped promote and collect mobile phones for recycling to enter the 2009 MobileMuster Local Government Awards.

The awards, now in their third year, aim to recognise and celebrate the outstanding efforts by local councils in promoting and collecting mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories for recycling.

The five winning councils will be announced during the Australian Local Government Association Conference (ALGA), which will be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra from 21 June - 24 June.

Rose Read, Manager of Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association's (AMTA) official recycling program, MobileMuster, encourages councils to nominate their efforts in three of the five categories, including Best Promoter, Working with Schools, Top Recycler (Overall and Per Capita) and the National Excellence Award. Councils can register for the Best Promoter, Working with Schools and National Excellence categories.

Nominations are open until Tuesday 9 June 2009. For more information or to nominate your council, click here or call 1300 730070.

National Disability Awards

The Federal Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) has asked ALGA to encourage people to nominate local government colleagues, friends, peers and mentors for the 2009 National Disability Awards.

This year, the Local Government Award will recognise individuals who have challenged or lobbied and successfully succeeded in implementing substantial change by breaking down barriers faced by people with disability.

The other four National Disability Award categories are the Minister's Lifelong Achievement Award; the Social Inclusion Award; the Business Award; and the Disability Rights Young Leader Award.

The awards provide the opportunity to recognise the efforts of people who contribute to the disability sector.

Nominations close Friday 22 May. The awards ceremony is held in Canberra in November.

Nomination forms and further information about the awards can be found at www.idpwd.com.au or by calling 1800 440 385.

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Melbourne Planning Summit

Tuesday 28^th - Wednesday 29^th April
Location: Zinc @ Federation Square, Melbourne

The Summit will provide an opportunity for discussion and review of latest developments in urban planning in Melbourne, focused on the new Melbourne @ 5 million urban growth planning updates. It will draw lessons from Australia-wide planning experiences. The conference will cover issues including:

• The new Victorian transport strategy;
• Lessons learnt from the Melbourne 2030 Audit;
• Financing urban services and infrastructure;
• Planning for population growth;
• Planning for an ageing population;

It will feature sessions on innovative urban partnerships and planning best practice case studies. Speakers include:

• Justin Madden, Minister for Planning
• Jim Betts, Secretary, Department of Transport
• Prue Digby, Deputy Secretary, Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development
• Liz Johnstone, Manager, Planning Policy & Projects, MAV
• Cr Paul Klisaris, Mayor, City of Monash
• David Keenan, Director, City Sustainability, Hume City Council
• David Mayes, Manager Strategic Planning and Sustainability, City of Melbourne
• Alan Cadogan, Executive Manager, City Strategy, City of Sydney
• Kerry Doss, Manager, City Planning, Brisbane City Council

Further details about the Summit, including the full program, are available at www.halledit.com.au/mps or contact Denise McQueen on 03 8534 5021 or
Email denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au