From the President

Last week I had the opportunity to address the Australian Trucking Association's national conference. This provided a useful platform to stress to trucking operators that local government is a willing partner in road reform and promoting the efficient movement of freight across the country. However, I also stressed that it was important to respect the autonomy of councils to make decisions on access for trucks operating above higher mass limits to local roads and local government's need to balance local amenity issues.

Given the importance of freight to economic development and the Australian economy, this is an area that councils need to monitor closely. If councils are not seen to be making reasonable, consistent and fair decisions on road access, this is an obvious role that state road authorities will seek to remove from the local level. This is clearly the preference of the road transport industry who are frustrated because of the ability of a council to threaten a long haul freight route by denying access to the last mile movement along a local road. ALGA is currently leading an Austroads project aimed at developing prudent guidelines to assist councils in making decisions on access to local roads. I am also keen for ALGA and the ATA to develop a model memorandum of understanding (MOU) that councils can consider adopting to guide how access decisions will be made.

Along similar lines, you may have also seen last week that the Australian Financial Review featured an in depth survey of the stutus of planning across the nation. It reported a consistent trend - local councils are losing powers and influence as state governments scamper to unclog claimed delays in the development approval process and to protect the economy from the effects of the global economic crisis. I think the extent of these delays is exaggerated and the development industry has been very effective in presenting council involvement in the planning system as a major problem. The next couple of years will be critical for local government across the country if it is to emerge with similar planning responsibilities to what it has at present in each state. In my view, this issue requires us to take a greater national focus across local government in order to counter the spin coming from the development industry.

Council decisions in planning and decisions in relation to truck access on local roads have much in common. Both are key areas of responsibility for local government. Both have inherent tensions - local neighbourhood considerations versus wider economic development considerations. Local government needs to be able to demonstrate its maturity and ability to make tough decisions in the national interest if we are to successfully fend off the calls for powers in these areas to be whittled back or taken away completely from councils. There is an important role for coucnils to play in demonstrating the advantages of local input in these areas and justifying the maintenance of current arrangements.

Finally and on a different track, I want to remind councils that there are some further funding opportunities around at the moment for local government. There is $60 million for heritage projects as part of the Federal Government's $650 million Jobs Fund. The initiative will commence immediately with targeted nationally significant projects. Applications for projects to be funded from the beginning of the 2009-2010 financial year are now being received. The guidelines and an application form are available at: www.deewr.gov.au

In addition, $500 million is available to strengthen non profit organisations and build community resilience. Applications are now open for the Jobs Fund that provides grants of up to $2 million dollars for non profit organisations to undertake projects that invest in local community infrastructure and build social capital. The Fund includes two streams that provide grants of up to $2 million for non profit organisations which includes councils:

• The $300 million 'Local Jobs' stream provides funding for community infrastructure projects with a focus on promoting environmental-friendly technology and heritage.
• The $200 million 'Get Communities Working' stream provides grants for innovative employment and social projects that build community resilience.

Funding will commence on 1 July 2009 with applications due on 22 May 2009. Guidelines can be downloaded here

Cr Geoff Lake
ALGA President

Crime facts

The Australian Institute of Criminology Crime Facts Info publication "Victims of armed robbery by location" has been released.

The Australian Institute of Criminology has also released the following publication: Australian crime: facts & figures 2008

The compendium of the most recently available national information on crime in Australia is intended to serve as a ready reference. It covers different types of recorded crimes, their place of occurrence, victim details, responses of criminal justice agencies, and government resources directed to deal with crime.

Strong response to energy program

The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson, has welcomed the strong industry response to the Government's $435 million Renewable Energy Demonstration Program (REDP).

Minister Ferguson said: "The Renewable Energy Demonstration Program is an integral part of the Australian Government's commitment to advance renewable technologies and increase the affordability of renewable energy generation. The Government received 61 REDP applications from 56 companies, an overwhelming response by industry."

Applications will be competitively assessed on merit against strict criteria. An independent Renewable Energy Demonstration Program Committee is being convened to assess the applications and make recommendations to the Minister.

Deputy PM's Awards

The Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, has opened the nominations for the 2009 Minister's Awards for Excellence for employers of apprentices in 22 regions across Australia.

Employers are encouraged to apply. The applications are open until 11 May 2009. The Minister's Awards for Excellence, supported by Skills Australia, profile employers working in positive ways to retain employees; particularly significant in times of economic difficulty. The awards also demonstrate the commitment to investing in people and can position organisations as innovators in a rapidly changing world.

Application forms can be downloaded or completed online by following the Minister's Awards for Excellence links at the website.

Each regional winner receives $5000 prize money, a certificate and a trophy. The Awards will be presented at a ceremony.

Enquiries about the Awards can be directed to: ministersawards@deewr.gov.au

The impact of NBN

This week, ALGA took the opportunity to talk with the City of Whittlesea in Melbourne's growing north about the NBN announcement and the progress the City of Whittlesea has made in ensuring broadband can be rolled out in greenfields areas. Here's what we learned...

ALGA: Can you tell us what the City of Whittlesea has done to ensure broadband can be made available in new estates?

City of Whittlesea: We took the approach some years ago that broadband access has significant positive impacts on community liveability and workability and is generally assumed to be provided as a utility service in planning our local communities.

Increasingly our communities have approached us to assist them get access to adequate and increasing levels of broadband connectivity to support business, (including micro businesses), and home use including communication, education, entertainment and other services.

We therefore changed our planning scheme in 2001 to mandate the installation of FTTH conduit in new estates.

ALGA: Can you tell us about the planning scheme changes?

City of Whittlesea: The changes that have been in place since 2001 mean that after installation, developers can engage a carrier to put in the broadband infrastructure into the conduit on the following Council terms, of providing:

• Scalable broadband in new estates (Advanced network >30 Meg/bit/sec both up and down)
• A rich mix of broadband services including voice, internet and video
• An Open Access network (ie: must allow any retail service provider access to the network on equal terms to provide their services to customers)

Currently two estates have been fitted with "Fibre optic To The Home" (FTTH) running 100Megabits/sec on these terms, being Aurora in Epping North (8000 lots) and University Hill in Bundoora (1000 lots).

ALGA: Have there been any issues with the scheme, and what are its advantages?

City of Whittlesea: Current issues are that developers are not required to engage a carrier (and hence not all the conduit will be used from day 1) and that the City of Whittlesea has become the regulator of open access (which is usually a Federal responsibility). Some carriers want to put in FTTH but only run their own retail services, which locks residents into expensive plans and removes consumer choice. That should change though with the NBN announcement.

The benefits of the City of Whittlesea's FTTH conduit approach is that residents can now do the activities they have been complaining to Council about. This includes running a micro-business from home, working from home, managing their involvement in clubs and associations, conducting transactions and home banking, allowing their children to study and do homework online, and many other activities.

ALGA: You mentioned the Rudd Government NBN announcement in April may assist in overcoming some of the issues?

City of Whittlesea: The announcement will have significant implications for Councils across Australia. The mandating of FTTH for all Greenfield estates by 1 July 2010 is a significant target, but would provide enormous benefits for our new emerging communities.

The new Rudd Government NBN approach in Greenfield estates will address the main weaknesses that the City of Whittlesea have identified. The mandate will ensure that all Greenfield estates are cabled from Day 1 and that the Federal Government will require and police the open access regime.

The result will ensure retail service price competition and establish a functioning marketplace in Greenfield areas. This will lead to increases in economic and employment opportunities, access to emerging online health services, greater access to educational resources and more entertainment options.

Further it will result in a:

• Reduction in the cost of living over the life of the home (ie: reduced transport costs due to improved services provided over broadband)
• Stimulation to innovation by having a platform able to deliver new ultra high speed services
• Catalyst to updating brownfield areas

ALGA: How can councils learn more about the City of Whittlesea's planning scheme?

City of Whittlesea: We would be happy to share our experience with other councils. Please contact Travis Bull on 03 9217 2414 at the City of Whittlesea for further details.

The Federal Government is undertaking a consultation process regarding the broadband reforms (www.australia.gov.au) which the ALGA will be actively participating in.

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Third Australian Small Bridges Conference 2009

A conference focusing on Small, Medium and Local Bridges

July 7-8, Powerhouse Museum, Darling Harbour

Australia has over 30,000 small to medium-sized bridges on our road network alone, with thousands more for pedestrian, stock and rail use, and many are near the end of their structural life and need urgent attention.

Following on from the highly successful Small Bridges Conferences in 2005 & 2007, the Australian Small Bridges Conference 2009, at the Powerhouse Museum at Darling Harbour, has been designed to alert bridge and road engineers, managers, councilors, suppliers and contractors to significant new developments and requirements for small to medium span bridges. The conference program has been designed to provide delegates with the latest information and insights in dealing with the maintenance, refurbishment, design or construction of small to medium bridges. The speaking program is diverse with managing timber bridges and pedestrian bridges being particular features.

Topics include:

• TIMBER BRIDGE INSPECTION
• TIMBER BRIDGE RESTORATION
• BRIDGE INVESTIGATION & EVALUATION
• PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES
• ELEVATED BOARDWALKS
• VIEWING PLATFORMS
• AESTHETICS OF BRIDGES
• BRIDGE INNOVATIONS
• SPECIAL PRESENTATION: A Career in Bridges
• STEEL BRIDGES
• MODULAR BRIDGES
• BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
• BRIDGE MAINTENANCE
• REPAIR & STRENGTHENING
• RAILWAY BRIDGES
• CASE STUDIES

Conference convenor, Scott Matthews, BEng said that experienced international bridge experts will present their research to the conference. Local government case studies will include Gold Coast City , Melbourne City Council, Corangamite Shire, Brisbane City Council, together with projects in National Parks, Rail Reserves and for State Road Authorities.

To review the full speaker list at the conference and to register please visit www.halledit.com.au/bridges09 or tel Denise McQueen on 03 8534 5021 or
Email denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

Swine Flu vigilance

The Australian Government has significantly strengthened border surveillance measures at all of Australia's eight international airports in response to the potential spread of the Mexican Swine Flu. In addition to strengthened border surveillance measures, the Government is working closely with State and territory jurisdictions to appropriately manage the impending threat. The Australian Government and jurisdictions are well placed in this regard having spent considerable resources over the past three years planning for such a potential human influenza pandemic.

Since early this week:

• The Australian Government has established a hotline (180 2077) for anyone with questions about the influenza outbreak.
• Updating travel advisories as events develop. These can be accessed at www.smartraveller.gov.au, 1300 555 135 or for overseas consular assistance +61 2 6261 3305
• Updating travel advisories as events develop. These can be accessed at www.smartraveller.gov.au, 1300 555 135 or for overseas consular assistance +61 2 6261 3305
• The Department of Health and Ageing website is being regularly updated as events develop

Although it is clear that these outbreaks are caused by a new flu virus (N1H1), it is not clear as yet that these outbreaks suggest the emergence of a pandemic. The World Health Organization has declared that this situation represents a public health emergency of international concern and lifted their level of alert to 5 indicating that a pandemic may be imminent. The Australian Government is continuing to review the public health response to these events and is ready to escalate the level of response as required.

ALGA is a member of the National Pandemic Emergency Committee, the senior officers' committee that provides whole of government advice to the Prime Minister, Premiers, and Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association on meeting the national challenge of a influenza pandemic.

Report on violence

The Australian Government has released Time for Action, the major report of the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.

The report makes recommendations designed to tackle the unacceptable levels of sexual assault and domestic and family violence in Australia, and gives all governments and the community clear directions about helping Australian women live free of violence, within respectful relationships and in safe communities.

The Government will refer the Time for Action report to COAG to consider issues relevant to States and Territories. The Federal Government wants all governments to come on board and, by early 2010, achieve an endorsed, national approach to reducing the incidence and impact of violence against women and their children. More details can be found here.

Vic council sets example

More than nine out of ten staff at a western Melbourne Council think local government has a role to play in preventing violence against women, a new survey shows.

The survey conducted by Maribyrnong Council is part of comprehensive work they have undertaken to prevent violence, funded by The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).

The survey has also found that more than half of all council staff believe that they have a role to play in preventing violence against women.

VicHealth has funded Maribyrnong over three years to become a model for councils all over Australia in how to prevent violence against women.

As part of Maribyrnong Council's commitment to reducing violence, it has recently reviewed 11 of its major facilities such as sporting clubs, recreation facilities, libraries and community centres to ensure that they are safe, welcoming and supportive environments for women, staff and community members.

World Environment Day countdown

World Environment Day is on 5 June. Resources available for councils:

• Environment campaign ready for councils to run, linking with a major national and regional media campaign with prizes, celebrities, events etc.
• Fun, easy way to motivate and engage the community and increase volunteering.
• Materials and promotional pack provided, easily tailored for local environment champions and officials.

Contact: 1800 151 105 or Melissa.whitelaw@landcareaustralia.com.au www.yourplanetneedsyou.org.au (launches May 5)

Building Australia Fund

Infrastructure Australia chairman Rod Eddington has admitted the shrinking $12.6 billion Building Australia Fund will not be enough to cover a priority list of projects put to the Rudd government late last month. But Sir Rod, who expects the successful projects will be revealed in the May federal budget, has also warned state governments and the private sector they may be asked to match Commonwealth funding to get projects over the line. The competition between state governments for a slice of the BAF has intensified since the fund has shrunk from $20 billion to $12.6 billion due to falling taxation revenue. There has been a strong focus from the states on transport infrastructure such as urban rail projects - which have been submitted by Victoria, NSW and Queensland governments - as well as export bottlenecks such as ports and rail freight. (source: Financial Review).

Infrastructure forum

The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics is holding a Colloquium 2009 'Infrastructure for the nation's future' at Parliament House 18-19 June. Topics include the global downturn, infrastructure delivery, local government infrastructure, public transport and urban planning. ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake will be speaking on the infrastructure challenges facing local government. Details at www.bitre.gov.au/colloquium

Rural and Outback Awards

ALGA has been asked to spread the word about the inaugural Australian Rural & Outback Awards, including the Farm Biosecurity Award.

The Australian Rural & Outback Awards present an opportunity for your organisation to help promote the benefits of good biosecurity practices. By promoting the Awards to your industry and encouraging your members to nominate, you will raise the profile of biosecurity and help PHA identify biosecurity "champions" whose example can be showcased nationally.

Nominations close on 10 July 2009. You can nominate online at www.awardsaustralia.com or phone 1300 735 445. For more information about the Farm Biosecurity program, visit www.farmbiosecurity.com.au, or call PHA on 02 6260 4322.

Heart Foundation awards

Entries into the Heart Foundation Local Government Awards 2009 are now open and not only do you have the chance of receiving recognition from the Heart Foundation but you could also receive part of the $34,000 in cash awards.

Local government initiatives that build a sense of community, encourage people to be active, be smoke free and make healthy food choices are encouraged to enter.

Community groups, schools health and community organisations and private industries that work with local governments are also strongly encouraged to enter.

The 2009 awards program has six categories:

• Employee Health and Wellbeing
• Facilities
• Healthy Weight
• Planning for Active Living
• Priority Groups
• Tobacco

For an entry form or information about the 2009 awards click here or call 1300 36 27 87.

Entries close 5 June 2009.

Visitor pays scheme

A proposed scheme to make visitors pay to enjoy Newcastle attractions is set to gather pace as civic authorities decide where to concentrate limited resources.

Councillor Aaron Buman is pursuing plans for a Newcastle Card, an exclusive pass that would entitle ratepayers free entry to city attractions while "outsiders" would pay their way.

The Newcastle Herald reported in late December the bold plan that Cr Buman expected to put to Newcastle City Council early this year.

Planning boost for ACT

The ACT Government is tipped to inject almost $10 million into ACT Planning over the next four years as part of next month's territory budget to speed up planning approvals.

The increased funding would pay for four inspectors and additional administrative staff. Planning Minister Andrew Barr said employing more inspectors in the field would hasten development projects. "It's important that our planning system works with the building industry to ensure our economy stays strong and to ensure the many thousands of Canberrans in the building industry stay in work," Mr Barr said. The funding would also expand the authority's apprenticeship program. The ACT 2009-10 budget will be handed down on May 5.

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www.kidney.org.au

Noisy Councils Wanted

'Make a Noise About The Silent Killer' in your local media.
Kidney Health Week
24-30 May 2009

 

Download the Media Kit

Download the Poster

Check Your Kidneys

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant and growing public health problem, responsible for substantial burden of illness and premature mortality. In every local government area it is a fact that:

• 1 in 3 adults are at increased risk of developing CKD
• 1 in 7 adults have at least one clinical sign of existing CKD

The major part of the battle against Kidney Disease is awareness as a person can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before experiencing any symptoms and within a few days can find they are on dialysis, hence the name 'The Silent Killer'.

Enquiries ron.smith@kidney.org.au

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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