From the President

This is the last edition of ALGA News before the Federal Treasurer, Wayne Swan, delivers the 2009-10 federal budget. On Tuesday next week, we will learn more about the extent of the global downturn on the Australian economy and perhaps more importantly, how long it might be before we experience economic recovery.

It is clear this will be a very difficult budget. Some say the toughest in living memory. On the one hand, the Australian Government recognises how critical it is to support the delivery of services Australians need to weather the financial storm. On the other hand, a significant reduction in tax revenues will impact on its capacity to provide this support.

We have been told in recent days that everyone will be asked to make some sacrifices in this budget - a very different scenario from this time last year when the budget delivered a large surplus (almost $22 billion) and the outlook was very positive. How quickly things can change.

Local government understands that the current uncertainties in the global and Australian economies, of which we are reminded about almost every time we turn on the television, will limit the Government's ability to respond to our funding priorities. We do not underestimate the challenge they face - the economy is now in recession and the budget will be in deficit for a number of years to come. This will undoubtedly place pressures on the nation building programs announced in the last budget, such as the Building Australia Fund.

It is in times like these that it makes sense for the Australian Government to further support economic activity and jobs, whilst also laying the foundations for a stronger Australia to take full advantage of the economic recovery when it arrives. That is why in our budget submission ALGA has urged the Australian Government to establish the foundations for a more secure economic and social future for Australia. We have advocated for expanded investment in short-term stimulus programs to enhance productivity growth, reforms to increase the productive capacity of Australia and investment in greater social equity and community programs to ensure those suffering disadvantage are not left behind.

ALGA will closely examine how the Australian Government responds to these priorities on Tuesday night and the implications contained in the budget for local government. In particular, we will be looking for further funding and consolidation of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Fund. The $800 million announced by the Government as part of the national stimulus packages will expire on 30 June 2009 and given the community infrastructure pressures faced by councils, this program deserves to become a recurrent spending program similar to the Roads to Recovery program. Another key item of interest for local government is renewal of the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program which expires at the end of this financial year. The benefits it has delivered in instigating preventative measures such as building levies have been highlighted during the recent floods and bushfires in Queensland and Victoria.

We in local government know that there are many more regional and local community infrastructure projects that communities need and which can make a real and lasting difference to the lives of all Australians. Let's hope the Australian Government also sees this value and includes it in the budget.

Cr Geoff Lake
ALGA President

Asset management plans

NAMS.PLUS is currently used by 200 councils across Australia as a nationally consistent approach to writing asset management plans.

The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) is delivering another round of the NAMS.PLUS AM program. The NAMS.PLUS program provides a comprehensive step by step guide on asset management, supported by a series of intensive one-day workshops, to help council staff develop asset management plans based on a core or advanced approach.

The workshops provide councils with the necessary tools and guidance to write their own asset management plans. It provides templates and guidelines in a comprehensive eBook, online modelling, a help desk forum and regular newsletters. The NAMS.PLUS program will benefit asset managers, finance managers, engineers, and other managers and directors.

Block 1 dates are set to commence shortly. To find out more about the NAMS.PLUS program, visit www.ipwea.org.au/namsplus.

New qualification

IPWEA has also sponsored the development of a new Graduate qualification in Infrastructure Asset Management.

The Graduate Certificate in Infrastructure Asset Management will be offered and awarded through the University of Tasmania by distance education. Enrolments have opened for commencement from June this year.

The new course responds to the need for a program for engineering and science graduates employed in local government in the emerging discipline of Infrastructure Asset Management.

The four unit course consists of two core compulsory units and two units selected from a list of elective units.

Further information click here.

Help koalas, recycle phones

Australians can assist thousands of native animals through Koaladoors Inc Koaladoors Project by supporting MobileMuster and Landcare Australia's 'Old Phones, More Trees' campaign and simply recycle their old mobile phones at mobile phone retailers and selected businesses and local councils, during the month of May and until World Environment Day - June 5.

MobileMuster, the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry and Landcare Australia launched the 2009 'Old Phones, More Trees' campaign recently, with MobileMuster ambassador and former Miss Australia, Laura Dundovic, at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

The 'Old Phones, More Trees' campaign, now in its third year, is a joint initiative, where native trees are planted for all mobile phones handed in for recycling throughout May and until World Environment Day.

This year, MobileMuster and Landcare Australia have chosen to support Koaladoors Inc Koaladoors Project, as one of two projects, and plant native trees in the Framlingham Forest, which was affected by severe bush fires in January 2006.

MobileMuster can recover over 90% of the metals and plastic found in mobile phones and reuse to make new products such as jewellery, plastic fence posts and stainless steal products such as saucepans.

To find your nearest MobileMuster drop off point or to download a free mailing label click here or call 1300 730 070. To find out more about Landcare Australia visit the website.

Vic budget planning

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has welcomed the Victorian Budget's commitment to key infrastructure programs to enhance liveability, stimulate local economies and boost jobs across the state.

Cr Bill McArthur, MAV President, said this year's Budget had limited new money for local government but it struck a balance between spending on infrastructure and social services to improve the capacity of communities to withstand the Global Financial Crisis.

"Local government welcomes the $2 billion commitment over the next four years to expand the capacity of Victoria's train, tram, bus and cycling networks," he said. "Prioritising much needed sustainable forms of transport will create jobs, alleviate road and public transport congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer communities significantly improved transport options.

"Community resilience would be boosted with funding for bushfire support services, $85.5 million for a range of social safety net initiatives, a new $9.3 million volunteer strategy, $20 million for sports facilities, and significant reforms to mental health services."

The MAV's 2009-10 State Budget submission also advocated funding for planning reforms that could help facilitate timely building developments to stimulate the economy.

"It's great to see $10.4 million to implement an innovative new e-planning online application system, as well as funding for the Creating Better Places program, which were both requested by the MAV," Cr McArthur said. "Local government is committed to its role in delivering timely and good quality planning decisions. The MAV calls on the Government to ensure the $3.2 million allocated to the DPCD Development Facilitation Unit is used in a productive partnership way. To date, there has been very little engagement with councils."

Smooth start to smoking bans

Smoking bans at all ACT Health facilities came into force on Friday.

At Canberra Hospital, new designated outdoor smoking areas were cordoned off with padlocks and chains, and private security guards patrolled the area to ensure the message was received. An ACT Health spokeswoman said there had been no problems with the introduction of the bans. The spokeswoman said former smoker haunts had already become "rather pleasant outdoor eating areas."

Bushfire funding

Allocations to the States and Territories through the Bushfire Mitigation Program have been announced for the 2008-09 financial year. The Bushfire Mitigation Program is a cooperative program with funding from Local, State, Territory and Commonwealth governments. It is administered by the Attorney-General's Department and aims to assist communities to better prepare for, respond to and withstand the effects of bushfires. More information on successful 2008-09 projects can be found on the Emergency Management Australia website

Election transparency

Greater transparency in WA council elections is a step closer today following legislation to return to the first-past-the-post voting system passed by the Legislative Assembly this week. WA Local Government Association President Cr Bill Mitchell has applauded Local Government Minister John Castrilli for championing the change from the proportional preferential voting system (PPV).

First-past-the-post is considered to be more transparent and less able to be manipulated by big political parties than the more complex PPV.

"The decision to abandon proportional preferential voting and return to first-past-the-post elections is a victory for the persistence of the Local Government sector and a victory for common sense," Cr Mitchell said.

"Under the first-past-the-post system candidates need only to win the support of their local community whereas under the PPV system there is a greater focus on running mates and back room deals that mostly suit the organised, larger political parties."

The new system should be in place for the next council elections in October this year. Cr Mitchell said he hoped the common sense being demonstrated in the return to first-past-the-post would extend to changes to the WA Electoral Commission monopoly on postal voting to open the system to competition, including allowing local governments to manage the process.

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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

Bike fund now open

The Australian Government is seeking proposals for the National Bike Path Program. The Government has set aside $40 million over one year for the construction of bike paths under the Local Jobs stream of the $650 million Jobs Fund. This Fund is a $650 million Australian Government initiative to support and create jobs and increase skills through innovative projects that build community infrastructure and increase social capital in local communities across the country.

Local, state and territory governments and non-profit organisations are eligible to apply for bike path funding. Bike path funding may be provided for new, extensions or refurbishment of existing:

• off-road bike paths (but not dedicated mountain bike trails);
• on-road bike lanes (e.g. road-widening and marking bike lanes on an existing road); and
• bicycle parking facilities.

For bike path project proposals, proponents need to demonstrate how the project will create local jobs and provide alternative transport options. A joint funding contribution of 50 percent will be expected. A first round of applications for the Jobs Fund closes at 4.30pm AEST on 22 May 2009. Details are found here.

Henry Tax Review

Last week, ALGA lodged a further submission to the review of Australia's Future Taxation System. The submission responded to the review's consultation paper (December 2008). ALGA draws upon its previous submission to the review to reiterate the important role of local government in Australia's taxation system and the federation more broadly.

ALGA believes that overall, the consultation paper is well targeted and picks up on a number of issues of significance to local government following ALGA's earlier submission. However, ALGA expresses disappointment that the review considers 'matters relating to the roles of different levels of government, the quantum of intergovernmental transfers and horizontal equalisation' are outside its Terms of Reference. ALGA's submission highlights why the review remains an excellent opportunity to consider the quantum of Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) to local government and its ongoing capacity to deliver infrastructure and services at the local level.

FAGs remain an important issue for local government and will be discussed as a key theme at this year's National General Assembly. The consultation paper can be accessed here.

Swag of infrastructure projects

Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese and Parliamentary Secretary Gary Gray have announced a swag of projects this week under the Federal Government?s $800 million Community Infrastructure Program.

More than 30 projects are detailed at www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au. They include $3.2 million for the Yeppoon Town Hall redevelopment, $2.7 million to help upgrade Waterworld in Adelaide, $2.23 million to help revitalise Albion Park town centre in the Illawarra, $2.9 million to help build Wollongong Cliff Road Promenade, $2 million to commence New South Perth Library and Community Centre and $3.75 million to help redevelop the Flying Fruit Fly Circus building in Albury.

Parliamentary Committee reports

Report 1 - Carers

A federal parliamentary committee has recommended immediate financial relief to carers in its report Who Cares...? Report on the inquiry into better support for carers, yet stopped short of saying how much extras money carers should receive.

The year-long inquiry, which received over 1300 submissions, heard that carers and their families were under serious financial stress, struggling to meet the everyday costs of living, including food, housing and transport.

Committee Chair Annette Ellis (Member for Canberra) said that "with so many carers indicating that they are in crisis, urgent action is needed". Using the words of one carer, she described the support system for carers as a dog's breakfast. "The current array of support systems is too complex. All three tiers of government are involved. Services cross several portfolios and are delivered through hundreds of government and non-government organizations," she said. There needs to be better coordination of services, which are nationally consistent and delivered through a more streamlined process, according to the report's findings.

Report on the inquiry into better support for carers

Report 2 - Residential and aged care

A federal parliamentary inquiry into residential and aged care in Australia has received "overwhelming evidence" of the need to reform the aged care sector in Australia. Peak groups criticised the bandaid measures of the past, saying serious policy solutions need to address the financial basis underpinning the current system, placing it on a sustainable basis with the real cost of care being realised by Government and the community. A pressing need for long-term structural reform, involving all stakeholders, all tiers of government and the community, was repeatedly stressed by witnesses.

The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration's report Residential and Community Aged Care in Australia recommends the establishment of a national aged care forum, reporting directly to the Minister for Health and Ageing.

A key recommendation is that the Department of Health and Ageing undertake an "all-encompassing" review of the Aged Care Act 1997 to:

• examine the provision of residential and community aged care considering both current and future challenges;
• provide future projections to enable both short and longer-term sectoral planning;
• address the needs of persons from non-English speaking backgrounds;
• address the needs of the homeless and other socio-economically disadvantaged people;
• address the needs of elderly Indigenous Australians;
• address the needs of aged care services in rural and remote areas;
• ensure that this review takes a client-based approach; and
• consider options to enable greater flexibility in relation to payments and services directed at providing a client-centred aged care system.

The committee calls on the Australian Government to expand community care funding and services to meet growing demand.

In all the committee makes 31 recommendations.

Residential and community aged care in Australia

Affordable housing

Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced $10 million towards a proposal by the Ipswich City Council to bring down the cost of new homes in Ipswich.

Ms Plibersek said the funding was offered under the Housing Affordability Fund (HAF), an Australian Government program investing $512 million over five years to reduce planning and infrastructure costs in new housing developments.

"I am pleased to announce the Ipswich City Council project is a winner in the first round of the Housing Affordability Fund," Ms Plibersek said.

"The funding offered for this project will be used to construct sewerage infrastructure to facilitate the development of 2,505 residential lots. These lots are expected to start being released by July 2010.

Each homebuyer will save $10,000 on the cost of the residential lots.

Nationally, the first round of the Housing Affordability Fund is expected to deliver cost savings to up to 14,000 new homes, through the construction of a variety of infrastructure including water pipes, sewerage systems and community facilities.

Many more will benefit via reforms to the planning and development approval processes in local government areas, secured as a condition of funding.

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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