From the President
Yesterday I had the opportunity to present to the Local Government Association of Tasmania Annual Conference in Hobart. I have also recently had the opportunity to speak at the Shires Association of NSW Annual Conference and the Local Government Association of South Australia Annual Conference.
These are important opportunities for ALGA to discuss our key areas of work directly with councils. It also provides a worthwhile opportunity to receive feedback directly from local government people around the country.
As part of my presentation to the Tasmanian conference, I outlined the key priorities as I see them for ALGA in 2009-10:
- increasing Federal Government funding to local government (including for community infrastructure);
- fighting cost shifting;
- securing the best deal from the National Broadband Network;
- ensuring local government interests are protected in government responses to climate change;
- influencing urban issues including cities policy, planning, affordable housing and social inclusion;
- assisting local government respond to the impacts of the Global Financial Crisis; and
- progressing reform of the Australian Constitution to improve the way the three levels of government work.
ALGA is committed to working harder and smarter towards advancing the national agenda of local government. In addition to our role at COAG and on 13 ministerial councils, ALGA has had a busy six months in participating in key areas of policy leadership. ALGA has made significant policy contributions recently to the Henry Taxation Review and to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. It seems there are an unprecedented number of issues on which local government needs to be engaged at the national level - such as community infrastructure funding to councils, the National Broadband Network, improving asset management, housing, urban policy, social inclusion, planning reform and the list can go on further.
In the past year alone, ALGA has helped secure $800 million for councils in community infrastructure funding, locked in $3 billion in Roads to Recovery funding until 2014 and received $30 million in funding for electronic development assessment as part of the Housing Affordability Fund.
Of course, there is much that still needs to be done but I have confidence that local government is well positioned nationally to meet the challenges that lie ahead. All councils and councillors have an opportunity to take part in shaping this future by attending the National General Assembly of Local Government which begins on 21 June. Now only little more than a week away, it is still not too late to register at http://nga.alga.asn.au. I look forward to seeing you at the NGA.
Cr Geoff Lake
ALGA President
Population increase
Australia's population increased by 1.9% for the year ending December 2008 according to statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The last time Australia saw higher growth rates (above 2%) was in the 1950's and 1960's as a result of post war migration and high birth rates.
These rates compare with a 1.2% growth rate recorded five years ago.
As at 31 December 2008, Australia's population had grown to 21,644,000, an increase of 406,100 people over the previous year. Australia's net overseas migration contributed to more than half of this growth at 62% or 253,400 people. Natural increase (the excess of births over deaths) contributed 152,700 (38%).
In the same period, Western Australia continued to record the fastest population growth at 3.1%, followed by Queensland (2.5%), the Northern Territory (2.0%), Victoria (1.9%), the Australian Capital Territory (1.7%), New South Wales (1.4%), South Australia (1.2%) and Tasmania (1.0%).
Queensland and Western Australia gained the most people through net interstate migration from the other states and territories (21,200 and 6,300 people respectively). The states that lost people to interstate migration were New South Wales (down 22,700), South Australia (down 5,200) and Victoria (down 1,000). During December quarter 2008 the population of Tasmania reached 500,000 people.
More details at www.abs.gov.au.
Building Code of Australia 2009
The 2009 edition of the Building Code of Australia (BCA 2009) came into effect on 1 May 2009. Like previous BCA changes, BCA 2009 is the result of extensive development and review processes involving research and consultation with stakeholders including a public draft being available on the ABCB website.
BCA 2009 includes a number of changes from BCA 2008. For further information, please contact the ABCB office at abcb.office@abcb.gov.au or 1300 134 631, or visit www.abcb.gov.au
ICLEI advocates at the UN
Since April 2009, ICLEI has been advocating to the Parties at UN Climate Talks for an official UN recognition of successful local climate action worldwide. Local and regional governments are requesting that their national governments look to local experiences when discussing a new climate agreement.
An increase in systematic capacity building and resources on the local level will dramatically help local actions and measures that can build a stronger climate agreement. For more information on the advocacy work undertaken in Poznan (Poland) and Bonn (Germany), please click here.
Sustainable Public Lighting
SA Local Government Association's final report of the Sustainable Public Lighting project has now been completed. The Project aims were to accelerate the deployment of sustainable and energy efficient street lighting in South Australia and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a Local Government sector approach.
The report explores best practice energy efficiency lighting systems in use and those presently in development and makes comparisons using various technical metrics. The Project also developed a New Technology (Public Lighting) Implementation Guide to assist Councils to undertake negotiation with ETSA Utilities for transition to sustainable public lighting technologies into local government public lighting. More information at: www.lga.sa.gov.au
Victorian cost index
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has released its annual Local Government Cost Index, forecasting that council costs are expected to increase by an average 3 per cent in 2009-10.
Cr Bill McArthur, MAV President said the growth in local government costs had slowed following the economic downturn, however councils would still outlay more to deliver the same mix of services as last year.
The MAV Local Government Cost Index is calculated annually using a combination of construction, materials and wages indices to measure the sector's expenditure profile. In the previous two years, local government costs increased by 5 per cent (2007-08) and 4.4 per cent (2008-09).
Cr McArthur said there had been a substantial growth in councils' construction outlays in recent years as the sector increased its infrastructure maintenance and renewal expenditure.
"Local government must continue to increase its spending on assets to address the annual $280 million backlog. If assets aren't adequately maintained and renewed it creates a huge cost impost on future generations.
"However, the MAV was also urging councils to examine all possible opportunities to trim non-essential costs, and improve productivity and service delivery. It is incumbent upon all governments to show restraint and demonstrate compassion during these challenging economic times.
"This year we're seeing some council budgets propose reduced surpluses or increased borrowings for capital works in order to limit rate increases for property owners. These are responsible approaches if used as short term financial measures to help stimulate the economy," he said.
Economic stimulus website
The Australian Government has launched a handy online tool to allow community members to see how the economic stimulus money is being spent in the various areas around Australia.
All that is required is to type in a street address or postcode. From there a map is dispalyed showing how the government funds are spent in the area categorised under the following categories: Education; Community Infrastructure; Road and Rail; Housing; Insulation; and Solar. See www.economicstimulusplan.gov.au
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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
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Swine Flu now pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) has just announced it is moving to global Phase 6. This means that the world has its first declared pandemic in over 40 years. This follows a week that has seen a dramatic increase in numbers of confirmed cases experienced in Victoria and the issue is now beginning to have an impact on scheduling of public events such as the national swimming carnival. As of 11 June, Australia has now over 1260 cases. By far the majority are in Victoria with 1011 cases, while the other numbers are: NSW 101, QLD 71, WA 31, ACT 22, SA 19, TAS 13 and NT 7. Internationally the figure is nearing 28,000 with a reported death toll of 140 persons. ALGA is liaising with the Federal Government through its membership of the National Pandemic Emergency Committee and daily National Situation Reports updates on Swine Flu are sent to all State and Territory Local Government Associations. Australia is still in the CONTAIN phase but is giving serious consideration to upgrading to PROTECT.
NSW council numbers
The president of the Local Government and Shires Association says the time has come to have a sensible debate about reducing the number of local councils in New South Wales.
Bruce Miller, who is from Cowra, says rising cost structures and falling incomes are making it impossible for some of the state's 152 councils to remain viable over the long-term.
He says a perfect storm of difficult circumstances and State Government-imposed new laws means the provision of essential local services is getting tougher.
Councillor Miller says he wants a sensible discussion without emotion that plots a realistic way forward, and if that involves council mergers - so be it.
Call for investment inquiry
The State Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries, has called for an inquiry into advice given by the New South Wales Government on investments that became among the first victims of the global economic meltdown.
Several of the region's councils stand to lose millions of dollars in investments from the collapse of Lehman Brothers Inc.
Mr Humphries says the councils put money into the sub-prime markets recommended by the State Government on the assumption the relevant departments would have done due diligence investigations.
"They are required to take advice from the Department of Local Government," he said.
"Indeed, many of the councils across the state, including my own, took that advice and that advice has since, as we know, backfired with many councils losing millions of dollars."
World Blood Donor Day
The World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen 14 June as the day to recognise the millions of people who save lives and improve the health of others by donating blood. The Day highlights the need to regularly give blood to prevent shortages in hospitals and clinics, particularly in developing countries where quantities are very limited. Out of 80 countries with low blood donation rates (fewer than 10 donations per thousand people), 79 are developing nations.
The annual event focuses on motivating more people to become blood donors. It demonstrates how health systems and policy-makers work to make blood transfusions safe and accessible to people worldwide. World Blood Donor Day site
Health benefits of good planning
Previous research has demonstrated links between the built environment and physical activity behaviour, for example, populations living in high density suburbs are more likely to be physically active. This evidence is important to help influence urban planners and policy makers in creating neighbourhoods more conducive to physical activity. A recent study compared neighbourhood environments and physical activity in 11 countries worldwide; Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, China (Hong Kong), Japan, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the U.S as part of the International Physical Activity Prevalence Study (IPS). www.ijbnpa.org/content/6/1/21
Australia Award for Urban Design
Have you been involved in a recent project demonstrating excellence and innovation in all elements of urban design? Are you aware of any recent Australian urban design initiatives, projects or developments that deserve national recognition?
Nominations are now open for the 2009 Australia Award for Urban Design and it's your opportunity to highlight leading examples of urban design in Australia.
The Australia Award for Urban Design was established to recognise recent urban design projects of high quality in Australia and to encourage cities, towns and emerging settlements of all sizes to strive similarly for improvement. It acknowledges the critical role of good urban design in the development of our cities and towns. The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is patron of the Award.
Nominations close 26 June 2009. Click here for the nomination form.
Built Environment meets Parliament
BEMP is an annual conversation between parliamentarians and industry leaders that showcases the relationship between Australian communities and their built environment. BEMP offers an opportunity to explore the economic, social, environmental and governance issues that help shape national prosperity.
BEMP 2009 will consist of a welcome dinner at the incorporating the presentation of the Australia Award for Urban Design on Tuesday 11 August and the full-day BEMP Summit on Wednesday 12 August at Parliament House, Canberra.
BEMP is hosted by the Planning Institute of Australia, the Association of Consulting Engineers Australia, Australian Institute of Architects, Green Building Council Australia and Property Council of Australia.
Further information will be available on the BEMP website soon.
Sunshine Coast gold
A Sunshine Coast hinterland township has created its own "stimulus package" by launching its own money.
Maleny has joined the ranks of places such as Massachusetts, USA, and Brighton in the UK by creating its own currency.
The suitably named "Baroon dollar" will come in denominations of one, two, five, 10 and 20 and will begin circulating within the Maleny community in late August.
The joint project of Sustainable Maleny and the Australian Institute for Community Currencies Inc is one of 1000 local currencies introduced around the world aimed at creating resilient local economies by encouraging people to shop locally.
The money will be legal tender at grocery stores, coffee shops and music and video hire shops at Maleny, Mapleton, Kenilworth, Nambour and Beerwah. More information at www.baroondollar.org
Quote of the week
"Worry affects circulation, the heart and the glands, the whole nervous system, and profoundly affects the heart. I have never known a man who died from overwork, but many who died from doubt." -
Dr Chris Mayo
International news 
Australian cities occupy five of the top 20 places in a British survey ranking the liveability of 140 of the world's major centres.
Melbourne ranked third in the world, behind Vancouver in Canada and the Austrian city of Vienna in the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2009 Liveability survey.
It assessed 140 cities based on stability, health care, education, infrastructure and culture and environment, giving each one a rating out of 100.
Perth was equal fifth with Calgary in Canada, with Sydney sharing ninth place with Zurich in Switzerland and Brisbane in 16th place.
As well as Vancouver and Calgary, Canadian cities also featured strongly in the top 20, with Toronto (4th) and Montreal (17th).
The New Zealand cities of Auckland and Wellington finished 12th and 23rd respectively.
US centres were well down the list. Pittsburgh ranked highest, in 29th place.
The highest-ranked Asian city was Osaka in Japan (13th). The next highest was Hong Kong (equal 39th with Madrid, Spain) followed by Singapore (54th) and Seoul, South Korea (58th).
The worst city to live on earth is Harare, the strife-torn capital of Zimbabwe.
"The performance of Asian cities reflects the diverse levels of development throughout the region," EIU spokesman Jon Copestake said.
"Australian cities represent many of the best aspects of liveability, while instability in countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh means that cities in South Asia fare much worse."
The Economist Intelligence Unit is a branch of The Economist Group, which publishes The Economist, a weekly news magazine, in London.
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BENCHMARKING BEST PRACTICE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT 2009
Wednesday 8th - Thursday 9th July
Novotel Brighton Beach, Sydney
Local government CEOs, General Managers and senior directors of Australia's most innovative councils will address the 2009 Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government national conference.
Building on the success of last year's inaugural Best Practice conference, the conference will provide local government managers with detailed insights into innovative and successful management tools being used by Australia's leading councils to cut costs, increase organisational efficiency, and optimise the delivery of services to their communities. Topics will include staff productivity, organisation development, financial and asset management, and risk management.
Speakers at this year's conference will include:
- John Burgess, General Manager, Auburn Council
- Graeme Emonson, CEO, Knox City Council
- Geoff Lake, President, Australian Local Government Association
- Lyn Russell, General Manager, City of Wagga Wagga
- David Evans, General Manager, Maitland City Council
- Phil Rowland, CEO, Mount Alexander Shire
- Alexis Hunt, Coordinator People & Change, Gold Coast City Council
- Andrew MacLeod, Chief Internal Auditor, Brisbane City Council
In recognition of the role of the Best Practice Conference as a key national forum for discussions on local government innovation and best practice, this year's conference will be followed on July 10 by a meeting of the councils participating in the Local Government Business Excellence Network, which will also be held at the Novotel Brighton Beach.
The conference agenda is available at www.halledit.com.au/bestprac09/agenda.
For more details, phone Hallmark Conferences on (03) 8534 5000, email denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au
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