Senator Joyce supportive of constitutional recognition

ALGA President Geoff Lake met with Shadow Local Government Minister Senator Barnaby Joyce in Melbourne last Friday to discuss the constitutional recognition of local government. The meeting is part of ALGA's push to secure bipartisan support for a referendum to recognise local government to be held over the next three years. Senator Joyce responded positively to ALGA's proposal for constitutional change to provide for direct federal funding of local government, noting that constitutional recognition of local government was firmly established National Party policy. He stressed the importance of a strong relationship between the Australian Government and local government and noted that he was looking forward to engaging with local government and ALGA over the coming months. "As the closest form of government to the people, local government is a crucial element of Australia's government structure," Senator Joyce said. "Many government programs could be delivered better if politicians listened more to the local knowledge and expertise that resides in local government."

Australia's worst wash-away

In early September Alpine Shire experienced heavy rain in the region resulting in floods and road wash-aways. This photo, which won the worst wash-away competition at ALGA's recent National Local Roads and Transport Congress, is of part of Kiewa Valley Highway at Dederang. The road is managed by VicRoads and the hole is approximately 10 metres deep! The Shire also entered photos of a road near Falls Creek which was washed away on the weekend of 4-5 September 2010 affecting electrical cables carrying power to the Falls Creek resort. ALGA is lobbying the Federal Government for funding for Roads to Recovery to be continued beyond 2014 at a rate of $1.2 billion per year, indexed in line with the cost increases of roads and bridges and made permanent until the backlog is removed; re-introduction of the Strategic Regional Roads Program to fund upgrades to regionally important local roads with projects for funding selected by an independent agency, similar to Infrastructure Australia; and a review of the formula for the distribution of identified roads grants.

Wanted - more women to work in local government

In the year of Women in Local Government, the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) are encouraging women to consider careers in local government.

ALGA Board member Cr Genia McCaffery said councils are working hard to encourage more female executives and councillors, with the LGSA providing training to facilitate an increase in women applying for and gaining senior positions and leadership roles.

"While 45% of NSW council employees are women, only seven per cent of general managers and less than a third of councillors are women," said Cr McCaffery. "We now have a female prime minister, a female premier and a female governor-general, and we want to see more women become mayors, councillors, senior staff and CEOs of our councils."

Cr McCaffery, who is the Mayor of North Sydney, said the opportunity to make a difference to her community was what initially attracted her to local government, but said there was also many other incentives for women, including extensive parental leave, flexible working arrangement and a family-friendly environment.

The LGSA are coordinating Springboard courses in Sydney, Gosford, Albury and Maitland for women looking to take the next step in their career. The intensive three-month program includes mentoring, workshops and ongoing support. The LGSA is a gold sponsor of the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government. For further information, visit your local council, www.lgsa.org.au or www.lgwomen2010.org.au

This will be my last column for ALGA News as my two year term as ALGA President concludes next Thursday with the ALGA Annual General Meeting. I will certainly miss this role because it has been a privilege to serve local government at the national level, however I am looking forward to getting back to resuming my legal career full time and having some more time to devote to my local council responsibilities at the City of Monash in Melbourne.

I am proud of our collective achievements over the past two years.

When I commenced in this role, local government did not have a clearly articulated position on constitutional recognition. Now, not only do we have a sensible and sober reform proposal - developed and supported by over 500 mayors and councillors at the ALGA Constitutional Summit in December 2008, but we have a clear commitment from the Government that a referendum will held during the term of this Parliament. That is progress far in excess of what I imagined would be possible to achieve when we started.

Last Friday I met with Senator Barnaby Joyce, Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Water to brief him on our proposed form of constitutional change. His response to our case was extremely positive and I am optimistic that the extensive ground work laid out by ALGA in recent years will position the referendum in the most favourable position to have a chance of success at the ballot box. ALGA is hard at work on the next steps in the campaign for constitutional change including: further research, an expanded on-line presence including social media such as Facebook and Twitter and development of further materials for councils.

The last two years has also seen a gigantic step forward in funding for councils. More than a billion dollars in extra funding has flowed to local government for community infrastructure from the federal government. This responds directly to ALGA's historic 2006 study into the financial sustainability of councils. The problem is not solved, but we should not underestimate what we have achieved through securing the Community Infrastructure Program - we have finally got the Commonwealth to see a role for itself in funding infrastructure at the community level beyond just roads. It is a base we now must build on.

We have also been successful in positioning local government at the forefront of efforts to respond to climate change. In addition to local government's representation on COAG and the Environment and Heritage Ministerial Council, local government - through ALGA - has also been included in every significant forum set up to advise the federal government on responses to climate change - from our inclusion on the recently formed NGO advisory council to our inclusion on the Australian delegation to the COP15 talks in Copenhagen.

I am also pleased that ALGA's efforts in planning and defending the rights of communities to have influence in the planning process appears to have been successful with the federal government backing away from reforms it had previously tried to push through COAG to provide accelerated and as-of-right development approval for high density developments anywhere in the country. We have our hands full battling state governments on these issues and we don't need the Commonwealth having its two bobs worth here as well.

I wish my successor (who will be elected on Thursday) all the best with the exciting time that I believe lies ahead for local government. The last two years have been an exhilarating ride and I have enjoyed it immensely. I would like to thank everyone who I have crossed paths with over the past two years for making it such a positive experience. Local government is full of inspiring and quirky characters, and the parts I have enjoyed most have been getting out into councils - particularly smaller rural shires - and meeting the people who do so much to give local government its positive image in the community. I would also like to thank the ALGA board for its support over the past two years and for its keenness to back the important 'big' issues facing councils. Finally, I would like to thank ALGA's Chief Executive, Adrian Beresford-Wylie and the ALGA staff, who have been remarkably tolerant in putting up with my inadequacies and remarkably committed to promoting the best interests of local government. You can be confident your interests are being well served.

Cr Geoff Lake
ALGA President

Briefs

Ministers meet to discuss packaging waste

State and Federal Environment Ministers attended the Environment Protection and Heritage Council which met in Sydney yesterday to progress key issues of national interest. ALGA was represented by ALGA Board member Genia McCaffery. Work on the country's first ten-year national waste policy is on track, as is landmark Commonwealth legislation which will provide a foundation for recycling schemes across the country. The community should expect a consultation regulatory impact statement on how to deal with packaging waste, including beverage containers, during next year, and significant progress has been made with the implementation of projects to improve the management of the environmental impacts of chemicals. Further information is available from the Communique which can be downloaded from the News page from the EPHC website. www.ephc.gov.au

Senate Committee Inquiry into the Airports Amendment Bill 2010

ALGA Chief Executive Adrian Beresford-Wylie appeared by telephone before this Senate Committee on Wednesday. ALGA has made submissions on this issue to the Federal Government in relation to Discussion Papers and the Aviation Green Paper and is a member of the National Airports Safeguarding Advisory Group. ALGA welcomes the important distinction between aviation and non aviation commercial activities in the legislation and the need to treat these developments differently in the planning process. The legislation as proposed means a Minister must give reasons for any decision to allow developments not consistent with state and local government planning. These proposed changes in airport master planning are a significant step forward and recognition by the Federal Government of the role airports play in local economies, communities and transport systems. They are consistent with previous calls for ministerial accountability by ALGA. However, despite these changes, decision making for commercial non aeronautical development remains with the Commonwealth Minister and local planning can still be overridden. The draft legislation does not address another ALGA concern that relates to the lack of any provision for developers of non aeronautical commercial developments of airport land to make a contribution to the provision of supporting infrastructure off the airport site. These points were emphasised to the Senate Committee during ALGA's appearance.

Funding for community festivals in regional Australia

Arts Minister Simon Crean has announced $540,000 from the Festivals Australia program for 37 new and diverse festivals projects that range from career development for young Indigenous hip hop performers, workshops for singers and songwriters, MP3 guides to community art spaces, and shopping trolley art works that raise awareness of homelessness. They will feature in festivals from the Margaret River Wine Region Festival in WA to the Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races in Queensland. For more information on Festivals Australia and the 37 projects receiving funding click here.

City of Stirling wins national award

WA's City of Stirling has won the prestigious national 2010 Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Award presented by the Federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Tony Burke, on Monday evening in Sydney. Judge Sean Rooney said the council was chosen as the national winner for its clear vision in protecting the environment now and into the future and its huge number of programs to save the environment including a Million Trees initiative and a Water Smart Parks program. Details of all winners are available here.

Energy efficiency report

The Government has released the Prime Minister's Task Group on Energy Efficiency report.

The Report was commissioned by the Government to provide advice on the development of policy that will strengthen Australia's response to climate change and reduce pressure on the energy costs of all Australians.

This Report is a significant contribution to the energy efficiency debate and will contribute to the work being undertaken by the Government to invest in clean energy, promote greater energy efficiency and work towards the introduction of a carbon price.

The findings of the Report will complement improvements in energy efficiency that the Government is making through the National Energy Efficiency Strategy and other energy efficiency programs.

The recommendations of this report will also be considered as part of the Government's Energy White Paper process.

Commercial buildings and energy efficiency

The Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus, has launched the Commercial Building Disclosure program, which is a key step in creating a more energy efficient building sector. Most owners of commercial buildings will now be required to disclose an energy efficiency rating when selling, leasing or sub-leasing office space with a net lettable area of 2000 square metres or more. The commercial building sector currently accounts for about 10 per cent of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions.

The secrets of liveable cities

What do you think makes a city liveable? What contributes to people's sense of health and well-being? Tune into the Liveable Cities Webcast featuring the latest insights on the topic from a panel of internationally renowned experts on November 11, 2010 at 11:00am EST at philips.com/because Submit a question ahead of the debate here, Tweet your questions and views @ LivableCities Topics of debate will include Keeping my City Moving with former mayor of London, Ken Livingstone and Director for the Philips Centre for Health and Well-being, Katy Hartley debating the role of both government and the individual in helping people to keep healthy; Ismael Fern?ndez Mej?a, Urban Planner, and Richard Florida, Urban Theorist, will debate how a cities' residents can define its evolution as a brand; and Generations of my City, with Everette Dennis, Educator and Institution Builder, Sir Ken Robinson, Innovation and Creativity Expert, and Katy Hartley debating the role innovation and technology can play in addressing the needs of older people.

Newcastle wins plaudit

Newcastle has been named one of the top 10 must-see destinations in the world in 2011 ahead of London, Paris and Sydney.

Amid fierce competition, the harbour and beach city claimed the ninth spot in Lonely Planet's Top 10 Cities to visit in 2011. Lonely Planet Asia Pacific travel editor Shawn Low said the rankings came from hundreds of ideas submitted by authors, staff and bloggers, then refined by a panel of in-house travel experts.

The final list "raised plenty of eyebrows" largely because a number of the most famous cities in the world once again failed to make the top 10, Mr Low said. "Sydney has never made the list before so to have Newcastle as the only Australian city in the top 10 was controversial," he said.

"A diverse array of assets such as surf beaches, dining, nightlife, arts and "a unique blend of imagination and sophistication" justified Newcastle's top 10 ranking, Mr Low said.

Australia's aviation industry

Last financial year the nation's airports and airlines were busier than ever, with an unprecedented number of people flying domestically (51.76 million; up 3 per cent) as well as into and out of Australia (25.6 million; up 9.1 per cent).

In 2009-10 the fastest growing domestic routes were:

• Adelaide to the Gold Coast - up 19.4 per cent;
• Cairns to Townsville - up 14.2 per cent;
• Port Macquarie to Sydney - up 12.6 per cent;
• Melbourne to Sydney - up 12.2 per cent;
• Adelaide to Sydney - up 10.9 per cent.

A full copy of the latest aviation statistics can be downloaded here.

High-speed rail study - terms of reference

The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, has commissioned a feasibility study to determine the economic benefits and financial viability of a new multi-billion dollar high speed rail network connecting the cities along Australia's east coast. The study will conducted in two stages with the first to be completed by July 2011 and second by the middle of 2012.

The Terms of Reference to guide the $20 million feasibility study are available here.

The Department of Infrastructure and Transport will also establish a formal reference group to make sure the views of organisations such as the Australasian Railways Association and the CRC for Rail Innovation as well as state and territory authorities are taken into account.

Critical infrastructure resilience study

The Attorney-General Robert McClelland has issued a Critical Infrastructure Resilience Strategy. Critical infrastructure underpins the delivery of essential services such as power, water, health, communications systems and banking and risk management is an important part of service delivery continuity. These risks - from natural disasters, to equipment failure and crime - can damage or destroy critical infrastructure as well as disrupt the essential services that are provided by these assets, networks and supply chains. The strategy is available here.

Henry tax review

The Government is releasing additional material underlying the Australia's Future Tax System (AFTS) Review to promote a constructive discussion in our community about tax reform.

The Government has already published the entire final report of the Review, which provides over 1,000 pages of discussion, analysis, modelling, and high level indicative revenue impacts which together represent the final views of the AFTS panel.

The Government has also published a number of other publications relating to the AFTS Review, including the Architecture of Australia's tax and transfer system, and a detailed consultation paper.

The documents detail the analysis the AFTS Panel considered relevant to their recommendations and include four academic working papers which were commissioned by the AFTS Panel as well as costings documents for AFTS final recommendations for which an indicative costing was prepared by the Treasury. The documents can be accessed on the Treasury website.

Queensland's population boom heads south

Brisbane's property market woes look set to continue for the foreseeable future due a slump in migration and an oversupply in the market. A report released last week showed house prices in the city have continued to slide, with unit prices among the cheapest in the country.

Chief among the reasons for the downturn in Brisbane has been the fall in immigration to the Sunshine State and the subsequent oversupply in the housing market, APM head researcher Yvonne Chan said.

Property analyst Michael Matusik has long refuted claims of an undersupply in the owner-occupier and rental markets.

"Queensland's population growth is slowing - and significantly," he said. The state's net migration in 2008 was 84,275 people, with 21,228 arriving from interstate. At the end of March this year, net migration fell to 55,845, with just 11,012 people coming from interstate.

"Our preliminary estimates suggest that more people are leaving Queensland now than arriving from interstate [due to the state economic downturn]," Mr Matusik said.

The latest figures contradict earlier reports from leading economists pointing to a shortfall in new housing.

IMF warning re house prices

The International Monetary Fund says Australian house prices could be overvalued by up to 15 per cent. The mission chief for Australia, Ray Brooks, said the Fund would soon publish a report on the rise in Australian house prices over the last twenty years. After looking at the long-term drivers of house prices, including population and income growth, he said the report would show "moderate" overvaluation of 5 per cent to 15 per cent. A separate report by Australian Property Monitors this week said house price growth was virtually flat at 0.1 per cent in the latest September quarter.

Refugee welcome zones

The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) is currently conducting a research project into their Refugee Welcome Zone (RWZ) initiative. Since the RCOA launched the initiative in 2002, 73 councils across Australia have signed the declaration to become Refugee Welcome Zones. The present research project has involved compiling information from these current RWZs about the policies, projects, activities or services that they provide in support of refugees in order to develop resources to assist existing and future RWZ councils.

Research has revealed that many councils are actively engaging with refugee communities in their local area and promoting and supporting a range of programs, activities and events targeted towards refugees and migrants. It has also shown that councils with smaller refugee settlement numbers have been just as active in implementing support and services for refugees as councils with larger settlement numbers, and that while many of the types of projects and services share similarities, there are also many unique and creative ways in which councils have chosen to put their commitment towards refugees into practice, for example the creation of an Afghan Tea Cycle to support the Afghan community and precinct in the City of Greater Dandenong, Victoria, and the implementation of a refugee soccer program which provides refugee youth with professional coaching in Port Adelaide Enfield, South Australia. These examples amongst others will be compiled into an online resource. Further information email lucinda@refugeecouncil.org.au or call (02) 9211 9333.

Skilled migration survey

Results of a new survey highlight the value of employer sponsorship of skilled workers to Australia, according to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship,Chris Bowen.

The first results from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's (DIAC) Continuous Survey of Australia's Migrants (CSAM) show that 60 per cent of employer sponsored migrants work in either management or professions, with 90 per cent in skilled employment.

These results point to the benefits of employer sponsorship as part of the nation's skilled migration intake. The Minister said that the demand driven employer sponsored pathway filled an immediate skilled vacancy which cannot be filled locally, thereby contributing to our national economy and productivity. The results of the survey can be found on the department's website

A report into the migration program as a whole showed that across all permanent skilled visa categories, the top three occupations were accountants (6,734), computing professionals (5,370) and registered nurses (3,960) while the top three countries of citizenship for these categories were the United Kingdom (18,487), India (18,042) and China (14,505).

The Government announced in the 2010-11 Budget that the overall level of skilled migration would increase by 5,750 places to further address Australia's needs as the economic climate improves. This will increase the proportion of skilled migrants to 67.5 per cent of the migration program.

The Report on Migration Program 2009-10 is available on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Website.

The Minister also revealed that refugees from Burma, Iraq and Bhutan are among the 13,770 vulnerable people starting a new life in Australia through the 2009-10 humanitarian program. The planning level was 13,750 places.

Do the right thing - signage to reduce litter

The Packaging Stewardship Forum (PSF) of the Australian Food and Grocery Council has announced the fourth round of its Do the Right Thing signage support program. The program supports local councils, schools and community organisations in their existing or new litter abatement and recycling projects by providing free roadside signage, waste and recycling bin stickers and posters to reduce litter and increase recycling.

In 2009-10 two rounds of Signage Support were offered with ninety five (95) communities across Australia successful in gaining PSF signage support with a total of 694 road side signs, 25,287 waste and recycling stickers and 5,344 posters.

To be eligible for support applicants must complete a short application form (www.afgc.org.au/psf and scroll down to Do the Right Thing communications and education heading) providing details of your planned campaign/promotional support activities. Applications can be sent via post or email (details on application form) and must be received by Friday 19 November 2010.

Please forward this email to anybody you think may be interested and please feel free to contact PSF Communications Officer, Sally Haysom on 02 6270 9018 or email: sally.haysom@afgc.org.au should you require further information or have any questions.

Seizing opportunities of the digital economy

The Australian Telecommunications Users Group (ATUG) is hosting a series of conversations with experts in a number of different sectors to identify the impacts and issues, the opportunities and obstacles that need to be identified and resolved for that sector and its customers to Shift Gear to the Digital Economy. Local government representatives are welcome at the forums which will cost $100 except for Cairns which is free of charge.

• Tourism - November 15, Cairns
• Health - November 17, Sydney
• Energy - November 17, Sydney
• Retail - November 24, Melbourne
• Financial Services - November 24, Melbourne