Flood assistance for New South Wales and Queensland communities

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Attorney-General Robert McClelland announced the Federal Government would provide financial assistance to NSW and Queensland communities affected by flooding.

While high rain fall on Australia's East Coast in recent weeks is good news for our dams, for many crop farmers excessive rain is leading to delays in harvesting and seriously affecting the quality of production. The Gillard Labor Government is focused on supporting these flood affected families, particularly as we go into the Christmas period.

Commonwealth assistance is being provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and will apply to 45 natural disaster declared areas in NSW and Queensland. Queanbeyan and Palerang councils were yesterday declared a natural disaster zone, taking the number of LGAs affected in NSW to 30.

Each of these Councils can now access assistance to cover the costs of the restoration of essential public assets and counter disaster operations.

Under the NDRRA, financial support will also be provided by the Commonwealth for the restoration of essential public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and schools, where expenditure exceeds certain thresholds and requirements.

In addition to funding the cost of counter disaster operations (on a 50/50 basis), funding will also include disaster relief and recovery assistance including:

• personal hardship and distress grants to low-income earners whose principal residence has been damaged;
• concessional loans of up to $130,000 for small businesses and primary producers;
• concessional loans of up to $25,000 for voluntary, non-profit organisations; and
• road and rail freight subsidies of up to $15,000 to assist primary producers for the carriage of livestock and fodder.

Attorney General Robert McClelland said the Commonwealth Government would continue to monitor the situation in the disaster declared areas and work with the State Governments to provide assistance to communities affected by the floods.

For further information - NSW communities should phone the NSW Emergency Management Hotline on 1800 227 228, and Queensland communities should phone the Queensland Department of Communities on 1800 173 349.

Call for EPBC partnership with councils

The Federal Government is keen to work with local government and other agencies to ensure the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) in relation to fire prevention and management activities such as roadside clearing is applied sensibly.

The Secretary of the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities Paul Grimes has written to ALGA to pass on information to councils and local government associations. In his letter, Mr Grimes says: 'In general the EPBC Act does not restrict bushfire prevention activities and these will only need approval under the Act if there are likely to be significant impacts on nationally protected matter. As an illustration of this, no state fire management plan referred under the EPBC Act has yet required approval." Mr Grimes refers councils to a fact sheet to give more detailed guidance on how the EPBC Act might apply to fire management activities here.

Departmental officers are happy to answer any questions on either 1800 110395 or at compliance@environment.gov.au

2011 National Events - put these events in your diary!

The 2011 National General Assembly theme next year will be "Growing with our Communities - Place, Position and Partnership". It will look at local government's place and partnerships across all levels of government, in the delivery of services to its communities.

ALGA events such as the National General Assembly of Local Government and the National Local Roads and Transport Congress provide important forums for local government to discuss policy and initiatives, and create a platform for local government to call on the Australian Government with a united voice. Now that a referendum on local government has been announced by the Australian Government, it is more important than ever for all councils to come together and develop the future agenda.

Make sure you can be involved in the 2011 national events by putting these dates in your diary now.

19 June - Regional Development and Cooperation Forum, Canberra
19-22 June - National General Assembly of Local Government, Canberra
16-18 November - National Local Roads and Transport Congress, Mount Gambier

Other important dates:

30 January - National General Assembly 'Call for Motions' opens
22 April - National General Assembly 'Call for Motions' closes

The National Urban Policy Discussion Paper released by the Federal Government last week is a useful document which canvasses many of the problems faced by Australia's cities and draws together much of the work being done by all three levels of government across many related areas. The particular areas of interest are climate change, transport, housing affordability and planning and the size of local government.

ALGA welcomes the paper as an indication that the Federal Government intends to play a greater role in helping to address the challenges faced by cities. As the Federal Government notes, Australia's major cities are responsible for nearly 80% of our Gross domestic product and 75% of our employment. I'm pleased that the Federal Government is continuing its involvement in our cities as it collects 85% of the nation's tax revenue and has clear obligations in this area.

It is important, however, that Federal Government engagement in our cities is long term engagement. All too often in the past such engagement has been the product of short term political opportunism rather than long term strategic commitment. Local government of course does not have that luxury. We are involved in city planning for the long term, in the interests of our residents.

The document highlights the Australian Government's aspirations for our cities and places a strong emphasis on the economic importance and benefits of getting our cities operating efficiently. This is important. But our cities are places where people live and the Discussion Paper places much less emphasis on strengthening community engagement to ensure that our cities meet peoples' aspirations.

The paper recognizes the very difficult task of balancing community concerns with economic and efficiency issues when talking about planning and the number of councils in our cities. Local government is only too aware of this issue and local councillors are judged at every election on whether they are getting the balance right.

On the issue of council amalgamations in our cities, I agree that there is a need for a debate but strongly oppose forced amalgamations which disenfranchise local communities, but we encourage councils to work together to achieve economies of scale. The report suggests a review to assess the outcomes of recent council amalgamations in cities as the first step and we support that. Any review should assess the full impacts of amalgamations - including the costs and any perceived loss of community engagement - not just any economic benefits. We have to remember that bigger is not always better. ALGA will be consulting with state and territory associations in preparing a submission on the Discussion Paper and we will be encouraging all councils to make submissions. For more information on the consultation process and a copy of the Discussion Paper, click here.

On a more personal note, my thoughts are with the many councils across Australia which are experiencing widespread flooding, and are still expecting more rain. The devastation across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and the ACT has seriously impacted hundreds of councils and their communities. Once floodwaters subside they will need to begin the massive cleanup, thoroughly assess the extent of damage and begin urgent repair work.

It is particularly sad to learn that aside from the extensive damage to homes, businesses and our farming communities, a number of deaths have also occurred as a consequence of the floods. If nothing else this should be a warning for all of us to take the utmost care with any sort of floodwaters. Being safe rather than sorry should be a message we all reinforce to our communities in such challenging climatic times!

Cr Genia McCaffery
ALGA President

Briefs

Road safety community focus reaps results

A new study shows safety measures have dramatically reduced the road fatality rate, but there is a need for fresh action now to ensure further reductions in the future.

Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, said the study released last week by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics shows that the road fatality rate in 2010 is one-tenth of what it was in the late 1960s.

"This is proof that focussing on safer road users, safer cars and safer roads is working," Ms King said. "The fall in the rate is an amazing pay-off to three main safety measures over the last 40 years: seat belt wearing, random breath testing and speed enforcement.

Ms King said the reduction in fatalities and injuries has levelled out and the draft National Road Safety Strategy released on December 1 contains measures aimed at driving further reductions. To comment on the new draft National Road Safety Strategy go to www.infrastructure.gov.au. A copy of the study can be found here.

NBN to be responsible for all fibre arrangements in new developments

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy issued a statement on 9 December concerning future arrangements for fibre in new developments.

From 1 January 2011, NBN Co will be responsible for the installation of fibre in all broadacre developments, all infill developments where it has fibre that is ready for service and capable of connection, and newly approved infill developments of 100 or more premises. NBN Co may use whatever operational arrangements it chooses to service new developments, including sub-contracting and build-operate-transfer (BOT) arrangements.

NBN Co will establish a panel of appropriately qualified and experienced providers who can bid to install fibre on its behalf. It will be commencing a competitive tender process. Details will be provided on NBN Co's website.

For infill developments of less than 100 premises, Telstra will continue to be responsible for delivering infrastructure and services, pending NBN Co being ready to provide a fibre service in that area that is capable of connection to the premises.

These arrangements do not prevent a developer from requesting any provider (whether it be NBN Co, Telstra or some other provider) to service their estate. In all new developments, developers will need to ensure that trenching and ducting are installed and are fibre-ready, to NBN Co's specifications. Developers will meet these costs.

The media release can be accessed here and the policy statement can be accessed here.

Further questions can be directed to greenfields@dbcde.gov.au.

Healthy Spaces and Places - survey

The Planning Institute of Australia, National Heart Foundation and ALGA are evaluating the Healthy Spaces and Places Website and Overview document to ensure it is a complete and useful resource. To do this evaluation they have developed a short web survey that will only take a few minutes to complete.

The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing funding agreement runs out in March 2011 and it will be essential to the continuation of the project that the partnership has a solid foundation and plan for how the project needs to further develop. The web survey has been designed to assist in this task.

Everyone who completes the survey will automatically go into a draw to win free entry to one event held by either the Australian Local Government Association, the National Heart Foundation or the Planning Institute of Australia, between now and 31st March 2011.

Survey - Please click here.

"Donate a duck" mobile phone recycling

With Christmas just around the corner, MobileMuster and Oxfam are asking Australians to donate a duck and help a family in need, just by recycling their old mobile phones and accessories.

For every two mobile phones recycled over Christmas and New Year, MobileMuster will purchase a duck through Oxfam Unwrapped to help a family struggling against poverty in Mozambique. MobileMuster's 'Old phones, more ducks' campaign runs until the end of January 2011.

"The holiday period is a time for giving and receiving. MobileMuster is calling on all Australians to give a duck and make a difference to the planet and a family in need this Christmas," says MobileMuster Recycling, Manager Rose Read.

According to Ms Read, many Australians have two or more old and broken mobile phones at home that could be recycled. In total, there are an estimated 16 million mobiles that could be put towards helping the planet and a family lacking basic essentials like food and a source of income.

"One duck can mean the difference between nutritional health and financial security for a family in Mozambique. Families can use the eggs for food and can sell the excess at market to supply the family with a regular and reliable source of income," says Oxfam Unwrapped spokesperson, Leigh Stewart. According to Ms Stewart, the ducks can provide a great source of income for these families, which can contribute towards schooling and health costs.

To recycle your old mobiles, batteries, charges and accessories simply:

1. Drop them off at your local MobileMuster collection point (click here to find your nearest one),
OR
2. Post them in for free by either downloading a MobileMuster/ Oxfam Unwrapped reply paid label from www.mobilemuster.com.au or by picking up a free recycling satchel from your nearest Australia Post outlet and following the packing instructions

Make sure you send them in by 31st January 2011

Greater protection for Great Barrier Reef

In a major step forward for the protection of the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the global body responsible for regulating international shipping, has agreed to the Federal Government's request and approved an extension of the mandatory Ship Reporting System to the southern portion of the Marine Park.

From 1 July 2011, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will require all large ships, including those carrying oil, chemicals or liquefied gas, to regularly report their location and route to authorities whenever they are transiting through the Park.

The progress of each vessel will also be continuously tracked by radio and satellite, a further measure designed to prevent accidents and safeguard one of Australia's most precious environmental assets.

Up until now mandatory reporting and tracking only applied to the northern portion of the Marine Park above Latitude 22 degrees south - see attached map.

In preparation for IMO approval, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) have been rolling out the infrastructure necessary to support the reporting system such as sensors, communication equipment and modified navigational software. This work is now well advanced.

In coming months The Hon Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, has indicated that he will be introducing legislation into the Parliament toughening penalties for breaches of maritime and environmental laws with the aim of deterring shipping companies and their crews from engaging in unsafe and irresponsible actions at sea, particularly near environmentally sensitive marine ecosystems.

End-of-trip facilities for cyclists, runners and walkers

All new major developments are now required to provide end-of-trip facilities for cyclists, runners and walkers under an amendment to the Queensland Development Code (QDC) that came into effect on 26 November 2010. End-of trip facilities include secure bike racks, lockers and showers for the use of commuters.

Buildings required to provide these facilities include office buildings, shopping centres, tertiary education facilities and hospitals. The amended QDC applies to buildings greater than 2000 metres squared and building additions greater than 1000 metres squared.

Human Rights Day on 10 December

The theme for Human Rights Day on 10 December is "Human rights defenders who act to end discrimination", with the motto "speak up, stop discrimination". This anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human rights, adopted in 1948, will highlight and promote the achievements of human rights defenders.

Young leaders meet at Australian Youth-Led Convention

Some of our most active and engaged young people gathered in Canberra this week for the inaugural Australian Youth-Led Convention.

Welcoming the participants, Minister for Youth Peter Garrett, spoke about the importance of youth-led organisations and young leaders, and the invaluable contribution they make to Australian communities.

Mr Garrett also announced the relaunch of the Australian Government's two main youth-focussed websites; -- the portal for government services and investment in young Australians; and the Australian Youth Forum's -- which gives young people the opportunity to connect and engage with government anywhere, anytime. For more information on the Youth Development Support Program, including the full listing of grant recipients from Round Two funding, please click here.

Settlement resources

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has developed "Community Profiles" to assist service providers to better understand the backgrounds and needs of Humanitarian Program arrivals.

The Profiles contain information on key settlement locations, demographic characteristics of recent arrivals, likely settlement needs and cultural and country backgrounds.

Profiles are available on the following communities:

• Bhutanese,
• Burmese,
• Congolese,
• Eritrean,
• Ethiopian,
• Liberian,
• Sierra Leonean,
• Sudanese,
• Togolese &
• Uzbek.

The profiles can be downloaded here.

New Arts and Cultural accord launched

The NSW Government has signed a three-year accord with the Local Government and Shires Associations to ensure continued growth of the arts and cultural sector across the State.

President of the Shires Association of NSW Cr Bruce Miller said councils play a vital role in supporting and developing arts and cultural activities in local communities.

"We're delighted to sign this cultural accord and look forward to working on local arts and cultural initiatives and exploring how we can use existing infrastructure to meet our future needs," Mr Miller said. "This accord will also strengthen Aboriginal arts and culture."

Disability standards relating to bus stops

The Australian Human Rights Commission has released a Guideline on those aspects of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) that relate to bus stops following a period of extensive consultation with a wide range of individuals and organisations. Many valuable comments were made on the two separate drafts of this Guideline which were published on the Commission's website in 2009 and 2010.

The Guideline for promoting compliance of bus stops with the DSAPT has been prepared by the Commission to assist bus stop providers to comply with the DSAPT. The Guideline does not replace the provisions of the DSAPT and does not seek to alter or expand upon the content of the DSAPT - something only Parliament can do. The Guideline can be found here.

The Commission encourages those who have developed similar material or are aware of other resources that might assist in developing good practice for difficult bus stop sites to share this information with them at disabdis@humanrights.gov.au

Smart Infrastructure Awards

Nominations have opened for the 2011 Australian Smart Infrastructure Awards for innovative, technology-driven solutions to our nation's infrastructure challenges such as traffic congestion and climate change.

The two award categories are:

• The Australian Smart Infrastructure Project Award which will go to an innovative technology based project.
• The Australian Smart Infrastructure Research Award which will provide a $25,000 grant for an innovative proposal supporting excellence in smart infrastructure research and development.

The Awards - now in their second year, were established to recognise and drive excellence in the design, delivery and use of smart infrastructure across Infrastructure Australia's national priority areas of broadband, energy, international gateways, rail freight, cities, Indigenous infrastructure and water. For nomination forms or to obtain more information about the Awards click here.

New premises for NATA Victoria

The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA ) Victoria has moved to Level 1, 675 Victoria Street, Abbotsford. For the purposes of enquiries from the general public regarding Asbestos Testing Laboratories in Victoria and Tasmania, NATA's new Melbourne office phone number is 03 9274 8200.

Local Government Super wins award

Local Government Super (LGS) has been hailed as the Sustainable Super Fund of the Year for 2010 by the Australian Sustainability Awards.

The Australian Sustainability Awards, now in their tenth year, recognise best practice in corporate sustainability across Australian companies.

New volunteering advisory group

Minister for Social Inclusion Tanya Plibersek has announced a Volunteer Advisory Group will be established to provide expert advice on how to best encourage community service.

The advisory group will provide advice to the Government in the lead up to the release of the National Volunteering Strategy. The strategy will be released in 2011 - marking the tenth anniversary of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers. For more information click here.