Disaster Management and Infrastructure must be focus of Federal Budget

The rebuilding of infrastructure in flood-ravaged areas should not overshadow the need for ongoing funding in the Federal Budget for local roads, active transport, and community infrastructure to address Australia's growing infrastructure backlog, according to the President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Cr Genia McCaffery. Cr McCaffery announced the release of ALGA's 2011-12 Budget submission today - Building Our Regional Capacity, and Supporting Our Urban Communities available at www.alga.asn.au under 'recent updates.'

"In the aftermath of the horrific flooding in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, as well as the Western Australia cyclone and bushfires, it is local government that is left to pick up the pieces of shattered communities and to rebuild broken lives," Cr McCaffery said. "Local government is at the forefront of the recovery. The flooding will cost Queensland councils up to $2 billion alone. I welcome the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday of an 'upfront' payment of $2 billion to Queensland and ongoing support for the reconstruction and recovery of flood-affected communities.

"Local government is a strong supporter of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). However, given the extent of the 2011 natural disaster, it is likely that a number of councils will not be in a position to adequately fund the restoration of local infrastructure. Special payments, in addition to the NDRRA if required, should be made to local governments so that they can expedite their essential work. There is also a strong argument for a separate local government disaster mitigation program as the current Disaster Resilience Australia package is likely to be drained by the heavy demands of State Governments."

At a broader level, ALGA's Budget submission calls for a review of the support local government gets from the Commonwealth. Cr McCaffery said: "The proportion of Commonwealth tax revenue that local government receives has dropped from 1% in 1996 to less than 0.7% today. With the increasing number of responsibilities shouldered by local government, a solid financial footing is essential for the continued financial viability of local councils and the diverse communities we serve."

"Whilst we all know that these are challenging economic times, and the Government is under pressure to bring the Budget into surplus in 2012-13, there are serious and pressing national issues that require the Commonwealth's attention. These are raised in ALGA's Federal Budget submission and include support to reduce the backlog of local government infrastructure spending, measures to enable councils to undertake climate change risk management assessment studies, build flood levees and other urgent and strategic infrastructure projects in high-risk areas, and a national civics education campaign in the lead-up to a 2013 referendum on the recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution."

Honour for local government hero

Former ALGA Board member and former MAV Rural Vice-President Darryl Argall has become a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

The announcement on Australia Day honours Mr Argall's service to local government as well as his contributions to land management and water conservation initiatives including the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline.

He said his work was only possible with the support of former council colleagues and community members. "This honour recognises a team effort," he said. "I'd like to publicly thank those responsible for the nomination. I don't know who they are yet but I'll find them." Mr Argall served 18 years in local government on the Hindmarsh Shire Council and former Dimboola Shire. The full honours list is available here.

Celebrate your workplace diversity through food this March

A Taste of Harmony (21 - 27 March 2011) is Australia's biggest celebration of cultural diversity in the workplace. Last year participation doubled with more than 120,000 Australian workers sitting down to a multicultural lunch. With one in four Australian workers born overseas the need to support and acknowledge our rich cultural diversity has never been more important. Research has found that diverse teams operating in inclusive workplaces are better at innovation, problem solving and driving new business.

The concept is simple. Register your team or workplace, set a lunch date and ask colleagues to bring a dish from their cultural background or food from a country they would like to try. The result is a multicultural feast where workers have the opportunity to learn something new about the different cultural backgrounds that exist in their workplace and enjoy a delicious meal.

In 2011, A Taste of Harmony is focused not only on the food but also on the stories that accompany them. So bring in your baklava, swap stories over some spag bol and tuck into a tasty multicultural lunch! To get involved, simply register your workplace for free by visiting www.tasteofharmony.org.au. A Taste of Harmony is an initiative of the Scanlon Foundation supported by the Australian Multicultural Foundation and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

What an amazing January! Devastating floods across Eastern Australia while fires burnt in Western Australia. I have been in close contact with State Association Presidents and written to councils in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales affected by floods to assure them that ALGA is working hard to make sure the interests of local government are properly considered in the response and recovery effort. I will also raise the possible need for extra assistance to local government above and beyond the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) at the Council of Australian Governments meeting in February when the response to the devastating floods will be discussed. ALGA will continue to make representations to the Government to make sure councils receive the necessary support at their time of great need. The Prime Minister's statement yesterday that $2 billion will be provided as an upfront payment to Queensland is welcome, as is the statement that the Government will meet an estimated $5.6 billion in recovery costs. Our challenge now is to ensure that councils receive their share of that funding.

Today ALGA is lodging its submission for the 2011-12 Budget and I urge you to read it. The issue of climate change and a fund to assist local government with planning and building infrastructure to help protect our communities is covered in the submission as is additional funding support for natural disasters and the suggestion of a dedicated local government mitigation program. There is also a request for a street-lighting replacement program, a renewal of the Bikepaths Fund, and the call for a review of Financial Assistance Grants. The submission is online at www.alga.asn.au under 'recent updates.'

I am well aware that although money is the immediate need in terms of assistance, in time human resources will become a priority. ALGA will be working with state associations to contact well-resourced councils that escaped the flooding to see what assistance they can provide. The help could come in the form of building surveyors, planners and engineers to give staff at impacted councils some respite.

Local government in Australia has always proven itself to be resilient in the face of severe challenges. Councils are well-known for their ability and commitment to support and foster resilient local and regional communities, and just as importantly, to rebuild and reinvigorate them in the wake of natural disasters.

I have every confidence that all affected communities will face this challenge with that same resilience.

At the national level, ALGA is acutely aware that the cost of these floods to the community and councils will be substantial, and that federal and state assistance to meet these costs will be essential. Be assured that ALGA in partnership with the State and Territory Associations will continue to do all it can to ensure that local councils whose communities have been impacted by these events can be provided with the necessary support - financially and otherwise - to support communities, restore their infrastructure and instigate the necessary recovery arrangements.

Cr Genia McCaffery
ALGA President

Briefs

Minister Crean offers early payment of FAGs

The Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean, has toured flood-affected regions in Queensland, visiting Maryborough to witness first-hand recovery efforts in the region.During his visit, Mr Crean met with the Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Mick Kruger, along with community and business leaders to discuss the crucial task of rebuilding the Wide-Bay Burnett region.

"Providing emergency assistance to communities affected by the floods remains the Australian Governments immediate priority, however we must also start the vital task of getting communities back on their feet and restoring infrastructure," Mr Crean said. To help rebuild Queensland areas devastated by flood damage early payment of more than $77million ($77,363,628) in Financial Assistance Grants has been made available to the Queensland Government and is now available to councils. The Fraser Coast Regional Council will receive more than $1.3 million in an early payment.

"The Queensland spirit has been alive and well in the face of tremendous adversity," Minister Crean said. "The Australian Government will continue to work together with the Queensland Government and local councils to help families, businesses, farmers and communities recover." Further information at the Australian Government Disaster Assist website.

Accessible Communities Program Funding Round

On 10 January 2011 the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) wrote to each local government inviting applications for funding for the Accessible Communities Program.

Accessible Communities is an initiative under the National Disability Strategy that will provide a total of $5 million (GST exclusive) funding in 2010-2011. The program aims to make public buildings and spaces more accessible for people with disability. Funding of up to $100,000 (GST exclusive) for each application will be available to local governments for improvements to community infrastructure, including new construction, major renovations or refurbishment of assets. Applicants must prove that they can provide a matched amount of funding for their proposed project. The project must commence within 6 months of approval and should be completed within 12 months (no later than end of June 2012). Each local government is permitted to submit up to two applications. The notice for applications was posted on 24 January 2011. Applications will close on 25 February 2011 at 2pm AEDST. In order to be considered the applications must be received by FAHCSIA within the application period. If you would like more information on the application process, including application forms please check the FaHCSIA website, email disabilityinfrastructure@fahcsia.gov.au or call 1800 501 795.

Disaster planning resources

The Planning Institute Australia has now set up a specific page on its website with links to relevant resources on post-disaster planning. PIA has also included information on this page regarding available health services so that those working in these areas have a better understanding of where they can access support for themselves and their families if needed. All of this information is located here.

PIA has also established a register of volunteers from across the country who are willing to assist and pass on expert planning knowledge during the rebuilding process. If you want to be included on this register, which will be made available to relevant authorities and local government, please click here and complete the on-line registration form.

Road deaths in 2010 - the lowest in over 60 years

The number of deaths on Australia's roads in 2010 is the lowest annual count since 1949, according to statistics released by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE).

While the latest road fatality figures indicate substantial progress in the area of road safety, Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, cautioned that Australia still has a lot of work to do.

"These figures are a remarkable result considering there are now three times as many people on our roads and thirteen times more vehicles than in 1949," Ms King said. "We've seen an 8.2 per cent reduction on the 2009 figure, and a 24.7 per cent reduction on the figure from a decade ago. The 2010 figure accelerates the mostly downward trend of the last decade."

Ms King said the latest figures came as the 2001-2010 National Road Safety Strategy draws to a close.

"These figures point to the success of the many road safety programs implemented as part of that Strategy by all levels of government over the last 10 years. Now we are now putting in place the Strategy for the next 10 years," Ms King said.

The BITRE's Road Deaths Australia: Monthly Bulletin December 2010 is available here. The draft National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 is available for public comment until 11 February 2011 at www.infrastructure.gov.au and follow the link.

New inquiry into the National Broadband Network

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications has commenced a new inquiry. The Committee has been asked to 'examine the capacity of the National Broadband Network to contribute to:

• the delivery of government services and programs;
• achieving health outcomes;
• improving the educational resources and training available for teachers and students;
• the management of Australia's built and natural resources and environmental sustainability;
• impacting regional economic growth and employment opportunities;
• impacting business efficiencies and revenues, particularly for small and medium business, and Australia's export market;
• interaction with research and development and related innovation investments;
• facilitating community and social benefits; and
• the optimal capacity and technological requirements of a network to deliver these outcomes.'

The Committee welcomes the views of your council on any or all of the points listed above. Submissions should be sent by email to ic.reps@aph.gov.au, before 25 February 2011 and requests for confidentiality-are available oline.

The Australian Government is seeking views on bull bars

The Australian Government Department of Infrastructure and Transport has released a consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) proposing mandating vehicle manufacturers to design the front of vehicles to absorb the energy of a collision with a pedestrian or other "vulnerable" road user in line with Australia's obligations as a contracting party to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) 1998 Agreement.

It is proposed that the requirement would be implemented as an Australian Design Rule (ADR). The new ADR would apply to new passenger car, 4WD and light commercial vehicle models being first supplied from 2013 with a phase in period until 2019.

The proposal recognises that compliance with an ADR on pedestrian safety may be affected by the fitting of Vehicle Front Protection Systems (VFPS) commonly known as "bull bars" to new vehicles. This is discussed in the RIS in terms of maintaining pedestrian safety performance. For those vehicles required to meet the ADR and to which a VFPS is also intended to be fitted, it is proposed to adopt either the European Union standard or the Australian Standard for VFPS, depending on the vehicle type. There is no proposal to ban VFPS.

Copies of the RIS and other supporting documents, as well as the feedback arrangements, may be found here.

The normal two month public comment period for Australian design Rule changes has been extended to three months.

PC Inquiry into economic regulation of airports

The Productivity Commission invites interested parties to register their interest in an inquiry into the economic regulation of airports.

In undertaking the inquiry, the Commission will make recommendations in relation to the future regulation and monitoring of services and the scope and mechanisms for greater transparency and accountability in airport infrastructure provision and services. In particular, the Commission will examine:

• aeronautical services and facilities provided by airport operators
• passenger-related aeronautical services and facilities provided by major airline tenants
• land transport facilities providing access to the airports
• the effectiveness of remedies in dealing with potential abuses of market power
• the effectiveness of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's monitoring regime
• regulatory impacts on the ability of airports to price, operate and invest in infrastructure in an efficient and timely manner
• the effectiveness of arrangements for the control of planning, operation and service quality monitoring of land transport access to major airports.

In the course of the inquiry, the Commission will consult widely with airport service providers, airlines, government agencies and other users and interested parties. Further information: Airport Pricing, Investment and Services Review - Joint media release from the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport (external link) and About the public inquiry process.

Funding to build stronger communities

Local government can apply for grants of up to $50 000 under the federal government's Diversity and Social Cohesion Program for communities to build stronger community connections. Councils can apply for funding of up to $50 000 to develop projects that aim to address issues of cultural, racial or religious intolerance or to develop community capacity-building skills. Projects can use a wide range of avenues such as sports, theatre and leadership programs to address issues that affect their communities. The projects must provide an opportunity for participation and interaction by different members of the community. Funding is available through the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program which is flexible and responsive to the issues faced by communities at a municipal level. Funding will also be open to groups such as school communities, universities and colleges of education, non-profit organisations, service clubs, faith groups, sporting bodies, community organisations and youth organizations, as well as local councils.

Applications should be lodged with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship by 31 January 2011 to be considered for the first round of offers. A second round of applications closes on 31 March 2011. For further information visit the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program website or contact the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program hotline. Further information: Diversity and Social Cohesion Program or on 1800 782 002

National regulator for not-for-profit sector

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten, and the Minister for Social Inclusion, Tanya Plibersek, recently released a consultation paper on the design of a new national regulator for the not for profit sector.

The paper seeks the views of stakeholders to determine the precise role, functions, feasibility and design options for a "one-stop shop" regulator. The consultation paper marks the beginning of a reform process focussed on smarter regulation, red tape reduction and improving the overall transparency and accountability of the sector.

The paper is pitched at a very high level and FaHCSIA is working closely with Treasury Officials to ensure alignment with work we've agreed on the national regulatory framework for not-for-profit housing providers.

Submissions in response to the paper close on 25 February, 2011.

The consultation paper is available on the Treasury website.

ARRB Basic Geometric Road Design Course (22-24 February in Hobart)

ARRB Group Ltd is pleased to offer a three-day intensive training workshop on Basic Geometric Road Design. The purpose of the workshop is to provide new graduates, draftpersons and technicians with a practical understanding of basic geometric road design. Further information can be obtained here or by contacting contact the Events Coordinator on 03 9881 1680, or via email training@arrb.com.au

Resignation of chair of DAF and a change at ICLEI

Paul Waterhouse has resigned from his position as Executive Director, National Policy with the Property Council of Australia. He has also resigned as Chairman of the Development Assessment Forum (DAF) and as a member.

To ensure a smooth transition to the next Chairman, the DAF Working Group has met to consider options. The next DAF meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 24 February, 2011, in Sydney and ALGA will attend. Mr Waterhouse said DAF was now in a strong position to deliver valuable research that will facilitate the reform of planning and development assessment in this country.

Meanwhile Mr Bill Forrest has tendered his resignation as CEO of ICLEI Oceania and will in February commence a new role as Director Advocacy at Wyndham City Council in Melbourne. Board Member Mr. Bernie Cotter has assumed the role of Executive Director, on a short term, part time basis.

Free registration for Sustainable Councils conference

Sustainable Councils 2011 is offering one free conference registration to every local government in the country.

Sustainable Councils is Australia's national sustainability conference and exhibition, bringing local governments together to build a sustainable future.

Sustainable Councils 2011 will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, 5-6 September, and be co-located with EcoGen 2011, Australia's clean energy industry conference and exhibition.

Register your interest to take advantage of this offer. This offer is limited and local governments must book by 3 June 2011.