Prime Minister to address the NGA

ALGA is delighted that the Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP, will open this year's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA).

This year's NGA on 19 to 22 June in Canberra will address the pressing issues for local government under the theme Growing with our Community - Place, Position, Partnership.

This year's NGA boasts an impressive line-up of federal politicians and delegates will hear high level policy and program initiatives from Canberra's key political leaders. ALGA is also expecting the new Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon. Simon Crean MP, to update delegates on his vision for local government and regional development. As the Minister responsible for the progress of constitutional recognition of local government, this is a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the support and commitment of the sector in achieving constitutional reform.

The involvement of every council in the NGA is vital to assist ALGA to maintain the renewed focus on local government and to drive improved outcomes at the national level for local government. A number of important policy motions will be debated at the NGA and it is essential that every council is represented in these debates and is able to have its say.

Full program and registration information is available at http://nga.alga.asn.au. Register before 29 April to access the early bird discount.

Recovery in Queensland

A stocktake of work co-ordinated by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority underlines the magnitude of the reconstruction job. Nearly 110,000 insurance claims relating to flood and cyclone destruction in the state have been lodged, 60,000 of them for damage to homes. The Insurance Council insists the majority of these have been settled.

One hundred days after the flooding more than two-thirds of the 9000km of roads damaged or destroyed in Queensland's summer of natural disasters have been repaired. Of the 9170km of road and highways put out of action, 6156km has been repaired, according to Queensland government figures. Most of the 4748km of railway affected is back in service. Eleven of Queensland's 20 ports were affected, but all have returned to full operation. However, 82 of the national parks closed by flood and cyclone damage remain off limits.

Brisbane City Council is making progress in restoring ferry services -- only one terminal in the network of Citycat stops is still out of action.

Much of the road damage has been on local roads. The efforts by councils to repair and restore their roads has been impressive. Congratulations to all the staff who have been putting in very long hours to make those repairs happen.

Central to the recovery strategy, implemented through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority by Major General Mick Slater, is to advance funds to local councils so that they can get on with the job of rebuilding damaged infrastructure. This reverses the usual process where the commonwealth and state reimburse them when the work is done. This is a funding model that recognises the financial situation that councils hit by a disaster are likely to be in, and could be considered as a model for other disasters.

To date, $406m has been advanced to 51 Queensland councils, with Federal Government picking up 75 per cent of the tab under national disaster relief arrangements. New building guidelines for north Queensland are being released to speed reconstruction in the devastated seaside hamlets of Tully Heads and Hull Heads, where 80 homes were severely damaged by a storm surge driven by the cyclone.

QUEENSLAND DISASTER STOCKTAKE

• 109,390 Insurance claims relating to flood and cyclone damage, including 59,600 on homes
• $406.5m Advance payments to local government authorities through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, under national disaster relief arrangements, of a forecast total of $2.35bn
• $62.6m Payments made by the Premier's Disaster Relief Fund, with $191.8m collected in donations still to be distributed
• $747.6m Emergency federal payments, principally through Centrelink

Ongoing assistance for flood and cyclone victims

Attorney General Robert McClelland and Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek announced that thousands of flood and cyclone victims approaching their last income subsidy payment are now being contacted about future assistance.

Mr McClelland said more than 60,000 people had received the Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy across six states following summer's natural disasters. The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy was activated by the Prime Minister on January 10 to ensure that employees, small business owners and farmers who were unable to work had access to support.

He said that Centrelink was contacting each and every income subsidy recipient to ensure they have access to employment or ongoing income support once their payment period ends. Of those contacted, over 80 per cent have told Centrelink that they have been able to return to work.

"The Australian Government will continue to support families and communities in affected areas through the recovery process", Mr McClelland said.

Ms Plibersek said the Australian Government has paid more than $60 million through DIRS to people who experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the disasters and were not receiving, or eligible for, any other income support payment.

"Disaster victims are being contacted by Centrelink about their further options three to four weeks before their income subsidy ends," she said.

"People are being contacted by telephone to determine their expectations in returning to employment and to ascertain if they may be eligible for an income support payment."

With so much discussion on the Government's proposed carbon tax, it is all too easy to forget how much important work continues to take place in the climate change adaptation space, particularly as it relates to local government and the diverse communities and interests they seek to serve.

Earlier this month in Cairns, the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) held a one day conference held in conjunction with the Greenhouse 2011, to bring researchers and end users together, to provide an update on NCCARF activities and advances in knowledge across multiple priority sectors such as settlement and infrastructure, human health, emergency management and marine and terrestrial biodiversity. I was pleased that local government was well represented and that representatives were active participants in many of the workshops.

As many of you would appreciate, local government is very active in this area and there are now many opportunities for Australian local governments to showcase and share their experiences of on-ground climate change adaptation activities. This work at the local level is critical if we are serious in dealing and managing with the diverse impacts of climate change. I do not need to remind you all of the recent flooding and cyclones we have recently experienced.

I'm pleased that the Australian Government continues to support the important role played by the local government sector in this challenging area. This can be seen in number of ways, including support for this year's National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra. The Australian Government also continues to ensure that ALGA is a full partner in all national climate change policy discussions, and through the work of the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government is also playing a supportive role in building greater levels of common understanding amongst leading local government researchers and practitioners. As President, I represent ALGA on one of the Government's key Climate Change Advisory Committees.

For those wanting to find out more on what was discussed at Greenhouse 2011, or the work of NCCARF and its research networks you can visit www.nccarf.edu.au and may wish to register on the NCCARF local government portal. The Portal was created to specifically support local government information needs for climate change adaptation. You may also find a recent Radio National Future Tense program that examines rural and regional perspectives of climate change adaptation, valuable and insightful. It can be accessed here.

President's Easter Road Safety Message

Easter is the most important time in the Christian and Jewish calendar with its message of death and rebirth. Tragically it is also one of the most deadly times on our roads. Road safety is an issue for everyone in the community and I ask everyone that is travelling this Easter to drive carefully. Be patient with and courteous to other drivers.

Planning your trip and allowing plenty of time to get to your destination without speeding will also help keep you, your passengers and others on the road safe.

Fatigue is a major factor in crashes when driving long distances. I urge people driving long distances to visit families and friends to be rested before they leave on their journey and if possible share the driving. Take regular breaks and have a power nap if showing signs of fatigue such as yawning, droopy eyes or loss of concentration.

And always remember, if you're planning on having a drink or two, organise a designated driver or take a taxi or public transport. With 1,500 Australians losing their lives on our roads each year and nearly 30,000 experiencing serious injuries, speeding, driving while fatigued or under the influence is simply not worth the risk.

Wishing you a happy and safe Easter.

Mayor Genia McCaffery
ALGA President

Briefs

Dob in a pothole

Queensland Main Roads is trying to combat the problem of potholes by asking Queenslanders to dob in a pothole. Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said "I ask road users to call Main Roads on 131940 and listen to the prompts to report any potholes." "We all hate potholes and I ask people to dob them in, when and where they find them."

For those travelling large distances to and from work, good roads are a priority for the safety of drivers and for the longevity of their vehicles.

Central Highlands Mayor Peter Maguire said council was aware there were a number of potholes on local roads. He wants local potholes reported.

"These have been developing as a result of the recent rain over several months, combined with the amount of use our roads are getting while the ground is still soft and saturated," he said.

"I would encourage anyone who sees potholes to report them to their local council office. Pothole repairs are performed by a special crew using specialised equipment. We try to organise the work so they can do a significant amount of work in one area in a timely and effective manner."

ACT has the strongest economy

The Australian Capital Territory has the strongest economy of all Australia's states and territories according to CommSec's latest "state of the states" ranking. Commsec found the ACT's above-average population growth is helping to propel a mini boom in housing.

The report, which ranks states on eight criteria - economic growth; retail spending; equipment investment; unemployment, construction work done; population growth; housing finance; and dwelling commencements - placed the ACT ahead of its larger rivals for the second straight quarter.

The resources-driven state of Western Australia was next, followed by South Australia and the Northern Territory. New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland were the lowest ranked states, with the latter hit hard by low population growth (which has filtered through to poor housing market conditions) and the recent natural disasters.

CommSec chief economist Craig James, said that despite the ACT economy being small, it was more rounded than many other states. The ACT's population growth, which underpins the state's housing market, and stronger-than-average economic growth, put its performance ahead of the other states. However, retail sales and business investment in the ACT remain far lower than in other states.

Mr James says that one challenge looming for all states and territories is labour shortages, with all regions seeing wages growing faster than prices. He believes that the Federal Government may need to act.

"The Federal Government could reduce potential barriers to growth by doing more to boost labour supply.

You can read more here.

Local Government Super tops climate change rankings for the second year

Local Government Super (LGS) has been ranked first for its climate change initiatives for the second consecutive year in the annual The Climate Institute/Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) survey.

Now in its third year, the survey was responded to by 18 funds, representing A$200 billion in retirement savings. The project aims to independently assess the readiness of superannuation funds to manage the risks and opportunities of climate change. In addition to being ranked first overall, LGS also placed in top spot in nine out of the ten categories. LGS has now secured the highest ranking from the survey for two consecutive years, firmly positioning it as an industry leader for sustainable investments and practices.

Peter Lambert, Chief Executive Officer of LGS said, "We have a long history of environmental advocacy which has been led by our Board of Trustees and enacted through our management. We feel that we are aligned with the interests of our members and so we are very happy to receive recognition yet again for our focus on managing the issues of climate change.

More information on LGS' sustainable practices and investments can be found on the Fund's recently relaunched website.

Four WA regional cities form alliance website

The mayors of four of the largest regional cities in Western Australia have formally launched the WA Regional Cities Alliance website.

The cities of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Bunbury, Albany and Geraldton-Greenough joined forces last year in an effort to change what they describe as a 'Perth centric' view of planning.

The alliance's goal is to encourage population growth in regional capitals. Alliance chairman Ian Carpenter says the website provides people with information about the future potential of regional cities.

"This website will be able to attract people to enquire about the four regional cities," he said.

"It will give them information about the cities and what the way of life is like here, what the employment opportunities are and things like that."

Constitutional resolutions

We now have 130 councils which have passed resolutions in support of constitutional recognition and continuing media coverage surrounding councils' resolutions.

Councils which have this week advised ALGA of their resolutions:

• Shire of Boddington (WA)
• City of Bayswater (WA)
• City of Boroondara (Vic)
• Gilgandra Shire Council (NSW)
• District Council of Barunga West (SA)
• Banana Shire Council (Qld)
• Quilpie Shire Council (Qld)
• Murweh Shire Council (Qld)
• Gympie Regional Council (Qld)
• Western Downs Regional Council (Qld)
• Barcaldine Regional Council (Qld)
• Lockyer Valley Regional Council (Qld)
• Etheridge Shire Council (Qld)
• Longreach Regional Council (Qld)
• Diamantina Shire Council (Qld)
• Flinders Ranges Council (SA)
• District Council of Cleve (SA)
• Dungog Shire Council (NSW)
• Alice Springs Town Council (NT)
• Shire of Gingin (WA)
• Shire of Northampton (WA)
• City of Tea Tree Gully (SA)
• Banyule City Council (VIC)
• Warrnambool City Council (VIC)

National Greenhouse Data Released

National Greenhouse Accounts released by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency show carbon pollution is continuing to rise, highlighting the need for action on climate change. The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, said the National Greenhouse Accounts show Australia's carbon pollution (excluding emissions from land use, land use change and forestry activities) increased 0.5 per cent to 543 million tonnes in the year to December 2010. This follows a clear trend of long-term growth in Australia's carbon pollution levels since 1990. Australia's Kyoto target is to limit carbon pollution in the 2008-2012 period to 108 per cent of 1990 levels.

"Despite a temporary, short-term dip in carbon pollution as a result of reduced demand for Australian goods following the Global Financial Crisis, significant challenges remain in all sectors to reduce our carbon pollution into the future," Mr Combet said.

"For example, the increase in carbon pollution from the energy sector between 1990 and 2010 was 44 per cent. This significant source, which comprises pollution from stationary energy, transport and fugitive emissions from fuels, makes up around three-quarters of Australia's total levels of carbon pollution," he said.

"What this demonstrates is the importance of taking action on climate change, in order to cut our carbon pollution and drive investment in a clean energy future. The Government remains committed to the introduction of a carbon price to transform our economy and position Australia to compete in a carbon constrained world."

Australia's latest National Greenhouse Accounts include four annual reports:

• National Inventory Report 2009, (submission under the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol)
• National Greenhouse Gas Inventory December Quarter 2010
• National Inventory by Economic Sector 2009
• State and Territory Greenhouse Gas Inventories 2009

The reports are available online.

New Family Support Program

A new Family Support Program with renewed funding of $490 million over three years for families and children services to provide more support to vulnerable families, and reduce red tape for service providers has been launched by the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, the Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services, Julie Collins, and the Member for Port Adelaide, Mark Butler.

The new Family Support Program provides services in 2,700 locations across Australia to support families, improve children's wellbeing and safety, and build more resilient communities. Community organisations funded through the program deliver important services such as parenting skills training, relationship counselling, playgroups and more intensive support for vulnerable and at-risk children and families.

The Program streamlines more than 20 programs into four to provide more flexibility to meet families' needs, while making sure the important elements of the current program are retained. The four programs are:

• Communities for Children services provide prevention and early intervention activities to families with children up to 12 years in disadvantaged communities throughout Australia, including Indigenous families in remote locations.
• Family and Relationship Services help adults with relationship issues, provide counselling for young people and children, and broader parenting support.
• Specialist Services help families affected by drugs, violence and trauma.
• Community Playgroups are playgroups run by parents to provide a friendly and safe environment where mums and dads of young

These reforms are part of the Government's National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children, which provides a national approach to ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

State of the Arctic Coast

A report written by more than 30 scientists from 10 countries, has warned that the rapid rate of coastal erosion in Arctic poses a major threat to local communities and ecosystems. The State of the Arctic Coast says 10 year average rates of coastal retreat are typically in the one to two metres per year range, but vary up to 10 to 30 metres per year in some locations.

Research from the report commenced in 2007, followed by release of the draft report in 2010 and a public consultation process in August - September 2010, prior to the release of the final report.

Two-thirds of Arctic coasts consist of frozen soil, or permafrost, rather than rock, and are highly sensitive to erosion by wind and waves. Rising temperatures are melting protective sea ice fringing the coastlines and leaving them more exposed to the elements. Trends of decreasing sea ice and increased open-water fetch, combined with warming air, sea and ground temperatures, are expected to result in higher wave energy, increased seasonal thaw, and accelerated coastal retreat along large parts of the circum-Arctic coast.

Conclusions from consideration of integrated ecosystem-based management include the following:

• Management needs to be flexible;
• Decision-making must be integrated and science-based;
• National commitment is required for effective management;
• Area-based approaches and trans-boundary perspectives are necessary;
• Stakeholder and Arctic resident participation is a key element;
• Adaptive management is critical.

The report recommends that future research should focus on increasing support, opportunity, and capacity for local decision-making or effective resident input to decisions on broader institutional policies with local impacts.

New National Tourism Planning Guide

A National Tourism Planning Guide designed to help planners streamline investment, was released by Tourism Ministers during their Ministerial Council meeting in Darwin. Funded through a TQUAL grant to the Tourism and Transport Forum, the Guide is an outcome of the National Long Term Tourism Strategy and it makes the case for stimulating tourism investment.

"By providing a tool for local and state government planners, the Guide will assist with decision making regarding approvals for new tourism developments such as hotels, cellar doors, restaurants, tourism attractions or resorts, Minister for resources, Energy and Tourism, Martin Ferguson said.

The Guide makes a clear case for considering the impacts on tourism of urban and regional planning decisions. Outcomes of the National Long Term Tourism Strategy include:

• Identifying and addressing regional employment 'hot spots' where skilled staff are harder to find;
• Addressing regulatory barriers to tourism investment;
• Capturing the benefits of simplified border arrangements for trans-Tasman travel;
• Working with industry to support the National Tourism Accreditation Framework;
• Identifying further practical training opportunities for Indigenous youth and tourism businesses;
• Rolling out the National Online Strategy for Tourism and the tourism e-kit; and
• Implementing a National Tourism Research Agenda.

The National Tourism Planning Guide, Factsheets and further information are available here.

National tourism labour force survey

The Australian Government is currently conducting a nation-wide survey of tourism and hospitality businesses, looking at difficulties in finding and keeping quality workers. It is well known that labour and skills shortages have been an issue for the tourism and hospitality industry for some time. This survey is the industry's opportunity to demonstrate the nature and severity of these shortages to government and, in doing so, to influence government policy in this key area. We strongly urge councils in significant tourism areas to promote the survey and encourage participation by local business.

The survey is being conducted independently by Deloitte Access Economics and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. It can be accessed here.

Diamond Celebration at Old Parliament House

The Australian Local Government Women's Association (ALGWA) celebrates its sixtieth birthday this year and to mark the milestone there will be a special dinner at Old Parliament House during the ALGA National Assembly, with the Hon Kate Ellis, Minister for Women's Affairs attending.

The dinner is on Sunday June 19, after the ALGA welcome drinks and all are invited to join the celebration. It is also a unique opportunity to visit this historic venue where so many decisions which shaped the nation were made. Buses will provide transport to and from this event.

ALGWA was founded in 1951 during the Jubilee Year of the Commonwealth of Australia. It was formed, and continues, as a non-party political organisation to support women's participation in Local Government, both as elected representatives and officers. ALGWA has organisations in every State and Territory and the dinner has been organised by the Victorian branch.

Local Government claims the honour of having the first woman elected to an Australian government. Grace Benny became Australia's first woman councillor when she was elected to Brighton Council, South Australia in 1919.

It took another two years before Edith Cowan became the first Australian female parliamentarian when she was elected into the WA Parliament in 1921.

For dinner details and registration click here.

Rural Wind Farms inquiry extends reporting date

The Senate Community Affairs Committee has received over 900 submissions into its inquiry into the social and economic impacts of rural wind farms. Originally asked to report by 30 April 2011, the Committee has provided an interim report to the Senate saying given the level of public interest in the inquiry, and in order to give proper consideration to the evidence received, it intends to table its final report by 1 June 2011. Further information on the progress of the inquiry is available from the website

Royal wedding gift

The Gillard Government will be making a donation of $25,000 to Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to commemorate the wedding of Royal couple Prince William and Catherine Middleton on behalf of the people of Australia. The gift was decided following a request from the couple to donate to one of their nominated charities instead of a wedding gift.

"The Royal Flying Doctor Service has had the longstanding support of the Royal Family for many decades and we are extremely pleased to be able to add to this support through this gift. It is a very generous gesture for the happy couple to ask for donations that will go directly to helping out Australians when they need it most", the Prime Minster said in a statement.

Prince William visited the Royal Flying Doctor base in Cairns during his most recent visit to Australia so he knows firsthand just how important their service is to our nation - particularly for those living in regional Australia.

The Government would encourage anyone who wants to contribute to the wedding to consider donating to the RFDS. To donate, people can click here or here.

Greater protection for cats and dogs in pounds

The Victorian Coalition Government has moved to abolish the limit on the number of days dogs and cats can be held at animal shelters or pounds before they have to be removed or euthanised.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh, said the time limit was removed as part of proposed revisions to Victoria's Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds. Under the current code of practice, the maximum time any animal for sale can be held at a shelter or pound is 28 days. Despite a shift in community expectations, the code has not been revised since it was first introduced 14 years ago.

"We have made these changes in consultation with key groups including the Lost Dogs' Home, the RSPCA, Animal Aid, the Cat Protection Society, Animal Welfare Science Centre and a number of local councils," Mr Walsh said.

The code has been released for public comment to give the community a genuine opportunity to have a say. The community has until April 29 to make submissions in writing to the Department of Primary Industries. To obtain a copy of the proposed code and find out how you can make comment click here.

The revisions also propose to clarify requirements that any animal leaving a shelter must be micro-chipped, wormed, desexed and vaccinated. Other proposed major changes to the code include:

• a requirement for a health management plan to be developed for the enterprise by a veterinarian;
• the number of staff required at shelters and pounds to be increased from one for every 50 animals to one for every 40 animals;
• a new section specifically relating to fostering of animals (and foster carers);
• changes to appropriate options upon admission of cats or dogs to pounds or shelters;
• a new requirement for puppies and kittens to be inspected more frequently; and
• a new section with specific consideration of animals housed long-term - specifically relating to their exercise and socialisation.

Brisbane hosts 2011 Asia Pacific Summit

Brisbane City Council is hosting the 2011 Asia Pacific Cities Summit from 6-8 July 2011 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The biennial Summit is an initiative of Brisbane City Council. More details on the Summit and to register click here. or contact the summit managers on 07 3858 5582 or emal info@apcsummit.org.

International Awards for Liveable Communities 2011

The Republic of Korea will host the LivCom Awards in the city of Songpa from 27-31 October 2011. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea has extended an invitation to those interested in participating to submit an application to the Embassy by 31 May. The contact person at the Embassy is Hanbyol Lina Lee who can be reached on 02 6270 4105 or edu-au@mofat.go.cr. More information in the awards are available here or info@livcomawards.com.