 | |  ALGA President Mayor Genia McCaffery met with Local Government Minister Simon Crean at Parliament House in Canberra on 31 January to discuss issues of priority for local government for 2012, including the campaign for constitutional recognition of local government; the review of Financial Assistance Grants; infrastructure funding; and the Government’s Clean Energy Package. A recently released report by the independent Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition has concluded that financial recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution was the preferred option. ALGA has argued in favour of financial recognition through a simple and pragmatic change to Section 96 of the Constitution to remove doubt about the Commonwealth’s capacity to fund local government. Ensuring that the Commonwealth Government can continue to directly fund local government is critical to the ongoing financial sustainability of the sector and its ability to provide community services. Minister Crean did not provide an indication of when he expected the Government to respond to the Expert Panel’s report but reinforced the need for bipartisan support at the state and federal levels for the referendum to succeed. On the issue of Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) and infrastructure funding, the Minister advised that reviews into both areas were proceeding. The FAGs are intended to improve local government’s capacity to provide communities with an equitable level of services and to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of local government. ALGA has called for a review of the base funding for FAGs, and the indexation methodology, to help to ensure a revenue stream for local government that would reasonably keep pace with demand for service delivery and infrastructure provision. ALGA has also supported the Government’s review into the opportunities and constraints on local infrastructure provision to ensure funding is maintained at a level that will enable all councils to plan and deliver adequate and appropriate community infrastructure. The review is being undertaken by Ernst and Young which has sought support from ALGA and directly from some shire councils. The Minister encouraged ALGA to continue engaging with the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport on a tailored local government engagement strategy to ensure appropriate information is provided to local government about the Government’s Clean Energy Package. ALGA will be seeking to ensure that councils are properly informed of obligations under carbon price arrangements related to landfills. | | | | |  In keeping with the Australian Government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, ALGA has focused only on priority areas in its submission to Government for the 2012-13 budget, finalised and lodged with the Treasury at the end of January. While ALGA acknowledges the Government’s pledge to bring about a surplus in the coming financial year, ALGA believes that priorities do not wait for a convenient moment and ALGA has called on the Government to show commitment to longer-term funding of vital services. The submission – Stability and Security for Communities – outlines core issues which local government can not address without support from the Commonwealth. The submission focuses on: - measures to ensure the adequacy of Financial Assistance Grants, as well as the negotiation of a new Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA)
- support for the campaign for constitutional recognition of local government
- ensuring the long-term security of Roads to Recovery funding
- protecting local government infrastructure from climate change
- providing support for more effective indigenous programs.
ALGA’s submission reinforces the need for constitutional reform to formally recognise the role of local government within the Commonwealth Constitution to ensure direct funding of local government and the long-term financial sustainability of councils. ALGA’s submission reasons that in times of fiscal constraint, governments should focus on community priorities, investment in infrastructure and the most efficient process for delivering programs. It argues that direct funding of local government to deliver infrastructure and services makes sense in the current environment. ALGA’s federal budget submission will be available on the ALGA website next week. | | | | |  ALGA President Mayor Genia McCaffery, has welcomed the results of a survey conducted by the Australian Bicycle Council which show strong interest from local government in cycling and the provision of cycling infrastructure. In June and July last year, all councils in Australia were invited to participate in an online survey called the Australian Local Government Account 2011, which was carried out with the support of ALGA. Participation in the survey by councils was voluntary but responses were received from 55 per cent of councils, or 305 across the nation. This is up from 29 per cent of responses received in 2007, which indicates a growing interest in cycling by both urban and regional councils, both as means of improving health and wellbeing and as a mode of transport. “The results of this survey complement ALGA’s budget submission to the Australian Government, which seeks funding of $120 million for the next four years for cycling infrastructure,” Mayor McCaffery said. Key findings from the survey include: - Councils responding to the survey spent more than $72 million on bicycle-related programs in 2009-10.
- Survey participants reported receiving $26 million from the Australian government and $26 million from state governments.
- More than two thirds of responding councils either have a bicycle strategy or are working towards one.
- More councils are including education and encouragement programs, safety, integration with public transport, and tourism in their bicycle strategies.
- Councils responding to the survey reported having constructed a combined total of 11,704 km of cycling infrastructure. When the cycle networks are complete, the infrastructure will measure 17,842 km.
The full report is available here. | | |
| |  It is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to the many local government leaders who have been recognised in the 2012 Australia Day honours list for their achievements and dedication to local communities. Among the recipients of Australia Day awards for local government service is Fran Kilgariff, who was Mayor of Alice Springs for eight years and has served on numerous Boards, including the ALGA Board. Ms Kilgariff was made a member of the Order of Australia for her service to local government in the Northern Territory, to the economic and social advancement of the community of the Alice Springs region, and through contributions to indigenous, tourism and community health organisations. Ms Kilgariff is a well-respected figure in the Northern Territory and on behalf of ALGA, I commend her on her outstanding contributions to the local government sector. Dr Shayne Silcox, City of Melville Chief Executive Officer, and Ronald Perry, representing the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), were both recipients of the Public Service Medal in the Order of Australia awards. Dr Silcox was rewarded for his efforts in building strong, cohesive and well-serviced communities and Mr Perry, who works closely with ALGA in a COAG context, was praised for outstanding public service in the development and maintenance of the Council of Australian Governments as an effective institution of Australian Governments. The full list of those honoured for service to local government includes: MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION Mr Robert Foo Hee CHONG OAM
For service to the Chinese community in Victoria, to local government, and to the City of Whitehorse. The Honourable Theo Russell COOPER
For service to the Parliament of Queensland, to local government, and to the Roma and Crows Nest communities. Mr Graham John JAHN
For service to architecture, particularly through the promotion of excellence in urban design and planning, to professional associations, and to local governments and the arts. Ms Frances Mary KILGARIFF
For services to local government in the Northern Territory, to the economic and social advancement of the community of the Alice Springs region, and through contributions to indigenous, tourism and community health organisations.
MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION Mrs Lilliane Olive BRADY
For service to local government, and to the community of Cobar. Mr Ronald Alan BROWNLEES
For service to local government and a range of health and community organisations. Mrs Kerry CHILD
For service to local government and to the community of Bellingen. Mr Leigh Kenneth HALL
For service to the community of South Australia through local government, business and health organisations. Ms Mary Lorna LINN
For service to the community of Thebarton, and to local government. Mr Edward Maurice MURRELL,
deceased (Award wef 11 August 2010)
For service to the community of the Dungog Shire, to local government, and to emergency service organisations. Mr William Benedict QUINLAN
For service to the community of Warrnambool through local government and social welfare organisations.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Mr Philip Adrian BERTING
For outstanding public service to local government in Queensland. WESTERN AUSTRALIA PUBLIC SERVICE
Dr Shayne SILCOX
For outstanding public service, particularly to local government in Western Australia. | | |
| | The ALGA Board is now calling for motions for the 2012 National General Assembly (NGA) under this year’s theme ‘National Voice, Local Choice – Infrastructure, Planning, Services’. To be eligible for inclusion in the NGA Business Papers motions must: 1. Fall under one of the themes – Infrastructure, Planning, Services; 2. Be relevant to the work of local government nationally; and 3. Complement or build on the policy objectives of state and territory associations. To assist councils in preparing motions, a discussion paper has been prepared and is available on the ALGA website. Motions should be submitted electronically via the online form on the website to be received by ALGA no later than 27 April 2012. The NGA is the major event on the annual local government calendar, which typically attracts more than 700 delegates from councils across Australia. The NGA is an opportunity for councils to contribute to the development of national local government policy. The 2012 NGA will be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra between 17-20 June. For more information contact ALGA on (02) 6122 9400. | | | | | In January, ALGA CEO Adrian Beresford-Wylie wrote to councils that may potentially be included on the route of the High Speed Rail from Brisbane to Melbourne seeking their support for the study by providing information to the consultants undertaking the study, Aecom. Aecom is seeking the following data from councils: 1. Known or predicted 100 year flood levels in GIS shape files or flood mapping plans, supported by flood mapping reports; 2. Regional planning strategies; and 3. Any relevant environmental and land use planning studies. While a number of councils have already supplied the required information, a large number of councils have yet to do so. Councils that have not yet provided information to Aecom are asked to please contact the consultants below as soon as possible: Aecom
High Speed Rail Project Office
Level 9, 420 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000 For further information about the request please contact: Flood data and maps
Ross Smith T: 02 89340134 M: 0407 279 170 email: ross.smith@hyderconsulting.com Regional Planning Strategies and environmental and land use planning studies
Joe Langley T: 02 9928 2164 M: 0438 624 684 email: jlangley@globalskm.com Information may also be emailed directly to the above contacts. | | | | | Local governments play a significant role in building effective relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians within their communities, and advancing reconciliation at the grassroots level. The Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) is this year funding two categories of the National Awards for Local Government including the Promoting Reconciliation Award and the Engaging and Strengthening Indigenous Communities Award. To celebrate the fourth anniversary of the apology made to indigenous Australians by the Federal Government, FaHCSIA is encouraging local governments to enter the Awards. FaHCSIA is aware that there are already many inspirational initiatives and projects underway that it would like to share and promote. Entry forms can be found here. Entries close at 5pm EDT on 17 February 2012. If you have any questions regarding the Indigenous FaHCSIA-funded categories, please contact Sia Gilmore on (02) 6146 3624 or via email: sia.gilmore@fahcsia.gov.au | | | | | The Australian State of the Environment 2011 (SoE 2011) report was tabled in Parliament on 12 December, 2011. Written by an independent committee of experts, the report presents a comprehensive review of the state and trends of the environment; the pressures on it and the drivers of those pressures; management initiatives in place to address environmental concerns and the impacts of those initiatives; its resilience and the unmitigated risks that threaten it; and provide an overall outlook for the Australian environment. The main purpose of the report is to provide relevant and useful information on environmental issues to the public and decision-makers, in order to raise awareness and support more informed environmental management decisions that lead to more sustainable use and effective conservation of environmental assets. For the first time in national environment reporting, SoE 2011 goes beyond a descriptive summary of evidence to include graded ‘report card’ style assessments of environment condition and trends, pressures and management effectiveness. The report also includes discussions of the drivers of environmental change, resilience and future projections or outlooks. To access the report, click here. | | | | | The Australian Water Congress is an unprecedented coming together of the key stakeholders in Australia’s water industry and will this year take place in Sydney from 18-19 April. Organisers of the Australian Water Congress are offering readers of ALGA News a discount registration fee of $995, plus GST, to attend. Register three delegates to attend, and a fourth delegate can attend for free! The Congress will focus on the future of Australia’s water industry, providing a platform for industry specialists to discuss new industry initiatives and government policy. Presentations will provide insight and solutions to the core challenges currently facing Australia’s water industry including federal, state and local government policy; the Murray-Darling Basin Plan; industry case studies; reform; regulation; pricing; privatisation; water management; water markets; catchment management; planning; mining regulation; rural water services; major user perspective; water quality; sustainability; smart water; and irrigation strategies; infrastructure development and funding; and more! The Congress will hear from more than 25 speakers from federal, state and local government departments and agencies; water companies and utilities; and water catchment authorities, including ALGA President Genia McCaffery. To book a place call Anthony Sprange on 02 9008 1101 or email anthony@abcevents.net.au/water alternatively book online at www.abcevents.net.au/water | | | | | Infrastructure Australia invites local government stakeholders to attend the second event in the 2011/12 Conference Series - Connecting the Dots: Shaping the Future of Infrastructure in Remote Indigenous Communities. The conference will be held on 5-7 February 2012 in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. The conference will provide national and international attendees the opportunity to debate the planning, delivery and management of infrastructure in remote indigenous communities. The focus of the conference will be on local service provision of water and waste water, power and renewable energy, roads and transport, and telecommunications. Further sessions will include jurisdictional and industry views. Case studies on infrastructure development, delivery and governance will also be presented. Keynote speakers include Professor Pat Dodson, Director and Professor of Indigenous Policy with the Indigenous Policy and Dialogue Research Unit at the University of New South Wales, and Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG, Patron and Chair of the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, The Lowitja Institute. The conference includes a presentation by video by Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize-winning founder of Grameen Bank and pioneer of micro finance. Panel discussions with be had with senior executives from government, industry and the not-for-profit sector. To register for the conference, click here. For further information please contact Rosie Fisher at Infrastructure Australia on (02) 8114 1900 or mail@infrastructureaustralia.gov.au | | | | | A Taste of Harmony – Australia’s biggest celebration of cultural diversity and food on the Australian calendar – will take place from 19-25 March to coincide with National Harmony Day on 21 March. A Taste of Harmony is an annual week that invites all Australians to bring in a dish and share a meal and stories with colleagues to celebrate our diverse cultures. To partipate, simply register your workplace event for free by visiting www.tasteofharmony.org.au Participating in A Taste of Harmony is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal with colleagues while leaning more about the cultural diversity of the workplace. There is no fundraising involved, it is simply about enjoying a meal and sharing stories For more information please contact: Julia Lee, Haystac: 03 9693 2268, 0421 396 570, julia.lee@haystac.com.au | | | | | With 40 centres across the country and counting, many local governments would have by now welcomed a headspace presence into their regions. These facilities are run by local organisations and provide a safe, accessible place for young people to seek support for things like depression, anxiety and relationship issues. Headspace ensures young people, aged 12–25, can get help early, before small problems become bigger ones. Any young person who needs support, advice or just someone to talk to, can walk into a headspace centre around Australia and be treated with respect and compassion, within a confidential environment. In the coming weeks all local government offices will receive an information and resource pack from headspace, outlining what the organisation does, and how they can help their community get the most out of headspace – irrespective of whether there’s a local centre in the area. The pack includes information on the services headspace offers for young Australians and their families as well as a DVD resource containing six short video clips. Tailored for young people, parents or carers and workers, the videos include: - Supporting yourself after a natural disaster (aimed at young people)
- Parents supporting young people after a natural disaster
- Workers supporting young people after a natural disaster
- Parents supporting young people generally
- Understanding depression and anxiety
- Understanding grief
For more information on headspace please visit headspace.org.au or contact headspace Media Advisor, Carly Wright on cwright@headspace.com.au | | | | | The National Local Government Drug and Alcohol Committee (NLGDAAC) together with the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF), recognise that local governments have little control over the main drivers of problematic alcohol consumption, yet collectively spend many millions of dollars each year protecting their communities from preventable alcohol-related harm and dealing with the aftermath of violence, property damage, litter and waste. The Council of Capital City Lord Mayors, on behalf of the NLGDAAC and ADF, are conducting a survey to gain feedback on alcohol related issues and priorities from a range of local governments across Australia and in which areas they need most assistance. This survey acts as the first step in redesigning and improving a pilot program which will be designed to support local government in better managing alcohol in the community. Subject to the results of this survey it is proposed to hold a Workshop later this year to address the issues identified by survey respondents.
Your input into the survey is valued. The survey consists of a total of 13 questions and is expected to take approximately 15 minutes to respond. The survey will be available for completion until Friday 24 February 2012 and can be accessed via this link. Please contact Deborah Wilkinson at the CCCLM on 02 6285 1672 if you have any questions regarding the survey. For further information on and resources for Local Government Drug and Alcohol issues please visit www.lgadin.gov.au | | | | | It is with mixed feelings that the team at ALGA must say goodbye to Director of Transport Policy, Andy Hrast who is retiring after five years with the Association. During his time with ALGA, Mr Hrast has been responsible for overseeing the organisation of five Local Roads Congresses, developing ALGA’s National Transport Strategic Plan, playing a major role in ALGA’s representation in ministerial and officials-level transport forums, providing our input into the new National Roads Safety Strategy and helping to develop our campaign for expansion and renewal of Roads to Recovery. From everyone at ALGA, thank you and good luck Andy! We will miss you. | | |
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