 | |  Following a meeting last week of the ALGA Board to discuss plans for a national campaign on constitutional recognition of local government ahead of a possible September 2013 referendum, the Board has agreed on the detail of a multi-million dollar, integrated campaign to support a 'yes' vote in a referendum to recognise local government in the Australian Constitution. ALGA is now waiting for advice from Prime Minister Julia Gillard and confirmation that the Government will proceed with a referendum at the time of the September federal election. ALGA has written to Ms Gillard to reinforce the need for the Australian Government to provide certainty about the timing of a referendum if the sector is to ensure that a 2013 campaign has the greatest chance of success. ALGA has long maintained that financial recognition of local government in the Constitution is the only way to protect direct federal funding for community services and infrastructure. This view was shared by an independent expert panel appointed in 2011 by the federal government to examine options for recognition of local government and the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government, which recommended in March that a referendum be held at the time of the federal election. The referendum would propose an amendment to Section 96 of the Australian Constitution to allow the Commonwealth to directly fund local government. Contingent on confirmation of a 2013 referendum from the Government, the ALGA Board has agreed to engage a Campaign Director, who would be responsible for selecting and managing all external agencies and leading the campaign headquarters team. | | | | |  Debate at this year's National General Assembly (NGA) is set to cover pivotal issues facing local government, with many councils from around Australia already submitting Notices of Motions to ALGA for consideration at the Assembly in two months time. Motions submitted to ALGA relate to important and topical issues such as infrastructure funding, natural disaster mitigation arrangements, intergovernmental financing and environmental protection issues. Broad council involvement in the NGA is vital to help ALGA to drive improved outcomes for local government at the national level. It is important that every council is represented in NGA debates and able to shape the policy ideas and initiatives being debated and agreed at the NGA. The NGA's keynote speakers will engage, challenge and entertain delegates as they reflect on the theme of Foundations for the Future - Twenty 13. Speakers will provide their own observations and interpretations on contemporary Australian communities, including how they see the local government sector positioning itself to best serve communities and ensure strong foundations for the future. Speakers this year include Chair of Desert Knowledge Australia and Member of the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians, Fred Chaney AO, columnist Peter FitzSimons AM and ABC presenter Geraldine Doogue AO. The NGA is the premier national event for local government, attracting more than 800 Mayors, Councillors and senior council staff to Canberra for the event. Full details of the program, speakers, social functions and logistics for this year's National General Assembly (NGA) are contained in the registration brochure which can be found on the ALGA website, here. The 2013 NGA will be held at the National Convention Centre Canberra from 16-19 June. To register your attendance, submit a motion or access a program, click here. | | | | |  Following media reports this week regarding the high number of bridges in New South Wales in critically poor condition, ALGA is again highlighting the need for increased and permanent funding for local roads and bridges under the national Roads to Recovery (R2R) program, or a targeted program for bridges, to close a recognised funding gap of $1.2 billion. An investigation by the Sydney Morning Herald and the Sydney University of Technology has found that up to 650 NSW bridges under council responsibility are in critically poor condition, with many on the verge of collapse. A national report commissioned last year by ALGA to measure the standard of community roads and infrastructure estimates that 12 per cent of local government transport assets Australia-wide are in poor or very poor condition. The National State of the Assets Report 2012 was commissioned to assess how local infrastructure is faring, whether community needs are being met and if current levels of expenditure are adequate. The Report builds on research commissioned by ALGA in 2010 which indicated that current levels of expenditure would need to increase by an average of $1.2 billion per year to avoid deterioration of the local road network. In 2006, the results of a study undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the potential aggregate backlog for all 560 Australian local councils was approximately $14.6 billion, with an annual sustainable funding gap of $1.1 billion.
In the latest study to inform the National Assets Report, 55 councils contributed data about the quality, functionality and capacity of roads and bridges infrastructure. Key findings of the Report suggest that the current state of sealed roads presents the greatest challenge to councils, with more than $2 billion in value being regarded as poor or very poor in respect to quality and capacity. The poor standard of many council bridges was also highlighted. The Report demonstrates the continued need for federal programs such as R2R, which provide councils with additional funding each year to maintain local roads. After strong advocacy from local government, the Commonwealth last year announced that it would extend the program from 2014 to 2019. While councils appreciate the assistance through R2R, more needs to be done address an estimated funding shortfall for local roads of $1.2 billion annually. Local roads make up more than 80 per cent of the nation's road system and are maintained by councils. Without adequate support, councils will struggle to maintain local roads to the standards necessary to ensure transport safety. | | |
| |  During last week's ALGA Board meeting, members discussed local government's core priorities and the specific actions and commitments required from the Australian Government to support councils in meeting community needs. These discussions have informed ALGA's election document, which is being finalised for release at the National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) in June. While constitutional recognition of local government remains a top priority for ALGA, there are many other issues that we continue to advocate strongly for. Among them is a more equitable system of Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs), which is essential for local governments across the country. ALGA acknowledges that the Commonwealth is undertaking a review of the FAGs system and welcomes the progress already taken. However, the terms of reference and structure of the review are disappointingly narrow, and vague, and ALGA seeks a commitment that issues related to sustainability and equity will be addressed. ALGA argues that the FAGs pool should be increased in line with growth in the economy, demand for local services and rising costs. As well as address increasing demands on local government, often due to cost shifting on to councils by other levels of government, this step would restore the funding level to what it was in the mid-1990s. In 1995-96, FAGs constituted one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue. By 2010-11, this had dropped to 0.72 per cent. This continuing and deepening decline of FAGs as a proportion of total Commonwealth taxation revenue means that local and regional communities are paying the price. This price is evidenced in underperforming council infrastructure, less well-maintained roads, neglected sports facilities and deteriorating community infrastructure, and cuts to important community services. Without equitable funding for local government, communities will suffer. This message will be highlighted in our election document, which we will be presenting to all political parties and independents in the lead up to the 2013 federal election in an effort to gain a better deal for councils and the communities they represent. Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis
ALGA President | | |
| | The Office of Asbestos Safety has this week released a discussion draft of the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Awareness and Management, which ALGA and state associations of local government will be responding to. The development of a National Strategic Plan was a key recommendation of the Asbestos Management Review. The Government established the Office of Asbestos Safety in August 2012 to commence work with jurisdictions and stakeholders to start the development of a national strategic plan by 1 July 2013. The Office is currently conducting national forums with stakeholders interested in asbestos awareness, management and eradication. Feedback is invited from all members of the community on the discussion draft of the National Strategic Plan. The plan will pave the way for the first coordinated and consistent national approach to handling asbestos beyond the workplace. | | | | | The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted interim authorisation to Wollongong City Council and Shellharbour City Council to enable them to request and evaluate tenders for the collection of waste and the processing of recyclables. "Interim authorisation will allow the two councils to commence the tender and tender evaluation process. This will ensure that the tender process will be completed in time for the new contracts to be implemented by 30 June 2014," ACCC Deputy Chair Dr Michael Schaper said. "During this time, the existing contracts will remain in place until their expiry in June 2014. This will maintain stability in the markets for collection of waste and for processing of recycling material." The ACCC has previously authorised similar conduct for other groups of councils in New South Wales. Interim authorisation commences immediately and will remain in place until the date that the ACCC's final determination comes into effect or is revoked. The granting of interim authorisation in no way binds the ACCC in its consideration of the substantive application for authorisation. Authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment. The ACCC has sought submissions from interested parties on Councils’ substantive application for authorisation. Further information, including a copy of the interim authorisation and how to make a submission, is available from www.accc.gov.au/AuthorisationsRegister | | | | | Farmers will benefit from 31 new research projects looking at how farm practices can be adapted to reduce carbon emissions and earn them a second income stream by generating and selling carbon credits. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Joe Ludwig, said 31 projects would share in $30 million under the Gillard Government’s $201 million Filling the Research Gap Program, which funds the research that will assist in developing methodologies that can be applied by farmers and landholders to reduce emissions. A report released by the Climate Commission this week reinforced the need to act on climate change, finding climate change is already increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events which pose significant risks to agriculture and the environment. Minister Ludwig said the Filling the Research Gap Program aimed to provide data to assist in developing methodologies that help farmers and landholders participate in the Carbon Farming Initiative to reduce emissions, improve their farm sustainability and diversify their farm income. "These projects will build our knowledge about how farmers and landholders can play their part in reducing carbon emissions and act to fight climate change and the risks it poses for agriculture," Minister Ludwig said. "It is research projects like these that underpin the agriculture sector’s ability to take up the opportunities presented by the Carbon Farming Initiative. "Some of Australia’s best research organisations have been successful in this round, including research and development corporations, universities and private industry. "By supporting and investing in these research projects we are helping to develop new technology and land management practices and reinforce Australia’s reputation as a world leader in sustainable farming." Minister Ludwig announced the recipients during a visit to the Queensland University of Technology, which will receive $1,816,708 for three projects. Filling the Research Gap is an ongoing program with initial funding of $201 million allocated over six years to 2016-17. For more information about the Filling the Research Gap Program and successful grant recipients visit www.daff.gov.au/ftrg | | | | | Major construction works commenced this month on the $14.9 million redevelopment of Crown Street Mall in the heart of Wollongong’s business district. Jointly funded by Wollongong City Council and the Australian Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund, it is the first redevelopment of the mall for 30 years. An estimated 11 million people visit the mall each year, with numbers expected to increase in coming years as commercial and retail activity grows. The revitalised streetscape will include new street pavers, tree plantings, street furniture, lighting and public art. Underground water tanks will also be installed to capture run-off and irrigate trees. For more information visit the Crown Street Mall Reburishment website. | | | | | Changes to federal environment laws that aim to protect water resources from coal-seam gas and coal mining activities have passed the House of Representatives. Independent Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott said the amendment to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act would make coal seam gas (CSG) and large coal mining developments which "have, or are likely to have, a significant impact on a water resource" a new matter of national environmental significance. The legislation, should it pass through the Senate, will not affect stage one of AGL's coal seam gas project in Gloucester, however, it will apply to stages two to five. "I'm bitterly disappointed NSW and the Commonwealth failed to reach an agreement on CSG protocols before the first stage of the AGL project was approved," Mr Oakeshott said. "It may have spared Gloucester and the Manning a lot of anguish. "However, I am optimistic this piece of legislation will do what NSW has refused to do and that is stop CSG projects if the science shows it will have a significant impact on water resources." Mr Oakeshott thanked the Gloucester community in particular for their strong advocacy on behalf of the entire valley. | | | | | Community organisations have the opportunity to apply for funding of up to $5,000 through Australian Government Volunteer Grants. The Grants can be used to buy much needed equipment or to assist volunteers with fuel costs, training courses and compulsory background checks. Applications for Volunteer Grants 2013 are open online until April 24 5pm AEST. For more information and application details, click here. | | | | | Multicultural youth from across the country can look forward to new sporting opportunities with the third round of the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program now open. Minister for Sport and Multicultural Affairs Kate Lundy explained the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program provides grants to organisations of between $5,000 and $50,000 to help youth from new and emerging communities and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate in sport within their local communities. "Sport is an important part of Australian culture, and as a Government we want to help local sporting organisations better connect with new and emerging communities," Senator Lundy said. "Through this program we are helping refugees and new migrants to better understand Australian culture through sport." Senator Lundy this week joined members of the Sunshine Heights Cricket Club in Melbourne to see how the Club is using the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership funding they received last year to help deliver their 'We Don't Like Cricket - We Love it!' program. "The 'We Don't Like Cricket - We Love it!' program provides great opportunities for local refugee children to participate in weekly cricketing activities in a safe and supporting environment," Senator Lundy said. "Sport is a fabulous driver for building participation and inclusion for young Australians from diverse backgrounds - and this is so very clear here in Sunshine. "The Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership will continue to play an important role in helping these young people to participate in their local communities through sport." Applications are now open for the next round of Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership program. Applications close on 2 May 2013 and successful applicants will be announced in July 2013. For more information about the grants, visit ausport.gov.au | | | | | National Youth Week (NYW) is the largest celebration of young people in Australia, with thousands of young people aged 12-25 from across Australia getting involved in NYW each year. NYW is celebrated from 5-14 April and communities are encouraged to get involved and celebrate Australia's young people. If you have questions about National Youth Week, email nationalyouthweek@deewr.gov.au or phone 1300 363 079. | | | | | Australian five-year olds are developing better than they were three years ago and have improved in four of the five key development indicators, according to the latest round of data from the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI). Minister for Early Childhood Peter Garrett said the 2012 data, released this week, showed a decrease of 1.6 per cent in the number of children who were developmentally vulnerable in one or more areas compared to the results from the first AEDI in 2009. Releasing the results during a community event in Blacktown, Mr Garrett said the data showed that Australian children were showing development improvements in social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills, and communication and general knowledge skills. Results in physical health and well-being have remained steady. Data was collected in May 2012 on nearly 290,000 children, representing 96.5 per cent of children in their first year of formal full-time school. "The results showed that since the first round of data was collected, the work that communities and governments have been doing to better support children and families has been paying off," Mr Garrett said. "Research shows that investing time, effort and resources in children’s early years, when their brains are developing rapidly, benefits them and the whole community. "Australia is the only country in the world that collects this level of information about health, well-being and development of our children before they enter school. Communities have been able to use this data to develop new programs for children and their families, and deliver extra, targeted help to children at risk. Key findings from the 2012 AEDI data include: - The number of children who are developmentally vulnerable in one or more areas has fallen since 2009, to 22 per cent - a 1.6 per cent improvement.
- In four of the five areas, Australian children are doing better than they were in 2009 - that is, there are fewer children who are developmentally vulnerable in each of these four areas.
- Indigenous children are showing significant signs of progress. In 2012, 43.2 per cent of children were developmentally vulnerable, down from 47.4 per cent in 2009. While this figure is still far too high, it is a strong improvement in just three years.
- Qld and the Northern Territory showed the most improvement. In QLD, there has been a decrease in the number of developmentally vulnerable children of 3.4 per cent, and in the NT, of 3.2 per cent.
- The greatest level of national improvement was in the language and cognitive development domain with 6.8 per cent of children reported as developmentally vulnerable in 2012, compared to 8.9 per cent in 2009.
To view the 2012 AEDI data visit: www.aedi.org.au | | | | | The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has this week provided an update on the 2016 Census of Population and Housing public consultation process and outlined the key themes emerging from the submissions received so far. Since the consultation period began in early November 2012, Australians have been having their say on the proposed content and procedures for the 2016 Census. As of 22 March, 43 submissions have been received, with the religious affiliation topic attracting the highest number of submissions (13). The submissions received to date support the retention of this topic in the upcoming Census however the majority have requested that the question be modified to better capture information about people with no religion. Topics such as ancestry, Australian citizenship, long term health conditions and mode of travel to educational institution have also attracted a number of submissions. In addition, 44 submissions relating to the 2011 Census are also being considered as part of this process. The public consultation process is due to close on Friday, 31 May 2013. The public will have their final opportunity to attend a public consultation at 2pm, on Friday, 12 April 2013. The ABS has organised a webinar in Canberra with interested parties who are interstate being able to view the presentation live online. For more information on the topic consultation update, how to attend the webinar or to make a submission, visit www.abs.gov.au/census | | |
| | |  Cities such as the Gold Coast are central to the creation and commercialization of innovative new products, processes, and services for global markets. This raises the importance of developing indigenous skills, innovations, capabilities, and enabling ‘intelligent’ environments in these urban landscapes, including creating ICT awareness, strengthening human capacities in technology use, and securing a competitive ICT infrastructure within the city environment, i.e. developing Intelligent Cities. Local government, industry and academia will be brought together for the Intelligent Cities Summit 2013 6-7 May. Under this theme of Intelligent Cities, the Summit comprises of keynote speakers as well as concurrent sessions of presentations, research and interactive case studies in each of the stream areas of; Innovation, Infrastructure, Citizen Engagement and Digital Economy. Key note speakers will include: Mayor Tom Tate, Gold Coast Mayor Ray Stevens MP, Assistant Minister to the Premier on e-Government
Kamran Khan, World Bank Singapore Urban Hub Hugh Durrent-Whyte, CEO Australian Technology Park
Ryan Williams, NBN Co Ricky Robinson, NICTA The 2 day tickets are just $75 which includes buffet lunches and entry to the networking cocktail party. Book now |
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