 | |  The local government sector has applauded the passing of legislation through the House of Representatives this week that would allow a referendum to be held at the time of the September federal election to include local government in the Constitution. The Constitutional Alteration Bill outlines a simple and pragmatic change to Section 96 of the Constitution to acknowledge the financial relationship between the Commonwealth and local government and confirm the continuation of direct federal funding for community infrastructure and services. "Although we are disappointed that two Opposition MPs voted against the Bill, the legislation received overwhelming support by members across the political divide, with 133 MPs voting in favour of the Bill," ALGA President, Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said. "This is another win for communities across the country as we move toward securing financial recognition for local government and funding certainty for our communities. "Without the inclusion of local government in the Constitution, councils are not recognised as legitimate recipients of direct, federal funding and as such, Commonwealth funding for communities is under threat. "We have seen examples of High Court challenges, including the successful School Chaplains Court Case, where direct federal funding has been called into doubt. "Without direct funding from the Australian Government for local roads and community infrastructure, councils would not be able to provide all the services that our communities need. "A simple change to Section 96 of the Constitution to include reference to local government is an acknowledgement that councils require some federal funding to carry out the many community services and activities that local governments now provide. It is acknowledgement of the reality that the Commonwealth partners with local governments to deliver local roads, sporting fields, libraries, child care and other community services. "We are hopeful that the Bill will receive the same overwhelming support when it is considered by the Senate later this month." | | | | |  The local government sector says the misguided views of a group comprising former Howard Government Ministers opposing efforts to include local government in the Constitution are in contrast to those of the current leader of the Federal Opposition. President of the Australian Local Government Association, Felicity-ann Lewis, says the decision to vote 'yes' to include local government in the Constitution at a referendum on 14 September is a decision for community members and the views of former politicians are immaterial. "The Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, has given his support to include local government in the Constitution to secure direct, federal funding for local services and infrastructure in communities across the country," Mayor Lewis said. "This referendum has federal multi-partisan support because all parties understand that including local government in the Constitution will simply acknowledge the financial relationship that already exists between the Commonwealth and local government and allow the continuation of direct funding into communities. "Communities shouldn't be misled by absurd claims by the ill-informed about power grabs. This referendum is about shoring up funding for communities. Without constitutional recognition, direct funding for communities is under threat." | | | | |  There is only one more week until the start of ALGA's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA), which has already received more than 1000 registrations, making it the biggest Assembly in its 20 year history. The NGA will be marked by the launch of ALGA's election document to be presented to all political parties. "A 10-Point Plan for Resourcing Community Priorities" will outline local government's core priorities and propose a list of specific actions that are needed at the federal level to build resilience at the local and regional level in order to prepare communities to meet their current and future challenges. Among those challenges is the need for Commonwealth reform to bolster local government finances. A financial recognition referendum, slated for 14 September, is one of the specific objectives of ALGA's election document. It is also a main priority for the ALGA Board. The NGA, to be held in Canberra from 16-19 June, will provide a key opportunity to receive detailed information about the national campaign to include local government in the Constitution. The NGA will provide delegates with briefings on the campaign strategy, details regarding the strategy's implementation, and most importantly, training on the crucial role councils can play in preparing each community to vote 'yes' to include local government in the Constitution. ALGA is urging each council to ensure that at least one representative attends the 2013 NGA. To register, visit www.alga.asn.au | | |
| |  The passing of legislation in the House of Representatives this week that would allow a referendum to be held at the time of the September federal election on whether local government should be included in the Constitution is a major milestone for councils across the country. Including local government in the Constitution will secure funding for vital community infrastructure and services, which councils rely on to build and maintain local roads, sporting fields, libraries, child care and other community services. Without constitutional recognition, direct federal funding for communities is under threat. This includes assistance provided through the Roads to Recovery program, which delivers $350 million a year to our local communities. These are vital contributions to the upkeep of our roads and Senator Barnaby Joyce is right when he says that such funding is probably unconstitutional. Including local government in the Constitution will simply acknowledge the financial relationship that already exists between the Commonwealth and local government and allow the continuation of direct funding into communities. It is an acknowledgement of the reality that the Commonwealth partners with local governments to deliver services for our communities. This referendum is about shoring up funding for communities. Constitutional recognition will not amount to a change in status for local government. Canberra would gain no extra control over councils and the ability of state governments to regulate their local governments would remain unchanged. This referendum has mulit-partisan support, including that of the federal Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, because all parties understand that including local government in the Constitution will simply acknowledge the financial relationship that already exists between the Commonwealth and local government and allow the continuation of direct funding into councils. The Constitutional Alteration Bill will now go forward to the Senate and, based on the fact that it received overwhelming support in the House of Representatives this week, the local government sector is hopeful that it will receive the same overwhelming support when it is considered by the Senate later this month and that a referendum will indeed be held on 14 September. When you're considering how to vote at the referendum this election day, remember that voting 'yes' to include local government in the Constitution is about voting 'yes' for community infrastructure and services. Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis
ALGA President | | |
| | Local councils and community organisations across Australia are being encouraged to apply for grants under the Australian Government's $4.55 million Building Multicultural Communities Program. The program, launched last Friday by Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, will provide funding to purchase new equipment, undertake refurbishments and build new infrastructure. The Building Multicultural Communities Program includes two funding streams: Stream 1: Grants between $1000 and $10 000 to support non-fixed infrastructure and equipment projects including: - computers
- printers
- photocopiers
- furniture
- kitchen and sporting equipment.
Stream 2: Grants up to $150 000 to support capital works and non-fixed infrastructure including: - multicultural hubs
- purpose built buildings (e.g. community radio stations, performance studios)
- meeting rooms that form part of a public building (e.g. community/multicultural halls).
Applications for the funding close at 5pm on 28 June, 2013. Further information on the program is available here. | | | | | Councils are encouraged to plan ahead to celebrate Australian Citizenship Day each year on or around 17 September. Managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australian citizens, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on the meaning and importance of their citizenship. The day is used as an opportunity to think about what unites all Australians, to take pride in Australia’s democratic values and to celebrate the role citizens play in shaping the nation. The Australian Government introduced Australian Citizenship Day in 2001 in response to a recommendation by the Australian Citizenship Council (established in 1998). 17 September was chosen as Australian Citizenship Day as it is the anniversary of the renaming, in 1973, of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948. The first Australian Citizenship Day was celebrated in 2001, coinciding with the Centenary of Federation. Since 2001, DIAC has promoted Australian Citizenship Day by holding special citizenship ceremonies, affirmation ceremonies and other events around the country highlighting the day. Local councils are encouraged to hold special citizenship ceremonies and affirmation ceremonies on or around this day. Across Australia, thousands of people become Australian citizens each year at special Australian Citizenship Day ceremonies. Schools, organisations and community groups are also encouraged to organise special events and activities. Many schools in Australia build on the theory learnt by students in their civics and citizenship education by holding celebrations on Australian Citizenship Day. For example, by holding a school assembly where students speak about what it means to them to be Australian, hosting an Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony or partnering with local councils to attend, or host, an Australian citizenship ceremony. To find out more, click on the following links: | | | | | Councils have until 14 June to apply for the Beverage Container Recycling Grants. The Beverage Container Recycling Grants, funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation are open to all communities across Australia with grants of up to $10,000 per applicant available for projects that
will result in a measurable increase in beverage container recycling in local communities. The 2013 grants program brings the investment by Coca-Cola to $1.2 million in partnership with the Keep Australia Beautiful Network, to encourage public place recycling. More than 125 organisations have implemented local projects Australia wide through the program to date. Applications are open to community groups, local associations, and small to medium enterprises and will be awarded to: - projects which address the specific issue of beverage container recycling and its by-products;
- practical local solutions that can be used as examples for others and leave a legacy;
- projects that do not duplicate existing recycling activities; and
- projects that result in measurable volumes of recycled materials.
Applications close 14 June and can be downloaded at the following link: www.kab.org.au/beverage-container-recycling-grants/ | | | | | A ‘Working with Communities in Conflict after Disaster Master Class’ has been designed to help communities deal with disaster situations. The Master Class aims to equip participants with the necessary tools and strategies for identifying, assessing, navigating and working with communities in conflict in disaster (or everyday) situations. This Master Class is particularly relevant for those who have, or may be, involved in working with community before, during and after disasters such as first responders, government, non-government organisations and community members. Hosted by the Australian Emergency Management Institute (AEMI) - part of the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department - the two-day Master Class is an excellent opportunity to work with, and be tutored by, an international expert in conflict and experienced disaster recovery practitioners, and to explore issues and strategies. The Master Class will be held in Brisbane from 2-3 July. For more information, click here. | | | | | New research published by the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) explores how local governments can foster a culture of learning in their communities for positive long term outcomes. The report Learning as a Driver for Change explores how learning partnerships between councils, their communities and learning organisations can help improve social outcomes, build community capability and strengthen community governance. The partnerships make social inclusion a priority and so support both formal and informal learning opportunities. The researchers, Dr Leone Wheeler and Dr Shanti Wong, drew from a comprehensive literature review and from case studies of HumeCity and Gwydir Shire councils to develop a template for other councils interested in developing learning partnerships in their own communities. The template framework, Learning Communities Framework, is published along with the report. This ACELG Partnership Scheme project involved the Australian Learning Communities Network (ACLN), RMIT University, Hume City Council (VIC) and Gwydir Shire Council (NSW). "The report and accompanying Framework will be valuable to other councils across Australia that want to support a culture of learning in their communities. For some time we have been encouraging Councils to take this approach as a way of adapting to the constant changes confronting them. The ACLN would like to acknowledge the assistance from ACELG in getting behind this important research," ALCN CEO, Jim Saleeba said. Max Eastcott, General Manager of Gwydir Shire Council said: "Strong and resilient communities are those that can identify the potential of all its citizens to learn and to contribute to community life. The Gwydir Learning Region has been very creative in finding solutions to community problems. There have also been great outcomes for staff of the council itself. I look forward to sharing what we've achieved at the ACELG Research Forum." | | | | | The value of Australian agricultural production increased by one per cent to $46.7 billion over the last year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Commodity production increases drove rises in the value of crops, up two per cent to $25.6 billion. Livestock slaughtering and other disposals remained steady at $13.8 billion and livestock products grew by two per cent to $7.3 billion, compared to 2010-11. Key movements include: - Wheat down 4 per cent to 6.8 billion
- Cotton up 23 per cent to 2.3 billion
- Sugar cane up 19 per cent to 1.1 billion
- Canola up 37 per cent to 1.8 billion
- Sheep and lambs up 1 per cent to 2.9 billion
- Cattle and calves down 0.5 per cent to 7.8 billion
More information can be found in Value of Agricultural Commodities Produced, 2011-12 (cat. no. 7503.0). | | | | | A new American report has found significant fiscal benefits for local governments and taxpayers from smart growth development. The report published by Smart Growth America, Building Better Budgets: A National Examination of the Fiscal Benefits of Smart Growth Development, evaluated 17 studies from across the country comparing different development scenarios and projects. The results offer potentially significant insights for municipalities looking to improve fiscal performance and save taxpayer dollars. Among the key findings based on the comparative analysis of local and state studies: - Smart growth projects (defined as “more efficient use of land; a mixture of homes, businesses and services located closer together; and better connections between streets and neighborhoods) typically cost one-third less in initial infrastructure costs than conventional suburban development.
- Smart growth projects save an average of 10 per cent on ongoing delivery of key municipal services.
- Smart growth projects generate 10 times more tax revenue per acre.
While the report acknowledges the need for further study, these results suggest that more compact, mixed-use, walkable and efficiently located development could provide important economic benefits for communities and residents. These comparative studies suggest that a smart growth approach to development can reduce costs while boosting local tax revenue. The report urges local officials to rigorously evaluate development options and suggests that this kind of planning and development can be a critical strategy for not only the fiscal health of local governments but also long-term economic performance and prosperity for taxpayers. The “conventional suburban” model examined in the report in many cases proved to be more expensive to develop and maintain, and the report suggests could ultimately lead to higher costs for taxpayers. APA polling has found that the majority of Americans want to see planning that leads to stronger job creation and economic returns. The report argues that planning for smart growth development is an important tool for improving local economies by improving the bottom line of local government and the financial return for taxpayers. | | | | | Coffs Harbour MP, Andrew Fraser is calling on residents to get involved in what promises to be the biggest ever Graffiti Removal Day in October. "People can participate in two ways: by nominating sites now that need cleaning up, and by lending a hand in the clean-up on October 20," Mr Fraser said. "I am pleased that wide range of community organisations will support Graffiti Removal Day this year." Community groups like The Scouts and the Girl Guides, as well as the Australian Men's Shed Association (NSW Branch) have joined forces with the NSW Government and Rotary Down Under, organisers of Graffiti Removal Day. Last year more than 520 volunteers took part in Graffiti Removal Day, clearing more than 8,100 square metres of graffiti across NSW. "I encourage sporting clubs, businesses, community groups and local councils to support this worthwhile cause and volunteer their time in the fight against graffiti," Mr Fraser added. "Graffiti is uniquely despised because it is ugly, senseless vandalism that leaves businesses and individuals with expensive clean-up bills unless the community pitches in." "A strong turn-out on October 20 will send a powerful message to the graffiti vandals that the community is united in their fight against graffiti and will not tolerate such criminal and destructive activity." Click here for more information, registration or nomination of clean-up sites. Graffiti Removal Day will be held on Sunday, October 20 between 10am and 4pm. | | | | | In Western Australia, the City of Bunbury and eight neighbouring councils have agreed to work together to protect coastal areas from rising sea levels. The local governments, from Rockingham to Busselton, formed an alliance called the Peron Naturaliste Partnership. Bunbury Mayor David Smith says unprotected coastal areas will be susceptible to erosion and flooding as a result of climate change. He says without action, the coast could retreat from anywhere between 50 and 200 metres. "The good thing is that we've got time on our side," he said. "This is not going to happen overnight and in that sense if we work together, plan well together, do the scientific research that's required to back up and the engineering research to back up any decisions we might make and then work with the Commonwealth and state governments to ensure it can be funded." He says there are a number of climate change issues that will affect the coastal areas in the future. "Sea level rising, secondly more severe storm events and on a soft coast where you don't have rock cliffs or faces to protect the beach, you can expect that without any action in terms of protection, all of our coastline might retreat from anywhere between 50 and 200 metres," he said. | | | | | A western Queensland mayor has welcomed the approval of a $4.2 billion coal mine in the Galilee Basin. The Hancock Galilee company is proposing two open-cut and three underground mines north-west of Alpha, as well as accommodation for 2,000 workers and an airport. The project will be known as Kevin's Corner and was signed off by the state's coordinator-general, but still requires Federal Government approval. Barcaldine Mayor Rob Chandler says it will provide jobs for the wider region. "There are communities as far out as Winton, Windorah, Jundah, Stonehenge, Longreach - places like that - Aramac, Muttaburra," he said. "I'm sure if the focus is on local employment in the first instance I think it's [a] tremendous opportunity for young people today to go away to work in the mines and earn those pay packets that they can't earn locally." He says the council is continuing to prepare for the impacts of mining in the region. "There's still a fair way to go," he said. "It's by no means had the right royal tick but we'll be looking at it from now on," he said. "As far as we're concerned in the Barcaldine Regional Council one thing we don't want to happen is for us to be left behind ... in the mad scramble to build mines and have the State Government and the mining proponents forget about us." | | |
| | |  Is registered business information the missing piece in your puzzle? The Australian Business Register (ABR) is your source of free and up-to-date information on all registered businesses in your local government area and further afield. You can't complete a jigsaw puzzle without all the pieces. ABR data will help you build a complete picture of local business and industry in your region - making it easier for you to understand the needs of your communities now and plan accurately for future growth. ABR data is already helping hundreds of councils across Australia with: - regulatory compliance
- research and analysis
- service delivery planning
- economic development
- licensing and registration
- procurement
- grants administration
- disaster management.
Are you prepared? During the 2013 Queensland floods, local councils used ABR data to identify businesses and industries in and around flood zones, to contribute to flood mitigation, response and recovery strategies. Want to know more? Contact the ABR on 1300 139 025 or visit the ABR booth at the ALGA National General Assembly in Canberra on 16-19 June. |
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