 | |  The 16th annual State of the Regions report will be launched at the 2014 Regional Cooperation and Development Forum, the opening event of the National General Assembly, on Sunday 15 June. The 2014-15 State of the Regions report, produced by National Economics for ALGA, continues the tradition of previous reports and helps explain what is happening to communities across Australia, providing valuable information for councils and other stakeholders interested in regional economic development. This year's report investigates a number of issues and includes a chapter on Northern Australia, developed in response to the White Paper on Northern Australia that is currently in preparation, and also looks in detail at the issue of youth unemployment. To co-incide with the launch of the 2014-15 State of the Regions Report, reports from 1998-99 through to 2010-11 will soon be available on the ALGA and National Economics websites free of charge. Visit www.alga.asn.au or www.nieir.com.au for more information. Registrations are still available for the Regional Forum, visit www.alga.asn.au for more information. | | | | |  2014 will mark the 20th anniversary of the National General Assembly of Local Government which will get underway in Canberra in just over a week. The NGA, to be held from 15 - 18 June, will bring together delegates from across Australia to discuss this year's theme "Getting Down to Business". It is a theme that invites participants to reflect on the roles and responsibilities of local government, it's funding and relative place in the Federation. This year is a time for local government to look back on the achievements of the last two decades and an opportunity to focus on the future and how to apply the lessons from the past. Importantly, the Assembly also gives those attend an opportunity for information sharing, networking and to celebrate the diversity of local government, from councils in rural and remote areas of Australia to those in major metropolitan cities. The Assembly will be officially opened by the Governor-General His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove on Monday 16 June. | | | | |  ALGA is lodging a submission today to the Productivity Commission's Inquiry into Natural Disaster Funding Arrangements which puts the case that the Australian Government should continue to support local and regional communities in responding to and recovering from major disasters. The submission argues that the Commonwealth must continue to play a major role in building the overall national capacity and capability in managing the emergency management challenges facing the country and that greater emphasis is needed on mitigation. One of the over arching messages is the urgent need for a focus on providing greater levels of resourcing for the prevention of, and preparation for, natural disasters rather than diverting scarce resources into what may be narrowly-focussed, costly and marginally effective insurance for public infrastructure. ALGA's submission to the Inquiry also looks at the importance of protecting built and natural environments through integrated landuse planning and building controls. Our submission also argues that programs such as the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements should facilitate greater take up of betterment provisions to ensure that local infrastructure damaged in a disaster is rebuilt to a better standard and also permit councils to use their own workforces in responding to natural disasters where this represents value for money. A copy of ALGA's submission will be available on AGLA's website on Tuesday at www.agla.asn.au | | |
| |  ALGA has long been an advocate and supporter of road reform to improve productivity, and for the associated social and wider economic benefit, at both a local, state and national level. National productivity is an objectives shared by all levels of government, industry and the community at large. In recent weeks trucking industry representatives again approached me and asserted the need for unfettered access to local roads as part of the current transport reforms. In response I had to explain that this is not possible while councils and state governments have vulnerable assets. Many local roads and bridges were constructed decades ago and frankly just could not be expected to carry the loads that industry expects, and arguably our economy needs. The fact is that councils maintain and manage their road systems as best they can. Billions are spent on local roads nationally every year. In this regard funding from the Commonwealth through programs such as R2R and the soon to be detailed bridge renewal program are absolutely necessary to help councils maintain existing assets. However, research undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2006 and subsequently by JRA shows the cost of bringing local roads up to the standard our community and trucking industry expect would be upward of an extra $2.2 billion per annum. If this is going to happen then someone has to fund it and it is completely unrealistic to expect local rate payers to pay for improved roads when one of the major benefits is a substantial contribution to national productivity because of improved industry access. It is estimated that road reforms could benefit the national economy by as much as $27 billion which would significantly increase commonwealth and state revenues. On that basis, and given the importance of first and last mile access, allocating an annual $2 billion to local government infrastructure looks like an excellent investment. Mayor, Dr Felicity-ann Lewis
President | | |
| | Local councils around Australia are among the finalists in MobileMuster's 2014 Local Government Awards, announced today. Now in its eighth year the awards celebrate the innovative and outstanding environmental efforts of local councils in promoting and collecting mobile phone components for recycling. Local governments play a key role in MobileMuster with 349 councils across Australia hosting collection points and promoting mobile phone recycling in their communities. In the past 12 months councils have increased their collections by 25 percent and contributed nearly 3000kg of mobile phone components for recycling. The 2014 Local Government Award winners will be announced at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) Conference in Canberra on 17th June 2014. For more information on the awards and previous winners visit the MobileMuster website. The finalists for each category (in alphabetical order) are: - Top Collector / Recycler - overall
- Brisbane City Council, QLD
- City of Monash, VIC
- City of Ryde, NSW
- Darebin City Council, VIC
- Moonee Valley City Council, VIC
- Top Collector / Recycler - per head of population
- District Council of Kimba, SA
- Hay Shire Council, NSW
- Lockhart Shire Council, NSW
- Shire of Kondinin, WA
- Shire of Nannup, WA
- Best Promoter
- City of Mitcham, SA
- City of Perth, WA
- Greater Taree City Council, NSW
- Working with Schools
- City of Boroondara, VIC
- City of Ryde, NSW
- National Excellence Award
- Brisbane City Council, QLD
- City of Sydney, NSW
- Lismore City Council, NSW
| | | | | The National Timber Councils Association (NTCA) provides a local government voice at the national level, on issues affecting local communities, industry, the environment and government in timber regions. 166 councils in Australia are in some way impacted by the timber industry. The NTCA President, Cr Malcolm Hole, invites you to meet him for complimentary drinks and finger food at 5.00pm on Monday 16 June with a general meeting to follow from 5.30-6.30pm in the Aquila Room at the Crowne Plaza. NTCA members and non-members are most welcome to attend. For more information please email the NTCA Coordinator kpeachey@mav.asn.au | | | | | Local councils are being urged to check that they are not inadvertently to blame for workers being underpaid when they sign low-cost contracts. The security industry has raised concerns with the Fair Work Ombudsman that competition is driving down tender bids - and employees are likely to be paying the price. Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says councils should assure themselves that low-cost contracts are not resulting in security firms underpaying their employees their lawful minimum entitlements. "If a council is buying in security services at a price that does not allow the contractor to pay an average of $24 an hour, then there is a real possibility the employee is being underpaid," she cautioned. Ms James says it is important that councils throughout Australia understand and comply with federal workplace laws when they buy-in security services. The Australian Security Industry Association Ltd (ASIAL) and United Voice have agreed to help the Fair Work Ombudsman mount a pro-active education campaign. In highlighting a $24 hourly charge-out rate, Ms James said the Fair Work Ombudsman was in no way trying to influence the pricing behaviour of legitimate operators or establish a pricing benchmark. However she said the figure had been identified as a level at which, rather than being competitive, may indicate problems with the proposed service delivery. Ms James says the campaign will remind security contractors of their obligations to pay minimum wages - but also draw Local Government’s attention to its responsibilities. "Councils need to ensure their procurement decisions do not undermine compliance with workplace laws," she said. The Fair Work Ombudsman plans to run a number of educative webinars and presentations for local government explaining procurement chain obligations. It will also audit the procurement practices of a number of councils in each state next year. Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50. Online resources include PayCheck Plus and an Award Finder to assist employers to calculate the correct pay rates for their employees. | | | | | The three-month countdown is on for the first homes and businesses living within parts of Toowoomba to make the switch from the existing copper network to the National Broadband Network (NBN). An estimated 1,250 home and business owners have under three months before the NBN is scheduled to permanently replace most existing landline phone, ADSL internet and Telstra cable internet services when they are officially switched off from 28 August 2014. NBN Co urges home and business owners in the affected areas to contact their preferred phone company and internet service provider to get their order for services over the NBN in as soon as possible. NBN Co spokesperson, Ryan Williams said the move to the NBN is not automatic and may take some planning and coordination. Residents and businesses in the area need to move their home or business phone and internet services over to the NBN if they wish to continue using them. They have a choice whether to switch across to the NBN or to make do with mobile or other wireless solutions. "We particularly want to reach out to anyone currently using a medical alarm. We encourage them to contact their preferred phone company or internet provider along with their alarm provider to put in an order for services over the NBN. "Residents using a medical alarm should also sign up to the NBN Co Medical Alarm Register so that we can take additional steps to ensure they have a smooth migration to the NBN." | | | | | The doors have opened on Australia's most sustainable library, as Melbourne's Library at The Dock is awarded the nation's first 6 Star Green Star rating for a public building. Located on the waterfront of Victoria Harbour, Library at The Dock has been granted Australia’s first 6 Star Green Star - Public Building As Built v1 rating, an achievement that represents 'world leadership' in sustainable construction. As well as a traditional library collection, the building features an interactive learning environment, an impressive digital collection, multi-purpose community spaces and a performance venue that holds 120 people. The three-storey building is the first public building in the country to be made from Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). CLT is manufactured using layers of timber to create solid panels. Construction right on the waterfront - just eight metres from the edge - was possible because CLT is 30 per cent lighter than traditional structures, significantly reducing the requirement for new foundations. CLT also offers better thermal performance and requires less energy to heat and cool. The building's passive design promotes natural ventilation, daylight and fresh indoor air quality, resulting in reduced energy consumption and a healthier, more productive indoor environment. Water is collected from the roof and discharged to a 55,000 litre tank in the nearby Victoria Green park for reuse within the building. A third of the building's operational power will be supplied from 85kw solar panels on the roof. | | | | | The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) released its decisions on special variation applications made by 32 of the 152 councils across NSW to increase the income they receive from rates, on Tuesday. There were also 2 applications to increase minimum rates. Twenty-eight of the special variation applications were approved in full, 3 were approved for a lower amount or for fewer years than the council requested, and 1 was declined. Both minimum rate applications were approved in full. IPART has attached conditions to most approvals requiring that the additional income be used for the purposes outlined in the application and that councils report to their communities each year until 2023/24 about how the additional revenue is spent. IPART Chairman, Dr Peter Boxall said the impact of the special variations on council revenues and average residential rates in 2014/15 varies widely. "Special variations are designed to give councils the flexibility to generate additional income above the rate peg to meet their specific needs, with an independent assessment process to approve the increase," Dr Boxall said. IPART also considers each council's long-term financial plan and the impact of the variation on affected ratepayers. "While not a record number, the large volume and diversity of special variation applications we have assessed this year highlights the different challenges facing local government in NSW today," Dr Boxall said. "In previous years, the largest increases were in regional and rural areas where councils face financial stress and infrastructure backlogs, or high population growth. This year some outer metropolitan councils also requested substantial increases for similar reasons." Full reports can be found on IPART's website. | | | | | Nominations for the 2014 National Disability Awards have opened, giving Australians the opportunity to celebrate the individuals and organisations who are having a positive impact on the lives of people with disability. The awards allow for recognition of people across a wide range of sectors who are working to provide opportunities for economic and social participation for people with disability. They highlight and celebrate the work of people who are making outstanding contributions to our national effort to improve the lives of people with disability. They also help build awareness of disability issues and recognise the important role people with disability play in their local communities and across the country. Nominations close on 18 July. An awards ceremony will be held in Canberra later this year to announce recipients. This year there are eight award categories, each highlighting an area where champions of people with disability are making a difference. To nominate for the National Disability Awards, go to www.idpwd.com.au or call 1800 672 682. TTY users please call 1800 555 677 and ask for 1800 672 682. National Disability Awards 2014: Categories - Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement in Disability
- Emerging Leaders Award in Disability
- Improving Inclusive and Accessible Communities Award
- Improving Advocacy and Rights Promotion Award
- Improving Employment Opportunities Award
- Improving Personal and Community Support Award
- Improving Education Outcomes Award
- Improving Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Award
| | | | | A PANEL of leading independent aviation experts has completed a comprehensive review into Australia's aviation safety regulation, and presented its report to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss. The Aviation Safety Regulation Report was handed to Mr Truss by panel chair David Forsyth AM last Friday. The Review was commissioned by Mr Truss in November 2013 following a Coalition commitment during the 2013 federal election. Mr Truss said the independent review verified Australia’s status as a leader in aviation safety, backed by an advanced aviation regulatory system, but it also identified opportunities for system improvements to ensure Australia remains at the forefront of aviation standards. "The role of the regulator is pivotal in our safety system, and many of the recommendations in the report relate to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority," Mr Truss said. The Australian Government will now consider the report in detail. The full report is available here. Almost 270 submissions were made to the review, including one from ALGA. Comments are invited on the Report and its recommendations, which can be sent to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development by 30 June 2014. | | | | | An online toolkit to help Australian councils manage the delivery of large, complex or innovative local government infrastructure projects was formally launched this week by the Victorian Local Government Minister, Tim Bull MP. The Major Projects Guidance for Local Government has been developed by national law firm Maddocks, EY, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia (IPA) and the Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA), in consultation with councils, industry, state governments and the Commonwealth. It has been prepared specifically for local government across Australia, and is designed to take into account the unique financial, legislative and political constraints on local government in each jurisdiction. The Major Projects Guidance for Local Government includes practical information on the key steps in the life cycle of a major project from initial project assessment through to project review. The documents are available to download for free - either in whole or in part - from http://www.lgma.org.au/default/local_government_manager_lgm_1 | | | | | Australia's federal, state and local governments spent just over $7 billion on cultural activities during 2012-13, according to new figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). "State and territory governments contributed nearly half this amount or $3.3 billion, the federal government contributed one-third or $2.4 billion, and local government contributed $1.4 billion, on cultural activities" said Mr Andrew Middleton, Director of Culture, Recreation and Migration Statistics at the ABS. "Overall, the total government expenditure on cultural activities in 2012-13 went up by one per cent - about $70 million - from the previous year. The highest expenditure of Australian Government funds was on radio and television services, at $1.3 billion in 2012-13, which was a similar amount to expenditure in 2011-12. "At the state and territory government level, the biggest expenditure was for environmental heritage, this includes national parks, flora and fauna reserves, zoos, aquaria and botanic gardens, with $1.3 billion. "Recurrent expenditure was $6 billion, an increase of two per cent from 2011-12, and capital expenditure was $1 billion which was a decrease of 4 per cent from 2011-12," said Mr Middleton. More details, including data for individual states and territories, can be found in Cultural Funding by Government, 2012-13 (cat. no. 4183.0) available for free on the ABS website www.abs.gov.au. | | |
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