The Senate has commenced an inquiry into stormwater resources management in Australia. Submissions are due by 24 April 2015 with a report due by 25 June 2015. The inquiry will consider the quantum of stormwater resource in Australia and the impact and potential of optimal management practices in areas of flooding, environmental impacts, waterway management and water resource planning. 

The inquiry will also consider funding models and incentives to support strategic planning and investment in desirable stormwater management, including local prioritisation and asset management, and operations to encourage efficient investments and longevity of benefit.

For details on the inquiry and to make a submission click here.

Two new research papers have been released by the Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) this week.

Councils learning from each other: An Australian case study explores how councils can work with each other to develop solutions to common problems and challenges, particularly within the context of sector reforms.  The paper identifies the mechanisms which facilitate inter-council learning, and how such mechanisms can support local governance initiatives, reform processes, and approaches to local government education and capacity building.

Council approaches to leadership: Research into good practice reviews a number of council approaches to leadership development identified as ‘good practice’. Using examples from eight Australian councils, the study outlines examples that work well to build the leadership capacity of local government managers.

Both research papers were produced by the UTS Centre for Local Government for ACELG and can be downloaded here.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) is taking the lead in helping councils from regional and rural NSW to look at the best outcomes for residents and ratepayers under the State Government's Fit for the Future reform package.

LGNSW President Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM said local government is the glue that holds the community together, especially in regional and rural NSW, so it is critical to get the reform process right.

"Amalgamation is not an easy decision to make, especially in the regions. Councils have to weigh the potential for increased efficiencies against possible additional costs," Cr Rhoades said.

The Fit for the Future package requires all NSW Councils to lodge their submissions by 30 June, nominating their preferred position: merge, stand alone or be classified as a "rural council" - one with a very small population and budget that could implement a longer term improvement plan.

Regional Arts Australia advises that the closing date for five Fellowships is fast approaching. These Fellowships provide the opportunity for an artist or art worker to create new works, develop partnerships and collaborations with other arts professionals and cultural organisations. The Fellowships are available in five categories with grants ranging from $15,000-$30,000.

More information and the program guidelines are available here.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Building Approvals show that the number of dwellings approved rose 1.6 per cent in February 2015, in trend terms, and has risen for nine months.

Dwelling approvals increased in February in New South Wales (5.4 per cent), Queensland (2.1 per cent) and Victoria (1.3 per cent) but decreased in Australian Capital Territory (16.2 per cent), Northern Territory (2.7 per cent), Western Australia (2.5 per cent), South Australia (2.4 per cent) and Tasmania (0.7 per cent) in trend terms.

In trend terms, approvals for private sector houses was flat in February. Private sector houses rose in New South Wales (1.8 per cent) and Victoria (0.7 per cent) but fell in South Australia (1.5 per cent), Western Australia (1.4 per cent) and Queensland (0.9 per cent).

Further information is available in Building Approvals, Australia (cat no. 8731.0) on the ABS website here.

A new guide which showcases some of the highly successful local government Improved Liveability for Older People (ILOP) projects undertaken in 2013-14 is now available for councils. ​Seventeen rural councils were funded by the State Government to work with older residents in creating more age-friendly communities.

Projects responded to the needs and interests of older residents in small communities, and the flexible funding encouraged innovative ideas to address a diversity of issues. Projects ranged across arts, food, education, lifestyle, health, social connections, volunteering, strategic planning and governance. The projects also assisted councils to better understand the issues facing older people in rural Victoria.

For more information about the guide and the work of the MAV on positive ageing click here.

Older Australians will more easily be able to access the care they need to remain living in their own home through new home support assessment arrangements. Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield has announced the 13 organisations that have been selected to operate the My Aged Care Regional Assessment Services (RAS).

The RAS will assess clients seeking to access the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which will commence on 1 July this year.

The CHSP will roll several existing home support programmes into one streamlined programme, including the Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC), National Respite for Carers (NRCP), Day Therapy Centres (DTCs); and Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) programmes. Further information about the RAS is available here.

Mental health services will have their funding renewed for another 12 months - worth almost $300 million - to allow frontline services to continue to be delivered while work is progressed on the current Mental Health Review.

The Mental Health Review will inform the Government's long term plans to ensure high-quality mental health services continue to provide the right care, at the right time in the right setting. More information about the Review can be found here.

There is still time for council certifiers to participate in a national e-survey to help inform proposed improvements to energy efficiency requirements for alterations and additions.  The survey can be accessed here.

The National Energy Efficient Buildings Project (NEEBP) is working to improve energy efficiency in new buildings, renovations and additions, on behalf of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

Phase One of the project identified key systemic or process weaknesses with the energy efficiency requirements in the National Construction Code (NCC).  Phase Two is now underway and aims to improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings during construction and renovation.

For more information please contact Sally Thompson on 1300 308 525.

The Commonwealth Government will be working with States and Territories to develop a National Ice Action Strategy to tackle the growing scourge of the drug ice (crystal methamphetamine).

The first step in developing the Strategy will be the establishment of a National Ice Taskforce. Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash and Minister for Justice Michael Keenan will oversee the Taskforce which will be led by Ken Lay APM, former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police.

The Taskforce will examine all existing efforts to address ice and identify ways to take a systematic, comprehensive and coordinated approach to education, health and law enforcement. Although governments at all levels are taking steps to address ice, these efforts need to be targeted, efficient and effective. These initiatives are being rolled out at the local, state and territory level, however there is a role for the Commonwealth Government to assist in coordinating and assessing their effectiveness in addressing the ice epidemic. The Taskforce will provide an interim report by mid-2015.