 | |  The Australian Research Council (ARC) has recently funded a three-year study into the role of local government in housing in the 21st century. The study will be conducted by the Centre for Housing, Urban and Regional Planning (CHURP), a research centre at the University of Adelaide. The research seeks to understand how changing economic, social, demographic and political processes in Australia have affected the interaction between local government and housing over the past decades, and what the likely impacts in the future will be. Importantly, in the light of the forthcoming Federation White Paper, the research will explore how a reshaped Australian Federation might recast the role of local government in this area of social and economic policy. The aim of this research is to contribute to a healthier and more productive Australia by providing local governments with evidence on their role in the housing market and how they can prepare for the future. Social, economic and political change has seen local governments become more active in housing, without the benefit of systematic knowledge on the drivers of this change, the policy alternatives or the nature of experience elsewhere. This research aims to fill this gap and identifies practical solutions. CHURP is calling for council participation in the project, with 12 local governments already partnering with the research project. If you would like more information on the research please contact Louise O'Loughlin on (08) 8313 3304 or louise.oloughlin@adelaide.edu.au | | | | |  The Senate Select Committee on Wind Turbines has released its second and final report putting forward 15 recommendations in addition to the seven interim recommendations given in its June interim report. Chapter three of the report discusses the issues relating to planning processes of wind farms in Australia, including the jurisdictional overlap between state and local governments of the relevant state environment and planning statutes. The chapter continues to describe the confusion created by the different processes across all jurisdictions of planning and approval frameworks for wind turbine developments, with approval regulated at a local level in some states and switching back and forth between state and local government in other states. In its interim report, the Committee argued that national wind farm planning guidelines are needed, and planning decisions relevant to technical issues must be elevated from local councils to the state government body with the relevant technical expertise. Chapter four of the report raises the question of the role of state and local government in monitoring noise and environmental impacts of wind farms, and each government's view of where the responsibility sits. Among the recommendations in its final report, the Committee proposed: - the development of a Guidance Note that local councils should retain development approval decision-making under the relevant state planning and development code for local impact issues such as roads (Recommendation 6)
- that all state governments consider shifting responsibility for monitoring wind farms in their jurisdiction from local councils to the State Environment Protection Authority (Recommendation 8)
- that under circumstances where the regulatory framework provided for pursuant to recommendations 8 and 9 cannot be enforced due to a lack of cooperation by one or more states, a national regulatory body be established under commonwealth legislation for the purpose of monitoring and enforcing wind farm operations (Recommendation 12).
Read the Committee's final report at this link. | | | | |  A new report, Cities Safer by Design, offers practical guidance for urban planners to help create safer streets and communities to reduce traffic fatalities and improve people's lives. The report from the World Resources Institute (WRI) Ross Center for Sustainable Cities includes more than 30 specific urban design recommendations for urban planners and policymakers. The report emphasises two ways to improve traffic safety in cities. First, by building and retrofitting urban environments to reduce the need for individual vehicle trips. Second, by reducing vehicle speeds in areas where cars, pedestrians and cyclists mix. The report focuses on improving infrastructure for pedestrians, cycling, and mass transport. The report includes illustrated recommendations for specific design elements proven to improve traffic safety, including: - urban design that includes smaller block sizes, frequent street connections, narrower streets, and access to destinations in compact urban environments that alleviate the need for vehicle travel
- traffic calming measures such as speed humps, chicanes, curb extensions, raised pedestrian crossings and other elements
- arterials and intersections that reduce conflicts between road users by providing clear crossings, medians and refuge islands
- pedestrian facilities ranging from pedestrian-only areas to basic, consistent sidewalks
- bicycling networks that feature protected bicycle lanes and special attention to design at intersections
- safety improvements around mass transport stations and corridors.
Download a copy of the report on the WRI website. | | |
| |  This week, I spoke to delegates at the Western Australian Local Government Association Annual General Meeting and the Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) Campaign Steering Committee held its monthly teleconference. On both occasions, the impact of the freeze to FAGs indexation and what councils could do to support our national campaign to restore indexation as soon as possible was raised. The indexation of FAGs is currently frozen at 2014 levels with Federal plans for it to remain so for another year, bringing the freeze to a total of three years. This means that the grant payments are not keeping up with local government cost increases and going forward local government's share of national taxation will have decreased even further by the end of the freeze in 2017-18. The FAGs are local government's main revenue stream from the Federal Government so it's important for every council in Australia to make representations to their Federal representatives, and particularly Coalition representatives, to explain the impact of the decision to freeze indexation. We have also asked councils to pass a resolution acknowledging the importance of FAGs and identify FAGs as a Commonwealth grant in public reports. As of 4 August, 215 out of 564 councils nationally have passed the resolution. These simple actions are important because they build support for FAGs in the Federal Government and help Federal representatives to continue to make the case for local projects and funding. We should not underestimate the long term threat to the FAGs, nor should we underestimate the need for our campaign - and how successful it can be. The decision to freeze FAGs indexation was unexpected and highlighted the power of the Treasurer over this program. It also highlighted to ALGA that local government needs to make sure the Government understands the pain this decision caused. We need to be on the front foot to make sure there is not a repeat or extension of the freeze - a very real possibility if we are seen to be quiet, compliant and complacent about the funding. This is why it is important to get every council's buy in to this campaign. By presenting a unified voice as local government, we have raised the profile of the decision to freeze the indexation of FAGs funding, but there is more work to be done to advance the campaign. Mayor Troy Pickard
ALGA President | | |
| | The Federal Government has recently commenced the first review of the National Biodiversity and Conservation Strategy 2010-2030. This strategy not only guides the policy agenda in this crucial area for the Federal Government, but highlights the key responsibilities that all levels of government, as well as the community at large, have for maintaining and further strengthening protections for Australia's unique natural heritage. The review will examine and report on: - the operation and implementation of the Strategy since its launch in 2010
- alignment of the Strategy with the Convention's Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets, as well as relevant obligations of other biodiversity-related international agreements
- opportunities to improve and streamline the Strategy, while maintaining effective standards, including consideration of
- the robustness and durability of objectives
- responsibility and accountability for the delivery of outcomes
- monitoring and reporting systems.
The Government is seeking input to inform this review process. As a key stakeholder and land manager, local government's views and knowledge will be crucial. Information on the review is available here and the deadline for submission is Friday 11 September 2015. The Government is working with all State and Territory Governments, and the Australian Local Government Association, through an inter-jurisdictional working group for the review. | | | | | August 3 - 9 marks Homelessness Prevention Week, formerly Homeless Persons Week, which is aimed at raising the awareness of homelessness and encouraging debate on what solutions are required to meet the challenge of homelessness in Australia. Homelessness Australia has released an infographic describing homelessness in Australia, including that on any given night, 1 in 200 people are homeless across the country. This year's theme of 'Step Up' provides an opportune time to reflect on some of local government's input into addressing homelessness in Australia. Although there is no legislation or other obligations that require local government to be involved in addressing homelessness, a number of councils seek to address homelessness by working in close partnership with other levels of government and a range of community and not-for-profit organisations. A 2014 report by the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG), Housing and Local Government in Australia in the 21st Century, outlines some examples of these partnerships including the City of Sydney's Homelessness Strategy 2007-2012 and the Parramatta City Council Homelessness Implementation. The main lesson coming out of these was that there is no one size fits all solution and each council needs to assess its existing services and identify the gaps and partnerships required to resolve homelessness in its domain. It is also important to keep in mind that local governments cannot address homelessness themselves. State and Federal Government support remains crucial to ensuring positive and sustainable outcomes. The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute website has more research on housing, homelessness and related urban issues. Find out more about Homelessness Prevention Week on the Homelessness Australia website. | | | | | The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) has released three new research reports from its National Rural Issues program. Authored by some of Australia's leading rural industry experts from organisations like the CSIRO, the Australian Farm Institute and various universities, the reports highlight lessons that will help inform the future positioning of the Australian agricultural sector. The reports include: - Australian Farm Business Performance - insights from effective farm business managers - this report contributes to an improved understanding of farm business performance across selected Australian agricultural industries. It provides insights into how highly effective producers analyse and innovate in their businesses to achieve their goals.
- Geographical Indications of Origin have so far only been used for wine in Australia. However the Provenance of Australian food products - is there a place for Geographical Indications? report argues that there is reason to seriously consider potential advantages of such a tool for regional development. For example this tool has facilitated the promotion of premium wine and associated tourism in Queensland, a state not normally associated with wine production.
- Collective Bargaining in the Agricultural Sector - this report examines why Australian farmers seem to underutilise the provisions of competition law which would enable collective action in purchasing and selling. The report analyses the factors impacting the uptake of collective bargaining opportunities across a wide range of food products. It suggests how farmers could improve their bargaining position in the future.
Download the reports on the RIRDC website. | | | | | The 2015 National Disability Awards have opened, giving Australians the chance to acknowledge the many people, organisations and initiatives across the country that make a positive impact on the lives of people with disability. Now in its ninth year, the Awards help build awareness of disability issues and showcase important work throughout the community, enabling people to fully participate in work and society. This year's focus will be on nominations that demonstrate great community initiatives. Awards will be presented in six categories: - Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement in Disability
- Emerging Leader in Disability Awareness
- Excellence in Accessibility - Technology
- Excellence in Accessibility - Community
- Excellence in Choice and Control in Service Delivery
- Excellence in Advocacy
To nominate for the National Disability Awards, go to http://www.idpwd.com.au/ or call 1800 672 682. Nominations for the National Disability Awards close on 4 September 2015 and winners will be announced on 25 November. | | | | | The Federal Opposition initiated an inquiry in June 2015 to examine current levels of access and attainment for students with disability in the school system, and the impact on students and families associated with inadequate levels of support. Research by Children with Disability Australia shows that as many as one in four children with disability have been denied enrolment, almost one in five only attend school part time, and that 68 per cent of parents believed their children do not receive adequate support at school, according to Shadow Minister for Education, Senator Kate Ellis. The closing date for submissions is 21 August 2015 and the reporting date is 3 November 2015. Terms of reference for the inquiry by the Senate Education and Employment References Committee are to examine: - current levels of access and attainment for students with disability in the school system, and the impact on students and families associated with inadequate levels of support
- the social, economic and personal benefits of improving outcomes for students with disability at school and in further education and employment
- the impact on policies and the education practice of individual education sectors as a result of the More Support for Students with Disabilities program, and the impact of the cessation of this program in 2014 on schools and students
- the future impact on students with disability as a result of the Government's decision to index funding for schools at the consumer price index after 2017
- the progress of the implementation of the needs-based funding system as stated in the Australian Education Act
- the progress of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability and the findings, recommendations and outcomes from this process, and how this data will, or should, be used to develop a needs-based funding system for students with disability
- how possible changes as a result of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability will be informed by evidence-based best practice of inclusion of students with disability
- what should be done to better support students with disability in our schools
- the early education of children with disability
- any other related matters.
Further information on the inquiry is available on the Inquiry's website, by contacting the committee on 02 6277 3521 or by email on eec.sen@aph.gov.au. | | | | | Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, has called for nominations of individuals, groups and organisations for the 2016 Australian Biosecurity Awards which recognise excellence in efforts to keep Australia's biosecurity system strong. There are three award categories: the Australian Biosecurity Award - Industry, the Australian Biosecurity Award - Government, and the David Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards recognise businesses, industry and government organisations, teams and individuals that: - design, implement and/or lead biosecurity reform initiatives within their organisation and/or industry sector to support Australia's biosecurity integrity
- demonstrate significant biosecurity integrity and raise biosecurity awareness within their operations and/or industry sector
- collaboratively work with the department to manage biosecurity risk
- identify, report and/or lead the management of a disease outbreak or pest incursion
- report suspicious activities that may be of biosecurity concern
- make an outstanding contribution to protecting or maintaining animal or plant health
- raise awareness of Australia's biosecurity requirements offshore.
The David Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals, teams or organisations who have made an outstanding contribution beyond their normal duties to Australian biosecurity over a sustained period of time. Nominations are open until 30 September 2015. For more information on the Australian Biosecurity Awards, including the nomination form, visit http://www.agriculture.gov.au/aba | | | | | Metropolitan and regional councils across Australia will be randomly audited as part of a Fair Work Ombudsman campaign to ensure local government procurement decisions are not undermining compliance with federal workplace laws. The Fair Work Ombudsman has been working with the Australian Security Industry Association Ltd and the United Voice union since May last year to educate local councils about their workplace obligations. The Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James, said it's important that local councils understand that when signing low-cost contracts to buy in security services, they are not contributing to the underpayment of employees working for their sub-contractors. She said contracting out labour is a legitimate approach to doing business, but councils need to consider whether their procurement processes and subsequent governance of those arrangements create an environment where workers are open to exploitation. For more information on the Fair Work Ombudsman's Local Government Procurement campaign, please visit http://www.fairwork.gov.au/procurement | | | | | The annual Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Water Management Conference presents a broad range of information from a local government perspective on water management, issues associated with water supply and sewerage services provided by water utilities. The 2015 conference will be co-hosted by Wingecarribee Shire Council. Conference highlights include: - An opening keynote from Gavin Hanlon, Deputy Director General Water, Department of Primary Industries, who will address NSW Government's policy priorities in the urban water area.
- A panel discussion on structural and regulatory reform of local water utilities and Fit for the Future - where should the sector go? The panel will begin with an introductory presentation on opportunities for efficiency and productivity gains in local water utilities and Fit for the Future by Joel Byrnes, Associate Director Marsden Jacob Associates
- An address by Terrie Leckie, Managing Director Flow Systems, outlining Flowsystems' work as a utility specialising in localised water networks and discussing the benefits and costs of localised approaches to water servicing and the challenges.
Register now to be to part of the conversation on key water issues and ways forward to achieve a sustainable future in a changing environment. Registrations for the conference can be completed on the LGNSW website until Friday 14 August http://lgnsw.org.au/waterconference | | | | | The National Local Government Drug and Alcohol Committee (NLGDAAC) has invited councils to participate in a one day conference that will provide the information needed to measure and manage the night time activities in communities from a local government perspective. NLGDAAC members will provide an overview of how activities are managed in their communities, sharing a broad knowledge of successful solutions that balance the provision of vibrant and engaged entertainment districts, while still ensuring public safety. Who should attend? Council officers and those involved in managing entertainment districts of their Local Government Area, including those with responsibilities for: - Planning policy
- Economic development
- Urban design and place making
- Traffic and transport
- Community Safety
- Homelessness
The conference will take place on 25 November with early bird registration available until 25 October. The NLGDAAC is also inviting applications for speaking roles at the event. If interested, applications should be provided to the NLGDAAC by COB 31 August using this application form. | | | | | The International WaterCentre (IWC) is currently offering a range of scholarships for professionals interested in joining either the Water Leadership Program or Master of Integrated Water Management next year. These industry-relevant programs equip participants with the technical, leadership and managerial skills they need to tackle complex water management challenges in a more effective and integrated way. - Master of Integrated Water Management (scholarships close 1 October) - Full-tuition scholarships ($49,920) are available for part-time/distance or full-time study at The University of Queensland in Semester 1, 2016. The degree is taught by leading industry practitioners and lecturers from IWC's founding universities. The program is designed to fast-track career development and equip students with transdisciplinary skills in integrated water management.
- Water Leadership Program (scholarships close 15 September) - Several full ($11,500) and half ($5,750) scholarships are available for emerging leaders at the project to middle management level to participate in this nine-month award-winning program starting in December 2015. The program helps participants to develop the abilities they need to exert influence, drive change and advance challenging integrated water management projects.
For more information or to apply for a scholarship, please visit the IWC website. | | |
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