President's column
A few months ago, I informed you about a proposed joint infrastructure statement between ALGA and other peak bodies to publicly advocate for continued Commonwealth funding into infrastructure. Today, I'm pleased to tell you that this statement was finalised and launched yesterday with a strong call to all political parties to make a commitment to maintaining long-term infrastructure spending, address the growing infrastructure shortfall and improve national productivity.
The signatories of the joint statement included ALGA, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Planning Institute of Australia, Australian Logistics Council, Urban Development Institute of Australia, Property Council of Australia, National Farmer's Federation and Green Building Council of Australia.
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Increased traffic congestion a symptom of larger infrastructure funding issue
The traffic congestion experienced by many of Australia's major cities is a symptom of a larger infrastructure funding issue that is taking its toll on Australia's productivity, Mayor Troy Pickard, President of ALGA, has said at the launch of a joint statement signed by ALGA and seven other peak bodies yesterday.
"Years of under-investment in public infrastructure, particularly transport infrastructure, means that we now have a national infrastructure network that is struggling to meet the needs of Australian businesses and communities, with traffic jams set to cost the nation an estimated $53 billion a year by 2031," Mayor Pickard said.
Don't miss the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum
This year's Regional Cooperation and Development Forum will be held on Sunday 19 June at the National Convention Centre, Canberra. Given the upcoming Federal election, the forum will provide the unique opportunity for delegates to workshop the positions and arguments that local government should advocate for in the development of a new national regional policy.
The forum allows for the sharing of ideas and opportunities through a mix of academic and practitioner insights.
ALGA 2016 Election Advocacy Focus - Freight Strategy
The ALGA 2016 Election Advocacy Focus is a pop up segment in ALGA News that focuses on a key aspect of ALGA's election plan each week. This week's focus will be on ALGA's proposal for a freight strategy to increase productivity through targeted investment.
ALGA strongly supports the Federal Government's focus on improved productivity through investment in infrastructure. The efficient movement of freight is essential in a productive economy and targeted investment across the different transport modes is important to ensure that our freight moves in a timely way and by the most appropriate mode.
Latest News
Forums across NSW to support merging councils
Local Government NSW will run special workshops in metropolitan and regional locations
Community recycling grants now open
The Keep Australia Beautiful (KAB) Beverage Container Recycling Program is now open for applications.
Councils urged to join 'Support a Friend' campaign
1800RESPECT together with domestic violence advocates Rosie Batty and Geelong premiership player Jimmy Bartel
Council resources on the country of origin labelling reforms
The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (DoISS) has provided resources with detailed information
Measuring Australia's after dark activity
The Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM) has released its third report in a series measuring
Local governments recognised in 2016 National Planning Excellence Awards
The Planning Awards were held last week in Brisbane as part of the National Planning Congress.
How can councils benefit from augmented reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is a cutting-edge technology that adds layers of digital information
Scheme to keep paint out of landfill underway
A new national recycling scheme for architectural and decorative paints is now underway
Forums across NSW to support merging councils
Local Government NSW will run special workshops in metropolitan and regional locations
Community recycling grants now open
The Keep Australia Beautiful (KAB) Beverage Container Recycling Program is now open for applications.
Councils urged to join 'Support a Friend' campaign
1800RESPECT together with domestic violence advocates Rosie Batty and Geelong premiership player Jimmy Bartel
Council resources on the country of origin labelling reforms
The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (DoISS) has provided resources with detailed information
Measuring Australia's after dark activity
The Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM) has released its third report in a series measuring
Local governments recognised in 2016 National Planning Excellence Awards
The Planning Awards were held last week in Brisbane as part of the National Planning Congress.
How can councils benefit from augmented reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is a cutting-edge technology that adds layers of digital information
Scheme to keep paint out of landfill underway
A new national recycling scheme for architectural and decorative paints is now underway
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15-16 August, Sydney Australia
Asset management is an essential component of good governance within the public sector, and should be aligned to, and integrated with, an entity's strategic, corporate and financial planning. Australian government built asset value surpasses $600 billion and with a stock of aging assets, various departments are focusing on achieving greater value for investments.
Public Sector Asset Management 2016 will address how to improve asset management strategies, and a few highlighted sessions include:
- Asset Management Planning for Informed Decision Making and Operational Reality
- Developing an Asset Management Plan with the Desired Balance of Cost Risk and Performance
- Integrating Financial Sustainability and Levels of Service to Meet Community Requirements
Draw on the expertise from more than 15+ expert asset management speakers
- Brian Frankham, Director - Asset Performance Management, NSW Department of Education
- Joe Mathew, CEO, Asset Institute
- Michael Killeen, Asset Manager, Transport for NSW
- Param Seenithamby, Principal Engineer - Roads & Structural Assets, City of Sydney
- And many more
download the agenda for more information.
2016 NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Partners in an Innovative and Prosperous Australia
The NGA Registration Brochure is now available, download your copy here.
Under the theme Partners in an Innovative and Prosperous Australia, delegates at this year's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will look at the many ways local government is being innovative both here and overseas. As a responsive, pragmatic and dynamic level of government, councils innovate with technology, with their resources and in practical ways within their organisations and communities.
The NGA brings our sector together providing a platform for thought provoking discussion and serious consideration of the development of policies on issues of national significance. This year, the NGA will celebrate and examine the key role of local government in helping to build the economy and sustainable communities of the future. Through the NGA, delegates will be able to learn from the ideas and experiences of other councils and gain valuable ideas for their own councils.
Local government is a pragmatic and hands-on level of government. Our focus is the provision of services, infrastructure, planning and coordination at the local level.
Register your attendance at this year's NGA here.