President's Column
On the ground advocacy with ministers and shadow minsters is a key part of ALGA's role on behalf of the sector and I was in Canberra this week as Federal Parliament returned to meet with, among others, the new Minister for Local Government, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash, our former Minister and now Minister for Urban Infrastructure, Paul Fletcher, and the Office of the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester.
My focus was to continue ALGA's advocacy around local government funding and infrastructure investment and the Government's new thinking on regional development programs.
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Inaugural NHVR local government forum
An inaugural National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) local government forum was held last week in the NHVR's Brisbane offices in partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and the Local Government Association of NSW (LGNSW). Further forums may be held with other local government associations.
The Forum's focus on improving the efficient movement of freight is consistent with ALGA's current call for case studies of regional transport planning that has been undertaken by regional groups of councils.
Coast Adapt website launched for feedback
Councils face day to day issues arising from our changing climate. Adaptation measures are necessary for communities to prepare for the unavoidable consequences of climate change.
This issue impacts almost every facet of life that local government has a role in, in both the long and short-term, from planning, infrastructure services and key local industries (such as tourism). ALGA has been calling for increased and ongoing support for both local activities, as well as national agencies.
Latest News
Transport Affordability Index released
The release of Australia’s first Transport Affordability Index by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) reveals the average Australian family is spending up to $22,000 every year to get around.
One million Australians living in "unhealthy" housing
A new study has estimated that more than one million Australians are living in sub-standard housing. The research has highlighted the link between poor living conditions and health
Disaster assistance for 16 communities after storms and flooding
On 26 August, disaster assistance for local communities affected by storms and flooding in NSW during June and July 2016 was announced
Need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius - Climate Institute report
Australia could avoid long heatwaves and boost the Great Barrier Reef's chances of survival by helping to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius rather than 2 degrees Celsius
NTC seeks submissions to inform a National Land Transport Productivity Framework
The National Transport Commission (NTC) is seeking input from transport operators, associations and government bodies to develop a new framework to define and measure Australia's land transport productivity.
Local Government Award for Arts Animates - showcase
Blue Mountains City Council in NSW was awarded category winner in this year's LG Awards for Arts Animates - excellence in building innovative and inspired communities for its Street Art Walk.
Heart Foundation's Heart Maps
The Heart Foundation's Australian Heart Maps bring together, for the first time, a national picture of hospital admission rates for heart-related conditions
Transport Affordability Index released
The release of Australia’s first Transport Affordability Index by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) reveals the average Australian family is spending up to $22,000 every year to get around.
One million Australians living in "unhealthy" housing
A new study has estimated that more than one million Australians are living in sub-standard housing. The research has highlighted the link between poor living conditions and health
Disaster assistance for 16 communities after storms and flooding
On 26 August, disaster assistance for local communities affected by storms and flooding in NSW during June and July 2016 was announced
Need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius - Climate Institute report
Australia could avoid long heatwaves and boost the Great Barrier Reef's chances of survival by helping to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius rather than 2 degrees Celsius
NTC seeks submissions to inform a National Land Transport Productivity Framework
The National Transport Commission (NTC) is seeking input from transport operators, associations and government bodies to develop a new framework to define and measure Australia's land transport productivity.
Local Government Award for Arts Animates - showcase
Blue Mountains City Council in NSW was awarded category winner in this year's LG Awards for Arts Animates - excellence in building innovative and inspired communities for its Street Art Walk.
Heart Foundation's Heart Maps
The Heart Foundation's Australian Heart Maps bring together, for the first time, a national picture of hospital admission rates for heart-related conditions
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Did you miss our webinars on turning templates? Don't worry you can purchase the recordings!
Turning templates - A beginners' guide: Learn how to use 2013 turning path template
This webinar will help apply the templates in the decision making process of:
- Designing of new intersections
- Granting access to vehicles on existing roads
- Correct template choices
- Step-by-step demonstrations using AutoCAD & printed design layout
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Road and intersection design principles using swept paths
The pre-recorded session covers the effective use of the Austroads Turning Path Templates at a more advanced level.
This webinar covers the use of turning templates in design and access approvals, including:
- roundabout design
- reversing manoeuvres
- complex intersection design (i.e. compound curves, effect of crossfall)
- what to do when you don't have a template for the vehicle you want to assess
- the mechanics of turning vehicles, including effects of speed and the time taken to achieve turning angles
Purchase this recording now for $55, click here.
National Local Roads and Transport Congress 2016
Toowoomba QLD
9 - 11 November 2016
Meeting the current and future demand of Australia's transport industry is one of the most important challenges facing the nation's economy and transport infrastructure providers. Local roads underpin the freight movement and productivity of our nation. Effective road financing and appropriate asset management are critical to the successful management of our local roads.
This is reflected in the theme of this year's National Local Roads and Transport Congress 'Local Infrastructure - Developing Region'. The Congress will be held in Toowoomba from 9 - 11 November.
The Congress has always been, and continues to be, critical in providing a platform to engage with the Federal Government and Opposition on road and infrastructure policies and initiatives.
Your council's attendance at this year's Roads Congress strengthens the work that ALGA and your state and territory association is doing to secure better funding for local government roads and infrastructure. Your voices and your knowledge will show the Government the value you place on working together to deliver positive results for all our communities.
For more information or to register your attendance, please click here.