President's column
This week brings with it a timely reflection that local government is in so many ways at the cutting edge of promoting cultural diversity and promoting multiculturalism in our communities.
Earlier in the week, the Australian Government reaffirmed its commitment to multicultural Australia with the release of the statement Multicultural Australia: United, Strong and Successful.
The statement outlines the strategic direction and priorities for multicultural policy in Australia while emphasising our unique national identity
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Are you an elected council member? Please read this...
ALGA is urgently seeking your support to end the freeze on indexation to Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) by contacting your federal representative via ALGA's campaign website.
ALGA initiated this campaign to ensure the Australian Government honours its commitment to councils and restores indexation to FAGs payments in this year's Federal Budget.
At the time of publishing this ALGA News edition, there have been 63 emails sent to federal representatives via the site.
Reminder - Submit your NGA Notice of Motions
Councils are being reminded to submit notices of motions for this year's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA), which will be held in Canberra on 18 - 21 June.
The NGA is an opportunity for councils to identify matters of national relevance to the sector and seek the Assembly's support via notices of motions for these matters to be considered by ALGA as national policy.
To be eligible for inclusion in the NGA Business Papers
Around the nation: Financial Assistance Grants indexation freeze impact on Balonne Shire Council, Queensland
Due to a relatively small rate base, with minimal shift in population and limited opportunities to dramatically increase this rate base, Balonne Shire Council is reliant on government assistance, in particular the Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs), which makes up an estimated 25% of its annual recurrent revenue.
Rural and remote councils in Queensland are facing economic stress through the rural downturn and drought conditions and the decision to freeze the Financial Assistance Grants places further pressures on already stretched resources.
Latest News
Changes to arts funding
The Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, has announced some changes to the Australian Government's support for the arts
Councils encouraged to share positive ageing programs
Local councils that are delivering innovative positive ageing programs to keep their older residents fit and healthy are being encouraged to get involved
Encouraging nominations of women to the Order of Australia
The Order of Australia formally recognises Australians from all walks of life who, every day, make outstanding contributions to our communities and our nation
National Water Reform - issues paper released
The Productivity Commission has released an issues paper posing the questions the Commission will seek to ask and answer in their National Water Reform Inquiry
Freight efficiency a priority at Forbes local government forum
More than 40 representatives from New South Wales country and regional councils recently joined the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator at a heavy vehicle access forum
CEFC encourages councils to upgrade street lighting
Australian councils could reap big gains by upgrading their street lighting, cutting their carbon emissions as well as better managing their energy costs
Changes to arts funding
The Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, has announced some changes to the Australian Government's support for the arts
Councils encouraged to share positive ageing programs
Local councils that are delivering innovative positive ageing programs to keep their older residents fit and healthy are being encouraged to get involved
Encouraging nominations of women to the Order of Australia
The Order of Australia formally recognises Australians from all walks of life who, every day, make outstanding contributions to our communities and our nation
National Water Reform - issues paper released
The Productivity Commission has released an issues paper posing the questions the Commission will seek to ask and answer in their National Water Reform Inquiry
Freight efficiency a priority at Forbes local government forum
More than 40 representatives from New South Wales country and regional councils recently joined the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator at a heavy vehicle access forum
CEFC encourages councils to upgrade street lighting
Australian councils could reap big gains by upgrading their street lighting, cutting their carbon emissions as well as better managing their energy costs
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The 2017 ECOCITY World Summit will bring together an outstanding gathering of the world's leading urban policy makers, practitioners and researchers. The Summit will create many exciting opportunities to discuss the climate change, sustainability and resilience challenges facing cities - and the crucial role which cities can play in meeting these challenges.
An exciting array of speakers will lead the conversations including:
- The Hon Al Gore: Former US Vice President and Chair of The Climate Reality Project
- Debra Roberts: Climate Change Adviser to ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability
- Aroma Revi: Director, Indian Institute for Human Settlements
- Rachmat Whitoelar: Indonesian President's Special Envoy for Climate Change
- Kate Auty: ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment
- Kevin Austin: Deputy CEO of C40
The Summit Program has a strong focus on Urban Leadership and City Practices and provides an ideal opportunity for you to learn the latest in practical solutions to urban sustainability challenges from the very best in the world. Build your national and global professional networks and participate in practical workshops and masterclasses. Learn skills to take back to your home jurisdiction and enhance your professional development.
Following on from the resolution passed by the National General Assembly of Local Government to support the Summit we welcome your involvement.
Early bird registrations savings are now on offer so visit www.ecocity2017.com for further information.
Get on Track for Trails Success
Are the trails in your area bringing maximum benefit to ratepayers?
Have you ever wondered what trails could do for your region or holiday destination?
Do you currently have existing trails and want to know how to improve visitation or find out the economic benefit trails are providing?
Would you like to connect with trails experts from across Australia and New Zealand?
If you answered YES to any of these questions then attending the 2017 Sustainable Trails Conference is a MUST! Places are limited - so act quickly!
For more information visit http://www.trctourism.com/trails-conference or contact Donna Graf donna@trctourism.com
Give your staff back their time
If timesheet management is costing your organisation a fortune in time and money, then it’s time to check out a whole new way of doing things with elementTIME from Adroit Creations. We provide an easy to use solution – quickly, easily and affordably.
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You can try it now and give your staff back their time.
Join our webinar and get a free 30-day trial.
Support ALGA's campaign!
ALGA has launched a campaign to end the freeze and restore indexation to local government financial assistance grants in the federal budget this May.
It is important that your council actively engages in supporting ALGA in this national campaign. ALGA can make the national arguments and make the national representations at the Federal level, but nothing gets the attention of politicians, the party room or party leadership better than local stories from the front line of local community governance - you.
Support ALGA's campaign by contacting your Federal Parliamentary representatives through our online campaign website: endthefreeze.com - it's your community and your call.
The team at ALGA has also prepared a council advocacy kit - available at councils.endthefreeze.com - that includes templates, background information and talking points to assist your campaign at the local level to ensure the Government keeps its promise to restore indexation to FAGs in this year's Federal Budget.