Friday 3 February 2006 » Australian Local Government Association » Subscribe  » Archive of past issues

COAG meets to consider broad reform agenda

Meeting room

The three spheres of government will come together at next week's Council of Australian Governments meeting in Canberra to consider a broad reform agenda covering areas including competition policy. The current ten year program of competition policy reform will come to an end in June. The future of competition-based payments to the states is as yet unclear. COAG last year commenced a review, with ALGA participation, of the national competition policy. The review team was asked to "draw from but not be limited to" recommendations of a Productivity Commission report on competition policy released last year. ALGA President, Cr Paul Bell, who will represent local government at the COAG meeting, will press for three clear goals:

  • competition payments must continue if further reform is to be achieved
  • states must pass appropriate payments on to local government
  • all reform must pass the public interest test

"ALGA supports further reform to ensure continued economic growth," Cr Bell said. "But local government must share in the benefits that accrue from the reform process." Under the existing payment regime, some states passed some payments on to local government, but others - including NSW, Tasmania, SA and the NT - did not. The Hawker report on cost shifting found that NCP agreements were "a significant and costly exercise for local government" and that local government had a "key role" in achieving NCP goals and requirements.

NSW infrastructure study strengthens fair funding campaign

Pie chart

A NSW survey has found a massive $6.3bn backlog in local government infrastructure, strengthening the national campaign for fair funding. The study was carried out by Jeff Roorda and Associates for an independent inquiry into financial sustainability of local government established by the NSW Local Government and Shires Associations. The survey, released this week, found:

  • the infrastructure backlog is $6.3bn, or 13% of total asset value
  • councils require $14.6bn over the next 15 years for asset replacement over and above maintenance requirements
  • this is double the rate of current expenditure

ALGA President, Cr Paul Bell backed NSW LGA President, Cr Genia McCaffery, who said the infrastructure report was a "wake-up call" for both federal and state governments. Cr Bell said that local government needed substantial additional assistance to avert an infrastructure crisis. "We have called on the federal government to use its substantial budget surplus to assist councils with their service and infrastructure needs," he said. "The fact is that the state governments got a better federal deal with the advent of the new tax system. We now need to reform federal-local government financial relations and provide local government with fair federal funding. The Roads to Recovery program is providing much needed assistance to address the backlog of local road maintenance work. But fundamental reform is needed to the core local government funding program of financial assistance grants - grants which don't match the escalating costs and demands faced by Australia's 700 councils," Cr Bell said. ALGA is in the process of strengthening its case for fair federal funding, to be presented to the major parties later this year. NSW Local Government Minister, Kerry Hickey, responded to the report by saying councils should work smarter by sharing resources and entering into strategic alliances, adding that the state's 152 councils should "stop blame-shifting to successive state and federal governments".

Beazley to focus on nation building

Architect

Howard had his 'headland' speeches. Beazley has his 'blueprints'. In an address to the National Press Club on Wednesday, the Opposition Leader pledged to produce more policy blueprints reflecting Opposition's priorities in the lead up to next year's federal election. A child health blueprint is due out today, followed by climate change and industrial relations in the coming months. Mr Beazley last year released blueprints on infrastructure, fuels, security and skills. In his address, Mr Beazley made it clear Labor's policies would focus on issues of national building and strengthening the community. "It's nation building we need," he told the Press Club, adding that investment was required to confront "the erosion of the drivers of productivity and growth - Australia's skills base and our infrastructure". ALGA is preparing a submission to an ALP inquiry into the provision of public infrastructure.
From the President

The Productivity Commission plays an important role in reviewing the way we - as a nation - go about our daily work. Formally, its role is to advise the Australian Government on all aspects of microeconomic reform. We shouldn't be surprised, therefore, that it brings a market-based approach to all that's brought before it. But market-based solutions don't always work. Heritage is a case in point. ALGA is lodging a submission with the Productivity Commission for its current inquiry into the conservation of historic heritage places. Local government, of course, protects the bulk of Australia's heritage buildings. As such, we understand how heritage places contribute cultural, social, environmental and economic benefits to both local and regional communities. The fact is that markets will place an economic value on a heritage building - but won't place any value on the cultural, social and environmental benefits it brings to the community. The Commission's draft report, released in December, has set off some early alarm bells. In it, the Commission suggests that privately-owned properties should be included on a statutory list only after a negotiated conservation agreement has been reached with the owners. ALGA completely rejects this proposal. It would radically alter the current system and place substantial resourcing pressures on local and regional communities to negotiate agreements, let alone undertake the conservation and heritage work that remains outstanding. There appears to be a lack of appreciation for the rationale behind the heritage identification methodology adopted in Australia or the transparent and inclusive means by which local government lists properties or items of significance in planning instruments. We will also strongly argue for better federal funding for heritage conservation. This in turn will help to expand the provision of services such as education and training, improved administration of the existing heritage systems, and enlarge the levels of incentives to promote conservation of Australia's built environment. Public hearings on the draft report are currently underway with a final report due on 6 April.

Cr Paul Bell
ALGA President

Feb 24 closing date for flood, disaster mitigation programs

Applications for grants under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program and the Regional Flood Mitigation Program close 24 February. Please note that the January 27 edition of ALGA News carried the incorrect deadline for the closing date for these grants.

ABS takes new approach to NRM

A new survey methodology has been used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to assess natural resource management practices in two Queensland shires. The ABS says the survey could revolutionise the collection of land management data in rural areas. The results of the survey, released this week, use information from 1,300 land owners and provide an important insight into land management in the Livingstone and Fitzroy shires. Of the 4,000 rural landholders in both shires, 3,300 reported that their holdings had NRM issues. Residential landholders in the Fitzroy Shire spend an average of $40 per hectare addressing NRM issues compared to $54 per hectare in the Livingstone Shire. Age or ill health was reported as a barrier to improving NRM practices by 63% of residential landholders within the 5km Fitzroy River riparian zone. The new survey methodology was first used in the Eurobodalla Shire (NSW) in 2004.

ALGA security assessment toolkit

ALGA is developing a toolkit to help councils conduct security risk assessments and incorporate mitigation strategies into disaster management plans. The project has been made possible with funding under the Australian Government's Working Together to Manage Emergencies initiative. Based on a Queensland local government risk management initiative, the toolkit is expected to be completed and made available to councils by the end of the year. Further information from the project manager, Sharyn Csanki sharyn.casanki@alga.asn.au, at ALGA on 02 6122 9420.

UN environment awards

Nominations are now open for United Nations Association of Australia 2006 World Environment Day Awards. These popular awards recognise businesses, local governments, individuals, community and school groups whose work serves to protect, manage or restore the environment. For more information email events@unaavictoria.org.au.

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Conference

Third annual local government instrastructure conference
April 6-7 2006
Double Bay, Syney

The third annual Building and Financing Local Government Infrastructure Conference will be held in Sydney between April 6-7 at the Stamford Plaza in Double Bay.

This popular event which attracts more than 150 senior managers and councillors annually will focus on assisting local government decision makers to bridge the infrastructure financing gap and will showcase leading examples of innovation and success in building and financing much needed infrastructure.

Experts from a wide range of disciplines will address the conference including Ross Greenwood, the Deputy Director General of the NSW Dept of Local Government; the Hon Anna Bligh, Deputy Premier of Queensland; Maha Sinnathamby, the Chairman of the Greater Springfield Land Corporation; John Davis from IDSM; and Doug Owens from Banyule City Council.

Case studies will include the City of Townsville's Cleveland Bay Treatment Plant PPP: the City of Charles Sturt's clever use of debt financing to overcome what would have been a high cost replacement of major parts of its road system; Wollongong Council's City Beach Redevelopment and Parramatta City's CBD Renewal Project.

For more information about the conference see www.halledit.com.au or telephone Denise McQueen on 03 8534 5000.

State of the Regions report 2005-06
Youth survey results for councils

Mission Australia's annual national youth survey was completed in 2005 by 11,300 young Australians aged 11-24 yrs from communities right around Australia, including 600 Indigenous young Australians and over 5,000 young people who lived outside a capital city. A free copy of the report of the survey findings - National Youth Survey 2005: Key and emerging issues - is now available for councils. The survey identifies the key issues of concern to young people, what they value, who they turn to for advice and support and how involved they are in their community. Copies can be obtained by emailing Mission Australia hampshirea@missionaustralia.com.au

Regional airports security upgrades

Four regional airports have received a total of $740,000 to upgrade basic security as part of the regional airport funding program, Transport Minister Warren Truss announced yesterday. The program is providing $35m to upgrade security at 147 regional airports around the country. The lastest funding will be allocated to airports at Walgett (NSW), Lake Evella (NT), Griffith (NSW) and Normanton (Qld). Mr Truss said the funding would help regional airports increase and improve security measures, such as fencing, lighting, CCTV and access control. To date, funding of $17.6m has been approved for 71 regional airports. Meanwhile, the ALP has established a transport security task force that will, it says, highlight the failure of the Australian Government to safeguard Australia's infrastructure and borders. To be chaired by Victorian MP Anna Burke, the task force will travel the country to talk to communities about their concerns. Public submissions are invited, with further information available from 03 9898 0675.

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Emerging infectious disease control and pandemic preparedness conference

Implementing best-practice detection, control and containment strategies in the face of unprecedented change

Carlton Crest Hotel, Sydney

"The unpredictability of influenza viruses and the speed with which transmissibility can improve means that the time for preparedness planning is now..."
(Source: WHO 2004)

Attending this conference will greatly assist your institution in the assignment of strategies to pre-empt, prepare for and combat the complex variety of issues brought about by emerging infectious diseases, especially in the increasingly likely case of a pandemic of influenza. Hear insightful sessions and panel discussions from the Commonwealth Government, Dept of Health and Ageing, Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, World Health Organisation and state leaders in infectious diseases and public health.

For further details contact us on

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Hosted by:
The Institute for International Research

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Putting your town on the map

Multimap is pleased to offer Australian Local Government Councils a service that will help to boost visibility and access to local services. Multimap's internet mapping and travel directions services are accessed more than 250 million times each month and now your town can use our maps and travel directions to:

  • Improve community access to council facilities,
  • Guide tourists to local attractions, and
  • Enhance your local business directories.

Our public access site Multimap Australia is a free service where you can search for any street address in Australia, receiving a map and/or travel directions. Our business services provide those same functions seamlessly embedded into your council website, with the ability to add your own facilities, local attractions and directory information straight from a simple spreadsheet. We provide the search and the maps, you don't need a complex GIS system.

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To find out how Multimap can help you provide better customer service and attract more visitors to your town, call 02 9262 6551 or e-mail us at info@multimap.com

Try it out at http://www.multimap.com.au/

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Roadworks

Road and Pavement Engineering and Management Conference
March 7 - 8 2006
Flemington, Melbourne

New sources of road funding presented at Road and Pavement Engineering and Management Conference. Many of the Council Engineers speaking at the Road and Pavement Engineering and Management Conference, March 7 - 8, Melbourne will be discussing new strategies that their councils have implemented to secure a broader mix of road funds.

Steve Piasente, Manager Engineering Services, Bass Coast Shire Council will be presenting on Special Charge Schemes, whereas Stewart McLeod, Director Technical Services, Dubbo City Council will speak on Special rate Variations which if maintained will overcome the road funding shortfall in Dubbo.

In addition to funding, a wide range of technical and road management issues will be presented by a diverse mix of highly regarded speakers from both the public and private sectors. Case studies from council engineers are a feature of the conference, including presentations from Dubbo, Benalla, Moira Shire, George Town and Cardinia Councils.

Ian Matthews, General Manager Infrastructure Contracts, RTA NSW will deliver a keynote presentation on the RTA's experience with Alliance Contracting on the recently completed world class Lawrence Hargrave Drive Project.

There are two streams each day including roads, bridges, a landscape stream and a pavements workshop so that delegates can tailor the conference to their needs. Delegates may freely swap between any streams.

The full speaking program and registration details can be viewed at:

or contact Denise McQueen at: