From the President
 Local government is often seen as an easy target for the popular press. Those that have been on the receiving end of beat-ups and cheap shots can take some heart from the latest public opinion survey conducted by the Western Australian Local Government Association. They polled more than 800 residents across the state and came up with an unequivocal finding - people have a lot more trust in local government than they do in our state and federal counterparts. In fact, when asked which sphere of government was trusted most, 53% nominated local government, with just 24% nominating federal government and 23% state government (see story below). And this is no fluke finding. It matches a survey of 500 residents conducted by the NSW Local Government and Shires Associations in 2004 that found 45% nominated councillors as the most trustworthy, 36% said federal politicians and just 20% went for state MPs. And there's more good news from NSW. Last week, the associations published another independent survey of more than 900 households. It revealed an 85% satisfaction rate with council performance. The survey, by Iris Research, also found that 80% responded positively when asked if they were getting value for their rate payments. There is, of course, always room for improvement and councils are constantly striving to better respond to the needs of the communities we serve. But we should take heart from these results. We're on the right track.
Cr Paul Bell
ALGA President
Who do you trust? Councils come first
A new survey by the Western Australian Local Government Association has revealed councils have dramatically outperformed their state and federal counterparts when it comes to trust. More than half of the respondents (53%) ranked local government first for trust, with the federal government (24%) and state government (23%) lagging well behind. When asked, who do you rank last on trust, more than half (53%) nominated the federal government, while less than a quarter nominated either state or local government. There was no significant difference in ranking between geographic areas. The three spheres of government were ranked about the same when it came to satisfaction with service delivery. More than 800 Western Australians were surveyed.
Security conference
The Commonwealth's annual Security in Government (SIG) conference will be held in Canberra on 9-11 May. Run by the Federal Attorney-General's Department, the conference aims to address a range of key issues, including protective security, counter-terrorism and the impact of the current security environment on the Australian community. The conference will include an array of Australian and international speakers, plus a number of panel discussions on topical issues. For more information contact the SIG 2006 secretariat sig2006@ag.gov.au on 02 6250 5547 or 02 6250 5467.
Position available
MANAGER, FINANCE AND COMPLIANCE
- National association
- Canberra based
- Flexible and attractive working environment
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced financial
administration professional providing financial management and
compliance services to the association. This position is responsible
for developing and maintaining fully audited annual financial
reports, developing the annual budget, managing government
grant records and acquittals, payroll and salary services,
legal/corporate governance and lodgements with Australian
Securities and Investments Commission.
Ideally, the manager will have a solid background in the
public/private corporate finance sector along with demonstrated
performance in the following areas:
- Financial administration and accounting systems
- Bookkeeping
- Administration of Board Meetings and Annual General Meetings
- Stakeholder relationships
- MYOB
Relevant tertiary qualifications in accounting are desirable.
An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated
with the successful candidate. Further information can be
obtained by calling Brian Keech on 02 6260 3799.
Written applications, in the strictest confidence, should be
forwarded via email or to the address below no later than
19 February 2006.
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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.
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WATER '06 conference proudly sponsored by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources & Mines
1-3 March 2006, Brisbane Convention Centre
What can local governments do to secure their water supply? Is recycled potable water really an option that the public will accept? What are the other alternatives - desalination, water trading, demand management?
Local governments are at the forefront of sustainable water management in Australia, but are often left out of important debates. There is no "one-size-fits-all solution" so attend the WATER '06 conference and-along with your colleagues represented on the program-make your interests heard.
Through presentations, case studies and discussion sessions, WATER '06 addresses the following key issues:
- How can we plan on a national scale to secure our water future?
- How can we create a system of partnerships between the three tiers of government and between government and the private sector that encourages innovative projects and sustainable use of our water supplies?
- Is pricing really an effective demand management strategy? What are the impacts of pricing increases in rural areas?
- How can local governments supplement their supply? Trading? Stormwater harvesting? Aquifer storage & recovery?
- Will the community accept recycled potable water and is better education the answer?
In two information-packed days, hear from over 30 of Australia's water industry leaders at this national forum and network with your colleagues from across Australia! From $995 + GST - this conference represents true value-for-money. Register now!
For more information or to register please contact Hannah Pipe on 02 9969 6167 or email register@water06.com.au or visit www.water06.com.au
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ALGA to press waste issues
ALGA will meet this month with the Productivity Commission to provide input into its inquiry into waste generation and resource efficiency. Issues to be canvassed include the lack of data on which to base decision-making in the area of waste, the disproportionate burden placed on councils to manage waste, and the consumer 'information gap'. Better information and labelling may assist consumers to make improved decisions about purchases to reduce the amount of waste to landfill.
Clean up Australia on 5 March
Clean Up Australia and ALGA are encouraging even more councils to get involved in Clean Up Australia Day, Sunday 5 March. Now in its 17th year, Clean Up Australia Day is the nation's largest community based environmental event. Last year, more than 670, 000 volunteers cleaned up an estimated 8,450 tonnes of rubbish. Organising a Clean Up Australia Day Site is as easy as identifying a park, street, bushland or waterway in your local area that needs to be cleaned up. Visit www.cleanup.com.au or phone 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329) to register sites with Clean Up Australia.
Councils lead learning initiatives
As the implications of lifelong learning become better understood, councils are taking a growing interest in learning community strategies. In some cases, councils have taken a leadership role in local learning community initiatives, recognising that learning strategies can underpin and add value to their social, cultural, and economic development. Councils that have played a leading role include those in Hume, Gwydir, Lithgow, Thuringowa, Bega Valley, Salisbury, and Marion. Information on learning communities is available on the 'Learning Community Catalyst' of Adult Learning Australia, Global Learning Services and Adult Learning Australia. Enquiries may be directed to the ALA Visiting Research Fellow promoting lifelong learning and learning communities, Peter Kearns, p.kearns@netspeed.com.au on 02 6231 4125.
USA: Fast-food outlets face litter tax
The City of Oakland in California is planning to impose fees on takeaway food outlets to compensate for the cost of cleaning up the discarded packaging. "It's not fair that the residents have to clean up after a fast-food establishment that's making a profit," said Cr Jane Brunner, who proposed the new ordinance. "A city is judged by how clean it is, and Oakland definitely has a major litter problem." If approved, Oakland would be the first American city to force food and beverage outlets to contribute to the cost of cleaning up their rubbish. Last year, Oakland sued the state transport department for failing to clean up and prevent dumping along freeways.
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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:
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Natural Disaster and Flood Mitigation
Projects sought for 2006-2007 funding
Reminder - applications close 24 February
The Australian Government is seeking applications from local councils and other eligible organisations for funding of suitable projects in 2006-2007 under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program and Regional Flood Mitigation Program.
In 2006-2007, the Australian Government will offer $9 million nationally under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program for measures that contribute to safer, sustainable communities better able to withstand the effects of floods, storms, cyclones, bushfires and other natural disasters. A further $9.6 million will be offered under the Regional Flood Mitigation Program specifically for flood mitigation works and measures in rural towns, regional centres and outer metropolitan areas of Australia.
Funds are available for a range of projects including risk management studies, disaster mitigation strategies, warning systems, community awareness programs and structural works to protect against damage.
Funding is provided jointly by all levels of government. Generally, the Australian Government will contribute up to one third of approved project costs. State and territory governments are required to at least match this funding with local agencies making up the balance. Potential applicants are advised that participation in these programs in 2006-2007 is subject to state and territory government funding becoming available.
Applications close 24 February 2006.
For more information, including eligibility criteria and a copy of the application form, visit the program websites:
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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.
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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