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Funding top-up for worst drought on record

Dried land near Brisbane

The Federal Government has announced a $560m drought relief expansion which will mean drought assistance until 2008, with total payments to farmers expected to reach $2 billion.

A key aspect to the package is that income and business support and interest rate subsidies have been extended to all eligible farmers in 44 regions across the country, until at least March 31, 2008 - irrespective of what they produce.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister toured drought affected regions in western NSW - Parkes, Gunning and Goulburn. Cabinet is also considering broadening the exceptional circumstances (EC) assistance criteria to recognise that droughts are more prolonged now; and look at ways to help farmers "future proof" themselves against drought by building more dams in wet seasons.

Mr Howard confirmed that the government was looking at measures to help businesses in drought-hit towns and encourage farmers to find ways to weather future droughts.

"Perhaps some additional help in relation to dams and other measures which will help farmers in dealing with a future drought, to perhaps diminish its impact," Mr Howard told ABC television this week.

"I mean, it will rain again, I know many farmers don't think that's likely at the moment, and I can understand why, but it will rain again," he said. "And one of the best things we can do for the future is to help them better utilise the rain when it does come."

Prime Minister John Howard last week announced a $350 million expansion of EC assistance for drought-stricken farmers and foreshadowed another $400 million increase.

But some estimates have put the total new increase at more than $700 million, including rural financial counselling.

Meanwhile, the Victorian government has offered its irrigators a $114 million drought relief package. The centrepiece of the policy is a $5,000 rebate on water bills as the government abandoned its insistence irrigators pay the entire bill themselves.

Last week irrigators rallied in Shepparton to protest having to pay their full water fees even though they were receiving only a fraction of their annual entitlement due to low reserves.

Labor's new partnerships for localism

Handshake

The Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Simon Crean, outlined Labor's New Partnership for Localism in a speech on Tuesday night at the Remote Area Planning and Development Board AGM.

Mr Crean emphasized the importance of a broadband fibre-optic network for regional Australia. "The 3G network recently launched by Telstra will provide a world class wireless mobile network," he said. "But it will not provide a world class fibre broadband network. This is what regional Australia needs."

Following the passing by Parliament last week of the motion on recognition of local government introduced into the House of Representatives by Local Government Minister Jim Lloyd, Mr Crean restated Labor's support for constitutional recognition for local government.

"Constitutional recognition would be the first step towards ensuring a fairer funding deal for local government." he said.

The Council for the Australian Federation set up by the state governments has issued a communiqué from its inaugural meeting in Melbourne on 13 October which foreshadows that the states will develop a discussion paper on the future of the Federation and a Constitutional Convention.

Mr Crean said Labor believed the Area Consultative Committees (ACCs) should be rebranded as Regional Development Australia and identify regions' infrastructure priorities. He said Labor advocated setting up an infrastructure council, Infrastructure Australia, which would consult with the ACCs which, in turn, would work with local government, private sector and community organizations to coordinate the regions' approaches to regional development.

Genuine regional development could only occur if partnerships existed. "Labor recognises the essential role played by local government in meeting the diverse needs of their communities," Mr Crean said. "Labor is committed to review local government's financial arrangements to ensure this tier of government has the capacity to meet those needs."

Local Government and Planning Ministers meeting

Jim Lloyd

ALGA President Cr Paul Bell said that he was pleased with progress made at a meeting in Canberra last Friday of federal, state and territory local government planning ministers which agreed to endorse an approach to improve local councils' asset management and financial reporting systems.

"The Local Government Planning Ministers Council (LGPMC) was united in its support for greater financial assistance and structures for local government sustainability," Cr Bell said.

"Local government is at the leading edge in identifying impediments to sustainability. Asset management was highlighted as an issue that needs to be part of the broader debate in terms of local government financing arrangements.

"All state ministers supported ALGA's position and subsequently endorsed in principle the package of national frameworks developed for assessing financial sustainability, financial planning and reporting and asset planning and management.

"Importantly, it was also agreed by the Council that each state and territory will need to further consult with their local governments, and other relevant bodies, about the frameworks and how they can be applied within the context of their jurisdictions," he said.

NSW Minister for Local Government Kerry Hickey said the Council endorsement would strengthen local councils' bargaining power for more funding from Canberra.

The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW welcomed the asset management and financial reporting initiatives endorsed by the Local Government and Planning Ministers in Council. These were important areas identified in the Allan Report presented to the associations earlier this year.

The associations have now established a Strengthening Local Government Task Force, and specialised working groups, to review and respond to the recommendations contained in the Allan Report.

The working groups are focusing on financial management, corporate governance, performance measurement, resource optimisation, intergovernmental relations and leadership development.
From the President

One of the most pressing issues facing local government and our nation, in both the short and long-term perspective, is the supply of labour. This was acknowledged by the federal government's announcement this month of an $837 million training package to address skills shortages

However, a report released recently by the National Institute of Labour Studies highlights the scale of the challenges ahead.

It indicates that an additional 70,000 jobs will need to be filled in the mining business alone by 2015.

In Western Australia, the report says, they'll need 42,000 tradespeople and semi-skilled workers with my home-state of Queensland needing 15,000. Significant employment growth is also anticipated in the NSW and South Australian resources sectors.

This is the flip-side of the success of the resources boom which is powering our economy. For some local councils it is a double-edged sword - euphoria for the unprecedented levels of regional growth, rapidly followed by series of large headaches.

It is not just the challenges facing local governments trying to meet the needs of rapidly growing communities, often in isolated regions, but the challenges of councils themselves facing labour shortages, with skilled workers joining the mining industry.

Local government, as well as many other sectors of the economy, is experiencing critical skills shortages, particularly in the areas of planning, environmental health, engineering, and finance. In regional areas, this includes plant operators, truck and grader drivers. Skills shortages result in planning delays, reduced food safety enforcement and education, in efficient management, delayed infrastructure renewal and paring back of services.

At a time when the unemployment rate is at its lowest level in more than three decades at 4.8%, there is no doubt that the labour shortages will largely be addressed through migration. The skilled migration program has risen from 71,240 in 2003-04 to 77,880 in 2004-05.

A working party convened on behalf of ALGA by the Municipal Association of Victoria reported recently on workforce planning and skills shortages issues facing local government.

The report highlighted successful state programs, such as the Tasmanian Council Careers Kit and the Western Australia media campaign as examples of best-practice which could be adopted more widely. It also looked at further engaging the states and federal governments with local government to build partnerships and ensure that local government skills shortages are recognized in migration skills lists.

Local government associations and councils are already working with state governments on a coordinated approach to meet this growing trend. The issues that need to be addressed include housing demands, the need for additional and upgraded infrastructure, planning and the pressure for more services.

There are no easy fixes. Part of the answer is for local governments to develop coordinated approaches to planning for population surges with state governments. ALGA is working with the state associations to develop options and strategies aimed at attracting and retaining skilled staff to local government and increasing reskilling opportunities in the workforce. I look forward to working with the federal government on this very important issue and developing some real solutions to this complex problem. The National Institute of Labour Studies report is a helpful reminder that 2015 has already arrived for local government!

Cr Paul Bell AM
ALGA President

$10m across Qld to help beat obesity

Queensland communities will be able to deliver their own programs to combat obesity through a new Eat Well, Be Active Community Partnerships Grants Program. The grants would encourage councils, schools, childcare centres, sports clubs, Indigenous organisations and other community groups to work together and deliver their own obesity fighting initiatives at the local level. Approved partnership applications would receive grants of up to $50,000. Grant applications would close on December 15 and the first projects were expected to start in March 2007.

Health spending grows 10% to $87 billion

Health expenditure in Australia was $87.3b in 2004-5, according to a new report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

The report, Health expenditure Australia 2004-05, shows that as a proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), expenditure on health increased to 9.8%, up from 9.4% in 2003-04 and 8.1% in 1994-95.

The report showed the majority of health spending was funded by governments (68%) with the Australian Government contributing 46%. State, territory and local governments contributed 23%, and the non-government sector funded 32%.

Strong growth in broadband take-up

AN OECD report shows that Australia is now fast approaching 4 million broadband subscribers in Australia, with an estimated 3,518,100 broadband services in Australia as of June 2006.

The Minister for Communications, Senator Helen Coonan, said The OECD report singled out Australia as an example of a country which is connecting to broadband at a very high rate. The report says Australia is one of just eight countries that have added more than six subscribers per 100 inhabitants during the past year.

"It is clear that the number of broadband subscribers in Australia is not well above the OECD average and we may be ranked as high as second in the OECED in terms of the growth of broadband take-up," she said. "On any read we are certainly in the top five for the second consecutive year."

Natural resource program extended

The NSW Government is extending the Forging Partnerships Program for another year with additional funding of $1.2m available. Grants are open to local communities, industry, environmental groups and regional organisations such as Catchment Management Authorities or local government. Applications are due by 13 November 2006. Further information and application forms can be obtained from Natural resources Advisory Council of NSW.

NSW introduces tough dog legislation

Councils will get more powers to crack down on dangerous and aggressive dogs under new legislation introduced into NSW parliament. Under the laws council officers will have authority to declare a dog dangerous if it shows aggression, even if it hasn't attacked. They'll also be able to immediately destroy a dog that has attacked. The changes come three months after the horrific attack on a four-year-old who was mauled to death by three pig hunting dogs in the NSW central west.

NSW Water Savings Fund round 3 opens

The third round of the $130m NSW Water Savings Fund has opened. Local government bodies with new water saving ideas are encouraged to apply. The priorities for funding are recycling, stormwater harvesting and projects implementing actions identified by high users. Applications for funding close on December 7. Information sessions will be held from next Friday.

Minister's Award for Coastal Custodians

Nominations are now open for the Minister's Award for Coastal Custodians 2006. Entries close on Friday 10 November 2006. The Australian Government Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, is accepting nominations from organisations or individuals for the $5000 Award. The national winner will be announced during Coastcare Week in early December 2006. The Award encourages community custodianship of Australia's coastal and marine environments, fostering cooperative partnerships between individuals, organisations, schools, business and industry. Through these partnerships, Australians are working together to preserve the health, integrity and diversity of their coasts and oceans. For more information on the Minister's Award, including eligibility criteria, visit Minister's Award for Coastal Custodians 2006

Housing affordability falls to a 3-year low

Figures released this week from the HIA/Commonwealth Bank Affordability Report show the combination of a second interest rate rise in August and robust house prices have sent affordability back down to a 3 year low. The report shows that affordability deterioriated for the third consecutive quarter in September, falling by 4% to be 4.6% lower than in the September quarter last year.

Environmental extravaganza

The important contribution made by local community groups and individuals to environmental work in the Illawarra region was recognised this week at an Environmental Extravaganza.

The event was organized by Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA), Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) and Landcare Illawarra.

Attendees at included SRCMA Deputy Chair Michael Muston and Kiama Municipal Councillor Howard Jones, who is also a member of Foxground Landcare, and representatives from Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama Councils, Futureworld, Australian Seabird Rescue, the Small Farms Network and Wollongong University's Geo Quest Laboratory.

NGA2996 State of the Regions report 2005-06
NGA2006 Business Papers online

This year’s Business Papers are now available online. The debate will contribute to this year's theme, Pushing the Agenda, with motions on fair funding for local government and, importantly, local government's agenda for ensuring the financial sustainability of councils well into the future. Debate will also address public transport, acknowledging the recommendations outlined in the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Heritage – Sustainable Cities Report, and other roads and transport issues. Not surprisingly, there will be debate on topical environmental issues such as water initiatives and energy usage, as well as councils' role in planning and development. Paper copies of the Business Papers will be sent to all councils and all registered delegates next week. Register for this year's event to be part of the debate that informs ALGA's future policy initiatives and future work programs. Register before Friday 10 November 2006 and save $100.

Crean attending Regional Forum

The four day National General Assembly of Local Government will kick off on Monday, November 27th with the one-day curtain-raiser - ALGA's Regional Cooperation Development Forum, proudly sponsored by the National Australia Bank. The Forum will feature international speakers, with popular presenter, the President of Local Government New Zealand, Basil Morrison, giving the keynote address. The issue of regional resilience and economic sustainability is topical across the globe and we are pleased to have representatives from The Hampung Council, Korea, giving an international perspective on innovative solutions to address regional sustainability. The Forum will feature presentations from National Economics on the 2006-07 State of the Regions report. This year's report - to be released at the Forum - is the final in a three-part series covering infrastructure. We are pleased to confirm that the Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Simon Crean, will be addressing the delegates of the Regional Forum. ALGA President Cr Paul Bell said, "I am pleased with the strong representation by our political leaders and Mr Crean joins an impressive list of federal Parliamentarians including the Minister for Territories, Local Government and Roads, Jim Lloyd, Senator Santo Santoro, Minister for Ageing, as well as the Leader of the Opposition, Kim Beazley and Shadow Minister for Local Government, Senator Kim Carr."

Fremantle wins biggest heart award

The National Heart Foundation of Australia and Kellogg (Aust) Pty Ltd have announced the National winners of the 2006 Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards at the Maritime Museum in Fremantle, Western Australia.

The City of Fremantle's Physical Activity Impact Assessment Framework received the National Overall Winner Award as well as winning the National Category Winner Award for the Implementation of Plans and Policies to Support Heart Health category. As the National Overall Winner the City of Fremantle receives $10,000, a perpetual trophy and a commemorative plaque.

City of Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri said: "The Physical Activity Impact Assessment Framework engages areas of the council that were not traditionally associated with each other, that is, health, recreation, environment and planning. By working with the city Planners and officers across the organisation, the City of Fremantle has been able to develop a program to promote heart health across the community."

The other National Category Winners are:

Provision and use of facilities to improve heart health: NSW - Hay Shire Council's 'Hay health and fitness'.

Programs that improve heart health in priority groups: SA - District Council of Yorke Peninsula's 'YP leisure options'.

Programs that promote healthy weight: QLD - Bowen Shire Council's 'Healthy eating healthy shire'

For further information visit the National Heart Foundation or call Heartline 1300 362 787.

Smart trucks on the road

A safer and more productive smart truck is operating under permit as part of a 6-month trial being conducted by NQX Freight System in Qld.

The trial of the 'overlength' semi-trailer, fitted with steerable axle technology would test the vehicle's ability to meet performance-based standards developed by the National Transport Commission.

ALGA President Cr Paul Bell said this was one of the first concrete examples of the transport reforms coming from the COAG agenda agreed by Ministers this year. Local Government is represented on COAG.

"ALGA is currently negotiating with National Transport Commission for a program of information workshops to explain to councils performance-base standards and the issues involved with its implementation," he said

MAV turns up heat prior to election

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has detailed 55 critical commitments sought from political parties prior to the state election, after identifying a $1.2 billion shortfall caused by government failures to adequately fund local government and the sector's inability to finance spiralling costs.

Cr Dick Gross, MAV President said its Call To Parties highlighted a number of serious concerns impeding the effective delivery of council community services, planning, infrastructure and environmental programs.

According to Cr Gross, roads, bridges, drains, kindergartens and childcare facilities face spending shortfalls of $310 million each year, on top of an accumulated $800 million funding gap spanning back to 1997-98.

The MAV will be assessing political party responses to its Call To Parties prior to 25 November and advising councils and communities of the levels of commitment expressed.

Strengthening NSW councils

Five working groups have been formed to help review the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into the Sustainability of NSW Local Government.

A quarter of NSW councils are not sustainable under current conditions, the inquiry found. A further 50 per cent are "at risk" of falling into the same trap, while councils across the state are burdened by a $6.3 billion backlog on infrastructure works including roads, sewerage and footpaths.

The working groups comprise a range of experts from local government, businesses, government departments and community groups. Organisations represented include Telstra, Country Energy, the NRMA, the NSW Council of Social Service, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries, the NSW Farmers Association and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The Strengthening Local Government Task Force, charged with responding to the inquiry's 49 recommendations, hopes their broad expertise will provide an independent approach.

"We want these organisations to work with us to help shape the future of local government," said Genia McCaffery, the task force co-chair. "Like councils, they understand what impact the challenges facing our sector are having on NSW communities." Task force co-chair Col Sullivan said basic infrastructure like roads were crucial to communities.

Talks begin on native title in central Qld

Talks have begun between 16 Queensland councils and three indigenous groups on a native title deal covering an area of the state two-thirds the size of Tasmania.

A ceremony in Bundaberg today marked the start of the talks which are aimed at heading off a prolonged court battle over a 45,000 square kilometre area of central Queensland.

Bundaberg Mayor Kay McDuff said mediation was the best way to handle such claims.

"We think an agreement can be reached which enables the peaceful coexistence of all interests in land, including native title rights, local government interests and the rights and interests of the general public," Cr McDuff said.

A full day of mediation before the National Native Title Tribunal will be held in Bundaberg tomorrow.

The three claim groups are the Port Curtis Coral Coast claimants, the Gangulu people and the Iman people.

The parties are due to report on the mediation talks' progress to the Federal Court on March 23 next year.

Graduation day for local gov employees

There were celebrations last Friday when 20 local government employees graduated from the Diploma of Local Government Administration in Brisbane.

This was the second group to complete the LGAQ course which has been designed to reflect the nature of work being undertaken in local government and is intended to encourage individuals to develop their own skills and knowledge.

LGAQ is keen to support all employees and have an agreement with QUT for articulation in to their Bachelor of Adult Learning and communities (BACL). All graduates are eligible for two years credits. LGAQ designed the program to enable all candidates to undertake a range of projects which reflect their own position, experiences and preferences whilst undertaking specific research towards improved understanding of governance.

"Governance remains a key issue in local government", said Executive Director Greg Hallam, "and LGAQ's initiative recognises the importance of this by enabling staff to undertake study in this area - this is one pathway for continued professional development".

More courses are being planned for 2007, for further information please contact Kate Ceccato or Lesley Brogden on 3000 2233 or email training@lgaq.asn.au

Quote of the week

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
    - Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943

International news  
Blair calls for veil debate

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has called a worldwide debate on the wearing of face veils by Muslim women.

The debate about the veil has been raging in Britain since the leader of the House of Commons, Jack Straw, admitted publicly that he asked women who met him in his office to remove it.

According to Blair, the face veil should be dropped because it is a mark of separation and makes non-Muslims feel uncomfortable. He has likened it to cultural apartheid.

In Britain last week, Aisha Azmi, a 24-year-old teaching assistant who was suspended for refusing to remove her veil while teaching, lost her discrimination case but was awarded A$2475 for hurt feelings. She has vowed to continue her legal fight.