» Australian Local Government Association » Subscribe » Archive » Feedback » Email a colleague

Drought comes to Australia's cities

Malcolm with Mayor Paul Stephenson and Alby Schultz MP, Pejar Dam

A report released this week by federal Parliamentary Secretary for Water Malcolm Turnbull which outlines the state of water supplies in Australia's cities shows water supplies now "grossly inadequate" in all capitals but Hobart and Darwin.

Some regional cities are facing "sharply diminished supplies" and "extreme restrictions".

Drastic water conservation measures such as tight restrictions will not be enough to ensure supply in many areas. Rain-independent options are required, such as desalination, wastewater recycling, and purchases from irrigators.

"There is no single silver bullet water supply solution," Mr Turnbull said, at the release of the report in Adelaide on Wednesday. "The best chance of water security is through diversity of supply. All supply options should be on the table."

Inland towns will often only have two choices: wastewater recycling and buying water.

Mr Turnbull called for variable pricing of the resource, depending on its source. He said families would receive a large allocation of cheap water, but any extra consumption would be priced according to its source.

Extra water from a desalinisation plant, for example, could be cheaper than pumping from a fragile river system.

"I think there is a lot to be said for using price signals clearly to articulate the cost of different sources of water," he said. "And I think if we did that and explained it I think we would get a much greater understanding of the economics of water and we would be sending the right price signals so that then people could make their choices."

The report finds that with the exception of Perth, water authorities have focused on paying dividends to state governments instead of investing at the levels required to avoid the current water shortages.

Mr Turnbull said the implicit conclusion from the report was that water utilities should be privatised to allow them to act as "rational" private sector businesses rather than be constrained by government agendas and aspirations.

The report is available through Mr Turnbull's website and on the Office of Water Resources website.

National standards for local government

Red card

The Australian Local Government Association will look at a proposal to develop national standards for Local Government in liaison with Standards Australia.

The Local Government Association of SA has proposed the standards after working with Standards Australia on three "handbooks" dealing with governance, audit specifications and audit committees.

The ALGA has endorsed the concept in principle, asking the LGA of SA to brief all State Associations before it considers the proposal again.

Standards Australia develops handbooks as the first stage of developing an Australian Standard, but to progress to a standard requires a high level of national support.

A handbook may still be of use to one or more states even if it does not proceed to become a standard. CEO of Standards Australia, John Tucker, said the handbooks complemented Standards Australia's existing series of governance and management standards that had been widely accepted by industry and government.

The LGA of SA hosted a networking session for state associations on implementation of financial sustainability initiatives in Adelaide in mid-November which was attended a representative of Standards Australia.

It is expected that the ALGA will receive a further report on the initiative at its first meeting in 2007. If the concept is supported, Standards Australia may develop further handbook/standards proposals based on leading initiatives by other state associations.

LGA of SA President Councillor John Rich, a member of the ALGA Board, said that in the past, councils had worked hard at many of the issues covered by the handbooks "but the reality is the core elements should be common across Australia and perhaps internationally."

AusLink Strategic Regional Program: second project announcedt

The Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, the Hon Jim Lloyd MP, and Victorian Liberal Senator Rod Kemp, today announced the second project funded under the AusLink Strategic Regional Program.

Mr Lloyd confirmed the Hume City Council will receive $1.83 million from the $220 million AusLink Strategic Regional Program towards a $2.6 million upgrade to Arundel and Annandale Roads in Keilor in Melbourne's north-west.

The project involves upgrading the existing narrow and gravel sections of Arundel and Annandale Roads, which provide a strategic link for freight distribution and traffic through the back entrance to Melbourne Airport from the Calder Freeway.

Mr Lloyd congratulated the Hume City Council for its successful application and confirmed other announcements across Australia of large category projects would follow. Projects submitted under the small category of the program are still under active consideration.

The Hume City Council will contribute $770,000 of their own funds in partnership with the Australian Government and the project is expected to take some 15 months to complete.

Mr Lloyd said there has been a strong interest in the Program with 495 applications for funding being received across Australia seeking more than $1 billion in funding.
From the President

Australian federalism and the governance of our nation has emerged as a hot topic of debate following the recent High Court ruling in favour of the Australian Government's workplace laws.

The majority - five of the seven High Court judges - rejected the state and union arguments and upheld the government position which many believe has led to an increase in federal powers.

Legal and media commentators argue that the decision gives the Australian Government free rein to right roughshod over the states and move into traditional areas of state responsibility such as health and education.

The dissenting judges, the progressive Michael Kirby and conservative Ian Callinan, raised concerns, with Justice Callinan saying the decision would have far-reaching consequences for the future integrity of the federation and was contrary to the intention of the founders of our Constitution.

The Attorney-General Philip Ruddock and the Prime Minister were quick to reassure the states that the focus was on working together and that the governmental arrangements were not going to fundamentally change.

However, the states do not appear to be convinced. It is interesting to see that some state premiers are now canvassing the possibility of a constitutional convention. While the details of this convention are not clear, local government would support a convention but the purpose of the convention must be clear and it must involve all three spheres of government. A convention, backed by all spheres of government would provide an opportunity to rethink roles, responsibilities and funding arrangements.

2GB host Alan Jones on the 'Today' show last week called for a redefinition of commonwealth, state and local government powers, calling Australian federalism a "mess, and a lopsided mess at that." He said the public "might well opt for a national government and where decentralisation is necessary, better fund local government which has always been closer to the interests and needs of the community."

We are ready to take part in a debate on federalism - it can only be of benefit to the Australian community. Wherever I go people say the same thing. They are tired of the blame shifting, buck passing and duplication, they want their problems solved and want more cooperation between the spheres of governments.

A Constitutional Convention set up with a clear purpose, broad support, and well-thought out goals would be a significant development for Australia and one that local government would back all the way.

Local government would also welcome a forum to consider constitutional recognition for local government as part of the discussions around federalism and definition of powers. Local government achieved a milestone with the historic parliamentary resolution on recognition of local government passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate recently. I believe the words of the resolution would be a good starting point.

Now we must consider forging a path towards our cherished goal of constitutional recognition. When the time is right, I believe local government should convene a constitutional summit of local government leaders, which could be aligned to the National General Assembly, to map out a strategy and a path towards gaining constitutional recognition. However, we can not call for a third referendum until we have full community and bipartisan political support. Next time, we will pull it off - we can not afford to fail.

Cr Paul Bell AM
ALGA President

More good news on timber bridges

The Shires Association of NSW has welcomed informal talks with the State Roads Minister (Eric Roozendaal) which could lead to a more flexible approach to future funding of replacement of timber bridges in rural and regional NSW.

The President of the Shires Association, Cr Col Sullivan OAM, said councils were appreciative of a $60 million offer by the State Government to fund a replacement program over three years, on a dollar for dollar ratio, with approved councils.

"I spoke with the Minister today at the Country Mayors Association (CMA) annual conference, and I'm satisfied he will look favourably at our needs for rural as well as regional roads to be included when assessing future priorities," Cr Sullivan said.

He also commended the Country Mayors Association for their efforts to jointly work for major reform in local government.

"We are working as partners for change in rural and regional areas of the State," Cr Sullivan said.

He congratulated outgoing President of the Country Mayors Association, Cr Phil Silver (Mayor of Ballina) for his two years service in office.

The new CMA President is Cr Frank Pangallo MBE, Mayor of Queanbeyan City Council.

Local Government Roads and Transport Strategy

The Australian Local Government Association's ten-year Roads and Transport Strategy will be launched on Thursday by ALGA President Cr Paul Bell, AM.

The five-part plan focuses on the challenges facing Australian communities, including pollution, traffic congestion in our cities, the increase in freight movement, public transport, ageing communities and land use planning. Cr Bell will be calling on the Australian Government to work with councils to address these issues.

With the level of freight expected to more than double by 2020, and local government responsible for 80% of all Australian roads, local government is a key player in transport and will continue to play a major role for the next ten years and beyond.

The launch will take place at the National General Assembly of Local Government on Thursday 30 November, 2006 at 9am at the Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre, Constitution Avenue, Canberra

Councils urged to plan for diabetes epidemic

Diabetes Australia - Victoria is calling on local councils to understand the diabetes epidemic affecting their residents and to plan for the future.

The Chief Executive of Diabetes Australia - Victoria, Greg Johnson said: "The emerging hotspots are alarming and we are asking local councils to consider preventative actions in their forward planning strategies."

"Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and is largely preventable but the challenge is to turn the trend around."

"Type 2 diabetes has become one of the leading threats to the health of all Victorians and with the complications of heart attack, stroke; blindness and kidney damage it must be taken very seriously."

"We are calling on Mayors and CEOs of local government areas to make diabetes prevention a priority."

"The challenge is to tackle the diabetes epidemic in all local areas and offer community support and education around nutrition, physical activity and weight management.

"We want to encourage recreation and active transport including walking and cycling. Also to urge Mayors and CEOs to include cultural and affordable activities in their planning and make sure there is access to healthy food for the whole community," Mr Johnson said.

The figures also show the dramatic increase in the prevalence of diabetes in some metropolitan municipalities in Melton 94%, Whittlesea 92% Casey 90% Hume 90% and in country areas a staggering increase in Mildura 129%, Macedon Ranges and West Wimmera 95%, Queenscliffe 92% and Greater Shepparton 90%.

Augmented Australasian Police Ministers Council

The Augmented Australasian Police Ministers Council met in Adelaide on 17 November 2006 to discuss emergency management issues. The meeting brought together those Ministers with responsibility for emergency management and the President of the Australian Local Government Association, who was represented by Cr Bob Abbott, Board Member from Queensland.

Among the more important issues discussed by the Council was the need for a rapid damage assessment capability which would be able to assess the impact of disasters in terms of casualties and essential service needs within the first few hours after a disaster. The Council called for a report on options to develop such a capability at its next meeting. Cr Bob Abbott emphasised the need to ensure that local government was appropriately engaged in such an assessment role.

The Council discussed ways forward for nationally consistent community information and warning systems and noted that this issue was being pursued through a National Forum on Emergency Warnings to the Community, which will meet in early 2007.

The Council also received a presentation on the implication of Climate Change and Emergency Management and agreed to undertake further work on the impact of climate change on risk to communities. Climate Change is an area of growing concern to local government and ALGA has recently provided input into the Australian Greenhouse Office's draft National Climate Adaptation Framework noting the importance of local government receiving information on the expected impact of climate change.

The Ministerial Council debated the issue of greater recognition and support for emergency services volunteers and agreed that further work be undertaken on the possibility of tax concessions for emergency management volunteers. The issue of tax concessions has been supported strongly by some jurisdictions (WA in particular) but so far has not been positively received by the Australian Government which has instead moved to provide grant support to volunteer organisations rather than financial support for individual volunteers.

The issue of reduced fire risk cigarettes and the possible introduction of a national product standard in Australia to ensure discarded cigarettes self-extinguish was also debated with the states seeking a regulatory approach to the issue by the Australian Government and the Australian Government, while not opposed to that move, pointing out the COAG requirements for a Regulatory Impact Statement and the need to cover off other issues, including liability.

Cyclone Larry debris risk

Tonnes of debris left by Cyclone Larry is worrying North Queensland residents who fear severe winds could turn the objects into missiles.

The head of the Cyclone Larry Operation Recovery Task Force, retired defence force chief General Peter Cosgrove, met with local councils to discuss ways the debris could be cleared before summer storms strike.

There are around 100 houses in the region which still have tarpaulins covering damage from the cyclone.

General Cosgrove said Larry's legacy meant debris would continue to be "picked out of paddocks for years".

"Cane farmers are going to be cutting (their crops) and all of a sudden they'll come across tin lying on the ground," he said. "There's also a lot of vegetation around that was whipped up by Larry. So, we're talking to the councils today about cleaning waterways and areas that remain inundated with debris before it turns into missiles in big storms. We need it taken to a safe place and destroyed."

Launch of emergency information website

An internet portal that allows the public to access emergency information across Australia has been launched in Adelaide today.

The Australian Disaster Information Network (AusDIN) will provide links to emergency management organisations in every state and territory.

The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, launched the site at a meeting of emergency services ministers and said it would prove invaluable.

"With the internet being such a popular source of information, this initiative will give people the information they need to learn about events such as bushfires, floods or cyclones," Mr Ruddock said.

"The launch of AusDIN comes at a particularly relevant time with the start of the summer natural disaster season upon us."

Funding for this project - $366,000 - was provided to a multi-jurisdictional team from the Working Together to Manage Emergencies Australian Government initiative, announced by the Attorney-General late last year. It has been a collaborative effort with each state and territory emergency management agency.

The AusDIN site will also tap into weather reports, spatial information, warnings and alerts, and provide information on preparing for disasters and what to do in times of evacuation. There will be links to recovery organisations, charity and support groups, and international links.

AusDIN is the first whole-of-government emergency management initiative to use the internet to link and share information relevant to the sector.

Environment snapshot: recycling up, but e-waste a looming issue

Australians are recycling nearly half their waste (46%), but are facing a major electronic waste (e-waste) challenge, according to the latest national snapshot of environmental issues and trends released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today. Website: www.abs.gov.au

Australia's Environment: Issues and Trends presents a range of statistics from both ABS and other sources on trends in environmental issues of concern. Each year, a particular environmental issue is addressed in detail - this year the issue is solid waste.

The publication's feature article on solid waste looks at the emerging issue of e-waste, a popular name for electronic goods nearing the end of their "useful life". E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste types and the problem of e-waste is global. Australians are some of the highest users of new technology in the world. Ecorecycle Victoria figures show that each year, Australians buy more than 2.4 million personal computers (PCs) and more than one million televisions. However, the stockpile of used, obsolete electronic products keeps growing.

It has been estimated that in Australia, in 2006, there will be around 1.6 million computers disposed of in landfill, another 1.8 million in storage (in addition to the 5.3 million already gathering dust in garages and other storage areas) and half a million recycled, according to the "Advancing Australia" report from the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.

E-waste in Australia is estimated to be growing at more than three times the rate of general municipal waste (domestic waste from households and other council waste such as park and street litter bins). The total amount of waste Australians generated increased from 22.7 million tonnes in 1996-97 to 32.4 million tonnes in 2002-03, of which just over one-quarter was municipal waste.

Recycling for all types of waste in Australia has grown over the past 20 years, increasing by 825% between 1996-97 and 2002-03. Recycling was most popular in the Australian Capital Territory where rates of total waste generated for recycling were 69% in 2002-03, followed by South Australia (63%) and Victoria (51%).

The feature article also looks at the issues of household hazardous waste, plastic bags, tyres and used oils disposal.

The publication also includes statistics on environmental issues of concern.

State/territory trends:

  • Despite recent environmental issues such as drought and climate change, public concern about environmental issues dropped by 5.1% between 2001 and 2004. The Northern Territory had the lowest level of concern in 2004 (46%) while people in the Australian Capital Territory reported the highest level of concern (69%) followed by South Australia and Western Australia (63%).
  • In 2002-03, people in New South Wales generated more than 12 million tonnes of solid waste, of which nearly half (almost 6 million tonnes) was recycled.
  • New South Wales was the largest irrigating state in 2004-05, representing nearly 40% of Australia's total area irrigated and just over a third of Australia's total irrigation water used.
  • In 2004-05, Western Australia had the highest application rate of irrigation water of all states, with 6.0 megalitres per hectare applied.
  • Victoria reported the highest number of agricultural establishments irrigating at 9,828 and accounted for about one-quarter of Australia's total irrigated area.
  • Victorians generated 8.6 million tonnes of solid waste in 2002-03. Of this, 51%, or 4.4 million tonnes, was recycled.
  • Queenslanders recycled about one-third of the 4 million tonnes they generated in 2002-03.
  • Of the 3.5 million tonnes of solid waste generated in South Australia in 2002-03, 63% (2.2 million tonnes) was recycled.
  • Although solar energy was used by 4% of Australian households in 2005 (primarily for heating water), 42% of Northern Territory households used solar energy (the highest of any state or territory).
Asbestos victims launch safe roof campaign

Sydney's Asbestos Diseases Foundation (ADFA) is launching a major campaign to warn residents of a growing, invisible danger in their midst.

Under the slogan of "The roof over your head could put you six feet under", the Safe Roof Campaign is intended to alert the community to the dangers of corrugated asbestos cement roofs, to secure the eventual replacement or encapsulation of asbestos cement roofs in NSW, and to reduce the incidence of deaths from asbestos-related diseases.

"ADFA will be campaigning to persuade municipal councils to make pre-renovation asbestos inspections compulsory and to persuade the NSW State Government to legislate for compulsory inspections of all pre-1984 roofs of residential, commercial and industrial properties," ADFA president Barry Robson said.

New initiatives for council employees survey

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) are seeking information and support from employees, who are eligible for retirement within the next 6 years.

By 2010 it is estimated that over 55% of our present work force will be eligible for retirement. Whilst recruiting younger workers is essential now and in the future, the tightening labour market means we need to provide more strategies for effective retention, development and motivation of our ageing work force.

In March of this year over 1,100 local government employees responded to the option of transitional employment - these results have been posted to the LGAQ website and copies distributed to your CEO. The responses were overwhelmingly in favour of local government councils considering new initiatives for mature age workers to stay in employment (ie Transitional Employment).

LGAQ as a result of these responses is keen to identify specific initiatives for councils to consider in the future. For the purpose of this survey, 'transitional employment' is any form of employment or engagement undertaken after your eligible retirement age.

A 5-minute online survey has been developed to try and identify new initiatives.

To access this Survey:

  • Log on to LGAQ Website - www.lgaq.asn.au
  • Look for the 'Quick Poll' located at the bottom of the left hand menu.
  • Click on New Initiatives Survey link

The survey closes on Friday, 3 November 2006.

Clarification on how GST applies to appropriations

The Tax Office has released a new ruling which provides clarification and guidance for government agencies to work out if a payment is covered by an appropriation for GST purposes.

Goods and Services Tax Ruling GSTR 2006/11 Goods and services tax: appropriations replaces the previous ruling GSTR 2004/5 Goods and services tax: appropriations.

This ruling clarifies the difference between funding payments that may be covered by an appropriation and money used in commercial operations of government. It includes explanations and examples of funding payments that are covered by an appropriation. The documentation requirements for appropriations have been significantly relaxed, and the requirement to have names of government-related entities specified in relevant supporting documents has been removed.

Relevant supporting documents now include:

  • ministerial statements
  • speeches or media releases related to the Budget or Appropriation Act
  • Budget documentation
  • letters from a minister
  • funding deeds
  • memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and
  • service level agreements.

How this ruling affects you.

The ruling applies from 22 November 2006. Organisations that have previously relied on a GST private ruling or GSTR 2004/5 to determine whether a payment is covered by an appropriation are protected in relation to those payments. After 22 November 2006, organisations can not rely on a GST private ruling to the extent of any inconsistency with GSTR 2006/11. Organisations should review funding arrangements and decide if GST has been applied correctly to any payments. If funding arrangements have been treated incorrectly, further information on what to consider is available from the Tax Office website www.ato.gov.au search for 'Important points to consider in relation to GSTR2006/11'.

A copy of the ruling is also available from www.ato.gov.au Go to the 'For Government', then 'Rulings, policies and law'.

People requiring clarification on how this ruling applies to their circumstances can request a GST private ruling by writing to the Tax Office at PO Box 9935 in your capital city or by sending a fax to 1300 139 031.

NGA2996
Quote of the week

"The whole town has been talking about it and everybody's ringing, 'Did you see snow? Did you see snow?'"
    - Ballandean resident Leanne Puglisi-Gangemi on the snow that blanketed her south-east Queensland town - part of a cold snap that affected all of the eastern states.

State of the Regions report 2005-06