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Local government wins NSW election campaign

With the NSW election being held tomorrow, the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSANSW) has had substantial success with its campaign to put pressure on the major parties to include issues relevant to local government and local communities in their election platforms.

ALGA President Cr Paul Bell said that it was important that State Associations ensured that local government issues were at the forefront of election campaigns and that the major parties were held accountable. "I congratulate the LGSA of NSW for its proactive, upfront approach to the campaign. Local communities have benefited from the excellent advocacy displayed by NSW local government leadership. After the election, the real work will begin to ensure that these promises are implemented."

The LGSA has released a summary of the policy promises of the major parties in the lead up to the NSW State Election.

Based on the Associations General Policy Platform as well as separate policy papers, the card lists 16 actions required by the incoming State Government to address the main challenges facing local government.

The signing of an IGA, a guarantee of no forced amalgamations and the establishment of an independent planning commission are just some of the big ticket items.

"It is no secret that there are significant challenges facing local government which are impacting on communities, and as such require urgent and committed attention from the incoming State Government," President of the Local Government Association of NSW, Cr Genia McCaffery said.

"The report card will help councils and their communities to interpret the policy promises of the major parties and understand how each commitment will impact on them before they vote on 24 March."

"We are encouraged that each party has committed to no forced amalgamations, but as yet the Greens are the only party willing to return planning powers to councils and take the reduction of waste seriously by introducing container deposit legislation and returning a majority of the waste levy."

President of the Shires Association of NSW, Cr Col Sullivan OAM, said he was pleased that the Opposition had formally responded to the LGSAs' policy platform. He added that while the Government's recognition of local government in the State Plan was a good start, the Associations were still waiting for a more detailed response to their policy platform.

"Local government affects every resident in NSW from the moment they wake up until they go to sleep at night - and the Government can demonstrate its commitment to local government by signing an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA)," Cr Sullivan said.

"We are also disappointed that the Government has said outright it will not review rate pegging, when it’s clear that it is one of the reasons councils are struggling to provide for their communities."

Cr Sullivan said he was pleased that both the Government and Opposition had committed funding to the Timber Bridges Program and the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program (CTWSSP).

To view the Associations General Policy platform or separate policy papers go to www.lgsa.org.au/www/html/1315-election-policy-platform.asp?intSiteID=1.

World's greatest shave

Local government's involvement in community activities and causes is shown by Holroyd City Council which is setting a fine example with its enthusiastic involvement in the World's Greatest Shave campaign.

Six Holroyd City Council officers - all women - agreed to either shave or colour their hair as part of the Leukaemia Foundation's national fundraising event. Pictured is Elizabeth Power, a parking officer with the council.

They hope to raise $5,000 for the care and aid of people living with leukaemias, lymphomas and melanoma. So far $2,500 has been raised with donations still rolling in.

For more information about the organisers of the national event, please contact www.worldsgreatestshave.com

Local Government Cycling Survey

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The Australian Bicycle Council, with the support of ALGA, is undertaking a survey of local government to benchmark the current status of cycling at the local government level across Australia.

Councils will be contacted by mail in the next week or so with details of where and how to complete an electronic survey form. The Australian Bicycle Council expects that it will take no more than 20 minutes to complete the 20 questions in the survey by Tuesday 10 April.

The survey has been designed to establish at a national level:

  • the current level of cycling infrastructure;
  • the current level of priority for cycling within local government; and
  • how the Australian Bicycle Council can facilitate local government involvement in cycling activities.

Any queries about the survey can directed to the survey coordinator; Sarah Boeske (07) 3834 8167.
From the President

This week's column is in the form of an invitation for all of you to join me in Newcastle from July 8-10 for the Local Government Roads and Transport Congress in what is shaping up to be a very interesting policy landscape in this federal election year.

Over the past couple of years we have worked with great determination to agree on local government's priorities for the future. Our hard work culminated with a formal launch of the Local Government Roads and Transport Strategy at the National General Assembly in November 2006.

Together, we have lifted the profile of roads and transport and now we must ensure that local roads and transport registers as a key issue for this year's federal election. This is reflected in the theme for our Congress - VOTE 1 For Roads and Transport-delivering on the local government strategy.

It is year one of our Local Government Roads and Transport Strategy and it is imperative that we move to implement that strategy and deliver on the promise it offers.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers report into the financial sustainability of local government has shown the pressure that all councils are under to meet the challenges of contemporary society including the need for mobility and access. Some of the challenges facing local government that our communities-the voters of Australia-expect to be addressed are pollution and traffic congestion in our cities, the increase in freight movement, the adequacy of public transport, the impact of ageing communities on transport needs and land use planning.

Local government has been successful in recent years in obtaining funding for the Roads to Recovery, the Strategic Regional and Blackspot Programs. These are programs the Australian community quite rightly expects to continue.

We need bipartisan commitments to continue these projects and a national approach to transport planning and development. We need commitments from any future national government to emulate the vision of national governments around the world to fund urban transport, by working with states and local government to deliver tangible steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing global warming.

We have our strategy and we have a good representation of politicians from the government and the opposition speaking at this year's Congress, including the Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads Jim Lloyd and the Opposition spokesman for Transport and Roads, Martin Ferguson.

This is where I need your help. It is up to all of us in local government to spread the word and impress upon policy-makers and opinion-leaders the importance of roads and transport for local communities. Local government has shown we can meet the expectations of communities by delivering projects on time and on budget.

I look forward to working with you at the Congress so that together we can secure lasting solutions to the transport needs of our communities.

Cr Paul Bell AM
ALGA President

Discovering the economic benefits of tourism

The Minister for Small Business and Tourism the Hon Fran Bailey MP wrote to all local government Chief Executive Officers on 11 January 2007 releasing the re-developed Tourism Impact Model (TIM).

TIM was originally developed by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources (DITR) to assist local councils in measuring the overall costs and benefits of tourism on their budgets and local economy. A copy of the model and the associated manual was sent to the Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of councils in March 2004 and an update sent to all councils in 2005.

The model was re-developed for DITR with the aim of making the TIM Interface more user-friendly and easier to operate and navigate. The re-development of TIM is complete and the new model provides internet based access and functionality for users. It also allows councils to assess multiple projects and compare the financial impact of several proposals or scenarios.

Councils can access the model via a unique logon and password. The logon system will ensure wider access and greater security than was the case in the past as well as the confidentiality of all information input by councils. The model is accessible, at no charge, through the following website: http://www.newtim.com.au.

TIM's potential uses are many. TIM is a model which can provide an assessment of the economic impact of tourism. It may, for instance, be useful in developing applications for the Australian Tourism Development Program (ATDP). Information on ATDP can be found on www.ausindustry.gov.au. Round 4 of this program is currently open with applications closing on Friday, 27 April 2007.

Many people have already found the re-developed TIM to be an improved tool for estimating the value of tourism in their area. For instance:

'Just got the letter from the Minister. Terrific news that the TIM model is to be redeveloped and made more user friendly, I agree that it was a tad complicated.' Margaret Nicholls, Manager Economic and Community Development, City of Geraldton

If you have not received the letter and your personalised password, you are most welcome to contact the Department (Dr Paul Kauffman, Email: paul.kauffman@industry.gov.au or Tel 026213 7664).

Scrap stamp duty, Costello tells states

The Treasurer Peter Costello will demand state governments abolish taxes on business real estate transactions, a move that would cost NSW more than $800 million a year in lost revenue.

In an interview with the Herald, the federal Treasurer said he would ask his state counterparts to agree to a timetable for removing stamp duty on commercial property transactions at next week's treasurers' meeting.

Mr Costello said the states had a massive "windfall" from the GST. "As far as we are concerned, part of the agreement in return for the introduction of the GST is for the abolition of stamp duty on business conveyances and we will insist that that be done," he said.

The states and territories agreed last year to phase out $1.8 billion a year in taxes on most other business transactions - including leases, securities and hire purchase contracts - by 2012. Now Mr Costello wants them to remove $3.1 billion in tax on business transfers of non-residential property such as shops, office buildings, factories and land.

It would "facilitate the merger, acquisition, sale and purchase of businesses which would give a big impetus to business activity".

"They are looking at ways to stimulate the NSW property market and the state economy ... This is the point I keep making: it is not a hardship to abolish a tax, it is a good thing because it will lead to increased economic activity."

The stamp duty was a double tax because businesses also paid GST on those transactions.

Mr Costello added: "The [GST] windfall that the states will collectively be getting, over and above the guaranteed amounts, will be $3.3 billion in 2007-08, $4.5 billion in 2008-09 and $4.9 billion in 2009-10 ... Even with the abolition of [the stamp duty] they will still be getting windfalls."

World Mayor 2007

Between now and the end of May, City Mayors, the international network for strong cities and good local government, is seeking nominations for World Mayor 2007. The annual World Mayor Project, which was last year won by Melbourne Mayor John So, aims to raise the profile of mayors worldwide, as well as to honour those who have served their communities well and who have made contributions to the well-being of cities nationally and internationally.

City Mayors Editor Tann vom Hove said: "We are looking for mayors who have shown that they have the vision, the passion and the skills to make their cities amazing places to live in, to work in and to visit." The most outstanding mayor of 2007 will be presented with the World Mayor Award.

More information:

http://www.worldmayor.com/voting/voting2007.html

http://www.worldmayor.com/voting/voting2006.html

The World Mayor competition, which is conducted on the internet, takes place over two stages. Between now and the end of May, the organisers are inviting nominations from across the world. Tann vom Hove said: "Everybody with an interest in cities and local government can put forward a mayor for the World Mayor 2007 title." After the closure of the nomination stage, City Mayors will draw up a shortlist of 50 finalists who will compete for the 2007 Award. All finalists will be asked to submit a manifesto, describing their visions for their cities.

OECD report urges cities to adopt flexible strategies and smart taxes

In a new report on competitive cities, the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) makes a number of recommendations for cities to compete successfully nationally and internationally. After having studied the 78 largest metro regions in OECD countries, the report’s authors write: "Successful cities attract talented young highly-skilled workers, are centres of innovation and entrepreneurship and are competitive locations for global and regional headquarters."

More volunteers to share in $10 million

An additional $10 million will be distributed to assist volunteers in more than 4,400 community organisations across Australia in response to an unprecedented funding application round for Volunteer Small Equipment Grants (VSEG.)

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Mal Brough has announced that due to unprecedented demand in the 2006 funding round he had secured an additional $10 million in funding to meet the demand, taking total funding in the '06 round to $16 million.

"These grants have been allocated to volunteer organisations which demonstrate that their work significantly contributes to supporting families and strengthening local communities," Mr Brough said.

"The grants are used for a wide variety of purposes; for example, by Meals on Wheels organisations to purchase new equipment such as urns and kitchen utensils and; first aid kits and GPS equipment for local scout groups."

A hotline service on 1800 197 760 will be available to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants. This extension concludes the 2006 VSEG funding round. Future VSEG rounds will require new applications.

More information is available on the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website.

Call for rates rebates for those receiving drought assistance

The Australian Minister for Human Services has written to ALGA asking it to alert councils to the fact that recent publicity has led to a surge in applications for drought assistance.

"In light of our current high volume of claims for drought assistance, I am seeking your agreement to the ALGA advising members of the quantum of claims being processed and requesting that they give sympathetic consideration (subject to state and local government policy direction and legislation) when assessing rates payable by municipal rate payers in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas," the Minister said.

"While Centrelink has allocated significant additional resources to process claims, some customers who have received their municipal rates notice from their local government authorities may be disadvantaged while waiting for their claims to be processed."

The Minister noted that the Victorian State Government already has provision for a 50% concession on the rates and charges payable by farmers currently assessed to be in Exceptional Circumstances and receiving Centrelink Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payments.

2007 Prime Minister's Community Business Partnership Awards

Nominations have opened for the 2007 Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships.

Now in their ninth year, the Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of partnerships across metropolitan and regional areas throughout Australia.

Partnerships have included programs to improve literacy, helping homeless youth find accommodation, helping long term unemployed find work and improving the quality of life for people who need special care, such as the disabled or elderly.

This year will include a new award, the Special Award for Contribution to an Indigenous Community, which recognises the significant corporate sector contribution to Indigenous communities or services.

Nominations close on 27 April 2007. For more information and nomination forms visit www.partnerships.gov.au or call 1800 102 014 (freecall).

Parramatta reopens mall to combat crime

Parramatta City Council reopened its Church Street mall to cars this week in an effort to build trade and to counter crime and antisocial behaviour.

With inner-city violence such a pressing problem in Newcastle, the Parramatta move will be watched closely by other councils. Calls have come already for Newcastle City Council to follow suit by reopening the Hunter Street mall.

Main streets were turned into pedestrian malls all over Australia in the 1970s and 1980s, but changing shopping habits and the unforeseen after-dark menace mean that their success is being questioned.

State of the Regions report 2006-07
New Minister for Ageing

The Prime Minister John Howard has appointed South Australian, Christopher Pyne as Minister for Ageing to replace Senator Santoro who resigned over breaches of disclosure rules.

Teresa Gambaro MP, Parliamentary Secretary in the Immigration and Citizenship portfolio, will become Assistant Minister.

Senator Brett Mason will become Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing.

ALGA President Cr Paul Bell will write to the new Minister outlining ALGA's position on aged care issues and seek a commitment to the continuation of the collaborative work between ALGA and the Australian Government in the ageing policy area.

New Minister Christopher Pyne says he'll spend time familiarising himself with his portfolio. "Look you never expect anything in politics," he said. "You just be given a job and you do the best you can with it and I've had three years as a Parliamentary Secretary or Assistant Minister and this is the chance to move to the next level and hopefully I'll be able to fulfill the expectations that the Prime Minister's placed in me."

Review recommends major reform of Indigenous housing

Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough has released the report of the independent review of the Community Housing and Infrastructure Program (CHIP) 'Living in a Sunburnt Country' which recommends major reforms in the funding and delivery of Indigenous housing. A feedback form is attached to the online copy of the report which is available on the FaCSIA website at www.facsia.gov.au

Beyondblue and Rural Doctors tackling depression together

Beyondblue: the national depression initiative and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) are launching a new TV and radio Community Service Announcement (CSA) featuring RDAA Patron, The Hon. Tim Fischer AC.

As part of Beyondblue's National Drought Campaign, Don't beat about the bush!, the CSA encourages rural Australians to seek help from their local doctor for mental health problems like depression, as well as physical health problems.

The two organisations have been working together to raise awareness of depression in country areas and to inform rural Australians of where help is available. "With much of rural Australia still in prolonged drought - and with a variety of other challenges facing those living in the bush - many farmers, their families and those who provide service industries in rural towns are continuing to experience immense financial, psychological and emotional pressure," RDAA President, Dr Peter Rischbieth said.

The Beyondblue Rural Info Kit is free and can be ordered along with existing Beyondblue fact sheets, posters and DVDs via the Beyondblue website at www.beyondblue.org.au or by calling the Beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636 (local call).

$1.6million proceeds of crime funding up for grabs

Thousands of Western Australian victims of crime or those struggling with the effects of drugs will be helped by $1.6million seized from criminals.

Attorney General Jim McGinty said since the introduction of the Criminal Property Confiscation Act in 2003 more than $3.7million in grants had already been given to WA organisations to run anticrime campaigns.

"This is a bit like the story of Robin Hood with the State Government taking from criminals to give to the victims," Mr McGinty said.

"Most people agree that criminals should not be allowed to get rich from taking advantage of the vulnerable."

"I encourage community groups, local councils and notforprofit organisations to apply for a part of this year's funding round of $1.6million.

"Grants must be used to either provide support services to crime victims, prevent drug related criminal activities or undertake community safety and crime prevention activities."

Information and application forms for the 2007 round of funding can be downloaded from http://www.ministers.wa.gov.au/mcginty/index.cfm (under Features ) or call Department of the Attorney General Grants Administrator Shirley Cameron for more details on 9264 6396.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on April 5.

Mosman Council calls on NSW councils to follow smoking bans

A northern Sydney council has called on NSW councils to follow its lead and ban smoking in public places.

Mosman Council, on Sydney's lower north shore, last week unanimously decided to extend its smoking bans after residents lobbied for tougher smoking restrictions.

The ban means smoking is now no longer allowed in parks, public squares, bus shelters and council car parks.

It comes on top of restrictions already in place at beaches, outdoor dining areas, children's playgrounds, public events, playing fields and the grounds of council managed buildings.

Mosman Mayor Denise Wilton said the earlier bans had been in place for the past three years and had led to an overall reduction in smoking in the municipality.

"We've really seen a difference in the amount of people smoking in public places," Ms Wilton said.

"We did this because we've had calls for the community to take further steps."

The ban will not apply to the footpaths, roads or private businesses.

"Members of the public will approach people who they see smoking on the beach or in parks and tell them it is not allowed and they risk a fine of $110," councillor Andrew Brown told News Ltd.

Mosman was also the first local government to ban smoking in outdoor dining areas and on beaches.

Protect your computer from Internet scams

Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, is promoting the 2007 Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce initiative encouraging Australian Internet users to protect their computers.

The Australian Government's online security website, www.staysmartonline.gov.au provides simple advice on how to secure your computer, transact and interact safely online.

"I encourage Australian Internet users to visit Stay Smart Online to keep up to date with the latest online security threats," said Senator Coonan. "I welcome the strong representation by the telecommunications and Internet industries in support of the campaign. The Internet Industry Association has helped galvanise a strong industry participation and commitment to this coordinated government-business-community campaign. We are much more effectively reaching consumers and the public with our joint efforts."

"Protecting Your Computer is the theme for the third week of a four week campaign by the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce."

The Taskforce recommends a number of simple steps that Australians can take to protect themselves online from Internet scams:

  1. Keep your security software up-to-date;
  2. Don't respond in any way to unsolicited emails; and
  3. If in doubt, delete.

Local Government Flower Garden Awards winners

Drought conditions across most of Australia resulted in limited entries for the 2006 Australian Local Government Flower Garden Awards but judges commended the efforts and the gardens of all those who entered.

"Considering the tough circumstances and water restrictions with which they had to work, it is great to see councils still putting effort into brightening up their communities with colourful displays of annuals," they said.

The Awards were open to council gardens and public spaces planted last year and supported by the Australian Local Government Association and sponsored by Toro Australia, irrigation specialists.

The winners are:

Rockdale City Council - NSW Metropolitan Award. Rockdale submitted a streetscape planting in Ramsgate Road, a busy road adjacent to a shopping centre. The judges commended such the excellent display of colour and quality of plants in a difficult location - very impressive. Petunias, marigolds and salvia were used in median strip and street corner and roundabout on one of Ramsgate Roads busy intersections.

Newcastle City Council - NSW Regional Award. Judges agreed that the design and quality of display in the gardens of King Edward Park was outstanding and warranted an award. The combination of pansies, primula and cineraria created an eye catching display.

Colac Otway Shire Council - Victorian Award. 2004's Victorian winner had produced an even better displays in both winter and summer plantings. Moonface pansies and stocks were combined in one bed, while in another Poppies, snapdragons and patiolas were combined with ornamental kale to create a cottage garden effect.

City of Fremantle - WA Award. The judges were impressed by the simplicity and effect created by the entry submitted for a roundabout at the corner of Parry and William Streets in Fremantle. Circular plantings of red and white Spinnaker petunias produced a vibrant effect in an inhospitable location, and were in the club colours of the South Fremantle Football Club located adjacent to the corner!

The other entrants were Sutherland Shire Council in metropolitan Sydney (2 entries), City of Sydney (3 entries), City of Perth and Orange City Council in NSW, both with one entry.

A number of other councils had registered for the awards but did not submit entries because of the impact of the tough weather conditions on their displays.

Each State winner will receive a framed certificate, a plaque for display at the site of the winning garden and plant and irrigation product to the value of $1,000.

Images of and more information about the winning gardens can be sourced at the BPA website - www.beddingplants.com.au Released for BPA by GREEN PR - Neville Sloss, contact: 0414562010, or neville@greenpr.com.au

2007 - Year of the Surf Lifesaver

Surf Life Saving is 100 years old this year and has asked ALGA to promote fundraising for the Year of the Surf Life Saver. A recent study showed that 500 people would drown off our shores each year, and another 300 plus would be permanently incapacitated, were it not for the diligent efforts of Surf Life Saving. Contact Surf Life Saving Foundation on 1800 642 925. Website: www.lifesavingfoundation.com.au

Quote of the week

"I see ahead of me a huge mountain, it has got a lot of snow on top and a lot of jagged lips hanging out ... it's a bit of a race to the top but I think we have just got the base camp."
Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd on the upcoming election campaign

International news  

Seeking to kickstart stalled talks on climate change, the world's 13 major industrialised and emerging economies found seven broad areas of accord for tackling global warming and its effects during a two-day meeting in Potsdam, Germany.

But the US blocked consensus for supporting the carbon market, the centrepiece of the UN Kyoto Protocol's legally binding approach for tackling the greenhouse gases that cause the problem.

The meeting gathered environment ministers from the Group of Eight industrialised countries (Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the US) and Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa.

German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel described the meeting as "a big success" in providing momentum to addressing global warming.

"The discussion was very frank, very open and very free. It was a very positive atmosphere as well," Gabriel, whose country is current president of the G8, told reporters.

Yvo de Boer, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said: "This meeting exceeded my expectations. It was a very open, very constructive meeting."

"There's consensus on the need for urgency, on the need to move forward," de Boer said.

The ministers endorsed scientific evidence about global warming and climate change and agreed that the solutions for tackling it needed contributions from everyone, especially from industrialised countries, delegates said.

They also agreed that measures on climate change should not penalise the drive in developing countries for prosperity, that poor countries needed more help to adapt to climate shift, and that measures to stop deforestation should be stepped up.