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

Meeting with Minister for Vocational and Further Education

The President of the Australian Local Government Association, Cr Paul Bell, met with the Minister for Vocational and Further Education, Andrew Robb, at Parliament House recently.

At the meeting, Cr Bell opened discussion on matters relating to training and skills development within the local government sector.

"The meeting was timely, given the appointment of Mr Robb to the portfolio this year, the recent training policy announcements in the Budget and the release of the National Skills Shortage Strategy for Local Government," Cr Bell said.

"Unfortunately, like other sectors, local government is experiencing critical skills shortages, especially in the areas of town planning, environmental health, engineering and specialist outdoor labour," Cr Bell said. "To make matters worse, interference by State Governments such as Queensland with its recent decision to unilaterally fast-track local government amalgamation, is impacting local government's ability to attract, retrain and enhance the skills of the workforces."

Cr Bell discussed the Local Government Training Package, skills shortages, training opportunities for local government and Industry Skills Councils. "I was impressed with Minister Robb's strong grasp of the portfolio and his understanding of the critical issues facing local government," he said. "We discussed what some councils are doing in regard to offering traineeships and apprenticeships and the benefits they bring to address skill and employment shortages in regional areas."

Local Roads and Transport Congress - only 4 weeks to go

The ALGA Local Roads and Transport Congress in Newcastle on 8-10 July is now only four weeks away. Register now to avoid missing out.

A consistent feature of the Congress since its inception in 2000 has been its ability to attract high level political support. This year is no exception.

With the polls showing a possible change of government at the next Federal election it is important that councils hear directly from the relevant Opposition representatives that have responsibilities for those areas of local government interest.

Two key speakers this year will be the Shadow Minister for Transport, Roads and Tourism, Martin Ferguson, (pictured with ALGA President Cr Paul Bell) and the Shadow Minister for Local Government, Senator Kate Lundy.

Martin Ferguson has portfolio responsibility for AusLink including the Roads to Recovery, Strategic Regional and Blackspots Programs. Senator Kate Lundy has portfolio responsibility for Financial Assistance Grants and Grants Identified for Roads

Both these portfolio areas are of critical interest to local government.

The Opposition has indicated that it will continue these programs but has given no details of the levels of funding it would commit to these programs or how their administrative arrangements might be changed under a future Labor Government. Nor has Labor given any indication yet on what policy path it might take in relation to urban public transport.

The Local Roads and Transport Congress provides the opportunity to hear directly from the Opposition and to question the Labor Shadow Ministers.

Delegates can register and pay for the Congress online at www.alga.asn.au/roadscongress. The same site can be used for booking accommodation, the partner program and pre and post Congress tours.

Community infrastructure fails Australian communities

story3

Proposals submitted by councils to the Community Infrastructure Ideas Register reveal in graphic detail the state of local government infrastructure around Australia. With over 300 entries representing 60 councils from each state of Australia so far, local government is coming out in force to show that there is a grass-roots demand for the urgent renewal of community infrastructure.

This week, 'ALGA News' showcases Tumut Shire Council's public hall which is 80 years old and requires extensive repairs before it meets safety standards and can be used as a community facility. The estimated cost of the repairs are $50,000-$100,000 and would involve roofing, exterior wall rendering and painting, guttering and drainage, emergency exits, ceiling patching, balustrading, floorboards and other repairs required due to weathering and water penetration.

With a national infrastructure backlog in renewal work of $14.5 billion, local councils do not have the capacity to fix this problem on their own. The PricewaterhouseCoopers report into local government financing recommended a Local Government Infrastructure Renewal Fund (LCIRF) of $250m over 4 years and ALGA is presenting a strong case for the need for a LCIRF to both major parties in the lead-up to the federal election.

ALGA President Cr Paul Bell will be writing to all councils and State and Territory Associations early next week urging them to continue to submit examples of failing infrastructure in need of upgrading onto the Register at www.alga.asn.au.
From the President

Local government sustainability is the single most important issue facing councils across Australia.

That is why the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has set up a Community Infrastructure Ideas Register.

Many councils representing all states have already submitted ideas for projects they felt could be considered under a future Local Community Infrastructure Renewals Fund (LCIRF). Project ideas range from swimming pools to walking tracks, sporting facilities to upgrading senior citizen halls, meals on wheels facilities run from council kitchens, libraries, park benches, BBQs and playgrounds.

Local government is facing a national total backlog of renewal work of $14.5 billion. Much of this infrastructure was built in the 1950s and 1960s and is in urgent need of repair.

The criteria for submissions on the Register is that the Fund would renew existing ageing infrastructure and that it has a community purpose. The Fund of $250m over 4 years was recommended by the PricewaterhouseCoopers report into local government financing, commissioned by ALGA and released in December 2006. Neither water and sewerage infrastructure nor roads would be covered by such a fund and we would particularly appreciate examples of smaller projects involving modest expenditures (perhaps up to $50,000) to illustrate examples of what could be achieved by such a fund. Of course, councils may have examples of much larger projects and we want to hear about them too.

ALGA is using the information submitted on the Register to lobby both major parties to include an LCIRF in their election platforms in the lead-up to the federal election later this year.

We have had significant success with the Register so far with over 300 entries. However, we would like as many suggestions from councils as possible to demonstrate the urgent grass-roots need for such a fund and that it would significantly enhance the quality of life and the health and well-being of our local communities.

To this end, I encourage you to submit entries to the Register if you have not already done so. If you have registered some idea you might wish to consider further projects in your community that you believe should be brought to the attention of the Australian Government and the Opposition. If you have photos, all the better.

I also ask that you contact your local federal MPs and Senators and draw to their attention the significant benefits of establishing a Local Community Infrastructure Renewals Fund which we envisage would be established along the lines of the highly successful Roads to Recovery Program. Local government has a good story to tell on delivering outcomes and benefits for our communities and we must ensure that we continue to spread the word.

I thank you for your assistance in this very important matter. I will keep you updated on the numbers and types of projects on the Register through 'ALGA News.'

The Register is on the ALGA website: www.alga.asn.au

Cr Paul Bell AM
ALGA President

Cabinet meets to discuss broadband

Nationals leader Mark Vaile has declined to confirm whether the Federal Government will spend $900 million to boost internet speed in rural areas.

But he says those areas will be happy with the government broadband announcement.

Following a cabinet meeting this week, Treasurer Peter Costello promised a new high-speed broadband network for Australia's biggest cities will be built quickly and at no cost to taxpayers.

Mr Vaile refused to confirm newspaper reports the government would spend $900 million on boosting internet access and speed in regional areas under the broadband plan, however he has promised regional areas will get improved internet services.

Mr Vaile said a government announcement would be made soon.

Telstra's proposed $4.1 billion network would initially start in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and the Gold Coast and reach 50 per cent of homes and 60 per cent of businesses in the first 40 months.

The G9 consortium proposes to build a network that would cover five capital cities costing $3.6 billion over three years.

Although neither Telstra nor Optus is seeking government investment, both want legislative and regulatory changes and guarantees before going ahead.

G9 is proposing significantly lower initial prices for consumers but Telstra's prices are locked in over 14 years.

Sustainable Sydney 2030

If Sydney's love affair with the car continues at the current rate, by 2030 air pollution could kill one Sydneysider every four hours - eight times the number of people killed in motor vehicle accidents.

Based on current trends the prediction is one of the initial findings of the City of Sydney's Sustainable Sydney 2030. The vision includes projections on what Sydney would be like in 2030 and is a strong call to action for Sydneysiders.

The Report into Health Impacts of Air Pollution in the Sydney basin tabled in the NSW Legislative Council Committee in November 2006 indicates there are between 600-1400 deaths each year caused by air pollution.

With a 50 per cent increase in car travel and a doubling of container traffic predicted by 2030 the number of deaths caused by air pollution could rise to approximately 2,380 a year.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the predictions paint a bleak picture for Sydney in 2030 if nothing is done. The time to prepare and prevent this happening is now, Ms Moore said.

The Lord Mayor said that Sustainable Sydney 2030 was a landmark project designed to draw on all Sydneysiders and provide a joint community, government and business response to ensure Sydney remains sustainable. It will involve an extensive public consultation process and we will speak to residents, workers, visitors, businesses and the cultural sector, as well as Australian and International experts.

"The end result of Sustainable Sydney 2030 will be a series of visionary projects and programs to shape Sydney for generations to come," she said.

During the next few months, the City of Sydney will be seeking input, feedback and participation in the development of the vision with 11 community forums across Sydney, five City Talks, five business, cultural and government forums as well as a serious of round-table discussions with industries and ethnic community groups.

To learn more about Sustainable Sydney 2030, visit www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or call the City of Sydney on 9265-9333.

Queenslanders come out in force to oppose mergers

More than 23,000 people have signed petitions opposing the government's plan to force local council mergers.

16,000 people have signed petitions tabled in state parliament on Wednesday and an electronic petition, which is still open, has attracted around 7,300 signatures.

President of the Qld Local Government Association, Cr Paul Bell, said that this proved beyond doubt the falseness of the premier's claims that only local councillors, mayors and council CEOs oppose the planned mergers. "It is a huge response which shows the extent of the groundswell of opposition to the mergers and we expect more signatures on the electronic petition in the next few weeks," he said

Outback councils are preparing to stage a mass protest against the reforms on Friday.

Councils have urged residents to decorate their towns in red , saying this will symbolise the bleeding of support for the bush if amalgamations go ahead.

Anti-bullying DVD

Holroyd City Council has produced a unique DVD-based training package aimed at helping young people combat bullying.

The package, SPEAK OUT: Young People against bullying DVD and Workshop Guide Resource, was launched by Holroyd Mayor Clr Dr John H Brodie.

Mayor Dr Brodie said: "This resource was created by local young people as part of the Peer Education Project, which Holroyd City Council runs. The Peer Education Project targets young people aged 15 to 19 and aims to encourage them to contribute to the wellbeing of their communities."

The resource is ideal for upper primary schools to high schools, TAFEs, and youth organisations aiming to make young people more skilled about dealing with bullying - the key is through peer support and influence, Mayor Brodie said.

Proceeds from the sale of the resource will go towards funding further Peer Education Projects. Contact: Jennifer Bulley 02 9840 9939 or Hatice Vural on 02 9840 9912. The website is www.holroyd.nsw.gov.au

Vale Former Newcastle City Council Lord Mayor - Greg Heys

Greg Heys served a single term as Lord Mayor of Newcastle, from September 1995 to September 1999. Those four years were a time of great change for Newcastle, its council and the wider Hunter Region. Mr Heys, who died earlier this week aged 62, was at the head of a sometimes fractious council, but he was determined to retain the "more sensitive" style of decision-making he used as a social worker and urban planner. Newcastle's General Manager Janet Dore acknowledged that it was also under Greg's leadership that the council established a reputation for being at the forefront of environmental issues with the adoption of the green spaces strategy, the linking plan and the Newcastle environmental management plan." It was also under Greg's leadership that Newcastle ran the highly successful international Pathways to Sustainability Conference in 1997, showing the world just how serious the Newcastle community was in delivering a more sustainable future.

Festivals Funding

Funding opportunities are available through the current round of the Festivals Australia program and the Festivals Australia Regional Residencies program. Funding is primarily available for community and local government organizations that run festivals in regional and remote areas of Australia. The funding round closes on 16 July 2007, for projects starting after 1 January 2008. Regional, community and local government organizations can apply. Visit the websites for application forms and general information: www.dcita.gov.au/festivals or www.dcita.gov.au/festivals_residencies

Exercise Cumpston Evaluation Report

The Commonwealth Government has released the evaluation report of Exercise Cumpston 06, the health simulation exercise testing Australia's preparedness for a pandemic influenza outbreak.

Exercise Cumpston 06 was Australia's largest ever health exercise and was one of the first major exercises on pandemic influenza conducted in any country. The four-day live simulation exercise was held in October 2006.

The exercise simulated the arrival of an international flight carrying sick passengers, the emergence of the pandemic in the community and trialled the health system's capacity to contain and manage a pandemic.

Commonwealth, state and territory governments, medical associations, medical colleges and a range of non-government and private sector organisations participated in the exercise.

The exercise showed that Australia's pandemic response plans and preparations are sound and that, should a pandemic emerge, Australia's health system is well placed to respond effectively.

There are also areas for refinement and enhancement identified including crisis and communications coordination, information systems and the sustainability of response.

The Commonwealth Government is committed to the safety and security of all Australians and is giving detailed consideration to the matters raised in the report and will respond shortly.

The evaluation report was endorsed by the Australian Health Ministers' Conference and is available at www.health.gov.au/pandemic

State of the Regions report 2006-07
Cowra Mayor President of NSW Shires

Cr Bruce Miller has been elected as President of the Shires Association of NSW. He follows Cr Col Sullivan OAM, who held the position for the maximum two year period.

Cr Miller brings almost 20 years local government experience to the role.

He has been the Vice President of the Association for the past three years, is an executive member of the Central West Regional Organisation of Councils (CENTROC) and is on the board of the Strengthening Local Government Task Force.

A councillor with Cowra Shire since 1991, Cr Miller was Deputy Mayor between 1992 and 1994, and has been Mayor since September 1994.

NSW Shires Annual Conference

Speaking at the NSW Shires Association Annual Conference on Tuesday, ALGA Paul Bell thanked the Association for its work with ALGA on publicising the Local Community Infrastructure Renewals Fund and encouraging all councils to submit to the register which is on the ALGA website.

"The PricewaterhouseCoopers report emphasised the importance of internal reforms as part of the twin-track approach," he said. "I urge all councils in NSW and all states to keep up the pace on internal reform. All of us together must work to achieve results which strengthen local government's case and maximise our chances of a successful outcome in this very important election year."

At the conference the Shires Association, the Mid Lachlan Alliance, Rural Lands Protection Boards and NSW Farmers announced they have joined forces to campaign for a number of urgent drought assistance measures.

As a result of a motion by the Mid Lachlan Alliance at the Shires Association Annual Conference on Wednesday morning, the groups will form a working party to lobby the State and Federal Governments on behalf of affected primary producers and businesses.

High on the priority list will be the call for an annual 15% rate rebate, as well as extensions to: the waiver of Western Land rents; the Drought Transport Subsidy Scheme; and Drought Support Worker funding.

Newly elected President of the Shires Association of NSW, Cr Bruce Miller, said ongoing drought conditions made urgent assistance crucial.

"The continuation of the drought into winter is likely to further diminish returns and lead to more crop failures, which is a serious issue for primary producers and businesses already battling," Cr Miller said.

"The Mid Lachlan Alliance, the Lower Macquarie Alliance, with NSW Farmers, Bland Shire Council and Rural Lands Protection Boards, put a submission to the State Government calling for a number of sensible measures to tackle the impacts of the drought."

"This working party will take the submission, as well as other ideas, to both the State and Federal Governments for consideration - with the hope of getting urgent relief for affected primary producers and businesses."

Environment Ministers meet

Australian environment ministers and Cr Bill Mitchell from the Australian Local Government Association met in Cairns on Saturday 2 June to discussed key environmental priorities relating to climate change, waste management, air quality, chemicals management, nationally protected areas and heritage conservation.

On a very full agenda, ministers agreed to proceed with examining the feasibility and means of implementation potential measures to encourage the uptake of more fuel efficient and low emission passenger and light commercial vehicles. They agreed to work within and across governments on travel demand management, including assessing the need for a national strategy. Travel demand management enables sustainable transport outcomes by reducing single occupancy vehicle use, and leads to the achievement of a number of key environmental protection objectives. Ministers also agreed to lead the development of nationally consistent guidelines for the environmental assessment and regulation of carbon dioxide capture and geological storage.

Ministers endorsed a draft set of guidelines dealing with recycled water for drinking for public consultation, subject to its endorsement by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The draft, on which public comment will be sought for three months, does not promote or endorse schemes, but describes the safeguards that are needed in order to protect public health and the environment.

On waste matters, ministers agreed that resource conservation/efficiency is a legitimate objective for national product stewardship action under EPHC. The Council agreed to finalise a National Environment Protection Measure on tyres as a priority, with work on other products including computers and televisions to follow in the near future. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to phasing out plastic bags by January 2009 and will consider this issue again along with a revised Regulatory Impact Statement at their next meeting.

Ministers welcomed the Australian Government initiative to phase out inefficient incandescent light bulbs by June 2010 as a way of reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. They also agreed to explore the need for end-of-life management options for more energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Further information on the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) can be found at: www.ephc.gov.au/

Emissions Trading Task Group

Last week the report of the Prime Minister's Task Group on Emissions Trading was released.

A key element of the report is putting a price on carbon, so as to encourage the development of low emission technologies and a more efficient use of energy. The report describes an emissions trading scheme for Australia which the Australian Government says would be the most comprehensive in the world, covering about 75% of all of the sources of emissions.

The Report proposes that trading commence in 2011 (and no later than 2012) with the intervening years devoted to building the systems, including a national emissions register, necessary to ensure an efficient, reliable and accountable system.

The Report proposes that a long term aspirational target be set next year after careful economic analysis of the local and global implications. The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, said: "The timing fits in well with the recent US proposal for fifteen of the world's largest economies (including Australia) to work together in what is looking like an expanded version of the AP6 to develop a global emissions target in the course of 2008 with national commitments of action that will enable us to reach it."

On the issue of climate change, Labor has set a target of reducing emissions by 60% by 2050. It has asked economist Ross Garnaut to report next year on the effects of climate change on the Australian economy, environment and water resources, and to advise on policy responses and a time frame for implementation.

Mr Turnbull said that a decade of action by local governments participating in the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Australia program, had helped reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 8.8 million tonnes.

"CCP Australia is the world's largest and most successful local government greenhouse action program," he said. "It is part of the CCP international program, delivered in Australia in partnership with the Australian Government. CCP encourages and supports local governments in initiating innovative actions within their local communities and operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Examples of innovative action by CCP councils include Lismore Council in NSW using 'armies' of 100 million worms to reduce waste, and Northam Council in WA converting old railway houses into clean, green affordable homes for local residents.

"Australian local councils should be proud of their actions in tackling climate change. It's encouraging to see actions at the local level contributing to a better quality of life for individuals as well as the wider community and the world," Mr Turnbull said.

CCP Australia is part of the Australian Government's more than $2 billion national climate change strategy. It is part of the Local Greenhouse Action initiative which helps local government, communities and individual households reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. For more information click here

Internet Filtering in Public Libraries

Announcing the release of the latest Internet Filtering in Public Libraries Survey, the Australian Library and Information Association has warned a one-size-fits-all solution for internet filtering could actively compromise legitimate research through the Australian public library network.

The survey, the third conducted by the Association since 2002, shows respondents frequently reported experiences of, and concerns about, unreliability and inaccuracy of filtering software.

The survey results also show 70% of respondent libraries currently using filters deploy the software at server level and 38% of libraries receive internet access through a wider council network.

"Clearly, this has significant implications for filtering software design requirements," Sue Hutley, Executive Director of the Association, said.

"Internet filtering software needs further development and close cooperation with public librarians to ensure features of the software include maximum local control and adaptability, but does not preclude legitimate research and freedom of access to information," she said.

Ms Hutley said librarians in schools and public libraries were very aware of their duty of care but parental guidance was also vital to ensure children were protected wherever they had access to the internet.

Report on Outback Youth

As part of the Year of the Outback 2006, the Australian Government commissioned a nationwide research project to discover and document what young people see as the important issues facing them in rural, regional and remote Australia. The project also sought their ideas and recommendations on how these issues can be addressed by government, rural industries, communities and young people themselves.

The information contained in the Report was compiled through a comprehensive process including a national on-line survey; five regional workshops (Mildura, Moree, Alice Springs, Longreach, Perth) and a final national workshop in Canberra.

The findings were compiled to create the report "Outback Youth Infront, Their Voice - Australia's Future." For copies of the report, call the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s helpline on 1800 686175.

Quote of the week

"The big secret in life is that there is no secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you are willing to work."
Oprah Winfrey

International news  

The UK "Sun" newspaper wrote about a new road marking strategy being adopted in South East London. Four cars were hoisted into the air to paint double yellow lines beneath them. The crew lowered the cars back on to the markings, leaving them at the mercy of traffic wardens. But the council involved claimed: "If a ticket had been issued, it would have been wiped out on appeal." (Source: Roads Magazine)

Public Announcement  
Play your part in Local Government Reform in Vanuatu

The Port Vila Municipal Council (PVMC) is responsible for managing local government activities for the Port Vila Municipality and is committed to a period of reform to improve the management and delivery of Council Services.

This challenging role will require you to assist the Council in implementing the key objectives of the reform plan, which was devised with the support of the CLGF www.clgf.org.uk and to train and support senior Council staff in management of the change process.

To be considered for this role you will have:

  • A strong business administration/HR background
  • A solid work history in the public service environment
  • Strong change management and communication skills
  • A good knowledge of the Pacific environment

Above all, an informed, patient and tolerant approach will ensure a rewarding experience for all parties involved.

To find out more about Australian Volunteers and this role, please go to www.australianvolunteers.com