Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

LGA.net launched in SA
A new intranet for South Australian Councils was launched by Local Government Association President, Mayor Rosemary Craddock, at the LGA's half yearly general meeting in March. Branded 'LGA.net', the system is based on the Local Government Association of Queensland's successful LGAQ Net intranet and will take SA Council networking 'beyond the website'.

Giving youth a voice
Enabling young people to establish and determine the procedures of a Youth Council has been the key to its success. In response to a Needs Analysis survey conducted with local youth, Port Lincoln set up its first Youth Council nine months ago.

Editorial
There is growing community interest in not only celebrating what we have achieved but debating and discussing the challenges that face us as we enter the next century. In spite of a widely held belief, that leadership and vision should permeate from the national level down, across Australia many Councils and their communities are clearly demonstrating that they are not prepared to wait, rather they are already working to meet the challenges, and making the most of opportunities the new millennium has to offer.

President's comment
In each edition, we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Margaret Vigants, President Local Government Association of the Northern Territory.

Small Council delivers big social benefits
Northern Territory's Elliott Community Government Council has not let its size or remote location prevent it having an extensive program of community activity including a wide range of sports. The predominantly Aboriginal community of just 550 residents has a fully equipped gym, a Youth Centre, basketball and tennis courts, and a nine hole golf course.

Council meetings to make use of new technology
The Shire of Ashburton, in north west Western Australia has gained State Government approval to use tele and video conferencing during Council meetings.

Councils confront drug issues
While debate over a drugs policy continues in the Federal and State spheres, Local Government is implementing practical strategies to address the problems of drug use.

LG concerns recognised by Accounts Committee
With the reconvening of Parliament in March, the Western Australian Municipal Association (WAMA) is urging the State Government to take on board the recommendations of the Public Accounts and Expenditure Review Committee regarding State Agreements.

Local Government partnership with business
Local Government bodies are taking an active role in developing information technology systems to provide smoother paths for businesses in their regions. While this has the direct result of streamlining compliance procedures and lowering the cost of transactions, it also has the flow on effect of improving service and delivery standards, providing a technologically integrated environment and trimming transaction times.

Increased access to spatial data *
Many users of digital mapping and spatial information understand the difficulties faced when trying to get hold of spatial data from government agencies. In responding to user needs, the Federal Government mapping agency - AUSLIG, is introducing a number of initiatives to make it much easier to access important spatial data.

Jabiru celebrates World Wetlands Day
February 2 was the anniversary of the signing of the International Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, in Ramsar in 1971. It is of special significance to Jabiru and Australia because Australia was the first signatory to the Ramsar Convention.

A city within a park
Queensland's Maroochy Shire is set to benefit from the development of a farm site which has been owned by one family for the last 100 years. Adjacent to the Maroochydore Central Business District, this major commercial and residential development will have a predominantly green emphasis.

Low cost, quality water
Installation of world first 'Garra' microfiltration unit has improved water quality for residents in NSW's Mulwaree Shire at a fraction of the cost of conventional treatment.

Reducing waste improves health and water quality
Following its creation in 1995, the Town of Cambridge, formerly part of Perth City Council, determined to improve its waste management system. Within a year of the introduction of the new Waste Management System, over 7,000 residences were participating in recycling.

Celebrating 10 years of self government
This year, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) celebrates 10 years of self government. In its first decade of self government, the ACT has undergone a metamorphosis.

Concentrating on outputs not processes
Chief Minister, Kate Carnell, believes that the bureaucratic emphasis on processes belongs in the past. Cutting edge public policy making and administration needs to be geared to outcomes, and these outcomes must mirror what constituents want.

Leader in financial management
On 1 July 1996, the ACT Government became the first Australian public sector organisation to move to accrual budgeting. This, together with other financial management reforms, was designed to achieve best practice using a fully accountable business management approach.

Focusing on the customer
After its election in 1995, the new Government introduced its Customer Commitment Program. The aim was to establish the ACT public service as a model of public administration that puts the customer first.

Professional and ethical
Moving to a more outward looking, customer focused approach has required specific training to equip staff with the necessary skills. A key to this has been to ensure that all staff work within an established professional and ethical framework.

Regional involvement
Chief Minister, Kate Carnell, said that her Government is keen to promote the national capital in the context of the broader region. The Australian Capital Region (ACR) comprises the ACT and the surrounding 17 Councils.

A healthy community
As part of its vision for 'A Clever, Caring Capital', the ACT aims to lead Australia in maximising both community and individual health and wellbeing.

Optimum service delivery
The Urban Services Department provides Canberra with the services it needs to function as a city. These include town planning, heritage and environment, waste management, libraries, parks, forests, and roads.

Fingertip information and services
With the ultimate aim of providing equity and access to services, in 1997 the ACT Government launched AUSTOUCH kiosks. The kiosks, located in high pedestrian traffic areas throughout the City, now provide Canberra residents and visitors with 24 hour access to information and bill paying services.

Zero waste Canberra's goal
The introduction of a new waste management service based on contracting has been well received by the Canberra community. It has proved so effective the ACT Government has set an ambitious goal of achieving zero waste by 2010.

Commercially sound urban park management
In 1994, management of Canberra's 5,000 hectares of urban open space, including parks, playgrounds and verges, was identified as an area which could deliver new efficiencies in service delivery under market testing.