Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

WA celebrates LG Week
The Western Australian Municipal Association (WAMA) selected the theme 'Image Matters' for its 1999 Local Government Week activities. A highlight of the Week was the WAMA's Annual Convention staged in Perth from 1-3 August.

Editorial
For some time Local Government, through its peak body the Australian Local Government Association, has been arguing that it is best placed to bring hands on experience from the coal face to national forums on a range of social, economic, environmental and cultural issues. This is particularly the case where rapid changes brought about by global pressures are hurting certain individuals and communities.

President's comment
In each edition, we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Jamie Edwards, President, Western Australian Municipal Association.

Better returns as Councils exercise their collective might
The financial arm of the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW, Local Government Financial Services Pty Ltd (LGFS), has launched a funds management service designed to get Councils a better deal.

Coffs Harbour plays host third year in a row
Coffs Harbour is once more the focus of the Information Technology (IT) industry, with the City Council joining forces with the local campus of Southern Cross University, to host the third annual IT conference in as many years.

Helping Councils achieve more with less*
Although customer service has vastly improved, amalgamation, rationalisation and tendering all combine to put the squeeze on resources. But the latest radio communications technology now offers a new dimension in functionality, helping to sustain and improve services while reducing communications costs.

Logov Expo '99 - one stop shopping for LG
Queensland's third largest City, Logan, will host the State's largest civil engineering and Local Government Expo in September.

Townsville wins State environment award
Townsville City Council is one of three Queensland finalists in the national 1999 Case Earth Awards to be judged in October. Townsville won the honour for its $29 million ongoing redevelopment of the City's main beach 'The Strand'.

Councils show leadership on GE food
At least two Councils, Waverley in NSW and Moreland in Victoria, have taken steps to address concerns about genetically engineered (GE) food. Their efforts follow many Councils in the United Kingdom and Europe opposed to the introduction of genetically modified foodstuffs following what they believe to be inadequate testing and public information.

Lord Mayors agree on drug strategies
A recent meeting of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM) resulted in agreement on a range of drug strategies.

Training for tourism
As might be expected, the most dynamic industry in the Flinders Ranges region is tourism. Several recent initiatives of Flinders Ranges Council aim to have the area's wonderful attractions generate greater prosperity, particularly for the townships of Quorn and Hawker.

Benefits all round from work release program
South Australia's District Council of Grant and Group 4 Correction Services Pty Ltd, managers of the local Mount Gambier Prison, have signed an agreement to establish a works program partnership.

Councils endorse move to Computron Software*
Computron has increased its presence in Local Government in Victoria with the licensing of its ninth Council. Maroondah City Council joins the list of Councils in Victoria to take advantage of the benefits that Computron Software has to offer.

Business number will streamline the transactions with government
The Australian Business Number (ABN) is part of the tax reform process which will make business dealings with all levels of government more straightforward and efficient. The Australian Business Register (ABR) will contain basic public information about a business which will be able to be accessed electronically via the internet using the ABN as the identifier.

Mosman's new approach to an old problem
Building on the resident ownership of MOSPLAN and Council's tradition of involving and consulting the community, the recent NSW legislative changes requiring Social/Community Plans presented a new challenge for Mosman. The answer was Community Conversations.

Immunisation made easy
A recent rise in the incidence of communicable diseases, such as measles and whooping cough, has led to a nationwide rethink of immunisation programs.

Territory grant supports community events
A grant of $51,500 from the Northern Territory Government will be used by Alice Springs Town Council to improve sporting facilities and part fund the employment of a Major Events and Recreation Coordinator.

Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games
Local Government is increasingly embracing the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games as an opportunity to promote community spirit and pride in the achievements of the Australian Paralympic team, one of the best in the world. The Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, to be staged from 18-29 October 2000, will be the second largest sporting event in the year 2000, hosting 4,000 athletes from 125 countries.

Council staff work for safe cities
Staff at Western Australia's City of Gosnells are set to become monitors of community safety under a new scheme initiated by a frustrated 'crime stopper' on Council staff.

Access Expo 99*
To be staged on 21-23 October 1999 at the magnificent Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Access Expo 99 will provide a unique forum for the disability and aged care industry.

Unique leading edge Council web site promoting local business*
As a Council, how would it feel to be appreciated by your constituents instead of criticised; recognised by local business for promoting economic development, instead of seen as a cost? Would you like your Council web site to be updated inhouse, saving time and money? This is some of what the MY COMMUNITY 2000 package can do.

Rangers assisted by Mutual Aid Agreement
Neighbouring Councils in the north eastern metropolitan area of Perth are set to benefit from a Mutual Aid Agreement. Kwinana, Rockingham, Armadale, Cockburn and Serpentine/Jarrahdale Councils have agreed to grant jurisdiction to each others Rangers.

Giving youth a voice
Recently, Queensland's first Youth Speak Conference was held at Ormiston College. It brought together 35 young decision makers from South East Queensland Local Government, including Junior Councillors from the Cities of Toowoomba, Logan and Gold Coast; and Redland and Maroochy Shires.

New approach to community services management*
Melbourne based software developer, Xpedite Professional Services, recently released its latest Local Government Application, City Manager Community Services Suite.

Total library and Local Government solution for Mount Gambier*
Mount Gambier City Council has become the first local Council to implement an integrated system from the Sanderson Group that handles both Local Government and library functions.

Easy to spot a clean dog bins
Since the introduction of the NSW Companion Animal Act 1998, Councils must provide suitable receptacles in which owners can place dog litter wherever dogs are regularly exercised. The choice of the right receptacle may make the difference as to how well the Act is met and parkland amenity improved.

Landscape Architecture Award for Queensland's Pine Rivers
The inaugural 'Local Government Award' presented by the Boral Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Awards Queensland (AILA) has been won by Pine Rivers Shire Council. The Award, recognising the achievements of landscape architects in the service of Local Governments, was won by Pine Rivers for the Osprey House Environment Centre.

A national participation framework
Active Australia is all about getting Australians up and active whether that means going for a walk, cycling with the family, joining a health club or being involved in the many sport and recreation opportunities on offer. Its basis is a national participation framework &endash; a shared approach by a range of different organisations aimed at getting Australians involved in quality physical activity.

Active Australia providers - making better places for Active Australians
One of the key aspects of Active Australia is the process of improving the places where people can become more active. It is a recognition process aimed at those organisations or providers involved with the direct provision of physical activity opportunities for the community.

Junior sport &endash; under the parent's fist!
How ugly are you as a parent? Not physically, but in respect of sports participation for children. The 'ugly parent' syndrome has been trounced through the sporting fields of recent times but what does it really mean.

Codes provide fair play for young people
In an effort to promote fair play in children's sport the ASC has developed the AUSSIE SPORT Codes of Behaviour for clubs, schools and local Councils. These Codes provide a basis for fair play for young people.

Creating a safer environment: harassment free sport strategy
Local Government Authorities have a responsibility to ensure they provide safe environments for their community. A new initiative sees this responsibility moving into the sporting arena.

Towards an actively ageing population
Australia's population is ageing. This trend presents a challenge for many. For those marketing products and providing services to our population, there is a need to understand and meet the needs of this changing population.

SportNet
Life is a struggle for a lot of community based sports clubs. Local Government knows the importance of voluntary community and sporting groups. Without them our communities would be all the poorer with fewer affordable recreational opportunities and inevitable increases in social problems.

Sharing your success stories
Organisations and individuals in the business of providing programs based on physical activity do Australians a huge service. They are the groups leading the campaign to forge a healthier and more physically active Australia.

Inaugural National Active Australia Day in October
A major new event known as Active Australia Day is set to target the great majority of the population and encourage them to get active.

Stretched for facilities!
Access to good facilities has been identified with the Active Australia framework as a critical factor in motivating the community to participate in sport and recreation. Increasing pressure on Councils to fund new or redevelop existing sporting facilities has forced many Councils to look at alternative ways to raise funds.