Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Community diversity and culture celebrated Australia wide

Following recent events in Sydney and spectator behaviour during international cricket matches, Harmony Day 2006 on 21 March is more important than ever. It provides an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate the diversity of cultures in our community and say ‘no’ to racism.

Harmony in the park

In December, over 2,000 people gathered at Sydney’s Belmore Park to promote a simple message of understanding and harmony. The event was organised by five young people who had come together after news of the Cronulla riots. All had the common goal of uniting people in an event removed from politics and devoid of finger pointing rhetoric.

Editorial

From time to time, one of the commercial television station’s so called ‘current affairs’ programs will run a beat up story on Local Government. However, it was somewhat surprising, in early January, that the Weekend Australian newspaper ran a scathing article ridiculing the policy ideas of a small number of Councillors. Based on this, the editorial in the same edition asserted that Local Governments were running out of control and, therefore, it called for wholesale amalgamation of Councils into larger regional governments. Appearing the first weekend after the New Year, when most people are well and truly ensconced in holiday mode, and with the Federal and State Parliaments not half way through their ‘long vacation’, President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Councillor Paul Bell, is correct when he describes this attack on Local Government as nothing more than a ‘silly season beat up’.

President’s comment

In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Alderman Kerry Moir, President of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory.

Alice Springs introduces new library dress code

Alice Springs’ Biggest Bedroom for Bedtime Storytime was held at Alice Springs Public Library in January. Some 22 children, five dads, seven mums and library mascot, Booka, gathered round and listened to stories read by Children’s Youth Services Librarian, John Chisholm.

Adelaide Hills tops customer service

Adelaide Hills Council, located on the eastern fringe of metropolitan Adelaide, encompasses 800 square kilometres and has a population of almost 40,000 people. Council was named the Overall Council of the Year for Customer Service Quality in Local Government at the Local Government Service Quality Network (SQN) Service Quality Leadership Awards last October.

Oldest human footprints in Australia found at Mungo, NSW

The world’s largest collection of fossil human footprints have been discovered in Balranald Shire Council’s Mungo National Park, located in south west New South Wales. The footprints were first uncovered by Aboriginal park ranger, Mary Pappen, in 2003, but were only revealed publicly in December last year.

Nationals too dry

The Good Oil by Rod Brown*
The defection of National Party Senator Julian McGauran, and the tacit okay by the Liberal powerbrokers to his defection, suggests that the Nationals are not being taken seriously – hardnuts like McEwan, Anthony and Nixon would never have allowed it to happen.

Pacific Edge art conference brings delegates to Mackay

The largest regional arts conference in Australia will be held in Mackay, Queensland from 14 to 17 September 2006. Some 750 delegates are expected to attend. The Pacific Edge is the title and theme of the 2006 Regional Arts Australia’s fifth National Conference. It will build on the artistic and cultural connections between Australia and the Pacific region in Mackay.

Opportunities for all in the City of Belmont

The City of Belmont is a vibrant community located six kilometres from Perth, along 11 kilometres of Swan River frontage. Traditionally known as an area for families, Belmont has more recently been attracting young singles, executives, retirees and businesses. These groups have recognised Belmont’s close proximity to the City, river frontage, affordability, transport networks and growing shopping precincts.

Councillor profiles

A regular feature profiling two Councillors form new South Wales

On par for environmental change

Glamorgan Spring Bay Council’s municipality reads like a tourist brochure, encompassing the Tasmanian coastal seaside towns of Buckland, Orford, Maria Island, Triabunna, Swansea, Bicheno and Coles Bay. The municipality also stretches along the coast to include the stunning Freycinet National Park and ‘The Hazards’. The resort town of Bicheno, however, used to have a sewerage lagoon that often failed to meet national standards for the treatment of waste water, and residents were in the habit of boiling tap water to kill any lurking health risks. That was until recently.

Ballarat the first Council in Australia to purchase air water machine*

Watermakers Australia, a leading provider of water generation machines and tec hnologies, that produce water from the humidity in the air, recently announced that the City of Ballarat, is the first Council in Australia to purchase this revolutionary technology.

Recycled paper keeps pool afloat

The City of Geraldton in Western Australia is raising ongoing funds for its swimming pool facility, the Aquarena, through a paper recycling project. The project has raised $20,500 to date, which has funded pool blankets for the leisure pool and a high pressure cleaner.

Camera van saves time and money

The conversion of a van into Toowoomba City Council’s new pipeline inspection unit has meant considerable savings in time, labour and money. Council saves up to an hour a day by using a customised van that detects faults and defects in the City’s pipelines.

Regional City status recognised

Penrith City Council has been officially recognised as a Regional City under the NSW State Government’s Metropolitan Strategy. This will help to ensure that the City enjoys the benefits of Sydney’s growth over the next 25 years. Council will now have greater access to health, education and recreation services.

City of Whitehorse nursery leads the way in water saving initiatives

Victoria’s City of Whitehorse’s ParksWide Nursery, has received national recognition for a number of innovative water saving initiatives that aim to achieve a 65 per cent reduction in water usage over 12 months. As one of the largest Council owned nurseries in Victoria, it recently won a prestigious SavewaterTM award in the garden management category for upgrading its irrigation system and installing a water harvesting and recycling system.

Local Government Flower Garden Awards for 2006 launched

The 2006 Australian Local Government Flower Garden Awards will acknowledge the efforts of local parks and gardens teams. A national winner will be selected, as well as one winner from each State and Territory. First held in 2004, the awards are organised every two years by Bedding Plants Australia (BPA). BPA is the national association of seedling and flowering bloomer growers. It is well known for its national Flower of the Year, which has been released every year for 38 years. It is part of Nursery and Gardening Industry Australia.

Building respect

The UK Experience by Malcolm Morley*
Respect is a major new Government initiative launched in January 2006 by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair who explained it in the following terms: “It is about putting the law abiding majority back in charge of their local communities.” The aim is to ‘eradicate the scourge of antisocial behaviour’ from society.

Neighbourhood community harmony

According to Macquarie University, Australia is far behind Europe and the United Kingdom in developing strategies to foster intercultural cohesion. Recent research in community harmony, conducted by Dr Amanda Wise, Project Director and Lead Researcher at the Centre for Research on Social Inclusion at Macquarie University, has emphasised the importance of local initiatives that go beyond one off multicultural festival days by striving to foster exchange at the level of everyday interaction.

Become a mediator for the sleeping giant

“Industry leaders believe Local Government is a relatively untapped resource for mediators offering alternative dispute resolution (ADR),” said Steve Gibbeson, Training Manager for the Australian Commercial Disputes Centre (ACDC). In fact, experts believe Local Government is a ‘sleeping giant’ when its potential to employ ADR in resolving both external and internal disputes is examined.”

Contractor management system spreads OH&S message

South Australia’s City of Charles Sturt has introduced an Integrated Management System (IMS) for contractor management that brings the City’s contractors up to a prequalification standard in Occupational Health and Safety. The IMS was procured through the Civil Contractors Federation and is a partnership with contractors in the City.

WALGA looks at skills shortage

A shortage of skilled workers across Western Australia has Local Government increasingly using consultants to fill key positions. Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) Chief Executive Officer, Ricky Burges, said a recent survey of Councils found the occupations that were most in short supply were planners, engineers, accountants and building surveyors, but that there were shortages across all areas of operations.

The slip fall dilemma*

Ask most people what the major cause of injury is in Australia and the answer would probably focus on car injuries or industrial accidents, but the real answer is the slips and falls that occur mostly in our everyday lives. According to a leading insurance broker up to 90 per cent of all public liability claims are related to slippery floors.

VLGA governance training goes international

The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) will soon commence training of Local Government Mayors in the Philippines. Governor Loreto Leo Ocampos from Misamis Occidental Province in the Philippines said the VLGA was extremely well placed to deliver training services to the Philippines. He signed an agreement at the VLGA offices in Carlton on 2 February.

Finance professionals taking care of business

The inaugural National Local Government Finance Professionals Conference will be held on the 7–9 May 2006 at the Novotel Northbeach in Wollongong. NSW is co-organising the Conference which will be in lieu of its State Conference, and will be held biennially. The theme for the National Conference is ‘Taking Care of Business’ and will provide an opportunity for General Managers/CEOs, Directors, Chief Finance Officers and Finance Managers from over 650 Councils nationally, to share their insights, skills and knowledge.

NSW aspiring leaders program

In 2006, Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) NSW will again run its very successful Aspiring Leaders Program. This program provides an opportunity for aspiring leaders in Local Government to participate in a three day offsite workshop.

MAV investigates workforce planning

A recent research project by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and the Department for Victorian Communities, Local Government Victoria Division (LGV), has identified significant workforce issues facing Councils that must be addressed to avert future service shortages. As the delivery of services, expectations and demographics of communities change, Local Government must have a capable workforce with the right skills, in the right quantity, who are deployed in the most effective way.

Tackling fire safety

With increasing fatalities from fires in homes and accommodation facilities, Snowy River Shire Council, along with the New South Wales Fire Brigade, are leading the way to educate the community and visitors to the area on the importance of fire safety measures within the community.

Blue Mountains in hot competition with private sector

New South Wales’ Blue Mountains City Council has been recognised among high profile private sector organisations for its strategic human resources plan. Council received a special commendation in the Best Strategic Plan category at the 2005 Australian HR Awards. The awards reflect the entire spectrum of the HR profession and are highly regarded by HR professionals.

UQ Business School has great public sector credentials*

With former State Premier Wayne Goss,and former Auditor General Len Scanlan, as Adjunct Professors, UQ Business School has great public sector credentials.

Coaching – a critical leadership tool

Coaching is fast becoming a necessary tool in the management of staff. A recent survey found that 92 per cent of respondents believed that coaching, applied appropriately, can have a positive impact on an organisation’s bottom line. With significant pressure on people to perform, today’s knowledge worker needs a new approach. Through coaching rather than directing, managers can communicate more effectively with their staff. This not only results in increased performance and engagement, but also helps with retention and leadership development.

Project: Healthy Worker encourages active lifestyle

Tasmania’s Glenorchy City Council is holding education and fitness programs to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for staff. Project: Healthy Worker is designed to educate employees on health and wellbeing issues and support them to improve their overall wellbeing.

World’s first inflatable resuscitation mask*

Ideal for all Council employees trained in first aid
Reviva Mask is a unique resuscitation mask that folds to the size of a matchbox, enabling it to be carried on a keyring, belt, purse or pocket at all times. It is a ‘true’ mask, but with total portability and convenience due to its small size.

Kempsey supports alcohol and drug testing

Kempsey Shire Council, located 430 kilometres north of Sydney on the Pacific Highway, has introduced drug and alcohol testing for Council staff to increase employee safety.

Councils working safer

In the wake of the Victorian Auditor General’s 2004 report on Occupational Health and Safety in Local Government, real improvements are being made as the industry strives to make up lost ground.

Education Design Systems train investigators*

Education Design Systems (EDS) offers a range of accredited and professional development courses for professionals who are required to conduct investigations. The accredited course PSP 4 14 04 Certificate IV in Government (Statutory Compliance) is ideal for those involved in regulatory and licence compliance activities.

Message from the Minister

I am expecting 2006 to be a year of many achievements in Local Government and am looking forward to a productive year working in partnership with you all. This year I am aiming to see significant progress in the implementation of the initiatives agreed to by the Australian Government in its response to the Hawker Report.

Growing Regions Conference

25-27 July 2006, Brisbane, Australia
www.dotars.gov.au/regional/growingregions
Register before 24 March 2006 to receive a great early bird discount deal! You are invited to attend the prestigious Growing Regions Conference, the premier international regional development conference for 2006.

Focus on social capital

The Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics (BTRE) has recently released a new report, Focus on Regions 4: Social Capital, that aims to measure and analyse key elements of social capital for Australia and its regions.

Rural Medical Infrastructure Fund

Improving access to general practioners in small communities
Local Governments can apply for grants of up to $200,000 to establish 'walk-in walk-out' community medical centres.

Your business gateway for a range of government information and services

The business.gov.au website is an online government resource for the Australian business community. It provides a wide range of online services and information helping new and existing businesses comply with government requirements more simply and conveniently.

National Speaker Series: Rebuilding cities for people

By Julie Bishop*
Rising fuel prices, an ageing population and changing community expectations will mean that many aspects of Australian cities have outlived their usefulness, and may require significant reconstruction in the future.

DIMA and Local Government join to encourage stronger communities

One of many challenges facing Australia today is the preservation of harmonious and cohesive communities. This challenge is complex but rewarding. For Local Government, its challenge is to provide strong leadership and vision, and to build links between different community groups.

National Indigenous Youth Leadership Group provides unique opportunity

The National Indigenous Youth Leadership Group (NIYLG) is an impressive group of young Aboriginal people comprising Australia's only national consultative forum for Indigenous youth.

Australian Government - investing in regional aviation security

The Government is keen to maintain Australia's excellent reputation as one of the world's most secure aviation environments. The regional aviation industry will receive approximately $83 million of direct Australian Government assistance for compliance with aviation security requirements.