Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Councils engaging with their younger residents

With intergovernmental relations growing in importance, it is clear that various Federal and State Government program and grant regimes are looking more and more favourably on Councils that are consulting widely with their residents and can demonstrate that their community is strongly behind them.

Editorial - State Government development agendas pressure Local Government

In various parts of Australia, planning issues continue to be a sticking point between Local Government and their State counterparts. Earlier this year, the New South Wales Government's changes to its Environmental Planning and Assessment Act increased the Minister for Planning's powers to intervene in local decision making, thereby reducing the ability of Councils and their communities to shape the future of their localities.

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.

A first for Western Australia

The innovative Physical Activity Impact Assessment Framework (PAIAF) developed by the City of Fremantle provides an advisory tool to assist Council and developers of land to assess the impact of developments on physical activity as part of the land use planning and development process. It was named the National Overall Winner of the 2006 Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards at the Maritime Museum in Fremantle on 20 October.

Hornsby Shire Council completes major recycling study

Hornsby Shire Council's Waste Services Branch has just completed a comprehensive study into community attitudes to recycling which has culminated in a 40 page marketing strategy.

Maribyrnong Mayor wins national cycling contribution award

Mayor of Maribyrnong, Councillor Janet Rice, has won the Cycling Promotion Fund's national 'Award for Contribution to Cycling by a Politician' for her efforts to promote and practice cycling as an alternative to car travel.

Tweed Shire's longest serving employee retires

Tweed Shire Council's Director Governance and Corporate Services, Reg Norvill, has retired after almost 41 years in Local Government.

Councillor profiles

Councillor Profiles is a regular feature. This month we feature two Councillors from the Northern Territory.

Fire fighting dozers on the bushfire front line*

When bushfire season comes to the south of Western Australia, tough, reliable and safe equipment for quickly building firebreaks and clearing burning trees and other material is essential.

South Australian Councils back united approach to financial sustainability

More than 200 delegates attended the Local Government Association of South Australia's (LGASA) Annual General Meeting in October. Following reports on both Council and LGA progress, delegates supported the LGA's ongoing Financial Sustainability Program.

Recognising LG's high achievers

At the 2006 Local Government Managers Australia National Congress in Perth, FOCUS invited delegates to nominate individuals or teams from their Council who are improving their Council's operations and meeting community needs. In this edition, we showcase two of our high achievers for 2006.

Financial planning for APS Local Government members*

After starting as a funeral fund for Melbourne postal workers in 1905, membership of APS Benefits today offers a wide range of financial services, such as mortuary benefits paid within 24 hours of notification and the Everyday Unsecured Loan or Special Purpose Loan.

WA Council helps students explore local cultures

This year around 500 young West Australians have explored the cultures and languages in their area thanks to an innovative Local Government project.

NSW Councils call for an IGA with State Government

Staging its annual conference in the Blue Mountains, the New South Wales Local Government Association (LGA), together with the NSW Shires Association, has called for a formal partnership with the State Government.

Collaboration key to State/Local Government relations

Some 270 delegates representing 71 Councils attended the Municipal Association of Victoria's annual conference in Melbourne on 26 October. Minister for Local Government, Candy Broad, said that this year's conference agenda clearly reflected the changing issues jointly facing local communities, the States and nation as a whole.

Contracts on Show and Procurement Forum*

NSW Procurement is proud to present two significant procurement events at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on 22-23 November. Contracts on Show, has been an annual exhibition for New South Wales Government contracted suppliers, offering a unique opportunity for procurement professionals and government buyers from State, Local and not-for-profit organisations to view and understand goods and services available.

JUNK...

The UK Experience by Malcolm Morley*
We all suffer from it whether its via our email or through the letterbox. Junk mail has become a scourge of everyday life. Despite research indicating that a significant proportion of the junk mail delivered to our offices and homes is never read companies still see it as an important element of their marketing mix.

Flower garden awards entries encouraged

Registration for this year's Australian Local Government Flower Garden Awards will remain open until the end of the year so that councils will have maximum opportunity to enter.

Building Australia's Future 2007*

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is proud to announce its fifth National Conference, titled Building Australia's Future, to be held at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort from 23-26 September 2007.

Enhancing town centres

Traditional town centres are the life blood of any community. As focuses for economic, social cultural and community activities they touch every aspect of urban life. The 2007 Mainstreet Conference will provide an opportunity for all people who work in or with town centres to learn, network and exchange ideas on what makes these areas tick.

Lose yourself in Melbourne

The City of Melbourne has welcomed a new $12.4 million tourism marketing campaign. Introduced in September by the Victorian Government, the campaign uses the tagline, 'It's Easy to Lose Yourself in Melbourne'.

Revitalisation strategy receives international recognition*

Our Town Our Future is an innovated revitalisation strategy for Ingham in North Queensland. In 2005, Hinchinbrook Shire Council commissioned Vital Places to turn the tide of decades of economic and social decline. In September 2006, the proposed strategy, Our Town Our Future, received a highly commended citation in the IAP2 Asia Pacific Public Participation awards.

Future directions in Tourism & Economic Development

Future Directions is a regular feature. This month we interviewed Liam Carroll, Manager Economic Development and Business Services at Darwin City Council, Northern Territory

Indigo tackles rural planning issues

Located in north eastern Victoria, Indigo Shire Council is currently undertaking a review of its Planning Scheme, including its Municipal Strategic Statement. This strategic statement is Council's key document guiding land use planning and development in the Shire.

Railway monument and museum lifts tourism and town pride

In a first to commemorate the men and women who have lost their lives in railway accidents since 1850, Liverpool Plains Shire Council has created the Australian Rail Monument and Museum.

Retaining green parks, reserves and leisure areas*

Most regions in Australia are now facing water restriction measures of some level. Restrictions in some areas are stricter than others but the time has come where we all must face the fact that watering turf for leisure activities is a privilege and, as such, must be respected.

Alternative energy - time to get serious

The Good Oil by Rod Brown*
Resources boom. Sunny people. The world's most liveable cities. A very stable democracy. Why don't the international money markets recognise our potential? We have millions of tonnes of coal and wheat to export, once global warming and the drought recede! And limitless supplies of iron ore, alumina and natural gas! And don't forget our special relationship with the USA, Britain, Japan and China.

Information on demand:

Outdoor Brochure Holder gets the massage out there…puts brochures where and when they are needed*
It has been said that information is power - but to be of any use the massage needs to be readily accessible where and when it is needed. The Outdoor Brochure Holder presents and protects all manner of printed material in the field.

Calendar gives new focus to Frankston Alive

Images taken by Chisholm Institute of TAFE photography students for a new business calendar is providing Frankston residents with a closer look at their city. Launched in August, the calendar incorporates key business dates and events occurring in Frankston, along with a list of useful contacts.

Economic development gets its first national body

The National Local Government Economic Development Conference is set to launch the nation's first national professional body for economic development and practitioners in Local Government: Economic Development Australia (EDA).

Historic cemetery guided tour

Rockhampton City Council is offering guided tours of its historic Southside Cemetery. Held during the winter months, the tours focus on fascinating stories of people buried in the cemetery, including famous and infamous identities, as well as burial customs and practices in Rockhampton's early history.

Launceston's support for Pulp Mill has conditions

Launceston City Council has considered community concerns about air pollution, effluent outfall, traffic increases and water usage that could arise from the proposed Gunns pulp mill. Gunns Ltd is proposing to construct and operate a bleached Kraft pulp mill at Longreach on the Tamar River.

Thuringowa hosts inaugural Festival of Learning

Thuringowa City Council's first ever Festival of Learning was held in October. Introduced as a key way to develop the City as one of learning and development, this unique far north Queensland event featured formal and informal learning opportunities and displays.

Aerodrome development generating business, tourism and jobs

As one of the most progressive rural towns in the Riverina region in New South Wales, Temora Shire Council is in the process of revitalising its under utilised World War II airport.

Fremantle's blessing of the fleet

In October, the City of Fremantle captured people hook, line and sinker with its annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. The Blessing of the Fleet is an old and revered tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, showing the epitome of loyalty and solidarity among the fishing community.

Nowra to become the cultural heart of the Shoalhaven

Located less than two hours from Sydney, Shoalhaven City Council's main shopping and business centre, Nowra, will soon become a cultural hub for the south coast region of New South Wales. Council recently accepted a tender from Edwards Construction Pty Ltd to construct a new multi purpose Cultural and Convention Centre.

Motivating budding entrepreneurs

Most communities are full of people with fabulous ideas for new businesses. Yet close to two thirds of all businesses fail within their first two years. Without a network of commercially viably businesses, communities are in real trouble.

Part time work for students

By Ross Moody*
Part time work in Councils for students studying engineering may be another tool in addressing the skills shortage and at the same time give students a taste for working in Local Government.

Recruitment made easy*

Clexan-Peak Personnel is an Australian owned company specialising in the recruitment of professional, technical and industrial personnel (contract and permanent). The principles and consultants have extensive experience in providing and delivering a range of recruitment services.

Bribie Island bore water to help South East Queensland water supply

In September, Brisbane Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman, and Caboolture Mayor, Joy Leishman, signed an historic agreement that will kick start investigations into underground water on Bribie Island, located 70 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Whyalla: where the outback meets the sea

Located just under 400 kilometres northwest of Adelaide, Whyalla City Council is the largest city in the Upper Spencer Gulf region of South Australia. Founded in 1901 as the town of Hummock Hill, the City was renamed Whyalla in 1914.

Project Magnet provides flow on benefits for entire City

With a strong steel industry supporting Whyalla's economy, the community has welcomed OneSteel's recent commitment to operate in Whyalla through to at least 2027.

Improving key facilities

Mayor Jim Pollock said that with Whyalla's economic position strengthening, many changes are happening across the City.

Redevelopment to change city image

Council has adopted a Foreshore Master Plan that will see Whyalla's entire foreshore precinct completely revamped over the next four to five years. With the master planning process finalised, the project has now move to the detailed design stage.

Economic Development board drives Whyalla forward

Formed in 1980 following the closing of the shipyards, the Whyalla Economic Development Board (WEDB) was established to strengthen and diversify the economic, commercial and employment base of Whyalla.

Local business places Whyalla on an international business scale

Caterpillar's longest serving dealer in Australia, Cavpower, has established a greater presence in Whyalla as a result of an exploration boom currently occurring in South Australia.

Harbour strengthens aquaculture industry

Whyalla is currently in the process of constructing a $1.8 million commercial harbour to service its expanding aquaculture industry at Fitzgerald Bay.

Leading the way with water initiatives

Whyalla is leading the way with water recycling and water harvesting initiatives to reduce reliance on the River Murray. As an area that receives an average of just on 271 millimetres annually, Council has shown an active commitment to the future direction of water conservation since the early 1990s.

New scheme reduces waste to landfill

A new kerbside recycling program is set to kick off in Whyalla in coming months. The scheme will introduce a three bin pick up system, including general waste, recycling and green waste bins.

Childcare centre promotes good health with new menu

In March, Whyalla's Council owned Child Care Centre received a Start Right, Eat Right Award from the South Australian Department of Health. The new state wide award recognises childcare centres that provide healthy meals and varied foods, as well as trained staff who promote good eating habits.

Youth Central

Whyalla's Youth Council comprises 15 young people aged between 12 and 25 years. The group votes in its own Mayor, holds monthly meetings and essentially runs as a conventional Local Government organisation.

Tourist attractions for everyone

With around 300 days of sunshine per year, it is no surprise that the Whyalla Visitor Centre averages 25,000 visitors per year. With an incredible foreshore and marina, a conservation park, and a host of other tourist attractions, Whyalla caters to everybody's holiday needs.

Whyalla - the home of legends

Council will develop a large, centrally located area of vacant land into a sustainable 'Eco-City'. After purchasing the land for a very fair price in 1997 when development was slow, Council came up with the idea of an eight star energy efficiency rating residential estate.

Snapper championships attract tourists and locals alike

As the Snapper capital of Australia and with a reputation for the best fishing for the elusive big red snapper, Whyalla hosts the Australian Amateur Snapper Fishing Championships each Easter. The championships attract visitors from all over the world in search of the largest fish in the water.

Land in high demand

Group Manager Development, Stewart Payne, said that a rapid increase in the value of development approvals passing through Council is the strongest indicator that things have turned around for the City.