Brave new worlds
Local governments are increasingly adopting strategies and policies that incorporate social media, Web 2.0 and portable devices into the business of council, recognising the potential for greater community engagement, efficiency and long-term sustainability.
President's Comment - The bigger issues
In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association
president. Our November issue features a comment from Councillor Bill McArthur, President of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV)
Boroondara’s community conversations
Positive, effective and ongoing community engagement can assist local
governments make better informed, and more accepted and sustainable
decisions.
Wagga Wagga City Council saves energy
Wagga Wagga City Council will install a cogeneration unit at its aquatic
centre after the summer season, as part of a $780,000 upgrade.
Lessons from the Illawarra - The Good Oil by Rod Brown
I was at Wollongong University recently on business, and what impressed
me, yet again, was its style and beauty. It also now has an Innovation
Campus — confusing, because it’s near the beach and about one kilometre
from the main campus.
ALGA welcomes House of Reps decision
After a lengthy period of inactivity, the Federal Government has taken
the next step towards a referendum on the constitutional recognition of
local government.
Funding resolves lands issue
Shoalhaven City Council has welcomed an announcement that sees nearly $5.5 million of Federal Government funding allocated to the voluntary purchase of land in the Heritage Estates located in Erowal Bay.
L2P program awarded for excellence
A popular learner driver mentor program, the Geelong L2P Program, was awarded the L2P Excellence Award at the Victorian Community Road Safety Partnership Program Conference in Melbourne.
MOU leads the way
As part of an Australian –first agreement, Randwick City Council staff completing internal learning and development programs will be given credit towards post-graduate study at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
Website connects the community
In August this year, Woollahra Municipal Council launched an innovative initiative designed to give community groups in the eastern Sydney local government area a greater voice.
The winds of change
Local governments around Australia are facing some significant reforms; some of the proposals are being welcomed by the sector, some are not so popular.
Revitalising Gosford’s CBD
As part of Gosford City Council’s efforts to revitalise its CBD, the refurbishment of Mortimer Lane was launched in October, in conjunction with the Gosford City Markets.
Compliance Mobility Solution breaks new ground
Fraser Coast Regional Council (FCRC) is breaking new ground after
launching its new Compliance Mobility Solution, an application allowing
Compliance Officers to access Council’s Property and Rating systems
while working in the field.
Reducing litter through cash for containers
A ‘cash for containers’ scheme could reduce Western Australia’s litter problem by potentially eliminating nearly half of the items that are currently littered across the State.
Indian Myna a major pest
The Indian Myna, a species of bird introduced to Australia to control pests, now has a price on its head in the Childers area.
Point Lookout Gorge Walk officially opened
Stage 2 of the upgraded Point Lookout Gorge Walk on North Stradbroke Island was officially opened in October, bringing state, federal and local government together around the significant project.
Stonnington Jazz hits the right note
A jazz festival in an inner city Melbourne municipality is fast establishing itself as one of the leading jazz festivals in the country, drawing thousands of visitors to the area.
Recognising local government’s high achievers
At the Local Government Managers Australia Congress in Perth in May, Local Government Focus invited delegates to nominate individuals or teams from their councils who have made a significant contribution to their council and local community.
Exhibition showcases linocut prints
A twofold exhibition showcasing linocut printing, titled ‘Send Me More Lino’, featured at the Backspace Gallery in Ballarat in October.
Rosmech - providing a strong foundation for tourism and local development.
At Rosmech, we understand the importance of tourism and local development, and the positive flow on effects from tourism stimulating the local economy. Maintaining clean communities assists in maintaining strong visitor numbers whilst providing a safe, clean environment for the local community.
Sustainability reporting in the public sector*
‘Embedding sustainability in your organisation – challenges and solutions’ will be discussed at a roundtable as part of CPA Australia’s International Public Sector Convention from the 20th—22nd February 2013 in Brisbane.
Lifelong learning on demand
Adult learning presents it’s own challenges and one Queensland council
is taking measures to tackle the issues and provide support for adult
learners.
Training key to rural development
The ability of council Economic Development (ED) officers to be early adopters and at the cutting edge of innovation is important for the development of country Victorian towns and communities, according to a research project undertaken by Rural Councils Victoria.
New bike initiatives
A Victorian State Government Transport Connections grant will see additional bike racks installed at Lake Wendouree and a bicycle refurbishment program established at the Ballarat YMCA.
Medical students go rural
Sixteen medical students are participating in placements in rural towns as part of the NSW Rural Doctors Network commitment to attracting (and retaining) medical, nursing and allied health professionals to the bush.
Reward for years of study
A Burdekin Shire Council employee is reaping the rewards for years of study in the relatively new engineering field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Editorial
With the year speeding to a close, councils are far from resting on
their laurels. A heightened sense of positivity about local government’s
role in Australia, and an increase in mainstream attention on councils
and on the breadth of services they provide can only mean good things
heading into 2013.
Feature: Tourism & Economic Development
Experience the high life
Four councils from the New England high country have joined forces, launching an ambitious campaign to draw tourists to the many and varied attractions of the region.
Mackay invests in economic activities
The Mackay region is one of the fastest growing areas in Queensland and, to ensure the region continues to grow and prosper, the Mackay Regional Council is investing in its economic future.
An innovative pipe rehabilitation and repair system
The concept is simple, rehabilitating degraded underground and internal pipes without digging them up. From residential to commercial and industrial or high-rise buildings, it makes no difference, Nuflow can repair any type of pipe utilising the latest technologies in potable approved epoxy resins.
Setting a new WaterMarc
Banyule City Council has undertaken a massive regeneration of the Greensborough precinct, with the WaterMarc leisure and aquatic facility taking centre stage.
Survey reveals a robust industry
The Daylesford & Macedon Ranges Regional Tourism Board Inc. has announced the latest visitor survey results, revealing an 11.4 percent increase in visitation across the region, bringing total visitor numbers to 3.34 million in the year ending in June 2012.
Future directions in tourism & economic development
From the Shire of Esperance Council ‘SuperTowns’ Team, Western Australia. In 2011, Esperance was chosen as one of nine Western Australian towns to participate in the State Government’s ‘SuperTowns’ program.
Big plans for Broome’s Chinatown
The Broome community is being asked for its input into an extensive new strategy aimed at reinforcing Chinatown’s role as the historic and commercial heart of the town.
Beachside Scarborough gets major boost
The City of Stirling and Tourism WA have joined forces, signing a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the intent of working together to create a quality beachside tourism precinct in Scarborough.
Council consults on vital precinct development
Liverpool City Council in New South Wales has worked closely with the local community in determining the future for the Carnes Hill Precinct, with positive results for all concerned.
More than a museum
Since opening in 2011, Newcastle Museum has gone from strength to strength, gaining accolades for its sustainable design, its exhibitions, and the sensitive restoration of the historic Honeysuckle site.
Campbelltown’s ‘Food Trail’ exceeds expectations
Campbelltown City Council, located at the base of the Adelaide foothills, has turned a history of local gourmet food production into a highly successful tourist and business enterprise.
‘Cultural Vitality Plan’ turns one
The City of Melville’s ‘Cultural Vitality Plan 2011-2014’ is the first ever three-year plan for the City, with its aim being to enhance and support cultural development throughout the community.
Our trees, our streets, our community
Sutherland Shire in New South Wales has turned revenue raised from environmental offences into a successful community tree-planting program, revitalising the public spaces in the region.
Council celebrates tourism’s contribution
The Colac Otway Shire Council and Otways Tourism hosted Tourism Week in September this year, acknowledging the sector’s significant contribution to the community and economy of the region.
Grasshopper Turf lives up to the task
A shortage of open space in the City of Greater Geraldton local government area saw a proposal to restore the Eadon Clarke Reserve to its former glory, with funding sourced from all levels of government and from the Eadon Clarke Management Committee.
Capalaba All Abilities Playground opens
To the delight of children and parents alike, the Capalaba All Abilities Playground, in Redland in Queensland, was officially opened in September.
Major new reserve attracts hundreds
Goldenfields, a new 12-hectare reserve developed by the City of Tea Tree Gully in northeast Adelaide, is already attracting hundreds of visitors each week to the large range of facilities on offer.
COSSET Boardwalks, Bridges and Street Furniture
Cosset Industries Australia Pty Ltd is a leading innovator, developer and supplier of recycled wood plastic composite products for a wide range of outdoor applications.
