information bulletin - city of armadale...modul e 15: sustainabl asset management date: friday, 13...

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CITY OF Armadale

INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUE NO. 02/2009 4 February 2009

•4

CITY OF A r m a d a l e

Information Bulletin Issue No. 02/2009

Inside this Issue

^ Correspondence & Papers

Pink Divider

^ Information from Human Resources

Blue Divider

• WA Local Government Association (WALGA) News Issue No.02.09 - 19 January 2009 COR-1 Issue No.03.09 - 27 January 2009 ,...COR-3 Issue No.04.09 - 2 February 2009 COR-5 Correspondence WALGA Economic Briefing - February 2009 COR-7 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) News 30 January 2009 COR-9

• Employee Movements HR-1

Information to Standing Committees

O City Strategy Lilac Divider

O Development Services

Yellow Divider

O Technical Services Green Divider

O Community Services

Beige Divider

• Progress Report Progress Report on Contingency, Operational & Strategic Projects CS-1

• Outstanding Matters & Information Items Report on Outstanding Matters — City Strategy Committee CS-9

• Donations/Grants/Contributions Report on Donations/Community Grants/Annual Contributions CS-11

• Accounting Report Accounting Services Report Summary - December CS-14

• Miscellaneous Monthly Report - Use of the City's Common Seal CS-21

• Outstanding Matters & Information Items Report on Outstanding Matters - Development Services Committee D-l

• Planning Planning Services Manager's Report for the month of December 2008 D-3 Reviews before the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) D-7 Town Plannine Scheme No 4 - Amendment Action Table D-8 Planning Applications Monthly Statistics - December 2008 D-l 1 Subdivision Applications - WAPC Approvals/Reftisals - December 2008 D-l9 Subdivision Applications - Rpt on Lots Registered for 05/06, 06/07, 07/08 & 08/09 D-21 PAW Closure Report - Significant Actions during December 2008 D-22 Road Naming Report 2008/09 & consequential action of Council Recommendation D-24 Compliance Officer's Report for the month of December 2008 D-25

Nil

Nil

Issue 0 2 - 4 February 2009

Information Bulletin Correspondence & Papers

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W A L G Issue No. 02.09

Please copy and distribute to interested readers

HEADLINES * FINANCIAL CRISIS- WHAT'S NEXT? 4 BANNERS IN THE TERRACE 2009

* TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE ^ LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT

FORUM 2009 * NOTICE FOR UNDERGROUND POWER

BUDGET REQUESTS

< CREATING WATER SENSITIVE CITIES IN AUSTRALIA WORKSHOP

4 NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR WA ABORIGINAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

< REGIONAL FUNCTIONAL ROAD HIERARCHY MAPS

< No SWLL FEEDING LEGISLATION

iy January M W 4 WA CLEAN BEACH CHALLENGE

< ROMAN CODES FOR 2009

MA1LBAG ^ FAXBACK- FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BANK DEPOSITS

GUARANTEE ^ INTOPAGE - REVIEW OF NATURAL RESOURCE

MANAGEMENT DELIVERY IN WA 4 INFOPAGE - UPDATE OF ROMAN REPLS.CEMENT 4 PLANNING BULLETIN 95 - AMENDMENT TO

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN CODE - R20 PROVISIONS 4 WALGA BREAKFAST SERIES REGISTRATION 4 CREATING WATER SENSITIVE CITIES IN AUSTRALIA

WORKSHOP

ISSUES UPDATE FINANCIAL CRISIS - WHAT'S NEXT?

Opinion from an Expert

Hear the latest on the global financial crisis when Commonwealth Bank Senior Economist Michael Workman presents at the next event in the WALGA breakfast speaker series. As a Senior Economist with the Commonwealth Bank, IVIr Workman is responsible for communicating the bank's views on trends in the Australian and International economies as well as the likely effect on interest rates and currencies. Mr Workman's presentation will look at the latest impact of the global financial crisis and what it means for you and your Local Government. Date: Wednesday, 18 February

Time: 7.30am - 9.00am

Venue: City of Stirling Cost: S45.00 incl GST The event Is part of the 2009 WALGA breakfast series that aims to provide the sector access to high level, relevant speakers. For further information or to register, please contact Marketing & Events Officer, Emily Ward on 9213 2097 or email eward&vsalpa asn.au

BANNERS IN THE TERRACE 2009 The annual Call for Entries in the Banners In the Terrace Competit ion for 2009 is open!

As one of the State's largest community arts projects, the very popular "Banners in the Terrace Competition" is widely acknowledged as being the most colourful and vibrant city display. In 2009 the banners will be flown along the St Georges and Adelaide Terraces from Sunday, 2 August to Saturday, 15 August as a traditional part of the staging of the annual Local Government Convention.

Publshcd ty Hie Western Auslf£it»3!i LocaS Govsrn.ment Asscctation. PO Bo* 1544. tlfesl Perth, WA5872 Ter|08l9213 2000,Fax: (08)9322 2611,Email-mfo©v«!qaasn an.Websire' wwwwaigaa&iau

Information for the competition was sent to all Council CEOs last week. Please contact Marketing & Events Officer, Emily Ward on 9213 2097 if your Council has not yet received it.

Please note that the deadline for applications is Thursday, 2 April.

For further information, please contact Marketing & Events Officer, Emily Ward on 9213 2097 or email ewardtSiwalga.asn.au

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

The venue for all the following training modules is Local Government House 15 Aftona St, West Perth.

The cost for each of the training modules is: Full Day Cost: S3S0 inc GST for Workplace

Solutions Members $383 inc GST for nonmembers

Officer Professional Development Rates in Local Government: Clerical Date: Tuesday, 10 February Time; 9:00am - 4:30pm Rates in Local Government: Advanced Date: Wednesday, 11 February Time: 9:00am -4:30pm Elected Member Development Program Module 2: Land Use Planning Date: Friday, 6 February Time: 9:00am - 4:30pm Module 15: Sustainable Asset Management Date: Friday, 13 February Time: 9:00am - 4:30pm

For further information, please contact Training Coordinator Brenna Heagney on 9213 2098 or email [email protected]


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LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT FORUM 2009 Date: Friday, 8 May

Venue: WACA Function Rooms, WACA Ground, Nelson Crescent, East Perth

Preparations have begun for the inaugural Asset Management Forum. This will be a one-day event which will focus on key issues facing Local Governments in the management of Local Government Assets. A full program will be available in early March.

For further information, please contact Policy Officer, Transport and Roads, Erin Fuery on 9213 2050 or email efuery&.walqa. asn au

NOTICE FOR UNDERGROUND POWER BUDGET REQUESTS The Department of Housing and Works (DHW) has written to WALGA regarding the provision of funding for underground power projects in relation to Department owned properties. Local Governments are asked to notify DHW of anticipated underground power improvement programs for the 2010-11 financial year prior to Wednesday, 30 September 2009 to enable budget planning for that financial year. This will prevent the Department receiving invoices for work that has nol been budgeted for. Notifications are to be sent to Manager, Housing Maintenance, Department of Housing and Works.

For more information contact Karen Branch, Manager Housing Maintenance, Department of Housing and Works on 9432 7007.

CREATING WATER SENSITIVE CITIES IN AUSTRALIA WORKSHOP- 9-10 FEBRUARY

The National Urban Water Governance Program (Monash University), and the International WaterCentre are hosting a 2-day Capacity Building and Leadership workshop focused upon 'Creating Water Sensitive Cities in Australia'.

Date: Monday, 9 - Tuesday, 10 February Venue: Parmelia Hilton, Perth Cost: $550 inc GST Participants will hear from leading water, climate and social scientists, urban designers and industry practitioners about the water related challenges and opportunities currently facing our cities.

They will also have the opportunity to share their views and collaborate with other professionals in creating the vision and strategy for water sensitive futures in Australia. This is part of a national series of workshops with the outcomes to be presented to the National Water Commission and other oovernment officials in April 2009.

For further information and to register, visit www, watersensitivefutures.org or contact Nina Keith at the National Urban Water Governance Program, Monash University on 03 9905 4618.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR WA ABORIGINAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Nominations are now open for the Western Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council (WAAAC), with applications closing at 5pm Friday, 23 January.

The WAAAC will provide the State Government with independent and strategic leadership, guidance and advice on Indigenous aspirations and priority issues and advise on performance targets against these.

Information packs are available on wwwdia wa oov.au or by emailing [email protected] qov.au.

For further information, please contact Wendy Dawson on 9235 8000 or Jane Hutcheon on 9235 8179.

REGIONAL FUNCTIONAL ROAD HEIRARCHY MAPS

Main Roads advise it has now completed a comprehensive review of the Regional Functional Road Hierarchy (PHD) data and that the information is available through maps on the Mam Roads website www.mainroads.wa.qov.au

FHD is a listing of roads which perform designated functions required of the road network and it also provides the criteria ta describe each functional road type. The functional type designated to each road represents the function for which that the road is intended and may not necessarily reflect the current conditions on the road.

To access the maps, log on to Main Roads Web site, find the MRWA Home Page, click on "Touring WA & Maps" hyperlink under the "using roads" title and then click on "State Road Network Maps" and click on the selected individual hyperlinks thereafter.

For further information please contact Renee Clegg at Main Roads on 9172 8801 or by email to renee. cleggtSimainroads. wa. pov. au.

NO SWILL FEEDING LEGISLATION

The Department of Agriculture and Food WA is about to undertake a survey of current knowledge of, and compliance with, the No Swill Feeding Legislation as it applies to pigs in WA. This will be combined with an education campaign to update Local Government Environmental Health Officers' (EHOs) knowledge, and where possible, assist them in communicating information to food outlets in their Local Government area. The Department will be contacting EHOs over the next few weeks.

For further information contact Dr Anna Erickson, Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture and Food on 9881 0222 or 0437 801 416.

WA CLEAN BEACH CHALLENGE

The WA Clean Beach Challenge is now open for nominations for the 2008/09 competition. Nominations close on Friday, 20 February.

For further information and nomination forms, visit the Keep Australia Beautiful website www.feabc.wa.oov.au or caH 6467 5143.

ROMAN CODES FOR 2009

All Local Governments should have received their 2009 ROMAN Codes in the mail by the end of next week The letters are addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of each Local Government.

// you have not received your codes by that time, please contact Cheryl Bulford on 9213 2059 or by email cbulford&walga.asn au.


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Issue No. 03.09 Please copy and distribute to interesred readers

11 January ^uuy

HEADLINES 4 MEETING WITH THE MIMISTER FOR HEALTH

AND (NDiGgMOus AFFAIRS 4 BANNERSl«THETERRACe2009 4 FINANCIAL CRISIS - WHAT'S NEXT? "4 2003LOCAL GOVERNMENTREMUNERATION

SURVEY 4 SEMP POLICY STATEM£NT2.5 TOBE

REVIEWED

^ LARGE SCALE TRIALS OF GM CANOLA ^ ACCESSIBLE PATH/yAvs GRANTS Now OPEN

MAILBAG 4 MWAC INFORMATION BULLETIN - JANUARY ISSUE

121 4 iNFO PAGE - RE\IEW OF SEMP PS 2 5

ISSUES UPDATE MEETING WITH THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS

WALGA President Cr Bill Mitchell, Deputy President Mayor Troy Pickard, and senior staff met with the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Indigenous Affairs, Hon Kim Hames MLAon Tuesday, 20 January.

The discussion focussed on the. role of Local Government in service provision to Indigenous Communities, the Council of Australian Government (COAG), "Closing She Gap' on Indigenous Disadvantage, and the development of the new Bilateral Agreement on Indigenous Affairs between the CommonweaUh and Slate Government.: The introduction of the Public Health Bill 2008 was also discussed.

President Mitchelt advised the Minister that Local Governments in WA appreciate there is need for the .State and Commonwealth Governments to work through their respective responsibilities for 'Closing the Gap' between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians, but there is an urgent need for both spheres of Government !o engage at a strategic trilateral level (and ultimately come to a formal agreemer.l) with Local Government. The Minister agreed that Local Government needs to be included in discussions on Indigenous affairs, and advised that he would insist on Local Government being a signatory to relevant components of the revised Bilateral Agreement for Indigenous Affairs, Minister Hames believed it was not reasonable to expect that services could . be provided to alt 287 Indigenous Communities in WA, and stated that the State Government would only be focusing on the decision making framework for investment into sustainable Indigenous Communities, The Minister recognised that, the definition of what constitutes a sustainable community needs agreement, and this was being addressed through the Remote Indigenous Community Policy Group being led by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The Minister recognised that consultation with

iUtt riitt

needs to be improved, and believes the announcement of the tndigenous implementation Board and the appointment to that Board of WALGA CEO, Ms RiO-y Surges will facilitate this. President Mitcheti outlined the current infrastructure issues : facing the Local Government sector, and advised that in order for Local Govemments to work towards 'Closing the Gap' and delivering services to Indigenous Communities, infrastructure deficits need to be addressed The Minister acknowledged that this would need to be undertaken in order to move forward, and was surprised that it had not already, occurred The Minister requested WALGA consider and outline what support Local Government could give to such an audit In respect to the Public Health Bill 2009. President Mitchell commended the Department of Health on the consultative and inclusive process undertaken to progress the development of the legislation. The Minister welcomed the feedback, and advised that the Bill would be introduced to Parliament in the first half of 2009. President Mitchell advised that Local Government costs were estimated to be S7,2miliion to support the development and implementation of the Local Health plans outlined in the proposed Bill. The Minister advised that in light of the State Government 3% efficiency dividends, the request for funding by the State Government would need to be carefully considered, and sought feedback on the possibility of developing regional health plans For further infomaiion, please contact Policy Manager Community, Jodie Hdbrook on 9213 2044 or email ihomrooklSiwalaa.asn.au

BANNERS IN THE TERRACE 2009 The annual call for entries in the Banners In the Terrace Competition for 2009 is open!

As one of the State's largest community arts projects, the very popular 'Banners in the Terrace' competition is widely acknowledged as being the most colourful and vibrant city display.

P-JSSSIM by »ie Wesera AaaraBah LDOS S c ^ i n s m AssocStwi. PC Bra 1544. VtesS P a * WA6872 Tel: (05l 92J3 2000. Fax. 10819322 26H, emai: hftewalga.aaJ.ao.SKetsSe.. wnLivalgiasr.-a;


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In 2009 the banners will be flown along St Georges and Adelaide Terraces from Sunday, 2 August to Saturday, 15 August as a traditional part of the staging of the annual Local Government Convention,

Please note that the deadline for applications is Thursday, 2 April

For further information, please contact Marketing & Events Officer, Emily Ward on 9213 2097 or email ewardddwaloaasnau

FINANCIAL CRISIS - WHAT'S NEXT?


Hear the latest on the global financial crisis when Commonwealth Bank Senior Economist Michael Workman presents at the next event in the WALGA Breakfast Speaker Series, As a Senior Economist with the Commonwealth Bank, Mr Workman is responsible for communicating the bank's views on trends in the Australian and International economies, as well as the likely effect on interest rates and currencies.

Mr Workman's presentation will look at the latest impact of the global financial crisis, and what it means for you and your Local Government.

Date: Wednesday, 18 February

Time: 7.30am - 9.00am Venue: City of Stirling Cost: $45.00 incl GST

The event is part of the 2009 WALGA Breakfast Series that aims to provide the sector access to high level, relevant speakers.

For further information or to register, please contact Emily Ward on (08) 9213 2097 or eward&walga.asn.au

2009 LOCAL GOVERNMENT REMUNERATION SURVEY

Since 1994, WALGA has conducted a Remuneration Survey for Local Governments in Western Australia, with national contributions also being included for the past six years. The ; Local Government Remuneration Survey has quickly established Itself as the leading indicator of remuneration information for Local Governments in Australia. The Survey now monitors 105 generic Local Government job positions, with statistics on employer superannuation contributions, salary increases, employee turnover rates, and workforce planning information now being collected. Invitations for the Survey were distributed in December 2008, and the deadline for contributions is now Friday, 30 January.

As an added incentive this year. WALGA is offering Local Governments the chance to win a registration to the 2009 Local Government National Human Resources Conference {valued at approximately S900), which will be held in Melbourne in November 2009. The Survey completion form can be accessed through WALGA's Workplace Solutions webpage at www, workplacesolutions :asn.au

For further information, please contact Employee Relations Officer, Courtney Stevenson 9213 2014 or email cstevenson&vjalga asn an

SEMP POLICY STATEMENT 2.5 TO BE REVIEWED

Emergency Management WA is commencing a review of State Emergency Management Policy 2.5 -Emergency Management in Local Government Districts. This policy provides significant direction to all Local Governments in all aspects of emergency management within a Local Government district.

To ensure this policy meets the needs of both Local Government and Emergency Management Agencies in providing clear direction in undertaking emergency management activities in Local Government districts. Emergency Management WA is inviting Local Governments to provide feedback on the existing policy. Local Governments will have two opportunities to provide input and feedback to improve the policy The draft policy will be distributed for comment in accordance with the agreed consultation process (12 weeks) prior to finaiisation and submission to SEMC. WALGA Emergency Management Services has distributed the document with an Info. Page to all member Councils. The first feedback round is scheduled to dose on Tuesday, 10 February to allow WALGA to collate the information for submission to EMWA,

For further information, please contact Emergency Management Project Coordinator, John Lane on 9213 2074, or email Hane&walga.asn au.

LARGE SCALE TRIALS OF GM CANOLA

It has been requested through Faxback that Wheatbelt Shires inform the Association of their position on the issue of large scale trials of genetically modified (GM) canola being grown in their municipality. The Association is aware that many Councils may not have a current position on this issue, and will not be able to determine one until February. The Association will map the currently known positions and supply this information. to Monsanto, Cooperative Bulk Handling and the Department of Agriculture and Food, as the process of choosing trial locations is beginning in early February.

If Councils decide upon a position in the next month, please send this through to Executive Manager Environment and Waste, Mark Batty on 9213 2078 or email mbatlygSwalqa.asn.au and the Association s information will be updated and re-sent to the organisations listed above.

For further information, please contact Executive Manager Environment and Waste, Mark Batty on 9213 2078 or email mbatty&waloa. asn, au

ACCESSIBLE PATHWAYS GRANTS NOW OPEN

The Accessible Pathways Grant Scheme offers funding to Local Governments to assist in the provision of improved access to public transport in Western Australia. Funding assistance of up to $15,000 will be available for the provision of an accessible pathway or the upgrade of an existing pathway. The Grant Scheme is now open and will close on Wednesday, 25 February.

For further information, please visit httpMvww.pta. wa.gov.au/schptsA/iewoverview contact asD?NID-1657 or email emma.hunt&ota.wa.gov.au


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W A L Issue No. 04.09

Please copy and distribute to interested readers

I Hebruary AIW

HEADLINES 4 ASSET MANAGEMENT

4 AN INTRODUCTION TO ROMAN II 4 FINANCIAL CRISIS-WHAT'S NEXT?

4 BANNERS IN THE TERRACE 2009 4 ROADS ANO TRANSPORT FORUM 2009

4 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE 4 GRAFFITI TASKFORCE HOTSPOT FUND NOW

OPEN 4 2007/2008 ASSET AND EXPENDITURE

RETURNS 4 EARTH HOUR-2009

MAILBAG 4

4 ECONOMIC BRIEFING - FEBRUARY 2008 INFO PAGE - LOCAL GOVERNMENT UPTAKE OF GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE ON BANK DEPOSITS INFO PAGE - CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION

(CCTV) SYSTEMS FAX BACK - CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV) SYSTEMS WESTERN COUNCILLOR ISSUE 24 ROMAN II FLYER AND REGISTRATION

REVIEW OF SEMP 4.4

ISSUES UPDATE ASSET MANAGEMENT

WALGA has released a tender for a panel of Preferred Suppliers for Asset Management services to Local Government. As a complementary initiative to the WAAMI program and in support of the Asset Management objectives of the SSS, it is hoped to contract and make available a range of technical services to support the measurement and future development of the sector's Asset Management activity. The tender includes provisions for data capture and support of the ROMAN road asset data. The tender will close in mid February, and it is intended services will be available for access in April 2009.

For further information, please contact Business Development Manager, Andrew Blitz on 9213 2046 or email ablitz&walga.asn.au

AN INTRODUCTION TO ROMAN II

The ROMAN pavement management software is about to become unsupported and WALGA has been working with Local Government users, the Institute of Public Works Engineers Australia and Main Roads WA to purchase and customise a replacement product. A demonstration and introduction to the new product will be held on Friday, 20 February at the Town of Victoria Park from 12:30pm, including lunch and a Sundowner. Presentations will be made by the Grants Commission, IPWEA, and Main Roads on what the ROMAN product has done for Local Governments over the last 20 years, and a demonstration of the new product by the vendor, the ARRB Group,

Bookings are essential by emailing or faxing a completed registration to 9427 0871 or wagiipwea.orq.au. A letter to all CEO's and the registration form is included in this week's maiibag. For further information, please contact Policy

Put ishea b» the Westsm fcstraBsn iscat Soranvnen! Associstoi. P0 Box 15«, Wjsl P a * , WA 6872 rei- (C î 921^ 2000. Fax: m , 9222 2611. Email- inMhwIfla asiLau,Wessis -w*- v;a!ea.asn.au

Manager Transport and Roads, Graham Lantzke on 9213 2061 or email glantzke&walga asn au

FINANCIAL CRISIS - WHAT'S NEXT?


Hear the latest on the global financial crisis when Commonwealth Bank Senior Economist Michael Workman presents at the next event in the WALGA Breakfast Speaker Series. As a Senior Economist with the Commonwealth Bank, Mr Workman is responsible for communicating the bank's views on trends in the Australian and International economies, as well as the likely effect on interest rates and currencies.

Mr Workman's presentation wilt look at the latest impact of the global financial crisis, and what it means for you and your Local Government.

Date: Wednesday, 18 February

Time: 7.30am - 9.00am Venue: City of Stirling Cost: S45.00 incl GST

The event is part of the 2009 WALGA Breakfast Series that aims to provide the sector access to high level, relevant speakers.

For further information or to register, please contact Marketing & Events Officer, Emily Ward on 9213 2097 or email eward(S>v.'alaa.asn.au

BANNERS IN THE TERRACE 2009

The annual call for entries In the Banners in the Terrace Competition for 2009 is openl As one of the State's largest community arts projects, the very popular 'Banners in the Terrace' competition is widely acknowledged as being the most colourful and vibrant city display. In 2009 the banners v/ill be flown along St Georges and Adelaide Terraces from Sunday, 2 August to Saturday, 15 August as a traditional part of the staging of the annual Local Government Convention. Please note that the


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deadline for applications is Thursday, 2 Apri l . For further information, please contact Marketing & Events Officer, Emily Ward on 9213 2097 or email eward(S>waloa. asn. au

ROADS AND TRANSPORT FORUM 2009

Date: Wednesday, 5 August

Venue: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

The Forum will be held the day before the Local Government Convention which commences on Thursday, 6 August to Saturday, 8 August at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The focus for this year's Roads and Transport Forum will be 'Strategic Investment'. For further information, please contact Administration Officer Infrastructure, Cheryl Bulford on 9213 2059 or email cbulford(S>vjaloa.asn.au

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE The venue for all the following training modules is:

Local Government House 15 Altona St, West Perth.

The cost for each of the training modules is: Full Day Cost: $350 inc GST for Workplace Solutions

Members $383 inc GST for Non-Members

Half Day Cost: $185 inc GST for Workplace Solutions Members

$201.50 inc GST for Non-Members

Officer Professional Development

Recruitment and Selection for Local Government

(Half Day Course)

Date: Monday. 16 February

Time: 9:00am - 12:30pm

Elected Member Development Program

Module 6: Strategic Planning (Half Day Course)

Date: Thursday, 5 February

Time: 9:00am - 12:30pm

Module 9: Ethics and Conduct of an Elected

Member (Half Day Course)

Date: Thursday, 5 February

Time: 1:00pm - 4:30pm

Module 2: Land Use Planning

Date: Friday, 6 February

Time: 9:00am - 4:30pm

Module 15: Sustainable Asset Management

Date: Friday, 13 February

Time: 9:00am - 4:30pm For further information, please contact Training Coordinator, Brenna Heagney on 9213 2098 or email bheaqnevQwaloa.asn.au

GRAFFITI TASKFORCE HOTSPOT FUND NOW OPEN

The Graffiti Taskforce will provide up to $20,000 to individual Local Governments to undertake targeted

graffiti removal and graffiti intervention focussed on geographical hotspot locations.

The fund will support Local Governments' capacity to undertake rapid removal, as well as initiatives such as minor works, specialist surveillance (such as mobile CCTV equipment), and programs that promote prevention and/or awareness of graffiti offences within the hotspot area. Local Governments receiving grants will be required to complete and implement a graffiti management plan for the area in partnership with the Office of Crime Prevention. The Graffiti Taskforce Hotspot Fund closes on Friday, 27 March. Local Governments will have eight weeks to submit an application with the accompanying graffiti hotspot management plan. The application form and guidance notes are available on the Goodbye Graffiti website: www.aoodbveor3ffili.wa.aov.au.

For further Information, please contact Grants Officer, Megan Lehaney on 9222 8761 or email erants(S)ocp.wa.qov.au.

2007/2008 ASSET AND EXPENDITURE RETURNS

Thank you to all the Local Governments that have taken the time to submit the two data sheets for the 2007/08 Road Asset and Expenditure report. To date we have received 76 reports - 55% of the total required.

It is important that we receive this information as the report is a valuable source of information for Local Govemment road funding issues. We are endeavouring to distribute and discuss the report at the 2009 Transport and Roads Forum, and would appreciate a prompt return from those Local Governments which have yet to send in their reports. Reminder letters were sent last week to Councils with outstanding returns. Should you require any assistance to complete the forms, please contact Mr Clive Shepherd who is available on 9217 1423 on Mondays, and 9367 3080 Tuesday-Friday,

If you require another copy of the 2006/07 submission form or need further information, please contact Cheryl Bulford on 9213 2059 or email cbulfordgjwalqa.asn.au.

For further information, please contact Administration Officer Infrastructure, Cheryl Bulford on 9213 2059 or email cbulford& waloa. asn. au

EARTH HOUR 2009

What began as a campaign to get Sydneysiders to turn their lights off has grown to become one of the world's biggest climate change initiatives. At 8.30pm on Saturday, 28 March, people around the world will turn their lights off for one hour - Earth Hour.

Since 2007, this event has become a global sustainability movement, with up to 50 million people across 35 countries participating. By supporting Earth Hour, your Council is showing residents, businesses and employees that you are dedicated to climate change solutions. Councils wishing to get involved are given the option to participate or support the event, with further information available at the Earth Hour website: htlp://www.earthhour.orq/.

For further information, please contact National Earth Hour Manager, Anna Fedeles on (02) 8202 1290 or email afedeles&wwf.ora.au.


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OF AR\j j?r?f» 3 i r ,E i vpD~~^

( -2FEB2iI09

i V ' ~ ^ ^ s s ^

WALGA OMI

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

The current economic environmetit is very different from that just twelve months ago when official interest rates were being raised, again, in an attempt to slow a rapidly growing economy and reduce inflation. Even in Western Australia the word "recession", which simply means a period of slow or negative economic growth, usually accompanied by rising unemployment is now being mentioned,

'...wheiA-the facts chaitge I chai^ge fw-y ndad, what do you do?'

Barry QLifk CEO London Borough o( Lewishem

This change in circumstances will inevitably impact on communities. Local Governments and their partners. There is real value in the leadership of Local Govemment communicating a coherent view of the impacts in the local area and the steps taken by Council and its partners to respond. The issues and appropriate responses will vary from place to place. The questions below are intended to assist officers and elected members consider the implications of a subdued or negative economic outlook and generate the imaginative and innovative thinking necessary to deal with these circumstances,

1, Understanding and Communication

Do you have a comprehensive picture of the impacts of reduced economic growth on your area, your Local Govemment and your partners now and the likely impacts through 2009 and 2010? This includes an assessment of the impact on:

• demand for Local Government services, to enable planning effective resource allocation and investment;

• the financial position of the Council; • partner organisations, particularly those

supplying services to your Local Government; • the community and particular sub-groups in the

community; and • business, particularly small business in the area.

Do your elected leaders communicate a coherent picture of what is happening in the area and are all elected members effectively engaged in assessing the local situation and communicating the "big picture?"

2. Planning

Local Governments and their communities will be well served by indentifying and implementing those actions that provide the most powerful response to the economic circumstances

February 2009

developing in your area. To do this will require: • systematically assessing the contribution each service

makes in addressing the economic downturn and its consequences;

• developing local action plans and encouraging partners to do so also;

• identifying if the council has a role in co-ordinating action between local service providers;

« identifying and implementing appropriate responses to support vulnerable local businesses and households; and

• exploring the scope to bring forward and expedite infrastructure investment to provide economic stimulation and potentially reduce the risk involved in private sector investment. Partnerships with Federal and State Governments are critical in this area.

3. Longer Term

The current economic climate provides opportunities as well as threats. It is timely to explore the longer term implications of current and emerging trends and what they mean for the local area. Council and its partners. What actions should be taken now to shape and respond to these trends? There are opportunities to: • make strategic investments that lead to a stronger,

more diverse and resilient economy; • promote behaviour changes that improve the welfare of

residents (community involvement etc) • pursue involvement in commercial property, housing

and innovative capital raising approaches; and • explore longer term financial arrangements with Federal

and State Governments,

In the current economic climate there is a compelling need to avoid undue pessimism or optimism in favour of meliorism - the belief that the world can be made better by human effort. Adapted from Improvemen: and Development Agency for Local Gcveminenl (UK)

WA MID-YEAR FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS

The State Govemment published a mid-year financial projections statement in December, which provides an updated view of key economic parameters and an overview of the performance of the govemment sector. Of particular interest is the statement of risks associated with the forecasts listed below. The key risks to the business sector include: • deeper and longer recession in advanced economies

that generate significantly slower growth in emerging economies;


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T W A L G A

• commodity demand and prices fall further, especially as China's rate of growth slows more than expected; and

• sustained low asset prices, lack of credit and risk aversion in financial markets which could deter investment and consumption.

In the household sector, substantial falls in the share market and falling residential property prices are the major risks to household consumption growth. Reductions in interest rates and fuel prices have and will continue to at least partly offset some of the influences depressing consumer spending.

Real Gross

Slate Product

Growth (%)

Consumer

Price Index

Growth {%)

Wage Price

Index Growth

(%)

Unemployment

Rate (%)

2007/06 Actual

5,2

3.6

5.8

3.3

2008/09 Forecast

(Previous)

6.25

3.75

5.25

3,25

2008/09 Forecast (Current)

6.0

3.75

5.0

3,0

2009/10 Forecast (Current)

1,5

3,0

4.25

4,0

Figure 1; WA Department of Treasury and Finance forecasts for key economic parameters.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT COST INDEX

The increase in the Local Govemment Cost Index was 4.4% in the year to the end of December 2008, reflecting significantly lower rate of cost increases in both the General Construction sector and a the broad basket of consumer items measured in the CPI,

QuarterV c ^ . ^ L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t C o s t index ^ " "^ ow^s*'

9 e.V

2.0% i

1.5%

i . tm

0.5S

3

2

*~s\

y*J

A

/

\A ^ \ A

1 !i[ - ' II 8 5 S S S

k t & t & &

i a t t i

V V

Jil l

' ; i ; - 7 . 0 %

.:•• V 6.13%

* \ i S-Ctt

> .:.., 3 0%

: - - Z D %

• ;•• • ros

I } 1 I i i i i : « 0 C-ararv —•—Arr.^s;.

Quarterly and annua! change in the Local Govemment Cost Index Scurcc: ABS Cat No 6401.0; 6427.0: WALGA calculaiions.

During the December quarter the Perth Consumer Price Index fell by 0,3%, the first time a negative quarterly result has been recorded since March 1999. Theshanp fall in fuel prices during the quarter was the primary driver, with price falls also

Health and the Finance and Insurance Services

categories. These falls were partly offset by increases in Food and Housing costs. The Perth CPI rose 3.7% in the year to the end of December.

General Construction costs increased 5.9% over the year to the end of December, and by 0.8% in the December quarter, reflecting a significant reduction in the rate of cost increases in the sector. Non-residentia! construction costs increased 11.6% over the year but just 0.3% in the December quarter while Road and Bridge Construction costs actually decreased marginally in the December quarter.

CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE

State and Federal Governments have committed to invest in local community infrastructure through the Country Local Govemment Fund and Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. A survey of the 2008-09 budgets indicates that even before these initiatives were announced. Western Australian Local Governments were planning to increase their acquisition of capital assets by around 70% or more than $500 million compared with 2007-08 actual expenditure. This includes an expected doubling of investment in Land and Buildings and a 60% increase in capital investment in Road Infrastructure. To some degree this anticipated expenditure in 2008-09 reflects projects carried over from the previous year due to lack of availability of contractors to complete the work.

However, the $125m injection for new capital works to be completed during 2009 adds to the demands to efficiently manage the project cycle for an increased number of projects within a limited timeframe.

Proposed Assets Acquired by Class,

a™. 2008-09

32%

Intended capital investment by asset class for Western Australian

Local Governments, 2OOS-09. (Based on survey o' S3 Local Govennent btdgel statements)

Many Local Governments are anticipating a large increase in the net income generated from asset sales this year (65% increase on average) which contributes to funding the proposed enlarged capital works program. There will need to be a realistic assessment of the ability to achieve these asset sales in the current economic environment.

For further information, or to comment please contact Economist, Ian Duncan on 9213 2040 or email iduncan&walga.asn.au

Information Bulletin Page Cor-9 Correspondence & Papers

ALGA NEWSLETTER - 30 January 2009

ALGA lodges 2009/10 Federal Budget submission

Earlier this month, ALGA lodged its Federal Budget 2009/10 submission with the Australian Government. It is available at www.alga.asn.au.

Titled 'Securing Australia's Economic and Social Future,' ALGA's submission is grouped into ten key themes: intergovernmental funding; Roads to Recovery; road safety; regional and community infrastructure; measuring improved local government service delivery; climate change and water; closing the gap in our Indigenous communities; broadband and telecommunications; social inclusion; and the Local Government Centre of Excellence (as announced by the Prime Minister at the inaugural meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government).

In lodging the submission, ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake acknowledged the impact on Australia's economic outlook of the global financial crisis, and the constraints this may place on the framing of the Budget. However, the time to establish the foundations for a more secure economic and social future for Australia would be in the forthcoming Budget. ALGA stated in the submission that the budget strategy for 2009/10 should be based upon the following key principles:

• expanding investment in short-term fiscal stimulus programs where warranted to boost productivity growth in the domestic economy;

• pursuing reforms that transform the productive capacity of Australia, so as to underpin the long-term performance of the national economy; and

• ensuring greater social equity and inclusion through investment in social and community programs aimed at the disadvantaged.

Importantly, the submission welcomed the Australian Government's recognition of, and support for, the crucial role local government plays in delivering outcomes that enhance the wellbeing of Australians at the local level, including the $300 million community infrastructure fund and the positive outcomes contained in the 2008/09 Budget, such as the commitment to extend the Roads to Recovery program to 2014 at an increased level of funding from 2009/2010.

Local government is a dynamic and resilient level of government that is uniquely placed to assist in building and strengthening communities, especially in these challenging economic times. Local government therefore awaits the Budget 2009-10 with keen interest.

The Treasurer is due to hand down his second Budget on 12 May 2009,

Local government recognised in Australia Day honours list

A serving ALGA Board member and a former member have been honoured in the Australia Day honours list. Ann Bennison (pictured), former Brisbane City Councillor, ALGA Board Member and LGAQ Vice-President, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to local government. Vice-President of the Local Government


Association of Tasmania, ALGA Board Member and West Tamar Mayor, Barry Easther, who gained national and international recognition during the Beaconsfield Mine disaster in 2006, was also awarded an OAM.

From Queensland, Valda Lawrence received an OAM for service to local government through the Borough of Queenscliffe Council and to the community. Rosemary Skelly was awarded an OAM for service to the community of the Redland region, particularly through a range of welfare, health and service organisations, and to local government. William Trevor was awarded an OAM for service to local government and to the community of Childers and the Wide Bay Burnett region. Cr Les Tyrell (Mayor Townsville City) was awarded an OAM for services to local government and to the former Thuringowa Shire Council (recently amalgamated into Townsville). The Honourable Tony McGrady became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the Parliament of Queensland, to the community of Mt Isa through local government roles, and to youth training and development programs. Patrick Meade received an OAM for service to local government, and to the communities of the Tara Shire through a range of organisations including the Flinton Race Club. Peter Corones became a Member of the Order Of Australia (AM) for service to the community of the Gladstone region through a range of local government, transport infrastructure, education, industrial development and other organisations.

From WA, June Copley, former City of Stirling Councillor, received a Medal of the Order of Australia.

From Victoria, Dr Michael Kennedy was awarded an OAM for service to the community through health and sporting organisations, particularly Life Saving Victoria, and to local government.

From NSW, North Ryde Councillor and Deputy Mayor Sarkis Yedelian, was awarded an OAM for service to the Armenian community and to local government. Garry Rumble who worked at Penrith City Council for 31 years and was a councillor for four years was awarded an OAM as was Tom Capell, a former shire councillor with Goobang Shire Council. Former Parkes Shire Councillor Bev Laing received an OAM for service to the community through a range of local government, service and welfare organisations. Alan Travers, Penrith City Council General Manager to 2008 was awarded a Public Service Medal. Former Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Gordon Lewis received an OAM for service to the community of the Southern Highlands region through a range of local government, sporting and service organisations. Warren Shire Council Mayor Rex Wilson was awarded an OAM to service to local government and to the community of Warren, having served twenty terms as Mayor. William Crawford received an OAM for service to the community of the Bathurst region through a range of roles with local government and service oganisations. James MacLachlan received an OAM for service to the community through roles in the Palerang and Yarrowlumla Shire Councils, the Rural Fire Service, the scouting movement and other service and sporting organisations. Agapitos Passaris was awarded an OAM for service to the community, particularly through the Ethnic Communities Council of New South Wales and to local government.

Noteworthy Tasmanians from the Local Government sector awarded OAMs were former West Coast Deputy Mayor, Anne Drake (posthumous award) for service to


local government and the community through sporting and ex-service organisations; and past Flinders Island Council Warden, Bob Mainwaring who was a former Liberal MHA for Lyons.

From South Australia, Cr Malcolm Catford from the Northern Areas Council was awarded an OAM for services to Local Government, to health care and arts organisations and to the community of Jamestown. Esmond Hoepner was awarded an OAM for service to the community of Balaklava through roles in local government, church and health service organisations. Patricia Jacka received an OAM for service to local government through the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, and to the community through a range of organisations.

ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake congratulated the winners. "I am delighted that the tireless and often thankless work of local councillors and those who serve their communities has been recognised in the Australia Day honours list. I congratulate all those who were honoured by the nation through these awards."

Harmony Day 21 March 2009

Local governments across the country are marking Harmony Day on 21 March 2009 in council calendars.

Harmony Day is the national day when people focus on the identity that Australians share and celebrate the benefits our cultural diversity.

Administered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2009 is the 10th anniversary of Harmony Day. Many Councils will use it as an opportunity to welcome new immigrants, increase awareness of their diversity programs and services and celebrate the mix of languages and cultures in their communities.

Visit www.harmonv.gov.au or call 1800 33 11 00 for more information on the Australian Government's community harmony programs and Harmony Day 2009.

Councils can also register events and order free promotional material at www.harmony.gov.au

One council among many celebrating Harmony Day will be Lane Cove Council in NSW where planning is already underway following Council's recently completed Living in Harmony project.

In 2007 - 2008 Lane Cove received a $20 000 grant from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's funded community grants program for its You + Me = Lane Cove program.

You + Me = Lane Cove invited people from different backgrounds to share their stories of culture and migration with other residents through art, events, workshops and forums. And it used its annual Cameraygal Festival, held annually from August to October, to present a selection of multicultural activities. One particularly successful initiative was an Australian Values Forum where residents swapped their experiences of moving into and living in Lane Cove.


tk From the President

I'm pleased to report that while many of you were enjoying a well deserved break over the Christmas and New Year period, ALGA has been hard at work and has hit the ground running in 2009.

ALGA's Budget submission was lodged with Treasury on January 16. With Roads to Recovery funding locked in until 2014 (one of our biggest achievements in 2008), the key priorities identified in our submission were focused around securing a sustainable and increased funding base for local government, achieving an ongoing fund for community infrastructure renewal and promoting climate change action. The submission is available at www.alga.asn.au and it is well worth a read.

On Thursday 5 February, I will meet with the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, and other appointees to the steering committee of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) to discuss important issues facing the broader local government sector. I am pleased to have accepted the Minister's invitation to be the Deputy Chair of the ACLG (the Minister is the Chair).

A few people have asked me what the creation of the ACLG means for ALGA and how the two bodies will relate to one another. In my view (and 1 understand in the Minister's view as well), the ACLG is very deliberately seen as a collection of key local government stakeholders. Some of these stakeholders are elected members, some are employed officers, some are union representatives and others are academics. Some have a direct connection with local councils while others don't. However, in all cases, all appointees are involved in and passionate about the local government sector. Therefore, the ACLG will fulfill an important function of being a bit of a 'sounding board' and a consultative tool for the Federal Government to use to engage with the broader sector on appropriate issues rather than just engaging with local councils. It won't have any budget, staff or permanent presence and instead will be convened from time to time to discuss relevant issues.

ALGA, on the other hand, is the peak body representing all local councils in Australia at the national level. We are constituted through the membership and involvement of each state and territory local government association and the ACT Government. We are the organisation which the Federal Government will continue to come to when it wants to explore matters relating to councils and local government generally at the national level. ALGA has a permanent presence and a formidable full time staff operating across all major policy areas. Unlike the ACLG, ALGA is directly constituted by councils and is our collective representative voice on national issues.

At ALGA, we see the creation of the ACLG as a very positive step for local government. We are pleased that the Federal Government has asked us to assist in the coordination of the ACLG at a senior level and we look forward to working hard to achieve results for local government. Of course, ALGA's role in representing councils on a day to day basis, attending Ministerial Council meetings and the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) will continue unchanged and in fact will likely be assisted and enhanced as a result of this increased engagement.

With the budding partnership between local government and the Rudd Government (as well as the equally strong relationship that exists with the Opposition) the future

Information Bulletin PageCor-13 Correspondence & Papers

appears bright for local government in Australia. However, the sector is undoubtedly at a critical juncture and the next few years will determine whether we are able to seize the opportunities which currently exist in order to increase our position and relevance within the broader government of Australia.

The focus over the coming year for ALGA is essentially on securing a more financially sustainable local government sector and pursuing reform of the Australian constitution so the three levels of government function better.

Of course, local government's financial and institutional reform goals must be tempered by the current world economic climate. However, this so called 'global financial crisis' also presents a number of significant opportunities for councils and local communities. In November, as part of the Rudd Government's efforts to safeguard the Australian economy from the effects of the current global turmoil, the Prime Minister announced a local stimulus package of $300 million for community infrastructure projects. This money has been split between all councils and is contingent on councils being able to spend it over the next eight months. The funding has been eagerly welcomed and demonstrates the economic stimulus able to be delivered by councils at the local level. It is clear that the Australian government correctly recognises that local government with its dispersed and localised networks is the best placed level of government to spend such money quickly and at short notice throughout all local communities in Australia.

As the world economy continues to experience uncertainty into 2009, local government stands ready to play an increased role in the Australian domestic response to the economic challenges faced by the nation.

In a nutshell, 2009 will be a pivotal year for local government where we seek to lock in some of the gains achieved in recent times but most importantly where we seek to realise some long sought but elusive goals. This will require councils to employ innovative approaches and bold leadership more so than ever before. It will be a difficult task but I believe the revitalised local government sector in Australia is well equipped and ideally placed to achieve these important outcomes. I look forward to working with you as together we shape local government's future.

PS. A diary note - ALGA's National General Assembly will be held this year in Canberra from 22 - 24 June. The full program will be available on ALGA's website in February. Hopefully we will see you there and you and your council will play a key part in helping to advance this agenda forward.

Cr Paul Bell AM ALGA President

Fighting graffiti

A legal graffiti wall and a hotline are the main weapons of Newcastle City Council's draft graffiti management plan, aimed at curbing a problem that costs ratepayers about $240,000 a year.

City Hall will employ a new staff member to oversee the initiatives. Key aims of the plan include setting up a phone line for the community to report vandalism, and


auditing the inner-city and other "hot spots" every six months to assess the extent of damage.

The council intends to relaunch the legal graffiti wall at South Newcastle Beach within weeks and to create two new walls within six months of implementing the graffiti management plan.

The council is aiming to have 90 per cent of graffiti reported to the phone hotline removed within 72 hours and hopes the murals and legal graffiti walls will reduce malicious damage by 80 per cent.

Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate said a strategy that fought illegal activity and promoted legal art was the best way forward. "If you don't have a comprehensive policy it's got less chance of working," Cr Tate said.

Stimulus package tipped for February

The federal government is ready to act if necessary to stem the expected tide of job losses with a second economic stimulus package expected early next month.

Senior ministers confirmed on Tuesday that the government was considering a range of measures including accelerating scheduled tax cuts, targeted infrastructure projects and additional funds to the welfare sector.

The government is awaiting further economic data likely to show the impact of last year's $10.4 billion economic security package which put around $1,400 into the pockets of thousands of pensioners, carers and families in the lead-up to Christmas.

A spokesman for Mr Swan said everything was on the table.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who is also social inclusion minister, met leading not-for-profit community sector welfare groups in Sydney on Tuesday to hear their views on the impact of the global financial crisis.

Mr Crean said on Tuesday tax cuts was one of a series of options being considered by the government while Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said in a speech in Sydney the government would announce further nation building projects early this year.

The government has already announced more than $40 billion in economic stimulus since October including $4.7 billion in short-term infrastructure projects.

The government's Building Australia Fund will be used to fund a priority list of larger infrastructure projects short-listed by Infrastructure Australia. (AAP)

Volunteer grants announced

More than 7,200 community organisations across the country will benefit from $21 million in Australian Government funding for volunteer grants.


Under the program, grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are provided to non-profit organisations. Organisations to receive funding include Surf Lifesaving clubs and peak bodies. Keep Australia Beautiful, St Vincent de Paul Society and Parents and Citizens associations for schools around the country.

For the full list of successful organisations, please go to the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website

ATUG awards

Nominations are now open for the Australian Telecommunications User Group's (ATUG) 2009 National Awards for Effective Use of Broadband and Annual Excellence Awards.

ATUG is asking for nominations from business, government and community members in both categories.

The Broadband Awards are designed to highlight the innovative ways in which broadband is being used by organisations across Australia in the areas of: sales, marketing, farming, education, health, community and business to boost business growth and development.

The 2009 Broadband Awards criteria call for demonstration of the effective use of broadband to improve productivity, efficiency and innovation, create or extend a market for goods and services and enhance customer and client communication and community outcomes.

The ATUG Annual Excellence Awards are designed to recognise outstanding performance and significant contributions made by both individuals and companies in the communications sector.

The 2009 Awards are the 24th annual awards from ATUG and cover nine categories ranging from Innovations in Communications to Best Communications Solution, Communications Journalist of the Year and Carrier of the Year.

Vic Transport portal

A new portal for providing transport-related data has been jointly developed by the Policy & Communications Division (PAC) and Public Transport Division (PTD) of the Department of Transport, Victoria. The portal enables you to explore Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), PTD and Vic Roads data at a State Region, Local Government Area or Statistical Local Area level. It allows for profiling of individual geographic areas, as well as direct comparisons of areas.

Irrigate parks for public health

Water restrictions and reduced irrigation for urban parks, public gardens and sports grounds are having a significant impact on Australia's public health, according to a review by the Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures.


The review. Irrigation for Urban Green Spaces: a review of the Environmental, Social and Economic benefits, indicates that green spaces positively affect our physical and mental health, and can reduce the risk of contracting lifestyle diseases.

Scientists at the Irrigation Futures CRC say that healthy urban parks and gardens do more than provide opportunities for recreation and biodiversity. They are crucial for social well-being and help to reduce blood pressure, stress and obesity.

Ian Atkinson, CEO of the CRC for Irrigation Futures, is calling for more water recycling to save urban parks and trees in the face of drought. "Stormwater, greywater, rainwater and treated effluent are all alternative water supplies that, when properly treated and managed, are suitable to save our public parks, garden and sports fields."

The report found that, contrary to 'saving water at any cost' that dominates popular thinking, maintaining urban green areas such as public parks, gardens and sporting ovals in the face of water restrictions is necessary for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the community. Urban irrigation isn't a luxury but rather a necessity to our urban lifestyle.

Maintaining healthy trees during the drought can also lead to reduced energy use during summer. Large shade trees can provide a cooling effect of between 2° to 8° Celsius and reduce building energy consumption by 7 to 47 per cent.

The report's findings will be used to assist councils and water authorities understand the wider implications of the current water restrictions.

The CRC for Irrigation Futures is a partnership of universities, state and federal government agencies, water service provides and industry. It exists to provide tools and knowledge for better decision-making about irrigation in Australia. Further information: www.irrigationfutures.org.au

Heart Foundation awards

The Heart Foundation Local Government Awards winners were announced in December,

The aim of the Heart Foundation Local Government Awards is to recognise and showcase local governments working to improve heart health through building community connections, encouraging people to be physically active, be smoke free, and make healthy food choices.

The City of Rockingham in Western Australia took out the top award, being named 2008 national overall winner for their Community Health and Wellbeing Plan 2007 -2011. Deputy Mayor, Richard Smith and Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, Julia Dick were at the presentation to accept their $10,000 award and perpetual trophy.

Rockingham was also National Winner of the Implementation of Plans and Policies to Support Heart Health category and Western Australian State Overall Winner.


Other National Category Winners:

• Provision and Use of Facilities to Improve Heart Health City of Lake Macquarie (NSW) - Lake Macquarie Variety Playground

• Programs that Improve Heart Health in Priority Groups Banyule City Council (Vic) - Healthy Lifestyles

• Programs that Promote Healthy Weight South East Local Government Association, Wattle Range Council, District Council of Grant, District Council of Robe and South East Regional Community Health/Country Health SA (SA) -Healthy Clubs

• Programs and Policies that Reduce Exposure to Tobacco Manly Council (NSW) - Smoke Free Zones

t

The 2009 awards will open early in April. Consider what your local government is doing to improve the health of your community and if you have a program that may be eligible to enter visit www.heartfoundation.org.au/lga or call 1300 36 27 87.

Sustainable neighbourhoods portal

Your Development was created by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and the CSIRO, in recognition of the growing business trend towards environmental urban developments. The web portal, available at www.vourdevelopment.org, provides case studies on best practice and contains a wealth of information for public and private developers, government agencies, designers, planners, builders and the broader community.

D-Day for infrastructure funding

Today is the last day for councils to submit project details to be funded as part of the Federal Government's $250 million fund for small-scale local community infrastructure projects - the initial round of the Rudd Government's $300 million Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, announced at the Australian Council of Local Government attended by Mayors in November.

The Federal Department of Infrastructure is currently assessing submissions lodged on December 23 by councils for a share of the program's remaining $50 million in funding for large strategic infrastructure projects with announcements expected shortly.

Climate change funding

The Federal Government is providing a new round of grants totalling $500,000 to help local governments prepare their communities for the likely impacts of climate change. Local government areas are being encouraged to form consortia to apply for the funding, with a focus on remote and regional councils in this funding round. Up to $75,000 will be available for a single council, $120,000 for two councils and $140,000 for three or more councils. Expressions of interest for grants under the Local Adaptation Pathways Program are due by 25 February 2009. For more information please visit www.climatechange.gov.au


Digital TV pilot

The Federal Government has announced a pilot package to drive the availability of improved television services as Australia makes the transition to digital.

"Digital television delivers many benefits to viewers and this package will help achieve the smoothest possible transition as we switch off analog signals," said Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

"This package focuses on Australia's leading digital television region of Sunraysia, centred on the city of Mildura in north-west Victoria, and will ensure that free-to-air digital television is made available to all viewing households."

The suite of measures includes:

• a package of in-home assistance to help targeted households

• a new satellite service to extend access to digital TV

• working with the local community to improve awareness and understanding of switchover

• a labelling scheme to help consumers to easily identify digital ready products, and

• a national call centre and a web site providing switchover information.

The Government has designed a progressive timetable for digital television switchover starting with Sunraysia in 2010.

Senator Conroy said the Digital Switchover Taskforce will work closely with the broadcasters, retailers and antenna installers in the Mildura area to drive digital TV take-up by consumers.

The lessons learned from the switchover in Mildura will help to inform the approach to the broader digital switchover around the country.

Housing Affordability Fund

Councils from across Australia are well-represented in the Federal Government's shortlist of 33 projects for funding under the first round of local projects for the Housing Affordability Fund.

The Housing Affordability Fund is a Federal Government initiative that invests $512 million over five years to target the planning and infrastructure costs that are incurred when building new housing developments.

The Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek, said 33 successful projects will share in $112 million worth of first round funding, subject to final business case analysis.

In the first round, the Housing Affordability Fund will deliver cost savings to 14,000 new homes and lots through the construction of bridges, water pipes, sewerage systems and community facilities. In total, over 300,000 new homes will benefit if all the short listed applicants secure funding, via reforms to the planning and development approval processes in the relevant local government area.

Information Bulletin Page Cor-I9 Correspondence & Papers

Short listed applicants have until the end of January to submit more detail about their project, with evidence about how savings will flow to home buyers.

Austroads workshops

Austroads in conjunction with state local government associations will be running workshops on draft guidelines developed for assessing heavy vehicle access to local roads in all states and territories next month.

High productivity vehicles deliver significant economic benefits to the nation and the quality of the total trip from origin to destination (including the 'last mile') is critical to the performance of freight vehicles. However, if large vehicles are operated on inappropriate parts of the road network or in inappropriate ways they can have negative impacts on local roads and their surrounding communities.

Austroads has developed guidelines to assist councils and operators involved in the process of applying for and assessing applications for access by heavy and restricted access vehicles to local roads. The draft guidelines are available from the Austroads website.

The workshops will explore two key themes:

Theme 1. Perceptions of freight on local roads. There are often competing economic, environmental and social objectives when freight its viewed from the viewpoint of industry, councils and communities. These differences, and a lack of understanding of the differing perspectives, reinforce stereotypes and biases that make collaborative decision-making difficult. These legitimate, while at times competing, viewpoints need to be understood by all those involved in freight on local roads so that all participants can contribute to more robust decision-making.

Theme 2. Application assessment process. Recommended steps for assessing applications for access by heavy or restricted access vehicles to local roads will be explained. These steps provide an easy to use and transparent process for assessing applications, while recognising the role of common sense and local knowledge in decision-making. They can be applied within the different approval processes that operate across Australasia. The Guidelines focus on the assessment process and references to technical specifications are provided.

The workshops will be presented by the authors of the Guidelines: Geoff Anson (Geoff Anson Consulting) and George Giannakodakis (InfraPlan). The workshops are general and not technical in nature. People involved in deciding or providing advice on heavy vehicle access and trucking operators would benefit from attending.

Information on the workshop dates and venues in each state are available from the relevant local government associations.

Australia's first bike hire scheme

In a first for Australia, Brisbane City Council has signed a 20 year contract with JCDecaux for the installation, operation and maintenance of the innovative new bicycle scheme.


Brisbane cyclists will be able to access free bicycles at 150 locations in Australia's first bike hire scheme. From March next year Brisbane residents and tourists will be able to access one of 2000 bikes, by using swipe cards.

Subscription to the scheme will cost $55 a year or $25 a quarter (casual users will pay $10 a day), with the first 30 minutes of use free. Bike docking stations will operate 5am to 10pm every day of the year.

"When this is all up and running, it will encourage more people in the CBD to undertake short trips by bicycle, bringing with it the benefits of reduced congestion and better personal heath," Brisbane City Lord Mayor Cr Newman said.

Broadband panel reports

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has received the final report from the Panel of Experts on submissions to the National Broadband Network (NBN) process.

The Minister stated that the receipt of this report marks a significant milestone in the NBN process: "The Government is now considering the Panel of Experts' report. The Government will give this serious and detailed report careful consideration.

The Minister emphasised that while the Government had now received the final report of the Panel of Experts, the NBN process and associated probity requirements remained active.

The Minister also acknowledged the important contribution to the process by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission which had provided its own report as input to the Panel's consideration.

Sustainable tourism

Local councils across Australia will soon have access to a new workshop program designed to deliver innovation in tourism planning.

The program developed by Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre provides council staff, managers and elected representatives with an understanding of a council's role and approach to supporting tourism development and management within the community. The program also provides a forum for councils to consult with industry and the community ahead of developing tourism strategies.

The Local Government Pathway to Sustainable Tourism Workshop program has been developed by STCRC in conjunction with its commercial arm, EC3 Global, to assist local councils to better understand and plan for tourism development.

The industry release attached provides an outline of the program which was successfully piloted by a major Queensland council in December last year.

Also attached is a three page program introduction which provides a more detailed overview.


For further information on the Pathways program, or if you would like to bring the program to your council, please contact Andrew Sivjis Industry Extension Manager, STCRC on 07 5552 8221 or mobile 0447 747 253. Andrew can also be reached on email [email protected].

From mobiles to trees

The sustainable actions of thousands of Australians will lead to the planting of over 100,000 native trees across the country this year, following MobileMuster and Landcare Australia's 'Old Phones, More Trees' campaign.

MobileMuster, the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry, ran the 'Old Phones, More Trees' campaign with Landcare Australia in May 2008, pledging to plant a native tree for every mobile phone handset handed in for recycling.

Rose Read, Manager of Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association's (AMTA) national recycling program, MobileMuster, said the campaign was a great success in 2008, collecting just over 100,000 handsets for recycling, 25,000 more handsets than last year.

Thirteen locations across Australia have been selected by Landcare Australia for the next round of tree planting. Sites include Sisters Creek in Tasmania; Swan Reach in South Australia; Holbrook in New South Wales; Dandaragan in Western Australia; McMinns Lagoon and Rapid Creek in the Northern Territory; Holt, Campbell, Kambah, Molonglo Catchment and Ginninderra Creek in the Australian Capital Territory; Brisbane in Queensland and Moyne Shire in Victoria.

People can hand in their old mobile phones, batteries, accessories and chargers for recycling at any one of MobileMuster's 3,500 drop-off points nationally. Alternatively they can pick up a free recycling satchel from participating Australia Post outlets or downloading a free reply paid label from www.mobilemuster.com.au

To find your nearest MobileMuster drop off point or to download a free mailing label go to www.mobilemuster.com.au or call 1300 730 070.

National Drug and Alcohol Awards

Now in its sixth year, the National Drug and Alcohol Awards (NDAA) honour the dedication and innovation of organisations government and corporations that deal with the harms caused by alcohol and other drug use. The awards recognise excellence in the areas of treatment; prevention and community education; research; services for young people; law enforcement; media reporting; school drug education; and culminate with the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence.

To find out more about the Awards, log onto www.drugawards.org.au. Enquiries can be made on the web-based form and nominations open on 1 February 2009. Award finalists and winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner to be held at the culmination of Drug Action Week, Friday 26 June 2009, in the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra. Reserve your ticket/s for this important event by logging onto the awards website or contacting the Awards Coordinator on 0415 586 360. Bookings can be made from 1 February 2009.


Constitutional recognition support

Local governments could provide better services, like schools and fast development approvals if they received a higher proportion of tax revenue and a formal definition in the Constitution, says a new report released last week.

In Beyond Symbolism: Finding a Place for Local Government in Australia's Constitution, Dr Oliver Hartwich of the Centre for Independent Studies discusses the need for a strong and proactive local government that has more control over its purse strings and is more connected to the people it serves.

"Historically, Australian local governments have been weak. Their decision-making powers have been pushed further from local people and transferred to higher, more remote tiers of government," says Hartwich.

"Local governments have the potential to deliver better local services to their communities. For example, primary and secondary education could be assigned to the local level rather than one-size-fits-all state government education. Local school boards could administer schools, offering parents a greater role and scope for tailoring schooling solutions to the needs of local communities.

"Local governments play an important role in the planning and development of the built environment in their jurisdiction. Yet councils are constantly criticised for slow approval of development application. By giving a greater share of the tax revenue generated by development to the local rather than state government, councils would have the incentive to enable and speed up development," says Hartwich.

He said that for local governments to be able to bring government closer to the people directly affected by its decisions, the Prime Minister must include a clear definition of the role of local government in the Constitution. This would guarantee local government greater autonomy, assigning it certain tasks - but crucially, also giving it sufficient sources of revenue of its own to fulfil these tasks.

Young Planner

The National Young Planners Group (NYPG) in conjunction with Edge Land Planning is offering a $1,250 Young Planner Financial Assistance Scholarship for a rural or regional Young Planner to attend YPConnect09 (27-28 March 2009) and the PIA 2009 National Congress (29 March - 1 April 2009) in Darwin.

A runner up will also be selected to receive a $750 assistance scholarship for both events.

Draft disability standards

On Wednesday 3 December 2008, the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, on behalf of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, asked the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to inquire into and report on the draft Disability (Access to Premises -Buildings) Standards.


The Committee invites interested persons and organisations to make submissions addressing the terms of reference by Friday 13 February 2009. Please refer to the brochure called preparing a submission for more information.

In order to facilitate electronic publishing of submissions, the Committee would prefer them to be emailed to [email protected] or sent on disk or CD-ROM to the Committee Secretariat in Microsoft Word or Portable Document Format (PDF). Comments to: The Secretary of the Committee on PH: (02) 6277 2358 or FAX: (02) 6277 4427 or e-mail: [email protected]

Quote of the week 'The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether

it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the

answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who

manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in

the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government."

US President Barack Obama in his inauguration speech on January 21

International news ^ S

On Monday 8th December 2008, the business leaders of over 140 global companies published The Poznan Communique on Climate Change.

In this document, the business leaders set out what they believe should be the key elements of an international deal on climate change.

The initiative represents an impressive coming together of the international business community and includes some of the biggest companies and brands from around the world, including Australia, China, Europe, Japan, the Middle East, South America, the United States and Canada.

The Poznan Communique presents some ideas on the key supporting elements of an international agreement, including:

• Measures to deliver a robust global greenhouse gas emissions market

• A revised Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM)

• Non-price interventions

• A framework for developing countries

• An adaptation strategy

• A mechanism to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing

Countries (REDD)

7 ^ "Integrated Plan on-a-Page"

Planning For Local Government 2009

•wth AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY

s y d n e y : Tuesday 10 February 9.00 - 5.00 pm G R O U P

A critical success factor for Local Government is a strategic plan which crafts the road map for action and resources to achieve objectives in an integrated framework.


This one day course focuses on the approaches that can be used so that the strategic and operational plans, along with their integration and deployment, are easily understood in order to reduce the time, energy, and costs associated with developing and maintaining a clear direction.

The format of the seminar will be interactive and practical, and will specifically be aimed at helping you to:

1. Document your strategic intent simply and effectively "on a-page"

2. Align with your Stakeholders needs and expectations

3. Determine the differentiators you have and need to strengthen

4. Effectively communicate and deploy targets, measures and KPI's

5. Balance and deploy these measures through a scorecard

6. Draft a Business Process Model to support the Management System

7. Assign process ownership and targets for managers

Register now to attend the Integrated Plan on-a-Page Seminar by downloading the brochure at http://pdf.aigroup.asn.au/events/2008/

7204_strategic_planning_brochure.pdf For enquiries, please contact David Richardson on

+61 (2) 9466 5456

Fourth annual Australian Road Engineering and Maintenance Conference 2009

Tuesday 17 - Wednesday 18, February 2009 Melbourne

See www.halledit.com.au/roads09 for full details

Implementing sustainable building practices for local and arterial roads will be one of the main topics of discussion at the Fourth Road Engineering and Maintenance Conference 2009 being held in Melbourne on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 February. The conference is held annually and draws more than 200 delegates from councils, state road authorities and the private sector from across Australia, New Zealand and other countries.

35 practical and expert speakers from councils, state road authorities and the private sector from around Australia, the UK and New Zealand will address a range of topics dealing with contemporary practices in road design, engineering and maintenance. Practical case studies, including award-winning projects, are a feature of this conference to enable councils and other road authorities to immediately implement the information presented at the conference. The speaking program is further augmented by a number of practical workshops and a highly relevant exhibition.

Conference Topics include: Achieving Sustainability on Road Infrastructure Projects; Water Sensitive Design; Pavement Design and Materials Road Maintenance; Rural Roads; Road Project


Case Studies and Delivery Models Good Paving and Sealing Practices and OHS and Working Under Traffic

Conference Speakers include: Cliff Toms, Technical Services Manager, Port Macquarie Hastings Council Stuart Small, Projects and Contracts Engineer, Great Lakes Council Dr Dimitris Tsolakis, Coordinator Economic Analysis, ARRB Group Ltd Mark Allingham, Operations Engineer Alpine Shire Council Michael Rose, Manager Project Safety, VicRoads Major Projects Division, Adam Macguire - Projects Director VicRoads Northern City Projects

To view the full Speaking Program and general information; please see www.halledit.com.au/roads09 You can register online or contact Denise McQueen Ph: 03 8534 5021 (direct) or 03 8534 5000 (switch) Email [email protected]

Forthcoming events

For a ful l listing of forthcomins events, see ALGA's Events calendar.

09-10 February 2009 CREATING WATER SENSITIVE CITIES IN AUSTRALIA workshops

10-13 February 2009 Australian Disasters Conference 2009

17 February 2009 4th Australian Road Engineering & Maintenance Conference 2009

17-20 February 2009 Floodplain Management Conference

25 February 2009 Sustainable Supply Chain Forum

26 - 27 February 2009 CREATING WATER SENSITIVE CITIES IN AUSTRALIA workshops

03 - 04 March 2009 Coast 2009

04 - 06 March 2009 Managing Waste in a Changing Climate

17-20 March 2009 Australian Copyright Council training sessions

23 - 26 March 2009 GREENHOUSE 2009

.0* CITY OF A r m a d a l e

Information Bulletin Issue No. 02/2009

Inside this Issue

^ Correspondence & Papers

Pink Divider

^ I

information bulletin - city of armadale...modul e 15: sustainabl asset management date: friday, 13...

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