General News

1.  Landmark action by councils enters final stages

Parties involved in what’s been described as the first court case against a credit ratings agency are preparing final submissions to lodge with the Federal Court.

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2.  Canberra considers response to Expert Panel's report

The Federal Government is considering its response to the report of the independent Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government.

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3.  Top Jobs: Wodonga searching for new CEO

The City of Wodonga is searching for a Chief Executive Officer to succeed Gavin Cator who is now CEO at Greater Shepparton City Council.

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4.  Still time to submit entries for National Awards

Entries for the 2012 National Awards for Local Government – including the new category of Innovation in Natural Resource Management – can be submitted until February 17.

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5.  Increased council focus on cycling and cycling infrastructure

Local government across Australia has a strong interest in cycling and the provision of cycling infrastructure, according to a survey conducted by the Australian Bicycle Council.

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6.  Qld councils hit out at state's planning policy

Queensland’s local government sector has reacted angrily to what it calls the State Government’s “slap dash approach to planning policy”.

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7.  Deadline draws near for responses to planning issues paper

Stakeholders have until February 17 to lodge submissions and comments in response to an issues paper which is part of a review of the New South Wales planning system.

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8.  Stonnington council blocks major development proposal

Stonnington Council in inner Melbourne has refused a planning application by Lend Lease for a multi-million dollar development at a special meeting of council attended by over 200 people.

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9.  Grants program to boost Queensland's recycling capacity

Local government, business and industry in Queensland will benefit from a $28 million waste infrastructure grants program to assist them in adopting innovative resource recovery and recycling options.

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10.  ACCC interim approval for joint recycling tender

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted interim authorisation for a joint tender process for recycling services on behalf of four New South Wales councils.

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11.  Councils play role in protecting Qld prime cropping land

Queensland councils had input into legislation that protects the state’s best agricultural land.

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12.  Maribyrnong turns street into open space with pop-up park

One of the few “pop-up parks” installed in Australia on a public road will be used by residents in the City of Maribyrnong between now and late April.

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13.  Tweed Shire improving water security in Kenyan village

An engineer from Tweed Shire Council is in Kenya working during his annual leave to help improve the lives of residents in a poor rural village.

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14.  Creating a culture of Enterprise risk management awareness and ownership

In many organisations, risk management functions as a ‘siloed’ process, without a holistic, enterprise outlook of managing risks across operational areas. In doing so, different definitions of ‘risk’ can be applied, information can be recorded inconsistently and duplication in implementing mitigating risk treatment plans can occur.

Greater emphasis is being placed on coordination and cooperation across departments to manage the organisation’s full range of risks as a holistic view. This process of coordinated risk management generally is referred to as Enterprise Risk Management (ERM).

A recent report by Gartner, "A Risk Hierarchy for Enterprise and IT Risk Managers," emphasises the need for a more holistic view of risk. ERM is an important foundation of good corporate governance and control, and should be an integrated part of the way organisations do business. Many organisations lack the consistency required to effectively manage their risks, and in turn, threaten the achievement of their business objectives.

CAM Management Solutions (CAMMS) Integrated Risk Manager solution provides a robust yet flexible approach to identifying, profiling and assessing risks at all levels and enables organisations to:

• Ensure that risks are identified, profiled, assessed, monitored and reviewed consistently across the organisation
• View the impact of risk treatment initiatives to ensure adequate controls and solutions are being put in place to mitigate risks to a suitable level
• Integrate risk management with organisational planning and performance measurement frameworks and other key business processes

The ability to capture risk data centrally and share this across the organisation is pivotal to managing and appropriately dealing with risk.

Stop accepting disjointed risk management and start reaping the benefits of CAMMS Integrated Risk Manager solution.

Watch a product demonstration or download the whitepaper now at www.cammanagementsolutions.com or call +61 (0)8 8212 5188 for more information.

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15.  LG Jobs now the leading local government employment website in Australia

• LG Jobs is the #1 Google search for “Local Government Jobs” & “Local Council Jobs”
  

LGJobs is now the largest online employment site for local government, with over 500 positions listed each week.

It is published by Commstrat, who also produces Councillor Manager Magazine and LG News.

LGJobs is an excellent way to maximise the exposure of your positions vacant whilst minimising your advertising outlay. For a cost of only $250 plus GST (discounts available for advertising packages) your position will be listed on the LGJobs website www.lgjobs.com.au, which receives an average of 34,000 hits per day, and the weekly LG Jobs e-newsletter (23,000 subscribers) until the specified closing date, or for a six week period.

All relevant positions are also listed on our associated boards and mail outs - EnviroJobs, EngineeringJobs, PlanJobs, WaterJobs and RoadJobs FREE of additional charge.

To advertise with LGJobs simply email your ad copy to blake@commstrat.com.au or telephone (03) 8534 5012. Your ad will be loaded and live on the website with a confirmation email and link sent to you before the close of business on the day received.

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Conferences & Events

16.  CALL FOR SPEAKERS: National CBD & Town Centre Design and Development Conference

• Sydney, May 23 & 24
  
• Visit www.cbdconference.com.au
  

The national CBD & Town Centre Design and Development Conference will provide comprehensive analysis and advice on how to optimise the infrastructure and design of key community hubs.

With local governments, developers and businesses seeking to enhance the amenity and economic activity of CBDs and town centres, this conference will provide comprehensive analysis of how these spaces can be sculpted to achieve optimum results for the community and local business.

Leading case studies of successful urban CBD and regional town centre design and revitalisation will be featured along with analysis of supporting economic development strategies.

This event is produced by Hallmark Conferences + Events (subsidiary of CommStrat), producer of the biannual Melbourne Planning Summit and previous events including the Local Government Sustainable Development Conference and the NSW Sustainable Development Conference.

CALL FOR SPEAKERS:

If you would like to propose a presentation to this event, please email a 300-word description of your presentation topic to Conference Coordinator Ben Hutchison at ben.hutchison@commstrat.com.au

Who Should Attend:

• Urban Planners & Designers
• Economic Development Professionals
• Infrastructure & Asset Managers
• Development industry professionals
• Place Managers
• Councillors
• Regional Development Authority representatives
• Chamber of Commerce representatives
• Etc

For conference registration and attendance enquiries please contact:
Registration Manager
Ph: (03) 8534 5050
registration@commstrat.com.au

Sponsorship Enquiries:
Paul Andrew
Sponsorship Manager
Hallmark Conferences + Events
Ph: (03) 9370 0040
paul.andrew@commstrat.com.au

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17.  Local Government OHS & Risk Management Conference

• Conference Program available at www.lgohs.com.au

The CEO of Adelaide City Council, Peter Smith, will be among speakers to address the annual national Local Government OHS and Risk Management Conference, which will be staged in Sydney on the 7th and 8th of March 2012. Mr Smith will describe how the council has successfully reformed its risk management practices.

Other speakers will include:

• Tony Simons, Risk and OHS Advisor, Darwin City Council. Topic: Risk management practices at Darwin City Council
• Amanda Collins, Team Leader, Occupational Health & Safety, Hornsby Shire Council
• Mikelis Jaunalksnis, Safety Management Coordinator, Lake Macquarie City Council. Topic: Getting safety on the table - The LMCC Journey
• Anthony Hinds, Risk Management Coordinator, Melton Shire. Topic: Melton Shire's journey toward risk management maturity
• Jon Horsey, Fleet Manager, Redland City Council. Topic: Minimising risk & improving safety in council fleet management
• Glenda Cartwright, Risk Management Coordinator, Canterbury City Council
• Adam Vine, Group Manager, Business & Enterprise Risk, Warringah Council

Sessions for the conference will include:

• Addressing OHS harmonisation issues for local government
• Optimising local government risk management practices
• Improving OHS systems and cultures
• Implementing enterprise risk management systems
• Business Continuity

Interactive Panel Discussions to be staged as part of the conference will focus on topics including:

• Local government Risk Management in 2020: what will be best practice and how do we get there?
• Achieving staff and management buy-in: how can OHS professionals obtain staff and management support to implement OHS improvements in the local government workplace?
• OHS harmonisation: how local governments need to be responding

As Australian councils face an increasingly complex risk environment with limited resources, this national event will again provide attendees with the latest advice about leading local government risk management and safety practices - information attendees can then apply within their own organisations to minimise risk, improve safety and reduce exposure to liabilities.

After the success of the conference in 2011 we again anticipate that 150 local government leaders including senior management, OHS, risk management and human resource professionals will be in attendance.
This conference is organised by Hallmark Conferences, producer of the annual Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government Conference and publisher of Council Manager magazine.

TO ATTEND: To register your attendance at this event, visit www.lgohs.com.au to register online or to download a printable registration form.

For more information about attending please contact:
Registration Manager
Phone: (03) 8534 5050
Email: registration@commstrat.com.au

For enquiries about Sponsoring or Exhibiting contact:
Paul Andrew
Sponsorship & Exhibition Manager
Ph: (03) 9370 0040
Email: paul.andrew@halledit.com.au

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18.  2012 Local Government & the NBN Summit

• Thursday, March 29, 2012
• PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
• Visit www.lgnbn.com.au

The 2012 Local Government & the NBN Summit will provide Australia's councils and regional development authorities with the latest information on how to ensure local businesses and communities achieve economic and technological benefits from the roll-out of the Natonal Broadband Network and the growth of the digital economy.

Presentations will be delivered by NBN Co as well as councils that have already been part of the NBN's roll-out phases - and whose advice on how to attract, prepare for and use the NBN to achieve local economic development and other benefits will be of exceptional value to other local governments.

Speakers will include:

• Duncan Bremner, Stakeholder Relations Advisor for NBN Co, will address the Summit about the roll-out of the National Broadband Network, how the site selection process will proceed, and the role of Local Government in the NBN roll-out process.
• Tony Brun, Chief Executive Officer, City of Greater Geraldton
  
• Matthew Schultz, Regional Digital Economy Coordinator, Ipswich City Council
• Brian Hales, Economic Development Advisor, City of Onkaparinga
• Peter Francis, Economic Development Manager, Bass Coast Shire
• Michael Whereat, Broadband & Digital Economy Manager, Sunshine Coast Council
• David Lynch, Manager, Economic Development & Strategic Projects, Townsville City Council
• Peter Forbes, Economic Development, Moorabool Shire Council

The Summit will include a meeting of the national Broadband Today Alliance of local governments and affiliate organisations, which will be open to alliance members and non-members.

Following on from the highly successful 2011 Local Government & the NBN Summit, the 2012 event will again attract local government and regional development authority professionals from across Australia.

This conference is organised by Hallmark Conferences, producer of the annual Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government Conference, Local Government OHS & Risk Management Conference and publisher of Council Manager magazine.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• Senior local government executives;
• Economic Development professionals;
• Information Technology staff;
• Town Planning, Engineering and Urban Design professionals;
• Community Consultation practitioners;
• Councillors,
• Etc.

TO REGISTER YOUR ATTENDANCE:

Register Online at www.lgnbn.com.au
For conference registration and attendance enquiries please contact:
Registration Manager
Ph: (03) 8534 5050
registration@commstrat.com.au

Sponsorship & Exhibition Enquiries:
Paul Andrew
Exhibition Manager
Hallmark Conferences + Events
Ph: (03) 9370 0040
paul.andrew@commstrat.com.au

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19.  Cloud Computing for Local Government 2012

• Wednesday 21st March 2012
• Melbourne Park Function Centre, Melbourne & Olympic Parks
• www.lgcloud.com.au
  

The Cloud Computing for Local Government Councils Forum demystifies cloud computing and “virtualised” services for local councils that are struggling to manage the cost of running information and communications technologies (ICT) infrastructure.

The program features Local Government case studies – with a focus on why councils are using cloud services to streamline program and service delivery. At this forum, you will hear from ICT professionals that are at the front-line of cloud deployment.

The program will include presentations from local government ICT practitioners including:

• Assessing the potential of cloud computing for service delivery: Jim Barclay, Chief Information Officer, Logan City Council (Qld)
• Managing the cost of cloud services – strategies for local government: Shawn Raines, A/ICT Services Manager, Queanbeyan City Council (NSW)
• Drivers for cloud computing for local government: Ben Dornier, Director, Corporate & Community Services, City of Palmerston (NT)

Delegates will also have the choice of attending one of two practical masterclasses:

• MASTERCLASS A - Security and moving into the cloud: Stewart James, ICT Security Manager, Victoria University (Vic)
• MASTERCLASS B – Transition data centres to the cloud: Phil County, Director IT Services, Victoria University (Vic)
• What will you learn? Share time-saving strategies to:
• TAILOR cloud services to local council needs
• USE cloud services to improve program and service delivery for ratepayers
• BENEFIT from “user-pay” services, while using ICT services, as and when needed
• CLARIFY government cloud (“G-cloud”) services trends and implications for local councils
• MANAGE a step-by-step migration to the cloud (without the pain and cost)
• DECIDE which applications to move to the cloud first
• TRANSITION data centres and other platforms to the cloud
• STREAMLINE service level agreements with cloud service providers (CSPs)

To view the full speaking program, visit www.lgcloud.com.au

REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION: Registrations can be completed online at www.lgcloud.com.au. For specific enquiries contact: Registration Manager, Ph: +61 3 8534 5050, Fax: +61 3 9530 8911 Email: registration@commstrat.com.au

SPONSORSHIP and EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES: For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities please contact Paul Andrew – Sales Director, Phone: (03) 9370 0040; Mobile: 0411 476 624; Email: paul.andrew@commstrat.com.au

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20.  Social Media for the Public Sector Conference

• Social Media for the Public Sector Conference
• March 21st and 22nd, 2012
• Melbourne Park Function Centre, Melbourne & Olympic Parks
• www.publicsectorsocialmedia.com.au
  

The Social Media for the Public Sector Conference 2012 will present practical information and case studies showcasing the successful use of social media and provide attendees with a vital resource that can be used to build their organisation’s social media presence.

The Conference will feature presentations from the three tiers of government and the wider public sector. Local government presentations include:

• What is Success? Bernard de Broglio, Internet Coordinator, MOSMAN COUNCIL
• Social Media – A Local Government Model: Emily Keogh, Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator, WYNDHAM CITY COUNCIL
• How Social Media Empowers Community Inspired Leadership: John Nevins, Chief Executive Officer, CITY OF KINGSTON
• Social Representation - Using Social Media to Represent the Community: David Speirs, Deputy Mayor, CITY OF MARION
• Social Media for Community and Economic Development Emma Smith, Media & Communications Co-ordinator, FRANKSTON CITY COUNCIL

To view the full Conference speaking program, visit www.publicsectorsocialmedia.com.au

The Social Media for the Public Sector Conference will cover topics including:

• Developing a strategic approach to social media use
• Social media for community engagement
• Managing the risks and rewards of social media
• Social media governance and policies
• Integrating social media into your communication strategy
• Using social media for internal communications

REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION: Registrations can be completed online at www.publicsectorsocialmedia.com.au. For specific enquiries contact: Registration Manager, Ph: +61 3 8534 5050, Fax: +61 3 9530 8911 Email: registration@commstrat.com.au

SPONSORSHIP and EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES: For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities please contact Paul Andrew – Sales Director, Phone: (03) 9370 0040; Mobile: 0411 476 624; Email: paul.andrew@commstrat.com.au

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21.  Public Sector Business Solutions Show

• Public Sector Business Solutions Show
• March 21^st and 22^nd, 2012
• Melbourne Park Function Centre, Melbourne & Olympic Parks
• www.publicsectorsolutions.com.au

The Public Sector Business Solutions Show 2012 offers public sector professionals a valuable opportunity to find solutions to enable better delivery of programs and services.

What sets this show apart is that all exhibitors and speakers will focus on the unique needs and demands of the public sector professional.The event is dedicated to helping the three tiers of government, and the wider public sector, deliver better public services, more efficiently and effectively.

Attendees can at no charge, view Exhibits and attend complimentary Lectures; and build on their professional knowledge at chargeable Seminars and Workshops on a broad range of topics.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The Public Sector Business Solutions Show will provide a valuable resource for Public Sector professionals - including, but not limited to local, state and federal government; universities and TAFEs; and charities and not-for-profit-organisations - who are responsible or associated with areas including:

• Procurement
• Administration
• Human Resources
• Workforce Development
• Accounting/Finance
• Asset Management
• IT
• Telecommunications
• Business Management
• Customer Service
• Information Services
• Risk Management/OH&S

CALL FOR SPEAKERS: To be considered for speaking program selection, please send an abstract of 100 to 150 words to: Kim Coverdale, Conference Convenor, (03) 8534 5017. Email: kim.coverdale@commstrat.com.au

SPONSORSHIP and EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES: For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities please contact Paul Andrew – Sales Director, Phone: (03) 9370 0040; Mobile: 0411 476 624; Email: paul.andrew@commstrat.com.au

REGISTRATION OF INTEREST: Please visit www.publicsectorsolutions.com.auto register your interest in receiving further details about the Public Sector Business Solutions Show, including details of the full seminar and lecture programs upon their release.

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