General News

1.  ALGA critical of Audit Office inquiry into community infrastructure funding

The Australian Local Government Association is highly critical of a report by the Australian National Audit Office into a key stimulus package designed to help councils provide community infrastructure.

The report dealt with the operation of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. It specifically assessed whether the Strategic Projects component of the RLCIP was effectively designed and administered.

President of the ALGA, Geoff Lake says he was dismayed at the “lack of balance and objectivity” in the report. Cr Lake says ANAO reached opinions about the performance of councils and the management of the stimulus program which were not fair or reasonably based.

The audit - which can be accessed here - examined the design of the Strategic Projects component; the processes by which applications were sought, assessed and approved for funding; and the extent to which economic stimulus had been provided through the funded projects.

It was critical of aspects of the package including risk management practices in assessing funding applications, selection criteria, and lags between payments to councils and use of the funds. The audit made a number of recommendations, all of which have been agreed to by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

Cr Lake says the ALGA is disappointed the report concentrated on fairly semantic process detail and ignored any consideration of the wider economic benefits flowing from infrastructure investment at the local level. He says the department has expressed concern that the report does not present a balanced perspective of the program and the ALGA shares that view.

Cr Lake says the content of the report would have been strengthened if the ANAO had engaged directly with councils to better understand the operating environment it was investigating.

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2.  PC study into planning and zoning systems given an extended reporting time

A study by the Productivity Commission into planning, zoning and development assessments has been extended by the Federal Government.

The commission wrote to the government requesting an extension of reporting for the study because of the time needed to fully consult with state, territory and local governments.

Assistant Treasurer, Nick Sherry, has extended the reporting date from December 2010 to April 2011. The extension means that councils and other interested parties now have until the end of August 2010 to respond to an issues paper released by the Productivity Commission as part of a study. The original deadline was July 16.

The study is focusing on the operation of planning and zoning systems of the states and territories, particularly as they impact on business compliance costs, competition, and the efficiency and effectiveness of how cities function.

The commission has held talks with local government associations around Australia as part of the study. It has also met with federal and state government agencies and businesses in state capitals.

The issues paper associated with the study questions what effect the removal of local government from decision making processes has had on the efficiency and effectiveness of how cities function. The reference relates to instances where state agencies or regional planning panels have been made responsible for decision making processes at the expense of councils.

The paper discusses how the systems impact on competition – including unjustifiable restrictions on competition. It can be accessed here.

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3.  Local Government Urban Planning & Development Summit to be held in October

• Tuesday, October 19 to Wednesday, October 20, 2010
• Dockside Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney
• Website: www.halledit.com.au/urbanplan2010

The national Local Government Urban Planning & Development Summit will provide high-quality presentations detailing leading-edge urban planning and community infrastructure development solutions, and analysis of future planning reforms and how they will impact councils.

To be staged in the wake of the August Federal Election, this important summit will analyse current and upcoming legislative reform and the future role of councils in planning and approving development in existing suburbs and towns, as well as greenfield areas.

Speakers will include representatives of the summit’s supporting organisations the National Growth Areas Alliance and the National Sea Change Taskforce, key government officials and senior council managers who will describe case studies of leading-edge urban planning solutions.

With councils across Australia under increasing pressure to adequately plan for urban growth, optimise development approval systems and fund new community infrastructure that supports growing populations, this summit meeting will provide local government planners, managers and councillors with high-quality advice and leading-edge case studies that will help them plan sustainable community growth and development within their own municipalities.

Other key areas of analysis will include: new trends in urban design, town planning and development assessment technologies; best practice strategic planning; and examples of council projects that have developed and revitalised existing urban areas.

For further information about attending the summit visit www.halledit.com.au/urbanplan2010 or contact Denise McQueen, Hallmark Conferences + Events, Phone: (03) 8534 5021; Fax: (03) 8534 5121; Email: denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

For information about Sponsorship and Exhibition opportunities contact Ben Hutchison, Summit Director, Phone: (03) 8534 5025; Fax: (03) 8534 5125, Email: benh@halledit.com.au

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4.  Top Jobs - Port Hedland searching for new CEO

The Town of Port Hedland in Western Australia is searching for a new Chief Executive Officer to succeed Chris Adams, who is about to take up his new role as General Manager of Pilbara Cities.

Mr Adams has served with Port Hedland Council for five years. The council’s Director of Corporate Services, Matthew Scott, will become Acting CEO until a new Chief Executive Officer is appointed.

The CEO’s position carries a package of about $220,000, plus accommodation and the deadline for applications is August 9. Details can be found on LG Jobs here.

There are major new housing developments underway in Port Hedland and the port is being expanded. The successful applicant for the CEO’s position will be responsible for consolidating the council’s operations and overseeing the delivery of council’s 2010-15 Strategic Plan.

In New South Wales, Bellingen Shire Council is advertising for a General Manager. The new GM will be appointed on a five year performance-based contract and applications also close on August 9. More details are available on LG Jobs here.

Other senior positions currently on offer among Australian local governments include: Manager Finance for Frankston City Council in Victoria; Manager Infrastructure for the City of Prospect in South Australia; Manager Human Resources for Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council in Western Australia; and Manager for Parks for Bankstown City Council in New South Wales.

More information about these positions is available on the website of LG Jobs, the specialist email and web-based service that assists councils to locate administrative, executive and engineering personnel, available at www.lgjobs.com.au.

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5.  Vic council service-delivery to come under increased scrutiny

Victorian councils will be faced with “a more robust performance monitoring regime” as a result of a report prepared by the state’s Essential Services Commission.

The document, released by Local Government Minister Richard Wynne, recommends that a Victorian Local Government Services Report should be published each year to report on council service outcomes.

The ESC was asked last August by the government to develop a performance monitoring framework for local government and the report is the outcome of that work.

Mr Wynne says such a monitoring regime will help councils to better examine their performance and more effectively report outcomes to their communities.

He says the new level of accountability for councils will not place an unnecessary financial or administrative burden on them because the commission will conduct a “streamlining review” that will examine current reporting obligations. The aim of the review is to reduce the administrative burden of the local government sector by 25%.

Mr Wynne says he has asked the commission to push ahead with the recommendations of its report. He says this work will result in the production of a pilot report, involving 20 to 25 councils, by January 2011, and the streamlining review. The Establishing a Victorian Local Government Services Report can be downloaded here.

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6.  Local Government Sustainable Development Conference 2010

August 24 - 25th 2010, Dockside Convention Centre, Sydney

~ PROVIDING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ~

The Local Government Sustainable Development Conference 2010 is the leading sustainable development conference for local government, with CEOs, Mayors, Councillors and senior managers from local councils around Australia attending each year.

The national Conference will showcase leading edge examples of outstanding environmental initiatives by Australian local governments, including the winners of the Australian Sustainable Cities Award and the International Liveable Cities Awards as well as international best practice case studies.

Topics will include:

• Climate change and energy efficiency
• Integrating sustainability into economic imperatives
• Future directions for asset management
• Practical approaches to water management
• Sustainable planning and urban design
• Waste management and resource recovery
• Land remediation
• Community engagement in environmental initiatives
• Green purchasing and procurement

Invited speakers include:

• Chris Davis, Commissioner, National Water Commission
• Cr Paul Bell, President, Local Government Association of Queensland
• Professor Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability, Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute
• Professor Gary Jones, Chief Executive, eWater CRC
• Kelly Pearce, Assistant Secretary, Waste Policy Branch, Department of Environment and Heritage
• Rod Welford, CEO, Australian Council of Recyclers
• Dave West, Founder, Boomerang Alliance
• Pete Williams, CEO, Deloitte Digital
• Ian Blair, Director, Quadraco Asia-Pacific
• Martin Brennan, Deputy CEO, ICLEI Oceania
• Tom Roper, President, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council
• Wayne Wescott, Chair, Local Government Task Group, Green Building Council of Australia
• Dr Ralf Haese, Project Leader, Coastal Research and Management, Geoscience Australia
• Sean Rooney, Sustainability Program Manager, Sinclair Knight Merz
• Marcus Spiller, Director, SGS Economics and Planning
• Dan Atkins, Managing Director, Shaper Group
• Cr Angelo Tsirekas, Mayor, City of Canada Bay
• Shayne Silcox, Chief Executive Officer, City of Melville
• Bob Gaussen, Managing Director, Review Today Pty Ltd
• Percy Allan, Research Director, Review Today Pty Ltd
• Michele Leembruggen, 1200 Buildings Program Coordinator, City of Melbourne
• Colin Pitman, Director, City Projects, City of Salisbury
• Charles Turner, Manager Asset Management, Bayside City Council
• Greg Hunt, Executive Officer, South East Councils Climate Change Alliance

REGISTRATIONS

Register now by going to http://www.halledit.com.au/lgsd2010 or contact Denise McQueen on 03 8534 5021 or denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

SPONSORSHIP/EXHIBITION

For sponsorship and exhibition enquiries, contact Brian Rault on 03 8534 5014 or email brian.rault@halledit.com.au

PLATINUM SPONSOR

SUPPORTING PARTNER

NETWORKING DRINKS SPONSOR

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7.  City of Sydney seeks tenders for major water initiative

More than 3.2 gigalitres of rain and other water resources could be captured and reused for irrigation and other non-potable uses under a proposed new City of Sydney water strategy.

The city is seeking tenders to develop a Decentralised Water Master Plan aimed at producing more than 10% of the city's water supply from local sources. Utilising a city-wide recycled water network, the plan would also cut pollutants discharged into Sydney Harbour and the Cooks River by around 50%.

The tender, which closes on September 7, will explore different business models to implement the master plan, including a private sector water services company or a public-private joint venture.

The recycled water networks identified in the plan will be integrated with the city's planned low carbon zones powered by trigeneration plants. Common trenches would be used to house pipes for recycled water, district heating, cooling and automated waste.

The trigeneration plants could also be used for water treatment by the local recycled water treatment stations.

The council accounts for 1.5 per cent of water use in the local government area with about 80% used by apartments, commercial and institutional buildings.

Its consumption has fallen by 37% over the past six years to 432 mega litres in 2008-2009. This reduction in water consumption is a result of water restrictions and initiatives such as retrofitting council buildings, parks and pools with water efficient dual flush toilets and tap aerators.

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8.  Council signs MoU with developers and university to manage growth

Light Regional Council north of Adelaide has signed an agreement with a tertiary institution, developers and landholders to manage growth in its region.

The parties to the Memorandum of Understanding are the council, the University of Adelaide, Regional Land Pty Ltd, Hickinbotham Developments Pty Ltd and individual landholders in the growth area of Roseworthy. Land at Roseworthy has been identified under the 30-year Plan for Greater Adelaide as a potential site for future urban growth.

Light Regional Council’s Mayor, Robert Hornsey, says the MoU is the first step in response to the 30-Year Plan as it applies to council’s region. Cr Hornsey says it confirms the essential framework and accountability for planned and locally sustainable growth.

He says the agreement ensures a high level of community engagement in developing the growth plan. Council has appointed a project probity officer to oversee development of the initiative.

SA Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Paul Holloway, witnessed the MoU and he has congratulated council on its “innovative approach to managing growth in the region”. Mr Holloway says the collaborative governance approach taken by the council creates a sound platform to accommodate urban growth which will improve land supply in Greater Adelaide.

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9.  EOIs called for Victoria’s first Development Assessment Committee

Expressions of Interest have been called for prospective members of the first of Victoria’s Development Assessment Committees – committees that will make planning decisions for significant metropolitan developments

State Planning Minister, Justin Madden, has called for EOIs to join the Development Assessment Committee for the Doncaster Hill Principal Activity Centre.

Doncaster Hill has been identified as one of five market-ready centres where DACs will initially be introduced. The committees are also being established in Camberwell, Coburg, central Geelong and Preston (High Street) before being introduced in other activity centres.

The EOI for Doncaster Hill DAC relates to the roles of Chairperson and two State-nominated members. There will also be two council appointed members on the committee. After the state and council nominees have been confirmed, the operational guidelines and procedures of the committee will be established.

Mr Madden has described the DACs as a new planning partnership between State and local governments. He says the current planning system only allows for planning decisions to be made by the respective council or the Planning Minister.

Mr Madden says the partnership means the local community and the state government can both be heard and influence the planning decisions that affect their particular part of Melbourne.

For further information on the role statement, including selection criteria, visit: www.careers.vic.gov.au. The closing date for applications is 9 August 2010.

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10.  Parliamentary approval for extending Melbourne’s growth boundaries

A planning scheme amendment to expand Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) has been passed by the Victorian Parliament.

Adoption of the amendment after a protracted wrangle between the government and the opposition parties in the Upper House means 24,500 hectares of land that can be developed is now incorporated into Melbourne’s growth boundary. The extra land is enough to accommodate 134,000 new homes.

State Planning Minister, Justin Madden, says several council planning schemes will be amended to incorporate the changes to the UGB – these include Casey, Whittlesea, Wyndham, Hume, Melton and Mitchell Shire Councils.

Mr Madden says the next stage in providing more housing in the growth areas will be consultation on the Growth Area Framework and the preparation of Precinct Structure Plans (PSP) for new suburbs. He says the government has allocated $10 million to prepare the structure plans.

Mr Madden says infrastructure in growth areas, particularly public transport, will benefit from a dedicated funding source in the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC). He says with the GAIC now in place and the boundary moved, the detailed planning work for housing, infrastructure and new communities can begin.

The planning scheme amendment will also protect 15,000 hectares of native grasslands in Melbourne’s west and a further 6,000 hectares of land will be zoned for rural conservation purposes.

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11.  Grants available to fund positive ageing initiatives

Councils and not-for-profit organisations in New South Wales can now apply for grants to fund initiatives designed to keep older people in the community socially connected and engaged.

The 2010-11 Positive Ageing Grants program provides one-off grants to councils and not-for-profits to implement programs throughout 2011.

Grants of $5,000 are available for projects in local areas throughout the state and two grants – each of $30,000 – are available for state-wide positive ageing projects. The closing date for applications is August 20 and further details can be found here.

The Department of Human Services says a healthy ageing population will contribute knowledge, experience and skills to the community and the workforce, and will benefit development of the economy and culture.

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12.  Redland’s mayor ‘all a Twitter'

Redland City Council Mayor, Melva Hobson, is believed to be the first Mayor in south-east Queensland to launch a personal Twitter page to encourage residents to communicate with her.

Mayor Hobson says the council has been interacting with residents for some time using social media and her Twitter page www.twitter.com/MelvaEHobson is part of the community engagement initiative.

She has encouraged residents to use Twitter to provide her with feedback on the recently adopted Redlands 2030 Community Plan – a long-term vision for the development of Redlands based on the views of local residents, businesses and organisations.

Cr Hobson says she wants to be in touch with people’s thoughts and suggestions on the plan. She launched the Twitter page with Queensland Local Government Minister, Desley Boyle, who has called on all councils to look at the value of social media.

Ms Boyle says the benefit of Twitter and other social media is that they can help councils reach out to people who might not usually engage with local government. She says social media widens the ways in which people can help shape the future of their regions.

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13.  Latest Black Spot funding for WA roads

Local government in Western Australia will spend $5 million on upgrades and safety improvements under the latest State Black Spot Program.

The $25 million program for 2010-11 will cover 87 projects in the Perth metropolitan area and 86 in rural WA. It will comprise 147 local road projects and 26 State road projects. Funding for the state projects will be $20 million

WA Transport Minister, Simon O’Brien, says the Black Spot Program represents an important and ongoing partnership between state and local government that focuses on improving safety for all road users at critical locations throughout the road network.

Mr O’Brien says in the 10 years since the program was established $216.25 million has been spent on more than 2,000 road safety initiatives throughout the State. The funding has included $173 million from the State and $43.25 million from local government.

For full details of allocations under the 2010-11 State Black Spot Program click here.

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14.  Property Council election brief calls for delivery of key national strategies

Delivering national strategies relating to urban development, population, infrastructure and housing affordability are key components of an election policy brief released by the Property Council of Australia.

The brief of more than 40 pages says a National Urban Strategy should provide a detailed blueprint for reinvigorating Australia’s urban communities.

It says the strategy should incorporate elements including:

• tying all local government payments to performance against criteria such as faster development assessment;
• performance targets and year-by-year benchmarks for all levels of government; and
• launching a new program to seed-fund critical city infrastructure, through Infrastructure Australia, linked to cities policy.

On national population strategy, the brief says it must identify how and where new residents will be housed, educated and employed. The strategy should address future growth areas and specific plans for each growth area with 30-year targets and trigger points for action.

The Property Council advocates developing a sustainable model to finance infrastructure and cater for future economic growth. It says the approach should include a national roundtable of industry and government to prepare a white paper by mid-2011 on the future of infrastructure funding.

The council’s brief says the Housing Affordability Fund needs another round of funding and also needs to be expanded to target key growth areas and planning reforms.

The brief also recommends a review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act because the present act is causing great uncertainty in the delivery of community infrastructure. It says the act should be reformed by recognising protected areas in state and local planning schemes, and not overriding state and local planning powers. The council’s policy brief can be found here.

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15.  Infrastructure priority list for south-east Queensland councils

The South East Queensland Council of Mayors has identified seven major infrastructure projects it says are vital to keep pace with growth in the region.

The Council of Mayors says the region has experienced rapid population growth over the past two decades and there are projections of another 1.3 million people settling in south-east Queensland in the next 20 years. It says federal, state and local governments need to be working in partnership to roll out vital infrastructure across the region.

The seven projects have been dubbed the Magnificent Seven and include the Blacksoil Intersection in Ipswich; Gold Coast Rail Upgrade; Eastern Busway and Kingsford Smith Drive in Brisbane/Redland; Pacific Motorway in Logan/Scenic Rim; Sunshine Coast Airport; and Toowoomba Bypass in Toowoomba/Lockyer/Somerset.

The Council of Mayors says the nominated projects are needed in addition to the Redcliffe to Petrie rail line that has won backing from the Federal Government. It says the rail line would service an area projected to accommodate another 73,000 people in the next 10 years.

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16.  Planning provisions provide for growth of regional Victoria

A strategy to support future population growth and planning in regional Victoria has been incorporated into state-wide planning provisions with the gazettal of a planning scheme amendment known as VC66.

The amendment gives statutory effect to the Brumby Government's $631 million Ready for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria.

State Planning Minister, Justin Madden, says incorporating the strategy into planning provisions gives councils in regional and rural Victoria up to date policies to respond to growth, land supply, services, infrastructure and transport issues.

Mr Madden says the blueprint establishes a collaborative approach to regional planning and development – it guides the way government works with local communities to ensure the sustainable, economic and social growth of the regions. He says the updated planning provisions are complemented by $58.9 million in investment including:

• $17.2 million for land-use planning to manage urban growth in the major regional cities of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and the La Trobe Valley;
• $13.6 million for land use planning to cope with climate change impacts in coastal areas;
• $7.8 million to build the economic development capability of councils so they can attract investment and jobs to their region; and
• $5.5 million for statutory planning work across towns and communities.

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17.  Councils affected by draft policy changes relating to retail competition

A draft planning policy which removes artificial barriers on competition between retail businesses in New South Wales will impact on councils.

One of the key proposals in the draft State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) says that the commercial viability of a proposed development may not be taken into consideration by a consent authority, usually the local council, when determining development applications.

The other main proposals are that:

- the likely impact of a proposed development on the commercial viability of other businesses may also not be considered unless the proposed development is likely to have an overall adverse impact on the extent and adequacy of local community services and facilities; and

- any restrictions in local planning instruments on the number of a particular type of retail store in an area, or the distance between stores of the same type, will have no effect.

Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly, says the proposed measures would ensure the planning system cannot be used to hinder competition between individual businesses and they put NSW at the forefront of pro-competitive reform in Australia.

Mr Kelly says it is important to note the draft SEPP would not overturn any existing council location or distance restrictions on brothels and restricted premises such as sex shops. He says the draft in itself does not fetter councils existing abilities to limit the clustering or location of these particular business types.

The draft SEPP is on exhibition until Thursday, August 26, and further details, including how to make a submission, can be found here.

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18.  Shipping terminal project creates waves between council and QLD Government

Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government are at odds over the level of funding the council should contribute to a major infrastructure project – the Townsville Ship Terminal.

The council has signed off on a $4.8 million offer to support the proposed cruise and military vessel terminal, but State Treasurer, Andrew Fraser, says it should be contributing $30 million to the project.

Mr Fraser says the State and Federal Governments have each contributed $30 million to the proposed development and the council’s decision not to match that level of funding is a short-sighted one that will strangle the region’s growth. He says the project is expected to create more than 900 jobs in the short term and, from 2017, it could bring in over $33 million a year to the Townsville economy.

Townsville Mayor, Les Tyrell, says council is proposing to upgrade local roads to support the project. He says council cannot justify a large capital funding commitment for the facility because it is outside the realm of local government.

Cr Tyrell says council acknowledges it has a role to play in developing the terminal, but it cannot burden ratepayers with a funding commitment on an asset that it will not own.

The mayor says once the terminal becomes a dedicated cruise and military vessel berth, nearly 80% of its use is expected to involve military vessels. Cr Tyrell says there is a strong case for seeking extra Federal funding for the project through the Defence Department.

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19.  Federal funding confirmed for Adelaide stormwater initiative

Stormwater management in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs has received a boost with the Federal Government confirming $10 million in funding under the national Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse program.

The funding will help finance the establishment of a stormwater harvesting project being undertaken by five councils.

Burnside, Norwood Payneham and St Peters, Campbelltown, Tea Tree Gully and Walkerville Councils are putting up a combined investment of $16 million for the project which will connect a number of storm water harvesting sites to enable water movement between the sites, as required.

President of the South Australian Local Government Association, Felicity-ann Lewis, says the Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse Program is important for future stormwater management across metropolitan Adelaide.

Mayor Lewis says stormwater management is a key component of water security for all councils and will reduce the city’s draw from the Murray River system and other potable water supplies for irrigation purposes. She says harvested and repatriated stormwater will be used to irrigate council managed parks, sporting ovals and gardens.

Mayor Lewis says councils invest heavily in water management schemes and it is always a fillip when other spheres of government chip in to help with the overall cost of funding the projects

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20.  Two NSW shires move to sustainably manage significant bushland areas

Tweed and Byron Shires in northern New South Wales have secured $1.7 million in State Government funding to undertake sustainable management of regionally significant urban and near-urban bushland areas.

The Bush Futures project is now entering the on-ground works phase following completion of an audit of urban bushland health across the two shires. The bushland is impacted by weeds, clearing, feral animals, grazing, erosion, dumping and other human impacts. The state Environmental Trust grant made to the councils will be used to address the issues.

Consultants who conducted the audit surveyed 193 sites across the shires covering 985 hectares. The consultants;

• determined bushland values, threats, and management issues at selected sites;
• devised a rapid assessment methodology to determine bushland condition/health;
• classified and mapped rehabilitation requirements at surveyed sites;
• provided cost estimates for classes of rehabilitation identified; and
• prioritised sites for funding on-ground works.

The information is being used to deliver targeted on-ground works across the shires. The works may include weed control and habitat restoration, works to protect sensitive areas, trapping and removal of pest species, installation of interpretive signage, removal and recycling of litter and rubbish and erosion control.

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21.  Council investment in pipeline to safeguard Queensland coastal centres

Rockhampton Regional Council has contributed $13.5 million to a pipeline of more than 43 kilometres that will secure water supplies for coastal communities.

The $50 million Rockhampton to Yeppoon water supply pipeline, new reservoir and pump station were constructed by up to 60 council workers and sub-contractors. The pipeline crosses the Rockhampton to Yeppoon Road seven times.

The infrastructure will provide an ample water supply for the next 50 years – it will take water from the Fitzroy River via the Ibis Avenue Reservoir in Rockhampton and send it to a pump station and new reservoir in Yeppoon West. It will have the capacity to supply up to 37 megalitres of treated water daily to the Capricorn Coast – triple the existing daily requirement of the area.

The pipeline will remove the need to take water from the Sandy Creek coastal dune system, which is a high conservation area. The dune system is one of the last undisturbed coastal dune areas in Queensland and it will be protected.

The Queensland Government provided $20 million in funding for the pipeline and the Federal Government $16.5 million.

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22.  Making peddle power a way of life in Perth

The City of Perth has called for public involvement in drafting a plan to increase the use of bicycles as a form of sustainable transport in the city.

Perth Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi says the council’s Cycle Plan will help the city meet its 2029 vision to create a “progressive city streetscape with improved access and routes for cyclists”.

Lord Mayor Scaffidi says development of the plan will benefit the thousands of cyclists in the city and encourage others to take up a sustainable mode of transport.

She says it is envisaged a draft document on cycling in Perth will comprise objectives and targets for cycling including:
- increased end-of-trip facilities;
- development of a strategic cycle network;
- high quality education and training;
- best practice land use planning principles;
- improved infrastructure and safety; and
- identified opportunities for integrated transport programs and projects.

Further infformation on the cycling initiative can be found here.

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23.  New government-council partnership to develop Docklands

The Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne are now partners in the development of the rapidly expanding Docklands area of Melbourne.

The government has declared the council will become the responsible authority for developed areas of the Docklands precinct, which is home to six thousand residents and the workplace of another 19,000 people.

Under the arrangement, the City of Melbourne becomes the planning decision maker for developed areas, while the government – through VicUrban – will continue to be the authority for remaining undeveloped areas. VicUrban will also continue to lead the strategic development of Docklands.

The first 10 years of Docklands’ development has seen investment valued at $6 billion, 98% of developable land contracted to private developers and the relocation of 40 major corporate to the precinct.

Victoria’s Planning Minister, Justin Madden, says the government and the council have been working together on a range of planning matters, including a new advisory committee to assess major developments. Mr Madden says the new cooperative approach highlights the desire of the government and the council to plan collaboratively to achieve a shared vision for Docklands and Melbourne.

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24.  Strategic plan for Byron, Ballina and Richmond coastlines

Plans of Management will be developed for Regional Crown Reserves along the coasts of the Byron, Ballina, and Richmond Shires in New South Wales.

The plans will be developed by the Land and Property Management Authority and will complement a Plan of Management for the Tweed Coast Regional Crown Reserve.

State Lands Minister, Tony Kelly, says the initiative will achieve consistency in planning across local government area boundaries on important issues, including climate change and sea level rise along the coasts, natural resource management and increasing demand for tourism services.

Mr Kelly says it will also advance the social and economic development of the relevant communities. He says crown reserves provide for a diverse range of society’s needs and the government must ensure their future is secure through careful planning for sustainable use and management.

Tenders will be called in August and, in consideration of the size of the project, it is expected to take up to 12 months to complete.

Mr Kelly says the project will result in strategic planning being put in place for 122 kilometres of coastline covering an area of more than 8,800 hectares.

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25.  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 180 positions listed each week.

It is published by Hallmark Editions, who also produces Councillor Magazine, LG News and Council Manager magazine.

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 22,000 hits per day, and the weekly LG Jobs e-newsletter (18,000 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.duggin@halledit.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

26.  Fire Australia 2010 Conference and Exhibition

Australia’s leading fire protection conference will this year focus on community and infrastructure, encompassing the protection of society’s assets, heritage and resources. The three day program will include 25 presentations from leading industry personnel on these and other future focused topics. The 2010 program welcomes several international and keynote speakers, such as John Woodcock, President of the IFE, Jo Fowler, Engineer with East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Russell Sanders, Executive Secretary of the NFPA.

To round out proceedings delegates can engage in extensive Q&A and panel discussion sessions with all speakers following their presentations. In addition, they’ll learn about the latest products and services through exhibitor presentations integrated throughout the program. A free exhibition, held adjacent to the plenary sessions, will accompany the conference with over thirty companies on display throughout the three days.

To ensure it’s not all work focused there’s a cocktail reception on the first evening and a farewell lunch at the end of day three. In addition, a night of food, drink, entertainment and raising funds for charity will be held on day two at the conference dinner. All of which provides plenty of time to network with industry peers and colleagues. There’s also three days of social tours for those wishing to bring their partners, which includes attendance to all other social functions.

Held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach, Queensland, the venue is easily accessible via air or road. With many hotels within walking distance to both the convention centre and the beach, it’s the ideal opportunity to make a holiday out of a business trip. We’re anticipating good weather, good attendance and an exceptional conference, why not pack your beach towel and register now.

For more information and to register visit the conference website: www.fireaustralia.com.au

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27.  Sustainable Planning Queensland 2010

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
30 & 31 August

Connect Conferences invites you to the upcoming Sustainable Planning Queensland 2010 Conference, which boasts an extensive line up of speakers from both public and private sectors, who come together to decipher the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, a major milestone in Queensland Planning Reform.

Sustainable Planning Queensland 2010 gives a detailed overview of the Sustainable Planning Act including advice from Local Council, DERM, experts and planners on how to negotiate development applications and environmental assessments under the new Act and an overview of the future of sustainable development in Queensland.

You will hear about the future direction of Queensland Planning, the regulatory framework in which you are to operate and what it means to you and your organisation!

Speakers include:

• Ron Clarke – Mayor, Gold Coast City Council
• George Earl – Head of School of Sustainable Development, Bond University
• Todd Rohl – Development Assessment Manager, Logan City Council
• Daniel Leo – Senior Officer, Department of Environment & Resource Management
• John Brannock – Director, Brannock & Associates Planning and Environmental Consultants
• Michael Chessels – Senior Principal, Environmental Services, Cardno
• Peter Rowell – Special Counsel, Blake Dawson Waldron Lawyers
• Rod Welford – CEO, Australian Council of Recycling Inc

CPD Points:

• Planning Institute of Australia – 6 Credit Points
• Australian Institute of Building Surveyors – 12 Credit Points
• Law Society, Queensland

Registration

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear what the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 means to you and your organisation!

Click here to download a conference brochure and registration form. Fax or email your registration form to (02) 8580 4729 or registration@connectconferences.com.au

For further information about Sustainable Planning Queensland 2010 and other upcoming conferences or if you have trouble opening a link type our website – www.connectconferences.com.au – into your URL browser.

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28.  Behaviour Change for Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability

"He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator." Francis Bacon



Systemic behavioural change is essential if organisations and communities are to move towards a more sustainable economic, social and environmental future.

This landmark event, presented by the 3 Pillars Network and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, brings together a diverse and passionate group of corporate leaders, policymakers, psychologists, social scientists, program implementers, and organisational experts to:

• Unravel the complexity of influencing behaviours around the three pillars of sustainability
• Identify what approaches are worth consideration
• Explore levers and barriers for behaviour change
• Create a practical plan for implementation
• Measure and evaluate the outcomes of behaviour change initiatives
• Share key learnings from case studies across a variety of disciplines

This is not your usual conference.

Prepare to be challenged and engaged.

Our aim is to arm you with the insight and inspiration to affect behaviour change for greater sustainability across organisations and communities.

Speakers include:

Jeremy Rifkin, author of The Empathic Revolution
and President, Foundation of Economic Trends (US)



Paul Stern, Director of the Committee on the Human Dimensions of Global Change (CHDGC) at the National Research Council (US)



Sam Graham-Felsen,
Barack Obama's Chief Campaign Blogger, 2008 Presidential Campaign

Robert Swan, OBE and Polar Explorer

Peta Ashworth, Earth Science and Resource Engineering, CSIRO

EARLY BIRD RATES APPLY UNTIL 10th September

Places strictly limited, book early to avoid disappointment

Online: www.3pillarsnetwork.com.au

Phone: 02 9555 4203

Email: registrations@3pillarsnetwork.com.au

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