EDITOR’S WELCOME

It feels like Christmas was just a few weeks ago, but nevertheless we find ourselves nearing the middle of the year, with a hot, rainy summer behind us. Autumn is the season of change and new beginnings – out with the old and in with the new – and it’s a fitting season for this issue’s theme of future planning.

Our cover image depicts this through the iconic Nylex sign in Melbourne, representing Yarra City Council’s rich history and its works to revitalise the suburb for the future, whilst keeping the rich historical assets the region is famous for.

This issue explores many projects that are future-focused – from the Avalon Corridor Strategy that promises to preserve the green break that defines Geelong as a stand-alone city from it’s bigger sister Melbourne, to the City of Stirling’s battle to save its coastline as the effects of climate change worsen.

Councils aren’t the only organisations that are thinking of the future of Australia's communities, Climate Council is also working with local councils to prioritise advocacy to the Federal Government for resources to introduce clean transport into their regions.

We were also lucky enough to candidly talk to Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer, regarding his Council’s financial troubles and incredible recovery – and his advice to other local governments to ensure they don’t make the same mistakes.

Finally, as ChatGPT settles in as a regular tool of many workplaces across the globe, the City of Greater Geelong’s Manager of Smart Cities, Dr. Adam Mowlam, contributed an excellent analysis on how Artificial Intelligence can help councils build smarter cities.

Despite Easter being already over by the time most of you receive this issue, we have left an Easter egg of a pun on the cover for eagle-eyed readers (hint –Paul Kelly fans will appreciate it!).

I hope 2023 is going well for all our readers, and I look forward to seeing some of you at the ALGA’s National General Assembly in June.

April Shepherd Editor

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: HOW ADVANCES IN AI ARE BUILDING SMART CITIES

Artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating quickly with the potential for it to change the fabric of many sectors – and possibly the world as we know it. One sector in particular that can deliver more streamlined services thanks to AI is local government, with the possibility for improved productivity encouraging many councils to adopt the technology.

ARTS AND CULTURE

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YARRA’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF CREMORNE Yarra City Council and the Victorian Government are working to revitalise the inner-city suburb of Cremorne through collaboration with local start-ups and tech giants – and by preserving the suburb’s unique heritage buildings – to create new, sustainable and resilient open spaces.

WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT

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EMBRACING GLOBAL WATER MANAGEMENT INNOVATIONS ON A LOCAL LEVEL

Smart water management tools have been deployed around the world to offer councils better insights into water usage, network issues and engage more proactively with their constituents. Australian councils can improve customer service, prevent leakages, and reduce costs by learning from these global experiences and embracing innovative technology such as smart meters.

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WHITEHORSE COUNCIL’S COMMITMENT TO REINVENTING WATER

MANAGING MANHOLES USING SMART SOLUTIONS 42

46

MONARO

PROTECTING WATERFRONT PRECINCTS WITH FLOOD BARRIERS 48

50 CLEAN TRANSPORT: HOW COUNCILS CAN PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

As a part of its Cities Power Partnership program, the Climate Council is working with local councils to reduce emissions across many avenues, with one of the most pivotal being the adoption of clean transport solutions such as public transport, walking, cycling, and electric vehicles.

54 Outback Nt Council Trials Innovative Road Stabilisation Technique

The Northern Territory’s Central Desert Regional Council manages 2,030km of local roads over an area of 282,000km² located in the centre of Australia. As most of the connecting roads between CDRC’s nine main communities are unsealed, maintenance and grading works are common and time consuming –leading Council to trial an exciting new road stabilisation technique.

56 Meeting The Evolving Road Maintenance Needs Of Councils

58 TWO COUNCILS, ONE STRATEGY: PROTECTING THE AVALON CORRIDOR

As Melbourne’s suburbs continued to sprawl out into unsuspecting regions that were once green space, the City of Greater Geelong began developing a plan to protect the future of the Avalon Corridor – the 30,000ha of land situated between Geelong and Melbourne – but quickly realised it could not undertake the process alone. This led to a collaborative partnership between the City of Greater Geelong and Wyndham City Council, resulting in the recently adopted Avalon Corridor Strategy.

HEALTH

62 WHAT DOES THE NCC 2022

SECTION J9D3 MEAN TO YOU?

64 STIRLING’S PLANS TO BATTLE EROSION AND RISING SEA LEVELS

City of Stirling, located in Perth, is picturesque –with blue oceans and infamous beaches lining its coastlines – but unfortunately the threat of erosion and rising sea levels is looming on the region’s horizon. This is why Council has released a new long-term plan, designating high risk areas and outlining how the City can save its critical assets.

66 REDUCING EQUIPMENT EMISSIONS WITH ELECTRIC SOLUTIONS

01 EDITOR’S WELCOME

04 A WORD FROM THE AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

72 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

72 EDITORIAL SCHEDULE

06 HOW AUSTRALIAN COUNCILS CELEBRATED INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

08 FURTHER $420M FOR WESTINVEST PROJECTS

10 MELBOURNE INTRODUCES FOGO COLLECTION FOR HIGH RISE RESIDENTS

12 $22.7M FOR COUNCIL PROJECTS UNDER STRONGER COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME

COUNCIL IN FOCUS

68 CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL CEO

This edition, we feature an exclusive interview from Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer, discussing the Council’s turbulent past three years, its unique success story, and his advice for other councils regarding cash management.