Council Winter 2024

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Published by

Editor

Assistant

Journalist

National

Art Director

Alejandro Molano

Designers

Danielle

Jacqueline Buckmaster

Marketing Manager

Radhika Sud

Marketing

Digital

Publisher Sarah

EDITOR’S WELCOME

Welcome to the winter issue of Council, my first full issue in the Editor’s chair, and our first issue with our new publishers Prime Creative Media.

As the local government sector gathers again in Canberra for the annual ALGA National General Assembly, it’s a fortuitous time for me to be taking the lead with this magazine, which we love putting together for everyone who works in local government around Australia. Whether you’re reading this before the event or perhaps at the event, I’m looking forward to connecting with as many readers as possible in Canberra in July.

Several key themes have emerged as we have gathered the content for this issue. Environment and sustainability, as well as planning and construction are big focus areas in this issue, and I’m pleased to share a selection of stories from councils around Australia where interesting projects and developments are underway.

In Perth, the City of Canning has shared the extensive works they have undertaken to rejuvenate their urban centre, which will help to meet future population needs and help to position the City as the “CBD of the South”.

In Brisbane, Brisbane City Council has also shared their redevelopment of Victoria Park, which will transform 64 hectares of inner-city greenspace over the coming years into a natural retreat and urban park for adventure, discovery and reconnection.

Further south, Sustainability Victoria has contributed to this issue, sharing their Carbon Accounting Guide for local government, which will provide

insights for councils all around Australia, demystifying the process of carbon abatement and enhancing our understanding of how we can reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

It’s a real privilege to share the work that Australia’s councils undertake in this magazine, and I felt that particularly keenly when I was able to interview Fraser Coast Council’s Senior Community Development & Engagement Coordinator, James O’Connor, about the mobility maps he has worked tirelessly on for the region over several years. These maps will be invaluable to wheelchair users, pram users and other residents with accessibility challenges as they navigate the streets of the Fraser Coast, and they are a real asset for the area.

To me, this is the perfect embodiment of what our councils do – providing an array of services to residents that improve their daily lives – and I look forward to sharing more of these stories with you over many issues to come.

Laura Pearsall Editor, Council

If you or your team has been tasked with the significant job of counting carbon emissions for your council, drafting a climate action plan, or updating a previous one, you might be asking ‘where do I begin?’ A good place to start is Sustainability Victoria’s handy guide: Organisational Carbon Accounting for Local Governments Learner Guide.

OF

REGENERATING A STRATEGIC URBAN CENTRE FOR THE

The City of Canning is located in Perth's south-eastern suburbs, about 10 kilometres from the Perth CBD. Since 2017 council has approved and now commenced a regeneration program for the City, designed to equip it for the future, with increased housing, better infrastructure and enhanced transport links throughout the region.

A new research project is poised to deliver the formula to safely recycle water into gardens and parklands at scale, addressing both urban heat and sustainability challenges in western Sydney.

38 MOBILITY MAPPING: SHEDDING LIGHT ON ACCESSIBILITY IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Accessibility is a major concern for thousands of Australians who struggle with mobility issues. A trip that might be only a short walk for an ablebodied person could be a seriously daunting journey for somebody in a wheelchair, in order to avoid stairs, steep curbs or other impediments. That’s why Fraser Coast Council has developed a mobility map to help pedestrians to better navigate the footpaths in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

DIGITISATION

EQUIPMENT

48 GREEN SPACE REDEVELOPMENT DELIVERING CULTURAL PARKLAND FOR BRISBANE

Brisbane City Council is undertaking a major project to transform 64 hectares of inner-city greenspace over the coming years into a natural retreat and urban park for adventure, discovery and reconnection.

60 WESTERN SYDNEY: A REGION CENTRAL TO AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE

Greater Western Sydney has one of the youngest, fastest growing and most diverse populations in the nation; and according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the region is going to be “absolutely critical” to the nation’s future prosperity. The region takes in multiple local governments, and in a recent speech, Prime Minister Albanese outlined exactly how Western Sydney will contribute to Australia’s future.

01 EDITOR’S WELCOME

08 A WORD FROM THE AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

04 COUNCILS RESPOND TO FEDERAL BUDGET

05 VIC GOV RELEASES HOUSING PLANS FOR TEN SUBURBS

06 QLD COUNCILS TO SHARE $300M FOR LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE

07 SA PLANNING CHANGES WELCOMED

COUNCIL IN FOCUS

56 CITY OF LAUNCESTON

In each edition of Council, we choose one local government from across Australia to shine a spotlight on. Whether it's new infrastructure, an innovative technology project, a leading sustainability initiative or a community connection, we want to highlight the best of our local governments and share some valuable knowledge to other place makers across our nation. This edition, we spoke to the City of Launceston.

COUNCILS RESPOND TO FEDERAL BUDGET

The local government sector has responded to the 202425 Federal Budget, saying that the Federal Government has not delivered on its pre-election promise to provide ‘fair increases’ to Financial Assistance Grants for councils.

Australian Local Government Association President, Linda Scott, said that these untied federal grants are vital to supporting local government to deliver more affordable housing, and cost-of-living relief through access to free and low-cost services.

“Local governments welcome the Federal Parliamentary inquiry into our financial sustainability over the long term, however councils and our communities need the immediate support that we were promised,” Cr Scott said.

“In the lead up to the 2022 election, the Federal Government committed to providing fair increases to Financial Assistance Grants to councils. This Budget was their last chance to deliver during their current term.

“Councils will welcome a $155 million increase in Financial Assistance Grants this year. However, this increase is the result of the legislated indexation formula, and far below the fair increases promised by the government.

“This year’s Budget will be incredibly disappointing to many councils and communities that have been waiting for the Government to deliver on its fair funding promise over the past two years.

“Restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least one per cent of federal taxation revenue is the key to unlocking

the productivity of our cities, towns and regions, and building more liveable and vibrant communities.”

Cr Scott also welcomed the intent of new housing and active transport funding programs, and the ongoing Disaster Ready Fund, but highlighted that poor program execution would limit their success.

“The $1 billion to support new housing enabling infrastructure will be provided through State and Territory Governments, with no guarantee it will flow to councils dealing with housing pressures.

“Locking local governments out of federal funding to enable housing infrastructure will be a barrier to achieving the Government’s ambitious national targets.”

However, Cr Scott said, councils will be delighted to see the government follow through on its November 2023 commitment to significantly increase road funding to local government.

“Councils maintain 75 per cent of Australia’s local roads, and independent research from the Grattan Institute last year highlighted a $1 billion per year maintenance funding deficit.

“This year’s Budget includes an extra $150 million for the Roads to Recovery program, as well as a commitment to increase this funding to $1 billion per year over the forward estimates.

“With increased federal road funding, we can significantly improve the safety and effectiveness of the roads Australians use every day, increasing our nation’s productivity while addressing our unacceptable national road toll.”

Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO, Alison Smith, echoed Cr Scott’s sentiments.

“For councils, ‘fair funding’ would be restoring the Financial Assistance Grants once again to at least one per cent of Federal taxation revenue,” Ms Smith said.

“While Financial Assistance Grants to Queensland councils will increase from $653.1 million in 2024/25 to $739.2 million in 2027/28, they remain flat at just over 0.5 per cent, or half of what they need to be to adequately support local communities.

“There is no more critical time to properly fund councils than during the current cost of living crisis.

“This is a disappointing Budget for the sector that so many communities rely on, and never more so than when times get tough for households.”

Local Government NSW President, Darriea Turley, was also frustrated with the lack of commitment for fair increases to Financial Assistance Grants.

“NSW councils’ share of Financial Assistance Grants will surpass $1 billion for the first time in 2024-25, but this just reflects increases based on the legislated formula for indexation rather than meaningful increases in the quantum of the grants,” Ms Turley said.

“Financial Assistance Grants are essential for the financial sustainability of our sector and allow councils to build and maintain the infrastructure and services our communities expect and deserve. LGNSW will continue to work with ALGA in calling for a fairer deal for councils.”

VIC GOV RELEASES HOUSING PLANS for ten suburbs

The Victorian Government has released a first draft of plans for new housing in ten different suburban centres across Melbourne.

The newly released maps offer a glimpse into what the future could look like across the activity centres set out in the Victorian Government’s landmark Housing Statement: Broadmeadows, Camberwell Junction, Chadstone, Epping, Frankston, Moorabbin, Niddrie-Keilor Road, North Essendon, Preston-High Street and Ringwood.

These initial ten suburban centres were chosen for their potential to accommodate more homes while ensuring

access to vital amenities such as train stations, tram services, town centres, job opportunities, and public services.

As plans for the activity centres develop, the government will work closely with communities and councils to review design requirements and building heights – with residents encouraged to have their say on what they love most about their area, to help shape the future of their communities.

The State Government said that building more homes up, not just out, in established suburbs is one of many initiatives outlined in the Housing Statement, which is part of work to prepare for 800,000 new homes to be built over the next decade to improve housing and rental affordability.

Chadstone is among the Victorian suburbs to be transformed.

SA PLANNING CHANGES WELCOMED

The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) has welcomed the South Australian Government’s response to the Expert Panel report which presented opportunities to improve and strengthen the planning system.

The LGASA has said that a successful planning system must be built on a well-informed and engaged community who can be actively involved in planning decisions.

The localised policy helps to preserve and enhance local character and gives residents a voice in planning decisions that impact on where they live.

This depends on the full participation of councils, and communities, in decision making to maximise the local benefits of planning processes, strategies and policies.

The State Government’s support for improvements in areas like local heritage protection, urban greening, increasing minimum garage sizes and improved guidance for infill development have been welcomed by the LGASA.

The LGASA said that it is unfortunate the government has not strengthened some areas, including third-party appeals for over-height developments and conservation of heritage and historic character.

The association said that it looks forward to working with the government on these recommendations to strike the right balance between development, community values and local character.

NGA 2024: WORKING TOGETHER to build community trust

Winter means many things around Australia – the cooling of temperatures, a shift to comforting meals, and for many, a slowing of pace during the chillier months.

But for Australia’s local government sector, we know very clearly winter also represents one of the most critical times of year – when many of us descend on Canberra to gather as a collective, work as a united front on shared goals, and showcase the work of local governments to our federal counterparts.

The Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA), held in Canberra every winter is the country’s largest and most influential annual local government conference.

The NGA attracts representatives from Australia’s 537 councils spread across all states and territories. More than 1000 delegates gather every year to hear from a range of high-profile and engaging guest speakers, learn about the latest products and technologies helping councils deliver better services for their communities, and network and learn from local government colleagues around the country.

The NGA theme this year is “Building Community Trust”, highlighting

the critical importance of trust in governments, between governments, institutions and citizens.

This year, popular media personality and commentator Annabel Crabb will join ALGA President Councillor Linda Scott on stage for a fireside conversation about politics and civic engagement. Drawing on her experience as a political journalist, Annabel will discuss her impressions of Australia’s democracy, how things have changed over time and where we may be headed.

Other interesting guest speakers include data scientist and demographer Simon Kuestenmacher, former Lord Mayor of Adelaide Stephen Yarwood and Becky Hirst, a well-respected leader in community engagement.

“We’re incredibly excited for NGA 2024, which is shaping up to be a significant iteration of this event, with it being the 30th anniversary of this annual gathering,” said Cr Scott.

“In a period of significant global uncertainty, we know that local governments are our most trusted level of government, and the role we play becomes particularly important. Councils build community trust – something which is crucial in democratic societies.

“As members of our communities grapple with global unrest, challenges with cost of living and generational housing shortages, it’s so important that we come together to discuss the ways that we can continue to provide strong support for our constituents.”

For Cr Scott, the event will be somewhat bittersweet, with NGA 2024 being her final general assembly as ALGA President, with her four-year term as National President coming to its conclusion this year.

“While I’m sad this is my last NGA as President, overall I’m excited that we’re presenting our biggest annual event in 2024. I’m looking forward to seeing the opportunities that will unfold for Australia’s councils as a result of the event,” Cr Scott said.

“I’m also honoured to be addressing the National Press Club on July 2, and the opportunity this provides us to put local government issues squarely at the forefront of the political agenda.”

The conference agenda this year will feature a mix of old and new favourites. Returning in 2024 is the popular local

The opening of the 2023 NGA.

Images: Australian Local Government Association.

government versus Parliamentarians soccer match early on Wednesday 3 July, and delegates are all invited to join Cr Scott and take part.

A new addition for this year’s program is a series of four concurrent listening sessions, which will provide attendees with the chance to have a say about federal policies affecting their communities.

The four sessions will be held after the Regional Forum on the Tuesday afternoon, before the 2024 NGA officially begins on Wednesday.

Councils have submitted motions for discussion and debate at the NGA, and these will explore the critical importance of trust in governments and between governments, its institutions, and its citizens.

Some of the topics to be discussed include how all levels of government in Australia can build trust in each other and earn greater trust from the community; practical opportunities for the Australian Government to leverage the trust that local communities have in their local council; and practical programs that can strengthen the system of local government nationally to provide the services and infrastructure required to support and strengthen our communities.

ACLG RETURNS FOR 2024

Returning for 2024 is the popular, and important, Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) forum, which will take place on July 5, the final day of the conference.

ALGA will once again partner with the Federal Government to host this event, which is expected to attract around 800 local government representatives, including mayors and Shire Presidents,

councillors, CEOs as well as a range of peak body representatives.

“NGA is the week of the year for local government and federal government representatives to come together and develop solutions to our common challenges and goals, and the ACLG meeting is critical to achieving this,” said Cr Scott.

“Last year’s ACLG provided us with an opportunity to come to the table and engage with Ministers on what our communities, big or small, need – and to look at how we can partner to strengthen the delivery of vital services.

“Through our continued advocacy and productive discussions at the ACLG, we have secured significant funding increases for local government, including more money for roads, disaster recovery, energy efficiency, and enabling infrastructure for housing.

“I am delighted the ACLG will be back again this year, and I look forward to strengthening the relationships between our local government representatives and the Albanese Government.”

The ACLG is a core pillar of the Government’s local government agenda, which once again is bringing local leaders back to the table, and forging record support for the sector.

"We recognise local governments go that extra mile for their community, which is why we’ve brought them back to the table and why their expertise is central to the positive changes we want to make,” said Kristy McBain, Federal Minister for Local Government.

“Getting everyone in the same room to discuss how we can tackle challenges and maximise opportunities has a huge impact on strengthening service delivery, forging fit-for-purpose

programs, and delivering money where it’s needed most.

“We’re building on the success of last year’s ACLG and renewing our commitment to this key forum in 2024, because local government shouldn’t be an afterthought when it comes to whole-of-government policies.”

UNITED IN TRUST

As the most trusted level of government, local governments have a critical role to play in ensuring their communities retain, and hopefully enhance, the level of faith Australians have in our politicians.

“We all know that if we are going to continue to deliver in the face of ongoing natural disasters, skills shortages and cost of living pressures, then trust in government, between governments, our institutions and our citizens is fundamentally important,” said Cr Scott.

“As the level of government closest to the community, we have the best opportunity to bring people together at a grassroots level and work collaboratively for the public good.

“Local government has a crucial part to play in restoring trust in Australian democracy, and without question, investing in local government is an investment in our nation’s future.

“I look forward to hearing councils’ ideas on the support we need to realise this opportunity and welcoming attendees to our annual conference in Canberra.”

Linda Scott addresses the 2023 Regional Forum.

The NGA is the most widely attended local government event of the year.

A guide for CARBON ACCOUNTING IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

If you or your team has been tasked with the significant job of counting carbon emissions for your council, drafting a climate action plan, or updating a previous one, you might be asking ‘where do I begin?’ A good place to start is Sustainability Victoria’s handy guide: Organisational Carbon Accounting for Local Governments Learner Guide.

Local governments can expect continued and evolving changes to climate policy in the years ahead, as the understanding of the urgency of climate change deepens, and the need for comprehensive and effective measures becomes more evident. These changes will likely only increase the need for local governments to report their emissions using robust carbon accounting principles accurately.

Updated in October 2023 to reflect the current carbon accounting landscape, Sustainability Victoria’s Organisational Carbon Accounting for Local Governments Learner Guide ensures that local government staff have the information they need for best practice Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reporting.

ONE STOP SHOP FOR CLIMATE ACTION PLANNING

The Organisational Carbon Accounting for Local Governments Learner Guide (Learner Guide) is comprehensive – while it might seem long, the level of detail and information will likely provide everything council employees need to upskill in this important field. The Learner Guide includes background

and links to enable staff to clarify contentious sources, understand emission reporting boundaries, and get up and running with the task of developing a climate action plan.

Kate Noble, Manager of SV Lab, Sustainability Victoria’s innovation think tank, said, “The response received from users of the previous Learner Guide was overwhelmingly positive, so we have recently refreshed it to keep it up-todate. This 2023 edition of the Learner Guide includes access to the popular webinars and supplementary materials from the 2018 version as well.”

The Learner Guide objectives are to:

∞ Provide specialised and relevant information to local government staff that aligns with relevant legislation and recognised standards regarding the preparation of GHG inventories related to councils’ operations

∞ Provide local government staff with the knowledge required to develop an operational GHG inventory and use the outcomes for management purposes, including:

» Measurement and monitoring of GHG emissions and energy use for all activities of the organisation

» GHG reporting to assist councils in developing and executing an emissions reduction strategy

In addition, the Learner Guide provides information on the following aspects of organisational carbon accounting:

∞ Determining emissions reporting boundaries, including the organisational boundary (operations to be included in the inventory) and the operational boundary (sources of emissions to be included in the inventory)

∞ Understanding and applying the concepts of relevance (in particular, as they relate to Scope 3 emissions sources) and materiality

∞ Calculating the carbon inventory, including data collection and collation and relevant sources of emissions factors

∞ Documenting the carbon inventory results in a way that is easily replicated and maintained, and that enables local governments to maintain their emissions inventories and track their progress year-on-year

∞ Understanding the mechanics and options for setting targets, using inventories as a basis for visualising level of effort and ambition

∞ Understanding how carbon inventories can be used to inform strategic planning and investment in energy management opportunities

It is important to note that this Guide does not provide examples of community-scale GHG inventory development; however, the same carbon accounting principles can be applied to local business or community GHG inventory development.

DEMYSTIFYING CARBON ACCOUNTING

There’s no denying that understanding the nuances of different types of emissions and how they are accounted for can be challenging. The Learner Guide explores many of these topics, demystifying and decoding them for councils. Some of the focus areas for the updated guide include:

INCREASING FOCUS ON REPORTING AND MANAGING SCOPE

3 EMISSIONS

Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) standards and broader stakeholder concerns have highlighted the importance of including Scope 3 emissions in organisational GHG inventories and reduction targets. Organisations are increasingly expected to manage their indirect emissions through a range of levers to manage risk, reduce costs, and ensure they are doing their part to decarbonise this diffuse, complex and shared source of emissions.

DEVELOPMENT OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO CALCULATE SCOPE 2 EMISSIONS

Measurement and reporting of emissions from electricity consumption have matured in recent years, and standards now require reporting using both a ‘market-based’ and ‘location-based’ approach. A market-based approach allows organisations to capture the emissions reductions from purchases of offsite renewables. At the same time, locationbased reporting focuses on total electricity consumption (and thus ongoing efficiency measures) while capturing the effects of grid decarbonisation over time.

Increasing focus on accurate and complete emissions reporting according to a data hierarchy

GHG reporting is a process of continual improvement. With most organisations now being several years into emissions reporting, methods and disclosures have evolved and improved and a higher standard of data accuracy, completeness and granularity is now expected.

INCREASING FOCUS ON DEPLOYMENT (REDUCING EMISSIONS)

With most organisations now having established emissions baselines, there is a much greater focus on reducing emissions against a science-aligned target – and demonstrating progress via deliberate actions.

UPDATES

TO LEGISLATION

Climate policy and legislation in Australia is evolving in step with these developments at the Federal and State levels. Since the last Learner Guide was published, the Australian Government has updated Australia’s GHG emission reduction targets of 43 per cent by 2030 (from a 2005 baseline) and net zero by 2050.

Victoria’s emissions reduction targets are even more ambitious – they were updated last year to 75-80 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035, on track to net-zero emissions by 2045.

Additionally, Commonwealth legislation for mandatory climate reporting passed in March, with requirements to commence in 2025. The legislation covers listed and unlisted companies, NGER reporters and financial institutions, registrable superannuation entities, and registered investment schemes. You may have businesses in your local government area who are impacted by these new requirements.

SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY TO REDUCE EMISSIONS

According to Ms Noble, while all the examples in the Learner Guide are tailored to local government agencies, the carbon accounting principles can be applied to developing any organisational GHG inventories. “This means it will provide you with the knowledge to support businesses and community groups in your local government area – and it can even be a resource for them to develop their own inventory,” said Ms Noble.

The Learner Guide also contains information that will raise awareness amongst local stakeholders around the impact of emissions on their activities and the role they can play in reducing emissions and mitigating climate change, helping to foster a sense of responsibility and ambition across Victoria.

“We’ve done the hard yards, so you don’t have to – and the Learner Guide is available for everyone to use,” said Ms Noble.

“Sharing the Learner Guide across the private and public sectors will facilitate collaboration between local government, businesses, and the community, leading to innovative solutions for reducing emissions and promoting sustainable development.

“Emission reduction measures often unlock a whole range of co-benefits across all sectors of the community, including improvements in health, comfort and cost of living. These benefits help to strengthen regional economies and communities, building resilience to future climate impacts and economic shocks.”

For more information, scan the QR code to access Sustainability Victoria’s Organisational Carbon Accounting for Local Governments Learner Guide

Image: Sustainability Victoria

Councils need to factor the emissions of facilities like stadiums into their carbon abatement plans.

More energy solutions needed FOR OUR MANUFACTURING SECTORS

Renewable gas solutions like biomethane are primed to help hard-to-abate sectors in reducing emissions efficiently and affordably.

So why aren’t more renewable gas solutions being offered to industry, given its success in Europe, the UK and US? This innovation is already here, with biomethane and hydrogen projects moving from pipe dream to pipelines across Australia and overseas, demonstrating and providing a lowemissions alternative to natural gas, that can help industry to decarbonise operations efficiently. And with biomethane able to flow through current gas network pipelines, infrastructure and appliances, the pathway to lower emissions can be even more time- and cost-efficient.

Given the importance and the enormity of the challenges ahead, Australia needs all energy and fuel options on the table to decarbonise efficiently, while continuing to provide affordable and reliable energy for all customers. The Federal Government’s Future Gas Strategy, announced in May, reflects this sentiment.

It is clear Australia’s manufacturing and industry sectors will long be reliant on gas to provide the extreme heat required for their smelting, firming or operational processes. It is a reality that requires an innovative and open-minded approach. Transitioning to all-electric technology is simply not a viable option for many businesses. The technology either does not exist for their operational needs or is too expensive or cumbersome for many businesses to implement.

Renewable gas can be the key that helps to unlock this conundrum, giving industry and manufacturing sectors the ability to remain competitive, and reduce emissions simultaneously, without significant disruption to their operations or bottom line.

While renewable gas has experienced phenomenal growth across Europe and North America over the last two decades, Australia’s journey towards a renewable gas future has begun in earnest. But while there is a lot of ground to make up, a solid foundation has been laid courtesy of a partnership between Jemena and Sydney Water. On Sydney’s eastern fringe, Australia's first biomethane injection plant has begun injecting renewable gas, which has been converted from wastewater, directly into the NSW gas network. Not just an alternative to natural gas but certified by GreenPower as a low-emission renewable gas.

It is the energy solution that could help underpin the Federal Government’s plan for a Future Made in Australia. As thousands of manufacturers and heavy industry players take on the challenge of reducing both emissions and operating costs, renewable gas is emerging as a critical piece in the nation's future energy puzzle.

The Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant exemplifies the emissions and cost-saving potential of renewable gas; giving industrial gas users a new low-emission energy source, delivered through existing pipeline infrastructure with no impact to their existing equipment and processes.

Approximately 70 per cent of industrial gas usage in NSW is from businesses that cannot easily or affordably electrify their processes. It is crucial that these industrial users not only have access to renewable gas, but also have the ability to count its usage towards their emissions reduction targets, to ensure they are meeting their obligations under the Safeguard Mechanism.

A national certification scheme would greatly assist, like the GreenPower Scheme, where producers can create and sell certified renewable gas using existing gas network infrastructure, and where renewable gas users can then claim their emissions reductions under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) legislation. It is not a significant ask, given the policy framework already exists, but this step is paramount.

To fully reap the benefits of using renewable gas, certificates must be fully recognised under the NGER scheme, enabling businesses to offset scope 1 emissions against their gas consumption, while pursuing electrification where feasible. Ensuring that businesses can count renewable gas use towards emissions targets is crucial for driving adoption across industries.

There is also a back to the future policy that governments could employ to generate investment in this space, following on from the success of solar rooftop deployment in Australia. And the economic imperative is clear.

According to a study by ACIL Allen released in April, adopting a Renewable Gas Target (RGT) to increase the availability and utilisation of renewable gas could add $30 billion to Australia’s economy as it moves towards its clean energy future. The study confirmed that implementing a RGT would be a more cost-effective way to reach net zero emissions than an “electrify-everything” approach, because it would allow the producers to use current infrastructure to deliver an additional type of renewable energy.

Using the old to deliver the new, to advance Australia’s economy to its renewable energy future. It just takes some big picture thinking.

The Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant exemplifies the potential of renewable gas.

Image: Jemena.

Renewable gases, like biomethane and renewable hydrogen, are being demonstrated and developed around the country and already being used successfully overseas, in places like Europe, UK and USA.

If we look at the big picture we can find big opportunities, more solutions and more ways to support the energy transition.

SORTING FACT FROM FICTION:

MYTH 1: ALL BATTERIES ARE EQUAL

While lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in commercial applications, it's crucial to understand the different types. Lithium ferrous phosphate (LFP) batteries and Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries are optimal for commercial vehicles and equipment use.

Often employed in short-range electric vehicles, LFP batteries are known for their stability, enabling fast charge and discharge. LFPs also offer durability and high-power output relative to their size, which is good for acceleration.

Denser than LFP, NMC batteries have up to 50 per cent more ‘specific energy’ per kilogram. Although they’re not as quick to deliver power as LFP, these batteries have a much higher range. These batteries are increasingly popular in commercial equipment applications due to superior performance.

MYTH 2: SPECIAL CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE IS A MUST

Not all battery applications require costly upgrades to infrastructure. NMC battery applications, like EcoTeq’s full range of mowers, can be conveniently charged from a regular power point. While sweepers with LFP batteries may require three-phase power, councils often have this infrastructure in place for larger equipment like welders.

MYTH 3: BATTERY-POWERED EQUIPMENT WON’T LAST A FULL DAY’S WORK

Concerns around battery changes or recharge breaks midshift are common, however, EcoTeq’s range is designed to power through a full shift.

Larger electric mowers, as well as EcoTeq’s range of compact sweepers, deliver a full day’s work on a single charge, with ample charge remaining to return to home base. The Nemesis electric mower however, will achieve four hours of cutting time, ideal for operators managing multiple landscape tasks across their day.

Despite being leaders in sustainable initiatives, some councils harbour concerns around rechargeable batteries and their commercial applications. Here, we debunk common myths and shed light on how electrification can enhance local government operations.

MYTH 4: DIESEL EQUIPMENT HAS A LONGER LIFESPAN

Lithium battery technology has evolved to such a point where batteries will now regularly outlast an internal combustion engine (ICE). LFP batteries, for example, will typically last around 3,000 deep discharge cycles, equivalent to over eleven years of efficient use.

MYTH 5: ELECTRIC MEANS LESS EFFICIENT

Battery-powered equipment efficiency goes beyond just batteries. For example, EcoTeq’s NMC lithium mowers are constructed with lightweight aircraft alloy which is known for its strength-to-weight ratio and durability. Mean Green, the manufacturer of EcoTeq’s mowers, has spent more than a decade trying and testing batteries and their 100% electric design to optimise their machines for maximal performance.

MYTH 6: BATTERIES AREN’T SAFE AND WILL PROBABLY CATCH ON FIRE

Safety is paramount when dealing with batteries, even so, incidents of thermal runaway are rare. EcoTeq and the manufacturers of their electric plant equipment have put a lot of time into risk mitigation, limiting the risks posed by excessive heat, direct sunlight, overcharging, failing to clean away debris after use, and tampering with the battery.

MYTH 7: BATTERIES ARE BAD FOR THE PLANET

While batteries offer a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels, their production and disposal do have environmental implications. To help minimise the need to extract raw materials and reduce landfill, lithium batteries like those used in EcoTeq’s range can undergo a rigorous recycling process with up to 95 per cent of materials recovered for reuse. It’s also important to consider that unlike ICE equipment, a battery-powered machine will produce zero carbon emissions during its lifetime of use.

EcoTeq’s product range runs on lithium batteries.

Image: Marsupial Landscape Management.

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CITY OF CANNING: REGENERATING A STRATEGIC URBAN CENTRE FOR THE FUTURE

The City of Canning is located in Perth's south-eastern suburbs, about 10 kilometres from the Perth CBD. Since 2017 council has approved and now commenced a regeneration program for the City, designed to equip it for the future, with increased housing, better

The Canning City Centre has been identified as one of the Western Australian State Government’s ten Strategic Metropolitan Centres, key areas that will accommodate the required urban densities for Perth’s future growth.

The City of Canning is promoting Canning City Centre as the southern CBD of Perth – it is well connected via a network of regional transport routes with easy access to major road, rail, and air routes, and good connections to the WA Bicycle Network, it is becoming a thriving hub for residential, retail, and commercial activities in Cannington.

The Canning City Centre is planning and development ready, with an approved Activity Centre Plan that can accommodate up to 10,000 medium-density to high-density dwellings to house an increased population of up to 25,000.

To facilitate its urban renewal, in 2017, the City of Canning launched its $76 million Regeneration Program to transform the area by investing in new infrastructure and upgrading existing assets to enhance the area's appeal and functionality.

The regeneration program is a four-phased approach, over 20 years, to regenerate the entire Canning City Centre, with key components including:

∞ Connecting the Cannington train station to the river by creating a strong and safe pedestrian link through the City Centre

∞ Delivering greater vibrancy day and night by creating a Transit Orientated Development (TOD) near the train station and through the expansion of the Westfield Carousel shopping centre

∞ Providing greater housing diversity, employment and accessibility

∞ Building on the multicultural nature of the area to create a destination for the business and residential communities of Canning

To date, the City’s investment in creating a high-quality public realm and new infrastructure has resulted in $1.6 billion private sector investment, more than 1,110 jobs, 770 new residential units and a 67 per cent increase in visitation to the area.

There are several major projects that have been delivered under the regeneration program. These are the redevelopment of the Wharf Street Basin; the upgrade of Cecil Avenue; the conversion of an existing drain on Lake Street into an urban stream; and the extension of Lake Street, delivering a new connecting road from Cecil Avenue to Wharf Street and the Southern Link Road.

To date, City of Canning has invested significantly in these projects, as follows:

∞ Southern Link Road - Stage 2: $4,470,000

∞ Cecil Avenue West: $14,000,000

∞ Wharf Street Basin: $3,290,000

∞ Lake Street Urban Stream North: $1,085,000

∞ Lake Street Extension: $4,508,945

∞ Cecil Avenue East: $14,500,000

The program of urban infrastructure renewal is critical to meet the future demands for greater accessibility, and amenities that are required to improve the environmental and economic outlook for this expanding area.

REDEVELOPMENT BEGINS

In 2018 and 2019, work began on two key projects: Cecil Avenue West and the Wharf Street Basin. Cecil Avenue was reconstructed in three parts, commencing at the southern end that adjoins the Albany Highway. The project has transformed Cecil Avenue West from a single-carriageway street into a median-divided street with dedicated bus lanes and a high-quality streetscape. The street is now equipped with smart pole technology to accommodate several smart features as the community’s needs grow, including the ability to have traffic monitoring systems, CCTV, environmental monitoring, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and energy-efficient LED lighting.

The City has created a high-quality urban streetscape, with wirelessly controllable feature lighting and indigenousinspired sculptural art elements affixed to the median poles, with wide landscape nodes, creating a much-improved pedestrian-friendly environment. The City has planted 100 new trees to promote biodiversity, increased canopy cover

Lake Street Extension.

for shade, and improved pedestrian access to bus stops along dedicated bus lanes. It is one of the first smart streets in Perth and has redefined how people use and perceive this part of Cannington.

The Wharf Street Basin was previously a fenced-off Water Corporation drainage basin, hidden from the public for 60 years. The City was awarded a Federal Smart Cities grant of $1.09 million to deliver a new Smart Park for the community of Cannington. This was a pilot project for water-sensitive infrastructure and technology.

The resulting Wharf Street Basin Next Generation Community Park saw the transformation of an inaccessible stormwater basin into a much-loved community smart park.

The City of Canning and its funding partners – the Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, Water Corporation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation – used landscape design and technology solutions to create a recreational space that also incorporates a new approach to stormwater management.

The park is now a place where nature and technology unite. It’s a green space for people to relax, a habitat for wildlife, and an educational space to learn more about water.

This highly awarded park project is a Western Australia first, and it’s an innovative example of transforming a stormwater basin – which there are hundreds of in Perth –into a multi-purpose space that benefits the environment and community. Being the first of its kind, the park has seen multiple visits by university students and industry professionals and has set a new benchmark for management of stormwater in an urban setting.

CONTINUED WORKS

In 2021, work began on Cecil Avenue East, which extends from Sevenoaks Street to beyond Lake Street. The project has transformed Cecil Avenue East from a singlecarriageway street into a median-divided street with dedicated bus lanes and a high-quality streetscape.

Delivering a rejuvenated Cecil Avenue creates a new entry gateway from Sevenoaks Street and Canning Station into the heart of the City and a new hub for Cannington. The upgraded road is critical to meet the additional transport demands predicted for the expanding area, not only in population growth but also in expected infrastructure development.

To increase public open space in the Canning City Centre, the next project was converting Water Corporation’s existing drain on Lake Street Cannington into an urban stream.

The Lake Street Urban Stream is a key entry into the heart of the city; and the design of this project was critical to the future success of the City Centre development.

The completed Lake Street Urban Stream retains existing greenery including trees and pockets of native reeds, while also adding new native trees, shrubs, and plants to increase vibrancy and wildlife. It also features a boardwalk, lookout and exposed aggregate concrete path to provide a connection to the local train station and surrounding shops.

This phase of works also included the Lake Street Extension project, which delivered a new connecting road from Cecil Avenue to Wharf Street. The new road provides a direct link between Cannington Leisureplex and Cecil

The redeveloped Wharf Street Basin.

Avenue, promotes the viability and accessibility of the Leisureplex, and provides direct access from the Leisureplex to the heart of the city centre and Carousel shopping centre.

Importantly, this was the first City Centre project to be delivered and project managed largely by the City’s own operational and technical teams.

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

The work in redeveloping the City of Canning has not gone unnoticed, with the council recently taking out three awards at the recent Institute of Public Works Engineers Australasia (IPWEA) WA 2024 awards.

The Lake Street Urban Stream won in two categories: Best Public Works Project Under $2m (Metro) and Excellence in Water Projects.

Additionally, the Lake Street Extension project won the Best Public Works Project $2m - $5m (Metro) award. Additionally, the City was recognised as a finalist for the Best Public Works Project over $5m (Metro) for the Cecil Avenue East project and was also named as a finalist in the Excellence in Environment and Sustainability category for the Lake Street Extension and Excellence in Road Safety Projects for its Road Safety Management Plan.

City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall expressed his pride in the City's Major Projects and Infrastructure and Environment teams, applauding their dedication to promoting and enhancing Canning's roads, infrastructure, and environment.

“It’s pleasing to see our Major Projects and Infrastructure and Environment teams coming together to deliver a variety of great projects, catering to the growth of our City,” said Mayor Hall.

“The City of Canning continues to be a welcoming and thriving City thanks to our innovative approach to the development of our community infrastructure.”

The City through its work in the regeneration space has become a nationally recognised leader in the delivery of Blue/Green infrastructure with our practitioners requested to attend and present at both state and national conferences on the Regeneration Program and the delivery of our new community parks, roads, and urban streams.

City of Canning representatives collecting their IPWEA awards.

Lake Street Extension.

The Lake Street Urban Stream.

THE TOP SEVEN CHALLENGES OF SECURING COUNCIL ASSETS

When you work in local government, protecting the critical assets that keep our communities going is one of the most important tasks you’ll undertake. But it’s no simple task – here we explore the main challenges that come with securing council assets, and how to overcome these.

Communities around Australia are defined by large physical assets; the buildings, bridges, roads and water networks that connect people and shape the urban fabric of our cities, towns and suburbs. Furthermore, the land reserves and public property holdings upon which structures are built constitute yet another asset. As is seen across most industries, the government sector is also made up of several intangible assets, including IT infrastructure, communication networks, intellectual property, sensitive data and public trust. With the rise of connectivity and remote operations, securing both physical and digital assets has become increasingly complex. Protecting these assets is of vital importance; and for those charged with the task of doing this, we have identified the seven key challenges that must be factored into this process.

1. PROTECTING AGAINST THEFT AND VANDALISM

Construction sites are transient and dynamic in nature as projects progress. The continuous movement of machinery and materials, coupled with the absence of permanent structures, make these sites highly vulnerable to theft and vandalism.

2. RESTRICTING UNAUTHORISED ACCESS

There are several factors that can make it difficult to restrict unauthorised access around critical assets. Firstly, the dynamic and often open nature of construction projects can create temporary openings or weak points in perimeters. Also, some infrastructure such as water catchment areas, hospitals and roads are not amenable to traditional security solutions such as fences, locks or gates.

3. BLOCKING CYBERSECURITY THREATS AND PROTECTING PRIVACY

Cloud computing, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are transforming the way the local government sector operates. But with these new technologies comes the threat of cyber attacks, which can result in the leaking of sensitive data, as well as compromising the integrity of digital systems and disrupting operations.

4. MANAGING THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROTECTING ASSETS

Balancing the need for comprehensive security measures with the imperative to control costs can be a challenge for businesses within the construction sector. While security

guards play a crucial role in preventing theft, vandalism and unauthorised access, the cost of deploying dedicated security personnel in all situations can be substantial.

5. PROVIDING EFFECTIVE DETERRENCE

With community infrastructure, effective deterrence protects against trespassers, thieves and vandals. But it can be challenging to establish effective deterrence measures due to a number of factors, such as a lack of secure perimeters on around sites.

6. PROTECTING AGAINST NATURAL HAZARDS

Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and wildfires can all cause widespread and severe damage to council infrastructure. Ensuring the security of this infrastructure requires advanced warning systems and robust emergency response protocols, as well as resilient design.

7. LEVERAGING COLLECTED DATA

Surveillance data is common in the local government sector, but utilising this data to best advantage is not. There are many opportunities for councils to better utilise surveillance data to enhance future security activities.

NAVIGATING SECURITY CHALLENGES

Spectur is an innovative provider of cutting-edge technology solutions, specialising in solar-powered 4G connected cameras and warning systems. Spectur’s autonomous surveillance and warning systems use advanced artificial intelligence and IoT technology to sense, think and act in response to threats or gather data without requiring human intervention, even on unpowered and remote sites.

With a range of surveillance systems on offer, Spectur empowers local governments to enhance their security posture, protect assets and foster a secure and safe environment. Deploying smart technology to monitor sites means organisations can better utilise resources, while remaining confident action will be taken should an incident occur.

For more information on how Spectur can help your council overcome the top 7 challenges of securing assets and infrastructure, scan this QR code.

Automated switchboards: KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON AND SERVICES RUNNING

Across Australia, councils are at the forefront of ensuring community wellbeing. This includes safeguarding critical infrastructure during natural disasters like bushfi res, floods, and storms, and to do this, a reliable and resilient power supply is paramount.

Decon Corporation, a leader in switchboard and electrical manufacturing, offers innovative solutions to empower councils with distribution automation (DA) integrated into their switchboards. DA is a suite of technologies that utilises smart devices, communication networks, and software to optimise and automate electrical power distribution systems. When integrated with Decon's switchboards, DA unlocks a range of benefits for local communities.

AUTOMATED RESPONSE IN EMERGENCIES

During outages, DA-enabled switchboards become lifesavers. They can automatically isolate faults within the electrical system, reroute power around affected areas, and restore critical infrastructure within seconds. This swift response ensures continued operation of vital services that are essential during emergencies.

For instance, in hospitals, maintaining uninterrupted power for critical medical equipment can mean the difference between life and death. DA-enabled switchboards ensure these systems remain operational, allowing medical professionals to continue providing life-saving care.

Similarly, emergency response centres rely heavily on uninterrupted power for communication and coordination during disasters. DA technology in switchboards guarantees that these centres can function seamlessly, enabling emergency services to respond quickly and effectively.

A continuous power supply is also crucial for water treatment plants, especially during times of crisis. DAintegrated switchboards ensure these facilities can maintain clean water supplies, a vital resource for public health and safety.

ENHANCED RELIABILITY AND PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE

DA goes beyond just responding to emergencies. It also plays a significant role in enhancing the overall reliability and efficiency of a council's electrical power distribution network. Decon's switchboards are equipped with DA technology that continuously monitors system health. This provides real-time data on voltage, current, temperature, and power consumption across the entire network. This valuable data allows councils to proactively identify potential problems before they escalate into major outages or equipment failures. Predictive maintenance based on real-time insights helps prevent disruptions and ensures the smooth operation of critical infrastructure.

Furthermore, DA empowers councils to optimise energy usage. By analysing power consumption patterns, they can identify areas where efficiency improvements can be made. This translates to significant cost savings for councils while also contributing to a more sustainable future.

REMOTE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT

Decon's automation systems offer another key benefit: remote monitoring and management. Council staff can monitor their entire distribution network from a central location, eliminating the need for frequent site visits. This not only saves valuable time and resources but also enhances safety for personnel by minimising their exposure to potential hazards within electrical substations.

PROVEN EXPERTISE

Decon's commitment to innovation extends beyond product development. Their successful projects, like the trial with a major telecommunications client, demonstrate the power of their DA-integrated switchboards. Remote monitoring capabilities allowed for real-time infrastructure management, ensuring optimal performance and uninterrupted service. By investing in Decon's switchboard automation solutions with DA capabilities, councils can take control of their power supply. This translates to a more resilient future for Australian communities by safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted operation of essential services during outages. Decon empowers councils to prioritise community well-being and build a more secure future.

A switchboard with integrated distribution automation.

Image:

Decon Corporation

On the surface, using recycled water in green space makes sense, solving several problems at once – reducing the strain on fresh water supplies, improving garden health and decreasing the amount of water pumped from treatment plants to the coast and then out to sea.

Director of the Smart Green Cities Research Centre and Distinguished Professor at Macquarie University’s School of Natural Sciences, Michelle Leishman, explained however that in reality it’s not as simple as diverting treated wastewater straight onto gardens.

“Too much treated wastewater could raise the level of underlying groundwater, bringing salt-infused water too close to surface soil, hampering plant growth.

“Getting the formula right so soils stay healthy is important before water recycling is introduced on a broad scale,” said Professor Leishman, who heads up the new Western City Parklands Arboretum project, funded by Sydney Water in collaboration with Macquarie University’s Smart Green Cities Research Centre.

The project will test the impact of recycled water on different tree species, with a focus on western Sydney’s unique soil and landscape challenges.

The project site at the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan will also feed data into the Which Plant Where online tool, a free resource to future-proof landscaping.

Fifteen different tree species – popularly used as street trees and in parks in the region – are being watered in the

A new research project is poised to deliver the formula to safely recycle water into gardens and parklands at scale, addressing both urban heat and sustainability challenges in western Sydney.

Garden with either recycled or drinking-quality water and tested using different soil amendments.

A 1ha site has been planted with 600 young trees, with smart monitoring systems and hyper-local weather stations set to take measurements including soil moisture, salinity, temperature and humidity over the next few years.

SYDNEY'S

WEST UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

The core aim of the Western City Parklands Arboretum project is to assess whether recycled water can be used in urban green space in Sydney’s western suburbs.

“Not only would the use of recycled water in green infrastructure save significant amounts of drinking water every year, it would also turn the hot western suburbs of

Sydney into more liveable, green and sustainable regions,” Prof Leishman said.

“Western Sydney is an important place to study when we’re looking to improve functional, healthy green space in cities to provide cooling under extreme heat conditions.”

SMART SENSORS

The sensor system at Western City Parklands Arboretum delivers real-time data on soil moisture, salinity, air temperature and humidity.

The region is already well acquainted with the challenges of climate change; Penrith was officially named the hottest place on the planet when the Bureau of Meteorology recorded an air temperature of 48.9°C on 4 January 2020.

Penrith was o cially named the hottest place on the planet on 4 January 2020.

Image: Leah-Anne Thompson/shutterstock.com

Western Sydney routinely has the Sydney Basin’s hottest summer temperatures, recording 44 days over 35°C in both 2018 and 2019 – and the Bureau of Meteorology predicts the proportion of over-35°C days will keep rising.

“Extreme heatwaves and drought are challenging for plants and green spaces, and taxing on limited freshwater resources,” Prof Leishman said.

“The project is designed to have a long-term impact on improving the resilience of our urban environments in the face of accelerating warming.

“Using recycled water allows us to use our water resources sustainably to improve our green spaces, so they can provide benefits like cooling, improving air quality and supporting biodiversity.”

Already home to 2.6 million people, the New South Wales Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure projections suggest another 800,000 people will move to the region by 2041, raising demand for drinking water and straining wastewater infrastructure.

“The new developments needed to house western Sydney’s growing population will produce a large amount of wastewater and sewage that Sydney Water must manage.

“Treating it and returning it to the landscape for green space maintenance is the proposed solution, but we have to be sure the recycled water won’t cause problems with salinity or plant performance.”

REDUCING URBAN HEAT ISLANDS

“The Western City Parklands Arboretum project could ease some of these challenges by providing solid data on the most suitable plants and shade trees for the region, and how best to use the recycled water produced by Sydney Water to reduce the urban heat island effect.”

Urban heat islands occur when built-up areas, roads, footpaths and rooftops absorb heat, becoming significantly warmer than those areas which have green spaces to absorb and dissipate the heat.

Rainfall on hard surfaces is often channelled into drains, rather than contributing to soil moisture in any surrounding gardens, which reduces the ability of those gardens to cool.

“There are two ways that trees cool urban areas; first through their shade which reduces the amount of sunlight hitting buildings and roads, keeping the shaded zone cooler.

“And second, through transpiration which is nature’s air-conditioner – where trees release water vapour into the air through their leaves, and as the vapour evaporates, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air, cooling it down.”

Trees are more effective at transpiration when wellwatered and grown in healthy soils which hold moisture, Prof Leishman said.

“In drought or long dry spells, trees don’t provide as much cooling, unless they have been regularly watered, and that’s where recycled water can help.”

THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME

Prof Leishman said that undertaking a large-scale project like this inevitably has major challenges.

“Finding an appropriate site was the first challenge, and we have been very lucky that the Botanic Gardens of Sydney have been willing to partner with us and find a site at the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan.

“They have been fantastic to work with, helping with site selection, preparation and maintenance.

The Western City Parklands Arboretum project.

Images: Macquarie University.

Prof Leishman said that there have also been challenges with sourcing good quality plants in sufficient quantities at the right time – a challenge that council greenspace managers will be familiar with.

“And finally, there are a lot of hurdles to jump over to get permission to use recycled water – Sydney Water worked very hard to make sure that we had all the correct processes and infrastructure in place in order to obtain approval from NSW Health.”

ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES

Prof Leishman said that the project has engaged with the community at events such as the Sydney Science Trail, held at the Australian Botanic Garden during Science Week in 2023.

“We talked to hundreds of people at that event about water use and the importance of greenspace. We have had some media coverage, for example an interview on ABC 702 Sydney radio, and articles in magazines such as the upcoming winter issue of The Gardens.

“We also have funding from the New South Wales Greening our City program to develop educational and interpretive material for the project.”

GETTING THE RECIPE RIGHT

Prof Leishman said that the project will help develop a ‘recipe for recycling’ for water authorities, planners and landscape architects.

“We need to add enough water to the landscape for trees to perform well, but not add so much that we cause the water table to rise and therefore dissolve salts from the layers of soil it passes through, bringing the salt to the surface.

“We’ll also be looking at how efficient different tree species are in their water use, and because recycled water has different chemistry to potable (drinking quality) water, we will test interactions with the soil chemistry typical of the region.”

A range of educational material to help residents improve their water management practices will be produced as part of the project, supported by the New South Wales Government’s Greening our City program.

“We’re also developing on-site guides and education packages for schools and Botanic Garden visitors which are all informed by this research.

“The project is designed to have a long-term impact on improving the resilience of our urban environments in the face of accelerating warming.”

PROJECT GOALS AND OUTCOMES

“The plants are in the ground and the smart sensing system is operational.

“We will continue to monitor plant performance for at least the next 12 months and will be able to report on the results then.

“In the meantime, the project has increased public awareness of the importance of tree canopy for cooling, particularly in hot urban areas such as in western Sydney, and the importance of careful water use including potential use of recycled water for keeping our green spaces cool.”

Prof Leishman explained that the project is set to provide the evidence base for the selection of plant species that will perform well when watered with recycled

water including a diversity of different species, as well as provide an understanding of any potential interactions of recycled water with soil chemistry and how that may impact plant performance.

“It will help councils to diversify their plant selection by providing information on plant performance and water use. And it will help them to understand the benefits and any challenges associated with using recycled water for urban greenspace management.”

Prof Leishman said that climate change means that urban trees are increasingly under stress from hot and dry conditions.

“As well, urban populations are challenged by more intense and more frequent extreme heat events – extreme heat kills more people than all other weather-related events combined.

“We need functional green spaces with healthy trees and extensive canopy to provide relief from these extreme heat events.

“The use of recycled water offers great potential to enable healthy functional greenspace and tree canopy that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and provide a more liveable urban environment.”

For more information about the Western City

project, contact Director of the Smart Green Cities Research Centre, Distinguished Professor Michelle Leishman, at michelle.leishman@mq.edu.au

The sensor system at Western City Parklands Arboretum delivers real-time data on soil moisture, salinity, air temperature and humidity.

Parklands Arboretum

Proactively managing AUSTRALIA’S COASTLINE

The Australian coastline extends approximately 34,000 kilometres, with many sections being managed by the relevant local councils. Coastline management is a complex undertaking, with proactive steps required to keep our coastlines healthy and intact for future generations.

The Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Tonkin + Taylor have come together for an innovative study of Victoria’s coastline, focusing on the proactive management of coastal cliffs. Coastal cliffs are dynamic by nature, constantly eroding due to natural processes such as wind and wave action, drainage and overland flow, and chemical weathering. The distinctive features of the Victorian coastline are created by the complex interaction between the various geological units and coastal processes to create landforms that support a diversity of cultural, environmental, social, and economic values.

However, accelerated climate change, including the consequent rise in sea levels, poses a significant risk to coastal cliffs and their associated ecosystems and infrastructure. Proactive risk management is therefore essential to ensure these natural and man-made coastal assets can be enjoyed by future generations.

After a competitive tendering process, Tonkin + Taylor was selected by DEECA to undertake a study of coastal cliffs along the entire Victorian coastline.

The purpose of the study was to provide an understanding of coastal risks at a regional level, to support local land managers in undertaking their role, and to identify areas requiring detailed local assessments. Tonkin + Taylor’s skilled team of coastal engineers and engineering geologists brought extensive experience to this complex project.

The team assessed various geological units and coastal processes to determine cliff areas susceptible to inundation and erosion, as well as talus runout, in the even that instability occurred. Melbourne-based Tonkin + Taylor Associate Engineering Geologist Wendy Greatbatch helped lead the cliff instability assessment work.

“Projects like this, where you are dealing with a wide range of geologies and considering the effects on a regional scale, are very rare, and make for a very exciting project,” said Ms. Greatbatch. With an understanding of the Victorian geological units and their weathering behaviour, Ms. Greatbatch divided the coastline into areas with similar responses to coastal processes, validated through a series of “ground-truthing” site visits.

The study included complex GIS analysis of historic and recent aerial imagery, augmented by aerial reconnaissance of the entire coastline. Reconnaissance by a small fixed-wing aircraft provided additional detail on coastal processes, allowed further validation of the assessment approach, and provided DEECA with a repository of thousands of up-to-date high-resolution images, at a scale not previously available.

By combining disparate information from multiple sources, Tonkin + Taylor assessed past, present and future erosion rates under different sea-level scenarios. The information was then used to inform a “second-pass” risk assessment focused on public assets and safety.

This work by Tonkin + Taylor provides a valuable building block on which future detailed studies at a local scale can be undertaken, as well as providing a record of the current coastal cliff conditions at a scale not previously available. The work is intended to help land managers engage with their local community and to proactively manage their unique coastal assets.

Image: Tonkin + Taylor

Climate change poses a significant risk to coastal cli s.

As

We

y th ’re ential for everybody

There are benefits for everybody – for customers, First Nations people, communities, stakeholders, its people, and the business itself – from Interflow’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Asuccessful future for businesses in today’s commercial environment involves more than simply doing business. It’s about delivering on a purpose and improving the lives of everybody with whom the organisation comes in contact.

One ingredient in Interflow’s recipe for success is the organisation’s Reconciliation Action Plan or RAP. It’s a framework for knowledge, learning, processes, and initiatives that benefit everybody in and around the business.

Interflow is almost two years into the Reflect RAP journey, which helps shape how the organisation will engage with reconciliation.

The three key focus areas involve encouraging cultural respect, unlocking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent, and developing partnerships.

Interflow wants to attract Indigenous people, better appreciate and understand Indigenous communities and further develop its supply chain.

Most importantly, Interflow knows it’s simply the right thing to do. The

feedback it receives from its people is very positive and acknowledges that every business can play a role in reconciliation.

A RAP IS A LEARNING JOURNEY

“There is a lot we can all learn from our First Nations people,” said Frank Phillips, Interflow’s Executive General Manager QLD/WA/NZ and RAP representative.

“The connection we have is water. Water is essential to us as a business,” he said. “But we won’t sit back and say we’re experts and know everything. The RAP process so far has taught us that we need to take the time to listen to the feedback we’ve been getting from Indigenous people. If we listen, we’ll learn and constantly evolve.”

A RAP BRINGS PRIDE AND LOYALTY

One of the biggest responsibilities of the 20-strong RAP Working Group is to communicate the RAP’s purpose to the organisation and beyond, says Phillips.

“We’ve got a very eager working group,” he said. “We’ve found a rhythm and empowered everyone in the group

to be champions for the RAP. We want to make sure the entire organisation really embraces it.”

Interflow is on a journey towards reconciliation. But it’s also taking the opportunity to understand a vital culture and to bring others along on that journey. While the company knows it lacks expertise in this area, it intends to help and support people along that journey.

GETTING IT RIGHT

Why is Interflow putting so much effort into getting the Reflect RAP process right? Because it matters.

“This is not a tick-a-box for Interflow,” he said. “It fits within the bigger picture of our diversity and inclusion strategy from a people and capability perspective. At the same time, it makes real business sense.

“Hopefully, it will have a far broader and very positive effect. From our Board, Managing Director, and leadership team, we want to truly understand it, and our people are telling us they want to come along on the journey.”

We’re Creating the Future of Water for people and communities, for generations to come

We’re Creating Future of for people and communities, for generations to come

ENSURING STEADY WATER SUPPLY DURING MAINTENANCE WORKS

Maintenance of water and wastewater networks is an essential part of many council asset management programs, and it often involves disruption to customers. But an innovative solution o ers network operators the ability to undertake works without the need to shuto water supply.

Unitywater provides water supply and sewage treatment services to the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions of South East Queensland. Recently, Unitywater needed to replace a faulty hydrant in Redcliffe, a coastal town in Moreton Bay, as the existing hydrant valve was not closing properly.

This replacement was crucial because there is a significant number of customers in the area, including commercial businesses and residential housing, that are reliant on a consistent water supply.

Given the need to maintain supply, Unitywater engaged the services of Complete Tapping Service, developers of the AquaStop™ process. This process allows any main (80150mm) to be isolated at the point it needs to be, minimising the size of the isolated section of the main. This means that fewer houses and properties are left without water during routine maintenance work or connections.

Complete Tapping Service undertook the AquaStop process and a rubber packer was inserted into the live main. This packer was then expanded with water to fill the inside of the main, effectively creating a shut-off. For this project, this isolated the shutdown to a 25-metre area so that it did not affect any customers. This allowed the Unitywater crew to

remove the defective hydrant and replace it. At the same time, they installed a valve that will make further shutdowns possible. The works were completed in approximately four hours.

Utilising the patented AquaStop system provides many benefits including:

∞ Eliminates coming across faulty valves that don’t operate where the works are to be carried out, and having an increased shut down area

∞ Maintains pipeline integrity and maintains fire protection

∞ AquaStop can be installed in less than one hour, from assembly of clamp/valve on main to completion of the Line Stop for use on 80mm to 150mm pipes

∞ Eliminates supply disruption to customers, backflow contamination and water quality issues

Some of the different uses for AquaStop line stopping include water main extensions, the replacement and installation of in-line valves, removal of disused tee pieces, replacement of sections of water main, and replacement and installation of in-line hydrants.

AquaStop can also be used for other programmed works requiring isolation of a section of watermain so that customer supply is not affected and KPI measurements can be maintained.

Replacement of a faulty hydrant on the Unitywater network using AquaStop.

QUICK-LOCK REVOLUTIONISES PIPELINE REHABILITATION

In the ever-evolving field of pipeline construction, the pursuit of longevity is paramount. Traditional rehabilitation methods often involve disruptive excavation, particularly in densely populated areas, leading to extensive downtime and disruptions to the local community. However, SECA has introduced a game-changer with the Quick-Lock system, a pipe repair solution that has been revolutionising trenchless technology for over three decades.

Crafted with precision from premium materials, the QuickLock system is a testament to excellence in sealing technology. It features a renowned 1.4404 / 316L stainless steel sleeve and a robust rubber seal composed of EPDM, NBR, and silicon. These materials are engineered to withstand the harshest conditions, providing unparalleled resistance to municipal sewage water, and ensuring decades of reliable performance.

One of the standout features of the Quick-Lock system is its innovative locking mechanism, which creates a seamless, watertight seal that is resistant to leaks and infiltration. This ensures the integrity of sewage systems, mitigating the risk of contamination and environmental damage. The advanced materials used in the Quick-Lock’s construction exhibit exceptional resistance to chemical degradation, making it ideal for municipal sewage applications. Whether it's addressing infiltration abatement, longitudinal and circumferential cracks, or root intrusion, Quick-Lock provides a robust solution for a wide range of underground challenges.

Additionally, the Quick-Lock system is versatile enough to handle a variety of environments, including seawater, potable water and vertical bore solutions. Its reliability is endorsed by esteemed institutions such as DiBt, CSTB, IKT, WRC, KTW, MPA, NSF, and WSAA. It also complies with the ASTM standard F3110-14, guaranteeing the integrity of rehabilitated pipelines and often surpassing the performance of newly installed systems. Statistical evidence supports its ability to restore pipe stability, offering double the static reliability in aging pipe conditions.

Available through SECA, the QuickLock system's trenchless installation, using advanced CCTV technology, significantly reduces disruption by allowing the system to be installed with minimal excavation. This preserves the integrity of communities and the environment. With its groundbreaking 100-year lifetime design, Quick-Lock sets a new standard in pipeline repair and rehabilitation, offering unprecedented durability and reliability.

Founded in 1967, SECA is a leading supplier of equipment for the cleaning, testing, inspection, and rehabilitation of pipes, sewers, and drains. With a long-standing history of providing innovative technologies for sewer asset management, SECA serves a diverse clientele, from residential plumbers to councils, water authorities, and contractors. SECA’s expert knowledge, service, and support make it a one-stop shop for the trenchless industry, offering the equipment and confidence needed for repair and rehabilitation projects.

SECA’s Quick-Lock system is not just a product; it's a revolution in the way we approach pipeline rehabilitation. By combining cutting-edge materials, advanced technology, and a deep understanding of the industry's needs, SECA ensures that pipelines remain robust, reliable, and sustainable for generations to come.

Quick-Lock system, head to www.seca.com.au/product/quick-lock

SECA’s Quick-Lock family of products.

Image: SECA.

THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION FOR SWIFT & SEAMLESS PIPE REPAIR

With a Design Life Expectancy of 100 years, backed by materials resistant to even the harshest municipal sewage water, Quick-Lock ensures longevity and stability without the need for harsh chemicals. The patented locking system securely seals and stabilises damages mechanically, making it suitable for all sewage and stormwater pipe materials.

Here’s why Quick-Lock stands out:

Engineered with high-quality, durable materials for reliability

Say goodbye to emissions and foul odours during installation

No waiting around for curing time – get back to business swiftly

Enjoy a streamlined installation process, saving you time and effort

No excavation required, minimising disruption

Seawater, potable water and vertical bore solutions available

Choose Quick-Lock for

effective, and environmentally friendly.

Accessibility is a major concern for thousands of Australians who struggle with mobility issues. A trip that might be only a short walk for an able-bodied person could be a seriously daunting journey for somebody in a wheelchair, in order to avoid stairs, steep curbs or other impediments. That’s why Fraser Coast Council has developed a mobility map to help pedestrians to better navigate the footpaths in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

The mobility mapping process undertaken by Fraser Coast Regional Council has been extensive, with council working with a survey team, including trained wheelchair users (pilots), utilising innovative technology to gather data on footpath conditions, accessibility to public transport, parking and amenities.

The goal for the mobility map is that it will not just provide support for pedestrians with disabilities, but also parents with prams, elderly citizens and people with injuries.

MANAGING THE SCOPE Council had the opportunity to speak with Fraser Coast Council’s Senior Community Development & Engagement Coordinator, James

Paul Crawford testing the mobility maps.

O’Connor, who led the mobility mapping project.

Mr O’Connor said that when the initiative started out, finding funding and determining the scope of the project were major focuses.

“It’s one of those projects where there’s just so much that could be done with it,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It was very important for us to really define what our primary purpose was, and then how we were going to go about doing it.

“Because there are a variety of different ways to do mobility mapping but we had to determine what works best for our community and for our cause.

“We also had to research other things like what products are actually out there and available, what they look like and what companies provide them. We've been successful in finding someone that suits our needs but, especially in the mobility space, there's a lot of people out there that ensure compliance with the anti-discrimination act. We really wanted to look at this from a user first perspective, so it’s good that we found that.

“So what it came down to was revising our scope, understanding what it was that we specifically wanted to deliver, how that worked in with everyone else, then finding suppliers that can deliver on that and then, of course, finding funding for it.”

Mr O’Connor said that it was really about providing a good user experience for those who live in and visit the council area.

“At the end of the day it is about being able to provide opportunities for those in our community that have access and mobility issues to find ways they can get around our communities in a manner that is safe for them.

“A lot of that's around building resilience for people and also giving autonomy back to people. We know that in some instances where a direct route could take us five or ten metres, for a person that has mobility and access issues, it could be a three kilometre trip around, just so that they can avoid things like steep curbs off footpaths onto roads.

“Our primary purpose was really about providing that autonomy for people and allowing people to be able to see the best way to access where they needed to go, especially for critical services which is where we started off.”

Mr O’Connor explained that the map will provide users with information through an ‘effort-based’ system.

“In the end, the map will actually show accessibility through a kind of traffic light system, which would range from red or black – black obviously meaning ‘don't even try it’ – all the way to green, which would mean ‘accessibility here is great’.

“It can also provide information about the intensity of difficulty. Depending on whether or not a user is in a powered wheelchair, they might be a bit more adventurous than if they were in a hand-powered wheelchair.”

ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY

Mr O’Connor explained that council has an Inclusive Access Advisory Committee, and that part of their responsibilities is to work with and support people that have disabilities and/or mobility issues.

“The committee works with a variety of people, ranging from people in wheelchairs to people that are hard of seeing. So as part of defining our scope we've had lots of conversations where we've been able to talk to the community about what their needs are

and what they see their needs are, and then comparing that to the scope of work that we've developed to see how it matches with what we can deliver.

“Another component to it is we use the information from the organisation that we’re working with, Biometrics, who have worked very heavily in this industry, specifically in developing this type of work.”

Mr O’Connor said that his advice to other councils looking to implement accessibility mapping for their areas is to talk to their communities about what their needs are, develop the scope and, importantly, define a specific start point for the project.

“It’s a case of ‘how long is a piece of string’. But you’ve got to start somewhere. So that would be my advice, just take that risk and start somewhere. Beyond that, look to develop that foundational work so that you can build upon the project in the future.”

MAPPING THE FRASER COAST

Fraser Coast Mayor, George Seymour, said that so far the project has surveyed approximately 95km of footpaths and assessed access to more than 500 locations including bus stops, toilets, parking bays, clubs, tourist attractions, retail centres, food outlets, accommodation providers and entrances to council facilities.

“Paul Crawford, a local resident of Fraser Coast who uses a wheelchair, has undertaken the mapping of paths in Hervey Bay and Maryborough, aiming to help improve accessibility.

“In Hervey Bay, mapping included areas such as the Boat Harbour Marina, coastal walking paths along the Esplanade to Point Vernon, paths to the shopping precinct on Main Street and further along as far as Eli Waters Shopping Centre.

“In Maryborough, paths were assessed from the Railway Station in the town centre to Richmond Street, then extending Northeast along Lennox Street as far as Woodstock Street then out as far as Aldridge High School.

“This key information is then used to create an online ‘Mobility Map’ that will soon be accessible to the community, helping people to plan safe outings using our pathways.

“This project has become a nationally recognised award-winning project on the Sunshine Coast, and we look forward to the same success on the Fraser Coast.”

Navigating footpaths will be made easier for wheelchair users.

ENABLING SMART CITIES in local government

Australia’s councils are at the forefront of transport management, ensuring transport networks operate e ciently and provide users with a satisfying experience. It can be challenging to achieve this, but with the right investments, councils can increase e ciency, improve resident experiences, and maintain compliance and safety.

Councils face many challenges when it comes to transport management. At some point, everything from road construction to public transport and pedestrian safety can fall under the remit of local government agencies.

Councils are dealing with a combination of increasing numbers of journeys and new modes of transport entering the system, all within the capacity of existing transport networks. Expanding network capacity with capital works is always tricky, and limited resources and growing cities make it more challenging.

LGAs have also been hamstrung for decades by a lack of adequate, resilient transport management systems. Transport vehicle technology has evolved quickly, but the technology and processes used to manage transport networks have not kept up with the pace of change.

Traditional approaches to transport planning, such as ‘counter’ devices, are expensive to install at many locations and often do not provide timely data. A lack of centralised data processing can hamper a council’s ability to get the analytics needed for better decision-making.

DOING MORE WITH LESS

While building more capacity in existing networks is an option (albeit expensive), councils can now also use advanced IoT and artificial intelligence technologies to improve existing network capacity.

Smart transport solutions not only improve infrastructure efficiency and enhance transport management compliance, but they also positively impact the resident experience. By making transportation more convenient and efficient, these solutions can foster a stronger sense of community and connectivity.

An excellent example of how a modern, smart transport management system works in the real world is in production now at Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

TfNSW is one of Australia's largest transport management agencies, with diverse systems and networks that keep the state moving efficiently and safely.

Optimal transport management – including people and vehicle movement, crossings for cyclists and pedestrians, road space allocation and environment optimisation –requires the correct type of data to influence decisionmaking, which, if solely dependent on human resources or cumbersome methods such as road tubes, would not scale.

INTRODUCING SECURE AGILITY

Traditional video monitoring cannot provide the insights required for TfNSW's Active Transport programme. Hence, TfNSW partnered with Secure Agility to develop an innovative movement-driven IoT solution. The result is a smart edge platform that takes field data and creates visualisations for multiple use cases. The solution provides TfNSW with the exact data needed without overwhelming volumes of recordings or staffing teams of manual inspectors.

This solution also provides local councils with data and analytics into cycleway behaviour, ensuring cycleways are safe and optimised. From a planning perspective, there’s no more guesswork. Transport planners can see precisely what is happening, get alerted, and plan accordingly. Julian Dagher, CTO at Secure Agility, says, “The arrival of digital sensor and data-driven transport management solutions is the biggest change in transport management capability since the traffic light.”

The agency calculated a return on investment in its Active Transport program, determining that $6 is saved for every kilometre cycled and $2 for every kilometre walked.

Secure Agility works with councils around Australia, gathering movement data and turning it into insights and actions.

For more information on Secure Agility’s smart transport solutions, head to www.secureagility.com/activetransport-iot

Smart solutions allow councils to capture data about the use of transport assets. Image:

15-Minute Cities

made possible with intelligent technology solutions

Unlock smarter city transport and discover how IoT and AI can streamline traffic flow, enhance safety, and improve urban mobility in your environment.

MANAGING COMPLAINTS: nding the o ortunity for conne ion

Local government is the closest level of government to Australian communities, and as a result, councils are often the place that ratepayers will direct their frustrations to – rightly or wrongly. While managing constituent complains is typically seen as one of the more challenging aspects of working in local government, the proximity councils have to the community can also be seen as a valuable connection point.

Complaint and service handling are core functions for councils around Australia. According to the Victorian Ombudsman, establishing an effective complaint handling system in the local government environment is the sum of many parts – legislative requirements; executive leadership and organisational culture; case and data management systems; and training and support for staff. Different combinations of these parts will work better in different contexts1

No matter the situation though, one of the most common issues ratepayers will have in relation to their interaction with their local council is around the time it can take to effectively resolve an issue.

Ring times, wait times, calls going answered, availability of the right team members – these are all common bugbears for ratepayers, which overall can significantly impact their view of their council.

Unfortunately for councils, it’s not as simple as merely employing more people to manage ratepayer complaints and enquiries. Firstly, as anyone working in local government

understands, we’re not working with unlimited staff budgets. Secondly, inbound enquiries can often be quite specialised – so it’s not just about having more hands on deck to deal with constituents, it’s also about understanding where queries are commonly being directed, so the right people are available to respond to specific enquiries.

USING DATA TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

So what’s the solution? Local government, like most sectors, has in recent years benefited from the increased digitisation of services. With a multitude of data that councils can now learn from, as well as increasingly sophisticated work platforms (such as the Microsoft Teams suite of applications), there is a signifi cant bank of knowledge councils can draw from to optimise their workfl ow.

Code Software are experts in delivering Analytic and Queue reporting solutions for unified communication (UC) environments, improving productivity, collaboration and customer satisfaction.

Through its Clobba platform, Code Software works with clients around the world – including several Australian councils – to identify information such as:

∞ The busiest times of day and week for incoming enquiries

∞ The availability of staff to manage calls

∞ How many calls are in any Queue

∞ The ability of staff to manage enquiries and resolve complaints satisfactorily

∞ Performance trends, leading to higher levels of service delivery These insights can then be used to generate performance reports for staff members, guiding the development of employees. With increased productivity and the monitoring of call handling trends, what naturally follows is the ability to raise customer satisfaction – which after all, is a key performance indicator for any council.

While managing complaints and other enquiries are often seen as one of the most challenging aspects of local government, with the right tools, councils can gain significant insights which cut through the noise and lead to better solutions for customers, and more satisfied ratepayers across the board.

For more information, head to www.codesoftware.net/au

Display

Report. Analyse. Display. Manage. Record.

Q Do you know what your inbound peak call times are?

Q Can you see average call queue time and missed call numbers?

Q Have you worked out how to resource your service desk and after hours help effectively?

Q Are you using all of your purchased M365 licenses?

A Create a lite Contact Center with Teams CQs, AAs and Clobba

A Clobba features real-time dashboards and historical reporting

A Drive MS Teams, M365 User Adoption with Clobba. Cost effective Teams Voice Recording via Clobba VR

A Optimise M365 License Costs with Clobba License Adoption

DIGITAL DEMOCRACY: HOW TO IMPROVE council me ings

Council meetings are the cornerstone of local government’s democratic process, and yet, according to governance leaders, they’re also one of the most ine cient procedures. However, tailored digital solutions o er local government an opportunity to streamline the meeting process, better engage stakeholders and deliver a higher standard of transparency to the community.

Despite their essential role in decision-making, council meetings can be a source of frustration for all involved. A recent survey of 40 council meeting administrators and governance leaders identified several key challenges of meeting procedures:

OVERRELIANCE ON INDIVIDUALS

More than half of councils rely on a single person to manage the meeting process, with many admitting that key staff can’t take leave at certain times (25 per cent) and staff must work overtime to make the meeting happen (21 per cent). Depending on a single person to manage the process creates a significant risk if that person is unavailable.

FRAGMENTED SYSTEMS

The meeting process is inherently complex, with multiple stakeholders, workflows and systems to be coordinated. However, slow adoption of cloud-based solutions and inadequate integration of systems further exacerbate inefficiencies, creating hidden risks and stress. 67 per cent of councils reported using four or more systems in the meeting process.

POOR ACCESSIBILITY

The readability of extensive documents emerged as the primary concern for councillors in Redman’s findings, with 71 per cent of respondents reporting navigating large documents was the main frustration with technology during council meetings.

LACK OF TRANSPARENCY

Councils report that agendas, minutes and videos provided to the public are often not easily consumable or understandable, which undermines transparency. Moreover, the lack of accessibility to systems and reliance on hard-copy papers hinders transparency.

To overcome these challenges and unlock the untapped potential of council meetings, its crucial for local government to take advantage of modern technologies.

MAKE MEETINGS EASIER WITH RESOLVE

An end-to-end solution created specifically for council meetings, Resolve is designed to make life easier for councillors and administrators, as well as provide greater transparency to the public.

Through the Resolve councillor portal, council teams can collaborate in one central location, ensuring business continuity with remote access to systems. Meeting administrators and managers benefit from a user-friendly platform to run meetings, with a drag and drop feature for agenda items and access controls.

Resolve makes it simple to disseminate minutes postmeeting, ensuring stakeholders can access key information promptly. The ability to live stream proceedings and integrate video content into agendas enhances transparency for councillors and the community.

Additionally, Resolve can be seamlessly integrated with council websites, allowing the public to easily search for agendas, reports and minutes, fostering greater accountability and trust in the democratic process.

When councils see meetings as an opportunity rather than an administrative headache, they can use democratic processes to drive meaningful change.

To read the full The Unrealised Potential of Council Meetings report, scan the QR code.

VACUUM EXCAVATOR BECOMES TOOL OF CHOICE IN COUNCIL FLEETS

Vacuum excavators are the often-unsung hero of the trenchless technology world, quickly and e ectively moving soil when needed so that horizontal directional drilling can take place. But now, local governments across Australia and New Zealand are discovering a multitude of uses for vacuum excavators.

For the uninitiated, vacuum excavation, also known as non-destructive digging or hydro excavation, is a modern alternative to traditional excavation. By combining high-pressure water with an air vacuum, vacuum excavators can remove significant amounts of earth with minimal damage.

Vacuum excavators started as support machines for horizontal drilling operations, locating existing buried utilities prior to drilling and managing

the drilling slurry. This role continues to gain prominence as the network of underground assets expands, particularly with the advent of the National Broadband Network and buried distribution power lines. But in addition, a range of uses beyond the traditional trenchless market are ensuring that councils which invest in a vacuum excavator have their machine in constant use – making it a valuable addition to their fleet.

These versatile tools excel in applications that range from digging around utilities to efficiently excavating small holes, cleaning up storm drains, assisting with water main breaks and much more. The vacuum excavator can be used to replace more labour-intensive and inefficient methods of working.

“In Australia and New Zealand, communities are becoming less tolerant of works that impinge on their daily lives. They expect local governments and contractors to utilise construction

The Vermeer VX30-250 vacuum excavator in action.

Images: Vermeer Australia

methods that reduce the area required to carry out any works,” said Jeff Lawson, Vermeer Australia’s Executive General Manager.

“They also expect their local government to employ construction methods that are sustainable and minimise the damage caused to the surrounding environment,” said Jeff.

“We’re also finding that councils are becoming more aware of the potential safety risks that come with digging trenches or excavating close to dangerous environments like busy roads. They are looking for automated solutions which keep their employees out of harm’s way, and vacuum excavators are just one example of this.”

PROTECTING SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS

Vacuum excavators are becoming the preferred method to excavate in many applications where existing

infrastructure exists. Excavating footings for poles, signs and fence posts has become common.

One task that is often a challenge for councils is digging up and replacing existing utility poles that have either been damaged or exceeded their useful life. Using an excavator or backhoe to dig up the poles without disrupting surrounding utilities can present a difficult challenge. The vacuum excavator is well suited to this task. It can dig around the pole, even when buried utility lines are tied into the pole.

Vacuum excavation excels in digging tasks where either a small hole is required or there may be hidden infrastructure. Holes can be dug for new trees and stumps can be removed around existing utilities.

Vacuum excavation can also access tight spaces. It allows councils to dig short runs where a backhoe may struggle with access. Vacuum excavation also

proves useful for removing roots and debris around water meters and valves.

VACS CLEAN UP

Many of the applications for vacuum excavators don’t even involve digging. The vacuum technology can be used in clean-up operations and aid in water main repair.

When water mains break and a pump can’t keep up, vacuum excavators can handle the job. They also prove useful to exercise water valves and jet sewer pipes when properly equipped.

Vermeer manufactures a range of vacuum excavators which save time, labour and material handling costs. Whether it’s potholing for a fibre installation or supporting a HDD rig, Vermeer has the vacuum excavator for the task. With units ranging between 400 and 11,000 litre spoil tank capacity and the CFM to match, we have your vac ex requirements covered.

The Vermeer VSK100XT800 vacuum excavator.

Greenspace redevelopment DELIVERING CULTURAL PARKLAND for Brisbane

Brisbane City Council is undertaking a major project to transform 64 hectares of inner-city greenspace over the coming years into a natural retreat and urban park for adventure, discovery and reconnection.

Council is set to deliver a total overhaul of Victoria Park/ Barrambin, turning it into an iconic parkland right in the middle of the city.

The park is being designed to have something for everyone and will become a new setting for Brisbane's relaxed, outdoor lifestyle with a range of formal and informal spaces and activities.

Outdoor adventures, community sporting facilities and amenities will cater to people of all ages and abilities, inspiring active lifestyles. The park will offer a natural experience in the city – somewhere people can reconnect with nature as part of maintaining their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

“Brisbane is renowned for its incredible outdoor lifestyle and the creation of Victoria Park/Barrambin will make it even better,” said Brisbane City Council’s Chair of Environment,

Parks and Sustainability, Councillor Tracy Davis.

“Council is transforming this 64-hectare park into a space with something for everyone including an adventure playground, a nature water play gully, wetlands and watering holes, picnic spaces, boardwalks and a tree house lookout.

“The plan will increase tree canopy across the parkland from 10 to 60 per cent, providing a shady and relaxing atmosphere for residents and visitors, while incorporating more habitat for local wildlife.

“Works are already underway on the Urban Pump Track and Spring Hill Common, which are due to be completed this year, providing places for BMX, outdoor events, markets, cultural activities and exercise classes.

“This long-term vision will create an incredible place to visit and relax for future generations.”

A PHASED PROCESS

Starting with the ideas that helped to create the draft vision in 2019 and continuing through to the release of the Draft Master Plan in 2022, the different phases of community engagement have shaped the Master Plan.

PHASE 1

Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, announced on 9 June 2019 a proposal to transform the Victoria Park Golf Course into a new inner-city parkland to make it more accessible to the Brisbane community.

The golf course closed when the greenspace opened as public parkland. The driving range, putt-putt mini-golf, function centre and bistro remain open, and are planned to be permanent parts of the park.

The park is a popular location for organised sport and informal recreation containing many sporting facilities such

as cross country, cricket nets, tennis courts, bikeways and a swimming pool.

In 2019 and 2020 Council undertook two ‘Have your say’ programs to gather community feedback on the parkland.

The first of the programs was used to gain ideas regarding what the community wanted from the park.

More than 5,400 ideas were submitted and over 16,000 people were involved with the program either through events or online.

These results were used to inform the second program, which sought feedback on a draft vision for the park, to develop the project’s guiding principles and strategies.

More than 35,000 people viewed the draft vision online with more than 2,000 submissions, surveys and pieces of feedback. Overall, there was 86 per cent community support for the vision for the park.

The final Victoria Park Vision was released in December 2020.

PHASE 2

The community-led Victoria Park Vision was the starting point for the transformation of the park, providing an aspirational framework for its future design.

This Master Plan builds on the vision, with the results of technical investigations, and includes artist impressions of what the park may look like and spatial maps that show key features, spaces and connections that will be delivered throughout the park.

In 2022, Council held another round of community consultation to inform the development of the Master Plan. 30,000 people engaged with the Draft Master Plan online, showing 78 per cent support for the plan.

The Victoria Park/Barrambin Master Plan was released on 14 June 2023.

Community feedback influenced key changes reflected in the Master Plan. While some elements have been removed or designs refined, many of the key elements that received strong community support in the Victoria Park Vision have been retained in the final Master Plan.

PHASE 3

The project is currently in its third phase, which began in 2023 with the commencement of land management and planning approvals processes.

Phase 3 also encompasses the beginning of implementation of the Master Plan. A number of early projects are underway, some of which have already been completed.

New pathways have been established to allow direct access to the park from platform 1 of the QUT Kelvin Grove busway station, providing a convenient entry to the park and venues such as the

Victoria Park/Barrambin is being transformed into a nature space with something for everyone.

function centre, driving range, bistro and putt putt.

Direct access is also available from the Herston busway station platform, making it easier to get to the park along the Inner Northern Busway.

Additionally, more than 50 new pieces of furniture have been installed across the park. These include park benches, picnic tables, barbeques, drinking fountains, bike racks and shelters. Furniture and shelters have been positioned in shady spots for respite or locations that take advantage of spectacular city or park views.

Construction is underway on two additional early projects, including the Spring Hill Common which is set to provide the local community with a relaxed parkland setting and lifestyle destination. The area will feature tiered stepped seating and a flat outdoor space for active and healthy activities, community gatherings and picnicking.

Spring Hill Common will be located on the Spring Hill side of the park in the south-western corner and is expected to be complete in mid-2024.

Delivery of an urban pump track is also underway. The track will include some skateable elements and will create a new destination for Brisbane families. It offers a space for younger children to practise and expand on their riding skills, along with a picnic shelter and seating.

The track will be located in the northwest corner of the park off Herston

Road and is expected to be complete in late 2024.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND STRATEGIES

Feedback received through the various draft and ‘Have your say’ programs has been collated to develop three guiding principles and nine strategies that Council will use to guide the delivery of the Master Plan.

The guiding principles are:

∞ Recognition – Creating a place that honours and celebrates the connections between Country, culture and history across past, present and future generations.

∞ Restoration – Healing the landscape by reinstating and reintroducing the interconnected ecosystems unique to the region.

∞ Reconnection – Creating transformational connections that weave the park into Brisbane’s city fabric.

Each of the nine Master Plan strategies reflects a core theme identified by the community through the Vision process and reinforced during consultation on the Draft Master Plan. In each strategy, Council has set out the specific actions it is proposing to achieve a shared vision for the park.

The adventure playground will be a hit with Brisbane children and parents.

Aerial view of the park.

The Master Plan strategies are:

∞ Cultural landscape – The park will be delivered as a natural space that celebrates Country, and Brisbane's shared Aboriginal and European heritage.

∞ Room for water – Re-established waterways, wetlands and water holes will restore natural cooling, cleansing and drainage, as well as habitat for wildlife.

∞ Connected habitats – Revitalised ecosystems and restored habitats will increase canopy cover to 60 per cent and draw wildlife back to the city to enrich the local connection with nature.

∞ Health and recreation – A retreat in the heart of the city with something for everyone that promotes healing, wellness and connection to nature.

∞ Connections – Making the park easier to get to by supporting public and active transport choices and improving pathways and connections within.

∞ Unique places and experiences – Creating drawcard destinations and experiences and expressing Brisbane's distinctive outdoor lifestyle.

∞ Creative expression – Community events and unique public spaces will create opportunities for memories and for people to share their own stories.

∞ Partnerships and relationships –Well-located links to neighbours and future partnerships will invite people into the park, adopting its spaces and places as their own.

The Victoria Park/Barrambin transformation is an enormous project that is set to deliver a major cultural and

natural gathering place right at the heart of Brisbane.

Complete with waterways, boardwalks, cultural gathering places, barbeque and picnic areas, nature-based playgrounds, sports spaces, and several active transport connections, this parkland is sure to have something for everyone.

The park has been designed for adventure, discovery and reconnection.

The facilities will attract visitors from across the city.

The Australian economy is changing, and many councils around Australia will have communities facing upheaval because of this. Wellington Shire Council is one such council dealing with the repercussions of a changing economy; but it has embraced the challenge head on by supporting businesses in declining industries to retrain and redeploy their skills in emerging business sectors.

Gippsland, in Victoria’s east, is a region that has been subject to multiple economic shocks in recent years.

With a landscape traditionally dominated by coal energy generation, oil and gas, agriculture and forestry, Gippsland’s major industries have had more than their fair share of tremors during the past decade.

An abrupt downturn in milk prices devastated local dairy farmers in 2016. A few months later, Engie announced Hazelwood Power Station would close, giving just five months’ notice to hundreds of workers and contractors across the region.

The worst drought in living memory plagued farmers between January 2017 and December 2019 – the driest 36-month period on record for central and east Gippsland. The bone-dry conditions sparked the Black Summer fire season, ending in more than a million hectares burnt and hundreds of houses and businesses lost.

Barely a month after the fires were officially contained, COVID-19 restrictions were announced, and the region’s plight forgotten, overshadowed by a global pandemic.

Then came the state government’s unexpected decision to shut down the native timber harvesting industry six years ahead of schedule, as well as the decline of oil and gas – both longstanding economic backbones for Wellington – as work to decommission offshore platforms in Bass Strait was announced.

With so many residents feeling punch-drunk, it’s important to acknowledge what the region has been through. However, it can become all too easy for the conversation to dwell on what’s been, rather than what’s next. With the right conditions, opportunity knocks. The world’s energy production

has officially flicked the switch to renewables, marked by the State Government declaring Gippsland as one of six Renewable Energy Zones in late-2022.

So begins a shift in Victoria’s foremost energy producing region from traditional power industries to less carbon-intensive electricity generation. Echoing how conversation on the global stage turned from coal to clean, Gippsland’s economic future stands to benefit deeply from pivoting in a new direction.

In Gippsland’s centre, Wellington Shire has clear renewable energy advantages: land for installations, an abundance of wind and biomass, a shallow seabed for wind turbines and a close proximity to Latrobe Valley’s existing power transmission capacity.

With $40 billion in planned renewable energy investment across the region, there are considerable opportunities for local businesses, but such a drastic transition doesn’t come without its challenges.

It can be cumbersome navigating sunrise industries. Transitioning an existing workforce’s focus from the path well-trodden to the unknown is daunting, but reskilling and retooling is overwhelming for most businesses to even contemplate amongst daily operations.

Enter Kirsten Power – Wellington Shire Council’s Economic Development Officer for Defence and Renewable Energy. Kirsten’s role ensures Wellington’s businesses are well supported to enter supply chains for the renewable energy and defence sectors.

Kirsten is a valuable information point available to Wellington’s businesses. Among other tasks, she meets with local businesses to assist exploring accreditations, amending business plans and liaising with authorities and

agencies to direct people to relevant programs.

Participating in state government forums, Kirsten holds meaningful, two-way engagement – meaning she is a voice for Wellington’s future as well as for those that feel left behind.

Kirsten’s role also involves being part of the working group organising the Gippsland New Energy Conference, which annually brings together more than 1,000 people from different industries and agencies to discuss the future of clean energy in Gippsland.

The position is a by-product of the Council’s decision to officially prioritise climate change and recognise its economy was in transition in 2021.

“We’re lucky locally to have an existing workforce that’s familiar with energy generation. I want to help people see the future, and then prepare for it,” she said.

“I’m trying to make it easier on businesses, so they don’t have to read through 400-page documents to decipher a way forward.

“I’m continually impressed with how versatile our businesses are. Longstanding companies are diversifying to service new industry, and that’s a credit to how resilient our community can be.”

PavFab Engineering and Fabrication, which has been servicing Yarram in Wellington’s south and the broader South Gippsland region, has been able to make good use of Kirsten’s services. Managing Director Sharee Arthur and Fabricator Paul Wilson were first introduced to Kirsten at a Defence capability conference in 2021.

“She has since assisted us immensely through webinars, workshops, working connections, networking, providing knowledge and assistance to us regarding local, state and federal grants, funding, events and future programs

and workshops that are available to us,” Ms Arthur said.

“She is the smiling face we see at all events, and it is an absolute privilege to be connected with her as she goes well above and beyond to assist, help and support local businesses in this space.”

Since the meeting, PavFab has been focused on engaging, networking and obtaining working relationships to gain and win work in the renewable energy sector, in both wind and solar.

“During this process, Kirsten has been a pivotal asset to our business, the region and the sector. She has been essential in this space, bringing business and sector together,” Sharee said.

With Kirsten’s assistance, PavFab has been able to diversify into renewables, expand existing networks and connections, and empower the local Indigenous community through employment pathways and opportunities.

PavFab has now employed five Indigenous individuals with no prior skills or previous employment history, with one man becoming so skilled he was able to leave as a proud business owner-operator himself. In 2023, PavFab were amongst the top five finalists for

the Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award for their unwavering dedication to empowering Indigenous and rehabilitated individuals, providing employment and training.

“Together, our aim is to impact the jobs and skills shortages, improving employment outcomes with focus on economic growth in our region,” Ms Arthur said.

“Kirsten is the true backbone for local businesses wanting to engage in the renewable energy sector.”

The expansion into renewables has also begun to ripple throughout the community. For instance, TAFE Gippsland, Federation University, Energy Australia Yallourn and Star of the South have co-developed a framework to identify transition opportunities for local workers into clean energy.

While renewable power is a relatively new kid on the block in Wellington, a Royal Australian Air Force Base on the outskirts of Sale has remained a constant in the landscape. While the local aviation sector is already well-established, a recent $385 million redevelopment on base means East Sale is now Australia’s home of basic

Images: Wellington Shire Council.

pilot training for the entire Australian Defence Force.

Kirsten recently supported four small and medium enterprises to meet with the Office of Defence Industry Support, allowing them to engage directly with Defence.

"Ensuring the RAAF is well-supplied means when local servicemen go to work they can do their jobs safely, and be well-equipped to carry out their duty,” she said.

“I know we’ve got some really great businesses here that can, and do, support that.”

Kirsten’s ambition is more than transitioning a local economy – it’s also transitioning a narrative. It’s as much about looking beyond decommissioning to a thriving, growing industry as it is about shifting the community’s attention from the good old days to a brighter future. Gippsland has always been celebrated for its energy production, and under new innovation, will continue to be so.

“We need to do something to save the planet, and we need to keep the lights on. This is coming, it will be a transformation, and we need to be prepared for it.”

Economic Development O cer for Renewable Energy and Defence Kirsten Power at RAAF Base East Sale

The Gippsland New Energy Conference.

Launceston is the 21st most populous city in Australia, and the largest municipality in Tasmania with a land area of 1414 sq km.

2. HOW MANY EMPLOYEES WORK AT YOUR COUNCIL?

The City of Launceston employs approximately 600 staff across 18 teams and four organisational networks.

3. WHO IS THE MAYOR?

Mayor Mathew Garwood was first elected to the Council in 2022 and has served as Mayor for the past year. Living in the

creating a sense of pride, purpose and belonging.

4. WHO IS THE CEO?

Sam Johnson OAM is the incoming Chief Executive Officer of the City of Launceston, taking up the top role in July.

Mr Johnson was appointed after an extensive national and international recruitment process, and impressed the Councillor team with his visionary and high-energy approach, along with his obvious passion and drive for the Launceston community.

Mr Johnson has multi sector experience, having worked earlier in his career in senior roles with the ANZ along with five years as a young Mayor at Port Augusta City Council.

Prior to coming to the City of Launceston, Mr Johnson was the Chief Executive Officer at the District Council of Mount Remarkable in South Australia, a role he had held since 2020.

Mr Johnson was awarded an OAM for services to the local government sector in 2021, and moved to Launceston to take up the role with his wife and three young boys.

5. WHAT IS THE COUNCIL’S ANNUAL BUDGET?

The Council's annual operating budget is approximately $140 million.

6. CAN YOU GIVE US A BREAKDOWN OF SPENDING FOR THE BUDGET YEAR AHEAD?

The proposed 2024/25 Annual Budget seeks to invest in the city's roads, parks, footpaths and community facilities, while balancing cost-of-living pressures being felt by residents.

The Council's proposed budget will fund a $26 million capital works program, alongside the continued delivery of essential services to the community. Capital works include:

∞ $1 million for the restoration of City Park's popular St John Hart Conservatory

∞ $300,000 for upgrades at the Royal Park Skate Park

∞ $1.4 million for the second stage of restoration works on the Cataract Gorge's Alexandra Suspension Bridge

∞ $700,000 for the NTCA master plan redevelopment project

∞ $4.8 million for road resealing

∞ $1.9 million for improvements to parks and play spaces

∞ $600,000 for footpath renewals

∞ $1 million for a new Northern Gateway project aimed at welcoming visitors to the city.

The proposed 2024/25 Annual Plan contains seven strategic priorities in areas like community engagement, growth, governance, services, sustainability, planning and more, an identifies approximately 50 actions, including:

∞ Progressing the master plan and business case for a redevelopment of the NTCA precinct

∞ Progressing an improvement plan for the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Centre Complex

∞ Completing redevelopment works at the Albert Hall

∞ Growing Launceston's night-time economy

∞ Progressing the second stage of the Launceston City Heart Project, including the introduction of two-way traffic

∞ Implementing flood intelligence system improvements

∞ Reviewing the future of waste management infrastructure in the municipality

∞ Developing a future master plan for Carr Villa Memorial Park

7. WHAT IS YOUR COUNCIL’S VISION FOR THE COMMUNITY AND ITS FUTURE?

We connect with our community and our region through meaningful engagement, cooperation and representation. Our interactions with our community are authentic, timely, accurate and open. We want to build strong and productive relationships with our community and regional partners.

City of Launceston incoming CEO Sam Johnson OAM and Mayor Mathew Garwood.

Images: City of Launceston

The Council's goal is to seek out and champion positive engagement and collaboration to capitalise on the major opportunities, and address the future challenges facing our community and region.

The City of Launceston is a progressive leader that is accountable to our governance obligations and responsive to our community. Our decision-making and actions are evidence-based, strategic, transparent and considered.

We value our City's unique identity by celebrating our special heritage and culture, and building on our competitive advantages to be a place where people choose to live, work and visit.

8. WHAT MAKES YOUR COUNCIL AREA SPECIAL?

Launceston is a lifestyle-driven city, innovative by nature. Home to rolling hills, world class education and a vibrant arts and events culture, it is regarded as one of Australia's most liveable regional cities.

With a diverse community from around the world, our city offers a blend of urban comfort, historic architecture, and walkability. Known for its thriving food, fermentation and drinks scene with agricultural roots and famous markets, Launceston is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

As the nation's third oldest city, Launceston has a long history and is home to many stories told and untold. The region has been home to the Tasmanian Aboriginals for thousands of years and we are committed to collaborating with community to preserve, protect and care for the land and our heritage for future generations.

The city is the meeting place of the kanamaluka/Tamar River, surrounded by the state's most sought after attractions Launceston boasts its own with the Cataract Gorge, City Park, Sports Stadium and Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery all within reach of the city centre.

We have enduring relationships internationally with sister cities in Ikeda, Napa, Taiyuan and Putian, we continue to grow these connections alongside our ever transforming economy and industries. We invite you to find your side of Launceston.

9. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES THE REGION FACES, AND HOW DOES COUNCIL OVERCOME THESE?

The City of Launceston includes a number of disadvantaged suburbs, as indicated by the SEIFA Index of Disadvantage.

Five of Launceston's suburbs are in the top 5 per cent of disadvantaged suburbs in the nation. Only one per cent of Australia's suburbs have a SEIFA index lower than the Launceston suburb of Rocherlea.

In order to combat this intergenerational disadvantage, the City of Launceston has developed the My Place My Future Plan, which seeks to deliver an integrated approach to the revitalisation of Launceston's Northern Suburbs, with the aim of supporting improved lifestyle, social and economic outcomes.

10. HOW IS YOUR COUNCIL ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE AND REACHING SUSTAINABILITY GOALS?

Launceston has a well-earned reputation as one of Australia’s most liveable and family-friendly cities, rich in cultural and natural heritage, and supported by productive landscapes.

However, it is also vulnerable to changing conditions, as hotter dry spells accelerate the impacts of drought and bushfire seasons, and more intense rain events increase the risk of damaging flooding.

The City of Launceston strives to be a leader in sustainability. We are working towards zero emissions and zero landfill; to be an adaptive, resilient and smart city; and to value, protect and promote our unique natural capital.

To achieve these goals, and meet the needs of our present community without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, we must embed sustainability in all of our decision-making.

The City of Launceston's Sustainability Strategy outlines the Council's approach to creating a more sustainable city, for now and for the future.

The strategy includes:

∞ Our position statement for climate change and sustainability

∞ Our direction forward - outlines how the City of Launceston is setting about curating ideas and implementing actions

∞ The implementation action plan - a live document, to be updated on a rolling basis, which collates input and directs key actions to be implemented

11. WHAT IS AN EXCITING COMMUNITY PROGRAM OR INITIATIVE COUNCIL HAS COMING UP IN THE FUTURE, OR ALREADY UNDERWAY?

A Reminder to be Kinder is an initiative of the City of Launceston aimed at encouraging respect and kindness and discouraging anti-social behaviour in the community towards customer service representatives.

Launched by the City of Launceston, the campaign is available to all businesses and organisations in Launceston to help spread a message of kindness over the Christmas period and into 2024. Businesses in the Launceston Central

catchment have been provided with merchandise and collateral, and all businesses are able to access editable social media and poster templates to share their own message of kindness and respect.

12. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT AN INTERESTING URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN THE REGION?

The City of Launceston expects to lodge a Development Application for a major redevelopment of the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Centre Complex before the end of 2024.

The multimillion-dollar project would see significant upgrades to the backstage, performance, front-of-house and other public-facing areas in the Princess Theatre, along with a complete redevelopment of the Earl Arts Centre.

Renowned architectural firm Lovell Chen is overseeing the planned upgrades, which are aimed at enhancing the complex's amenities for the general public, and significantly improving accessibility and functionality in front-of-house and backstage spaces. Lovell Chen has previously worked on similar projects involving Victoria's Regent Theatre, Princess Theatre, Athenaeum Theatre, and Palais Theatre. The project will represent the Princess Theatre’s most significant overhaul in more than 100 years, with the Council hoping to see construction underway in early 2026.

13. HOW IS YOUR COUNCIL EMBRACING DIGITISATION AND GROWING ITS TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES?

The City of Launceston Innovation Strategy is a people-first approach to innovation, informed by best practice research

and extensive community engagement through dedicated surveys and workshops. The strategy covers the strategic landscape in Launceston, providing a framework to facilitate and promote Launceston's innovation initiatives over the next five years. It complements existing state and national success in advancing innovative projects across Tasmania and aligns with wider regional goals articulated in the Greater Launceston Plan.

Strategic and Technology principles have been identified that will guide all future innovation activity. Developed in collaboration with our community and key stakeholders, Council will consider the principles at every stage of an innovation project from idea formation, throughout project delivery and policy development, into ongoing management and beyond.

This Strategy is based around six strategic themes. The key themes are used to support the organisation to identify focus areas, prioritise and deliver projects. The Council has a leading role to play in delivering many of the objectives outlined under each theme, while others will be best achieved by local partners, regional partnerships, or the Tasmanian and Australian governments. In all instances, the City of Launceston will play a leading role in advocating for each objective through collective effort.

Overall, the City of Launceston Innovation Strategy is a comprehensive plan that emphasises collaboration and community involvement to drive innovation and enhance liveability, accessibility, connectivity and sustainability throughout the region.

Aerial view of Launceston.

Speaking at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue’s 2024 Prime Ministers Luncheon, Prime Minister Albanese outlined a vision for a Future Made in Australia that put Western Sydney at its core.

“Western Sydney reflects the aspiration that drives Australia – the courage, compassion and community spirit that our government works every day to reward and to nourish,” the Prime Minister told the more than 500 business leaders, government and community representatives gathered at Sydney Olympic Park’s Accor Stadium.

“Our plan for a future made in Australia is about bringing new jobs and opportunities to every part of our country. While Western Sydney may not have vast reserves of nickel or lithium, it is home to a wealth of resources that are absolutely critical to our future.

“Great universities and researchers, Australia’s largest health and biomedical research precinct, one of the largest industrial and distribution hubs in the southern hemisphere, dynamic small businesses and startups, skilled workers in every field, engineers and architects, designers

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addresses the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue’s 2024 Prime Ministers Luncheon.

and manufacturers, cybersecurity and digital experts.

“And diaspora communities that help build and strengthen our international relationships and trade ties.”

Prime Minister Albanese cited the new headquarters of the Centre for Australia-India Relations in Parramatta as a prime example of this, saying that the Centre is a vital connection between Western Sydney, the third biggest economy in Australia, and India, on track to be the third biggest economy in the world.

THE BENEFITS OF MULTICULTURALISM

Prime Minister Albanese also highlighted the fact that as Australians, the success story of modern multiculturalism is a powerful national asset.

“Our social cohesion is not something we’ve lucked into, it’s something we’ve built together over generations.

“That respect and harmony is something all of us can take pride in – and in testing times such as this, it’s something that all of us must work to uphold and defend.”

Western Sydney Dialogue CEO, Adam Leto, welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to a future made in Western Sydney.

“The Federal Government has recognised that Western Sydney offers a unique opportunity to fuel jobs growth, support innovation and boost the national economy,” Mr Leto said.

“As the Federal Government launches its signature $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia initiative, Western Sydney stands ready to deliver.

“Much of the region's identity has been shaped by its makers, builders and innovators, and manufacturing has long been part of Western Sydney's DNA. Western Sydney continues to demonstrate that it has the tenacity, skills and know-how to be the engine room of the nation.”

INVESTING IN REGIONS

Prime Minister Albanese told the audience that the latest Federal Budget takes the total investment in Western Sydney infrastructure to $17.3 billion.

“We’re backing 14 new projects, including key upgrades to Mamre Road Stage 2, Elizabeth Drive, Richmond Road, Garfield Road East, Memorial Avenue and Appin Road.

“We are doubling Roads to Recovery funding for every local council, and providing $20 million to work with the New South Wales Government to expand the scope of South West Sydney Rail Planning, including extending that line to Macarthur.

“We’re matching this investment – and this ambition – with proper planning.

“I’ve spoken to the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue before about the contribution infrastructure makes to our economy and our community, and the role the Commonwealth can play in the health and strength of our cities, suburbs and regions.

“We’re building new homes for this growing part of Sydney and we’re building the infrastructure to service that growth, to make local roads safer, to make moving freight easier, and to make sure that people spend less time stuck in traffic and more time where they want to be.

“Building big, building to last, building for the best – that always takes time. It’s true for infrastructure, but it’s true for the work of the government as a whole.

“In the same way that you can’t evaluate an infrastructure project on the basis of whether or not you’ll be around to open it, you can’t decide whether or not to tackle a problem based on how quick or simple it is to solve.

“Government isn’t about making the easy decisions – it’s about making the right decisions, for the right reasons.”

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Prime Minister Albanese said that the opening of Western Sydney International Airport in late 2026 will open the world to Western Sydney and that it will realign the dynamic of Sydney.

“For the first time, instead of everything turning in towards the CBD and Sydney Harbour, the city will be looking outward. We'll be looking to the West to the new state-of-the-art airport and the new jobs of the Aerotropolis.

“Two of the biggest generators of economic activity a region can have are an airport or a university. Western Sydney will be home to both.”

Prime Minister Albanese said that he was reminded of something his mentor, Tom Uren, used to say about his time as Minister for Urban and Regional Development: we can’t deal with things in boxes.

“Because in a fast-growing, fastmoving community, everything is interconnected.

“You can’t wait until a project is complete before you start thinking about supporting infrastructure or public transport links.

“That’s especially important right now, when we are two years away from the first plane landing at Western Sydney Airport.”

PUTTING WESTERN SYDNEY ON THE MAP

Western Sydney Dialogue Chairman, Christopher Brown, welcomed Prime Minister Albanese’s address, and said that the Prime Minister had a strong and proud association with the region stretching back decades.

“Our Prime Minister has stood by his commitment to put Western Sydney at the centre of its ambitions to grow the local economy on a global scale, and it was a pleasure to welcome him back to the stage at Homebush two years after he came to office,” Mr Brown said.

“It’s clear we have a real opportunity to generate new jobs, attract investment and help secure a stronger global economic footing in the Golden West.

“But this region has been hit hard by the housing crisis, rising energy prices and tough economic conditions. We need all levels of government, businesses, education providers and community advocates to back Western Sydney.

“We need to work together so we can seize the economic opportunities that once-in-a-generation projects like the Western Sydney International Airport and Aerotropolis offer.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged that Western Sydney had been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

“I’m here today because I recognise that Western Sydney is also a place where aspirations are under pressure. We understand that there are still people doing it tough right now.

“I know that when you are living week to week, it’s hard to even find the time to think about the future, let alone plan for it with confidence.

“That’s why last week’s Budget was about delivering on the two things that have driven our Government for two years – one, helping people with their cost of living; two, making our future here in Australia.”

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

By Kerry Kingham, CEO, The Chooze Shop

Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in Australia, which claims the lives of many women each year and leaves countless others living in fear and trauma. Recently, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared a national crisis following the outcry over the rise in the number of killings of women by their intimate partners. In response, government leadership has pledged action to address the crisis, including new funding to support survivors and measures to combat misogynistic content online.

While this declaration acknowledges the rise of domestic violence against women, one group that goes unnoticed in these discussions is women with disabilities.

As an advocate for the disability community, I am uniquely concerned with the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable group. While the recent investments to combat domestic violence in the federal budget are commendable, there is a significant gap in addressing the specific needs of those with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence.

INVESTING IN WOMEN’S SAFETY: THE 2024 FEDERAL BUDGET

As outlined by the office of Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, the Minister for Finance, Minister for Women and Minister for the Public Service, ending violence against women and children has been a priority for the Albanese Government. Funding in the 2024 Budget brings the Labor Government’s total investment in supporting women’s safety and the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032 to over $3.4 billion.

The 2024 Federal Budget is delivering several key initiatives, including:

∞ $925.2 million over five years for the Leaving Violence Program, which provides financial support for victim-survivors leaving a violent intimate partner relationship, as well as support services for up to 12 weeks.

∞ $44.1 million in 2024-25 to support the National Legal Assistance Partnership and Family Violence Prevention Legal Services. This includes one-year indexation supplementation for Legal Aid Commissions, Community Legal Centres and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, along with additional funding to address community legal sector pay disparity.

In recent months, the epidemic of violence against women has reached terrifying levels in communities across Australia. While many across the community are taking a stand, and looking to identify the actions that will lead to systemic change, one group that is all too often overlooked in this conversation is women with disabilities.

∞ $19.4 million over two years to establish a National Student Ombudsman to help eradicate gender-based violence from universities.

∞ $18.7 million over four years to establish a National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.

∞ $13.1 million in targeted investments to support refugee and migrant women, including funding for the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support program and support for visa holders experiencing domestic and family violence.

∞ $11.7 million over two years to extend the First Nations Family Dispute Resolution pilot, ensuring culturally safe family dispute resolution services.

∞ $6.5 million in 2024-25 for the Age Assurance Pilot to Protect Children from Harmful Online Content.

Kerry Kingham

While these initiatives are certainly promising, there is a glaring omission. There is no specific mention of support for women with disabilities experiencing domestic violence.

ALARMING STATISTICS

The impact of domestic violence on women with disabilities is deeply concerning. According to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability in 2021, two in five (40 per cent) women with disabilities have experienced physical violence after the age of 15, compared to 26 per cent of women without disabilities. Women with disabilities are also twice as likely to experience sexual violence over one year compared to women without disabilities, with 46 per cent of women with cognitive disabilities and 50per cent of women with psychological disabilities having experienced sexual violence, compared to 16 per cent of women without disabilities.

Given the current climate, it is likely that these statistics, along with other domestic violence statistics, have increased since 2021. It is telling that there have been no further studies in recent years, and it would not be surprising to hear that women with disabilities feel their needs are once again being neglected. We need to remember that these numbers represent real women whose lives are profoundly impacted by violence and abuse.

THE COMPLEXITIES OF SUPPORT

While there is a much higher prevalence of physical and sexual violence towards women with disabilities, the broad funding approach currently offered by the government is unlikely to meet the needs of many of these women. Women with disabilities have more complex needs than an average person, with many requiring access to accessible housing, support workers and significant medical, physical or cognitive support.

One of the most significant issues facing women with disabilities experiencing domestic violence is the fact that perpetrators of this violence are often those whom the victims rely on for daily support. This can include carers, family members or even healthcare providers. If it’s a carer or family member who is providing their care, women are not eligible for the $5,000 payment currently available to those fleeing a violent partner. This means that women with disabilities often cannot escape their abusers without losing critical support for their daily living.

CHALLENGES IN SEEKING HELP

The current support systems, such as the NDIS and Centrelink, are not equipped to address this complex web of dependence and abuse. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth recently stated that those with disabilities, in danger from a violent carer or family member, should go to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission or Centrelink. While well-intentioned, this advice fails to address the immediate safety needs of women with disabilities who are in abusive situations.

The main role of the Commission is to improve the quality and safety of services funded by the NDIS. We need to remember, the role of the NDIS is not to protect people with disabilities from individual acts of domestic violence. This is the role of other government services and the police. In a sector where their existing lifeboat (the NDIS) is already stretched and under-resourced, with extended timelines for simple plan reviews or new resources, one question

begs. How are women with disabilities facing domestic violence being supported at a time where a member of their existing support networks may well be the perpetrator, or where moving outside of that existing network is prohibitive because of their health needs?

Many people with disabilities depend on their abusers for physical assistance. Sometimes the abuser may encourage this as a means of gaining more control, pushing away other caregivers to isolate the victim. Abusers can use access to communication devices as a means of controlling people with disabilities. Simply placing a mobile device on a high shelf could be enough to take away someone’s access to family and friends. When other tactics, like gaslighting, financial abuse, or other forms of coercive control are used, the abuse may be harder to recognise.

Even if they manage to escape their abuser, women’s shelters and other community resources often lack the necessary accessibility and resources to support women with disabilities. Packing up and leaving a familiar environment is traumatic for any woman in this situation, but this is compounded for women with disabilities who often have complex health needs. Imagine having to step away from trusted health professionals and support workers and being placed in an environment where you have none of these supports available.

THE NEED FOR MORE INCLUSIVE POLICIES

If we are to provide more support, the government must not overlook the unique needs of women with disabilities in its domestic violence policies. We need to keep the alarming figures of disproportionate violence against women with disabilities front of mind to ensure that all funding models, resources and initiatives are viewed through the lens of disability and accessibility.

This includes ensuring that shelters are accessible and accommodating for the varied needs of women with different disabilities, providing specialised training for support workers in these settings and creating targeted funding programs to support this vulnerable group. Moreover, we need to establish robust reporting and intervention systems that can respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of women with disabilities. These systems should not only provide financial assistance but also ensure a continuum of care that addresses both immediate and long-term needs.

Moreover, both financial and physical support should not be limited to those who are seeking to escape a violent partner. It is well documented that coercive control is often a precursor to physical violence and that domestic violence can be perpetrated by individuals other than intimate partners, such as caregivers or family members. Despite this, current assistance programs, as outlined in recent federal budget initiatives, predominantly focus on intimate partner violence. This approach inadvertently neglects those whose situations do not fit this mould.

As a society, we must commit to doing better — ensuring that our responses and solutions to domestic violence encompass all aspects of our diverse community, not simply the ones which are most obvious or visible. This is not only a matter of policy, but a moral imperative. We must strive to create a society where every individual has access to safe and supportive environments free from violence. By building solutions which address the needs of women with disabilities, we will also inherently improve the outcomes for all individuals affected by all forms of domestic violence.

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