LG Focus - April 2022 by Star News Group

APRIL 2022

Australia’s National Local Government Newspaper

Cities transformed An idea generated by the then Mayors of South East Queensland in 2014 came into being in March, when the Australian Government, the Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (CoMSEQ) signed the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal.

The Morrison and Palaszczuk Governments and the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (SEQ) launch the SEQ City Deal. deal is a critical step towards ensuring the south-east corner can cater for a booming population and is ready when the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in just over a decades’ time. “This deal demonstrates what great things can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” Cr Schrinner said. “There might not have been a time in our region’s history when such co-operation has been so critically important. “SEQ is experiencing significant population growth as more and more Australians discover

our unmatched lifestyle and want to call our region home. “We’re also a decade away from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games which presents a unique chance to showcase our region to the world while establishing a legacy that can continue to deliver for the generations to come. “This City Deal puts us on a path to manage population growth, deliver the best-ever Games and, importantly, improve the lives of all of our residents through ongoing co-operation. “We look forward to continuing to work

closely with industry and the other levels of government to empower the SEQ City Deal to deliver the needs of our rapidly growing region.” City Deals are an approach to bring together the three levels of government, the community and the private sector. This partnership focuses on aligning planning, investment and governance to accelerate growth and job creation, stimulate urban renewal and drive economic reforms to secure the future prosperity and liveability of the region.

12544024-JC15-22

The SEQ City Deal is a 20-year partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and 11 Councils which make up the Council of Mayors (SEQ) which provides a shared commitment to transform SEQ and deliver region-shaping infrastructure. The SEQ City Deal will deliver a significant package of investments that will generate thousands of local jobs, boost digital and transport connectivity, enhance liveability and support one of the fastest growing regions in the country. The City Deal is supported by a $667.77 million investment from the Commonwealth, $618.78 million from the state and $501.62 million from the Council of Mayors (SEQ), plus $75 million from industry. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the SEQ City Deal was all about delivering for the people of South East Queensland. “This is a partnership for Queensland jobs and Queensland investment to deliver a stronger economy and a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said. “South East Queensland is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and with the population expected to continue to grow, it is crucial that we invest in the infrastructure it needs to thrive for decades to come. “From Brisbane to Toowoomba, Ipswich to the Sunshine Coast and everywhere in between, this Deal delivers for South East Queenslanders. “We all share a vision of a more connected, liveable and export-competitive region, and this brings that vision to life. “The economic impact of this major investment will be significant, with more than 30 projects set to generate more than 2,000 jobs, while ensuring that the state is in the best position possible to host a successful 2032 Olympics.” Queensland Premier and Minister for the Olympics Annastacia Palaszczuk said the cooperation between all levels of government would ensure that the region has the right infrastructure in place as the population grows. “I have always said we work best when we work together,” the Premier said. “The City Deal provides vital infrastructure to plan for our growing population. “That includes new transport links for the Gabba in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “The winners are Queenslanders.” Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner said the

NEWS

EDITORIAL DESK The Morrison Government has delivered what may be it’s final budget to a mixed reception with many believing it doesn’t go far enough and others that it won’t be deliverable. But what does it mean to those in Local Government? Who are the winners and losers and what benefits will this sector gain from this budget if it comes to fruition? This month we have stories from a cross-section of councils, state bodies and organisations around Australia focussing on what they believe the budget means to them - the negatives and positives and what they’d like to see. With the Federal election considered likely soon, and precampaign already underway it is a very interesting time.

- Tania Phillips

INSIDE THIS EDITION PRESIDENT

THE GOOD OIL

PROFILES

Surveying meet to locate in Canberra The Surveying and Spatial conference Locate22 is heading to Canberra from 24–26 May to discuss location in action: positioning the nation for a brighter future. “Location in action is how we learn, share and connect as a community and with end users to drive deeper insights and aid better decisionmaking powered through location data, science and technologies,” states Alison Rose, Locate22 convenor. “With more than 65 sessions, 35 technology talks, more than 30 exhibitors, 24 plenary speakers, 12 collaboration opportunities and 10 plus workshops, Locate22 is jam packed with opportunities to challenge your thinking and connect with other surveying and spatial industry experts.” Register now for the Surveying and Spatial conference of the year Locate22. Standard registration rates available until 18 April 2022. www.locateconference.com. Locate back for another year.

RURAL-REGIONAL

16-17

ROADS-FLEET

23-25

Australia’s National Local Government Newspaper Website: LGFocus.com.au Noosa Office: Telephone: (07) 5455 6946 Address: 36 Mary Street, Noosaville Qld 4566 Pakenham Office: Telephone: (03) 5945 0666 Address: 10 Army Road, Pakenham VIC 3810 Network with LG Focus twitter.com/@LGFocusau facebook.com/LocalGovernmentFocus Editorial: E: editorial@LGFocus.com.au Advertising: E: advertising@LGFocus.com.au Classifieds: P: 1300 666 808 E: sales@NetworkClassifieds.com.au EDITORIAL Tania Phillips Journalist E: tania.phillips@StarNewsGroup.com.au ADVERTISING Phill Le Petit Sales Manager E: phill.lepetit@StarNewsGroup.com.au M: 0439 377 525 Louisa Kneller Sales Executive E: louisa.kneller@StarNewsGroup.com.au M: 0413 380 545 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit LGFocus.com. au/terms-and-conditions/

DIARY DATES WEBINAR – everything you need to know: Geophysics for Assessment of Acid Mine April 21, 12pm AEST Contact ALGA Team phone: 02 4885 1136.

Eliminating Waste – In the Mind. How to Improve Productivity and Motivation in Turbulent Times Webinar April 28, 12pm This is a member benefit webinar and is free for all ALGA members! Most Managers, individuals and teams are wasting 20-40 per cent of their daily productive capability due to mind wastage and inefficiencies. Contact ALGA team events@ landandgroundwater.com.

LGx 2022 - The LGAQ LGx 27 - 28 June 2022 At the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, Twin Waters.

Accounting Business Expo 2022 April 28 - 29 Accounting Business Expo is Australia’s premier exhibition and conference for the fast changing world of accounting, business, and money. Staying on top of the latest developments, new trends, digital products, services and innovations that are redefining the way you work has never been more important. And, it’s free to attend. Sydney Exhibition Centre.

Come and meet Phill Le Petit, of LG Focus Find us - Local Government Focus (LG Focus) - at booth eight at this year’s ALGA Conference and come along, talk to Advertising Manager PHILL LE PETIT and make yourself known. By Tania Phillips LG Focus is a highly regarded, independent newspaper reporting on the key issues that impact this vital sphere of government. Produced monthly, LG Focus is distributed to the key decision makers in Local Government, elected members and senior staff. Every Council in Australia receives on average 18 copies of our paper free of charge and each edition is archived on our website at www. lgfocus.com.au. We print 10,000 copies of a tabloid-sized paper that we are pretty proud of. LG covers local government news, events, intergovernmental relations, best practice examples of councils large and small and aims to feature as many different councils as we can each year- big or small. Specialist staff are sent a targeted copy of LG FOCUS when their particular area of responsibility is featured. For example, Human Resource Managers receive a reserved copy in February, IT Managers in March, Engineers in April and July. The paper offer councils and businesses a chance to showcase their products or services

Phill Le Petit, Sales Manager, LG Focus. via our monthly features covering specific areas of Local Government’s diverse role. We offer editorial support, plus excellent discounts for multiple bookings and clients have the added option of online exposure at www.lgfocus.com.au. Turn to our special feature, on pages 12-15

WASTE FORUM 2022 The LGAQ Waste Forum July 4-6 At the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds. Postponed from March.

International Public Works Conference

PLENARY SPEAKERS

SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

SESSIONS

WORKSHOPS

Sunday 1 – Thursday 5 May Adelaide Convention Centre.

Local Government Nsw Employment Law Seminar Fri, 6 May Hotel Swissotel, Sydney. 12542218-CG15-22

2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

NEWS

Inquiry into flood response NSW’s state planning agency will hold an independent inquiry into how effectively governments and their agencies responded to the February/March ﬂoods. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) inquiry will report on the causes of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from the catastrophic floods and will be headed by NSW Independent Planning Commission chair Mary O’Kane and former police commissioner Mick Fuller. Announcing the inquiry the week ending 25 March, acting Premier Paul Toole said related

factors like land-use planning and building standards in exposed locations would also be examined. “The terms of reference I have instructed [DPIE] to undertake [include] a broader look at not just rebuilds, but where people can build in the future, the various sciences that can be applied,” he said.

The inquiry will report to the Premier on causation, land use planning and management and related matters by June 30 and on all other matters by September 30. Details of public consultation and submission-making opportunities are expected to be published soon. Meanwhile, a state parliamentary commit-

tee will hold a separate inquiry on how local, state and federal governments coordinated responses to the floods. The terms of reference also include looking at the implementation of recommendations from inquiries into previous natural disasters. This inquiry will begin after 10 April and report by 9 August.

Councillors say enough is more than enough More than thirty mayors and councillors including many from some of the nation’s most ﬂood damaged regions have called on the government to do more to protect communities from tragic and costly extreme weather. Mayors and councillors from Noosa in Queensland to Hobart in Tasmania released a joint statement responding to one of the worst extreme weather disasters in the nation’s history, calling for urgent action to protect their communities from worsening climate change. The statement, which included signatures from councillors from Brisbane, Lismore, Tweed and Logan – four of the worst effected regions in the February/March Floods, is calling on the federal government to: Lead the country in delivering on an ambitious emissions reduction target this decade, in partnership with state and local governments, to respond to accelerating climate change at the scale and pace required. Increase funding sources to councils for responding to climate impacts, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, including providing a minimum of $200 million a year in the form of a disaster mitigation fund and an additional $200 million over four years for a local government climate response partnership. (Australian Local Government Association, 2021). Invest in preparing before climate disasters strike and take responsibility for coordination of climate impact responses to ensure consistency and clearly delineated responsibilities between different levels of government. Ensure all disaster response funding extends to all damaged assets and incorporates the principle of “betterment” to allow cities and communities to be rebuilt in a way that takes into account the inevitable future changes in climate and makes them more resilient. Establish a national body, or expand the remit of an existing one, to support research adaptation and act as a centralised hub for up-to-date climate change information. “If we’re to learn a lesson from the catastrophic flooding that we are now seeing happen in Australia every few years, it’s that we are severely underprepared for catastrophic events like this one. We urgently need to address the root cause of the heightened storm threat - climate change,” Lismore City Council Councillor Elly Bird said. “Local governments, like Lismore City Council, have been trying to work together with

Kotlash, Councillor, Hawkesbury · Amanda City Council · Neil Reilly, Mayor Kiama, Municipal Council · Elly Bird, Councillor Lismore, City Council · Claire Pontin, Mayor, Midcoast Council Nelmes, Lord Mayor, City of New· Nuatali castle · Chris Homer, Mayor, Shellharbour City Council Findley, Mayor, Shoalhaven City · Amanda Council · Clover Moore, Lord Mayor, City of Sydney · Jerome Laxale, Councillor, City of Ryde · Penelope Pederson, Councillor, City of Ryde · Chris Cherry, Mayor, Tweed Shire Council Bradbery AM, Lord Mayor Wollon· Gordon gong City Council

· ·

Queensland

our communities to take action against climate change and build resilience. But we need more support and we need it urgently.” City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Chair of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy Oceania said “The extreme weather events highlight exactly why it is crucial for our Federal Government to lead the charge against climate change in order to minimise the impacts of future weather events on local communities by increasing funding sources for councils to respond to climate impacts, invest in preparing before climate disasters strike, and importantly, establish a national body to act as a centralised hub for up-to-date climate information.” The scale and speed of extreme weather which Australia has recently experienced has been fatal to our communities. Deloitte Access Economics reported in 2021 that if emissions continue unabated, floods could cost us $40billion per year by 2060. According to the IPCC report for each one Celsius rise in global average temperature, the atmosphere can hold approximately seven per cent more moisture — increasing the likelihood of extreme downpours and raises the risk of flooding.

The councillors said in the statement “If we want to protect our communities we must confront the root cause of climate change by drastically and rapidly cutting our emissions this decade”. “The devastating floods in NSW and QLD have demonstrated that climate change is here, now. Without urgent action to stem its impacts, local communities will suffer. Our national government has such a leading role to play in reducing emissions and disaster preparation and response. Local governments stand ready to partner with them in this urgent action,” stated Cr. Amanda Stone as Chair of ICLEI Oceania Local Governments for Sustainability. Full Statement from Australian Mayors and Councillors Full list of 36 signatories: New South Wales Cr Darriea Turley AM, President, Local Government NSW Dominic King, Councillor, Bellingen Shire Council Michael Lyon, Mayor, Byron Shire Council Mark Greenhill OAM, Mayor, Blue Mountains City Council Alison Worthington, Councillor, Eurobodalla Shire Council

· · · · ·

Schrinner, Lord Mayor, Brisbane City · Adrian Council · Darren Power, Mayor, Logan City Council Stockwell, Councillor, Noosa Shire · Brian Council Tasmania

· Anna Reynolds, Lord Mayor, City of Hobart Victoria · Sally Capp, Lord Mayor, City of Melbourne · Mark Riley, Mayor, Moreland City Council · Lina Messina, Mayor, City of Darebin · Peter Maynard, Mayor, Wyndham City Council · Sophie Wade, Mayor, Yarra City Council · Amanda Stone, Councillor, Yarra City Council South Australia Verschoor, Lord Mayor, City of Ad· Sandy elaide · Karen Redman, Mayor, Town of Gawler Ferguson, Mayor, Mount Barker District · Ann Council · Michael Coxon, Mayor, City of West Torrens · Michael Hewitson AM, Mayor City of Unley Local Government networks · Better Futures Australia · Cities Power Partnership Covenant of Mayors for Climate and · Global Energy Oceania - Local Governments for Sus· ICLEI tainability

Community facilities risk in fund squeeze Local libraries, playgrounds, sporting grounds and community centres are at risk unless the Federal Government addresses the downward slide in Financial Assistance Grants provided to councils according to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). President Linda Scott said the total value of these grants as a percentage of Commonwealth taxation revenue had dropped in this week’s Federal Budget from 0.6 per cent to 0.55 per cent. “Historically Financial Assistance Grants were set at one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue, and now they are nearly half that amount,” Cr Scott said. “We need to reverse the slide so our communities continue to get the services and support they need.” LGFOCUS.COM.AU

“Local governments are seeking a gradual increase to at least one per cent, which would enable us to create more jobs, build more libraries and playgrounds, and reduce cost of living pressures for local families.” “These grants are so important because they are untied, meaning they can be spent on local priorities.” “In one community Financial Assistance Grants might be used to upgrade a local swimming pool, and in another to bring on new trainees or upskill existing staff.”

“Increasing Financial Assistance Grants would make sure that federal funding flows into every corner of our nation and ensure that no community is left behind.” Cr Scott said councils are also calling for an immediate and once-off additional $1.3 billion injection of Financial Assistance Grants to boost local economies. “Supporting our communities through droughts, bushfires, COVID and floods has put stress on local government budgets across the country,” Cr Scott said.

“These challenges have compounded an already difficult situation for many councils, particularly in rural, regional, and remote communities with large areas to service but small ratepayer bases.” “Increasing Financial Assistance Grants makes economic sense, and it would enable us to continue to support every community.” “Our call for increased Financial Assistance Grants has been independently assessed, and if funded would create 29,455 jobs and add $4.298 billion per year to Australia’s GDP.” April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 3

PRESIDENT’S COMMENT - CR KAREN CHAPPEL, WALGA PRESIDENT

Resilience in face of trials As the nation looks on in shock at the impacts of widespread ﬂooding across Queensland and New South Wales, I’m also reﬂecting on my own recent experience with a natural disaster. In April of last year, ex-tropical Cyclone Seroja tore through a 1,000 kilometre stretch of Western Australia’s mid-west region, devastating thousands of properties and impacting an area larger than Tasmania. Although in the Mid-West and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia we consider ourselves to be fairly resilient, the sheer scale of this disaster has stretched the resources of Local Governments, and local communities continue to experience a range of emotional and physical challenges in their recovery efforts. It is important to remember that after the event has passed, and even after the initial clean up phase is completed, a mammoth task stills remains in rebuilding homes and local facilities; and in reestablishing community connections. The damage caused can still be seen throughout the district, with the delays in repairs being hampered by the lack of tradesman in this region and delays in insurance payouts. The Insurance Council of Australia estimates over 9,000 claims have been lodged for damage from the cyclone, with the current estimated loss value in the region being around $350 million. In our experience post Seroja, one major issue has been families being displaced whilst their homes are repaired. At all levels of government, we have been working hard to prioritise support and make sure our residents can return to their homes and communities as soon as possible.

New WALGA president Karen Chappel.

The State Government’s support throughout this recovery process has been vital for the region. Without this assistance, it would be beyond the capability of an individual Local Government to address the major infrastructure repairs and coordination of services and support that is needed. The State’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services appointed State designated Recovery Coordinators, employed community recovery officers, and set up four recovery hubs in the towns of Kalbarri, Northampton, Geraldton and Morawa. Perhaps though, in the very early recovery days our greatest resource was our volunteers. They worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone was safe, roads were clear and essentials were available. We are now working together, locally and within the region, to continue to support our local residents. Across all of WA, but particularly in our regions so affected by our own recent experience, our hearts go out to the communities in NSW and QLD as they move out of the massive cleanup effort into the long and arduous task of rebuilding and reconnecting. I am confident that the existing strong sense of community in these towns will help them to provide each other with support that will only make them even stronger.

WALGA welcomes improved connections Infrastructure upgrades to 141 mobile network sites across the Western Australia will improve mobile phone services for local communities during emergencies. The infrastructure upgrades will be funded as part of the second round of the Commonwealth Mobile Network Hardening Program, worth $10.9 million. Of the sites selected around Australia, a quarter are in WA. WA Local Government Association President Cr Karen Chappel welcomed the funding, saying it will be of particular value in improving the ability of telecommunications services to continue during and following natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and cyclones. “Local Governments have been advocating for improved telecommunications infrastructure for many years, as this forms a critical role in preparing for, and responding to, emergencies,” Cr Chappel said.

“Both mobile and nbn services are reliant upon ongoing power supply, which is often interrupted during emergency events. “Better protection against the impacts of power outages to maintain mobile services before, during and after emergencies is critical for local communities. “Because Local Governments play such an important role in emergency management, it will also help Councils to disseminate important information to their communities to help keep them safe and provide crucial support and services.” Cr Chappel said WALGA, in discussion with its Members, State Government agencies, telecommunications carriers and power companies, helped to identify relevant criteria

for consideration in assessing potential sites for investment, including hazard identification, population distribution and risk profile of local areas. The Program forms part of the Commonwealth Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters initiative, with projects completed through a co-funding arrangement between the Commonwealth, telecommunications providers and the State Government. They include provision of power generators, increased battery reserves, transmission resilience improvements and protective measures against impacts of bushfires. “Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility, and this is reflected by the collaborative process followed to identify sites,

and the joint funding between government and industry,” Cr Chappel said. “We recognise there is still more to be done to improve mobile network resilience across the State, with these 141 sites representing less than 15 per cent of the network across WA. “This is, however, a great start and we look forward to building on this collaborative approach in the future.” To view a list of sites included in the Program, go to the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website: infrastructure.gov.au/sites/default/ files/documents/stand-mnhp-stage-2-funded-projects.pdf

Association calls for raise in untied grants No two councils in Victoria are the same. They all have their own unique budgets and face individual challenges after two years of Covid-19 pandemic, making ﬂexible funding the key to economic recovery. With the next Federal Election just weeks away, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is calling for an increase in the untied Financial Assistance Grants. MAV President Cr David Clark said that restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue would ensure every community can participate in, and benefit from, Australia’s economic recovery. “Local Government Financial Assistance 4 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

Grants are a vital component of the financial sustainability of many Victorian councils, especially smaller and rural councils,” Cr Clark said. “The major benefit of these grants are that they’re untied. The provide councils with economic flexibility and money can be spent on specific community needs, including operations and maintenance” Cr Clark explained. “This is a tough time for us all, no doubt about it, but it is also an opportunity for all levels of government, the community, and busi-

nesses to come together and support each other as we move towards recovery.” Independent analysis shows increasing Financial Assistance Grants to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue would also create 16,000 jobs and add around $2.37 billion per year to Australia’s GDP. Cr Clark said councils are also calling for an immediate and once-off $1.3 billion injection of Financial Assistance Grants to boost local economies.

Every council in the state is feeling financial pressure after two years of the pandemic. The costs associated with recovery, alongside increasing maintenance and services costs, and Victoria’s rate capping policy has left many councils with difficult decisions about their service delivery.” “This once off injection of Financial Assistance Grants would create more than 13,000 jobs and add significantly to our GDP,” Cr Clark said. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

NEWS

Billion dollar treatment A 10-year $1 billion partnership between the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and the Australian Government has been announced. Federal Minister for Regional Health Dr David Gillespie and RFDS Chair Dr John O’Donnell announced the long-term partnership – aimed at delivering better health outcomes to Australians living beyond the reach of mainstream services. With the support of Australians everywhere, the RFDS has delivered essential health services for more than 90 years and now comprises an extensive network of 23 bases, 79 aircraft and 165 road transport vehicles and mobile clinics supported by more than 2,000 staff members. The Australian Government has more than eight decades of history supporting and partnering with the RFDS, going back to the 1930’s. Dr Gillespie said to support that partnership, the government has committed additional funding of more than $80 million over the next ten years, taking support for the RFDS to $1 billion over ten years from 2022-2033. “RFDS delivers essential health care in rural, regional and remote communities, right across the country,” he said. “While emergency evacuations are what the RFDS is most well-known for, its role extends far beyond that to providing primary health care clinics, dental outreach and multidisciplinary mental health outreach services.” “Our new formal agreement will give the RFDS certainty and allow it to offer flexible services that are responsive to local needs.” RFDS Federation Executive Director, Frank Quinlan said it was an important partnership for group and for Australians living in rural areas. “This is a landmark agreement. Australians living outside metropolitan centers experience poorer health outcomes across the board,” he said.

The Federal Government has committed to a 10 year partnership with the RFDS. “This agreement will allow both the Australian Government and the Royal Flying Doctor Service to make a real difference to people who might otherwise miss out on services, and es-

pecially for Indigenous Australians.” “Over the decades, everyday Australians have trusted and supported the RFDS to establish infrastructure, equipment, capacity and

community links. This partnership sets that work on a strong foundation for the decade ahead, and provides certainty to our dedicated workforce and supports.”

Shared investment should ensure safety The Queensland Government’s commitment to share the cost of the ongoing operation, maintenance and asset replacement of the state’s rain and river gauge network, if the Commonwealth invests to the upgrade the network, is a vital ﬁrst step in ensuring the safety of local communities. Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Alison Smith thanked Deputy Premier Steven Miles for his commitment this week. Ms Smith said the LGAQ had also been working with the Federal Government and the Federal Opposition to secure a commitment to ensure the upgrade can go ahead. “With the nation’s most significant recorded flood damage, and the highest flood risk, it should be reassuring that Queensland has the largest flood warning infrastructure network in the country,” Ms Smith said. “However, too many of the early flood warning network’s 3,000 gauges are not fitfor-purpose, with further gauges past their use-by date and no longer reliable.” The LGAQ last year collaborated with the Bureau of Meteorology and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority on an extensive scoping study to improve the reliability of the flood warning system.

It identified and recommended options for the design, performance, maintenance, ownership, governance and funding for a fit-forpurpose Queensland flood warning network. Ms Smith said the scoping study highlighted how far short of appropriate today’s network is. “The current state of the network is alarming, and, on top of up much-needed upgrades, the scoping study proposed 89 extra river height stations and a further 364 rainfall stations where the risk of flooding is most acute,” Ms Smith said. “Gaps in this network mean Queensland communities are not getting accurate, vital information as swiftly as they should. “The network significantly relies on manual rain gauge measurement and recording and, as current weather events have demonstrated, people are unable to wade out into flood waters to manually take rain gauge readings

to obtain critical information due to health and safety risks. “This is the case across the state during extreme weather events. “The network also requires a regular, manual maintenance program to ensure any damage caused to equipment during weather events is identified as early as possible and addressed. “The Bureau of Meteorology is doing the best it can with the equipment it has to hand. “Closing the gaps in this network will help protect property from rising flood waters and, above all, save lives. “Every community in Queensland contributes to the national economy so every Queensland community deserves to be safe and liveable. “Bringing the rain and river gauge network up to date, and securing its long-term opera-

tion and maintenance, is absolutely fundamental to that.” The LGAQ included a request for the Federal Government to address the critical upgrades to the rain gauge network in a 50/50 split with the State Government, in its submission to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg ahead of the March 29 Federal Budget. Ms Smith said the Association has also called on Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Minister Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie to support the critical rain gauge upgrades, writing again to the Senator this month in the wake of the Queensland flooding disaster. Flooding events are well and truly Queensland’s most prevalent natural disaster, accounting for 66 per cent of the Queensland total economic cost, with cyclones a distant second at 25 per cent, ahead of hail damage and storms.

Managing flying fox roosts in Queensland The Palaszczuk government is offering Queensland councils a share of more than $200,000 to help manage ﬂying fox roosts in Queensland communities. Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon encouraged councils to apply for the latest round of the government’s $2 million Flying Fox Roost Management program, part of an overall record $1.4 billion budget to protect the environment and support local jobs. Smaller local councils with under 50,000 people are encouraged to apply for funding from this round, with a reduction in council cocontributions for these projects. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

“When we spoke to local councils and Queenslanders, they told us they wanted help to lessen the impacts of flying-foxes on their communities while also making sure these critters can continue to play their important ecological role – and we’ve delivered,” Minister Scanlon said. It comes after six councils earlier this year received funding for their projects, including for Isaac Regional Council $28,000 to identify preferable habitat to reduce the likelihood of roosts

and camps moving into urban backyards “Plenty of communities have different or unique situations that they’re dealing with, and this funding can be used for both immediate and longer-term programs. “Some councils have used funding to develop permanent flying-fox roosts in more suitable locations, while others have utilised funding to create buffer zones and remove weeds that attract flying foxes.

“Flying foxes do play a vital role in pollinating and spreading the seeds of our native plants, but when they congregate in large numbers at roosts, they can cause an issue with nearby communities due to the noise, smell and mess they generate. To apply and for more information, head to: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/ local-government/grants/current-programs/ flying-fox-roost-management-in-queenslandprogram April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 5

NEWS

Health and wellbeing

Passionate about his community Council Neil Pilling has tendered his resignation from Glen Eira City Council in order to focus on his health and his family.

The City of Greater Bendigo is looking for a new Director Healthy Communities and Environments following the departure of incumbent Vicky Mason.

Cr Pilling was elected to represent Rosstown Ward at the November 2020 Council elections. He also served on Council from 2008 to 2016, including two terms as Mayor — in 2014 and 2016. In a statement issued on 1 April Glen Eira Mayor Cr Jim Magee praised his colleague for his passionate service. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cr Pilling for his dedicated service to the Glen Eira community and, in particular, to the residents of Rosstown Ward,” the Mayor said. “Cr Pilling has been a valued colleague and passionate community advocate and I wish him only the best for the future.” Councillor Pilling’s resignation creates an extraordinary vacancy in Rosstown Ward. The Victorian Electoral Commission will now initiate a countback process. Further details will be published on Council’s website as soon as they are available.

Ms Mason, who is hoping to travel and spend more time with family, joined the City in December 2016 and in that time has championed looking after the mental and physical health of residents and advancing gender equality in the community, led the development of the Council Plan (Mir wimbul) 2021-2025. She has also taken on responsibility for the organisation’s renewed focus on the environment and, most significantly, led the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her key service delivery areas include Maternal and Child Health, Immunisation, Home Support, Early Learning Centres, Environmental Health, Emergency Management, Parking, Animal Management, Building Services and provision of recreation facilities such as swimming pools and sports grounds. Her units are also responsible for community strengthening and inclusion, health promotion, community infrastructure planning, responding to climate change and protecting the environment. City Chief Executive Officer Craig Niemann wished Ms Mason well and thanked her for her great contribution to shaping Greater Bendigo. “Vicky has been a valued member of the City’s Executive Management Team and her skills in strategic planning and public health have been great assets for our organisation,” Mr Niemann said. “Two key projects Vicky has supported include the Healthy Heart of Victoria initiative, which has seen the City coordinate a program across the Loddon Campaspe region that included the 2019 Active Living Census and is delivering practical projects that help residents to be physically active and eat well, and Healthy Greater Bendigo which built partnerships and capacity to promote community health and wellbeing across Greater Bendigo.

Cr Neil Pilling.

Local Government IT conference 2022 DATE 1 – 3 June 2022 Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour, NSW

Fraser Coast has new deputy mayor

REGISTER NOW – EARLY BIRD AVAILABLE UNTIL 6PM ON 22 APRIL. SEND 2 OR MORE STAFF FROM THE SAME COUNCIL AND RECEIVE A DISCOUNT The program will feature expert speakers from government, the private sector, online organisations, and the computer and communications industries.

Councillor Paul Truscott was elected as Deputy Mayor of the Fraser Coast Regional Council at its meeting, Wednesday, 23 March. Council appoints the position annually. Paul replaces Darren Everard as Deputy Mayor. Fraser Coast Regional Council is headed up by Mayor George Seymour.

Hosted by Coffs Harbour City Council

Keynote Speakers

Swan Hill Rural City Council is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Venue and Performing Arts Manager, based out of the Swan Hill Town Hall Performing Arts Conference Centre.

www.lgit2022.coffslgconferences.com.au FREE REGISTRATION for the full conference will be offered to accepted presenters who are employed by a council. For further information please contact Michelle Aubert, Conference Manager, Countrywide Conference and Event Management 0408 791 492

michelle@ccem.com.au

www.lgit2022.coffslgconferences.com.au For COVID 19 related details please check the website

We would like to thank our Gold Partners

6 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

12537756-SG11-22

Head to the call for papers tab on the website for abstract submission details

Out-going deputy Darren Everard with new deputy mayor Paul Truscott and Mayor George Seymour.

Swan Hill performs

Steven Bradbury Future Crunch, Anders Sorman-Nilsson and Lisa McInnes-Smith arranged via Claxton Speakers Bureau

Limited speaking spots available.

“Vicky also accepted the large task of leading the Imagine Greater Bendigo project, which involved engaging with more than 1,000 residents to develop the Council Plan (Mir wimbul) 2021-2025, the Healthy Greater Bendigo Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 20212025 and 10-year Financial Plan 2021-2031. “I believe her legacy will be her commitment to gender equality, with the City recently finalising its Equality for Action: Gender Equality Action Plan and establishing the Greater Bendigo Coalition for Gender Equity. “However, it will be her sustained and dedicated leadership to supporting our organisation and community through the COVID-19 pandemic that she can be most proud of. From the outset, Vicky’s experience in public health provided the City and the broader region with excellent knowledge and a practical approach to overcoming the many unknowns of a pandemic. “We wish Vicky the very best as she takes a well-deserved rest before looking for new opportunities.” Ms Mason said she thoroughly enjoyed her time at the City and would remain a champion of the organisation and its work. “I am very proud of all we have been able to achieve at the City with the support of a fantastic team that has continually risen to whatever challenge was in front of us,” she said. “I leave the role extremely fulfilled and grateful for the opportunity to have made a contribution to this community in areas I am passionate about.” Ms Mason will finish on 1 July. The Director role will be advertised in the coming weeks and the position renamed Director Healthy Communities and Environments, to better reflect the increased responsibilities of the directorate including its new focus

Councils Acting CEO, Rosanne Kava, said Simon Myers has been appointed to the role andwill start on Monday, 4 April. “We are extremely excited to have Simon coming on board, following a lengthy position vacancy. “Simon will bring a wealth of experience, both as a producer and director along with his experience in leadership and management of a mutli-purpose theatre”, Ms Kava said.

Ms Kava said following the considerable disruption to the arts industry over the past two years, Council was looking forward to getting top quality events back at the Town Hall, complemented by Simon’s expertise. “Simon is excited by opportunities in the region, with venue programming, the Fairfax Festival returning, as well as great shows in Robinvale and providing a better range of experiences for communities and hirers of performing arts venues,” Ms Kava added. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

NEWS

Report a ladder for some THE GOOD OIL ROD BROWN The federal government has released yet another report on regional Australia. It’s surely just another way of letting backbenchers feel they’re appreciated. This time it’s ‘Pride of Place’ prepared by the House of Representatives Select Committee on Regional Australia - it covers most of the issues relevant to regional Australia. It’s a good read for local government staff and councillors from that viewpoint, but it’s sadly lacking in action agendas. Instead it trots our 13 recommendations about motherhood stuff. For example the committee recommends that the Australian Government: implement mechanisms to allow regional community groups to more easily receive tax deductible gift recipient status (big woop!). provide increased support for regional universities and their students. investigate means of improving access to medical and allied health services. encourage the States/Territories to prioritise the release of government land for housing developments. develop a nationwide Regional Development Plan which considers the current and future infrastructure needs of regional Australia. develop mechanisms to encourage private public partnerships to fund regional infrastructure. investigate means of reducing the red tape burden (that hoary old chestnut). develop a program funding stream which is more tolerant of risk and encourages innovation funding be provided for smaller regional businesses (wow that hurts my head!). implement a program for promoting the advantages of locating businesses in regional areas, doing business in regional areas etc. establish a dedicated authority with responsibility for development and implementation of policies and programs, including a national population policy (perhaps - see below). continue to facilitate both public and private sector decentralisation. This report will sink without trace unless it can build some specific actions into the exercise. I have been advised that further submissions might be sort in the new Parliament. I intend making a submission covering three topics: facilitating private-public partnerships. attracting business to regional areas. getting the federal system to take regional Australia seriously. These are the bread-and-butter topics for our Cockatoo Network (email me to join, or to add to our submission). On the last topic, a Regional Development Authority could leverage other departments’ programs and stamp out pork-barrelling, especially if it worked in tandem with a federal ICAC. The simpler option would be a self-standing department, with a senior minister in charge. It is about Australia’s future after all. Public servants to the Bush - big opportunity for some councils The federal Budget announced that the Australian Public Service will establish new ‘regional hubs’ at a cost of $15.2 million over seven years. There are no details yet about where or how this would happen. And it’s unclear if a Labor Government would adopt the same policy. But councils should nevertheless watch this closely. Why? Well clearly the relocation of federal staff to places outside Canberra has been a boon to the communities involved - Adelaide, Albury-Wodonga and Dubbo spring to mind. The location of the ASIC data centre in Traralgon is another good example, while the transfer of large parts of the Pesticides and

· · · · · · · · · · ·

· · ·

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

Like Lismore, Gympie was inundated by floodwater... One Mile Ovals became a sea of brown. Veterinary Authority to Armidale is arguably a bad example, at least in term of the processes involved. It’s interesting to see the feds now referring to ‘regional hubs’. The inference is presumably that there is strategic intent to place federal staff or federally-funded contractors in localities where they can help create or strengthen business clusters. Which councils might benefit? Well I’m thinking that the key attributes might be good transport links to Canberra, a regional competitive advantage in the activity concerned, and a strongly supportive local and state government. Examples might be Port Macquarie (health), Ballarat (IT) and a host of places within the defence milieu such as Townsville, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide and Newcastle. The processes by which cities might win federal favour will surely be messy. My advice is to start now with a lobbying effort. We are here to assist! Northern Rivers floods A long-time Cockatoo member (and former senior public servant) spun out of Canberra to live the good life in Ballina. His home dodged the worst of the first flood, and hopefully the second. He penned us his thoughts. “A couple of things have struck me. When the mobile and NBN systems fail, everyone is stuffed. Essential services need to be equipped with sat phones. Places like aged care facilities, hospitals etc. also need to have them. We need to develop some sort of rapidly deployable emergency response group - probably needs to be housed within the ADF. Some creative thinking required. Also some stock of emergency housing - flat pack style based along lines of collapsible shipping containers that can be stored and then dispatched easily. Not easy to achieve, but the status quo is not getting us anywhere.” ‘Innovation in real places’ Mike Lester is ex-Austrade, and has a strong interest in our work. He recently provided some interesting news, as follows. “I continue my innovation radio interview

Picture: John Clough

Members of the ADF assist with the clean-up from Queensland’s devastating floods. Picture: Darren England/AAP program on Sydney’s north shore. I thought your readers might be interested in a recent book and interview with Dan Breznitz, a Canadian academic critiquing the Silicon Valley model for innovation on grounds that it has not delivered at local and regional level - hence his title ‘innovation in real places’’. “His point is not that tech companies do not look for scale and city-based locations, but that this model including big backing by governments does not generate equitable generation and distribution of benefits including to regional and local economies. He argues that true innovation happens and needs to happen everywhere and requires a model backed by government that is different to the Silicon Valley VC start-up unicorn model.” Here is a link

Time for a strong industry policy China has effectively reduced our economic relationship to a single commodity, from a single state - WA’s iron ore accounted for almost 40 per cent of our total mechandise exports to the world. This is very scary, especially since China is surely looking for alternative sources of minerals. Our political and trade stand-off with China - plus the prospect of war - is certainly changing peoples’ views. It’s great to see Aussies now talking about supporting Australian industry and avoiding Chinese and Russian products. There is a huge window for the feds to get onto the front foot with a strong Buy Australia campaign, backed up with specific programs. April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 7

COUNCILOR PROFILES

Area unique and diverse I love Bayside’s strong sense of community and our diversity. Our area is very unique as it combines residential, industry, an international Airport and a Port. By Dr Christine Curry - Bayside Council Mayor The Botany Aquatic Centre is one of my favourite places which has a village feel and lots of green space. I’m excited for the return of the water slides and a new waterplay area and we are currently planning for a new Aquatic Centre which our community are very excited about. Community minded I have always been involved in community and I believed being elected to council would give me a platform to advocate on behalf of my community. I was elected to council in 2012. I am a full time Academic at Western Sydney University in Teacher Education, specialising in health and physical education. My experiences have offered me a greater appreciation for the importance of education and inclusive communities. In particular the importance of providing opportunities for physical activity, social connection and support programs. Outside of work hours I love swimming laps at The Botany Aquatic Centre and bushwalking.

Council goals, challenges and achievements: Bayside is investing in many innovative projects, some of them are: Smart technology, such as smart CCTV and mobile License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras across the local government area to decrease antisocial behaviour such as car hooning. Innovative Playgrounds, like the new regional play space at Sir Joseph Banks Park Botany, that has something for all ages and includes a sensory play zone. I was honoured to be elected as the first female Mayor of Bayside Council this year. The best part of being a councillor is working with the community to create a better Bayside. I am committed to building a strong and resilient community, the delivery of outstanding services, effective community engagement and a clean, green, safe Bayside.

· ·

Dr Curry, Mayor of Bayside which is located in Sydney, around part of Botany Bay, seven kilometres to 12 kilometres south of the CBD. It includes suburbs of South Sydney and the St George area separated by the Cooks River.

The ‘friendly shire’ continues to grow Temora Shire is a very special place! It could be because of our internationally acclaimed Temora Aviation Museum, our Rural, Ambulance and Railway Museums or being home to the legendary Paleface Adios. Perhaps it is due to our magniﬁcent parks and gardens, our exceptional sporting ﬁelds or our ‘man-made’ and picturesque Lake Centenary. By Cr Rick Firman OAM Mayor – Temora Shire, NSW Others might suggest it might be the extensive range of retail and general business outlets, our strong agricultural sector and the quality primary, secondary schools and TAFE College available; some might list our Aged care facilities, our new medical complex and imaging centre and our heated pool. Some might nominate our beautiful Churches, our modern Town Hall Theatre along with our great Hospital, while you might favour our cultural and artistic opportunities – and much, much more. Many believe it is because of our solid and keen sense of community and our sense of belonging. All of my fellow citizens of Temora Shire truly do care for each other, regardless of any perceived rank and station - and we believe in our strong future. No wonder Temora Shire has been dubbed the ‘Friendly Shire’ – a title we hold very dear. With a steadily growing Shire population of 6,300 – it is a thrill to see our community maintain our heritage and saluting our rich past. At the same time, we also warmly embrace our exciting future.

Our Shire consists of the township of Temora (which was founded on the back of gold-mining in 1880) together with the villages of Ariah Park and Springdale. Visiting Ariah Park is like taking a step back in time, with the heritage main street feeling as though we have taken a trip back to the 1920s era. It boasts many impressive facilities and amenities. Ariah Park is a lot more than you’d expect, while Springdale also displays the results of a strong community spirit and a creative desire to offer a pleasing environment. Temora Shire is home to many families that have been here for generations, which is very special indeed. However, we also have many ‘newcomers’ to the Shire, who bring their great gifts. Volunteering is a vital part of the fabric of Temora Shire. We have countless community organisations where we can immerse ourselves, covering a broad spectrum of interests. If we wish to help others, there is something for everyone. This brings us to the well-known ‘spirit of generosity and kindness’, which runs very deep within the Temora shire community. Temora Shire is proud of our vastly growing

Aviation Estate. This has gone from strength to strength and has brought very good people to further enhance our community, in many and varied ways. We also have many other new streets being developed, which is most exciting to see. We proudly boast more than 40 sporting clubs in the Shire, covering all options – from all four codes of football, golf, tennis, lawn bowls right through to Ultimate Frisbee! We are a sporting hub with many sporting greats hailing from Temora Shire – besides our legendary ‘Paleface Adios’, we also have Luke Breust (Hawthorn – AFL), Josh McCrone (St George-Illawarra NRL), Trent Barrett (Manly Coach – NRL), Scott Reardon (international waterskiing and athletics) to name but a few. Council has just approved an ‘Élite Sportsman’s Walk of Honour’, which will be located (appropriately) in Paleface Park, situated in our main street. Temora Shire has a rich agricultural sector, which is part of the very backbone of our Shire and the Council is pleased to have the Temora Agricultural Innovation Centre, which is growing rapidly as a centre of excellence. We have many farming families that all contribute greatly to our community, but also, we

have a tremendously successful Agribusiness sector, which employs a great many people and services extending even beyond our shire boundaries. Our community was strengthened even more when we, as a Council, recently won the right to continue as a Local Government area. This didn’t happen without major effort; it occurred because we have a strong and united group of Councillors, Executive and general staff, but even more importantly, we have a Shire community that believe in us and each other, very deeply. I am deeply honoured to be the Mayor, a Councillor, a businessman and a citizen of Temora Shire. I am also honoured to be a Commissioner on the NSW Boundaries Commission and, Chairman of Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC). Temora Shire is the home to my family and generations before us. My fellow Councillors, our Staff and I are proud to be a part of Temora Shire and we will continue to do all we possibly can to ensure this place is here into the distant future ensuring we remain one of the most successful Councils in NSW.

You can find NEW EMPLOYEES HERE!! LG Focus have a new monthly opportunity for Councils when promoting their high-profile position vacant roles Receive twice the exposure for half the cost in our dedicated Appointments section Simply book a quarter page or half page advert and receive same size space to promote your location giving twice the exposure Highlight the great attributes your specific area has to offer. Attract that worthy candidate who just maybe looking for a change of scenery

MAY BOOKINGS CLOSING SOON:

Deadline: Wednesday 4th May, 2022 Copy: Monday 9th May, 2022

Louisa Kneller: louisa.kneller@starnewsgroup.com.au or Mobile: 0413 380 545

8 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

12539306-SG11-22

Speak directly to the prospect!!

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

NEWS

Train changes ‘too late’ The Federal Government’s newfound interest in passenger rail doesn’t stack up, and is too little too late for urban commuters being smashed by skyrocketing fuel costs, according to a union spokesman. Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) National Secretary Mark Diamond said actions speak louder than promises, and the Federal Government’s appalling record on passenger rail spoke for itself. “Scott Morrison’s sudden election-eve interest in rail is about as genuine as his sudden interest in the Cronulla Sharks after he won preselection for the seat of Cook,” Mr Diamond said. “This Federal Government has had nine

years to invest in better rail infrastructure, and to provide people with transport options to reduce their reliance on imported fuel. They have done absolutely nothing. “For Scott Morrison to miraculously discover rail now just adds salt to the wounds of commuters, and highlights his chronic inability to plan for the future.” Mark Diamond said the reported $1 billion

upgrade to the rail corridor between Sydney and Newcastle did not appear to make any sense, and had come out of the blue – without any planning or consultation. “Spending a billion dollars on extra tracks at Wyong will make little if any difference to travel times between Sydney and Newcastle, as the notoriously slow sections of the route are further south between Hornsby and Gosford.

“This announcement appears to be more about buying votes in the marginal seat of Dobell than about genuine improvements to the rail network. “A real plan to improve inter-city rail would involve identifying a new purpose-built railway line for fast trains, as was proposed by the High Speed Rail Advisory Group – a body that this government abolished.

Greens call for more active travel policies ACT Greens Jo Clay MLA has released a discussion paper detailing why more active travel is needed and how to get it. “Canberrans love active travel. We have the highest level of cycling in Australia and almost everyone uses active travel at some point,” Green Jo Clay MLA said. Even those who drive most places will still get out of their car and walk or wheel to their final destination. “We need more active travel. We are in a climate crisis and around 60 per cent of our tracked emissions come from transport. Congestion in Canberra is also a problem and it is getting worse at a rate over three times faster than most Australian capital cities. We have to do more to help Canberrans choose the original zero-emissions transport method of active travel. We need to make active travel fun, accessible and safe for everyone. “The ACT government has set really ambitious goals for active travel but we are not increasing uptake fast enough to reach those goals. If we want a different result, we need to do things differently,” said Jo Clay. “Since November last year I have been speaking with Canberrans who use active travel and community groups like Pedal Power ACT who work in this space. I’m keen to hear more broadly from the rest of the community

about what would encourage them to jump on a bike or walk to get where they need to go. “My discussion paper sets out six steps to help more Canberrans use more active travel, more often.” These include planning for active travel, building and maintaining a really good separated network of footpaths and shared paths, promoting active travel, just, prioritising active travel and removing legislative and planning barriers and learning what’s working here and around the country. She said it had been a big week for active travel. “On Wednesday, we passed my amendments to make our roads safer for vulnerable users by introducing a $900 fine and three demerit points where a negligent driver causes harm,” she said. “My discussion paper is out for consultation until 30 April 2022. I really want Canberrans to get in touch and let me know what they think about how we can improve active travel.

Jo Clay calls for more active travel.

VECCI’s poll ‘pillars’ Racism report offer Supporting Victoria’s visitor economy, building a new interstate freight terminal and boosting clean energy industries to create jobs and build a thriving manufacturing sector are the key pillars of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Federal Election Platform. Victoria’s peak business body, which represents the collective voice of 50,000 members and clients, has revealed their Victorian focused platform ahead of this year’s Federal Election. According to Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra, the platform was informed by roundtable discussions, member surveys and independent focus groups involving a cross-section of Victorian voters from marginal seats. “We know through our extensive engagement, surveys and roundtables that these are the Federal policy issues that matter most to Victorian businesses and our broader community,” Mr Guerra said. “If delivered, they will help secure Victoria’s economic future and Australia’s prosperity. “The private sector has kept our economy moving over the past two years. Now is the time to give business owners the opportunity to get Victoria and Australia back in business. “These initiatives would help turbocharge our economic recovery, future-proof Victoria across a wide range of industries and ensure the creation of thousands of jobs.” He said the body’s platform has three main pillars: 1.Help the tourism industry survive and thrive “Our tourism industry needs targeted funding to help stay afloat and attract visitors back to Victoria as travel resumes,” Mr Guerra said. “The aim should be to provide interim financial protection to assist organisations to survive to the end of 2022 and prepare to return to full capacity in 2023. Before the panLGFOCUS.COM.AU

demic, Victoria’s visitor economy generated 210,000 jobs and $21.7 billion to the state economy. We can’t let it fall behind the rest of the world.” 2.Build a new interstate freight terminal to secure Victoria’s supply chain “Supply chain disruptions are hampering Victoria’s economic growth. Victoria needs a new intermodal freight terminal to increase freight capacity for the post-COVID-19 economy,” he said. “Secure supply chains will deliver the stability our small businesses need to invest in their businesses and create well paid jobs. This requires funding and a commitment to begin the project in 2022-23 which is also dependent on a Federal-State agreement on the location. While both locations are required the Chamber considers the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal in Truganina should be the first one to receive funding.” 3.Build Victoria’s clean energy industries to support a thriving advanced manufacturing sector “The Chamber is calling for significant government funding and policy backing to scale up new and existing clean energy projects that build our export markets and boost domestic energy security,” Mr Guerra said. “Victoria’s emerging hydrogen industry presents an opportunity to scale up our state’s clean energy sector, create jobs, and build a thriving manufacturing sector. “The Victorian Chamber’s platform builds on the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) platform. ACCI prosecutes our broader, national policy agenda”.

A new Victoria University report offering a practical stepby-step guide to improve reporting and support services for people who have experienced racism will be available to local governments across Australia. Today, Victoria University together with Welcoming Cities – a national network of towns and cities committed to creating communities of belonging – launch a joint report Empowerment Through Community-led Response to Racism. This resource outlines how local governments and service providers can work together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and multicultural and multi-faith communities to strengthen community empowerment and improve reporting and support services for those affected by racism. The report follows a recent Australianfirst pilot project with the City of Wyndham in Melbourne’s southwest – one of Australia’s fastest growing and most culturally diverse municipalities. For the pilot project, VU researchers Dr Mario Peucker, Professor Tom Clark, and Ms Holly Claridge developed a ‘Wyndham roadmap’ toward improved reporting and support services tailored to specific needs of local communities, leading to the establishment of the community-led Wyndham Anti-Racism Support Network. Drawing on the Wyndham project, the VU researchers have worked with Welcoming Cities to develop a practical guide that can assist other local governments to implement similar programs in their areas. The new guide outlines a six-step process that includes detailing an area’s community demographic profile, engaging with local service providers and community organisations, and examining the experiences and support needs of community members affected by racism.

Community input key to reporting pathways and responsive support services Chief Investigator Dr Peucker said the pilot study found a support network that takes into account the specific needs of local residents and builds on existing community structures “can break the often-silencing effects of racism and empower people to speak about their experiences and get the support they deserve.” “The only way this could be achieved is with a strong place-based approach and genuine dedication to centring the voices of local communities. We hope this new resource will encourage other local governments to provide responsive and accessible support to residents affected by racism.” Professor Clark said strengthening, empowering and connecting diverse community groups was critical. “Sharing experiences of racism across different communities helped many participants overcome the silencing effect of everyday racism, microaggressions and systemic racism,” he said. Welcoming Australia CEO Aleem Ali said “locally-led community initiatives like this can play a key role in helping to address and reduce racism. We are pleased to share this report with our members across the country, and support them to facilitate anti-racism initiatives in their communities.” The report is sponsored by Scanlon Foundation, a philanthropic organisation that supports the advancement of social cohesion in Australia. April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 9

NEWS

Praise for package Strong advocacy from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and Australia’s 537 councils has delivered a $500 million extension of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program in the 2022-23 Federal Budget according to the group’s president. ALGA President Linda Scott said this extension would help councils deliver more libraries, sporting facilities, community centres, bike paths and playgrounds in their local communities, providing free and low-cost activities and delivering cost-of-living savings for all Australians. “Over the past two years councils have worked with the Commonwealth to deliver thousands of new local projects through this program,” Cr Scott said. “Working with the Commonwealth, local governments have made our cities and regions better places to live and work, and created thousands of new jobs in a tough economic climate.” “Local governments appreciate any funding, but it will be critical for whomever forms the next Commonwealth Government to increase Local Roads and Community Infrastructure funding that will help us to roll out new projects across our nation.” Other funding for local councils and communities announced in the Federal Budget included: $2.8 billion in untied Financial Assistance Grants for councils (with $2.1 billion to be paid in 2021-22); $491 million in Roads to Recovery Funding; $131 million for the Bridges Renewal Program; and $818 million over five years for expanding digital mobile coverage in regional Australia. Cr Scott also thanked the Government for responding to ALGA’s call for disaster funding, with Budget announcements including: $150 million in new funding from the Emergency Response Fund for recovery and post-disaster resilience in the Northern Rivers region of NSW; $2 billion in support for flood-impacted NSW

Linda Scott. and Queensland primary producers, small businesses, not for profits, and councils; and A further $3 billion for disaster recovery in forward estimates. “The Government has yet again skipped the need to invest in disaster prevention, and this will cost Australians and our communities more in the face of more frequent and severe natural disasters,” she said. While acknowledging the Budget’s strong focus on providing immediate and short-term

cost of living relief, Cr Scott said increased funding to local government is needed to provide longer-lasting benefits. “There’s no doubt that many in our communities are struggling with rising fuel and grocery prices as well as a shortage of affordable accommodation,” Cr Scott said. “However, increased funding for local government will deliver long-term benefits for every community that will outlast once-off cash payments and temporary fuel excise cuts.” “Providing councils with increased Financial Assistance Grants will create thousands of new jobs across our country.” “Supporting local governments to invest in innovative housing solutions will help address the affordable housing crisis we’re seeing in our cities and regions.” “Working with councils to cut local greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the rubbish we send to landfills and turn our rubbish into new products will help our environment and drive economic development.” “With more support councils could deliver safer roads and address local congestion, unlocking the productivity of our national freight network.” “Funding councils to build more libraries, playgrounds and recreation centres will reduce petrol costs for families, and improve our health and wellbeing.” “With the election now just weeks away, Australia’s 537 councils are calling on all federal election candidates to commit to a stronger partnership between our Commonwealth and our local governments to ensure no community is left behind.”

Funding for dam Granite Belt Irrigation Project (GBIP) has welcomed news of an additional $126.5 million to help fund development of Emu Swamp Dam in the federal budget. The 12,000 megalitre dam at Emu Swamp, south-west of Stanthorpe, and 126km of pipeline, will deliver water to almost 50 agribusiness and community customers. The scale and design of the Project will also bring wide-reaching social and economic benefits to the region, and state and national economies. GBIP Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd Taylor, thanked the Australian Government for its commitment to delivering water security and prosperity to the Granite Belt. “This project will not only increase water security to the region, it will also create a significant number of jobs during construction, as well as long-term full-time positions in agriculture and supporting businesses, to help substantially grow the productivity of Southern Queensland,” Mr Taylor said. “We wholeheartedly commend the government for its recognition of the importance of Emu Swamp Dam and making this further $126.5 million investment in addition to the $47 million already committed.”

Need Heat Fast? Budget skips bypass

This year’s Federal Budget included a large investment in regional areas but no speciﬁc acknowledgement of funding for the Goulburn Valley Highway (Shepparton) Bypass which remains the top priority for the region.

The Fastest, Warmest Indoor/Outdoor Heater You Will Ever Own!

us Freee

Floor Stand! worthh $199.99 1.8m High • • • • •

Commercial Comm ommercial mercial m ercial i Grade Grad Multi-Directional Multi-Directional Easy a Install Install a Portab P Portable ortab r abl bblee Indoor Indoors doors & Outdoors Outdoor Outdoo

*Call for Terms & Conditions

Call Now! 1800 440 440 10 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

12535002-HC15-22

• Heats Up Instantly • Suitable for Indoors or Outdoors utdoors rs In R Rain Rain, i Fo Fog Fog, Wind ind or Snow • Carbon-Fibre Bulb Technology • Multi-Directional Stand d • Includes udes des Remote ote C Co Cont Contrro Con Control oll & Built-In Timer • Motion otion tion i D Detect Detection Detectio ete t ti Fu Func Fun Function ction tion

The announcement in the 2022-23 Federal Budget included funding for several regional Victorian projects including $2 billion for a Regional Accelerator program for manufacturing, education, supply chains, export opportunities and defence industry. Transport and freight will be boosted with funding of $3.1 billion for an Inland Rail project and $150 million to fund the construction of complementary infrastructure projects that will unlock benefits of inland rail for regional economies. A Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program was announced which includes $160 million for upgrades to level crossings and $880 million for the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative to improve road safety, enhance productivity and boost the resilience of freight network. Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Kim O’Keeffe said while Council welcomes the Government’s $501.7 million investment to help local Councils deliver priority projects, the absence of specific funding for the Bypass is concerning. Greater Shepparton City Council is advocating to the Federal Government to fund several key projects in the forthcoming Federal election to help strengthen the economic standing, social activity and liveability of the region. “This region has shown that we can deliver complex projects and each dollar spent here by the Commonwealth Government generates many more in economic activity across the country,” Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said. “With the challenges of the past two years it is more important than ever that key priority projects within our region are funded. This will assist in the economic recovery of our region and enhance the prosperity of our community.” Delivery of Stage 1 of the Goulburn Valley Highway (Shepparton) Bypass remains at the top of the priority list for the region, after the Victorian Government allocated $10.2 million

for the finalisation of a business case and the Commonwealth committed $208 million to begin construction, however this is not sufficient to construct Stage 1. “The time to deliver on this number one priority for our region is now,” said Cr O’Keeffe. “Once adequately funded this project will transform the region’s freight capacity and improve safety for drivers and visitors to the region through diversion of significant volumes of heavy vehicle movement from Shepparton’s CBD.” “This project has been endorsed by Greater Shepparton City Council and the Committee for Greater Shepparton as a project of the highest priority and has previously received a very substantial Federal Government funding commitment towards Stage 1,” Chair, Goulburn Valley Highway (Shepparton) Bypass Action Group Peter Johnson said. “The safety and amenity of Shepparton and its CBD and urban areas are being seriously and detrimentally affected by the numbers of vehicles, particularly trucks, which are forced to pass through the centre of the city to access other areas and exits.” Another key infrastructure project is the Shepparton Sports and Events Centre, which will be a regionally and nationally significant sporting, entertainment and events complex that caters for a multitude of users. Upon completion the project would be able to cater for a variety of mass participation and state, national and international multi sports events along with opportunities to host concerts and cultural events. Other key infrastructure projects include the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, a Clinical Health School and funding for the Shepparton North Road Package. Council is also advocating for funding to expand the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) to increase the current floor space and create a more innovative and engaging experience for visitors. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

NEWS

Budget provides SA boon This year’s federal budget includes several key initiatives relevant to the local government sector, including funding to support council-led projects to stimulate economic recovery according to LGA SA PRESIDENT ANGELA EVANS. “Partnering with councils is the key to unlock economic recovery – they are on the ground and know their communities best, and that’s what leads to better service delivery outcomes and more effective use of tax dollars,” the Mayor said. “The $500 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program in the federal budget is a big tick for councils – it means we can keep delivering the services we know communities value, like libraries, walking and bike trails, playgrounds and parks, recreational facilities and so much more.” “Other measures around affordable housing, rural and regional health and funding to fix mobile black spots are a step in the right direction, as these challenges are front of mind for South Australian communities.” “We’re grateful to see $2.8 billion in untied Financial Assistance Grants for councils – around 0.55 per cent of Commonwealth tax revenue, as these grants are vital for councils to deliver facilities and services – and are needed now more than ever as we seek to support liveability, protect community wellbeing, support thousands of jobs and deliver much-needed community assets.” “However, we’re standing side-by-side the national call for an increase in these grants for local government to the equivalent of one per cent – that’s what’s needed to shift the dial for economic recovery and growth.” “For SA, we’d also like to see a fairer share of road funding on an ongoing basis as that’s vital to meet the current inequity that exists in the allocation of local roads funding to our state.” She said LGA SA continued to analyse the details but was pleased to see advocacy

through the Australian Local Government Association has delivered a $500 million extension of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Through this program South Australia is set to receive $44.9 million. This extension will help councils continue to deliver important projects for libraries, sporting facilities, bike and walking trails, streetscape improvements and playgrounds in their communities, providing free and low-cost activities and delivering cost-of-living savings for all Australians. She said the government has missed an opportunity to extend the Supplementary Local Roads Program, which was provided to South Australia to address the inequity that exists in the allocation of local roads funding to our state. The LGA will be calling on the government to fund this program beyond the current financial year to benefit local communities. An allocation of $2.8 billion in untied Financial Assistance grants, or 0.55 per cent of Commonwealth tax revenue, is provided in the budget with $2.1 billion to be paid in 2021-22. This has the potential to support thousands of jobs across Australia and stimulate economic activity. South Australian councils will receive $45.6 million in 2022-23. A range of initiatives are designed to lessen cost-of-living pressure, including tax offset increases, halving of the fuel excise to 22.1 cents for a period of 6 months and support payments for eligible pensioners and concession card holders. The group wrapped up some of the other key measures relevant to local government in South Australia below. More information is available in their Federal budget wrap up for local government.

Mayor Angela Evans.

Local roads funding flows in Golden Plains Shire Council has welcomed the allocation of $1,333,665 in the Federal Budget. The funding comes with the extension of Phase Three of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. Councils will be able to access the extension funding from July 2023. The latest allocation adds to the $5.5 million that Council has received over the past two years under the first three phases of the LRCI program. With this investment, the council has completed a wide range of projects across the Shire including the replacement of Reserve Road Bridge in Rokewood and Paddys Gully Road Bridge in Rokewood Junction, Maude Recreation Reserve/Lookout water supply upgrade, playground upgrades in Dereel, Haddon and Garibaldi and a new playground at Enfield, Bannockburn Skate Park Upgrade, Golden Plains Youth Hub, new crickets nets at Lethbridge Recreation Reserve; and guardrail replacements on roads in Rokewood, Happy Valley, Werneth, Haddon, Meredith, Inverleigh, Linton and Piggoreet. The LRCI funding has also been invested in a number of projects that are underway:

Inverleigh Sporting Complex Female Friendly Change Rooms, playground upgrade in Linton, Stage 4 and 5 of the Meredith-Shelford road widening project, public open space asset renewal, upgrade of the Lethbridge Lake Boardwalk, new septic system at the Meredith Interpretative Centre, Buninyong– Mt Mercer/Hardies Hill Road, Garibaldi intersection upgrade; and Derwent Jacks Road/ Snow Gum Road/Reef Road/Chromes Road, Berringa intersection upgrade. Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said Council joined with Rural Councils Victoria and the Municipal Association of Victoria to lobby for the continuation of the LRCI program and is pleased with the announcement. “The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has supported vital investment to Councils across Victoria and this funding is particularly important for regional and rural municipalities that have the greatest need for road upgrades and priority infrastructure in smaller townships. “In Golden Plains Shire, funding from the

Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has invested more than $5.5 million in new and upgraded roads, bridges, playgrounds and youth facilities, and sporting and community infrastructure in 16 townships across the Shire over the past two years. This new $1.3 million will add to this list. “Council thanks the Australian Government for its commitment to extend the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and we hope there will be bi-partisan support to continue this funding stream in the future. “Announced last night in the Federal Budget were a range of cost-of-living measures including the reduction of fuel excise which will have a positive immediate impact for residents in Golden Plains Shire who travel longer distances to our neighbouring cities for work, education, shopping and health services. “There was also the commitment of $800 million to improve mobile phone coverage in rural Australia. This issue has long been a priority in Golden Plains Shire and we look forward to hearing more detail about this funding program.”

Rail-line upgrade Tuggerah-Wyong rail upgrade is good news for the region according to the Central Coast Council. Council Chief Financial Officer David Farmer said this funding announcement seems to take the prospect of a high-speed rail link between Newcastle and Sydney a step closer. “Our community stands to benefit from these steps towards improved connectivity, better public transport capacity and infrastructure generating jobs,” Mr Farmer said. Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the announcement showed that positive community outcomes can be achieved when both sides of politics work together. “Delivering essential infrastructure to accommodate the growing Central Coast region and to facilitate good economic outcomes is not a solo enterprise,” Mr Hart said. “The community benefits when all levels of government work together.”

WALGA call for more grants for vital LGAs With the next Federal Election just weeks away, the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) is calling on all parties and candidates to support increasing Financial Assistance Grants to Local Government. WALGA President Cr Karen Chappel said that restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue would ensure every community can participate in and benefit from Australia’s economic recovery. “Local Governments in WA provide and maintain community infrastructure and services across one-third of the continent, employing approximately 22,600 people.” Cr Chappel said. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

“We provide localised, frontline solutions for our communities, we create jobs, and we support the local economy. “Financial Assistance Grants are a lifeline for WA Local Governments to manage their infrastructure and grow vibrant communities.” Cr Chappel said that while this week’s Federal Budget provided $2.8 billion in Financial Assistance Grants funding, this equates to only 0.55 per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.

Independent analysis shows increasing Financial Assistance Grants to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue would create 16,000 jobs and add around $2.37 billion per year to Australia’s GDP. Cr Chappel said Councils are also calling for an immediate and once-off $1.3 billion injection of Financial Assistance Grants to boost local economies. “Through the pandemic, Local Governments demonstrated their ability to deliver

projects and implement initiatives that directly address the specific needs of their communities,” Cr Chappel said. “An immediate funding injection will enable Local Governments to further invest in their communities by providing new services and delivering capital projects. “This would create a further 13,000 jobs and add more than $1.9 billion per year to our GDP.” April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 11

KEYNOTE PRESENTERS INCLUDE

Alicia McKay, Leadership Expert, NZ Dr Jonathan Carr-West, CEO, Local Government Information Unit, UK Jennifer Westacott AO, CEO, Business Council of Australia

12 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

FOCUS ON ALGA

Smart new life for old tyres Councils are leading the way in using ‘smart’ tyre derived product, that manufacturers like Porous Lane are producing, to create water-sensitive urban environments according to Tyre Stewardship. More than just a footpath, a sporting field, a carpark or a driveway. When built using products such as permeable pavement, these civic structures can collect and distribute water into the natural environment. Permeability allows for better management of stormwater runoff, placing less pressure on a city’s drainage network, reducing the effects of rain and improving the health of urban trees and parklands. Which all leads to decreasing infrastructure maintenance costs and increasing safety and wellbeing for local residents. Diverting end-of-life tyres from landfill and converting them into sustainable benefits for the community, was exactly what the University of Melbourne had in mind when it developed the waste tyre permeable pavement technology and established the Porous Lane business to install it. “Tree protection zones for councils form a large portion of our routine operation,” says Porous Lane managing director, Doctor Amir Mehdizadeh. “Our tree protection pavement is specifically designed to allow for growth of trees, while minimizing damage to the footpath due to tree root heaves and at the same time diverting rain water to the roots. “This means the cost of damage and repair to footpaths can be minimized while tree roots and canopy cover stays healthy, contributing to cooler neighborhoods that mitigate urban heat islands.” See permeable pavement in action in a number of local government areas It was first demonstrated by the City of Mitcham in South Australia, with one of the largest experiment sites under real-life traffic and dayto-day use conditions.

From tyres to footpaths. Three years after the successful trial, it is now being used across Melbourne, by the Cities of Yarra, Darebin, Banyule, and Boroondara. Together with Porous Lane, these councils have so far consumed 4,500 end-of-life truck tyres into a value-added product.

“We are seeing a growing movement of councils showcasing how to use tyre derived products in their infrastructure,” says Lina Goodman, CEO of Tyre Stewardship Australia which provided inception funding of $370,000 to develop and test the product.

Local Councils are pivotal in leading Australia’s sustainable future as they can inﬂuence where used tyres end e en n up and how our local waste tyre market operates. m

“This takes us one step closer to creating a circular economy that takes advantage of the many applications tyre derived products offer for civic construction, from pavement to roads. “We are proud to support partnerships, such as the one between Porous Lane and local governments, that are contributing to a sustainable society by reducing the burden of waste for future generations.” The City of Yarra will soon release information on its Ramsden Street Carpark pilot project In 2021, Porous Lane used 1,000 kilograms of waste tyre to partially cover a section of the Ramsden Street Carpark, and test the ability of its waste tyre permeable pavement technology. It’s a landmark project, funded by the Victorian Government and Yarra City Council, in partnership with the University of Melbourne. Doctor Mehdizadeh explains: “This is a unique system design that enables collection of all storm-water run-off from the site, storage in a storage zone and then filtering, so that high quality water can be harvested and used for irrigation of the nearby oval. “The high permeability of our product, up to 8 times more than other products in the market, means that by only covering a fraction of the carpark the intended stormwater management outcomes can be achieved. “It is exciting to imagine how many thousands of cubic litres of water councils could harvest for their communities, if entire carparks were covered with permeable pavement.” Council Procurement and ESG managers can find out more about tyre derived products, user case studies and funding for partnerships at www.tyrestewardship.org.au or visit the TSA booth at the ALGA Conference in June 2022.

CONTRIBUTE TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Use TSA Accredited tyre brands on Council vehicles Use TSA accredited retailers to buy tyres for Council vehicles Use TSA accredited recyclers for end-of-life tyre management at Transfer Stations Get Council’s ﬂeets TSA Accredited Procure companies that utilise Australian tyre-derived products

APPLY NOW FOR TSA ACCREDITATION ON T AND REGISTER YOUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES FOR AUSTRALIA’S USED TYRES

Facilitate changing of road / asphalt speciﬁcations to ensure Australian tyre derived materials are utilised

To register you can also email

getonboard@tyrestewardship.org.au getonboard@tyrestewardship wa ards org ga au

12544456-HC15-22

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 13

FOCUS ON ALGA

Muster aims to clean up DrumMUSTER is the national program for the collection and recycling of eligible non-returnable crop production and animal health product chemical containers from manufacturers participating in the Industry Waste Reduction Scheme (IWRS). The program provides what the company believe is the best solution to the problem of disposing of empty chemical containers. They aim for it to be cleaner, safer and more cost effective than other disposal methods. The program aims for chemical users to limiting farm and environmental risk. DrumMUSTER meets the requirements of quality assurance programs and environmen-

tal management systems. Chemical users are provided with a receipt for all drums delivered to the program. Which containers are accepted at a drumMUSTER collection? Chemical containers on which the levy has been charged will have the eligible container logo attached. The label can be placed on the container as

a sticker, included on the product label or embossed onto the container. If the container does not have a logo it may be because the manufacturer has opted out of the program and therefore no levy is being charged, or because the container does not fall under the eligibility criteria (these will not be eligible for collection.)

Which containers will not be accepted at a drumMUSTER collection? Containers will not be accepted if they have not been properly cleaned and drained inside and out (including the threads and caps) and have visible chemical residue. Chemical users pay a six cent (six) per litre or kilogram levy when they purchase eligible products displaying the logo.

Authentic engagement gets best results The value of authentic Community and Stakeholder Engagement in Local Government is now more important than ever according to the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). Factors such as the erosion of trust in institutions and organisations, increased social media use and interest in global issues means communities and stakeholders now expect meaningful engagement (public or civic participation). Better engagement means better outcomes for Council, their projects and their community. The IAP2 is the peak body for community engagement in Australasia. As a non-profit membership and training organisation, IAP2 supports local government through a suite of training courses, resources, case studies, awards programs, knowledgesharing events, tools and templates. IAP2 also delivers customised training in-house to Local Government. In fact, the IAP2 Australasia Certificate in Engagement is

· Engagement Evaluation · Strategies for Complex Engagement · Building an Engaging Organisation · Delivering Deliberative Engagement · Facilitating the Tough Stuff

recognised by Local Government and other agencies as pre-requisite training for engagement professionals. IAP2 has you covered with a variety of courses: Engagement Essentials

· Engagement Design · Engagement Methods · Conflict in Engagement · Engaging with Influence · Engagement Facilitation

Courses are available online in our virtual classroom, or can be delivered in person in your workplace. IAP2 recently held a series of webinars on Deliberative Engagement and changes to the Victorian Local Government Act (2020), with recordings freely available on our website iap2.org.au Representatives from IAP2 Australasia will be available and very happy to chat to about engagement needs at the 2022 National General Assembly in Canberra. They hope to see you there!

Enhance organisational branding and build trust through best practice community and stakeholder engagement.

IAP2 Australasia can support local government through: Training, resources and the IAP2A Certiﬁcate in Engagement - now available to study in our facilitated virtual classroom or in-house in your workplace Recognition with the IAP2 Excellence in Core Value Awards Connect to and share knowledge with other engagement professionals Network, share and learn at the annual IAP2A Conference, October 2022, Melbourne

iap2.org.au

12542529-HC15-22

14 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

12542610-JW15-22

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

FOCUS ON ALGA

A view to problem solving Aurin provides eInfrastructure and expert eResearch support for urban, regional and social science researchers in academia, government and industry. They facilitate the development, deployment and long-term support of advanced data, analytical methods, simulation models and visualisation capability for the adoption of high-impact research within government and industry across Australia. The company aims to provide robust eInfrastructure of advanced analytics, simulation modelling and visualisation platforms for eResearch. Direct access to high-quality, spatially enabled, national-scale data assets covering economics, population, health, housing, transport, climate impacts, social policy, critical infrastructure, planning and land use. A collaborative network of leading researchers and data providers across the public and private sectors delivering translational urban, regional and social science research. A leading-edge data science service delivering 3D, real-time and high-resolution image data of our cities and regions. A set of leading professionals and experts in the design, development, deployment and support of eInfrastructure/ eResearch, including user-focused training and support. Aurin positions themselves to inform evidence-based research, policy and decision making. Improve the sustainability of our settlements by better understanding the physical and social aspects of built environments, including urban resource use and management. Encourage more research to support urban resource management and policy decisions by making information easier to access. Improve their ability to model and visualise social and environment interactions and improve Australia’s ability to undertake collaborative research domestically and internationally. Their data covers: housing, health, trans-

port, climate, infrastructure, economic, liveability, demographics, planning and land use. With data made available through AURIN, researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are working to incorporate more

Receive your digital copy for free

detailed features of the built environment into existing climate models. This will provide a basis for a better understanding of how urban areas both impact and are impacted by climate change.

Having more accurate models of urban areas will assist in developing appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures to support better and healthier cities and regions. For more information go to aurin.org.au.

POLICY AND DECISION MAKING MADE EASY AURIN is a collaborative national network of leading researchers and data providers across the academic, government, and private sectors. We provide a one-stop online platform with access to thousands of multidisciplinary datasets, from over 100 different data sources. AURIN provides eInfrastructure and expert eResearch support for urban, regional and social science researchers in academia, government and industry. We facilitate the development, deployment and long-term support of advanced data, analytical methods, simulation models and visualisation capability for the adoption of high-impact research within government and industry across Australia.

AURIN data covers: • Housing • Health

• Transport • Climate

• Infrastructure • Economic

• Liveability • Planning • Demographics • Land Use

Our hard copy is distributed monthly by Australia Post, 10000 tabloid copies directly to 537 councils, Australia wide Hit the mark ﬁrst time to grow your brand or proﬁle and give your organization top of mind exposure Talk to our team: Booth 8 at the ALGA conference in June

Access point level and aggregated data via our APIs and visualise in QGIS

1254 12543819-JW15-22

Simply scan QR code and enter your details and a copy of LG Focus will arrive automatically to your in box every month.

OR CONTACT: Phill Le Petit phill.lepetit@starnewsgroup.com.au | 0439 377 525 Louisa Kneller louisa.kneller@noosatoday.com.au | 0413 380 545

Further details contact AURIN Telephone: +61 3 8344 3212 www.aurin.org.au | support@aurin.org.au

12542931-JC15-22

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 15

RURAL AND REGIONAL

Cross border cooperation Four councils have come together to provide opportunities for improved service delivery, access to high quality community infrastructure, and positive and social economic outcomes. Mayor Libro Mustica said Moira Shire Council, Berrigan Shire Council, Federation Council, and Indigo Council had recognised, while jurisdictional lines need to exist on maps, in the day to day lives of communities they are invisible and in many cases frequently crossed. “We all recognise that at a regional level our communities have many common experiences and interests,” Mayor Mustica said. “In particular, there are townships along our borders that are entirely integrated and interdependent. “Therefore the relationships of the communities within the four local government areas vary, depending on geographical and individual circumstances. “The principles of the Memorandum of Understanding will establish the basis for the mutual commitment to and management of the agreement.” Cr Mustica said the principles were – To appreciate each council’s perspective and work towards finding common ground; Cooperation; Open information sharing; Maximising service delivery opportunities to

· · · ·

meet a common community need;

· Reducing costs and eliminate duplication; and · Seek to be innovative. “There are also five key focus areas being – issues of regional and national significance; aligning services and sharing information; community infrastructure works; local transport; and regional economic development,” he said. “Some main objectives are to advocate to better inform decision making, attract investment, and adopt a collaborative approach to planning, funding, programs and projects. “We already cooperate on various services to some degree including waste, tourism, emergency management planning, and events and this memorandum is formalising and expanding this process.

Federation Council Mayor Patrick Bourke, Berrigan Shire Council Mayor Matthew Hannan, Indigo Shire Council Mayor Bernard Gaffney, and Moira Shire Council Mayor Libro Mustica.

Harmony and good food assist Planning for farms A celebration of cultural diversity culminated in a community recipe book inspired by Devonport residents and the lighting up of the city’s convention centre in support of Ukraine. Devonport City Council published the recipe book online and lit up Parnaple Convention Centre in yellow and blue during Harmony Week from 21-27 March Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff said she hoped the fitting tribute during Harmony Week provided a visual reminder for the community to reflect and appreciate our country’s cultural diversity and freedom. The Ukraine flag also featured on the outdoor TV screen in Market Square each evening during the week. The Mayor said Harmony Week was a fantastic annual celebration of the diversity and coexistence of cultures in Australia. Cr Rockliff said the recipe book contains contributions from Devonport residents who have shared a dish from their home country, a country they have lived in or simply a dish they love. “Devonport is home for many cultures and it’s important as a community that we celebrate and support significant milestones such as Harmony Day, particularly at a time when some cultures are suffering globally,” Cr Rockliff said. “Food is a great way to bring people from all walks of life together, so what better way to do this than to provide a community collection of recipes that reflects the different cultures in our great city.” Devonport residents Sachet Devkota and Deepa Bhattrai have shared one of their favourite Nepalese recipes of fried goat in the Harmony Week Devonport Recipe Book. Mr Devkota said since the couple relocated to Devonport last year from Sydney for his role as a Civil Engineer at Devonport City Council, they had enjoyed sharing their traditional Nepalese recipes with friends and work colleagues. “Sharing food from our home country of Nepal is an honour and I hope the residents of

The Market Square Screen. Devonport enjoy our fried goat recipe, which is a favourite in our family,” Mr Devkota said. “Goat is the most consumed red meat and is the preferred choice of 63% of the world’s population, it’s a delicacy in our country.” Mr Devkota said the first time the couple had been to Tasmania was the day they relocated to Devonport for his new job, and they have loved the move. “We love living in Devonport and exploring what Tasmania has to offer. We find the community friendly, and our jobs have helped us meet more people,” he said. “Celebrating culture is important and we are pleased to share something from our country with the Devonport community.” Cr Rockliff said Council also held a Citizenship Ceremony during Harmony Week. She said seven residents from countries such as India, Taiwan and Malaysia and Taiwan will officially become Australian Citizens.

Devonport City Council employee Sachet Devkota with his wife Deepa Bhattrai and Council’s Eleanor McCormack with the new recipe book, which was part of this year’s Harmony Week celebrations.

Armidale Council (NSW) resolved unanimously to make changes to local planning laws that make it easier for farmers to use their land in new and innovative ways. This includes tourism activities such as farm experiences, cellar doors and farm stay accommodation. The reforms allow farmers wishing to renovate and operate old workers cottages and shearers quarters for overnight stays or let small groups camp on the property for a few days at a time obtain fast-tracked Council approval. Councillor Paul Packham spoke strongly in support of the proposed planning reforms and requested Council make a further commitment to delivering a promotion package and planning concierge services to inform farmers of the new opportunities and assist farmers with the required approval processes. “Agri-tourism is on the rise and these reforms provide opportunities for generating another source of income and will assist the farming community to become more resilient to seasonal highs and lows,” he said. “It bodes well for our regional aspirations for jobs and boosting the economy, but unless promoted there may be a lack of awareness and lost opportunity.” Recognising that approval processes are often a disincentive to take up such opportunities, especially for busy farmers, Cr Packham concluded ‘Promoting the opportunities and guiding the hand of farmers through the process is a win-win outcome for our farmers and our region.’ The council will now refer the proposed reforms to the NSW Government to seek their endorsement prior to them coming into effect.

Community improvements filtering through Capella in Queensland has received an abundance of drinking water with new ultrafiltration system filtering thirty-five per cent more water than the community requires. At the beginning of March 2022, Central Highlands Regional Council installed new equipment at the Capella water treatment plant to help keep up with increased demand seen 16 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

over the summer months. The hired machinery will support the communities immediate need giving council the opportunity to find a long-term solution.

‘As part of council’s water sustainability projects, the system is a short-term solution that will increase residential water production to two Mega Litres a day,’ said Infrastructure

and Utilities General Manager Jason Hoolihan. ‘We thank the community for their understanding as we implemented this new system,’ said General Manager Jason Hoolihan. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

RURAL AND REGIONAL

Information clicks The NSW Information Commissioner’s visit to the Clarence Valley Council has highlighted a range of self-reporting tools now available to councils.

Meeting of the mayors. From left - Murweh Shire Council Mayor Cr Shaun Radnedge, Western Downs Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cr Andrew Smith, Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor Cr Lawrence Springborg, Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Cr Vic Pennisi, Paroo Shire Council Mayor and meeting host Cr Suzette Beresford, Balonne Shire Council Mayor Cr Samantha O’Toole, DDSWQ Council of Mayors chair and Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Paul Antonio and DDSWQ Council of Mayors deputy chair and Quilpie Shire Mayor Cr Stuart Mackenzie at the Cunnamulla Fella statue in Cunnamulla.

Mayor Ian Tiley, Acting General Manager Laura Black, councillors and senior management hosted NSW Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd at the Council Chambers in Grafton on Tuesday (29 March). “It’s fantastic for Commissioner Tydd to take the time to visit Clarence Valley Council and put a face on the compliance reporting that we do,” Mayor Tiley said. “She was able to highlight opportunities for improvement, trends in open access globally, and emerging funding streams aimed at assisting digital transformation.” The Information Commissioner is based in the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC), which is responsible for both information access and privacy in local government and other state government agencies. Commissioner Tydd focused on the IPC’s role as a ‘Champion of Open Government’ detailing the operation of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (‘GIPA Act)’) and Council’s reporting on this. Commissioner Tydd highlighted a range of self-reporting tools available to Council that compare its performance to other local governments across the state; information graphics that Council can use to assist in the understanding of open access legislation; and new funding opportunities under the Digital Restart Act 2020. “The Commissioner walked councillors and senior staff through our GIPA Dash-

Clarence Valley councillors and senior staff hosted NSW Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd at the Council Chambers in Grafton on Tuesday, 29 March 2022. board and advised that in 2020/21 we performed well above average in terms of meeting the expectations in our release of information (96 per cent),” Ms Black said. “But our timeliness in delivering outcomes (73 per cent) was impacted by the absence of a responsible officer for a number of months due to a delay in recruitment.”

Road accord Seed library initiative

A new community building initiative is underway in the Snowy The 10-member Darling Downs and South West Queensland Monaro to bring together local gardeners to build seed libraries (DDSWQ) Council of Mayors has agreed to proceed with across the region. a CSIRO freight analysis study which is designed to offer Much like the popular Little Free Library proj- people access to a wider variety of plants than Seed Savers seed libraries allow our com- just those that are available commercially. councils data to better inform funding applications for road ect, munity to swap seeds, with a long-term vision Through sharing seeds, they hope they to see these libraries grow to share veggies, can replicate the success of Seed Savers elseinfrastructure upgrades. DDSWQ Council of Mayors chair and Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Paul Antonio said the CSIRO proposal would provide an evidence-based analysis approach which was likely to result in greater funding success for vital road infrastructure upgrades. “Highlighting the most important roads to consider for funding, based on freight data, will ensure local authorities and the state government avoid duplication and work collaboratively to plan upgrades for key freight routes,” Mayor Antonio said after the Cunnamulla meeting. (25 March) “The councils agreed to proceed with a review of the freight routes, which is a step forward. “The Mayors were pleased to hear about progress on the Ernst and Young stage three feasibility report into prospective capacity upgrades to the Western and West Moreton rail lines that feed into the planned Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail route. “Consultation with the major interest groups (cattle/beef, cotton, grains and coal) about their likely use of the upgraded rail lines has been completed. “While the beef sector indicated there could be some limits on their freight plans on rail, the other sectors were most positive about the effects of the rail line upgrades for their transport operations. “The next steps involve finalising costings with Queensland Rail before the federal government’s consideration of any business case. The DDSWQ Mayors appreciate the federal government’s funding for the assessment.” Mayor Antonio said strategies would be developed to address housing shortages across the council areas. “Economic development officers from the 10 councils are working with Regional Development Australia and the Department of State Development to tackle the shortage in suitable LGFOCUS.COM.AU

accommodation,” he said. Mayor Antonio said ongoing discussions with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the University of Southern Queensland would devise ways to increase resources for primary producers to access more soil conservation planning. Mayor Antonio said the meeting also heard an update on moves to establish a Designated Area Migration Agreement to streamline visa applications for skilled migrants to assist key industries across the region. “There are various skill gaps across the local authorities, and this process, which mirrors a similar scheme that is operating successfully at Cairns, is one way to match workers to the areas in greatest need,” he said. Representatives from Queensland Government departments, AgForce, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, the Australian Rail Track Corporation, NBN Co, the Murray Darling Association, the University of Southern Queensland, Southern Queensland Country Tourism and the Local Government Association of Queensland also delivered presentations. Mayor Antonio said all participants were very appreciative of the hospitality provided by the Cunnamulla hosts. “Our tour and presentation by the Indigenous leaders, in particular their work around men’s health, was most inspiring.” The Council of Mayors (DDSWQ) represents the communities of the Bulloo, Quilpie, Paroo, Murweh, Maranoa, Balonne, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Southern Downs and Toowoomba regions and shires, covering an area the size of Sweden. The group represents one quarter of Queensland’s land area and carries around 25 per cent of its cattle stock and produces 75 per cent of its grain and pulse crops.

bulbs, native plants and more. Snowy Monaro Regional Council is holding the first of these seed collecting workshop on Saturday 30 April 2022 in Bombala, in cooperation with Seed Savers Bega. This introductory session covers when and how to collect seeds, organise swaps and manage a local library. The project aims to help the Snowy Monaro find and connect to our local plant heritage through varieties handed down through families and friends, provide access to locally grown and saved seeds adapted to our local climate and soil. The Seed Savers libraries give

where and help create real connections between growers in the community. By fostering cooperation and collaboration, the community can begin to reconnect after a long period of isolation following the impact of COVID-19, bushfires and floods. The Bombala session is being run by Liz Worth from Bega Valley Seed Savers – a wellestablished seed library network that works to protect and improve heritage food seeds and plants. Liz has a wealth of technical knowledge about seed saving and is passionate about sharing the fun of seed saving and sharing.

New executive team NSW Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has unveiled it’s new executive team elected at it’s AGM held on Friday 11 March with Cr Ken Keith OAM (Mayor of Parkes Shire) returned as Chairman, and Councillor Jamie Chaffey (Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council) elected Deputy Chair. Eight Country Mayors were also elected to the Executive, including Cr Craig Davies (Narromine Shire Council), Cr Rick Firman OAM (Temora Shire Council), Cr Russel Fitzpatrick (Bega Valley Shire Council), Cr John Medcalf OAM (Lachlan Shire Council), Cr Phyllis Miller OAM (Forbes Shire Council), Cr Sue Moore (Singleton Council), Cr Kylie Thomas (Kyogle Council), and Cr Russell Webb, (Tamworth Regional Council). Mr Kent Boyd PSM, General Manager Parkes Shire Council, was elected Secretary/ Public Officer. Chairman Ken Keith OAM, paid tribute to the outgoing executive members, Cr Michael Pearce, (Uralla Shire Council), Cr Liz Campbell, (Kempsey Shire Council), Cr Peter Petty, (Ten-

terfield Shire Council) and Cr Kathy Sajowitz, (Oberon Shire Council). Councillor Keith also welcomed the new and returning members, acknowledging the new executive was exceptionally well equipped to continue to drive the business of the CMA, which is so important to the constituents of Country Councils. Priority areas for the CMA include working with the State Government to close the gap between health services in the regions compared with those of metropolitan area, ensuring towns have sustainable water supplies and to ensure the financial sustainability of local government. A whole of government approach to disaster planning, skills and education, and regional housing will also be prioritised. April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 17

NEWS

Quest video hits the medical mark Three years after the Great Quack Quest music video captured the attention of the world, the Temora Medical Centre welcomes a new GP who is ready to make Temora home. Dr Sheraz Mumtaz took up the opportunity to fill a position at the Temora Medical Complex after becoming aware of a major media campaign to attract doctors to regional Australia – a joint venture between the Temora Medical Complex and Temora Shire Council. Dr Mumtaz first became aware of Temora’s Great Quack Quest when he asked an online doctors’ networking forum for suggestions for safe and friendly Australian country towns in which to live and work. “I got over a hundred responses to my question with people giving a range of suggestions, but one comment was simply a link to a YouTube dance video called the Great Quack Quest. It had me intrigued,” said Dr Mumtaz. “When I watched the video I thought, this is exactly what I’m looking for – a community with a sense of humour that knows how to have fun.” Originally from the UK, the family relocated to Temora from Qatar last week where they spent the past three years. Prior to living in the Middle East, the family lived in Sydney and Perth. “I grew up in a small country town, it’s where I feel most comfortable. So, we weren’t looking to live in another city,” said Dr Mumtaz. “After the phone interview with Dr Christmas I knew Temora was the right fit for our family.” Joining Dr Mumtaz in his new venture is his wife, Nabila, and three children, Isla (7), Adam (5), and Niall (2). “We are all looking forward to immersing ourselves into the Temora Shire community,” said Dr Mumtaz. “The children will attend school locally and in time we will join sporting clubs and other community programs.” Dr Mumtaz is a GP who has a keen interest in aged care medicine, diabetes and holistic family care. “Having a new GP means our Practice can see more patients within a tighter timeframe. Patients have a broader choice of which doctor they want to see, and the pressures on all our doctors, particularly with managing our on-call time at the hospital, is eased slightly,” said Temora Medical Complex GP, Dr Rachel Christmas. Dr Christmas was thrilled with her initial contact with Dr Mumtaz as she felt he just ‘got it’ after viewing the Great Quack Quest music video. “The music video was intended to be a tongue-in-cheek way of showing the community spirit and standing out from other rural commu-

Douglas Shire Council Sustainability Officer Melissa Mitchell and University of NSW Senior Lecturer Dr Mitchell Harvey.

Coastal selfies Dr Rachel Christmas with new work partner Dr Sheraz Mumtaz. nities searching for medical professionals. We’re delighted that the video resonated with Dr Mumtaz, he is exactly what we are looking for.” Three years on, attracting GPs to rural areas continues to be challenging. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported in 2021 that around 20 per cent of Australia’s rural population is unable to see a GP due to the shortage of doctors. “There is a perception among many city doctors that rural communities are isolated with a lack of medical facilities. In reality, many rural communities, such as Temora, have world-class facilities and a thriving community,” explained Dr Christmas. The search (or should we say quest) for new doctors was cultivated with the desire to create something that would grab media attention, had never been done before, and that would showcase the community of Temora Shire as not just a place to work, but a place to call home. From this concept the Temora’s Great Quack Quest music video was born. A marketing company was engaged to manage the monumental task of bringing the concept to fruition. The campaign took five months of preparation, including engaging a music production house to write the catchy lyrics and original music score. “Choreographer, Jordan Kelly, and super talented lead dancers, Samantha Williams and Garrett Kelly took on the challenge to front the ensemble. But the real stars were the members

of the community that came in droves to create something truly magical,” said Dr Christmas. Around 100 Temora residents attended countless rehearsals leading up to the threeday shoot. Given the scale of the production, onlookers would be forgiven for thinking it was Hollywood film set. Dancing and singing for the cameras in intense summer heat, demonstrated the passion and commitment of the Temora Shire community to find new doctors for their beloved town. The music video was launched on Wednesday 6 March, 2019, and within 24 hours had reached 25,000 organic views across Facebook and YouTube. By Friday evening it was clear that the quest to grab the attention of the media was a success. Dr Christmas featured in live interviews on the Today Show, The Morning Show, ABC national news and The Project. The town of Temora and the challenge of attracting doctors to rural communities across Australia was thrown into the national spotlight. “The media attention and Dr Mumtaz’s arrival to Temora is justification that our crazy idea worked,” Dr Christmas said. “But the Quest for GPs continues for Temora and many other rural communities.” The Great Quack Quest music video can be found on YouTube or on the Great Quack Quest Facebook page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZFmvijt_ xo https://www.facebook.com/greatquackquest/

Thieves throw spanner in works Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) parks and gardens staff were dismayed late last month when it was discovered that the pipe rail fencing along Owen Vincent Oval in Gundagai was damaged and the top rail of the fence was stolen. It is believed the theft occurred during the week ending March 18, and disappointed staff, who will now be forced to spend resources in time and money replacing the rail. CGRC Manager of Facilities Andrew Brock said the theft placed unnecessary pressure on resources and presented a danger to users. “These fences are particularly important for young children, they represent a boundary, keeping kids off the road. I’m at a loss to understand why someone would think it’s OK to come along and unbolt the fencing brackets and take a length of steel pipe,” Mr Brock said. The fencing top rail was stolen in two locations within the sports grounds. The theft has been reported to police. Approximately, four to five lengths of pipe and brackets were taken. It would appear the thieves were disturbed at one stage, as a spanner was left at the scene and Police are investigating further. One of the stranger things a council faces - the theft of parts of a fence. 18 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

A community beach monitoring project will help scientists better understand and forecast how coastlines will change at ﬁve popular beaches in Douglas Shire in Queensland. Coast Snap encourages residents and visitors to participate by taking photos of precise locations and sharing the photo online. Mobile phone cradles are now available at Four Mile, Cooya Beach, Newell Beach, Wonga Beach and Cow Bay. Over time, the database of photos will record erosion and recovery cycles, helping Douglas Shire Council understand why some beaches are more dynamic or resilient than others. University of NSW Senior Lecturer Dr Mitchell Harvey, who is a coastal erosion expert, visited the five beaches this week. He said the program would help scientists manage coastlines around the world. “CoastSnap is a global community beach monitoring project that turns your smartphone in your pocket into a powerful device to measure how our coastlines change over time,” he said. “It uses the power of social media and all you need to do is put your smartphone in one of our cradles, take a photo and upload it to the cloud. “We have actually developed some really powerful algorithms to precisely track how the coastline is changing. “ Using a specialised technique known as photogrammetry, CoastSnap relies on repeat photos at the same location to track how the coast is changing over time due to processes such as storms, rising sea levels, human activities, and other factors. The images are pinpointed to ensure the photos have similar accuracy to professional coastal survey teams. Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said if everyone to got involved they could build a strong database of images. “The more photos we collect at a particular site, the more reliable our understanding of how that coastline is changing over time,” he said. “Monitoring these changes is important so that the impacts of coastal hazards can be avoided, mitigated or managed through adaptation planning.” The development of a photo monitoring program delivers on the priority actions, as identified in Council’s Resilient Coast Strategic Plan 2019-2029, as part of the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy. Each photo monitoring point has instructional signage on how to use the phone cradle and photo uploading options. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

FOCUS ON WASTE

New dog bags a tidy move It’s very obvious where responsible dog owners put their used dog waste bags - it’s always the ﬁrst bin they ﬁnd.

Biogone dog bags aim to cut down landfill. 12542174-CG15-22

The bin contents are then taken to a landfill. What happens next is critical according to the Biogone Dog Bags company. If it is a bag from Biogone, then they say it will start to biodegrade (not degrade) down into its constituents, allowing the contents to then also biodegrade. Biogone believe they have the solutions to help meet sustainability goals. Biogone offers two options for dog waste bags and bin liners. The first option is the lower cost landfill-biodegradable plastic bags. They say customers won’t see it break down like an apple core but it is considered as 90 per cent faster than the conventional plastic bag. This means that it is 10s of years rather than 100s of years. They believe this process is ideally suited for landfills where they want to capture landfill gas over a multi decade lifetime. They have rolls of 250 wide mouth and 500 standard bags currently available. The second bag option is home compostable. Here the bags are made from a plantbased material and are designed to biodegrade in landfills in a manner of months. This material is thicker than the landfill-biodegradable bags and rolls of 250 wide mouth or 400 standard are available. The say equally important for environmental considerations, landfill-biodegradable bags do not have a limited shelf life, and they do not fragment into microplastics over time. A plastic bag with Biogone technology will perform and look just the same as a conventional plastic bag. Only when it is disposed to a landfill, will any differences become apparent. There a Biogone bag will start to biodegrade away, a conventional bag will persist for centuries. For further information: www.biogone.com. au

MEET

Norfolk Island waste facility.

Dealing with waste on Norfolk Island By Philip Reid, Manager Environment and Planning, NIRC The remote location of Norfolk Island does not allow for access to standard waste disposal and recycling facilities. The small size of the island, and the reliance on groundwater, means that landfill is not a feasible option, and the cost of managing waste is significant when compared to the Australian mainland. Most fresh produce available on the Island is grown locally, which results in less transport and packaging and therefore less waste. However, recent times have seen a heavy reliance on internet shopping for basic supplies. This is mainly driven by the cost of supplies and availability due to limited freight ships. This has significantly increased the volume of packaging that is received at the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) Waste Management Centre (WMC). There is no waste collection service on the Island so residents and businesses are responsible for delivering their sorted waste to the WMC, where it is further sorted and where possible, processed on Island. To deal with the organic waste streams generated on Island, a ‘HotRot’ (pictured) LGFOCUS.COM.AU

commercial composting system was installed in early 2020. It now manages all the organic waste streams on Norfolk Island, including 90% of butcher’s waste, animal carcasses, and food scraps, with the remaining 10% consisting of cardboard, paper, green waste and untreated timber. The ‘HotRot’ runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week processing waste in a fully sealed cylindrical system that eliminates methane gas. After a six-week cycle, organic waste is turned into nutrient rich compost and sold back to the community or used in Council parks and gardens, promoting a circular economy. NIRC is constantly evolving its waste management practices. Due to the significant costs for exporting waste from Island – around $1,400 per tonne for air freight alone – opportunities to reuse and process waste streams on Island, to create products and materials, will be initiated in the coming months. Not only will this supply vital resources to the local economy, such as glass and aggregate, but it is also hoped that Norfolk Island will be the benchmark for waste management in remote communities. This is just one of the ways NIRC is using sustainable practices to create liveable communities for the future.

Help keep council parks and streets clean & BE PLASTIC SMART with our Landfill-biodegradable & home compostable dog poop waste bags! CONTACT US FOR A:

FREE SAMPLE PACK Containing: 1x roll of home compostable bags (400) 1x roll of landfill-biodegradable bags (500)

For more information or to access this exclusive offer go to biogonedogbags.com.au or call John O’Connor (03) 9676 9518. @biogoneaustralia

@biogoneplastics

@biogone-plastics

April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 19

FOCUS ON TRAINING

The big-picture approach Adopting the principles of Universal Design in developing, upgrading, and maintaining the built environment always achieves better outcomes than meeting minimum access compliance alone according to Access Institute. For many years, Councils have been constrained by the minimum access compliance requirements outlined in legislation such as the National Construction Code and the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010. However, much progress is being made by governments and organisations that understand the benefits and opportunities afforded by adopting Universal Design principles in infrastructure such as buildings, facilities, parks, playgrounds, and streetscapes.

The principles of Universal Design provide the basis for more usable infrastructure that can be used by the whole community. Universal Design does not target one specific user group but instead considers the needs of everyone. This supports inclusion and future proofs assets whilst ensuring that investment in infrastructure is maximised. Access Institute collaborates with many Councils, state, and federal governments as well as private sector organisations to provide training relating

to understanding and applying the principles of Universal Design. This includes practical examples of what Universal Design looks like in practice and what the many benefits are in moving beyond minimum compliance. Access Institute Director, (Ms.) Joe Manton, is a past local government Director, and Fellow of the

Association of Consultants in Access Australia (ACAA), with a comprehensive understanding of Council operations. Contact Access Institute now to discuss your requirements and to book your in-house tailored training sessions at admin@accessinstitute.com.au or (03) 9988 1879

Decades of experience Respected by industry and government Highly credentialed

Access to the Built Environment and Universal Design Courses for 2022. Delivering training into Councils Australia Wide Online courses via Zoom or face to face at your venue in 2022 Understanding and addressing access and Universal Design in: Buildings and facilities Parks and Outdoor Recreation Areas Streetscapes Playgrounds Public Transport 3 hours and 1 day courses Contact us for further details and to book your sessions

T: 03 9988 1979 info@accessinstitute.com.au www.accessinstitute.com.au RTO Provider Number 22404

12541046-DL14-22

SHOWCASE YOUR REGION TO AUSTRALIA

JULY 2021

A large, diverse municipality in Melbourne’s north, the City of Darebin prides itself on being inclusive, sustainable, vibrant and multicultural – an enviable community in which residents love to live.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR MAYOR The City of Darebin is not a simple one to govern; it is not generic. We are strong, energetic and complex – a diverse people in every sense.

This style of promotion provides you with the opportunity to promote your Council to others in the local government sector and to state and federal government authorities, highlighting your best practice programs especially following Covid-19, 19, Four Full Pages tourism, initiatives, and achievements. These supplements can also be a cost-effective way for local governments to disseminate information to residents and ratepayers at expos, in new residents’ kits or as information for new businesses moving into your area. They can also provide a good overview of key activities and can be included with grant applications to both state te and federal governments.

Costing $6,600 including GST

No additional charge for editorial assistance or production plus receive 500 copies of the supplement are provided to Council free of charge.

I was elected along with my fellow eight Councillors in October last year. It is now our privilege and responsibility to guide and govern this wonderful city. We can only do this effectively by working together with our community, businesses and other service organisations. Our Vision for these four years is to be: Vibrant, Respectful and Connected – making sure our community is one where all our people are valued, and no-one is left behind; Prosperous, Liveable and Flourishing – building on 'DUHELQ·V VWUHQJWKV LQ UHODWLRQ WR EXVLQHVV VHUYLFHV and industry, and where all services and facilities that support a balanced, healthy life are easily accessible; sup

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Climate, Green and Sustainable – ensuring Darebin Clim is a leader in responding to the climate emergency, and our natural environment and enhanced; is protected p Responsible, Transparent and Responsive – Res recognising we are here to serve our reco community, in all its diversity, and that we govern com tran transparently and accountably. this last year has taught us anything, it is that we If th are in this together. We all need to continue to play an active role in creating the Darebin we want to become. bec Message from Our Mayor AM TCr Lina Messina May Mayor, City of Darebin

As we focus on the future of Darebin, I want WR UHÁHFW RQ WKH SDVW \HDU ZKLFK KDV UDLVHG unprecedented challenges for our community, and our organisation. It was a year that saw the introduction of a new /RFDO *RYHUQPHQW $FW ² WKH ÀUVW LQ RYHU 30 years – and Council elections, which would normally be a huge undertaking alone. But of course, we also all experienced the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which required wholesale changes to how we operated, to continue our services to our community. The pandemic also put an enormous strain on individuals, which served as another reminder of the critical importance of effective local government in our lives. Darebin took proactive measures to help our residents and workers who were doing it tough – hundreds of Council staff, who were temporarily unable to work due to lockdowns, were redeployed into projects and programs around Darebin, and we took in an extra 110 people from our community displaced by COVID. We also substantially ramped up our service offering to help thousands of community members. I want to wholeheartedly thank our wonderful RIÀFHUV VWDII DQG SUHYLRXV &RXQFLOORUV ZKR were steadfast in leading this city through this time of uncertainty. I also welcome working with our new Council to continue 'DUHELQ·V UHFRYHU\ IURP WKH SDQGHPLF and to see in a new era of prosperity and community connectedness. At the core of the new Act is how we can better listen to, and work with, our

WWW.LGFOCUS.COM.AU

communities. It also supports local governments to more easily work in partnership with each other – across municipal ERXQGDULHV ² WR ÀQG QHZ PRUH VXVWDLQDEOH ways, to operate. :H KDYH \HDU ÀQDQFH DQG DVVHW SODQV – to ensure we have a future view of our resources. This is important, as we need to make sure we can fund our commitments and provide the facilities and infrastructure our community will need. (QVXULQJ RXU ÀQDQFLDO VXVWDLQDELOLW\ ZLOO EH RQH of our greatest challenges in the years ahead. With our community and businesses UHFRYHULQJ IURP WKH ÀQDQFLDO EORZ RI WKH pandemic, we ZLOO QHHG WR ÀQG QHZ DQG EHWWHU ZD\V WR maintain our infrastructure and provide our services. Partnership is the only way forward – with our organisations, businesses and service providers – and more broadly, with our local government neighbours, and state and federal governments. It is also how we want to orient our Council and organisation to our community. This a new dawn for Darebin, and we want to grow our connectedness with our diverse communities. We look forward to working together. Sue Wilkinson CEO, Darebin City Council

E. louisa.kneller@starnewsgroup.com.au | M. 0413 380 545 www.lgfocus.com.au 20 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

12544263-JC15-22

E. phill.lepetit@starnewsgroup.com.au | M. 0439 377 525 or

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

FOCUS ON TRAINING

Tackling asbestos legacy Asbestos is still present in one in three homes across Australia, as well as in a large number of public and commercial buildings. Managing Australia’s asbestos legacy is a challenge for all levels of government, as well as industry and non government. The inaugural Asbestos Safety and Management Conference will bring all levels of government and non-government together, in the Blue Mountains in May 2022, to discuss these important challenges. The event to be held 1920 May and co-hosted by Blue Mountains City Council and the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, will include a series of plenary sessions, workshops, and networking activities, as well as optional pre-conference activities. The 2022 theme, Acting together to prevent asbestos exposure, comes as annual asbestos-relat-

ed deaths continue to rise. Conference co-host and Chief Executive Officer, Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, Ms Justine Ross said the conference is now more important than ever. “Every year an estimated 4,000 Australians die from asbestos-related diseases. This number is four times higher than the annual road toll,” Ms Ross said. “We need all levels of government and industry working together to tackle our asbestos legacy. This conference allows our country’s finest asbestos specialists to network, exchange experiences, and develop collaborative plans of action for our future.” Local governments are known to often bear the brunt of managing the nation’s asbestos problem. This includes managing waste facilities,

cleaning up illegal dumping, and dealing with asbestos materials following natural disasters. The conference will have a key focus on addressing these challenges. Blue Mountains City Council, Dr Rosemary Dillon, said: “We really encourage anyone involved in asbestos management, particularly those on the front line, to join us at the conference and share their stories of how we can improve our current processes.” With guest speakers to be announced soon, the event will be leading the charge for asbestos management across the nation. Like many events, the Asbestos Safety & Management Conference has adopted a hybrid approach to allow as many attendees as possible. Delegates can attend the event in person at the Blue Mountains, or livestream the event from homes or the office. The conference is open to

attendees from various industries and will see local, state, and federal governments, removal contractors, regulators, property managers, and non-government organisations come together. Leading asbestos experts and specialists will come together at the conference to discuss new strategies to prevent Australians from being exposed to asbestos fibres. “By acting together we can stop further tragic deaths by preventing exposure to asbestos fibres through better management of asbestos in both our built and natural environment,” Ms Ross concluded. If you would like to learn more about the conference or purchase a ticket, you can head to the conference website: asbestosconference.com.au Early bird tickets are on sale until 31 March, 2022.

Upskilling that works Kylie Ciocca’s decision to study the online Graduate Certificate in Project Management with CQUniversity gave her the flexibility to work full time and fit studies around her life. “Online learning was important for me. I was able to do it at my own pace and structure my life around my work which really helped me progress through the course in my own way and I was able to do really well,” she explained. “I was looking for something that would combine the practical and theoretical skills I needed to help with my role. The graduate certificate helped me learn some of the software skills needed, but also combined theoretical elements, in particular governance which I knew would also help with my role in my career.”

As an online student, Kylie said the support she received from the start of her learning experience to the end was very encouraging. “The support networks at CQUniversity are excellent. Not only are the teaching staff great, but they’re also helpful and always available if you have questions or want to check your understanding on things. There are also other support networks that I took advantage of as well such as the student engagement team.” CQUniversity offers a range of project management courses, from certificates and diplomas through to postgraduate and masters level study options. To find out more about any of these courses visit cqu. edu.au/courses/project-management. Applications are now open for Term 2, 2022 to commence in July.

Kylie Ciocca.

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains Leura NSW

WE SEE YOU IN DEMAND

Acting together to prevent asbestos exposure

ADVANCE WITH STUDY IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT

19 - 20 MAY 2022 REGISTER NOW asbestosconference.com.au

FLEXIBLE ON-CAMPUS AND ONLINE OPTIONS APPLY NOW

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

INNOVATION SPONSORS

TAFE AND UNI QUALIFICATIONS

SILVER SPONSOR

TECHNICAL SPONSOR

CRICOS: 00219C | RTO: 40939 12541669-AV15-22

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

GOLD SPONSOR

12541632-AV15-22

April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 21

FOCUS ON WATER

New barges for Norfolk.

All onboard for deliveries You’ve only got to look at the history books of Norfolk Island to realise the unique challenges the remote island has faced over the years, and shipping and freight is just one that needs to be overcome. But things are looking up for the picturesque island in the South Paciﬁc, 1,471 km East-South of Brisbane. By Gregory Roy, Infrastructure Services, Norfolk Island Regional Council Norfolk has a unique way of landing cargo – including all essential food items and goods, building materials, machinery and cars; it’s called Lighterage. For over 200 years, small wooden boats (Lighterage) were used to ‘ferry’ items from cargo ships, anchored outside the coral reef, and bring them ashore. While necessary at the time, this practice presented many issues: Lighterage deck space was too small to work safely, transport vehicles or large building

materials, the impact of high seas, and the vessels were unstable when carrying heavy cargo. It was apparent this practice needed to be overhauled and that’s exactly what Norfolk Island Regional Council has done. Working closely with the Commonwealth, NIRC consulted with the Senior Lighterage Team, who have many years of experience, local and historical knowledge, to investigate and solidify potential solutions. After three months, two new Lighterage options were sought and purchased in Queensland and Victoria. A 10 tonne capacity Purpose Built Landing Barge, with a large deck space was purchased

and will enable the safe loading and unloading of large cargo (vehicles, mini buses, machinery) in heavy swells. A smaller 10 metre Work Punt with a 5 tonne deck capacity, has also been purchased and will be used to complement the larger vessel with smaller and faster movements of cargo. These two new vessels will work in unison to significantly enhance Lighterage services for the community of Norfolk Island, providing assurance that essential supplies arrive on Island during heavy swells and bad weather, enhancing food security, and moving towards a sustainable and self-sufficient future.

Barges set to arrive.

Pipe works to end eyesore drainage Efforts to transform Murrabit’s stormwater network from an open drain system to an underground drainage infrastructure network will resume in mid-April with construction of the ﬁfth and sixth stages of the project to occur. The work, occurring Church, Laursen and Whiter streets, as well as the Murrabit Market site, will see these locations connected to the town’s new stormwater network, building on efforts that began in September 2021. “Murrabit residents living along Browning Avenue, Danson Street and Gonn Avenue are already benefiting from the $1.1 million Murrabit Stormwater Project which has removed deep spoon drains that are conducive to disease-carrying mosquitos during the warmer months of the year,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said. “The completion of the first four stages of this transformational project would not have been possible without funding from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, with Council allocating $500,000 of the $2.636 million received from the third round of this program to ensure the entire Murrabit township is con22 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

nected to the stormwater network.” Following feedback from the community, Council will also plant trees along areas where stormwater works have occurred to beautify the township. “Thanks to the removal of the deep spoon drains, there is now extra space throughout Murrabit to beautify its streets, which will enhance its reputation as an oasis on the Murray River,” Mr O’Reilly said. “Council thanks the Federal Government, and in particular Anne Webster, Federal Member for Mallee, for supporting this project and looks forward to working with the Murrabit community in implementing these improvements.” Council will continue to keep residents updated regarding the Murrabit Stormwater Project via its website, Facebook page, Gannawarra News and Gannawarra Connect.

Work to resume. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

FOCUS ON FLEET

Antonio Alegre, Commercial Sales and Jordan Abraham, Commercial Sales, hidrive, manufacturers of mobile workshops for light vehicles and trucks.

Delegates listen into one of the keynote speakers at the IPWEA Fleet conference in Brisbane.

Pictures: Phill Le Petit

Jeff Nicotra, Regional Manager, Hino Australia.

IPWEA Fleet meet returns Leading Fleet Management Through Change was the topic of the IPWEA Fleet conference in Brisbane in the last week in March. By Tania Phillips The event was back in the real world at the Royal International Convention Centre/Old Showgrounds in Brisbane after going virtual in 2021 with transitioning to Electric Vehicles (EV) and the infrastructure needed for such a move, high on the list of discussion topics according to IPWEA Director, Fleet Robert Wilson. “It’s been great to be back, the response has been terrific and we are already planning for next year,” Mr Wilson said. “We’ve been running the conference since 2017, the last one we held in March 2020 just as the Corona Virus shutdowns were kicking in. We managed to just finish our conference before that happened. We did run one in 2020 face-to-face and in 2021 we had virtual conference.” “I think people have been really quite positive to be back out and walk around the exhibition, meet for a drink after the sessions and do all that kind of stuff that we like to do.” Mr Wilson said it was a really important event in a number of ways. “Firstly, it’s about professional development, so we really strive to have leaders in the industry,” he explained. “They might be industry experts in the EV

space or something like that or they’re leaders as fleet managers. “They have demonstrated their ability to be a leader or vanguard in fleet management practice. We really try to get people who are going to have knowledge or experience that’s going to be helpful to the delegates from professional development viewpoint.” Numbers were slightly down on previous years something Mr Wilson said was understandable due to some of the remaining covid restrictions. “Some of our membership have also been directly affected by recent floods, but that said, it was still a substantial event and its been vibrant and dynamic,” he said. “It started Monday evening with an official opening, welcome and keynote address by Bree Allen of Summit Fleet Leasing and management and then welcoming drinks and canapes. “Everyone got a chance to do what they have been hanging out to do, catch up and have a chat. “We always take that approach, to have it in the exhibition hall, it’s a great way for people to see the exhibition while they are catching up and chatting to people.” The event will return to Brisbane next year.

Robert Webster, Sales Executive and Jim Mitchell, General Manager, Nasco Auctioneers. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

IPWEA exhibitors Scott Morrow, National Account Development Specialist, Megan Baker, Customer Success Specialist and Ben James, National Business Development Manager, Plant Assessor.

Chris Baier, Webfleet Solutions and Phill Driver, Govt and Fleet Account Manager, Bridgestone.

Greg Hewlett, Sales Manager, Govt and Motor Graders and Shane Griffiths, Application Specialist Technology, Hastings Deering (Australia) Ltd.

Frank Luksic, Technical Sales Executive & Tony Forte, Channel Sales Manager, Durst Industries (Aust) Pty Ltd.

Dillon Spillane, Account Manager at Pickles. April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 23

FOCUS ON ROADS

Before.

Seal of approval A recent, innovation on an unsealed road in Glenorchy LGA in Tasmania, challenged the more conventional “resheeting” approach.

Stage One.

Major road award Phase One of the Stephenson Avenue Extension project – delivered by the City of Stirling – has been awarded for excellence by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia’s Western Australian Division (IPWEA WA). The project won the Excellence in Road Safety Projects and was Highly Commended in the Best Public Works Project Greater than $5 million (Metro) category at the awards on Friday 11 March. The IPWEA Excellence Awards are presented each year to encourage and recognise excellence in the innovation, development, construction and management of public works projects and the people involved. Phase One, delivered by the City of Stirling and completed in February 2022, saw Stephenson Avenue extended north of Scarborough Beach Road as a four-lane street with: a new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists landscaping with 187 new trees new lighting new pavement and tie-ins to Ellen Stirling Boulevard

· · · ·

· bespoke seating · 52 on-street parking bays new signalised intersections at Oswald · two Street (extension of existing road) and Howe Street (new road) Mayor Mark Irwin said it was excellent to see this major project recognised. “Congratulations to all staff and Elected Members who have worked on this project from the planning stages, to securing funding from all levels of government and right through to delivering the works,” the mayor said. “The extension of Stephenson Avenue will help to realise our long-held vision; unlocking 55ha of land for development and remediation and facilitating the delivery of mid-tier transport solutions along Scarborough Beach Road in future. “I look forward to seeing Phase Two come

to fruition now that works are underway by the State Government through Main Roads WA, including connections to the freeway and important upgrades to the Stirling Station.” Mayor Irwin, CEO Stuart Jardine PSM and Director Infrastructure Michael Littleton joined Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher MP, Member for Stirling Vince Connelly MP, Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti MLA and other special guests at the turning of the sod for Phase Two of the project earlier this week. The Stephenson Avenue Extension project has been jointly funded by the Western Australian Government ($82.5 million) and the Australian Government ($82.5 million). Read more about the Stephenson Avenue Extension project by visiting the City of Stirling website or the Main Roads WA website.

Recycled pavements track well Yarra City Council is trialling a new permeable pavement in Clifton Hill, which offers a sustainable solution to traditional treatments. Their pavement trial at Ramsden Oval carpark, funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, was installed last month and was developed using research from the University of Melbourne. The pavement is made from around 70 per cent recycled tyres, sourced from a local Victorian facility, and is mixed with recycled glass and rock particles to give it the strength needed to sustain the weight of cars and other vehicles. In addition to using recycled materials, the pavement also incorporates a water filtration system, which treats and stores storm water, protects tree growth and prevents flooding. Once the water is collected, any contaminants are removed via an activated media filter. The combination of the permeable pavement and the filter is the first time this technology has ever been used. This project forms part of Yarra’s Integrated Water Management Plan which uses water sensitive urban design like permeable pavements to improve waterway health, better support tree growth in Yarra, and reduce waste by diverting it away from landfill. The performance of the pavement will be monitored over the next 24 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

Yarra City Council trials permeable pavement. Pictures: Yarra City Council

The trial begins.

two years. Mayor of Yarra, Sophie Wade says Council recognises the importance of water efficiency and the need to improve the health of our waterways. “Water management is critical to strength-

ening our community’s resilience to the impacts climate change. Our waterways need to be protected and maintained so they support and enhance our local community and our connection to nature,” she said.

The final result saved Glenorchy Council both time and money yet delivered a quality sustainable outcome for its road users. The Council’s traditional re-sheeting involved more than 100mm of fresh gravel placed on a road at substantial investment in capital cost. On unsealed roads, such as Fairy Glen Road in Glenorchy city’s rural suburb of Collinsvale, the council found this method not as successful due to a location often subject to heavy and prolonged rain conditions, surrounded by very dense forest vegetation. The Fairy Glen road can be saturated for months, according to council staff, with water causing recurring potholes, corrugation, rutting and potentially more serious failures in the road base. During a routine maintenance request the council’s maintain team tried a new approach to the project - and it worked. This time around, according to council staff, a milling machine was used to precisely excavate the saturated failed areas of the wearing surface only, prior to “top dressing” with some fresh material. Glenorchy council staff commonly use milling on sealed roads but it is unheard of for unsealed roads. The Glenorchy crew trialled this method, leaving the road base untouched and undamaged, working to the old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t’ fix it’. A conventional re-sheet would have seen the base ripped up and disturbed regardless of it’s current condition at the time and expense of the ratepayer. Next the team used fresh material to “top dress” the wearing course but only to a nominal depth of 35mm again saving almost two thirds of the stipulated 100mm gravel. Using less gravel in this instance meant less compounding problems caused by excessive material being introduced. Clogged drainage by excessive gravel would only lead to more potholes. Visit Glenorchy City Council’s website gcc.tas.gov.au

After. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

FOCUS ON ROADS

Roads: ‘Build back better’ With the Federal Government’s post-pandemic recovery package offering funding grants, regional and remote councils have never had a better chance to apply the motto ‘build back better’ to their road network. According to Earthco Projects now is the time to end reliance on outdated road maintenance methods and adopt new and improved ways. “Towns and cities are rethinking road building, which has resulted in numerous trials of recycled plastics, glass and rubber tyres replacing tradition bitumen. And the results are better – lower maintenance costs, less traffic noise and longer lasting assets,” a company spokesperson said.“Rural road maintenance need to be re-thought too.

President Darriea Turley.

Flow-on effect Local Government NSW (LGNSW) is calling for new infrastructure funding in the lead up to the federal election that will support councils to create new jobs, improve Australia’s productivity, deliver safer roads, and improve community wellbeing. LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley AM said Australia’s 537 councils were asking for: A $500 million a year extension of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program A new $300 million a year Strategic Local Roads Program to address first and last mile transport issues An increase in Roads to Recovery Funding to $800 million a year and Black Spot Funding to $200 million a year, and permanent supplementary road funding of $20 million a year for South Australian councils Continuation of the Stronger Regional Digital Connectivity Package at $55 million over four years; and A new $200 million a year fund to support local governments to invest in innovative affordable housing partnerships. These priorities have been independently assessed and, if funded, would create 10,088 jobs and add $1.558 billion a year to Australia’s GDP. “Councils in NSW have been supporting their communities for the past few years through bushfires, the Covid-19 pandemic and recurring floods,” Cr Turley said. “Councils will be able to continue to deliver more beneficial infrastructure projects to help their communities prosper and really play a crucial role in the recovery of the nation, post-pandemic.”

The expensive and environmentally destructive practice of quarrying new materials and transporting them for miles causing further degradation to already deteriorating roads is a serious waste of grant money and councils’ rates when cheaper and better methods exist. “PolyCom is an exciting alternative to traditional road construction material. By recycling and reusing existing, in situ materials, and blending with PolyCom Stabilising Aid, the need to use new Imported material is eliminated.

“Previously unworkable material can be treated on site and re used. Quarries become redundant. Heavy, road destroying, haulage trucks are no longer needed. “Wasting grant money on needlessly expensive methods ‘because that’s how we’ve always done it’ is no longer justifiable to ratepayers. Go to roadmaker.com.au for availability and quotations Australia-wide or phone 1800 790 907.

Building back better roads.

PROVEN METHOD OF PROVIDING MORE VALUE FOR MONEY TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVT OVER THE PAST 18 YEARS. (SEALED AND UNSEALED ROADS)

AUSTRALIA WIDE SERVICE AND SUPPORT WITH EXPERT DISTRIBUTOR'S IN EVERY STATE.

· · ·

· ·

Sealed and unsealed road maintenance Reduction in re-sheet materials required Water and fuel savings from fewer maintenance grades Safer, smoother running surfaces Less ratepayer complaints and improved driveability Roads resist wet weather damage and erosion Works with all types of road materials and machinery OHS and Environment Compliant Training and road monitoring / support included Asset awareness and monitoring capability

VISIT WWW.ROADMAKER.COM.AU OR CALL 1800 790 907

12541796-JC15-22

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 25

FOCUS ON SPORTS AND PARKS

New hockey facility for Goulburn The ﬁrst competition games have been held on the new water-based turf at the Goulburn Regional Hockey Complex, following an ofﬁcial opening in March.

Penrith Reserve restoration.

Volunteers are needed Penrith City Council and Conservation Volunteers Australia are encouraging residents to get involved and help restore habitat across ﬁve Penrith bushland reserves throughout the year. The Habitat Restoration program will deliver numerous events over the course of the year, rehabilitating and improving the bushland in the Penrith Local Government Area. Activities include weed removal, planting native species, exploring the bushland at night with a spectacular Nocturnal Safari, and special guided walks and talks. The event series is designed to be an educational, hands-on experience and Bushcare experience is not required to get involved. The event program kicked off with Habitat Restoration at Gow Park in Mulgoa on Wednesday 6 April. Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen praised the event program as a great way to get involved and learn more about the bushland, local animals and plants that call it home. “Council’s Bushcare team and Conservation

Volunteers Australia have created an exciting event program for 2022 that will encourage people to get out and get involved in their community,” Cr Hitchen said. “Our Bushcare team has carefully selected five of our bushland reserves that has one or more threatened flora species that need protecting. “The event program includes activities such as removing weeds, planting trees, guided walks, weed blitzes, and special events such as Breakfast with the Birds and Nocturnal Safaris. “This is a great opportunity to get outside, get your hands dirty, and help protect our local plant and animal species,” she said. The Habitat Restoration event program is supported by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.

Mayor Peter Walker, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman Minister for Local Government and Member for Goulburn and Sharney Fleming President of Goulburn District Hockey officially opened the field. Also in attendance was The Hon Angus Taylor Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction and Member for Hume, Kate Pulbrook of Hockey NSW and a number of committee members and hockey representatives from around the region. The new complex contains two synthetic fields, national championship quality lighting and a new expanded car park that now comes straight off Deccan Street. “The new blue turf can’t be missed, and provides an excellent fast surface for our players. Combined with the lighting and soon to be upgraded amenities buildings we will now be able to attract and host state and potentially even national hockey cham-

pionship events” said Mayor Peter Walker. Mrs Tuckerman said the facilities upgrade to championship event standard benefits local players and will attracts visitors to the region. “Goulburn has a proud history when it comes to professional and social hockey participation and the upgrade secures the future of hockey in Goulburn and surrounds,” Mrs Tuckerman said. Following the official opening and speeches Goulburn Hockey Association held a come and try day, before Goulburn’s three Canberra Capital League teams played their opening round matches. The NSW Government provided $3.872 million towards this project, Council contributed just over $3 million to purchase the facility and Goulburn District Hockey Association also contributed $200,000.

Sharney Fleming (Goulburn Hockey Association President,) Mayor Peter Walker, Member for Goulburn & Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman.

Sports precinct impresses legend Sheedy Former AFL coach, premiership player and Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend KEVIN SHEEDY has toured the Mildura Sporting Precinct (MSP) for the ﬁrst time, describing the venue as ‘quite amazing’. The AFL great said the precinct compared impressively with other major regional sporting venues. “I’ve been all around Victoria in the past two months nearly, and I’ll be heading back to Echuca, I’ve been over to Gippsland, Ballarat and Bendigo, the whole lot, I travel extensively right throughout our regional areas and I think you’ve put down a huge footprint impressively when the AFL comes to have a look at this,” Sheedy said. The current Essendon Football Club board member said he was a big believer in bringing games to regional venues like the Mildura Sporting Precinct. “In the years that I coached, we always came into the country and regional areas because we take the game to the people, and I think that’s always been one of the aspects of pre-season competition,” Sheedy said. “I hope the AFL head honchos…look at what regional areas are doing to get clubs to the right areas, to develop the vision of places like Mildura.” Speaking just over a month ahead of the first Sunraysia Football Netball League game at the precinct on 30 April, Sheedy said the ground was equal to anywhere in terms of a venue for local football. “I haven’t seen anything like it anywhere to be honest, and I’ve been around Australia a lot, and I’m talking all states and codes, this is quite amazing,” he said. Mildura Mayor Liam Wood, who led the tour, said he was encouraged by Sheedy’s impressions of the ground. 26 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

Mildura Mayor Liam Wood, Kevin Sheedy, Aligned Leisure CEO Shane Dunne and Mildura Councillor for Recreation and Events Mark Eckel. “This is a great step forward in our ongoing push to advocate for AFL games to be played at the precinct, hearing these types of compliments from one of the greatest players in the game, who has seen it all,” Cr Wood said. The Mayor said Sheedy was an influential figure who played a significant role in securing pre-season games at Red Cliffs’ Quandong Park in 2006 and 2007. “Kevin is obviously an iconic figure in the game, but he’s demonstrated on numerous occasions his passion for both Indigenous and grassroots communities, and is an influencer at all levels, including government,” he said. Joining Sheedy on the tour was Aligned Lei-

sure Chief Executive Officer Shane Dunne, who is no stranger to the precinct from its earliest stages, before the first sod was turned. Aligned Leisure is a 100%-owned subsidiary company of the Richmond Football Club and already has a strong presence in the Sunraysia region as operator of Council’s network of public swimming pools. “We’re building a strong platform of support for the precinct at the highest levels with both the Richmond and Essendon Football Clubs, which is amazing and will help us attract events and games of the highest calibre, which will ultimately benefit our broader community,” Cr Wood said.

“It’s also a nice tie-in when we look back at the last time AFL games were played in our region, between the Bombers and the Tigers.” The Mayor said the precinct had already secured a Bendigo Pioneers game in June this year and Council would continue to pursue every opportunity to bring state and national events to Mildura. “With Stage 2 well under way, we can now see light at the end of the tunnel in terms of a completed precinct, including additional indoor and outdoor seating, external shade improvements, more parking, including parking around the ground, and perimeter fencing,” he said. “This will realise the full potential of this project, which has already delivered on so many of its promises in terms of attracting large-scale events, such as our partnership with the Bendigo Spirit and the upcoming Pioneers game, despite only being partly completed. “Importantly, Stage 1 is delivering in terms of allowing the numerous sporting groups that now call the precinct home to grow and expand. “Examples include volleyball, which has been able to re-introduce a dedicated women’s league since relocating to the precinct, and an additional men’s grade. Badminton is also another group which has enjoyed strong growth since relocating there. “Stage 2 will enable us to continue delivering on everything this landmark facility promised.” The historic first official football game to be played at the precinct will be the South Mildura Sporting Club’s first home game on 30 April. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

FOCUS ON SPORTS AND PARKS

Sign of things to come Modern, ﬁt-for-purpose changeroom facilities form part of new developments at Thomson Reserve. Female friendly and accessible changerooms will ensure that Thomson Football Netball Club and Thomson Cricket Club continue to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all. The facility is designed with an operable wall with the option for creating two smaller changerooms from one larger one. The AFL-sized changeroom features full shower and toilet cubicles, along with accessible toilet and shower. Geelong Council proudly provided $150,000 towards the development while the Victorian Government contributed $500,000 through a Sport and Recreation Victoria grant for femalefriendly sporting changeroom facilities. The brand new changerooms will support the club as it continues to grow its membership and will cater for a surge in women and girls taking up football and cricket. Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the project makes the Thomson Football Netball Club and Thomson Cricket Club a place where everyone can feel comfortable, valued and safe. “Council was delighted to assist with this project because we firmly believe participation in physical activity and encouraging people to come together in sporting clubs benefits mental and physical health,” Cr Sullivan said. “Women’s sport has exploded in Greater Geelong in recent times, and we need to have the facilities to accommodate this growth.” Councillor Peter Murrihy also welcomed the development of change facilities, particularly considering the expansion of women’s football across the region. “The project supports Thomson Football Netball Club in its desire to develop a female football program, a goal that was not achievable with its previous facilities,” Cr Murrihy said. “The changerooms will also help in recruiting more quality talent to the sports in what is a

Cr Peter Murrihy, Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan, Cr Anthony Aitken and Cr Eddy Kontelj join Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens, in opening the new Thomson Reserve Changeroom facilities. The dignitaries were accompanied by delighted members of the Thomson Football Netball Club and Thomson Cricket Club. very competitive local environment.” Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the project was vital in supporting the return of local sport.

“With grassroots sports back on the park, more than ever growing communities and clubs like those here in Thomson need quality facilities they can depend on,” Ms Couzens said.

“The new clubroom spaces are a great win for local sport and community and provide the perfect place for the community to reconnect and enjoy the big games.

New skate park a first, and on its way Gordon youth will have two brand new attractions to enjoy at the public park in 2022. Work on Gordon’s first ever skate park begins in June, with a three by three metre basketball court to be constructed shortly after. Implemented by Moorabool Shire Council (Victoria) in conjunction with the Gordon Public Park Committee of Management (COM), skate park specialists CONVIC will deliver the project shortly after doing the same at Ballan’s Mill Park. “Discussions on this project have been taking place between Council and the Park’s Committee of Management (COM) since February 2021, planning upgrades to complement existing facilities, including tennis courts, public toilets, a community garden and clubhouse,” CEO Derek Madden said. First identified in the 2014-2019 Gordon Public Park Master Plan, a skate space has long been sought after by the Gordon com-

munity, and with the addition of a 3x3m basketball court, the public park will transform into a vibrant youth hub.

This demand was evident during the community consultation process, undertaken by Council and CONVIC in December 2021, with

community members unanimously in support of these park upgrades. The recent community survey conducted by the COM has further confirmed strong support for upgrades to the park. With work on the skate park due to be complete by July 2022, the Council is seeking quotes for a suitable contractor to construct and install the 3x3m court. This project is also expected to be completed in the coming months. In the meantime, Council will continue to actively work with the Gordon Public Park COM in planning for stage two, featuring further landscaping works of the site including drainage, safety measures, footpath and fencing works. Stage two, worth $325,000, is funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

Accessible pump track an asset for region A wheel-chair friendly pump track is set to be built in Maryborough’s Anzac Park. Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Jade Wellings said the site was selected following public consultation and detailed site evaluation, with Council planning to build the asphalt pump track in the 2022/23 financial year. The Council gained a $1.3 million grant from the Queensland Government through the Works For Queensland program to design and build the pump tracks on the Fraser Coast. Cr Wellings said the ANZAC Park site was best suited for all abilities access something they were keen to promote. “I want to see a more inclusive community and want to ensure the pump track is wheelchair friendly,” she said. “Recently we opened a Changing Places facility (with an adult-sized change table and a hoist) at Anzac Park which would be accessible to people using the pump track. “ANZAC Park is the premier park on the FraLGFOCUS.COM.AU

ser Coast, so putting a pump track there adds an extra dimension, an extra drawcard to attract holiday makers and Hervey Bay residents to visit Maryborough.” Cr Wellings said pump tracks were rapidly becoming popular recreation facilities across the country. A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and jumps designed to be ridden by generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing, she said. The proposed tracks in Hervey Bay and Maryborough will include three distinct sections to cater for beginners, intermediate and experienced users. Consultation with users on the elements to be included in the design of the Maryborough track will start soon. An investigation into a site for the Hervey Bay facility is ongoing.

New pump tracks planned. April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 27

FOCUS ON FLOODS

Land swap for flood-prone Flood-prone businesses keen to move to higher ground through an innovative Land Swap arrangement are urged to register their interest with Tweed Shire Council. Since the February flood, the council has received calls from local businesses seeking to find out more about the first Land Swap project at Industry Central in South Murwillumbah, currently underway. The innovative Land Swap was initiated by Council in the aftermath of the flood of March 2017, which decimated much of the industrial area of South Murwillumbah. Thanks to a $3 million grant from the NSW Government, Council acquired 14 ha of suitable flood-free land at Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah, to develop as a new industrial estate. Following a successful selection process, this is now fully subscribed with eight businesses set to move to the new site once completed. Council’s Manager of Land and Economic Development Ray Musgrave said the project presented a strategic solution for many businesses impacted by flooding. “By providing a secure flood-free location for these businesses, it will allow them to invest in their future in the Tweed with confidence,” Mr Musgrave said. “The recent flood has unfortunately illustrated the need to create additional employment land out of the flood zone. Our region is growing and we are keen to support our business sector wherever we can. “To create employment/industrial precincts such as Industry Central takes a considerable amount of time to obtain the numerous approvals and then construct the necessary infrastructure before businesses can actually start work on site.” Council has engaged Alder Constructions via an open tender to obtain approvals for the engineering design and construction of all public infrastructure at Industry Central, including

South Murwillumbah’s Industry Central (blue box) remained high and dry in the 28 February flood. Council’s first Land Swap area is fully subscribed and interest is now being sought from businesses keen to participate in a second Land Swap project. roads, stormwater, reticulated sewer, water supply and telecommunications. The new allotments are due to be completed by the end of 2022 and once settlement has taken place, businesses can commence building at Industry Central.

Byron pushes for drainage upgrade Byron Council is investigating the ﬂooding event in the Byron Bay town centre and Suffolk Park, 30 March 2022, which saw many homes and businesses inundated with water. The Bureau of Meteorology gauges recorded 319mm of rain at Coopers Shoot and 282mm in Byron Bay in the 24 hours to 9am on 30 March. That amount of rain alone would ordinarily have caused flooding in Byron Bay, but the already soaked catchment is believed to have exacerbated the problem with no water being absorbed into the ground. The intensity of the rain was beyond the capacity of Council’s drainage pipe network. In addition to this, the level of the ocean is currently higher than normal due to spring tides,so water flowing out of Belongil Creek and Tallow Creek was slowed considerably when the ocean was pushing against it. Phil Holloway, Infrastructure Services Director, said it was terrible to see the flooding of homes and businesses in Byron Bay and Suffolk Park. “It’s incredibly sad to see this flood event on top of everything else we’ve experienced, not only in the last month, but during the pandemic as well,” Mr Holloway said. “The town of Byron Bay is actually very flood-prone when we get heavy rain,” he said. “As soon as we could we started checking the drains for blockages. “The Clarks Beach drain was blocked and we did clear that ... and that helped some of the water get away. “Normally that drain, which silts up with sand, clears itself when there is heavy rain but that didn’t happen this time. 28 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

Flood waters in Byron.

Picture: Wayne Davis

“We didn’t find any other major blockages in the network,” Mr Holloway said. It’s estimated a drainage upgrade in Byron Bay will cost around $15 million and Council has applied for funding for this project, but so far has been unsuccessful, in getting Government grants to enable this work to get started. “This drainage upgrade is a top priority for us but the cost is beyond the capacity of Council,” Mr Holloway said. “Flooding in any business or household is not something we want to see and we will continue to apply for grants for this important project,” he said.

Given the interest in the project, the council is now asking flood-affected businesses to register their interest in any future potential Land Swap. This would require suitable land to be identified and for the NSW Government to provide financial support.

“Given the demand for the first parcels of land at Industry Central, I urge any businesses keen to participate in a second tranche to make contact with us,” Mr Musgrave said. “These processes take time and we’re keen to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.”

QLD councils band together in response Council Crews from across Queensland have converged on the ﬂood-ravaged south-east corner of the state to lend a hand with the clean-up effort. Workers from councils including Mackay, Gladstone, Central Highlands, Rockhampton, Redlands and the Gold Coast have given their time and, in some cases, travelled away from family and friends – often for weeks at a time – to assist SEQ communities return to normal life as quickly as possible. Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson, said local governments in Queensland frequently support each other in times of greatest need. “I cannot commend or thank these generous councils and their people enough for their efforts,” Mayor Jamieson said. “In times like this, councils are often the first out of the blocks to lend a hand to their fellow councils doing it tough in the wake of a natural disaster. “For our local government family in Queensland, it is second nature to do so. “We believe every Queensland community deserves to be a liveable one, and the willingness of these crews to volunteer - and their councils to lend their equipment - to help communities get back on their feet faster shows they believe that too. “The LGAQ’s Council to Council (C2C) support program has again proven its worth, with councils once more supporting each other in times of crisis. “The councils that need help right now are some of Queensland’s largest councils, who have been called on to assist others in the past, so it’s great to see the favour returned.” Mayor Jamieson also offered his heartfelt

thanks to the 22 councils that make up the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils for their generosity in donating to the Premier’s Queensland Floods Appeal. “This generous offer from our western councils came straight from the heart and on behalf of the LGAQ and our Wide Bay and south-east Queensland members I want to say thank you,” he said. Paola Iona from Emerald led a team of four Central Highlands Regional Council workers who were part of the clean-up in Brisbane. “It’s a good feeling to get down here and help out,” Mr Iona said. “I didn’t hesitate when they asked me to come down, [I said] ‘yep, I’m going’. “We’re just making it nice for people to start using the park again, to make them feel safe, and make it pretty again for the community. “There’s a community spirit here [in Queensland]. Some people need a hand; it happens to us too. “This time we just want to come and give them a hand and maybe another day, they’ll come and give us a hand.” Six Queensland councils have already sent crews to assist with the efforts, with several more ready to activate crews for phase two of the clean-up. The LGAQ facilitates the Council to Council program, liaising with councils to send help where it’s needed. The program was last activated in the 2019 monsoon event, where councils from all over Queensland supported Townsville, Flinders, Richmond, McKinlay, Cloncurry and Winton. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

METRO AND SUBURBAN

The new Adelaide Guide is out in print now.

New Adelaide city guide The latest edition of the Adelaide Visitor Guide is out now and, with domestic and international travel on the rise and according to Adelaide Economic Development Agency Managing Director Ian Hill, it’s a great resource to help people explore Australia’s most liveable city. Mr Hill said the Adelaide Visitor Guide was the quintessential guide for travellers to South Australia and had been a staple for visitors to the city for more than 20 years. Produced by HWR Media via the Adelaide Economic Development Agency, the content in the guide is refreshed annually to stay on top of trends and consumer interests.

“Travel is on the up again with enquiries at the Adelaide Visitor Information Centre approaching pre-Covid levels, including travellers from interstate, and from as far as the UK, Europe, Japan and the USA,” said Mr Hill said. “AEDA uses the enquiries at the Visitor Information Centre to help shape the content to best serve visitors.

“The best places to eat are popular enquiries but since covid we’ve also had a lot more interest in self-guided trails, so we’ve added more of this content in the latest guide.” This year the guide has grown from A5 to A4 with extra space to accommodate additional content for maps and information and comple-

ments the Experience Adelaide website (www. ExperienceAdelaide.com.au). “This new iteration of the visitor guide shows how print still plays a key role to inspire travellers to explore Adelaide’s vibrant tourism industry,” said HWR Media Chief Executive Officer Tom Raggatt said.

Short-term restriction plan on display A draft amendment to the City of Hobart’s interim planning scheme proposing to restrict future short-term accommodation permits in residential areas is now open for public feedback. The 28-day public exhibition period has been extended to take into account the public holidays for Easter and Anzac Day. The representation period will therefore close on Friday 6 May 2022. Members of the public are invited to view the draft amendment and submit a represen-

tation. Representations will be considered by the Planning Authority in preparing its final report. The report will then be submitted to the Tasmanian Planning Commission for its consideration. The Commission must hold hearings into

any representations and has the option to support the amendment, modify the amendment, or reject it. The draft amendment proposes to insert a new qualification under the definition of ‘Visitor accommodation’ in the General Residential Zone, the Inner Residential Zone, and the

Low Density Residential Zone of the Hobart Interim Planning Scheme 2015. The amendment and supporting documentation will be on display at the City of Hobart’s Customer Service Centre throughout the public exhibition period, or can be viewed on the City’s website.

Scarborough Elders seek industrial pause Murujuga Elders and Traditional Custodians of the Scarborough area attended the WA Parliament to deliver an open letter to the WA government late last month. The group later met with Woodside representatives to request an immediate pause on all industrial development on Murujuga (the Burrup Peninsula) until adequate consultation occurs. The letter to the WA government and Woodside shareholders was signed by more than two dozen custodians of Murujuga, including Elders, cultural advisors and the current and former chairperson of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC). MAC represents the five language groups with custodianship of the Burrup Peninsula also known as Murujuga - where big polluters, heavy industry and globally significant cultural LGFOCUS.COM.AU

heritage sites coexist precariously. A delegation of signatories will met MPs to present their concerns about inadequate industry consultation due to a ‘gag clause’ in the Burrup and Maitland Estates Industrial Agreement (BMIEA), created by the WA state government in 2003. The letter explained that Murujuga was home to ancient songlines and more than one million sacred rock carvings that Traditional Custodians have a responsibility to protect. “Woodside’s gas developments on Murujuga have already destroyed or damaged many sacred sites and thousands of ancient rock carvings left by our ancestors,” the letter read,

in part. “Today, these projects continue to release pollution which is damaging the rock art.” The letter went on to explain that past attempts of Traditional Custodians to speak out about these developments were prevented by gag clauses placed on them by state government agreements while their “sacred lands were forcibly acquired.” The traditional custodians of Murujuga, which is nominated for UNESCO world heritage listing, state that “the Scarborough development continues this past injustice, and will further damage our environment and cultural heritage.” The letter concludes with requests to Wood-

side investors, shareholders and commercial partners to withhold further investment in the planned Scarborough gas project for as long as Murujuga Traditional Owners are prevented from speaking out,and denied access to the necessary information to make informed decisions about their country. The letter called on the WA government and Premier Mark McGowan - who has publicly backed Woodside and the Scarborough proposal - to immediately remove gag clauses in state agreements and ensure independent funding for the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation rather than forcing them to rely on industry. April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 29

METRO AND SUBURBAN

Library’s a late bloomer During the summer of 2021, Ku-ring-gai Council’s Library Up Late events were held to engage the community and promote later opening hours. Events were held between 5pm and 9pm on Thursday evenings at the Gordon branch library. The Library Up Late program also demonstrated librarians resilience and ability to pivot, as they had a Covid-19 outbreak and a raging storm to contend with. Before the Omicron wave hit Sydney, the library managed to host a trivia quiz night, a class on how to do cryptic crosswords, a Christmas celebration with a Korean choir from the Dae Hahn Cultural School and a meditation workshop. Once the Omicron outbreak took hold author talks moved online, as was the case for many other NSW libraries. But this offered the opportunity for a shy journalism student to share questions for the New York Times Australian Bureau Chief Damien Cave on the state of Australian journalism – as well as their notes on his book. It also allowed us to reach 1600 people through a live Q&A on Facebook with TV personality and gardening guru Costa Georgiadis. With the Omicron outbreak under control in person events had just returned to the library with a honey harvest and beehive building demonstration, when a storm hit. Luckily the honey was harvested in time for people to pick up their chairs and walk inside to one of our meeting rooms for the building demonstration while the wind whipped and rain raged outside.

Libraries up late in Hornsby. Library Up Late concluded at the end of February with a talk from Ku-ring-gai’s local history librarian whose fascinating stories showed just

how relevant Ku-ring-gai’s history is to its current community identity. With more programs forthcoming, they

New canopies spread shelter Penrith City Council is encouraging residents to head outdoors and get their hands dirty with the return of the Greater Sydney Landcare Network’s Creating Canopies tree planting program. Creating Canopies is an easy tree planting event where tools, training and refreshments will be provided - no Bushcare experience is required. Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen encouraged residents who have been missing Council’s Bushcare planting events or who are looking for an outdoor weekend activity to register their attendance. “If you love Council’s Trees for Mum and Trees for Dad planting days, you’re not going to want to miss out on Creating Canopies,” Cr Hitchen said. “By planting trees, we’re helping to restore habitat and support our bushland reserves which play an important role in providing shel-

ter and food for our native wildlife. “Participants will learn key skills about how to best plant trees, which trees are suitable for our climate, and how trees can help mitigate the negative impact of urban heat, which plays a key role in Council’s Cooling the City Strategy. “The Creating Canopies event series is a great way to give back to the community.” Greater Sydney Landcare Network is providing 2,700 trees to Council to plant in the Penrith LGA as part of the project. “We’re grateful to be able to work in partnership with Penrith City Council as well as private landholders throughout the Greater

Sydney region to get trees in the ground. This will have a great impact on the City for future generations,” said a Greater Sydney Landcare Network spokesperson. Council and Greater Sydney Landcare Network are meeting at Schoolhouse Creek in Regentville on Sunday 10 April and South Creek in St Marys on Saturday 21 May from 8am until 12pm. The events are part of the Creating Canopies in Greater Sydney tree planting project. Landcare NSW has partnered with Greater Sydney Landcare Network to plant 100,000 trees as part of the NSW Government’s Priority to increase tree canopy and green cover across Greater Sydney.

Geelong signs closer cities deal Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan and South Korea’s Changwon City Mayor Mr Huh Sungmoo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two cities at a ceremony at City Hall Geelong. The MOU formalises an agreement to collaborate with Changwon City on trade, education and cultural exchanges, to promote investment and employment opportunities for the two cities. Located on South Korea’s southeast coast, Changwon City is a known industrial and manufacturing hub that is home to global manufacturers including Hanwha Corporation and its subsidiary Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA). HDA will provide the Commonwealth Government’s $1-billion Land 8116 project to build and maintain heavy artillery and ammunition resupply vehicles in Geelong. City of Greater Geelong CEO Martin Cutter joined the Deputy Mayor in welcoming a delegation from Changwon City to Geelong for the signing and exchange of gifts. Hanwha Defense Corporation CEO Jaeil Sohn, Hanwha Defense Australia’s Managing Director Richard Cho and Deakin University Genevieve Reid, Director of Research Sectorial Partnerships, Government and Industry also attended the ceremony. Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the City of Greater Geelong greatly respects Changwon City and is honoured to enter into this agreement. 30 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

Changwon City Mayor, Mr Huh Sungmoo and Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan. “The Geelong region is very hopeful that this Memorandum of Understanding will bring great benefit for both regions and we believe there will be much to learn from each other,” the Deputy Mayor said. “We see this is an opportunity to build a

great relationship with a city that holds many similarities to ours, and that has equally high aspirations of competing on the global stage.” “This MOU aligns with the Geelong community’s 30-year vision to be internationally recognised as a ‘clever and creative’ city with a prosperous economy, that supports jobs and education opportunities.” Changwon City Mayor, Mr Huh Sungmoo said although the cities are physically separated by a great distance, they share similar paths and goals. “I am confident our two cities’ close cooperation will contribute to advancing smarter global society,” the Changwon Mayor said. “Changwon and Geelong have taken a step forward through the signing of an international friendly city agreement, and we hope that we may continue our bilateral exchanges in trade, investment, culture and tourism.” The Commonwealth has also selected HDA as one of two companies to supply Land400 tanks to the Australian Defence Force, a contract worth $27 billion over 10 years. An announcement on the tender is expected this year however Hanwha has announced that its preferred location is Geelong, which would create up to 350 jobs.

know things are unlikely to go as planned… but they hope they’ve perfected the art of enjoying the contingency!

A joint effort on pets Cessnock City Council has teamed up with Maitland City Council to provide impound services for lost companion animals in the Cessnock Local Government Area. This follows advice from the RSPCA that they were no longer able to accommodate impound services at the Rutherford site beyond late 2022. The new agreement came into place on 1 March 2022 and is expected to achieve operational savings which will be reallocated to other functions within the budget. Companion animals collected by a Cessnock City Council ranger are now transported to the Maitland Animal Management Facility, 11 Metford Rd, East Maitland. Rangers will still try to contact the registered owners of microchipped animals before impounding occurs. Members of the community who find lost animals should also take them to the East Maitland facility. Collection of animals will be available, from the East Maitland facility, Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm, and on weekends between 10am-1pm. The facility can be contacted on 0438 742 541. Council continues to advertise lost animals on Council Social media sites and the Cessnock City Council website. To help lost companion animals being reunited with their owners, council has another 50 free engraved dog tags to give away to residents of the Cessnock Local Government Area. Simply complete the online form: Cessnock.nsw.gov.au/pets LGFOCUS.COM.AU

METRO AND SUBURBAN

From left: City of Newcastle Project Manager Beau Brazel, Newcastle Libraries Manager Digital Services and Innovation Briana Elliott, City of Newcastle Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Lambton Residents Group representatives Tammy Russell, Angela Smith, Louise Evans and Robert Watson at the renewed Lambton Library.

September 1890 Lambton Council Chambers building now home to Lambton Library, from Newcastle Libraries Collection.

New technology for library The humble library card has been transformed into an after-hours key allowing accessing to Lambton Library for the city’s more than 100,000 library members. Using technology that has only just arrived in Australia, Lambton Library will this weekend become the city’s first to offer library members access seven days a week even when their visit is outside of staffed hours. The Library will re-open to the public this weekend following an extensive renovation that has delivered modern and accessible facilities while also returning the building’s original heritage character to the front façade. Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said enhanced community access follows the installation of OPEN+ technology, which allows library members to visit Lambton Library even when the facility is not staffed. “We know the local community loves the nostalgia that comes with visiting Lambton’s quaint neighbourhood library, however prior to its closure during the early days of the pandemic in 2020, the facility was open just two

days each week,” Cr Nelmes said. “Thanks to an innovative new service model, we’ve transformed Lambton Library into a modern and accessible community space, which utilises specialist OPEN+ technology to welcome library members from 7am to 9pm, seven days a week. “The improved service will allow community members to borrow and return books, use public computers and free Wi-Fi, and access meeting spaces simply by using their library membership during the extended hours of operation. “I’m looking forward to welcoming our community to Newcastle Libraries’ free launch events this weekend, with an official community re-opening featuring tours of the renovated space on Friday evening and a family fun day on Saturday morning.”

Saturday’s family-friendly event will offer children’s activities including story time, craft, giant games and a scavenger hunt, as well as Lambton Local History sessions. The OPEN+ technology will enable members to use their library membership number and barcode to access Lambton Library and an onsite CCTV system will maintain the safety of patrons during accessible hours. In addition, a library staff member will be onsite Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays between 2pm and 4pm to assist members and manage the collection. The installation of OPEN+ technology at Lambton Library is an objective of the Library Strategy 2019-2029 and was made possible by City of Newcastle’s Smart City program, while funding from a State Library of NSW Local Priority Grant supported the internal fit-out. During the library’s closure period, City of Newcastle also completed a restoration of the

library’s front façade and entrance to the building including reinstatement of the original bullnose verandah and heritage details. Lambton Residents Group supported and advocated for the restoration of Lambton Library and member and community historian Robert Watson said that the group is pleased to have greater access to the much-loved community facility. “Lambton Library holds great historical significance within our community and it’s fantastic to see the beautiful building’s heritage façade reflect its original style ahead of reopening,” said Mr Watson. “Additionally, the innovative technology will allow not only Lambton Residents Group, but all library members, to benefit from free access to a wonderful community space for meetings, work and study or just a quiet place to seek refuge with a great read.”

Pool facelift to renew city baths Nature strips to habitat City of Newcastle (CN) welcomes the decision by Heritage NSW to dismiss a request for an Interim Heritage Order lodged by a local community group. This dismissal means the long-awaited restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths can now proceed without delay. Heritage NSW, in making its determination, noted that the Newcastle Ocean Baths construction is similar to that of all State Heritage listed baths within New South Wales. The determination noted that the construction method of pool floors for these types of ocean baths, such as sand, concrete or rock, is not integral to the heritage values for ocean baths in New South Wales. As such, Heritage NSW has determined that there is no threat to the heritage values of Newcastle Ocean Baths in undertaking the works to renew the pool and promenades. As the City has repeatedly made clear, the edge of the pool must be raised due to rising sea levels. Unless this happens, the Baths will be excessively battered during ocean storms and simply won’t survive another 100 years. The council believes without concreting the rock floor that currently exists at the Newcastle Oceans Baths, the increase in the height of the pool edge would make it too deep for most people to be able to walk the Newcastle Ocean Baths. They believe by placing a relatively thin concrete base over the rock floor, the existing depth of the pool can be retained and that the 15cm increase in the edge of the pool will not have any impact on sand’s ability to continue to flow in from the ocean, meaning pool users will continue to be able to walk on the sandy bottom as they have for the past 100 years. If for some reason there was a delay in sufficient sand flowing into the pool, the City has already committed that it will transport sand to the pool floor. CN worked closely with the community to develop the design for the stage one upgrade which included key heritage considerations. LGFOCUS.COM.AU

A rendering of the new-look baths.

Ku-ring-gai Council is encouraging residents to turn nature strips into verge gardens to attract bees and native animals. The Council adopted an Urban Forest Policy in 2021 which provides an action plan to protect the tree canopy and promote biodiversity in the local area. One of the actions was to produce guidelines for local residents on how to create verge gardens on public land such as nature strips. Included in the guidelines is how to check there are no utility services on the nature strip and choosing low-growing plants so they don’t cause problems for pedestrians. The guidelines recommend a mix of native trees, shrubs, grasses and ground covers well suited to local conditions and reaching a height of below one metre. Growing fruit and vegetables on nature strips is not recommended because of potential pollution from traffic and passing dogs, Mayor Jeff Pettett said residents could get advice from the Council’s sustainability team and the Council website about creating a verge garden. “In the future this kind of garden will form an important part of Ku-ring-gai’s environment”. “They have the potential to make your neighbourhood look great and provide habitat for native animals”.

The Newcastle baths are all go for their facelift. April 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 31

12543836-SN15-22

WE’RE IN THE BUSINESS OF PROTECTING ONE ANOTHER

TOYOTA FOR BUSINESS Toyota Safety Sense technology. Designed to protect you, your people – everyone. No matter your industry, there’s one thing that unites all of us. We make it our business to protect and look out for one another. To step in, in times of need. To step up in the moments that matter. To react in a split second, when we know that every second counts.

And we believe it should be no different when you’re driving – on or off the job. That’s why we developed Toyota Safety Sense; designed to protect us all.*

Your Association membership unlocks Gold Fleet discounts across a great range of Toyota vehicles to help you find the right car for your lifestyle and budget.

To find out more, visit your local Toyota Dealer or call 1800 679 247

Scan to sign up for the latest insights from Toyota for Business

toyota.com.au/fleet

* Driver assist feature. Toyota Safety Sense will operate when certain technical conditions are met.

32 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS April 2022

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

LG Focus - April 2022

Articles inside

RURAL-REGIONAL

THE GOOD OIL

PRESIDENT