JUNE 2022
Australia’s National Local Government Newspaper
New Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, centre, gets down to business with cabinet colleagues, from left, Chris Bowen, Richard Marles, Penny Wong and Mark Dreyfus. AAP Photos.
Welcome Albo The election of the Federal Labor Government has been welcomed by two Local Government peak bodies following this past month’s election. Both the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and Local Government Professionals Australia (LGPA) were quick to congratulate Australia’s 31st Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his new Labor Government. ALGA President Cr Linda Scott, on behalf of all of Australia’s 537 councils, said the new government’s $750 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program extension was particularly important to councils. “We look forward to working with our new Federal Government to build a stronger future for our nation that leaves no community behind,” Cr Scott said. “Working together we can deliver a better future by reducing cost of living pressures, acting to prevent climate change, cutting the waste we send to landfill, closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, better protecting our communities against natural disasters, and building safer roads and cycle paths.” “Labor’s $750 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program extension will support councils to build new libraries, community centres, sporting facilities and playgrounds right across the country.” “Millions of Australians will also benefit from our new Government’s $200 million per year Disaster Ready Fund, that will help protect high-risk communities from fires, cyclones and floods.” LGPA CEO Catherine Carter noted that local government had been excluded from National Cabinet over the past two years, but she was heartened by Labor’s election manifesto recog-
New Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the flood affected Northern Rivers earlier this year meeting with those affected including State member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, residents Brett and Leanne Bugg and Justine Elliott Labor MP, who has since been relected to the seat of Richmond. nizing the important role of Local Government. “I am excited about working with the new government to advocate for 190,000 council employees across the country, including the CEO decision makers and other professionals working in the sector,” CEO Carter said. “Local Government Professionals Australia is the only voice for the professional arm of the sector, covering almost 400 occupations across Australia’s 537 councils.
“Local government is a vital tier of Australian democracy and works in partnership with other levels of government to provide benefits and opportunities to build, sustain and strengthen communities. “Labor’s election manifesto recognised the important role of local government in delivering infrastructure and vital services including aged care, affordable housing and emergency management.
“Local Government Professionals Australia sits on the Local Government Industry Reference Committee considering industry skill requirements in the development of new training packages, and look forward to continuing our work and dialogue with federal government in any future reform processes. “We note that local government has been excluded from National Cabinet over the past two years, which has meant the voices of local government professionals delivering services on the ground have been excluded from federal decision making and limited our ability to work more effectively with other tiers of government. “Labor has pledged to focus on the longterm financial viability of local government, restoring full local government representation – including voting rights – to the peak Ministerial Council of the nation and re-establishing the Australian Council of Local Government. Meanwhile Cr Scott said sustainable funding for councils and communities – particularly in regional and rural areas – remained a priority. “Federal Financial Assistance Grants to local government have slipped from one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue in 1996 to just 0.55 percent today,” Cr Scott said. “Labor has committed to providing fair increases to Financial Assistance Grants, and we look forward to working with them to ensure that all councils remain sustainable, and every community is a liveable one.” Cr Scott said she was also looking forward to representing local government on National Cabinet after the two year absence. “Labor’s commitment to including local government on National Cabinet will ensure local voices are heard and considered and deliver better outcomes for all Australians.”
NEWS
EDITORIAL DESK Managing environment It seems Environmental Management is truly a major topic of concern both in the wider community and more specifically at council level. With more Greens in parliament than ever it probably shouldn’t have surprised that this month’s Environmental Management topic has garnered the best response we have received since taking over Local Government Focus. It has been heartening to see the diverse and important programs being implementing across Australia.
- Tania Phillips
INSIDE THIS EDITION PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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THE GOOD OIL
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COUNCILLOR PROFILES
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ENVIRO MANAGEMENT 13-19 REGIONAL
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METRO-SUBURBAN
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CONTACT US
Competition rolls By Tania Phillips
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/ 2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS June 2022
Floods, droughts, Covid and fires have meant resources have been stretched and that cricket roller that the local competition has been crying out for is way down the council wish list. With that in mind Local Government Focus has joined with International Greenkeeper, Strathfield, Sports Club, Sydney Sports and Fitness to find a new home for a refurbished cricket roller. International Greenkeepers’ Darryl Davidson said there had been plenty of interest in the roller. “The roller was donated to International
Greenkeepers by Strathfield Sports Club – they didn’t need it anymore and we thought, let’s clean it up and give it to someone that needs it,” Darryl explained. “So I approached my work, Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness and they helped out in getting it mechanically up to standard, giving it a service and all of those kinds of things. We took all the old paint off and gave it a fresh paint job. Then speaking to Phill from LG Focus, he said we should give it away to someone. “It’s an old cricket wicket roller I’m sure there will be someone out there who will appreciate it especially after the floods, drought and fires – clubs might have lost a lot of equip-
DIARY DATES NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2022 19-22 June National Convention Centre Canberra. Convened annually by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) it is a peak annual event for Local Government.
AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE 7-9 July Holiday Inn, Warwick Farm, The conference returns this year.
LGX EVENT
ia night on the Monday night.
BIODIVERSITY PLANNING AND CLIMATE 28 July This online VLGA/LGiU panel event will include representatives from the UK and Australia.
COASTAL LEADERS FORUM 11-12 August Held at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre, the event provides Mayors and CEOs an opportunity to initiate strategic discussions, identify coast council-specific, priorities, showcase initiatives, network and share information.
27-28 June The Novel Sunshine Coast Resort, Twin Waters will play host this LGAQ event – social media campaigns, council success stories, internal comms, branding and more. LGx delivers curated high value professional development.
COUNCILLOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
CIVIC LEADERS SUMMIT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW CONFERENCE
29-30 June The Summit at Novotel, Sunshine Coast Resort is a forum that brings together councillors, mayors and CEOs for a closed event that allows attendees to focus solely on personal development and business leadership.
BUSH COUNCILS CONVENTION 26-28 July Held at the Barcaldine Town Hall, the event will start with an optional workshop and triv-
26 August More information to come including location.
23-25 October Registrations for this conference to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, will open on Monday 4 July with early bird rates until Wednesday 17 August.
WA LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONVENTION 3-4 October The Local Government Convention will be held at the Crown in Perth – booking now open.
ment and with Covid they might not be able to buy a roller.” The giveaway will be officially launched at the ALGA National General Assembly in Canberra from June 20-22 and will close on September 30. LG Focus Advertising Manager Phill LePettit said come along to the convention and meet him at Booth Eight. “You can scan the QR Code and Register your council and go into the draw by subscribing to a digital edition of Local Government Focus,” he said. “The winner will be announced in the October edition of LG Focus.”
Top tech For those making a splash in tech, or doing some good for the industry, then the new Australian Impact Awards might be just what they have been waiting for. The awards were announced late last month and will celebrate those in the tech industry who are making an impact in their field and helping to drive positive change. The inaugural Australian Impact Awards will be a cocktail soiree, hosted on Wednesday 9 November. The event aims to shine a light on the achievements of individuals in the tech industry across a number of categories and fields. Entrants don’t need to be a Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates here – the categories aim to reflect positive impacts in Australia’s tech industry on all levels, big and small according to the organisers. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate these achievements right now, given the amazing advancements seen in recent years, so if you’ve made an impact in tech, they would love to hear about it. Award categories include Overall impact, Food, Governance, Education, Popular Vote, Shopping, Entertainment, Healthcare, Longevity, Insurance/Finance, Energy and Environment, Society and Housing, Accessibilty and The Future is Faster than You Think. Submissions close on Monday 12 September https://events.humanitix.com/impactawards-2022 Key dates: Entries close: Monday, 12 September Late entries close: Monday 19 September Judging period: Friday 23 September – Friday 21 October Shortlist announced: Friday 28 October Early bird tickets close: Monday 31 October Awards night: Wednesday 9th November, The Calyx, Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney.
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NEWS
New minster is honoured New Federal Local Government, Transport, Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Catherine King reflects upon her new role for LG Focus. I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been sworn in as the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. As a regional person myself, I understand how much this portfolio can mean to the lives of Australians across our great country. Good infrastructure investment creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth and productivity. Resilient and reliable transport is the backbone of the nation.
And local government is the closest level of government to the community, delivering the services that Australians rely on. From the city to the country, I am determined to see this key economic portfolio play its role in helping to build a better future for all Australians.I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues in the states, territories and across local government to deliver the projects and the reforms that will make a real different to the lives of all Australians. Now, the hard work starts.
New Federal Minister for Local Government Catherine King.
Queensland marine manufacturing grows Queensland manufacturing continues to grow, following a $23 million investment in local marine manufacturing. SeaLink Marine and Tourism, Australia’s largest marine transport and tourism company, has boosted boat building – commissioning new ferries built right in the Sunshine State. Member for Bulimba Di Farmer praised the announcement, which will see five new vessels added to the SeaLink fleet. “We are so proud of our transport systems here in Queensland, especially in our bayside communities, so this announcement comes as great news,” Ms Farmer said. “The Palaszczuk Government is committed to bringing manufacturing jobs to
Queensland and I’m so proud of the work SeaLink is doing right in our back yard. “These ferries run in places like Redland Bay, Magnetic Island and even on the Sydney Harbour. “If you haven’t taken a trip on Queensland’s magnificent ferry services yet, I definitely recommend a trip.” SeaLink Marine and Tourism Chief Operating Officer, Donna Gauci, said the investment in building new ferries showcased the company’s ongoing commitment to tourism, transport, and supporting local industry.
“We are proud to be building new vessels right here in Queensland as we continue to be impressed by the quality of the local workmanship producing world-class vessels.” SeaLink is using local Queensland shipbuilders including AusShips, Commercial Marine Australia, Norman Wright and Sons, and Aluminium Marine. “The quality of the vessels is a credit to Queensland’s ship makers and our team working together to ensure each vessel is tailored to the specific environments they are being constructed to operate in,” she said. Member for Lytton Joan Pease said three
vessels being built in Queensland were due for completion this year. “SeaLink have delivered eight new ferries over the past five years, and there are many more to come,” Ms Pease said. “As part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Hydrogen Industry Development Fund, funding will allow SeaLink to design, construct and use a passenger ferry powered by hydrogen fuel cells. “This is great news for manufacturing, for Queensland and for the future of transport here in the River City and beyond.”
Lasting change needed in carbon: paper Ahead of the incoming Labor Government confirming its final ministry, the Carbon Market Institute (CMI) has released a Post-election Briefing Paper outlining the foundations required to drive structural and lasting change to Australia’s climate policy beyond this term of government. The CMI, an independent industry association and centre of excellence for business leading the transition to net zero emissions, has more than 130 members include primary producers, carbon project developers, Indigenous corporations, legal, technology and advisory services, insurers, banks, investors, corporate entities and emission intensive industries developing decarbonisation and offset strategies. CMI CEO John Connor said the new government needed to work with all sectors of the
economy to decrease emissions. “CMI recognises ALP is unlikely in the short term to increase its 2030 emission reduction target of 43 per cent, but we should be building independent, investment grade, institutions and policies that can enable stronger voluntary as well as compliance efforts from business, all governments and the community,” said John Connor, CMI CEO. “We need a whole of government, all sectors of the economy, approach that accelerates decarbonisation through 2030 to net-zero, indeed net-negative emission economy before 2050. In its “Five priorities for climate action and carbon markets”, CMI notes industrial emissions will shortly overtake electricity emissions, making the development of “Safeguard Mechanism 2.0” an urgent but challenging priority to
set decarbonisation investment guidelines for this sector. It also highlights key investments in international ‘climate finance’ and land-based climate and biodiversity solutions. “Deficit repair shouldn’t hinder important investments in international climate finance or domestic priorities to build credibility as well as business and consumer confidence in Australia’s climate action and carbon markets. “Late changes to carbon abatement contracts by the Morrison government will likely put more than $1 billion extra into what will now become the Powering the Regions Fund and clarifying the maintenance and priorities of this fund is important.” “This Government will also need to develop the 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which Australia will share in 2025. This,
and policies developed this term, will set the tone for successive five-yearly NDCs and the future trajectory and ambition of Australia’s decarbonisation.” CMI’s paper outlines five priorities to drive this renewed approach: 1. Invigorating global and regional effort on climate action and carbon markets; 2. Strengthening the Safeguard Mechanism and other policies to ensure multi-sectoral decarbonisation; 3. Enhancing integrity, transparency and independent institutions; 4. Building trust and participation in land-based climate and biodiversity solutions; 5. Revitalising whole of government and Commonwealth/state relations.
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
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Deadline: Wednesday June 1st, 2022 Copy: Monday June 6th, 2022
Louisa Kneller: louisa.kneller@starnewsgroup.com.au or Mobile: 0413 380 545
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June 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 3
PRESIDENT’S REPORT - ALGA PRESIDENT CR LINDA SCOTT
Victory for Albanese Congratulations to our new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his new Labor Federal Government. In a massive win for councils and our communities, the local government portfolio was elevated to Cabinet this week with the appointment of our new Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP. Former Bega Valley Shire Mayor Kristy McBain was also sworn in as Minister for Regional Development, Local Government, and Territories, and I am sure her local government experience will stand her in good stead as she takes on this role. We’re looking forward to working with Prime Minister Albanese and our new Government to deliver on the many commitments ALGA secured in the lead-up to the election. These commitments include: A $750 million extension to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, that will see increased federal funding provided to
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every council and community commitment to “fair increases” to the Fi· Anancial Assistance Grants that are provided to all councils A new $200 million per year disaster miti· gation program that will help us protect our communities from increasingly frequent cyclones, fires and floods A $400 million investment in improving regional mobile phone coverage across the country Our collective advocacy also resulted in ALGA being appointed as a full voting member of the National Cabinet for the first time, following the Morrison Government’s decision to abolish the Council of Australian Local Governments (COAG). While the Government has committed to “fair increases” to Financial Assistance Grants, ALGA’s number one priority remains to restore
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these grants to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue, and we will be working hard to secure tangible funding increases for councils in October’s Federal Budget. Our 2022 National General Assembly of Local Government is fast approaching. This will be our first chance to meet and hear from our new Government about their plans, while also considering how we can best partner with them and help them deliver on their priorities. It’s not too late to register, so head to www. nga22.com.au to sign up. I hope to see you there!
Cr Linda Scott.
Water financial support requests grow Data reveals Victorians are still finding it tough when it comes to their water bills. that, compared to April 2020, the total number of customers in hardship programs has risen by 47 per cent (to 7,067 customers) in metropolitan Melbourne, and by 23 per cent (to 1,116 customers) in regional areas. The report shows customers facing financial difficulty are often opting for support measures other than payment plans, suggesting difficulty with cash flow rather than money management. The commission’s water director Marcus
Crudden said water businesses have proactively supported customers and stopped restricting access to water supply for nonpayment of bills. “Throughout the pandemic we’ve seen Victoria’s water businesses acting to ensure their customers are aware of support programs, which has contributed to greater access to support and positive sentiment among customers toward their suppliers,” he said.
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, 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 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.
E. phill.lepetit@starnewsgroup.com.au | M. 0439 377 525 or E. louisa.kneller@starnewsgroup.com.au | M. 0413 380 545 www.lgfocus.com.au 4 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS June 2022
“Over the past twelve months we have seen more consistent trends, or a slower rate of change, with the number of customers accessing support measures than the previous twelve months.” About the data: Data is reported weekly by water businesses and is not audited by the commission. They are collecting a small subset of data included in our annual water performance report.
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 Darebin’s strengths in relation to business, services and industry, and where all services and facilities that support a balanced, healthy life are easily accessible;
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Climate, Green and Sustainable – ensuring Darebin is a leader in responding to the climate emergency, and our natural environment is protected and enhanced; Responsible, Transparent and Responsive – recognising we are here to serve our community, in all its diversity, and that we govern transparently and accountably. If this last year has taught us anything, it is that we are in this together. We all need to continue to play an active role in creating the Darebin we want to become. A Message from Our Mayor TCr Lina Messina Mayor, City of Darebin
As we focus on the future of Darebin, I want to reflect on the past year, which has raised unprecedented challenges for our community, and our organisation. It was a year that saw the introduction of a new Local Government Act 2020 – the first in over 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 officers, staff and previous Councillors, who were steadfast in leading this city through this time of uncertainty. I also welcome working with our new Council to continue Darebin’s recovery from the pandemic, 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
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communities. It also supports local governments to more easily work in partnership with each other – across municipal boundaries – to find new, more sustainable ways, to operate. We have 10-year finance and asset plans – 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. Ensuring our financial sustainability will be one of our greatest challenges in the years ahead. With our community and businesses recovering from the financial blow of the pandemic, we will need to find new and better ways to 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
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Water customer financial support requests in Victoria are still growing, but slowing in pandemic’s second year according to the Essential Services Commission. The second year of economic challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has seen the number of Victorian customers in hardship programs continue to increase, but at a slower rate. New data from the Commission shows
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NEWS
Top staff The Local Government Association of SA has opened nominations for this year’s prestigious Jim Hullick Award, which recognises public sector employees who demonstrate effective collaboration and go ‘above and beyond’ in their work with local government.
Airport handover.
Airport takes off The Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project has won Best Public Works Project over $5 million in Australasia at the International Public Works Conference hosted by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA). The gala awards, held in Adelaide on May 4, celebrated excellence in public works and the achievements of councils, engineering and consulting firms engaged in that sector in delivering exceptional outcomes for communities in Australia, New Zealand and neighbouring islands. It was the third major gong for the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project after winning the John Holland Group’s Australian Project of the Year in 2021 and the prestigious Infrastructure Partnerships Australia Award for Best Contract in Australia which was awarded in April. This is in addition to the Best Queensland Project over $10 million and Queensland Project of the Year in 2021 at the IPWEAQ awards and Construction Contractors Federation 2021`Award for the Best Project in Queensland over $75 million. Sunshine Coast Council Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the award was an enormous achievement for the airport project. “Winning the IPWEA Best Public Works Project over $5 million in Australasia is tremendous recognition for the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project, which has beaten other major infrastructure projects from all around Australia to win this award,” Cr O’Pray said. “This was the largest single infrastructure project Sunshine Coast Council has ever undertaken. “It included construction of the 2.45 kilometre runway and accompanying taxiways and
was completed on time and on budget in 2020. “The project represents the first time a local government in Queensland has delivered a new international standard aviation facility in its own right. “With international borders opening up following the COVID pandemic, we are looking forward to reaping the benefits of this new runway and the opportunities for new global travellers to arrive at, and depart from, the Sunshine Coast. “It is fantastic recognition for what is a landmark project in the history of the Sunshine Coast and it highlights the professionalism with which it was managed and constructed. “Council entered into a landmark funding arrangement to provide the significant funds necessary for a project of this magnitude without ratepayers having to foot the bill. “By 2040, the new runway will have contributed $4.1 billion to Gross Regional Product and created 2230 new full-time jobs for our local workforce.” IPWEA Awards judge Phil Burton said the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion was an innovative project for a local government. “The commercial approach to funding this project was innovative and of great benefit to locals,” he said. “(The project delivered) Clear advantages to the travel industry and the local economy, great efficiencies for local trade and significant benefits for local suppliers during construction. “The project had a clear eye on the opera-
tional plan for the asset well before it was built ensuring it would deliver on its objectives.” Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project Director Ross Ullman said the project’s sixth major award was a remarkable achievement. “This is tremendous recognition for council, the project team and the contractor, especially when you consider the amount of planning and hard work that went into the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project,” Mr Ullman said. “There was approximately 1.3 million cubic metres of sand transported to the Sunshine Coast by a dredge vessel just to form the foundation of the new runway. “In addition to this, more than 400,000 tonnes of fine crushed rock and 64,000 tonnes of asphalt was placed on the runway, along with 409 lights which are powered by more than 50 kilometres of electrical cabling.” Fast Facts Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project benefits to our region: The new runway will provide direct access for our region to the world 2230 new full-time jobs by 2040 (direct and indirect) Potential to attract more than 2 million passengers annually Helps boost tourism and export opportunities Potential to reach new destinations $4.1 billion contribution to Gross Regional Product (2020-2040).
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New centre highly commended Goulburn Performing Arts Centre was highly commended at the recent Local Government Excellence Awards, in the Asset and Infrastructure category for projects over $1.5 million. Officially opening at the end of March 2022, GPAC was the culmination of over six years work by Goulburn Mulwaree Council from concept, to detailed design and then delivery. Mayor Peter Walker said that the award is recognition of the excellent work of former and current Councillors, staff and contractors. “GPAC has been a community changing project for our region, enlivening the CBD and being extremely well received by locals and visitors to Goulburn over the first two months of operation. “We have also had a number of sell out shows already during April and May, with an excellent calendar locked in for the remainder of 2022. This award is a credit to all involved, from Council staff to Brewster Hjorth Architects and Zauner Constructions.” In building the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, Council set out to adaptively re-use our Old Town Hall, a magnificent heritage building within our CBD, as a 400 seat theatre, with LGFOCUS.COM.AU
Inside the new centre. a bar, cafe and technical facilities capable of hosting community and commercial performances of the highest scale and standard. The
building features a welcoming open space bar and cafe, which is named ‘The Meeting Place’ in the front heritage listed portion of the building, along with staff offices upstairs. A stunning high ceiling foyer joins the old and the new portions of the building, before patrons are led down into the 400 seat theatre, with a large sprung stage for performance. A fly tower, along modern professional standard sound and lighting equipment have been incorporated in the project. Back of house features a large green room, band room, multiple dressing rooms, accessible bathrooms, laundry and further office space for staff. This project is part of a wider revitalisation of our CBD, and also provides our growing region with a facility that can attract touring performances on the busy Sydney-CanberraMelbourne corridor. Reuse of the Old Town Hall will also mean it is preserved and actively utilised for generations to come.
LGA President Angela Evans said the award was an opportunity to recognise those in the public sector who work closely with the local government sector showing mutual respect, a commitment to working together and achieving positive outcomes. “Councils work closely with the state and federal government to deliver key services and programs for communities, and this award is one way we can acknowledge their contributions, partnership approach and ways they make a difference,” Mayor Evans said. Last year’s winner, Emergency Management Coordinator for South Australia Police Senior Sergeant Russell Dippy was recognised for his collaborative work across councils and state agencies and his advocacy which saw the role of local government formally recognised in the State Emergency Management Plan in 2016. Police Sergeant Russell Dippy said he was honoured to receive the award. “I have worked closely with councils on emergency management for many years, including bushfires, floods and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic,” SSGT Dippy said. “In emergency situations, being able to tap into the local insights and resources of councils is crucial”. Mayor Evans said the award was also an opportunity to promote the incredible partnerships with local government and called on everyone to consider nominating someone who has played a significant role in working with councils or the broader sector. “I encourage council members and staff, regional local government associations, state and federal government employees to consider someone they could put forward for nomination,” Mayor Evans said. “Public sector employees are not in the habit of highlighting their achievements, and they often need a bit of encouragement to step into the spotlight – this award is a great way to showcase their work.” The Jim Hullick award was named to honour and celebrate the strong partnerships local government has with other tiers of government and was established by the LGA’s long-serving Chief Executive Officer Jim Hullick, who served from 1975 to 1996. Nominations for the award close 16 September 2022. To find out more or to submit a nomination visit: www.lga.sa.gov.au/jimhullick
The 2021 recipient Senior Sergeant Russell Dippy. June 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 5
NEWS
Contract extended Greater Dandenong City Council is set to extend it’s CEO John Bennie’s contract from 31 July until 30 November this year. Mayor Cr Jim Memeti said John had served the Council and the community with great energy and passion since 2006. “He will remain as CEO until his retirement so he can continue our important advocacy efforts in the lead up to the State Government Election, including securing the required funding for the $150 million plus South East Sports and Entertainment Centre and the new Dandenong Wellbeing Centre,” the Mayor said. “John is a fantastic CEO and has achieved so much for our community. “He is well-respected in the local government sector, having started his career in 1975. “John is an inspiring leader, an honest, hard-working, and very caring person. “During his tenure at the City of Greater Dandenong, John has been instrumental in
working with Council to deliver successful major strategic projects, including the Dandenong Library and Civic Centre, Springvale Community Hub, Noble Park Aquatic Centre (NPAC) and revitalisation of the Dandenong Market. “John will leave our organisation on his own terms in November to pursue his personal passions and continue his strong relationship with the community. “I thank John for his ongoing service excellence, professionalism, and dedication. “Council looks forward to working with John in the remaining months ahead to achieve valuable and long-term community outcomes.” Greater Dandenong City Council CEO John Bennie.
Cowley welcomed as new GM Coffs Harbour City Council has appointed Natalia Cowley as its new General Manager. “This has been an extremely thorough recruitment process that has looked at many talented candidates Australia wide,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Paul Amos. “I am pleased to report that we have been able to fill the position of General Manager with an exceptional leader. “I am very confident that Natalia will deliver the stability, focus and forward momentum that will put Coffs Harbour Council in a strong position to meet current challenges and emerging opportunities.” Ms Cowley is a Chartered Accountant with extensive leadership experience in the local government and international financial services sectors in Australia, New Zealand and Bermuda. She joins Coffs Harbour City Council from Central Coast Council where she was Direc-
tor Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer from late 2020 and where she developed Central Coast Council’s Financial Recovery Plan and Long Term Financial Plan to transition them from a financial crisis to operational surplus a year later. Prior to that, she was Chief Financial Officer with Muswellbrook Shire Council. Ms Cowley brings with her robust financial acumen, economic development flair and proven expertise in strengthening organisational cultures. “I’m delighted to be joining Coffs Harbour City Council on 1 July 2022 to work closely with the Mayor and Councillors, to help realise their vision for the City and build on the high level of service and entrepreneurial business unit offerings provided by Council staff to the community and be-
yond,” she said. “I am really looking forward to meeting the staff and team. I want to establish a very strong partnership across the departments and business units and am looking forward to visiting, listening to and speaking with all outdoor and indoor staff. “I want to ensure that Council is financially sustainable now and into the future, so staff have the resources to continue to add value to the community and to do their jobs effectively, while supporting their professional goals, aspirations and growth. “This is an exciting time for the Coffs Harbour region and I look forward to the many challenges, improvements and opportunities ahead to help shape an already great place to live, learn, work, play and visit into an even better one.”
New facilities for Coffs Harbour
Urban agrees The Urban Development Institute of Australia Queensland (UDIA) has joined Toowoomba Regional Council to re-sign a key business agreement between the parties. Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said re-signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Urban Development Institute of Australia Queensland (UDIA) underlined Council’s strong emphasis on ethical and respectful working relationships. “Council is proud to join the UDIA in re-signing the agreement,” Mayor Antonio said. “The move reinforces our willingness to work with the development industry to achieve a much better urban and built environment for residents and visitors. “We are planning to cater for an additional 55,000 people, who are forecast to live and work in our Region up to 2051. “There is an obvious need for Council to be working in close cooperation with the development industry, given its members will be building our suburbs, shopping centres and factories. “The Toowoomba Region will continue to be a destination of choice for new residents and investors in the coming years. “Council will play its part by rolling out the essential urban trunk infrastructure that will support our anticipated growth. “Re-signing the document allows Council to promote our Region and attract investment for future development. “The memorandum also helps us to advance good planning and development, while keeping our community well informed about development issues.”
Coffs Harbour will further cement its reputation as one of the sporting capitals of regional Australia with the unveiling of the $14m Coffs Coast Regional Sports Hub Stage 2 Project. Coming off the back of Stage 1, which involved the upgrade of C.ex Coffs International Stadium and was completed in 2019, the Regional Sports Hub Stage 2 consists of: Two new synthetic playing fields, designed to FIFA standards and to suit multiple sport codes and uses One turf playing field with sub surface drainage and irrigation
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fields include Australian Standard sport clusive change rooms, officials rooms, stor· All lighting age room and canteen amenity block (the Hub2) with inclusive · Car park and access road for the new fields · New and much needed major event parking change rooms, officiating rooms, canteen, storage rooms and event administrational · Linkages and connectivity throughout the spaces and offices to service the new fields precinct which incorporates new shared of the amenity block between Field paths for pedestrian and cycle traffic around · Extension 1 and 2 at the Coffs Coast Sport & Leisure the facility and between the precinct and the Park to include two new regional standard in-
UDIA Toowoomba branch president Ed Hodge (left) with Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio after re-signing the Memorandum of Understanding.
education and health campuses
Fourth-term for Western President Calvert Councillor Barry Calvert, the Deputy Mayor of Hawkesbury City Council, has been returned for a fourth term as President of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), pledging to engage with the new Federal Government on matters of concern to the people of Greater Western Sydney. WSROC is the peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney, and advocates on key issues of value to Western Sydney communities. More than a million people live in the six WSROC council communities. The WSROC member councils are Blacktown City Council, Blue Mountains City Council, Cumberland City Council, Hawkesbury City Council, Lithgow City Council and Liverpool City Council. Councillor Calvert was re-elected as at WSROC’s President at its Board Meeting held at Blacktown Civic Centre yesterday (Thursday 26 May). As President, Councillor Calvert chairs the WSROC Executive which sets region-wide priorities and strategies for the WSROC Board and provides organisational direction to WS6 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS June 2022
ROC’s Chief Executive Officer and staff. At the meeting, three additional members of the WSROC Executive Committee were appointed. Joining Councillor Calvert on the Executive Committee are: Cumberland City Councillor Glen Elmore as Vice President – Central City Liverpool City Councillor Karress Rhodes as Vice President – Western City, and Blacktown City Councillor Chris Quilkey as Treasurer. Councillor Calvert said he was delighted to be re-appointed as WSROC President and for the opportunity to continue the pursuit of WSROC’s priorities. “It is an honour to take on this role again, to work with the WSROC Executive and staff,” he said.
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“Our advocacy, projects and partnerships are producing tangible, positive outcomes for the people of Western Sydney. “I thank the WSROC Board for re-electing me as President for the next 12 months and congratulate Councillors Elmore, Quilkey and Rhodes on their election to the Executive Committee. “Our priorities for the coming year will include building Western Sydney communities’ resilience to extreme and urban heat, advocating to improve investment in Western Sydney transport, promoting economic development, sustainable waste avoidance and resource recovery, supporting our arts and cultural industries and social infrastructure among many other initiatives for the betterment of the Western Sydney region and our communities.
“WSROC is also keen to engage with the Federal Government on these and other matters of concern to the people of Greater Western Sydney. “WSROC’s Councillors will gather in June for a special Strategy Planning and Priorities Workshop to review and set the agenda for WSROC advocacy for the next 2 to 5 years. “The workshop is an exciting opportunity to exchange ideas and insights with fellow Councillors from across the Greater Western Sydney region.” Councillor Rhodes said: “I’m extremely honoured and privileged to have been elected Vice President of WSROC Western City and look forward to working with the member councils on some great initiatives to serve the people of Greater Western Sydney.” LGFOCUS.COM.AU
NEWS
Albo’s in The peak body representing Queensland councils has issued its congratulations to Anthony Albanese on his election as Prime Minister.
Local government life will be different under new Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Shifting landscape Labor’s federal election victory last month is going to create a seismic shift in the Australian political landscape. But the effects won’t be apparent for some time because the Labor leadership needs to time to come to terms with the Budget mess and accommodate the role of the independents. In the meantime, there are four areas among many that councils and local stakeholders might mull over. 1. Integrity Commission and Infrastructure Australia Early action to establish a federal Integrity Commission is likely because of electoral commitments. The side benefit is that it will not only squash the shenanigans we’ve seen in recent times, but also provide the legal stick to usher in a new approach to grants administration and infrastructure spending in general. And Infrastructure Australia’s stocks will rise as a result. The Morrison Government had largely ignored its role in prioritising large infrastructure projects. Its new relevance is because (a) it was Albanese’s brainchild back in 2008, and (b) the realisation that proper project evaluation might well be necessary to avoid a summons from the Integrity Commission. A more effective Infrastructure Australia will provide councils and local stakeholders with a better idea of where their project proposals stand and reduce the chance of having their local projects bumped for less worthy projects. It should be noted that small projects aren’t included in Infrastructure Australia’s evaluation work. The problem facing proponents of small regional projects with a level of public good (and hence the need for government grants) is the difficulty in finding the funds for the feasibility studies, scoping studies etc. Councils cry poor, the local project champions haven’t a brass razoo, and the feds and states say they only want to fund the project proper. We must lobby them on this! 2. Regional development Albanese has already stated his intention to cut $350m of uncommitted funds from the Community Development Program, as well as $400m from the Regionalisation Fund. The rationale was that these programs were poorly designed and would lead to more pork barrelling. What programs might come in their place is hard to say. Albanese has a good grip on regional development issues and will want something apart from infrastructure projects to remind regional Australia of Labor’s commitment. But the Budget deficit will ensure any regional LGFOCUS.COM.AU
THE GOOD OIL ROD BROWN development programs will be modest. The Budget deficit is also bad news for Albanese’ pet project, the Very Fast Train. It surely cannot be advanced until the Budget is under control. One possibility is for the Albanese government to encourage union-based super funds to take an equity position, but this is doubtful. 3. Industry development The rise of the Greens surely sees the eclipse of the coal and gas fracking lobbies, and a consequent rise in action to reduce emissions. The emerging green hydrogen and ammonia production hubs in the Pilbara, Gladstone and Whyalla will gather momentum. Albanese has flagged the establishment of a National Reconstruction Fund, with $15 billion as a first step in rebuilding our industrial base. It aims to draw in $30 billion of private sector investment. Sectors mentioned are transport, valueadding agriculture-forestry-fisheries, medical science, renewable technologies, defence capability, green metals, advanced manufacturing. It seems too good to be true. Councils should nevertheless track this initiative. I will keep you informed. 4. Political machinery Albanese has declared that he wants to ‘change the way’ we do politics in Australia, and he talks about ‘community-led government’. The details are scarce. I hope it’s not simply rhetoric because some fundamental changes are sorely needed viz. less confrontational politicians, less gimmicks, more collaboration, increased focus on long term objectives. The fascinating question is how local government might inject itself into some robust and workable form of community-led government. Numerous councils have a decent track record in convening community forums, think tanks etc. Hence there is a foundation to build on.
The tricky bit in my view is to get federal agencies to participate in those events. I took it upon myself to go bush when I was with the feds, but I was in the minority. In fact I still encourage Canberra-based federal officials to get out to workshops and conferences organised by Cockatoo members, but the response is generally that it’s best left to officials in the field, or they’re too busy or their travel budgets are tight. The problem is that under successive Liberal governments, the public servants have been neutered. Too much of the feds’ policy development has been the preserve of ministerial staffers - smart young jocks but with limited experience. Perhaps the independents can exert some influence, and get Canberra-based officials out into the mainstream? The bottom-line is that federal public servants can be a powerful resource. The Morrison Government never appreciated that, which is why it couldn’t develop or deliver on longterm policy agendas. Way Forward Local councils can and must tap into this new political landscape. The Labor Government is stressing bottom-up processes, an enhanced role for women and increased attention to health and education where women are dominant. Add in the rise of the Teals. As a Canberra colleague mused, ‘it basically boiled down to women, many of them former Liberal voters, deciding that the men’s right wing game is not for them’. The truth of the matter is that Albanese is not a bullshit artist, and he doesn’t suffer fools. I believe he is genuine in searching for bottomup processes. Local government therefore has an excellent opportunity to harness its local stakeholders - men and women - to change the way we do politics. Accordingly some modest advice. When a federal ministerial staffer asks for a photo grab of a minister with your mayor, or seeks a 15 minute meeting - tell him/her to stop right there! Suggest instead a day of company/community visits for the minister, followed by a workshop comprising local stakeholders plus relevant MPs of all political persuasions. This is what collaboration is about. Any resistance from staffers should be relayed to the PM’s Office because if Albanese is true to his word, it should galvanise some action.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO Alison Smith said the LGAQ looks forward to working with Mr Albanese and the new government to progress the needs of Queensland councils and their local communities. “On behalf of the LGAQ, I would like to congratulate Mr Albanese and his team on their election win,” Ms Smith said. “Mr Albanese spoke yesterday of the need for all three levels of government to work together, and we look forward to working with the new Federal Government as they begin to roll out their election commitments, including additional funding for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, disaster management and policies to help ease the housing crisis. “The LGAQ also looks forward to working with Mr Albanese and his team to progress Labor’s commitment to a fair increase in Financial Assistance (FA) Grants funding. “The LGAQ and the Australian Local Government Association have been campaigning for FA Grant funding to be restored to at least one per cent of Federal taxation revenue, as it was in the 1990s. “As a former Minister for Local Government, we know Mr Albanese understands just how crucial this funding is to ensuring every local community is a liveable one, so we look forward to working with him and his new Cabinet to progress a meaningful FA grant increase. “We look forward to councils, as the level of government that is closest to the community, being given a seat at the National Cabinet table – as committed to by Labor – as the sector did on its predecessor, COAG (Council of Australian Governments). Ms Smith said the LGAQ is eager to discuss further measures to address the housing crisis including the need for a National Housing Summit. “This initiative doesn’t just have the support of Queensland councils, but also of 12 other key peak bodies, because it touches every community and every industry,” she said. On behalf of the LGAQ, Ms Smith thanked the former Morrison Government for the good working relationship it has established with Queensland councils and its commitment to local communities, as shown through the introduction of programs like the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO Alison Smith. June 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 7
NEWS
Diversity in parliament
Mayors welcome new government The Greater Hobart Mayors have congratulated Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their Federal Election win, pledging to partner with the incoming government to strengthen the Hobart City Deal. Mayor Doug Chipman, Mayor Bec Thomas, Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and Mayor Paula Wriedt said the election outcome will deliver funding for a number of key priorities outlined in the City Deal, including $20 million towards an expansion of the Greater Hobart Ferry services. “On behalf of the Greater Hobart Strategic Partnership, we congratulate Federal Labor on their election victory and wish them well as they form our new Commonwealth Government,” he said. “We also acknowledge the Coalition for their tenure in government and thank them for their constructive partnership, particularly through the inception of the Hobart City Deal. “We look forward to working with the Albanese Government to deliver the ALP’s election commitments for Greater Hobart, including $20 million towards the expansion of the River Derwent ferry services, which was the top election priority identified by the Greater Hobart Strategic Partnership. “Securing this funding is testament to the advocacy of the Greater Hobart Strategic Partnership and further evidence of the City Deal delivering for our communities. “The expansion of the ferries will fully maximise the Derwent River as a commuter transport waterway, initially through
Australia’s parliament just got more culturally diverse. But what difference will it make?
four new jetties and terminals at Bellerive, Lindisfarne, Sandy Bay and Wilkinsons Point, while looking at the feasibility of expanding into Kingborough.” The Mayors also welcomed Labor’s $60 million commitment to upgrade and strengthen Hobart Airport’s runway and airfield facilities, supporting international passenger flights and greater freight capacity. “We are committed to working with both the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments to ensure the flow-on benefits of international flights are fully realised. This includes capitalising on Hobart’s position as a key international gateway to the Antarctic. “We look forward to partnering with the Albanese Government to deliver these priorities and call on their support to ensure southern Tasmania receives its fair share of funding into the future. This includes further investment in the infrastructure, transport and connectivity projects identified as shared priorities by our four municipalities which comprise nearly 40 per cent of the Tasmanian population.” Doug Chipman is the Mayor of Clarence City Council, Bec Thomas is the Mayor of Glenorchy City Council, Anna Reynolds is the Lord Mayor of the City of Hobart and Paula Wriedt is the Mayor of Kingborough Council.
Based on the latest election results, the incoming federal parliament has 13 MPs from nonEuropean and non-indigenous backgrounds, compared with nine MPs in the previous parliament, s an increase from four per cent of the parliament to six per cent of the parliament. Dr Elizabeth Shi, a Senior Lecturer at the Graduate School of Business and Law at RMIT, specialising in employment law and discrimination law, described the increase as encouraging. “While these figures are definitely encouraging, it is still a long way from representing the Australian population, considering 21 per cent of the population are from non-European and non-indigenous backgrounds,” she said. “Increased diversity in parliament will only be impactful if these politicians from diverse backgrounds are willing to advocate for the pressing issues impacting on the CALD community. “For example, there have been several parliamentary inquiries in the past decade exposing issues of underpayment for temporary mi-
$17m in projects Labor’s success at the Federal election will deliver nearly $17m in funding for key Glen Eira Council projects as a result of Council and community advocacy on election commitments according to the Mayor.
POLICY AND DECISION MAKING MADE EASY
Mayor Cr Jim Magee said Labor candidate for Higgins, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah committed an Albanese Labor Government to the following priorities: $15 million contribution towards the $52 million redevelopment of the Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool $1.53 million contribution toward the redevelopment of the Packer Park Cycling Pavilion in Carnegie $416,000 towards a new LED lighting system at Murrumbeena Park. The Mayor congratulated Dr Ananda-Rajah on her win and said he looks forward to working in partnership with her to see these community priorities delivered. Cr Magee also congratulated the new Member for Goldstein Zoe Daniel, and continuing Member for Hotham Clare O’Neill MP on their election success.
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As part of this year’s National Reconciliation Week Lismore City Council shared stories of indigenous history, culture and achievement.
• Liveability • Planning • Demographics • Land Use
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• Transport • Climate
“This has been a particularly dynamic election period, and I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all candidates and their willingness to meet with Council and explore opportunities for working together to deliver strong outcomes for the Glen Eira community. I’d also like to acknowledge and thank the outgoing Federal MPs, Member for Higgins Dr Katie Allen and Member for Goldstein Mr Tim Wilson for their service and commitment. I wish them all the best for the future. “A very big thank you also goes to our Glen Eira community. The support and advocacy from residents, sporting clubs and community groups has been fantastic, and enabled us to secure commitments from all major parties. I am very proud of what we have collectively achieved this Federal election.” Council will now turn its attention to advocacy for the upcoming State election.
Sharing our stories
AURIN data covers: • Housing • Health
grant workers, especially working holiday visa holders. While there have been some changes in our laws, the underpayment issues have not been addressed in a significant way. Underpayment is still widespread in industries such as horticulture and hospitality. “Temporary migrant women are vulnerable to sexual harassment and bullying, due to their precarious visa status and casualised and labour hire work arrangements. Their interests have been ignored in the election campaign by all of the major parties. “With the severe worker shortage issues we are experiencing right now in Australia, getting our immigration policy right should be a huge priority for the federal government. Why should workers return to Australia after being treated so poorly during the pandemic? “Diversity in parliament is only impactful if these diverse politicians can negotiate and bring forward legislative changes which are aligned with the interests of migrants and the CALD population, rather than continue to ignore their interests”
As part of recognising and celebrating achievement within council, it awarded the Cory James Memorial Scholarship for Indigenous staff. With a large crowd in attendance at the Corporate Centre, Aunty Jenny awarded Council Road Construction staff member Jeb Walton as the second recipient of the scholarship. The award is in memory of the late Cory James, a young Indigenous council employee who passed away two years ago. Cory was known as a proud indigenous man who wanted to promote his culture and heritage within the community. The scholarship will allow Jeb to undertake further study and training to help further develop his career. Jed said being awarded the Scholarship opened more career options for him. “I am so humbled to have been awarded
this scholarship,” he said. “I have a number of career pathways I wish to take, such as project management which is a really exciting career opportunity for me. “However, I am also interested in becoming a trainer and help develop people. I also have an interest in environmental studies, so I will think about which way I want to go.” The scholarship has successfully helped Indigenous staff achieve career pathways such as 2020 inaugural winner Malcolm Saunderson. Malcolm used the scholarship to pursue his career in project management and has since managed a number of Council events. Council will continue to use National Reconciliation Week as an opportunity to recognise the achievements of Indigenous staff and assist in development and career pathways. LGFOCUS.COM.AU
NEWS
Reconciliation art Coorong District Council has taken another step towards its commitment to reconciliation through the development and launch of its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) celebrated at a Reconciliation Week art exhibition opening in the Coorong Gallery. This year the Council made a commitment to reconciliation and embarked on the development of its very first Reconciliation Action Plan which has now received endorsement from Reconciliation Australia. “I am proud to be part of Coorong District Council’s important journey towards reconciliation – the RAP has been developed in the spirit of reconciliation and acknowledgement of the traditional lands and waters on which the Council operates,” Coorong District Council Mayor Paul Simmons said. “It is the Council’s formal statement to reconciliation and will assist with embedding the principles and purpose of reconciliation within the organisation.” “Coorong District Council is located within Ngarrindjeri Ruwe and covers much of the Coorong, which has been home for many thousands of years to the Ngarrindjeri people. “The Ngarrindjeri have a timeless connection to the lower Murray River, Lakes and Coorong, and like the Ngarrindjeri, we as a Council are proud of our district and the RAP framework which allows us to further understand where we need to grow, develop and create stronger connections with First Nations people.” The Reconciliation Action Plan will guide the Council in its reconciliation journey, acknowledge what is being done well – which will be
Mater Education indigenous student Keenan Wynn.
Trek for health Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation CEO Tim Hartman, Coorong District Council CEO, Bridget Mather, Cr. Tracy Hill, Artist Summer Dawn, and Councillors Sharon Bland and Brenton, Qualmann celebrating the launch of Coorong District Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan and commissioned artwork at the Coorong Gallery on Friday, 27 May 2022. used as a foundation to build on, and continue to develop relationships and seek guidance from First Nations peoples. The artwork featured on the cover of the plan was created by Artist Summer Dawn and is titled ‘The Art of Reconciliation’. The artwork is a representation of the Council’s vision and journey to reconciliation and
reflects the unity of commonality between reconciliation and culture. The RAP was launched at the Coorong Gallery’s newest art exhibition opening which coincided with the first day of this year’s National Reconciliation Week. The exhibition celebrates and features established and emerging Ngarrindjeri artists.
Scholarships for young people The Local Government sector kicked off Reconciliation Week 2022 with three Pat Dixon Scholarships awarded to support the professional development of young Aboriginal people. The scholarships were established in honour of Pat Dixon, a Dhanggati woman who became the first Aboriginal woman elected to local government in Australia. Wagga Wagga City Council’s Bernard Higgins, Lismore City Council’s Malcolm Saunderson and Cr Ricky Buchanan of Nambucca Valley Council were named as winners of the annual scholarships. Local Government NSW President Darriea Turley said it was the first time that three scholarships had been awarded in a single year, demonstrating the wealth of talent coming through council ranks. “It’s incredibly important to support all the promising people working for the community through their local council,” Cr Turley said. “We need to back the next generation, particularly those individuals who help ensure that our councils reflect the rich and diverse communities they serve.” The Scholarships, which are administered by Local Government NSW, are awarded
each year to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander councillor or member of council staff to undertake further study, professional development or research. Recipients of the Scholarships are determined by four trustees: Local Government Aboriginal Network President, Cr Dominic Wy Kanak; Cr Dave Carter of Lachlan Shire Council, Mr Warren Roberts, a family representative of the late Pat Dixon, and the LGNSW President. Cr Dave Carter said Mr Higgins intends to use his scholarship to attend the 2022 Reconciliation Australia Conference, before developing Wagga Wagga City Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan. “This year’s Reconciliation Week theme Be Brave, Make Change calls on us all to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation, so it’s really appropriate that Bernard is using his scholarship to further that goal,” Cr Carter said. Cr Dominic Wy Kanak said both Malcolm
Saunderson and Cr Ricky Buchanan were using their Scholarships to undertake further study: a Diploma of Leadership and Management and a Certificate in Training and Assessment respectively. “We need to give all our young people the opportunity to reach their full potential, and these Scholarships are part of doing just that,” he said. Warren Roberts said the three recipients were each contributing to a better future for their communities. “Aunty Pat dedicated her life to serving the community, not only as a Councillor on Armidale City Council for 17 years but as Chief Executive Officer of the Armidale District Medical Service and Chair of New England and North Coast State Housing,” Mr Roberts said. “I think that she’d be really pleased to see this year’s scholarships going to not one but three young people with the same community commitment.”
Working to unite the community This National Reconciliation Week, the City of Ballarat is proud to continue working towards a united Ballarat where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are reflected in policies and respected in the community. The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians — individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians. The City of Ballarat is upholding this theme through its actions, policies, and strategies designed to explicitly honour and respect the cultural heritage of the region. Mayor Daniel Moloney said National Reconciliation Week is a chance for all Ballarat residents to stop and reflect upon the history and shared future of the city. “About 1.4 per cent of the Ballarat population identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, which is not an insignificant LGFOCUS.COM.AU
number,” he said. “Each year during reconciliation week we can all take the time to reflect on the things we do every day to ensure we are creating a city and community that is safe and respectful of everyone. “I urge everyone to make a change and be brave in their lives to challenge disrespect and stand up for the goodness that I know is inherent in Ballarat.” For the City of Ballarat, considerations of local Indigenous affairs are enshrined in overarching policies and strategies. The Ballarat Strategy 2040 ensures engagement with Indigenous stakeholders and key agencies to best deal with important Aboriginal heritage, cultural sites and elements from the changing climate
The Health and Wellbeing plan recognises the importance of self-determination for healthy and safe Aboriginal people and communities, while the current Council Plan’s Strategic Objectives includes a prioritisation of reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. The City of Ballarat’s Community Vision 2021-2031 also recognises the ongoing connection of Indigenous people to the land and their cultural heritage. Work on the City of Ballarat’s new and updated Reconciliation Action Plan is currently underway with the Koori Engagement Action Group and is expected to be completed this year. The City of Ballarat’s National Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day events are endorsed by the Koori Engagement Action Group.
A desire to improve healthcare for Aboriginal people living in North Queensland has inspired Keenan Wynn to trek more than 1000km from his home on the Sunshine Coast to study nursing in Townsville. The Mater Education indigenous student said studying for a Diploma of Nursing at Mater Private Hospital Townsville was a practical way he could help close the gap in Aboriginal people’s health outcomes. Highlighting National Reconciliation Week, Mr Wynn said increasing the number of First Nations nurses and health care practitioners would enhance engagement, collaboration and cultural understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. “My dream is to work as a nurse and treat sick and elderly patients in North Queensland so I can better understand my indigenous culture and family heritage,” he said. Mr Wynn’s great grandmother was part of the Stolen Generations, a period of time in Australian history when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were removed from their families. “Sometimes people are surprised when I say I am indigenous. The community tends to associate Indigenous people with those who have strong cultural ties,” he said. “It’s sometimes hard to know where I fit in, but I want to change this perception in our community.” Mater Education Student Services Team Leader Lauren Andrew said Access and Equity Scholarships were available through Mater Education to help support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to realise their dream of providing culturally appropriate healthcare on country. “So far, nine of the 40 applicants we’ve received for the July intake to study the Diploma of Nursing Townsville identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander,” Mrs Andrew said. “This compares with our January intake this year when 10 out of 81 applicants identified as indigenous, so we are seeing a welcome increase in interest from this demographic.” Mr Wynn, 34, said the move meant a career change for him from working in the oil and gas industry. “I made the move from Bli Bli in the Sunshine Coast region specifically to study this Diploma,” he said. “I wanted a job that enabled me to be more involved in my community.” Mater Education offers on-campus and online 18-month Diploma of Nursing courses at Brisbane and Townsville, providing flexibility to students and a foundation for a range of healthcare careers. June 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 9
COUNCILOR PROFILES
Mayor a true Barossan I’ve been involved in local government for 50 years in various roles. I began with the former District Council of Barossa on the tools, digging graves and operating plant and equipment before progressing to the role of Director, Works and Engineering Services for The Barossa Council following amalgamation. I undertook extensive studies and back in those days it was done in my own time and self-funded. Following retirement I took on consulting work within the local government sector before returning to The Barossa Council as an Elected Member and successfully running for Mayor in the 2018 local government elections. By Barossa Council Mayor Bim Lange OAM Tell us about your area: what makes your council special or different? The Barossa is nationally renowned for its wine and food, however there is much more to the region. My favourite part of the Barossa is the natural attractions, with our reservoirs providing opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking in the surrounding national parks, reserves and forestry land. You can’t beat the breathtaking views from the Steingarten Lookout or a scenic ride along the Barossa cycling and walking trail from Angaston to Gawler. For me, it’s really the areas away from the main roads and the natural environment that provide unique experiences both for local residents and visitors to our region. Do you have another job? Tell us about that and how it contributes to your role/views as a councillor? Prior to becoming mayor and as an elected member I was undertaking consultancy work within the local government sector, which gave me the opportunity to gain an appreciation of how other councils operate and their challenges. I found this extremely beneficial in my current role as Mayor. What activities do enjoy outside of work hours? My main activity is related to cycling, whether it be off-road experience on mountain bikes or riding for charity. I have participated in Legacy rides from Melbourne to Adelaide and Canberra to Adelaide, and one of my claims to fame was riding in the peloton and on the wheels of Stuart O’Grady, a patron for the Legacy rides. However my personal highlight was riding 1200 kilometres on the Western Front Tour de Legacy. This ride took us from London, through Belgium and finished in France for the 100- year
commemoration Amnesty, which became a TV documentary narrated by Gary Sweet. What are they key challenges facing you and your Council? Climate change and sustainability are key challenges for our industry, particularly the wine industry. A key aspiration is to drought-proof the Barossa to address lack of water within the region. Finding new export industry markets is also critical to address the global impact of China’s trade restrictions. We also continue to advocate for a new hospital in the Barossa to meet the growing demand for services within our area. Cycling tourism is high on our agenda and we continue to lobby for funding to deliver the Great Australian Wine Trail, a walking/cycling trail that will link the wine regions from Clare to the Barossa and McLaren Vale. This 200km trail will offer picturesque cycling and walking opportunities to help drive naturebased tourism and economic development for our State. What innovative projects or policies is Council working on? The Big Project is our largest and most ambitious community infrastructure project. Our vision is to deliver jobs, growth and community wellbeing through the construction of recreation and social infrastructure over a 35- year horizon. Over $30 million of infrastructure is currently being funded through The Big Project initiative. Tell us about a specific success you have had in Local Government? An extensive flood mitigation project saw the construction of a flood wall on the perimeter of Nuriootpa, protecting the township from flooding of the North Para River. Other achievements include the construction of the Barossa walking and cycling trail and the opening of local reservoirs for on-water activities such as canoeing and kayaking as well as mountain biking.
Barossa Council Mayor Bim Lange OAM. What is the best part about being a Councillor? The opportunity and confidence the community invests in its Elected Members to represent them and serve them by delivering innovate projects and services that complement our Barossa Brand and lifestyle. What is the worst part? Receiving only four per cent of all government
rateable income when local government is responsible for maintaining and improving so many community assets. What do you hope to accomplish in the future? I hope to see the construction of the Great Australian Wine Trail; further enhance our First Nations relationships; redefine our cultural, heritage and tourism experiences and droughtproof the Barossa.
Heather heads the hills suburb From the leafy green suburban streets of our plains areas, to the wilder bushland setting of our foothills and hills suburbs, the City of Mitcham is a wonderful place to live. One of the oldest metropolitan councils in South Australia, second only to the City in Adelaide, our council area is steeped in heritage. A natural spring meant the area was a traditional meeting place for the local Kaurna people, but also a perfect place for early settlement. Our city also includes a whole suburb which is state heritage listed. The model garden suburb of Colonel Light Gardens is a living example of outstanding urban design dating back to the early 1900’s. It is the history and natural beauty of our city that our 67000 wonderful residents most value. By Dr Heather Holmes Ross City Of Mitcham Mayor A Long-Term Resident As a long-term resident, I became interested in council as a business owner in the Mitcham Hills Blackwood shopping precinct. I was working as a research scientist when in a sea-change moment, my executive chef and I decided to open a cafe/restaurant with the goal of providing beautiful food and beverages made using traditional methods from fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with friendly, knowledgeable service, and sustainable and ethical work practices. Our business was a great success, however, the local Blackwood precinct was, like many urban centres, suffering a downturn as consumers moved away from local, independent shops and increasingly turned to the convenience of supermarket, franchise and online shopping. To counter this trend, I started a shop local and social inclusion campaign which encouraged independent businesses to work together, alongside the community, to generate pride in the uniqueness of the local area. When council withheld support for our campaign I and my fellow business owners were enraged! Members of the community encouraged me to stand for mayor, and I was humbled by the support which saw me 10 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS June 2022
Heather Holmes-Ross - Mayor of City of Mitcham. elected to the position in 2018. Our council chamber consists of me, as mayor, and thirteen councillors representing six wards. Over the past four years much of our time has been spent on decisions around spending on infrastructure. Our City has been in the enviable position of being situated in federal and state electorates which have become marginal due to changes in demo-
graphics and electoral boundaries. While I believe that promises of funding infrastructure to win elections is a terrible way to run a country, it’s what we have, and certainly the shift from safe seat to marginal has provided a huge increase in government funding in our area. This, along with various covid stimulation packages has seen an unprecedented surge in infrastructure projects, for which we are very grateful. More trees for Blackwood My proudest moment was our October 2019 declaration of a climate emergency. This turning point allowed us to rethink all our business-as-usual services through a climate change lens. The outcome has been a dramatic shift in the way we think about all our assets, footpaths, roads, trees, storm water, power usage, transport and much more. We are planting more trees, using permeable footpaths, and harvesting rainwater to water these trees (which, incidentally, encourages deep root growth, meaning less damage to our footpaths and kerbs). We’ve added recycled content, both plastic water bottles and crumbed rubber tyres, to our road surfaces making them longer lived, more flexible and less noisy. We’ve changed most of our lights to LED which is saving ratepayers thousands of dollars. We’re started changing our vehicle
fleet to 100% electric which saves money on fuel, and we’ve installed several electric charging stations to encourage the uptake of EVs by residents and allows visitors to the city to recharge while they shop. However, the project of which I am most proud, and has the potential to provide substantial savings to every Mitcham resident is our Mitcham Community Renewables Program. Described by the state’s chief entrepreneur as the council of innovation, Mitcham Council has been through an extensive tender and selection process to find a business partner capable of offering quality solar panels, batteries, and lower power prices, to residents, businesses, clubs, landowners, and tenants, with a no up-front cost option. We and our partner, ShineHub, are currently offering a City-wide bulk buy of solar panels and batteries, access to an exclusive City of Mitcham virtual power plant which offers additional savings, and the capacity to offer peer-to-peer trading of electricity in the near future. This collaboration, which is an Australian first, has the potential to reduce the energy consumption of the council area an amazing 50%. I feel so privileged to lead a council which delivering such meaningful services to our community. This ability is what makes local government rock! LGFOCUS.COM.AU
NEWS
TURF TALK
Volleyball ready Blacktown City Council and Volleyball NSW have announced a new beach volleyball complex to built at Glenwood Reserve, Glenwood.
Welcome to our new column Turf Talk presented by the International hub for greenkeepers, groundstaff and volunteers. By Bradley Tennant The IGFH Team
Blacktown City Councillor Julie Griffiths with Volleyball NSW CEO Baz Wedmaier at the project site in Glenwood. community and Volleyball NSW. “Council looks forward to working with Volleyball NSW as the project progresses and into the future.”
Planning is already underway with community consultation to follow. The project is expected to be complete by mid to late 2023 pending weather.
Let there be lights in Penrith Penrith City Council has installed new LED floodlighting at eight sportsgrounds across the City, with a further six projects underway or planned to begin this year. The infrastructure improvements will maximise playable hours and capacity of the sportsgrounds, encourage participation and ensure these facilities are fit for purpose. Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said Penrith’s growing population meant more residents of all ages needed access to quality sport and recreation facilities close to home. “As more people call Penrith home, we want to support our local sports clubs with the right infrastructure to grow and have the capacity for more hours of competitions and training,” Cr Hitchen said. “LED floodlighting also requires less energy, creates less greenhouse gas emissions, lasts longer, and reduces light spill on surrounding areas compared to traditional lighting, making these sportsgrounds sustainable into the future.” The latest sportsgrounds to receive lighting upgrades are: Cook and Banks Reserve, St Clair
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· Monfarville Reserve (Diamond One), St Marys · Myrtle Road Reserve, Claremont Meadows · Surveyors Creek Softball Facility (Diamond One and Two), Glenmore Park · The Kingsway Sports Precinct, Werrington · Cook Park, St Marys; Eileen Cammack Re-
Myrtle Street.
· Dukes Oval, Emu Plains · Gow Park, Mulgoa · Jamison Park Synthetic Fields, Penrith
serve, South Penrith; Hickeys Lane, Penrith; Leonay Oval, Leonay; Parker Street Reserve, Penrith; and a further two playing diamonds at Surveyors Creek Softball Facility, Glenmore Park, will also receive floodlighting upgrades These projects have been funded by Council in partnership with the Australian and NSW Governments. They were identified through Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy, which is a 15-year road map for the future provision of sport, play, recreation and open space across the City.
Deer Park to be made safer Brimbank City Council has welcomed a $612,000 Victorian State Government grant to fund an upgrade at Robert Bruce Reserve in Deer Park to make it a safe, accessible and femalefriendly facility. According to Mayor Cr Jasmine Nguyen the $1,224,000 project has been matched by $612,000 funding from Brimbank City Council. “I’m excited about the many benefits this new facility at Robert Bruce Reserve will bring to our community and I thank the Victorian Government for its generous support,” Cr Nguyen said. “The flexible design will create an inclusive environment for females, juniors and people with diverse abilities. “The new amenities will provide a useful and welcoming space for under-represented groups within the community to call home.” The upgraded facility will include: two new player change rooms
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LGFOCUS.COM.AU
· extra WRFL finals · two new umpire change rooms Disability Discrimination Act compli- · additional Zumba, In2Active and school use · aantnew opportunities (DDA) toilet facility, with a baby change space a new First Aid room The facility is designed to lessen significant barriers to participation, by creating an inclusive and inviting space for participants and spectators to enjoy. The upgraded amenities are expected to increase community participation and encourage more females, juniors, and people with a disability to use the space, including: new female teams more female cricket an increase in AFL 9’s participants
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Works on the facility will start later this year and are expected to be completed around mid-2023. Brimbank City Council has secured over $1.4 million in State Government funding for four sports facility upgrades this financial year. The improvements are top priorities in the rolling programs included in Council’s Sports Facility Development Plan. The latest round of State Government funding, including the recent Dempster Park Tennis announcement, adds to the previously announced World Game Facilities Fund and Community Cricket Program.
Our aim is to unite greenkeepers, promote the industry, and help share the art of greenkeeping with others. The organisation is made by greenkeepers, for greenkeepers. We’re a group of dedicated greenkeeping experts who are on a mission to share our knowledge and passion with the rest of the world.’ Bradley Tennant - International Greenkeepers For Hire Couch (Cynodon spp.) is commonly overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) for reasons such as aesthetics, increased wear tolerance and to protect the couch once it enters dormancy. The aim is to maintain this cover during the cool season months and then once it begins to warm up in the spring remove this to enable the underlying warm season couch to grow unimpeded. Increasingly problematic has been getting this ‘’transition’’ to occur smoothly as improvements in perennial ryegrass breeding have led to ryegrass becoming much more heat tolerant and consequently tending to hang on rather than keeling over once temperatures increase. This is a cause for concern as research has shown that the couch requires approximately 100 days without ryegrass competition in order to achieve maximum performance. Over the years new varieties of grass have become tougher, meaning that your old natural transitioning techniques may not work meaning you may have to use a selective herbicide. Otherwise you may end up with residual ryegrass that can often be seen in clumps over the playing surface. The speed of transition - using the appropriate chemicals also plays a major role in deciding when they should be applied. A faster acting chemical should be applied as late as possible into the spring unless a dormant looking couch is acceptable. Slower acting options, which can take up to eight weeks to work in contrast, should be applied much earlier in the season.
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Council will deliver the facility after successfully receiving funding as part of the NSW Office of Sport’s Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, said: “Our diverse community is keen to participate in a wider range of community sport and recreation opportunities as possible – there is absolutely no reason why beach volleyball should be restricted to the coast.” The grant, worth $999,999, will allow Council to deliver the first multi-court beach volleyball facility in Western Sydney and provide increased opportunities for competition and community participation. Councillor Julie Griffiths recently met with Volleyball NSW CEO Baz Wedmaier to announce the exciting project. “Volleyball NSW is extremely excited to have a dedicated facility in Western Sydney to grow the sport at all levels,” Mr Wedmaier said. “All of us at Volleyball NSW are looking forward to working with Blacktown City Council on this unique project and activating the venue with the community once built. “Who knows, the next Beach Volleyball Olympian may come from Glenwood.” Mr Wedmaier presented Council with a beach volleyball, previously used in competition. “I thank Volleyball NSW for this gift and their support of the project,” Mr Bleasdale said. “It is terrific to be able to secure this funding and to deliver this exciting new project with our
Ryegrass to couch transition
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NEWS
Vishal Ohri, Downer Professional Services and Jason Gouge, Comtrac.
Morgan Gatsis, Brendan Eggins and Robert Carter, Ricoh Australia.
Helen Clark and Tanya Gleeson, Convene Pty Ltd
Tech conference returns Tech in Gov came back in-person at the National Convention Centre Canberra, on the 11-12 May after a break due to the pandemic. The extensive convention included more than 100 speakers and addressing 10 central themes. Tech in Gov is considered one of the most comprehensive cross-sector event for government, IT, and executive level professionals in Australia. Each year, they descend on Canberra to meet to see the latest tech and do business. The presenters are disrupters and visionary industry leaders who, year after year, help the attendees improve their practice and give answers on the issues which matter most. The event was presented by global events company Terrapinn whose events aim to promote innovation and technology that changes people’s lives. They partner with some of the world’s leading companies and innovators to try to make a difference. A second event is now being planned for 25 and 26 October back at the Convention Centre in Canberra. This event will feature more than 150 speakers across the 15 central themes and is aimed at a cross-section of government, IT and executive level professionals in Australia. The aim of the event is to provide a platform for senior public and private sector IT experts to learn, network and source ICT solutions for the ongoing digital transformation within Australian business and government.
Enzo Casali and Richard Bellbridge, Bellridge Software and Hardware Solutions.
Rocco Palladino and Gary Kime, 1300 Keywatcher.
Jessica Membrey and Gareth Thomas, Pagero.
Chappy week celebrations for Redlands Redland City Council celebrated Chappy Week in May, acknowledging and celebrating the wonderful work of Redlands Coast School chaplains and the vital part they play in the lives of students, families and school communities. Mayor Karen Williams said Council put a high priority on recognising the incredible commitment and sacrifice made by school chaplains, who now worked in most state schools across Redlands Coast. “The work of chaplains is vital in our schools and they provide important guidance, advice, comfort and support across every school in which they have a presence,” said Cr Williams. “I’m delighted to announce that as part of council’s recognition of chaplains, nominations are now open for the pre-eminent award for our chaplains, the Pastor Glen Gray Award. ”The award recognises an outstanding 12 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS June 2022
chaplain on Redlands Coast who has demonstrated significant social, emotional and spiritual support to students, parents and school staff. “Pastor Glen Gray, who passed away in 2020, was a passionate Redlands Coast resident who did outstanding community work and who played an integral role in founding some of Redlands Coast’s best loved community events. “He was much loved and was a generous and selfless man who touched the lives of countless residents through many local causes which included food banks and events such as the Redlands Easter Family Festival.
“I would encourage you to nominate your school chaplain for the award to help recognise the outstanding work that chaplains do each and every day on Redlands Coast. The Award winner will be announced at our Mayoral Prayer Breakfast.” The Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, will this year be held on Thursday 18 August. The event is widely supported by the Redlands Coast community and has raised more than $150,000 since its inception. All the money we raise through the breakfasts helps fund the work of chaplains across the Redlands Coast.
Pastor Glen Gray Award 2021 recipient Terry Keen (chaplain at Alexandra Hills State School) and Redland City Mayor Karen Williams. LGFOCUS.COM.AU
FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Diverting our waste
Dog poo bags which break down
Since 1999, councils have demonstrated their strong commitment to improved waste management practices, by engaging with the drumMUSTER and ChemClear agricultural waste services. As the nation’s longest running agricultural stewardship programs, drumMUSTER has been instrumental in helping landholders clear their land of 40 million empty agvet drums, while ChemClear has safely disposed of more than 790 tonnes of unwanted chemicals. Councils who host collection sites for regular chemical pickups are not only allowing a safe product disposal pathway for local residents, they’re helping Australians to keep their land and waterways pristine. With recent flooding events in SE QLD and Northern NSW, ChemClear partnered with the QLD Government, as well as the NSW EPA to provide a targeted, free collection of flood affected agvet chemicals to ensure the safe disposal of these chemicals. Farm safety is vital to the continued viability of the Australian food and fibre industries and with the amount of agvet products diverted from landfill and into recycling projects, it’s clear farmers get the message and want to deliver on better farm safety.
Collecting the drums for recycling. If your local council would like to get involved, contact drumMUSTER on 1800 008 707 or ChemClear on 1800 008 182.
With the removal of single-use shopping bags, there has been a sharp rise in demand for dog waste bags in Australia. Truthfully, many dog owners are still using conventional plastic dog bags and disposing of it in the rubbish bin, ending up in landfill. From there, it often takes hundreds of years for plastic bags to fully break down. Australia’s leading manufacturer and eco-conscious warriors, Biogone, have created the world’s first landfill-biodegradable dog waste bags that are considered to break down 90 per cent faster than the conventional plastic bag. Compared to regular pet waste bags that can take up to hundreds of years to fully decompose, Biogone’s lower cost landfill-biodegradable dog poop bags have been designed to fully biodegrade in only a few years, and home compostable dog poop bags within a few of months in landfill. The Biogone dog waste bags are also made from recycled plastic. To help meet sustainable goals Biogone have council parks and gardens dog waste bags available, along with mountable dog bag dispensers. Landfill biodegradable council dog waste bags come in rolls of 250 wide mouth and 500 standard bags. Home compostable bags are made with a thicker material than the landfill-biode-
Biogone dog bags. gradable bags and come in rolls of 250 wide mouth or 400 standard bags. Equally important for environmental considerations, landfill-biodegradable bags do not have a limited shelf life, and they do not fragment into microplastics over time. Biogone also have landfill biodegradable and home compostable bin liners available for your operations and offices. To learn more about Biogone sustainable plastic products visit www.biogone.com.au 12542174-CG15-22
Thanks to the 355 local government councils who host agricultural and veterinary chemical container sites, Australian property owners have diverted millions of tonnes of agricultural waste from landfill towards recycling projects or safe disposal.
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June 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 13
FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
One tree per child On Friday 27 May, Greater Shepparton City Council celebrated the planting of 100,000 trees, shrubs and grasses across 104 planting sites within the region as part of the One Tree Per Child global initiative founded by Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee. The One Tree Per Child initiative operates in 10 countries with Greater Shepparton City Council being the first in the world to reach 100,000. To launch the celebrations, Yorta Yorta and Djadjawurrung man Damien Saunders welcomed schools and community land care groups to Tassicker Reserve with a welcome to country, providing insight on how the land, trees and people are connected, and when the stolen generation how the trees wept. Planting a tree is giving back to the land, and provides the roots for the next generation. Alongside gardening guru Costa Georgiadis, community members and school children planted an additional 500 new trees and shrubs, assisting in getting one tree closer to achieving the next 100,000 milestone in 2025, with a target to plant 24,400 plants each year and 1,000 on National Tree Day. Since the project was launched 33 local primary and secondary schools have been involved within the region since 2016 with the aim of planting one indigenous plant for every child within the municipality aged under 18 each year and to restore woodland species to provide habitat for woodland birds and other native fauna. There have been 25 varieties of native trees and shrubs that have been planted including kangaroo grass, river red gum and emu bush. Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said it was really exciting and inspiring to know that the community had reached this momentous milestone. “One hundred thousand plants is a significant number, and it has been achieved through children’s participation collectively enhancing our region’s environment by planting native Indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses,” she said.
Reusing water New irrigation systems are being installed around the parks and sporting fields of Goulburn, as part of the Goulburn Reuse Scheme.
Ready, set, plant.
Safe vibrant space in Grafton Clarence Valley Council is collaborating with Grafton Police and other community stakeholders to manage community facilities at Fisher Park Skate Park, Grafton in order to create a safe and vibrant space. Two shipping containers retrofitted to provide youth services were installed at the skate park in November 2020 and painted during Clarence Valley Youth Week in April as part of the Out of the Box youth program. “Council and Police are working collectively with several government agencies and organisations to facilitate a plan to make the space safe,” Clarence Valley Council Acting General Manager Laura Black said. “The Out of the Box youth program provides a soft entry point for service providers to have direct access to young people at the coalface of their community.” However on 24 May Council temporarily removed the two containers for repairs due to malicious damage. The decision for the removal was made in consultation with the police, implementing a “safer by design” principle according to Coffs Clarence Chief Inspector Joanne Reid.
Goulburn irrigation aims to reuse resources.
Renowned Grafton street artist Kade Valja was involved in creating the artworks on the containers as part of the Out of the Box youth program at Fisher Park. “There has been an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour at the skate park over the past three months,” Coffs Clarence
Chief Inspector Joanne Reid. “Part of crime prevention from a police perspective is to make the space safe by not only conducting patrols and enforcements, but also altering the physical space by a safer by design principle. “Grafton Police want to work with Clarence Valley Council to find better ways to make the skate park safe for everyone to enjoy, much as we’ve done in other spaces in the Clarence Valley. “The presence of large groups can intimidate or frighten other youths, and the skate park is a space for all people to use; not just one particular group. “But it’s not just a police problem or a council problem; it’s a community problem, and as a community we’ll solve it.” Since 2021 Council has promoted passive surveillance with the slogan: “If you see something say something” in response to anti-social behaviour.”
The important sustainability project will allow Goulburn Mulwaree Council to use treated effluent to green our playing fields, parks and gardens, in turn saving use of potable water. Mayor Peter Walker said it was an outstanding example of long term planning for a region which is prone to drought. “Goulburn locals will remember the years past in extreme droughts where we had to make the difficult decision to cancel sporting seasons due to lack of water for playing fields. The reuse scheme will mean we are able to keep our fields safe for sporting field even during drought, with a treated effluent product of an incredibly high standard, quite close to potable water. It is important that we continually look to sustainability projects, and we are very proud of the Goulburn Reuse Scheme.” Construction of the reticulated water pipeline network was completed earlier this year. This network links Goulburn’s wastewater treatment plant with North Park, Carr Confoy, Hudson Park, Goulburn Recreation Area, Victoria Park, Goulburn Golf Club and the Goulburn District Racetrack. Irrigation construction at Hudson Oval, and North Park are complete with continual monitoring of restoration for the coming months. Irrigation projects at Carr Confoy and Victoria Park have commenced and are well underway, however have been affected by the wet weather which has made it difficult to use machinery in these areas. The $10.8 million project is an innovative local government project, which will achieve excellent environmental outcomes. $4.4 million was received through the Federal Government Building Better Regions Fund for the project, with Council contributing a further $6.4 million from the sewer fund. Works will commence on irrigation installation at the Goulburn Recreation Area in June, while Council staff are redesigning the tender for the final upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant to ensure it remains within budget.
Tree planting commemorates Jubilee City of Palmerston commemorated Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, with an official tree planting at Gray Community Hall on 4 June, 2022. As a part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy project, City of Palmerston Mayor, Athina PascoeBell, was joined by the Northern Territory Administrator, Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO to mark the auspicious occasion. The Queen’s reign of 70 years is significant, and the Jubilee was being commemorated across the Commonwealth in a variety of ways. Planting a tree in her honour is fitting considering the work that City of Palmerston is already doing in this space according to the mayor. 14 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS June 2022
City of Palmerston also lit up the Water Tower ‘Royal purple’ from the 3 – 10 June. City of Palmerston Mayor, Athina Pascoe-Bell extended her congratulations. “Firstly, I would like to congratulate Her Majesty on this inspiring milestone. As an environmental enthusiast, I believe celebrating incredible achievements such as the Queen’s 70-year reign with the planting of trees is so valuable.” “I invite the community to join us this afternoon in Rosebery to plant over 50 native trees
and play a role in beautifying our city,” she said. Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO, Administrator of the Northern Territory said she was delighted to take part in the event. “It is wonderful to see the Palmerston community coming together to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee with tree plantings,” she said. “Tree planting events have been a focus of jubilee celebrations around the Commonwealth, and it is pleasing to see the initiative taking place here in the Northern Territory to
mark this historic occasion.” The council is committed to maintaining, protecting and enhancing Palmerston’s urban forest. This is fostered through the annual program of tree planting aimed at greening, cooling, and shading the city. Additionally, over the past 12 months, regular tree giveaways have seen 4500 native trees provided to Palmerston residents to plant in their own gardens. LGFOCUS.COM.AU
FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Reusing food waste From July 2022 the residents of Whitehorse will have an access to Food and Garden Organics recycling services. With food waste collections commencing shortly, the Whitehorse City Council sets out on a journey to divert a significant volume of organics from landfill. Based on several bin audits across the municipality, an average garbage bin in Whitehorse consists of up to 47 per cent of organic waste including raw food and leftovers, garden clippings and weeds. Currently, this waste, otherwise a valuable resource, is sent to landfill where it rots and produces a harmful greenhouse gas called methane. With the introduction of Food and Garden Organic recycling services, the food waste from Whitehorse will be processed into quality mulch and compost at the Bio Gro facility in Dandenong South. The products will then be used on gardens and farms across Victoria and sold in retail or hardware stores. The Whitehorse City Council recognises that food recycling can be a messy business. To make collection and storage of food scraps as convenient as possible for the residents, council provides special kitchen caddies and
a year supply of compostable liners to local households. In addition to the significant environmental benefits, this service can bring long-term financial benefits to the Whitehorse community. Space in landfill is limited, and the cost of sending waste to landfill is ever-increasing. By 2023, landfill costs are anticipated to be 30% more expensive than the Food and Garden Waste service. The Food and Garden Organics bin is currently an optional service in Whitehorse, and the additional cost of $69 per year applies. For Whitehorse residents who already use garden bins, the food recycling service won’t cost anything, and they can start putting their food waste into their current lime-green lid garden bins from 1 July 2022. Recycle service.
Environmental finance on offer Glen Eira City Council has partnered with Better Building Finance to enable environmental finance to be offered to local businesses in the municipality. Environmental Upgrade Finance is a government-enabled program which encourages business owners to upgrade existing buildings to be more environmentally friendly, improve their overall sustainability and address climate change issues. Local business owners can take out a longterm loan for the works, which is then repaid through Council’s rates system. Council’s in-
volvement means businesses can access favourable and affordable finance terms. Examples of works that can be undertaken include installation of solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, water efficiency initiatives, replacing lighting and more. The program will enable businesses in Glen Eira to make sustainable building upgrades,
supporting Council’s target of net zero community emissions by 2030 reflected in Our Climate Emergency Response Strategy 2021–2025 Dhumbali Wurrungi-biik Parbin-ata. Glen Eira City Council joins many existing Council partners in Victoria after the program received support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to grow this form of finance in 2019.
Local Councils are pivotal in leading Australia’s sustainable future as they can influence where used tyres end up and how our local waste tyre market operates.
Plant trees Townsville City Council is calling on local schools to pull out their green thumbs and register to be a part of Australia’s largest tree planting event in July. Council will host their annual Schools Tree Day event at Riverway on Thursday, 28 July in preparation for Schools and National Tree Days, where schools will receive goodies such as native trees, educational resources and a wildlife talk from none other than Ranger Dan. Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said the event had been a raving success in years gone by with a number of schools participating. “Over the years we’ve had upwards of 10 schools take part in our schools tree day event, but this year we’d like to make it bigger than ever,” Cr Soars said. “The event is always a great morning, where schools can prep for Schools Tree Day and learn a little more about our native flora and fauna as well as our native wildlife.” Cr Soars said registrations had opened for schools to join in on the fun on July 28. “As a Council we’re proud to lead in sustainable practices and work towards becoming a circular economy, and events like this highlight to our youngest community members the importance of giving back to our environment,” he said.
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 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
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June 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 15
FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
The future is wind Work is officially underway at the MacIntyre Wind Farm precinct, a 620-worker, $2 billion project that will include Queensland’s first publicly-owned and operated wind farm and establish the state’s second Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The 1,026MW (megawatt) precinct consists of two wind farms – the proposed 103MW Karara Wind Farm to be owned and operated by the Queensland Government’s low-emissions generator and retailer CleanCo Queensland, and the 923MW MacIntyre Wind Farm that will be owned and operated by ACCIONA Energy Australia. Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said the project represented not just more renewable energy for Queensland, but a major boost for jobs and regional opportunities. “This project will create 400 project jobs during construction and support a further 220 transmission jobs,” the Treasurer said. It will inject more than $500m into the Southern Downs and Darling Downs regional economy during construction and provide renewable, affordable power for businesses across the region well into the future.” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni, on site on the Southern Downs west of Warwick for today’s sod turning, said the mega-project was supporting more than 600 construction and transmission jobs. “We are creating more jobs in more industries,” Mr de Brenni said. “As well as the 400 wind farm construction and 220 transmission connection jobs, the zero emissions MacIntyre Wind Farm power will fuel decent, secure jobs in energy intensive industries, in particular nearby manufacturing.”
Mr de Brenni said the mega project was further evidence of the Palaszczuk Government’s long-standing commitment to renewables, which would keep downward pressure on electricity prices. The MacIntyre Precinct being delivered in partnership with ACCIONA, takes in the MacIntyre Wind Farm, boasting 162 turbines, and the 103MW Karara Wind Farm which will host a further 18 turbines. “The precinct will be one of the largest wind farms in the southern hemisphere and is a signal to global investors that Queensland is ready to support low emissions, job creating industry, onshore. “With its high-quality wind resources, the Southern Downs QREZ west of Warwick is an ideal location to support continued expansion of energy intensive industry in SEQ.” Minister de Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government was also investing more than $2 billion to supercharge renewable energy supply and significant battery storage to produce cheaper, cleaner energy and the decent, secure jobs it would create across Queensland. CleanCo Chair Jacqui Walters said it was a major step with the renewable energy generated by the MacIntyre Precinct helping to support CleanCo to deliver reliable, clean energy solutions at a competitive price for customers helping them thrive in a net zero future. “With the capacity to supply the equivalent of nearly 700,000 homes, this massive MacIntyre project will substantially boost renew-
able energy supply in Queensland helping our industries, businesses and communities to achieve their sustainability goals. “Today represents a major step forward for CleanCo as we celebrate the future offtake of energy from the MacIntyre project and as our Board makes its final decisions on the Karara Wind Farm.“ CleanCo’s power purchase agreement for 400MW from the MacIntyre Wind Farm will contribute to the 1,400MW of new renewable energy it is bringing to market by 2025 to support the energy transformation in Queensland. ACCIONA Energia, Managing Director Brett Wickham says as the largest onshore wind farm in the southern hemisphere the MacIntyre Precinct is bringing significant social and economic benefits not just to the Downs but to the whole of Queensland. “I believe MacIntyre is the start of a golden age of renewable energy in Australia. One that takes full advantage of our renewable resources with projects that help drive and develop our regional economies. “It is great to be working alongside CleanCo to deliver this major project for Queensland and its residents.” Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor Lawrence Springborg said “It’s wonderful to see that the Goondiwindi Region is once again the region of choice for innovative, pioneering projects such as the ACCIONA MacIntyre Wind Farm, which is set to be one of the largest onshore wind farms in the world.
Frankston lights up with LED In August 2021 Frankston City Council completed a $1.73 million bulk LED street light upgrade across the Frankston municipality by replacing 6,960 street lights on residential roads with energy efficient LEDs. All T5 fluorescent street lights were converted to 17 watt and 13.7 watt LEDs. The LEDs provide a higher quality of light, are smart technology ready, last longer and are up to 55 per cent more energy efficient than the lights they have replaced. Council was the first local government authority in the United Energy distribution network to install the highly efficient 13.7 watt LED lights by advocating to fast-track the approvals. The project is expected to save around $4 million in electricity and maintenance charges over the life of the light, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8,912 tonnes over the next 20 years. Savings will be redirected into other important Council and community services. Council is one of few local government authorities to successfully secure a financial rebate through the Victorian Government’s
Victorian Energy Upgrades program for undertaking a municipal-wide street light upgrade. Including the $394k rebate, Council’s contribution to the project cost was reduced to $1.3 million and the estimated financial payback to 5.5 years. During the roll-out of the project Council ran a series of free Greening Our Future information sessions for the community and Council staff to increase awareness about the benefits of energy efficiency, climate change and reducing emissions. To coincide with this project Council signed up to a 4-year contract sourcing 100% renewable energy through GreenPower® for its remaining street light electricity usage, making this a net zero emissions initiative. This project is a key action of Council’s Towards Zero Emissions Plan (2019-2023) and is a demonstration of the organisation’s commitment to accelerated action on climate change.
Frankston City Councillor Claire Harvey with the new LED street light.
Solar rebates for regional Qld Queensland regional households and small business solar panel owners are in line for a cost of living boost with a 41 per cent increase in the feed-in tariff. Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Competition Authority’s regional solar feed-in determination today would save about 150,000 customers up to $200 a year. Mr de Brenni said the QCA’s determination was further proof Queenslanders were benefiting from the Palaszczuk Government’s backing in renewables. “We know Queenslanders have backed solar, with the highest penetration of rooftop solar in the world,” Mr de Brenni said. “Today’s determination means regional Queensland families and small businesses will see more money in their pockets. “We know every dollar counts right now. 16 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS June 2022
“That’s why the Premier announced a $175 Cost of Living Rebate off power bills last week and free flu jabs. “This determination means even more relief for family budgets and small businesses outside the southeast, money that will be spent throughout communities across regional Queensland.” Queenslanders will also receive a $175 Cost of Living Rebate on their next power bill, bringing to $575 the dividends Queenslanders have received over the past four years. Minister de Brenni said the Queensland Government was also investing more than $2 billion to supercharge renewable energy supply and significant battery storage to produce
cheaper, cleaner energy but has gone it alone for years. “We are getting on with the job but the hangover of nine years of the failed AbbottTurnbull-Morrison Government and their flatlining on renewables investment is impacting on cost of living for Queenslanders,” Mr de Brenni said. “Queensland Competition Authority has pointed to the impact of the invasion of Ukraine on gas prices in its determination. “We’re working hard to keep downward pressure on prices because every dollar counts right now for Queensland households,” Mr de Brenni said.
Ease the squeeze A new Sunshine Coast Council transportfocused program will roll out to the community, encouraging people to make small changes to their travel habits to reduce congestion, improve their lifestyle and help the environment. ThinkChange is a Travel Behaviour Change Program and a key action of the Integrated Transport Strategy. Sunshine Coast Council Transport Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the program enabled council to work with the community for a healthier, more connected and sustainable Sunshine Coast. “It is designed to encourage and empower the community to make better informed travel choices,” Cr Baberowski said. “At its core, ThinkChange is about helping everyone on the Sunshine Coast reconsider ways to reduce car usage and the distance travelled in cars, consider taking public transport, or even replace short car trips with walking, scooting or cycling. “As part of the program, council will partner with organisations, communities and groups willing to effect change. “Our current level of car use on the Sunshine Coast is exceptionally high and, frankly, unsustainable and this program will help us move towards council’s vision as Australia’s most sustainable region, healthy, smart, creative. “We can all make small changes as individuals, businesses and communities that don’t solely rely on public transport to reduce car usage. All together it could make a big difference for the community. You could consider making simple changes today, such as going to the shops on your way home from work, rather than making an individual trip. “We absolutely also acknowledge public transport on the Sunshine Coast needs significant investment by other levels of government, in particular the State Government, the level of government responsible for public transport. “We reassure our community council will continue to strongly advocate for increased public transport services on behalf of our community.” Over the past two years, council has consulted and collaborated with the community to understand and recognise the need to achieve genuine, sustainable change. This multi-year program will start with a selection of pilot initiatives with a focus on five categories: community, education, workplace, event and visitor-based initiatives. ThinkChange initiatives will be announced over the coming months. It is envisioned that over time, initiatives will be spread out across the region, each focused on reducing car trips and kilometres travelled. Individuals and the community don’t need to be part of an official ThinkChange initiative to participate. How small changes can reduce our car usage, improve our lifestyle and help the environment: Rethink: Thinking about and planning ways to make life easier by doing things differently Remode: Take alternative transport modes for a more reliable journey Retime: Avoid travel in peak periods Reduce: Plan ahead and reduce unnecessary travel to make life easier Reroute: Change route to avoid congested areas where possible
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FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Climate resilience Tableland Regional Council’s (TRC) Climate resilience efforts - essential for a region situated near the intersection of two world heritage areas — were rewarded twice.
Snowy Monaro’s biosecurity drone program.
Drone soars Fresh off the back of a nomination at the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards, Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s biosecurity drone program is soaring to even greater heights. Fresh off the back of a nomination at the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards, Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s biosecurity drone program is soaring to even greater heights. A partnership between Council, Local Land Services (LLS) and regional technology firm 2pi Software – the program brings together local knowledge, practical technology, and the latest developments in cloud-based machine learning. This combination shows that public sector tech innovation is not just limited to the major entities. Strategic partnerships – both intergovernmental and with the private sector – have been key to Snowy Monaro leading the way in leveraging tech to develop a novel approach to weed and invasive species management in our region. “Our drone passes over areas of known or suspected weed populations in a pre-determined grid, taking thousands of photos in a session,” said Brett Jones, Biosecurity Coordinator. “The photos are then run through our custom-built software on the cloud that identifies weeds from these high-altitude photos using tiny differences in colouration.”
“We aim to provide a system that farmers and land managers alike can utilise for their own purposes, using small and affordable drones.” The locally developed Shared Services Weeds Portal (SSWP) is the first software platform in the country to be directly connected to the Australian Scalable Drone Cloud (ASDC). This is a government initiative driven by the ANU to centralise drone data and drone project initiatives for research and other collective purposes. Snowy Monaro Regional Council and 2pi Software have developed this technology to the point that it can now successfully pick out invasive weeds with orange flowers in a field dominated by native orange flowers, even from a height of 30 metres. As it continues to develop, Council anticipates being able to remotely identify specific grassy weeds such as African Lovegrass out of a grass pasture. “Using the technology to pick invasive grasses out of a green grass based pasture is certainly not out of reach,” Mr Jones said.
Help in engaging the local community For those planning a community engagement project and not sure which engagement method is best for their situation – IAP2 Australasia believe they can help. The group has launched an online tool to help community and stakeholder engagers find and deliver a variety of engagement methods. The Engagement Method Tool includes more than 60 engagement methods and allows people to search for methods according to their: engagement context, purpose, budget, resourcing, time available and even the number of participants. The tool guides through the method principles, preparation and delivery for both virtual and in-person environments as well as any tips or traps they need to be aware of. Based on IAP2A’s handy Engagement Methods matrix, the online tool ultimately helps the client to bring people together; share information; collect and compile feedback and ultimately, make better decisions. As the peak body for the community and stakeholder engagement sector, IAP2 Australasia, believes that engagement, when done well, improves social, environmental and economic outcomes and increases trust in the democratic process. Better engagement means better outcomes
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Tableland Regional Council’s (TRC) Climate resilience efforts - essential for a region situated near the intersection of two world heritage areas — were rewarded twice. They were selected by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) to carry out the pilot for their draft Climate Risk Management Framework for Queensland Local Governments and then joined the Rivers to Reef Climate Resilience Alliance, a second LGAQ-funded initiative under the Queensland Climate Resilient Councils program. The Climate Risk Management Framework for Queensland Local Government aims to encourage logical, defensible and effective actions that can minimise the overall cost of reducing the potential impact of all current and future climate risks within a local government area. Less than a year later, the Council endorsed the Climate Risk Management Strategy and the Alliance’s Action Plan. Both projects involved extensive community consultation, a review of
existing information and data, and a collaborative approach between Councillors, staff and key stakeholders. Increasing awareness of the risks and opportunities created by climate change was one of the goals of the projects.Not surprisingly, it confirmed the community has an informed and advanced understanding of climate change. A recent survey demonstrated the first three reasons why people choose to live on the Tablelands are directly related to our unique climate and natural environment, and the biggest risk the natural assets face is climate change. The new strategy directs the planning and action, helps the council understand the risks and opportunities of changing climate in their region and investigates how they can transition to a low carbon economy. They are looking forward to advancing through the next stages of the framework and ensuring TRC and the community are prepared for the future.
Community engagement sessions for the strategy.
Engagement Methods Tool IAP2 Australasia’s online destination for practitioner approved engagement methods. Discover over 60 engagement methods that suit a variety of contexts, engagement objectives, levels of influence, budgets, scale and time available.
The tool guides you through the method principles, preparation and Planning for community engagement. for Councils, their projects and their communities. Learn more about the Engagement Methods Tool and view a demo at https://emt.iap2.org. au. Plus, for engagement practitioners working in Local Government, IAP2 Australasia also has a wealth of articles, tools and resources on IAP2A’s website hub https://iap2.org.au/localgovernment-hub/ There are over 100 resources on the hub including examples of Community Engagement Policies and Frameworks; case studies; conference presentations; webinars; tools, templates and news articles from engagement professionals.
delivery for both virtual and in-person environments as well as any tips or traps you need to be aware of.
Based on IAP2A’s handy Engagement Methods matrix, as outlined in the Engagement Methods course, the online tool ultimately helps you to bring people together; share information; collect and compile feedback and ultimately, make better decisions..
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FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Preparing landfill site for the future Another major project will soon get underway to expand the Toowoomba landfill site to meet future growth and waste disposal needs of the Region. Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has recently awarded a tender on a $4.4 million project which will vertically expand an older cell at the Toowoomba Waste Management Centre (TWMC) at Bedford Street. TRC Water and Waste Committee Portfolio Leader Councillor Nancy Sommerfield said the Bedford Street site was a landfill site for large commercial customers and was the primary place that TRC contractors dispose of domestic wheelie bin waste. “The Toowoomba Waste Management Centre is an important site in that almost all kerbcollected wheelie bin waste in and around Toowoomba is disposed at Bedford Street. “Some years ago TRC identified vertical expansion above existing and completed landfill cells as the most cost-effective and efficient
method to meet our more immediate waste disposal needs and for compliance with environmental requirements. “The overall Vertical Expansion Project is being completed in six stages over 20 years. “This is the second stage of the expansion plan of the Bedford Street site and will provide about three years of future landfilling out of the 20 years added by the six stages. “Expansion to the west of the existing landfilling operation at the site has the potential to extend the life of the facility by more than 50 years. “Maximising landfill space by vertical expansion and extension onsite to the west is far cheaper than establishing landfilling operations
at a new landfill site and offers better environmental safeguards. “As the region continues to grow, so do our waste disposal needs, and this latest Vertical Expansion Project will help TRC meet those needs. “The further expansion of the TWMC is another milestone in Council delivering its Waste Management Strategy 2021. “DECC Environmental will complete this next stage now which will complement the landfill gas project that is harvesting landfill gas for conversion to electricity to power Wetalla Water Treatment Plant,” Cr Sommerfield said. Works are expected to begin in the next few weeks and be completed in February 2023.
Easy recycling for hard plastic The unwanted plastic buckets, crates, washing baskets, bottle caps and lids, toys, DVD and CD cases of Hornsby Shire can soon start new lives as bollards, pallets and rails and posts as the Community Recycling Centre in Thornleigh opens its doors to hard plastics for recycling. The Community Recycling Centre is a free service that makes it easy for residents to safely dispose of problem waste that cannot go into household rubbish bins or kerbside collection. The large range of items already accepted includes household car and motorcycle batteries, soft plastics, electronic waste, flattened cardboard, gas bottles, mobile phones and more. As of 1 June, Hornsby Shire residents were invited to bring their unwanted hard plastic items for recycling. Only completely plastic items with no metal parts, batteries or electronic components are accepted. Items must weigh less than 20 kilograms and be no more than 1.5 metres in length. This follows on from the introduction of X-rays, polystyrene and clothing collections in 2020 and 2021. Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock said that this action forms part of the Waste Matters Strategy and is part of a suite of initiatives to
Hard plastic. assist Council achieve its goal of reducing the amount of waste send to landfill. “I am so impressed with how the residents of Hornsby Shire are doing their bit to protect our beautiful environment by recycling more each year and getting on board with Council’s Waste Matters initiatives,” said Mayor Ruddock “Last financial year, around 30,000 vehicles dropped off over 900 tonnes of unwanted items to the Community Recycling Centre, helping us
reduce illegal dumping. We currently recover 45 per cent of all kerbside waste collected and are over half way to our goal of diverting 80% of community waste from landfill by 2030.” A key theme of Hornsby Shire Council’s Sustainable Hornsby 2040 Strategy, Waste Matters aims to ensure the sustainability of the Shire through better waste management practises. Read more at Final-Waste-MattersStrategy-Report-Digital.pdf (nsw.gov.au) This Community Recycling Centre is supported by the Environmental Trust as part of the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More initiative in partnership with Hornsby Shire Council. It has welcomed over 120,000 vehicles since it opened in 2017. The centre is again accepting household chemicals and hazardous waste including paint, aerosol cans, oil and solvents after a temporary pause due to a fire at the processing facility.
Resource Recovery Australia staff Kyall Parris-Smith, Mitch McIntyre and Jeff Prater.
Recycle more Noosa Council’s waste team has a new weapon in its recycling arsenal with the arrival of a new polystyrene processing machine. The machine was installed this week and is already helping slash polystyrene transport costs as well as conserve storage space. The machine heats up polystyrene waste, compresses it and turns it into small, solid bricks, which take up less space and can be easily transported for repurposing. Melting the material down is the first step in the polystyrene recycling process, and the fact it can now be done in-house means cheaper transport costs. “With the machine now up and running we can fire it up as soon as large quantities of polystyrene come in, which also helps reduce the chance of polystyrene litter blowing about the waste facility and entering the environment,” Acting Waste Coordinator, Mark Borgert, said. The melted down material is recycled for use in the manufacture of a wide range of products, including flooring and cladding. “The new machine is another way we’re working toward our waste reduction and recycling goals.”
Pools covered in Wanneroo recycle plan A new partnership will see the City of Wanneroo trial a new method of recycling old pool covers to help reduce waste to landfill. Currently, there are few recycling options for pool covers in the Perth metropolitan area, meaning most end up in landfill. Thanks to a collaboration with Welshpoolbased business, Daisy Pool Covers, City of Wanneroo residents can now drop-off their old pool covers at Wangara Greens Recycling
Facility for free, using the recycling drop-off voucher issued with annual rates notices. Covers will be recycled into a variety of products, including mining sample bags and builders film. Deputy Mayor Brett Treby said the trial would help the City reduce the amount of
waste sent to landfill. “With winter approaching, the City’s 13,000 registered private pool owners might be looking to upgrade their pool’s protection in the colder months,” he said. “This trial is part of the City’s commitment to caring for our environment and protecting it for
current and future generations. “Our population is set to increase to 260,000 people by 2030, and this initiative is another positive step towards building an environmentally sustainable City for our residents now and into the future.”
Drop off used goods for others Brimbank City Council is holding a Resusable Goods Drop-Off Day to help support a more sustainable future. Residents were asked to drop-off a range of unwanted household items for reuse at the event on Saturday 18 June, 9am-2pm opposite the Brimbank Operations Centre, on Stadium Drive in Keilor Park. Items in good condition are being donated to local charities, West Welcome Wagon which supports asylum seekers and Australian Red Cross. Mayor Cr Jasmine Nguyen said textile recycler BlockTexx will take recently washed linen such as sheets, towels and pillow cases that cannot be reused and turn it into new products. “The Brimbank Reusable Goods Drop-Off 18 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS June 2022
Day is a great opportunity to support local charities and sustainability,” the Mayor said. “I really encourage residents to look through their homes and bring along items they no longer need that are in good condition, and we’ll do the rest.” This is a no-charge event where residents can drop off items in good condition for reuse including: televisions, computers, small household appliances (like rice cookers, toasters and kettles), furniture (small items that will fit into small apartments), bed frames (all sizes), bikes, homewares, clothing, shoes, homewares and bric-a-brac, backpacks, jewellery, towels and linen.
Only cars, small vans or cars with trailers were able to drop off items. No trucks or commercial quantities allowed. Brimbank Mayor Cr Jasmine Nguyen, West Welcome Wagon Warehouse Manager Jude Twyman, Australian Red Cross Operations Team Leader James Lewis. The photo was taken at Australian Red Cross’ national distribution centre in Derrimut. Australian Red Cross and West Welcome Wagon will both receive items in good condition donated at the Brimbank Reusable Goods Drop-off Day. LGFOCUS.COM.AU
FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Engineered reef a first An Australian-first engineered offshore reef is among two bold projects completed by the City of Cockburn along a stretch of coast highly valued by the community in time for the 2022 winter storm season. Trail nearby,” Mr Beaton said. “While this innovative trial will benefit one of Cockburn’s beaches, it will also benefit other local and state governments around the nation, as communities deal with the increasing impacts of sea level rise and its impact on our coastline. “Erosion will still occur to some degree, but we believe the reef will slow its rate, minimising the quantity and frequency of sand nourishment, and allowing for a greater, more stable sand dune buffer to establish along the shoreline. “Regular monitoring of the reef and surrounding shoreline in the years following installation will demonstrate the trial’s effectiveness, and whether it can be rolled out on a larger scale.” The modules will be colonised by marine flora and fauna. From its position offshore, the 100m long reef will reduce the wave energy that reaches the beach while being far less obtrusive than conventional groynes and seawalls. Subcon Founder and Business Development Manager Matthew Allen said engineered reefs provided an opportunity to work with nature to address coastal erosion, ocean health and fisheries decline. “This collaboration is bringing to life Australia’s first engineered modular concrete waveattenuating fringing reef, and this technology promises to provide a national solution to coastal erosion that also provide new dive sites and habitat for marine life,” Mr Allen said. “Accelerating coastal erosion is an increasing challenge faced by coastal communities all around Australia and globally. Subcon engineers and marine scientists are passionate about finding solutions that enable ocean communities to thrive above and below the waterline.” Professor Ryan Lowe from UWA’s Oceans Graduate School said the project would contribute to the development of a framework for predicting how artificial reef structures could be optimally designed to protect coastlines from erosion and flooding. “The research will develop new theory and models to quantify how waves interact with complex reef structures to reduce wave heights and extreme water levels at the shoreline,“ Professor Lowe said. “Expected outcomes include new practical tools and design guidelines that can be adopted by coastal engineers and managers to maximise coastal protection by reefs.“ Mr Beaton said the project was another example of how partnerships across local, state and federal government, tertiary education and the commercial sector could benefit the local and wider community.
C Y O’Connor Beach (Rollinson Rd) Erosion City of Cockburn.
City of Cockburn C.Y.O’Connor Beach reef Aerial April 2022. Picture: Subcon
Reef modules at Coogee Marina City of Cockburn April 2022.
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In a $565,000 City of Cockburn project this March, 135 precast concrete modules each weighing 3.5-tonnes were craned into place 100m offshore at C.Y. O’Connor Beach in North Coogee. They form a unique engineered fringing reef purpose-designed to reduce the wave energy that causes beach erosion in the area. Over the past 20 years, the shoreline near the northern end of this popular Cockburn beach has eroded by more than 50m. This has resulted in dune loss and the relocation of pathways and periodic sand replenishment works totalling more than $500,000, plus the increased likelihood of the future destruction of important built and natural assets in the popular coastal reserve. In a separate but complementary project, a 35m long geotextile sand container seawall has now been installed in the dunes adjacent to the reef, to promote more stability along the shoreline. This $170,000 project was jointly funded by the City with a $59,630+GST CoastWest grant from the WA Government. The reef project was completed in partnership with Cockburn-based global ocean engineering company Subcon and The University of Western Australia. It was made possible with $350,000 from the City and $214,349 from the State Government’s 2020-2021 Coastal Adaptation & Protection Grants program. A UWA research team has also received $433,540 from the Australian Government’s Australian Research Council Linkage Project and an additional $150,000 in research funding from Subcon to establish a multifaceted research program to optimise the design of artificial reefs for coastal protection applications. This will include establishing an extensive field monitoring program to assess the reef’s performance over three years using the data to develop improved models to more broadly predict how artificial reefs can protect coastlines. City of Cockburn Head of Sustainability and Environment Chris Beaton said the City was excited to embark on the partnership in a trial designed to protect a much-loved beach which the community told the City was a highly valued asset that needed protecting during consultation on the subject in 2019. “We appreciate contributions from the state and federal government that have helped make this project possible, along with an in-kind contribution worth more than $220,000 from Subcon, building on their long partnership with the City, beginning with the creation of reef modules for our award-winning Coogee Maritime
Push for national bag standard The Boomerang Alliance has welcomed today’s announcement by Woolworths that they will phase-out their 15 cent heavyweight plastic bags within 12 months. These thicker bags remain a waste and litter problem, and are unnecessary in Australia, where most supermarket shoppers already bring their own bags. According to the retailer 80% of their customers already use their own bags. ‘Whilst we welcome this announcement, and we commend Woolworths for taking this step, we do not accept that paper or an assortment of fabric and thicker bags are the best alternatives.” ‘Woolworths have missed an opportunity to also switch their customer base to genuine and proven reusable bags.’ ‘The Boomerang Alliance (BA) have put forward proposals for a national Reusable Shopping Bag Standard, and we urge Woolworths to adopt this by providing bags that LGFOCUS.COM.AU
meet this standard.’ The BA standard requires that all bags sold should be designed to be reused at least 125 times for the purposes of shopping. They should be durable, have a minimum recycled content and able to be collected at each supermarket or shop for recycling at the end of their useful life. ‘If the Australian community wants to eliminate plastic bag litter and waste the best thing to do is switch shopping habits and bring our own bags. The major supermarkets can play a major role in making this a reality.’ The Boomerang Alliance made similar comments to Coles on their announced new plastic bag made from recycled plastics. We are now calling on all State and Territory Governments to regulate the use of shopping bags by adopting a Reusable Bag Standard that ensure only genuinely reusable bags are available for consumers.
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Woolworths to phase out 15 cent bags but need to provide genuine reusable bag alternatives
June 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 19
RURAL AND REGIONAL
Back to life The Sawtell Reserve Hall is set to receive a makeover, igniting memories of old where it was a hub of social activity.
Carmen Stewart from It Takes A Town promoting the #LoveTheTweed cards.
Buy local in Tweed The popularity of the Why Leave Town pilot program in Murwillumbah has generated strong interest from businesses elsewhere in the Tweed. The popularity of the Why Leave Town pilot program in Murwillumbah has generated strong interest from businesses elsewhere in the Tweed. The popularty of the pilot has prompted the expansion of a loyalty card program and a name change to #LoveTheTweed Buy Local with the program now taking in the entire Shire. Council’s Senior Economic Development Officer Kym Kranen said it was encouraging to see businesses from Tweed Heads to the hinterland and along the Tweed Coast come on board with the program. She said an additional 14 businesses had
joined the more than 60 Murwillumbah-based businesses which are already participating in the program. “Our buy local program is supporting Tweed businesses in their recovery from both the flood and the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping money local,” Ms Kranen said. Murwillumbah-based community organisation, It Takes A Town, has been using the #Love The Tweed cards to support flood-affected residents in their recovery. Carmen Stewart from It Takes A Town said the organisation had distributed thousands of dollars’ worth of cards, from $50 to $500 in
value, to meet the identified needs of impacted residents. “We love the cards as it means funds are going back into local businesses that were also impacted by the floods,” Ms Stewart said. “As an organisation, it means we’re not seeking and processing invoices for payment. “Instead, we’re able to demonstrate trust by simply handing over cards to an agreed value, and leaving the purchase up to the homeowner. Trust at a time like this is so important.” The existing Why Leave Town cards are still valid in the program for up to three years at participating businesses.
Bendigo giving health a boost The City of Greater Bendigo has launched a new advertising campaign encouraging residents to give their immune system a boost this winter. The campaign promotes taking immune systems to the next level by being up-to-date with Covid-19 vaccinations and also getting a flu shot. Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said it was possible to get both shots at the same time and encouraged residents not to delay protecting themselves from serious illness. “It’s like our immune systems have been wrapped in cotton wool the past two years, through a combination of mask wearing and largely staying home. Now that we’re moving around, we need to protect ourselves and
others,” Cr Metcalf said. “There is considerable respiratory illness spreading across Greater Bendigo, a combination of COVID-19, influenza and the common cold that is going around, which impacts hospitals, schools and businesses. “The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recently expanded the eligibility for people to get a fourth COVID-19 dose, which covers people living with a range of health conditions or disabilities and means 1.5 million more people will be eligible very soon.”
The Reserve Hall hosted much anticipated dances throughout the year with local and visiting bands, bingo during holiday periods, church services, concerts, boxing training and matches, and community events. Coffs Harbour Council Mayor Councillor Paul Amos said “this has been a valued place for the local community and visitors for over 100 years, since the first reserve hall building was constructed in 1911. Bringing this hall back to life provides our current generations a glimpse of what our social life used to be like. It’s a brilliant project.” The current large timber hall was the second hall to be built on the reserve in 1929, as the 1911 hall had quickly become too small. The first hall was then used as a temporary school and later as refreshment rooms, operated for much time by Mrs Richardson infamous for scones and sponge cakes. As the centenary of the current hall approaches, upgrades of equitable access, new amenities, a kitchen and appropriate repairs and conservation works will bring it back into use again. The aim is to create a flexible and adaptable space that can be turned to suit any function such as: Conferences/workshops film nights dances parties, weddings, dinners games for holiday makers community fundraisers The proposed upgrades and changes, which will help this hall continue in its important community role, are sensitive to its assessed heritage values. Stage One restoration is a $500,000 project with 50/50 funding between Coffs Harbour City Council and Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. This stage will ensure the structural integrity and weather/vermin proofing of the building, including reroofing and repairs to the subfloor. The following stages will see the upgrade of the building including recladding, new windows and doors, installation of commercial kitchen and construction of a fully accessible adjoining amenity building. All works will be contingent on the availability of funding.
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Ad still.
Back Home Grant widening welcomed NSW State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says she welcomes the changes to the Back Home Grants that now allow residents of caravan parks, retirement villages and multiple tenancies to apply for support to restore properties. “This is a much better refection of the reality on the ground for so many flood affected people. “I strongly advocated for these changes because the original Back Home Grant didn’t take into account the various living arrangements of local people who were in need of support,” Ms Saffin said. 20 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS June 2022
Changes to the Back Home grant guidelines mean that: Permanent residents of caravan parks and retirement villages who own their dwellings, fixed of movable, can apply for the $20,000 owner-occupier grant; Tenants with a lease for a dwelling on the same land as another eligible
dwelling can apply for a $5000 tenants grant; and tenants with a lease agreement in a dwelling that has been divided into self-contained residences , but not through a formal strata or subdivision process, will be able to apply for the $5,000 tenants grant. The NSW Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and
Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said changes to the Back Home Grant guidelines will extend access to the payment in the LGAs of Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Hawkesbury, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed. For information visit www.nsw.gov.au/floods or call 13 77 88. LGFOCUS.COM.AU
RURAL AND REGIONAL
Road network impacted An unprecedented six months of extreme wet weather in 2022, on top of major storm events in 2020 and 2021, have significantly impacted Wollondilly’s 870km road network. Day after day Council crews and contractors continue to work tirelessly to repair the damage, only for the waterlogged soil and ongoing rain to undo their efforts. According to Mayor Matt Gould, the ongoing damage caused to the roads and the fact that the organisation has been in emergency road repair mode since the beginning of 2022 was highlighted at Tuesday night’s Council meeting, as Council considered the Quarterly Budget Review. “There is no denying our roads have been absolutely hammered, despite our best efforts,” he said. “Whilst we certainly have pre-existing road issues across the Shire, the incessant rain and flooding has made it exponentially worse, with a 400 per cent increase in reported potholes since the rain started.” “Council needs to be agile and in response we have reallocated significant funds to urgent
road maintenance and repair works such as small-scale pavement repair/patching to get us out of this vicious cycle of re-filling potholes. “The reality is what we need is prolonged sun and for the rain to stop, but we believe this approach will make a meaningful difference. “If we’re really going to get on top of the road issue we also need the NSW government to step up by taking over management of our major roads like Remembrance Driveway and Silverdale Road, as they do for all our surrounding councils.” “We also need both the State and Federal Government to provide significant additional financial support to allow us to quickly repair the tens of millions of dollars of damage to our roads.” “Councils only collect 3.4 per cent of annual taxation revenue in Australia, with the rest collected by the State and Federal 2 of 2 30 May 2022 governments, and it’s time they put
Wifi trial extended More locations have been added to the free Wi-Fi service offered by the Fraser Coast Regional Council. The council started a 12-month trial of free Wi-Fi accessible by people around the Maryborough City Hall and the youth precinct centred around WetSide, SkateSide and the Seafront Oval. The free service will operate from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week with extended hours when events are on at the Seafront Oval or in the Maryborough CBD. Data will be limited to 500MB per day per person and the system will have basic filtering to block adult content, and gambling. “Council has implemented the trial to monitor demand and its popularity,” Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said. “While we are providing a service for residents, it will be an added benefit for tourists. “We aim to increase tourism across the Fraser Coast in the wake of Covid-19 and there is no better way to increase our promotion than by tourists sending snaps and videos of their holidays here to family and friends.
Town hall part of the trial. “Tourists will become ambassadors for our region as they enjoy themselves. “It’s all part of Council’s plan to build better communities together.” Free Wi-Fi is also available at the Hervey Bay airport and Fraser Coast libraries.
their funds where the community wants it – our roads!” Significant additional operational and maintenance costs have been incurred that are not fully covered by Natural Disaster Recovery Arrangements, resulting in unavoidable delays and challenges to the delivery of the Capital Program for both road and building projects. Council is currently adjusting the road renewal and maintenance plan for 2022/23 to address the extraordinary damage inflicted on the roads since the start of the year. Mayor Gould has thanked Council staff for the huge efforts they have put into road repair and recovery in very challenging circumstances. “Staff have been working non-stop for months to try and repair the roads, with no end in sight.” “The rain just keeps coming, and the impacts on our existing capital construction
programs are continuing. Some of the road works that have been scheduled are at risk of not being finished before the end of June and will need to be completed in the new financial year.” “This is being further exacerbated by the fact it’s almost impossible to secure contractors to come and fix our roads at the moment because of the massive demand across Sydney and NSW, because most councils on the eastern seaboard are facing similar challenges.” The elected Council has instructed the CEO to direct any unexpended funds from the Capital Roads Program to the road maintenance and road recovery program as specialist contractors become available, for additional repair works for roadside drainage, pavement overlays for sections of damaged pavements and additional pavement replacement works
Housing redevelops The Coffs Harbour Council is working with the NSW Government to redevelop social housing within a local Estate. The Council has endorsed a draft amendment to the Coffs Harbour Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to help with the Argyll Estate project. The Estate is an area of low-density housing near Bray Street in which the majority of properties are owned by the NSW Government and used for social housing. Many of these social housing properties are over 50 years old and are reaching the end of their useful life. The NSW Government plans to redevelop the social housing within the Estate to provide a variety of new homes for families and individuals. To do this the current zoning needs to be changed from low to medium density to allow for additional housing types such as residential apartment buildings, townhouses and dual occupancies. Councillors have now endorsed a draft planning proposal to amend the existing zoning in the LEP. The draft amendment has been developed through a joint investigation of the subject area and initial community and stakeholder consultation carried out by Council and the NSW Government. Council’s endorsement of the draft planning
proposal is conditional upon the NSW Government providing information on how they will redevelop social housing in the estate and any mechanisms for delivering additional social housing. This information will be made available during public exhibition of the draft planning proposal. “We’re very conscious of the need to help address housing demand in the Coffs Harbour local government area, particularly in regard to social and low-cost housing,” said Sharon Smith, Council’s Section Leader Local Planning. “The NSW Government’s proposal to increase the number and diversity of homes in the Argyll Estate is consistent with Council’s adopted Local Growth Management Strategy and the NSW Government’s Regional City Action Plan for Coffs Harbour.” The next step is for the draft LEP amendment to be sent to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment for initial assessment. Pending a positive response from the Department of Planning, further community consultation on the draft amendment will be undertaken most likely in July and August 2022.
Senator launches Farming Focus Forum The inaugural Farming in Focus Forum was officially launched by Senator for Queensland Susan McDonald and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin at the Ayr Showgrounds in May. Eighty growers, grower groups, and business representatives from throughout Northern Queensland attended the forum which forms part of Townsville Enterprise’s Secure the Future series. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the Burdekin was the perfect host for the event. “One of Council’s key actions is to position the Burdekin as a regional leader in agriculture and other agribusiness activities, and I am proud to be launching the Farming in Focus Forum to provide our growers and businesses with further opportunities to innovate, increase production, or diversify,” Cr McLaughlin. “I would like to thank Senator McDonald for being in attendance today and officially launching the forum, and again thank both QSL and Townsville Enterprise for supporting this important regional event.” Townsville-based Senator for Queensland, Susan McDonald, said the forum celebrated a key North Queensland industry. “Agriculture and sugar production play a key role in the Burdekin and wider North Queensland economy, so creating an opportunity to connect primary producers to further LGFOCUS.COM.AU
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin with Senator Susan McDonald and Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith, information and resources that can improve or diversify their output is terrific,” Senator McDonald said.
“The Farming in Focus Forum further cements the Burdekin as a premier sugar cane production centre, and positions the Towns-
ville and North Queensland region as a national leader in agriculture.” Townsville Enterprise CEO and forum compere Claudia Brumme-Smith said the Farming in Focus Forum was a welcome addition to TEL’s Secure the Future series. “Townsville Enterprise advocates for and supports all industries in Townsville North Queensland to continue growing and innovating, and it has been fantastic to expand the Secure the Future series to include the agriculture sector from this year,” Ms BrummeSmith said. “The opportunities presented by events such as the Farming in Focus Forum are immeasurable, with the knowledge, skills and resources provided to attendees improving their day-to-day activities into the future. I want to thank Burdekin Shire Council for hosting the inaugural forum and thank attendees and exhibitors for sharing their own knowledge with us throughout the day.” The Farming in Focus Forum, supported by QSL and Townsville Enterprise, is an associated event of the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival. June 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 21
METRO AND SUBURBAN
Ferry funding welcomed The Greater Hobart Mayors have welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to the Derwent River Ferry service in the 2022-23 State Budget. Mayor Doug Chipman, Mayor Bec Thomas, Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and Mayor Paula Wriedt said the project was highlighted by the Greater Hobart Strategic Partnership as part of its pre-Budget submission to the State Government. “We welcome the Budget commitments to transport projects that will support Greater Hobart’s growth and the changing needs of our communities, particularly the expansion of the Derwent River ferry service. “We commend the State Government for joining the Commonwealth by making a considerable commitment to the future of this service, which will become a permanent fixture between Hobart and Bellerive and expanded
to more sites across Greater Hobart. “This project has been a key focus of our advocacy efforts and we are delighted all tiers of government are working together to deliver an exciting new addition to our transport network.” The State Government’s $19m commitment will support the establishment of an ongoing service across the Derwent River, including building a pontoon and landside infrastructure at Bellerive to improve passenger amenity and a general upgrade of the wharf area. It follows the recent $20 million commitment from the Federal Government to expand the ferry service across four locations at Bellerive, Lindisfarne, Sandy Bay and Wilkinsons
Point, while considering future expansion to Kingborough. “The initial trial of the ferry service between Bellerive and Hobart has been a great success, with an average of over 600 daily passenger journeys since the trial began. “We look forward to partnering with both levels of government to build on this success and deliver the project as part of the Hobart City Deal.” While the Mayors welcomed the ferry service funding and a number of initiatives outlined in the Budget, they noted a continued focus on public and active transport will be required into the future.
“We are eager to see the government further incentivise the use of public transport, particularly the bus network, and we will continue to advocate for ongoing investment in this area moving forward. “We also look forward to partnering with the State Government to deliver a network of commuter cycling infrastructure across Greater Hobart, which will help manage our growing population by easing traffic congestion on our roads.” Doug Chipman is the Mayor of Clarence City Council, Bec Thomas is the Mayor of Glenorchy City Council, Anna Reynolds is the Lord Mayor of the City of Hobart and Paula Wriedt is the Mayor of Kingborough Council.
New services for mobile library Sunshine Coast Libraries is about to introduce a new mobile library timetable to better reflect community demand and patterns of use. The new schedule, effective from May 30, will change for some current stops and new stops will be introduced to respond to more people choosing to live on the Sunshine Coast. Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the new timetable would provide a more flexible, targeted service that met community demand for Library services. “Council works with the community every day to ensure we continue to provide great services,” said Cr Law. “More people are choosing to move to the Sunshine Coast and, to ensure everyone has access to a library, council reviewed our mobile library service. “We found some mobile library stops were under-utilised with borrowing habits changing over time. “As a result of the review, three stops have been updated with new times and days – Meridan Plains, Palmwoods and Peregian Springs
- and the Glasshouse Mountains stop will no longer be included in the mobile library stops. “Beerwah Library is located within five kilometres of the previous Glasshouse Mountains Mobile Library stop and is open six days a week with a click-and-collect service available to all members. “The new timetable ensures more equitable access to library services across the region.” For customers unable to access alternative libraries, there are also other ways to access library services. Library staff are happy to discuss alternative options with customers affected by these changes. These may include the Home Library service which is available for borrowers who are unable to visit their local library due to illness, disability or limited mobility and have no one who can visit the library on their behalf. Borrowers are connected with a volunteer who chooses, delivers and returns books and
other library items based on the borrower’s preferences. Borrowers can also use the Council Link service, an affordable transport service available for people aged 60 and over, people with a disability or mobility impairment (DSP concession card holders), carers and minors accompanying eligible people (carer’s card or companion card holders). The new Mobile Library timetable began Monday 30 May. To keep up-to-date on library news and information, subscribe to the library eNewsletter or head to the Library website. Don’t forget you can access our eLibrary anytime, from anywhere. Update your technology skills, learn a new language or learn to play a musical instrument. You can also check out the latest eBooks, eMusic and eMovies.
Learning to drive made easier Learning to drive and attaining a licence has become easier for young people in Geelong’s north thanks to the addition of a new vehicle for the TAC L2P Program. The TAC L2P Program pairs voluntary supervising drivers with learners under 21 years of age, who do not have access to a supervising driver or vehicle, to gain the 120 hours driving experience required to apply for a probationary licence. The Geelong TAC L2P Program started in Jan 2009 and is fast approaching a significant milestone with 382 participants having graduated with their probationary licence since the program’s inception. Geelong has one of the largest programs in the state with 110 funded places for residents across the region. The existing program vehicles cover central Geelong, Corio, Grovedale and Portarlington, however the provision of a second vehicle in Geelong’s northern suburbs - by Community Bank, Lara District - will increase access to the program for young people living in Lara. The additional vehicle will also reduce the long wait time experienced by learner drivers living in North Geelong, the suburb accounting for more than 40 percent of Geelong’s total referrals. Deputy Mayor Councillor Trent Sullivan welcomed the announcement, recognising the benefit the addition would have to the young people of Geelong’s north. “Road safety and good driving habits are something that the whole community benefits from and it’s pleasing to see the results achieved by the Geelong TAC L2P Program to date,” Cr Sullivan said. “For many young people, gaining the 120 hours of supervised driving that’s required is easy, but for others it can be a real challenge. 22 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS June 2022
Community Bank, Lara District Branch Manager Jesse Church, Learner Driver Mursal Osool, Cr Jim Mason and Supervising Driver Darryl Drake. “Some young people don’t have access to a vehicle in which to practice, others don’t have somebody to supervise them, some don’t have either.” There are 90 learner drivers currently engaged with the Geelong program, with 80 volunteer mentors providing over 750 hours of supervision from January to March alone. Cr Jim Mason, Deputy Chair of the Diversity, Inclusion and LGBTIQ+ portfolio said that it’s very satisfying to know that young people are benefiting from this program in such a tangible way. “Since gaining their ‘P’ plates, some of the participants have secured employment which may not have been possible were it not for the program,” Cr Mason said. “The ability to drive has meant they can attend job interviews and then drive to their jobs.”
Chairman Lara District Community Enterprise Limited Andrew Hilliard said Community Bank, Lara District was delighted to support the program. “The nature of the L2P program aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Community Bank,” Mr Hilliard said. “This is just another way we can support the youth in our community as part of our overall goal of strengthening our community.” The program is also currently looking for volunteers with driving experience to help learner drivers gain on-the-road driving experience through the program. Training is provided and anybody interested in becoming a volunteer mentor can learn more by going to the Vic Roads website vicroads.vic. gov.au or by contacting the program coordinator at l2p@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.
Athlete and public speaker Cory Crombie has been visiting local schools.
Inspire A teenager, a motivational speaker and a paraathlete; Cory Crombie is rising above adversity and with support from the City of Albany has been visiting local schools to share his inspirational story. Not only an inspiration but an individual on a mission to share that inspiration with the Albany community. During BMX training in December 2017 Cory misread a landing, flipping over his handlebars and falling on his back. His vertebra punctured his spinal cord and he lost feeling from his waist down. Extensive rehab has meant Cory is able to use a wheelchair which has led to Cory becoming a para-athlete and training to compete in wheelchair racing at the next Commonwealth Games and Paralympics. The City partnered with Cory to visit local schools and deliver his message of hope, perspective, hardwork and opportunity to students, with a game of wheelchair basketball to challenge them. Cory visited seven schools in May, speaking with more than 250 students with the aim to educate young people on the impacts of disability and overcoming challenges. Cory’s story intends to empower young people to develop resilience, compassion, sense of belonging and purpose and improve understanding of disability and respect for people living with a disability in our community. Community Development Coordinator Tammy Flett said the City was honoured to support Cory to tell his story to local young people. “Cory’s story inspires all that hear it,” she said. “It is easy for our young people to get caught up in a life of exams, parttime work, friends, family and study so offering them something to give them perspective and motivation is a big win. “The City and Cory ran a number of wheelchair basketball sessions for schools which was a huge success, and certainly isn’t as easy as it might look.” LGFOCUS.COM.AU
METRO AND SUBURBAN
Key for McNamara Blacktown City Council has recognised the enormous contribution of well-known Blacktown City entrepreneur and giant of the construction industry, Bill McNamara OAM. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM awarded the Key to the City to Bill for his role in shaping the landscape of Blacktown City over the course of 60 years. Mayor Bleasdale said, “Bill has played a pivotal role over many decades in helping transform Blacktown City into the modern city it is today. “Thanks to his knowledge and foresight, Bill led the way in the 1970s with the biggest single development in Blacktown, Westpoint Shopping Centre. “He was not only a businessman but a true community leader and gave generously of his time to his community. “As Mayor of Blacktown City, it is a great honour to present the Key to the City to Bill for his unparalleled innovation and community service.” The McNamara family has been part of Blacktown City’s history for the past century, when Bill’s family moved to Riverstone from Western NSW in the 1920s. Born in 1927, Bill attended Riverstone Public School before completing his secondary schooling at Auburn High School, where he received his Intermediate Certificate. Bill recalls that it was during his school days that he wanted to become a builder and remembered fixing structures and nailing iron onto fowl sheds that had blown off in the wind. He became an apprentice carpenter at Riverstone Meatworks, signing up for five years
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (right) with Key to the City recipient Bill McNamara OAM (centre) and Councillor Julie Griffiths (left) at Blacktown Aquatic Centre’s 60th anniversary celebration. with the Riverstone Meat Company and attending Granville Technical College. At just 29, he was singled out by the then Minister for Local Government, and future Premier, Jack Renshaw, who said Bill “set an example to all young Australians and had shown what could be done by ability and willingness to take a chance”. In 1950, Bill and his wife Pat built a home at 22 Hunter Street, Riverstone. In 1953, the McNamara Group built an office and joinery in Riverstone Parade - one of the first factories to be built in that industrial area. The McNamara Group delivered and was responsible for many large developments that have shaped both
Blacktown and Western Sydney over the past 50 years. The McNamara Group was responsible for WestPoint Shopping Mall at Blacktown and Marketown Shopping Centre at Riverstone, Mount Druitt High School, Riverstone Schofields Memorial Club and Blacktown Aquatic Centre, which are landmark building projects in Blacktown City. Bill and his team also built the Del Rio Resort on the Hawkesbury River and many important buildings in Parramatta - the McNamara Centre, the Octagon, the United Permanent building, the Parramatta Cultural Centre, the J.A. Fleming Stand at Rosehill and the Riverside Theatres. He also built many facilities for the Royal Australian Army, as well as the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Richmond. Bill served on numerous community boards, was Chair of the Economic Development Board of Greater Western Sydney for four years and served as a board member of Council’s Blacktown Venue Management Limited. He was also the driving force in engaging local small business involvement in the lead up to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Bill was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1984 and in 2017 was Blacktown City Council’s Corporate Citizen of the Year. Bill turns 95 this year and continues to work and serve the Blacktown City community to this day
Ipswich recovery continues Ipswich City Council has spent more than $4.25 million on flood recovery efforts to-date which has seen the filling of close to 3,000 potholes, the repair and reopening of more than 100 roads and bridges, and urgent works to bring the extensively rain damaged Ipswich Civic Centre back online. Approximately 100 sporting and recreational facilities were impacted by the initial flood event. Three months on, council has reopened all but eight with the remaining facilities sitting in the hardest hit areas of Ipswich. Local Disaster Management Group Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the city’s flood recovery was council’s highest priority, but a national shortage of trades, supplies and a secondary flooding event earlier this month was hampering efforts to reopen the remaining eight sporting clubs. “After the 2011 floods, many of these sporting clubs where back on their fields within weeks. However, the strain of the COVID 19 pandemic is making it harder than ever to secure the assessors, trades and supplies needed to make these urgent repairs,” Mayor Harding said. “While I know that council isn’t alone in this, it’s being felt right across South East Queensland, this brings little relief for these sporting clubs that have been unable to re-
turn to their fields and clubhouses since the floods first hit. “Council has actively assisted clubs through temporary relocation to alternative locations where needed and restoring field condition so activity can commence as soon as practical. “Assessors are expected to be on the ground this week and council’s aim is to restore power and repair these facilities as soon as possible. However, we know the road to recovery may take some time in the current conditions,” said Mayor Harding. The remaining Ipswich City Council sporting facilities impacted by flooding include: Blue Gum Reserve – Karalee Tornadoes Cribb Park Sporting Fields – Norths Tigers and Northsiders Cricket Club Evan Marginson Park – Woogaroo Rugby Club and Goodna Netball Association Goodna Bowls Club – Goodna Bowls Club
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· Goodna Gym – Just Sport and Fitness Jim Finimore Oval – Ipswich Touch Asso· ciation · Kippen Park – Western Spirit Football Club Park (Eric Evans Oval) – Ipswich · Rotary Knights Soccer Club Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said one of the challenges facing council was securing qualified professionals in a highly competitive market. “The full cost of repairing these facilities needs to be determined, and council is working hard to find avenues to fund the repairs,” Cr Fechner said. “The Queensland Reconstruction Authority, which coordinates disaster recovery at the state level, has confirmed there will be funding available for council to apply for under the disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, however those guidelines are still being finalised.
Employment partnership ready The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and Latrobe City Council have formalised a partnership to create employment opportunities for the local Aboriginal community, and to heal Country through on-ground environmental works. Both organisations signed a memorandum of understanding in late 2021 to deliver a natural resource management works program based at Latrobe City’s Airlie Bank Nursery in Morwell. The program will focus on creating employment opportunities for Aboriginal community members to reconnect with Country and develop and share their skills and knowledge. GLaWAC and Council will work together to deliver the program, which will include revegetation works, waterway restoration, pest management, bushfire fuel reduction, seed collecLGFOCUS.COM.AU
tion and plant propagation. The MoU aligns with the Gunaikurnai Whole of Country Plan and supports the achievement of the LCC Reconciliation Action Plan 20202022 (RAP). Latrobe City Mayor Cr Kellie O’Callaghan said the partnership acknowledged a shared commitment to respect and was an opportunity for Council to broaden its cross-cultural understanding. “We are looking forward to working together to achieve the goals of this MoU, creating
genuine employment outcomes for Aboriginal community members and protecting and enhancing waterways and bushland reserves within the Gunaikurnai Native Title area,“ said Cr O’Callaghan. Daniel Miller, CEO, GLaWAC said, “GLaWAC is committed to providing employment opportunities for the Traditional Owner and Aboriginal community right across our RAP area, and we are excited to work with LCC to grow this side of our business. Caring for Country and culture provides opportunities for community and personal healing.”
The festival returned and the crowds returned.
Starry sari success Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun declared Liverpool City Council’s returning Starry Sari Night ‘a roaring success’, as thousands descended on the Liverpool CBD over three nights in May to experience South Asia in the South West. Mayor Mannoun said Starry Sari Night delivered on its promise to be a feast for the senses with George Street encapsulating the sights, sounds, colours and flavours of the region. “We wanted to ensure that each person who came to Starry Sari Night walked away with their own slice of South Asia, and I think we really achieved that,” Mayor Mannoun said. “You couldn’t look anywhere without coming across something to see, taste or do that was inspired by the many wonderful cultures that encompass South Asia.” “Thank you to everyone who joined us at the event and supported local food vendors, merchants and the close to 200 performers we had on the ground over the weekend. While the weather wasn’t ideal at some points, it was trumped by the amazing community spirit on display that saw people come out of their homes in the rain in support of the event.” Mayor Mannoun said Council received an outpouring of positive feedback from local businesses along George Street and the broader Liverpool community, with calls for the event to return next year gaining momentum. “We’re delighted with the community feedback which we have received equally from attendees who are from a South Asian background and those who are not.” Mayor Mannoun thanked those who worked alongside Council to help organise the event including Fabrics of Multicultural Australia (FOMA) whose diverse array of models participated in the highly popular Sari showcase. Starry Sari Night was proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Festival of Place Open Streets Program, a funding partnership program with 13 Greater Sydney councils most impacted by the 2021 Covid-19 lockdowns. “Starry Sari Night was all about showing the limitless potential of the Liverpool CBD to be a destination for innovative community events that draw crowds.” “The popularity of Starry Sari Night has further reinforced the importance of Council’s commitment to reinvigorating the CBD – and events are a major part of this moving forward,” Mayor Mannoun said. June 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 23
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