LG Focus - January 2023

JANUARY 2023

Australia’s National Local Government Newspaper

Change welcome Australia Day is changing for many localities and this is being reflected by the Federal Government and local councils across Australia.

In December, the Federal Government announced an update to the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code, removing red tape to allow councils to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies not just on the day but now allowing them to conduct the services from 23 to 29 January and not just 26 January as previously gazetted.

The move to more flexibility has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) which, according to ,ational president Linda Scott, had been advocating for the government to allow councils to decide the scope of Australia Day activities based on consultation with their communities.

“In response to local government advocacy, we welcome this pragmatic update to the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code, allowing councils to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies on or around Australia’s national day,” Cr Scott said.

“Common sense has prevailed as Australia Day is an important recognition of our diverse origins and what it means to be Australian.

Hosting citizenship ceremonies is a great honour for councils and it’s one we take very seriously.

“It’s also a day where councils welcome our newest citizens and stage associated celebrations and activities for our local communities.”

“We have consistently advocated for individual councils to mark Australia Day, and the timing of local events, as a matter for local governments, knowing that we strive to reflect the broad wishes and aspirations of communities.

“It’s the responsibility of individual councils to be responsive and respect the views of our local communities.

“Today’s outcome shows the strong respect and understanding the government has for local governments and the important role they play in representing our communities and welcoming new Australians.”

Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles said: “Australia Day holds great significance to many people across Australia. Our national day provides all Australians with the opportunity to reflect, respect, and celebrate.

“It is also the day when more people become citizens than any other time of the year and, for those who have joined our great Australian community from all corners of the world, becoming a citizen is an unforgettable occasion to be treasured forever.

“The Australian Government implores councils to have new citizens as their key focus, recognising that many community members want to complete their journey to Australian citizenship in connection with Australia Day. “Australian citizenship is an important common bond for all Australians, whether by birth or by choice, and lies at the heart of a unified, cohesive and inclusive Australia. The government’s priority is to ensure that, where people have made the choice to become Australia citizens, they are afforded that opportunity in their own communities, with friends and family, in a timely way.”

The Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code sets out the requirements for conducting citizenship ceremonies in accordance with the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Cth). Prior to this update, councils were required to hold a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day; they will now be able to hold it on 26 January, or on the three days before and after – for 2023,

Australia Day has become a celebration of cultural heritage at Parramatta.

Hot air balloon rides are always a hit. councils will be allowed to hold Australia Day ceremonies in the period from Monday 23 to Sunday 29 January.

For many bigger councils including the City of Parramatta, the announcement has come too late to change their days activities for this year, which have been planned months in advance.

The council has been moving away from “celebrating” Australia Day, instead moving towards using the day to acknowledge cultural heritage.

Hot air balloon rides, live music, free workshops, science shows, native wildlife, historic

Hot air balloon flights will mark Australia Day at Parramatta. racing cars, heritage tours, free amusements and sports activities are all part of the city’s planned events for this Australia Day. Community organisations and individuals who have gone above and beyond will be honoured during the announcement of City of Parramatta’s 2023 Citizen of the Year awards, before nearly 80 people from the local area become the region’s newest Australian citizens at a special Australian Citizenship Ceremony.

“The Burramattagal people have called our local area home for more than 65,000 years,

and this Australia Day we’ll be honouring our rich local heritage with First Nations workshops, crafts and storytelling,” Lord Mayor Council Donna Davis said.

“This day is a chance for our community to get together and connect with culture and traditions, while having fun with family and friends in the beautiful Parramatta Park.

“Australia Day in Parramatta has become the go-to event for those living in Western Sydney, and I’m looking forward to welcoming many of them again this year.”

EDITORIAL DESK Future of Australia Day What is the future for Australia’s National Day and what does the freedom to move the citizenship ceremonies away from 26 January mean for councils?

The day seems to be becoming more and more divisive as the years go on. It has been interesting to see the information on Australia Day events coming into the inbox in recent weeks. While some councils are maintaining their Australia Day ceremonies and celebrations, for some it is becoming a more low key event with some councils already holding their annual awards ceremonies on 25 January. In recent years I’ve been thinking more and more about the day and what it means. What it means to my Indigenous friends and what it means to me as someone with seven ancestors who survived coming here as part of the first fleet and what they went through and did. It seems more and more people are having this conversation.

- Tania Phillips

INSIDE THIS EDITION THE GOOD OIL 6 COUNCILLOR PROFILES 8 PARKS AND GARDENS 11 FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 13

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NEWS

Monitoring turtle trips Her name is Bullumby, meaning “beautiful one’’, and she’s helping carry the survival hopes of her species.

Onlookers enjoyed a unique experience at Buddina beach when they witnessed the endangered loggerhead turtle being released back to the ocean.

The female turtle named by Kabi Kabi Lore/ Law Woman and TurtleCare citizen scientist Bridgette Chilli – came in the previous night to lay her eggs.

It was then that TurtleCare Sunshine Coast volunteers were able to secure her for a very important job.

Bullumby was fitted with a GPS tracking device to provide valuable data on her movements and better understand – and protect – turtle habitats.

Sunshine Coast Council’s TurtleCare Conservation Officer Kate Hofmeister said successfully deploying the tracker was an amazing opportunity to learn about the turtle’s offshore movements.

“This research is mostly focused on the inter-nesting habitat use, which is the area she uses in the ocean between clutches of eggs, close to our coastline,” Mrs Hofmeister said.

“We first met Bullumby in the 2009 turtle season when she was tagged and, thanks to that tag, we were able to recognise her again in 2012, 2019 and now in 2022.

“We’ve seen her eight times in four nesting seasons over 13 years, and each visit to our shores she lays an average of 125 eggs.”

Mrs Hofmeister said that in her most recent

effort, Bullumby laid a clutch of 131 eggs on Buddina beach.

Due to the risk of saltwater inundation, these were relocated by the highly trained TurtleCare volunteers “After she had finished laying, we gently secured her to install the tracking device,” Mrs Hoffmeister said.

“Bullumby was calm during the tracker attachment and was kept comfortable with shade and a cool wet towel over her eyes.

“The tracker device will stay on Bullumby for at least six months.”

Bullumby is the fourth loggerhead turtle to participate in the tracking project on the Sunshine Coast, which is a collaborative research project with Dr Colin Limpus from the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science.

Previous tracking data collected by council was used recently in a large meta-analysis of loggerhead turtle migrations in Eastern Australia published by Michelle Perez from James Cook University.

The open-access publication (link.springer. com/article/10.1007/s00227-022-04061-8) provided valuable data on the migration route, habitat distribution and ecological range for a threatened genetic stock of loggerhead turtles.

Mrs Hofmeister was excited to discover how the turtles moved within the Blue Biosphere, which was the first 5km offshore.

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Bullumby making her way down Buddina beach to the ocean.

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14 February The 2023 LGW Workplace Health and Safety Conference will take place from Tuesday 14 February to Thursday 16 February at the Royal International Convention Centre at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

The event will focus on current industryspecific issues impacting LGAQ member councils including psychological health and safety, domestic and occupational violence, compliance, safe spaces and culture, and the National Audit Tool.

Rural and Regional Summit 20 February The Rural and Regional Summit will be held at the Sofitel, Wentworth, Sydney, Monday 20 February 2023 as we launch a new event specifically dedicated to our rural and regional LGNSW members. The Rural and Regional Summit will be a crucial one-day event for mayors, councillors, general managers and senior council staff to come together to discuss the key issues affecting rural and regional communities in the lead up to the NSW State Election.

SA Local Government communications, marketing and engagement conference 23-24 March In this exclusive two-day event, members hear the latest trends and tactics to get your messages seen and heard and the strategies needed to reach audiences.

When: Thursday 23 and Friday 24 March 2023. Where: Adelaide CBD, location to be announced.

17-20 May The 2023 National Conference, hosted

by ALGWA and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, will be held from 17-20 May 2023 at RACV Cape Schanck Resort in Victoria. The conference brings councillors and officers together from across Australia to advance female participation in Local Government and spotlight issues facing women in the sector. Delegates draw inspiration from thought-provoking presenters, network with other attendees, and benefit from the tremendous peer support offered by ALGWA.

Noosa Office: Telephone: (07) 5455 6946 Address: 36 Mary Street, Noosaville Qld 4566

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DIARY DATES

Phone coverage fix Public consultation is now open on the Federal Government’s commitment to improve communications in rural and regional Australia through Round Three of the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP), which includes a new stream to address mobile black spots.

The October Budget committed $1.1 billion to fund the government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. The plan includes $200 million for two additional rounds of the RCP and $400 million to fund improvements in regional mobile coverage and communications resilience.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowlands said consultation for the program is open until 10 February.

The draft guidelines released just before Christmas drew from that funding to deliver two streams of work to improve digital connectivity in regional, rural and First Nations communities.

The minister said parallel consultation on these two streams delivers more certainty for interested parties as they will be able to

consider the full range of connectivity solutions simultaneously rather than being required to “retro-fit” the community’s needs into one or the other.

The two streams are: A $100 million Regional Connectivity Solutions stream drawn from the $200 million commitment for placebased solutions deliver new or upgraded broadband services or upgraded mobile services; and a $50 million Mobile Black Spot Solutions stream drawn from the $400 million commitment to deliver New Handheld Coverage to regional, rural and remote Australia through public consultation.

Visit infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/internet/regional-connectivity-program

NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference 29-31 May DVE 2023 will be hosted by Northern Beaches Council in Manly from Monday 29 May to Wednesday 31 May 2023. #VEC2023

Water Management Conference 28 June The 2023 LGNSW Water Conference will run from Monday 26 June to Wednesday 28 June. Host council and destination will be Parkes Shire Council. #LGNSWWater2023.

National General Assembly June ALGA is now calling for councils to submit motions for the 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA), which will be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra this June. The theme for this year’s NGA will be “Our Communities, Our Future”. A discussion paper providing further information, and outlining the criteria that motions must meet is available on their website. Motions are due by Friday 24 March 2023 and must be lodged online.

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NEWS

Major changes for NSW

A flooded house in Southside, Queensland.

Year of the deluge The Bureau of Meteorology’s annual climate data declares 2022 wetter and warmer than average for Australia with more serious climate emergencies expected this year.

The Bureau of Meteorology recently published its annual data and key statistics highlighting the high rain fall last year, particularly for south east Australia where persistent heavy rain led to repeated and widespread flooding.

Climate Council and Professor Emerita, Macquarie University Professor Lesley Hughes said following the La Niña drenching, emergency services and regional communities are gearing up for what could be a serious bushfire season, as high fuel loads couple with a potential return to El Niño conditions later this year.

The ongoing flood emergency in the Kimberley has been described as the worst ever seen in the state with communities cut off, homes inundated, and a significant loss of infrastructure across the region.

“Australians will remember 2022 as the year of the ‘great deluge’, when record-breaking rain and floods, supercharged by climate change, left a trail of devastation from Queensland down to Tasmania,” Professor Lesley Hughes said.

“The climate risk to Australians is likely to remain high over the coming summer, with more rain and flooding expected in saturated catchments, a high chance of more tropical cyclones, and warnings of a major Japanese Encephalitis outbreak that could affect up to 750,000 people.

“Australians are footing the multi-billion dollar damage bill from climate-fuelled worsening floods, bushfires, droughts, heatwaves, and storms while the coal, gas and oil companies fuelling climate destruction are raking in piles of cash and paying little to no income tax.

“There is nothing natural about these disas-

ters. They are being unleashed on Australians by decades of reliance on fossil fuels. In Australia, these same companies are enjoying billions in public subsidies. It’s high time we end fossil fuel subsidies and use the savings to create a climate disaster fund so that we can help communities deal with the fallout of compounding and worsening disasters.”

Greg Mullins AO AFSM, former Commissioner of NSW Fire and Rescue and founder, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, said all of the rain had created fuel for potential fires.

“There has been a large amount of regrowth in the forested areas hit by the Black Summer fires that will eventually die off and burn. Our bushfires are becoming far more frequent and severe,” he said.

“If we head into an El Niño pattern, and it gets hot and dry, anything could happen.

“We’re already seeing warnings for fires in Western Australia, and grassfires are already happening in parts of New South Wales and South Australia, so our fire season is already under way.

“Australia’s current disaster planning and management systems are struggling to keep up with escalating disaster threats fuelled by climate change.

“In recent years, we have seen emergency responders overwhelmed by the scale, speed, and severity of extreme weather events, like the 2022 floods and Black Summer bushfires.

Long-term recovery operations are also more challenging because disasters are striking more frequently.

“We need to make our disaster management systems fit-for-purpose in the face of

worsening climate disasters. Governments must invest in emergency services, better disaster management coordination, more accurate risk models, and community resilience programmes.”

Climate Councillor and former leader of the CSIRO Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub, said David Karoly said 2022 was the wettest year for over a decade.

“The continuing La Niña event has led to our wettest year across Australia since the previous multi-year La Niña over 2010 and 2011,” he said.

“Despite lower-than-average Australian temperatures since the record highs we saw in 2019 prior to this event, we’ve still seen them come in at 0.2C to 0.3C hotter than the previous La Niña events due to global warming. Not only that, the extreme rainfall and flooding that has swept through many parts of the country this year has been made worse by these warming temperatures.

“What we’ve got is a climate system on steroids. Climate change is amplifying extreme events - like the heavy rainfall causing the floods in NSW in 2022 and the heat waves and bushfires in the 2019 Black Summer - making them bigger, more frequent and more dangerous. We are at risk of seeing more weather records broken if we stay on this trajectory of warming.

“Ensuring that we avoid the worsening effects of climate change on our weather systems is paramount to protecting our communities. We need urgent, deep, emissions cuts this decade to limit any further warming. Every fraction of a degree counts. Every tonne of carbon dioxide emissions adds to global warming.”

Premier promises road funding Following its joint campaign with The Hills Shire Council and Hawksbury City Council for funds to repair potholes, Hornsby Shire Council has welcomed the pledge by the NSW Premier of $500 million to repair flood-damaged roads across the state.

Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock said the extreme weather events of 2022 were unprecedented and resulted in significant damage to roads across Hornsby Shire, particularly in the rural areas, and that he was grateful to the NSW Government for its commitment to help.

“While we have been proactive in responding to reports of road damage to ensure safe travel for our residents, we have already expended much of the $3.2 million we had allocated for road restoration this financial year. We anticipate that a further $3-5 million is needed to address road failures,” said Mayor Ruddock.

“Following numerous representations to the State Government seeking funding for flood and rain damage, including damage to our local roads, we are pleased that the Premier has listened to us and has committed significant funding to help remediate the severe pothole damage across NSW. “We look forward to hearing more details LGFOCUS.COM.AU

NSW Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman has released an independent review into councillor misconduct in NSW, which proposes the biggest changes to local government integrity measures in more than 30 years.

The review, undertaken by Gary Kellar PSM, contains 49 recommendations aimed at improving the integrity, transparency and accountability of the state’s more than 1200 councillors.

Mrs Tuckerman said it’s clear from recent ICAC public inquiries and the number of council interventions that changes are needed to build community trust in local government.

“The people of NSW expect their elected representatives to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and anyone who breaches that trust should face the consequences,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“Mr Kellar’s recommendations include harsher penalties for councillor misconduct and ensures the framework for dealing with misconduct is more independent, effective and efficient.”

Mrs Tuckerman said the recommendations contained in the report were the result of extensive consultation with the sector and align with broader integrity reforms agreed to by the Government following ICAC’s report on Operation Witney.

“While the government acknowledges the outcomes recommended by Mr Kellar make a strong case for change, some of the reforms are significant and we will undertake some targeted consultation to better understand the potential impact on councils,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

The Misconduct Review examined the framework for dealing with councillor misconduct, and the effectiveness of penalties available to councils, the Office of Local Government and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The 49 recommendations are extensive and include: a new, independent framework for dealing with councillor misconduct; the establishment of an independent Councillor Conduct Commission to oversee independent Councillor Conduct Review Panels; mandatory councillor training, including pre-nomination training of candidates for election; and tougher penalties and sections to deal with misconduct, including the ability to impose monetary penalties on individuals.

Mayor Philip Ruddock at Wisemans Ferry. about the grant scheme so that we can move quickly to ensure Hornsby Shire can take the appropriate steps to ensure it receives its share of the $500 million to repair its damaged roads.”

Last year, council responded to thousands of reports of potholes across the shire, made sig-

nificant repairs to roads at Wisemans Ferry, Arcadia, Canoelands and Glenorie and continues to address road failures. Council will liaise with State Government to determine eligibility and details of the funding and make its application accordingly.

NSW Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman.

January 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 3

NEWS

Priorities outlined Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has released its Election Priorities for the 2023 NSW State Election, which detail the commitments that are required at State level to ensure councils can continue to provide the services their community deserve.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has released its Election Priorities for the 2023 NSW State Election, which detail the commitments that are required at State level to ensure councils can continue to provide the services their community deserve.

The priorities centre on 10 key themes that LGNSW is calling on all parties and candidates to commit to in the lead-up to the election. They are: financial sustainability, resilience to natural disasters; roads and infrastructure; housing and homelessness, environment and the circular economy; intergovernmental agreement; stronger communities; rural, regional and community health; planning and skills; and labour shortages.

LGNSW president Darriea Turley AM said the NSW State Election was taking place at a critical juncture for local government.

“Local government is a key economic driver for NSW. Councils across NSW employ 55,000 people, look after $177 billion of community assets and most importantly are the beating heart of the communities they represent,” Cr Turley said.

“But despite the sector’s vital importance,

LGNSW president Darriea Turley AM. councils are at breaking point due to a myriad of challenges that need urgent attention.

“Our financial model is not fit-for-purpose with a rate cap methodology that is detached

from the economic reality. Meanwhile, years of disastrous weather events have caused extreme damage to our road network and infrastructure.

“In addition, a challenging economic outlook is causing tremendous stress on the communities we serve, leading to cost-of-living pressures and an affordable housing crisis.

“This is all occurring as the ability of councils and communities to determine what development occurs in their own area continues to diminish.

“Our Election Priorities detail these challenges while providing a golden opportunity for all sides of politics to partner with local government so that together we can deliver the outcomes our communities expect and deserve.

“Crucially, the priorities include measures that are not just critical to our short-term future, but also for the benefit of future generations as we face shifting demographics and a changing climate.

“We look forward to working with all parties and candidates in the lead-up to the March election to ensure these priorities come to fruition.”

Restoring roads throughout NSW The Country Mayors Association of NSW Inc (CMA) has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s commitment for a further $280 million to restore roads in country councils throughout the state.

These funds are in addition to the $50 million emergency pothole repair funding announced in late 2022, which means $330 million worth of road repair and restoration works will be completed as quickly as councils’ people, plant and equipment will allow.

Local and regional road networks, both sealed and unsealed, are under enormous pressure throughout country NSW. Councils are the owners and operators of these road networks and their dedicated and hardworking people are 100 per cent committed to restore these roads back to good condition as quickly as humanly possible.

The 2022 natural disaster flooding events impacted every council area in country NSW, with many experiencing catastrophic outcomes to homes and properties, pets and possessions, with livelihoods also threatened.

In December, CMA launched their “State Election 2023” Priority document. The paper listed eight key areas of united concern across the membership of Councils.

These priority areas are: Skills and Training.

Health Services.

Roads and Transport.

Water Security.

Housing.

Crime, Law and Order.

Telecommunications Blackspot Coverage.

Disaster Preparedness and Funding.

The Roads and Transport section of the document listed many suggested ways a future State Government could make positive change to support Country NSW. CMA chairman, Mayor Jamie Chaffey welcomed the announcement.

“The announcement of another $280 million to support Country Councils across NSW shows the Coalition government have heard the calls from our members and that when two tiers of government work together, with the focus on improving the lives of Country people, great things will happen,” he said.

“Our members are encouraged that the funding announcement is consistent with one of our requests clearly outlined in our “ State Election 2023“ document, and we are hopeful of future announcements from all political parties contesting the upcoming election that policy positions will match the context in our priority document,” Mayor Chaffey said.

CMA is an incorporated body with a rich history of standing up for the needs of all residents

· · · · · · · ·

4 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS January 2023

Among those NSW Country Mayors Association Executive Members who celebrated the recent $280 Million in road repair grants were, from left, Mayor Barry Hollman (Bourke Shire), Mayor Paul Harmon (Inverell Shire), Mayor Jamie Chaffey (NSW CMA chairman – Gunnendah Shire), Mayor Sue Moore (Singleton Shire), Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick (Bega Valley), Mayor Matt Hannan (Berrigan Shire) and Mayor Rick Firman (NSW CMA deputy chairman – Temora Shire). that choose to live, work and play within a rural local government area covered by our membership. CMA was established prior to 1980 with a handful of members, and has proudly grown to 76 member councils, representing more than three million residents across 99 per cent of the land mass of NSW. “Our mission is to further the interests of rural and regional councils by advocating and lobbying on relevant State and National issues by working with State and Federal governments and other appropriate organisations to further the interests of our members, as well as to act as an information-sharing forum. People should have the same rights and opportunities, regardless of where they live within the state,” Mayor Chaffey said.

Deputy chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM said he was “proud of the position CMA took in the declaration of a Statewide Roads Emergency back in November 2022 and also of the State Election 2023 Priority document, created and endorsed by our membership, that has no

doubt played a big part in yesterday’s funding announcement”.

“Country people serve in local government because we are proud of the communities we live in. Our people are under enormous pressure right now to restore our regional and local road networks and this generous funding will go a long way to give our people the extra support they need to achieve positive outcomes,” Mayor Firman said.

“The CMA stands firm in our pursuit of equity of service provision for the residents of our communities. That is why we are pleased to offer our list of priorities for consideration and implementation to all political parties contesting the 2023 NSW state election. We stand united with our members to advocate for residents who choose to call country NSW home.

“We will continue to work with both State and Commonwealth Governments to achieve the best quality of life and provision of services for our residents, and we look forward to a prosperous future,” Mayor Chaffey said.

Inequality focus The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has warmly welcomed the Federal Government’s move to establish a National Women’s Health Advisory Council to address health inequalities for women and girls in Australia.

The council, to be chaired by Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney, will provide advice to improve the nation’s health system for women and girls, including healthcare offered in relation to menstruation, reproductive options, menopause, medical consent, and pain management. It will also consider medical research and health outcomes for women across a range of conditions, like heart disease, autism, and cancer care.

RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins, who will act as a special adviser to the council, welcomed the announcement.

“This is a positive step forward for healthcare for women and girls,” she said.

“It is great news that the government is listening to the RACGP and, even more importantly, acting decisively. I met with Ged Kearney during the college’s recent GPs at Parliament event, and we discussed a range of issues including gender inequity in Medicare rebates, which discriminate against longer consultations for complex care and mental health. Examples include post-natal depression, childhood behavioural problems, and domestic violence, which are conducted largely by female GPs. “We also talked about the need to triple the bulk billing incentive to support our vulnerable patients. I was impressed with Ged’s knowledge and commitment to improving healthcare for women and girls and I look forward to working with her over the next two years. As president I only have two years and I want to get stuff done. This is a great start and there is so much more to do to improve healthcare outcomes for women and girls in communities across Australia.”

The RACGP president said that the creation of the council came at an important time.

“We must address inequalities in healthcare and that includes the treatment and care of women and children,” she said.

“I completely agree with Ged Kearney when she says it is unacceptable that a young girl with ADHD symptoms suffers for years longer than a boy her age without diagnosis and treatment because girls are less likely to be diagnosed earlier. Similarly, how in the year 2022 can we accept a woman with severe pelvic pain affecting her quality of life caused by endometriosis having her symptoms repeatedly dismissed or ignored? It is not good enough and change must happen now.

“The council has enormous potential to be a game-changer. It will comprise eminent women’s health experts along with representatives from peak health organisations, consumer groups and professional bodies including women with lived experience.

“We have a new government, and a new opportunity to improve healthcare for half of Australia’s population. Let’s end the gaslighting and make sure that women and girls have tailored healthcare that reflects their experiences.”

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NEWS

Facing flooding head-on Whether it is determined to be permanent changes to global weather patterns, the fact Australia’s east coast is experiencing its third straight year of the La Niña weather phenomenon/cycle - which is associated with increased rainfall - has wreaked havoc on rural and regional communities.

By Forbes Shire Council At the time the one-in-100-year flood warning was issued for Forbes in November 2022, there were more than 100 flood warnings in place across NSW and 84 in Victoria. The Bureau of Meteorology was predicting some areas were still yet to receive more than a month’s rain in just 24 hours.

Heavy and sustained rainfall in dam catchments increased the height of riverine flooding and also caused significant flash floods across NSW. Now almost 10 weeks later, communities downstream are still being severely impacted by the wash of flood water as it makes it way to South Australia.

Since July 2022, Forbes had been experiencing higher than average rainfall and moderate to major flooding with predictions for a flood level close to that of the 1952 flood which decimated the community.

In times of major floods, Forbes is often cut in two – the north and south, in record breaking floods, the town’s CBD also becomes an island isolated from north and south cutting all access to pharmacies and supermarkets. Emergency and support services locate teams on the north and the south to support the whole community.

Forbes Shire Council’s role was to prepare the community, the people and the assets, and through the events gather the best information available and share it.

Council’s works manager, Dan Speer, fulfilled the LEMO (Local Emergency Management Officer) role, while many council staff assisted the SES with its sandbagging operation

Forbes under flood conditions. as well as running a secondary sandbag supply for people in the south of Forbes.

Road crews maintained road safety around town as the floodwater and curiosity rose quickly in town. The water treatment plant, located on the river, had been readied to maintain supply and preparation advise had been provided to the community.

Council’s front desk staff became a primary contact for flood related enquiries and assurance, the Visitor Information Centre took thousands of calls as a flood information service, advising people travelling how to get through when all roads through Forbes were closed.

The assets teams worked to safeguard as many of the community parks, buildings and facilities, as the water levels continued to climb and the flood pushed its way into town.

Flood communications had begun in earnest to filter concise, accurate and timely mes-

sages for a community preparing to face an uncorrelated danger from the flash and riverine flooding.

The Mayor, Phyllis Miller, issued daily, sometimes twice daily local updates as well as maintaining a strong connection with national and regional news outlets. Council also acted to clarify emergency information and delayed advice on behalf of the community.

During the flood peak, council staff were bracing for the next stage of action. It feels extremely unnatural to be isolated in your own community – keen for news and images of areas important to you. Council staff and the whole community shared pictures and experiences to keep everyone up to date and to mitigate those curious to go out and investigate while there was still a risk.

As the waters began to recede from the around the CBD island, council crews moved in quickly to reestablish major thoroughfares and

ensure the safety of people. The urban services crew, the army and other emergency response personnel worked side by side to quickly reclaim the CBD – which seemed to lift community spirits considerably.

Then the arduous and ongoing task of recovery commenced – again for the community and its assets.

This work will continue for many months and years to come – as people rebuild and re-establish their homes, their lives, their businesses. Works will continue to reclaim our community’s assets - while the new barbecue ignitors arrive, to replace the pool’s stainless steel handrail snapped off when a freezer from a local service station washed past and snapped it off and to rebuild that sense of resilience central to our community.

Council called in the assistance of a sonar team to dredge the garbage, a full oil drum, tyres and other debris which were washed into the local ski dam on the outskirts of town. This work was fast-tracked to enable the community access to the favourite summer spot and take another important step on the road to recovery.

Forbes Shire Council’s whole team worked twice as hard, under stressful circumstances, to make sure the business of council was able to continue.

Many staff, their homes and properties, were directly affected but continued to work at their jobs- a real credit to each and every one of them.

Not just the frontline workers but also IT, finance, payroll etc. Everyone worked well. above and beyond.

Emissions overhaul A leading eco-agency believes Australia’s big polluters are on notice to pull their weight on emissions reductions following the Federal Government announcing an overhaul to the Safeguard Mechanism.

The Climate Council welcomed the government’s focus on stronger penalties for polluters as a top priority for 2023, saying “there is no time to waste”.

Dr Jennifer Rayner, Head of Advocacy at the Climate Council said it was a wake-up call to the major polluters.

“For too long, major polluters like multinational coal, oil and gas giants have had a free ride on their harmful emissions,” she said.

“This must stop.

“Cutting down the artificially high caps on carbon pollution given to these corporations by the Morrison Government is a welcome step to kickstart emissions reduction. Capping the total emissions which can be produced by facilities in the Safeguard Mechanism is also important for driving towards net zero.

“However, allowing facilities in the Safeguard Mechanism to use cheap and easy offsets to write off all of their emissions will send

Need Help with Flood Management?

completely the wrong signal. This will simply incentivise Australia’s heavy industry to engage in tricky carbon accounting to cover up pollution as usual instead of investing in genuine transformation.

“If this issue is not fixed, big industrial polluters like Woodside, Santos and Chevron will continue to rake in eye-watering profits while worsening climate change, which is supercharging the floods and fires that have ravaged communities across Australia and the world in recent years,” Dr Rayner added.

The Climate Council is calling for a strong cap on the use of offsets within a reformed Safeguard Mechanism.

Major global economic players and Australia’s key trading partners are all now working to cut emissions. Setting clear requirements for big polluters to genuinely cut their emissions each and every year will help our industries thrive in a future where net-zero is business as usual.

Are you a Local Government Councillor or Staff Member affected by recent floods? We invite you to attend the 2023 Floodplain Management Australia National Conference to be held at Luna Park Venues on Sydney Harbour, NSW, from 24 - 26 May 2023.

The theme of the Conference is “Preparing for the unprecedented flood”, which will focus on applying lessons from recent floods and new research to better manage the increasing costs of extreme weather events.

The Conference is for anyone interested in making our communities more flood safe. It will bring together over 350 flood professionals and community members with interests in flood risk management including engineers, consultants, land use planners, emergency responders and more.

Flooding prompts fix A $250 million upgrade is planned for sections of the Newell Highway between West Wyalong and Forbes to improve flood mitigation following the recent flood event.

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

“The Newell Highway is a critical link for regional residents, tourists and our hard-working freight industry,” the Minister said.

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister said Sam Farraway it was a major boost for strugging rural areas.

For more information on the project, visit nswroads.work/ww2f

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The Australian Government will contribute $50 million with the new funding coming on the back of the NSW Government’s existing $200 million commitment, bringing total project funding to $250 million, according to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.

Details are at www.floodplainconference.com

For more information about FMA visit www.floods.asn.au

January 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 5

NEWS

Fascinating alliance forms A great story of collaboration is currently playing out on King Island.

THE GOOD OIL ROD BROWN

It involves six Ballarat horse trainers who’ve been taking regular holidays there over the years, and now want to give King Island an economic leg-up.

The particular problem is that there’s only a dozen racehorses on the Island. So the Ballarat trainers recently banded together to buy six cheap horses at the Inglis horse sales.

They’ve now been shipped (via Port Welshpool) in readiness for the inaugural Miners Rest Cup (in homage to their Ballarat suburb) to be run on 21 January.

Well this innovative play grabbed my attention when I learned that Never Astern is one of the six horses! He was owned by some ANU Aussie Rules Old Boys, including yours truly.

Racing around Canberra, he was unplaced in eleven runs due to heavy tracks and a throat problem requiring a tie-back operation. That’s how he finished up in Ballarat and then King Island. We’re all tracking his progress because we reckon he’s not a complete duffer.

Industry/regional development angles There are fascinating angles, with parallels to other regional communities.

The first angle is the racehorse industry.

Henry Dwyer, one of the Ballarat trainers, explained that the plan is to not only help address the Island’s lack of horses, but to create a buzz.

The racing season is limited to seven meetings during January-February, and they usually involve six races – four for thoroughbreds, and two for pacers. Some horses will come on the ferry from Burnie. Prizemoney is modest, and the Ballarat trainers will bring 60 or so sponsors and friends with them.

The second angle is the King Island economy-based on tourism, beef and dairy products.

The population is only 1500, and I’m advised that there’s only 150 tourism beds. This is an obvious constraint in the high season. The winter months presumably put a dampener on ideas about new dwelling construction. But Kangaroo Island to its west has similar weather patterns and geography and has impressive tourism accommodation.

The third angle is the tourism product itself.

It really is an under-appreciated – but fantastic - offering. Think beef and cheese, where King Island has an international brand. Think locallycaught lobsters chased down with Tassie cool climate wines, plus two very good golf courses

Ballarat trainers recently banded together to buy six cheap horses, including Never Astern. (top 20 in Australia), the bushwalking terrain, the sight-seeing options, and funky race meetings!

The fourth angle, namely access to the Island, is a constraint.

There are no passenger ferries, and airfares to/from Victoria and especially Tasmania can be on the high side. On the other hand, Sharp Airlines, which specialises in Bass Strait flights with 19-seat Metroliners, has a return flight from Essendon, three nights’ accommodation plus car rental for $865 p.p. Very good in the scheme of things.

Final thoughts Investment triggers and catalysts are important in regional development. Can the Miners Rest Cup perform the same? There are great examples elsewhere e.g. Birdsville Cup, Jericho Cup in Warrnambool. Someone obviously had the vision and persistence to get these events rolling, and the Ballarat and King Island folk are on the same path.

And city slickers don’t appreciate the social dimension of horse racing in the bush. It’s where everyone meets, gossips and forgets the vagaries of rural life. A classic example

is Queensland where every Saturday there are about 10 meetings across the State! The Greens’ push to ban horseracing will seriously back-fire on them even in urban seats.

The role of government in all this? Probably not much. Airline subsidies are problematical.

A runway extension to enable bigger aircraft is perhaps premature. The pressing need is for tourism accommodation. Surely there are builders/developers on King Island or in northern Tasmania who can see the potential if the factor conditions can be properly aligned.

And I’m thinking that King Island stakeholders could emulate the Ballarat boys by pushing smallish projects aligning with their competitive advantage. For example, it has year-round pastures, solitude and the Roaring Forties.

Why not pitch to become a home for retired racehorses – and acting as therapy horses to assist marginalised or disadvantaged people?

As Henry Dwyer explained, the essence is ‘humans helping horses helping humans’.

Rick Stein – a true catalyst This British chef is a living legend. He has put Padstow and Cornwall generally on the food tourism map – pasties, clotted cream, Cornish Crab, cider etc. His TV shows on the BBC are a skilful blend of food recipes wrapped around the history and geography of communities across the UK and continental Europe and Asia.

Sadly, Rick has done insufficient work in regional Australia. He’s married to an Aussie and spends a lot of his time at his Bannisters Restaurant at Mollymook NSW. I approached one his managers a few months back about doing a series with his son Jack, around various Aussie communities. The ABC or SBS would surely see the potential.

He’d get King Island rocking, along with Robe, Port Fairy, Coffs Harbour, Cairns, Broome, Fremantle etc. Indeed inland places like Broken Hill with its saltbush lamb would be news to many. Think about the international tourism potential. If your council is interested, please contact me and we’ll see where we take this.

Regional development – three questions 1. Why does every politician mouth off ‘rural and regional Australia’ without really comprehending the ‘regional’ bit? Bondi is regional, being part of Sydney’s eastern region. Surely if the subject is outside the major cities, the correct term is ‘rural’?

2. Why do people invariably say they grew up in regional Victoria or wherever, but never mention their hometown? Should be a source of pride! Do they worry about their privacy, or that of their relations? Serious question.

3. Why hasn’t regional Australia shown it displeasure at the feds’ closure of its flagship program Building Better Regions Fund?

Perhaps the punters have decided it’s all too hard?

Gold Coast’s organics service expanding Around 27,000 tonnes of green organics (prunings, grass clippings, leaves, palm fronds, small branches) will be diverted from landfill every year with the expansion of the Gold Coast City’s green organics service.

The City’s Water and Waste Committee recommended on Thursday 24 November that from late next year all single detached dwellings between 250sqm and 5000sqm across the Gold Coast would receive a green organics bin collected fortnightly.

Mayor Tom Tate said these block sizes had been chosen to represent the greatest need - with small blocks not producing huge amounts of green organics and very large blocks likely to produce too much to find the service valuable.

“Audits of residential bin services show that around 27 per cent of materials in the general waste (red lid) bins are green organics, ending up in landfill. We just can’t operate like that in 2023,” Mayor Tate said.

“By expanding the green organics service to an additional 100,000 dwellings, we will divert approximately 27,000 tonnes of green organics from landfill; deliver a 5 per cent in6 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS January 2023

crease in the baseline recycling rate for the city; and reduce the State Government Waste Levy liability.”

He said operational benefits included a lower cost per service across the city.

He said a rebate for the service would be provided to new and existing residential green organics service customers in the first year (2023-24).

This is the first step in meeting community expectation, as advised by the 2021 community consultation on the Solid Waste Strategy Mid Term Review. The expansion also provides the foundation for the potential future expansion to food organics as well as green organics, which would provide further reductions in Waste Levy liability and environmental impacts.

More information on the roll out of the bins will be available in early 2023.

Green waste not wasted.

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January 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 7

COUNCILLOR PROFILES

Always serving community LG Focus talks to Philip Ruddock AO, Mayor, Hornsby Shire.

Tell us about your area: What makes your council special or different?

Hornsby Shire is an extraordinarily special place…It’s an area of great historic interest, it’s an area of very considerable amenity, located uniquely in areas so accessible to Sydney’s bushland. I can’t think of any other place you would want to live!

Do you have a favourite part/aspect/ attraction in the council area?

Every morning I take the opportunity to walk into the upper reaches of the Lane Cove National Park, often through the sensory walk that was settled to identify unique areas of bush habitat in the upper reaches of the Lane Cove River, or the fire trails which lead you to the Great North Walk. I try to get my 10,000 steps largely met before breakfast.

How long have you been on council and why did you become involved in local government?

My early engagement with local government was when my father was elected as councillor in 1952. By 1960, he was shire president…

I used to take an interest in local government and sit in the gallery during council meetings.

When I retired as a federal member, I was invited to consider seeking election to be the Mayor of Hornsby Shire. I did so because I continue to have the passion that my father had for the Bushland Shire and the desire to maintain its unique amenity in a situation where we know that there are population demands that must be accommodated across Sydney.

I am now in my second term as Mayor.

Do you have another job? Tell us about that and how it contributes to your role/views as a councillor.

While I’m retired from federal politics, I have not lost my interest in a number of areas of public policy. One has been in the area of fundamental human rights, and I have taken the opportunity to assist to resolve the political problems surrounding the dislocation of the Rohingya people from Myanmar.

What activities do enjoy outside of work hours?

I have a family of two highly accomplished daughters who have been encouraged by their highly qualified mother to pursue very different

Former federal politician Philip Ruddock is now the Mayor of Hornsby.

Hornsby Shire is an extraordinarily special place, Mayor Philip Ruddock says.

careers. Each of my daughters has a family. My wife Heather, and I find time to look after our exceptional grandchildren in their academic and sporting pursuits.

Council goals, challenges, and achievements: What are they key challenges facing you and your council?

Our role as a council is to ensure we meet the development demands that are put upon us and we do so in a way which has respect for the special character for the shire.

We have been very focused on community engagement, and we believe that if there are to be development goals met, there needs to be constructive engagement.

What innovative projects or policies is council working on?

We’ve been very focused on maintaining the integrity of our rural areas and planning in a consultative way for the future. We are seeking to have the development required of us in the Hornsby CBD where, although there will be higher buildings, and some of mixed purpose, there will be malls, there will be tree planting, there will be community facilities and it will be done in a way that will ensure that the integrity of the residential districts surrounding that cen-

chosen by the developers. These processes have eroded the ability of councils to ensure the values of the local community are upheld in the planning process.

This is a journey, my success to date has been primarily about engaging with the government to obtain change.

What is the best part about being a councillor?

People frequently ask me if I enjoy it and I say no. The reason I’m not there is not for my own self-interest, I’m there to serve the people. So, for me the greatest satisfaction is to be in a position to serve.

What is the worst part?

The most difficult part is to know there are matters on which it is totally beyond your capacity to determine or influence, when the community expectations are that you should be in a position to do so.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future?

I would hope that when my time has come that the changes that we have put in place will be changes that those who follow believe need to be maintained, supported, and enhanced.

tre are maintained.

We have a number of specific projects involving the remediation of the Hornsby Quarry site and the establishment of recreational facilities in Westleigh.

We have also been very prudent in managing our finances and we’ve not sought any rate increases for 12 years but that has meant that we’ve had to budget very frugally over a long period of time.

Tell us about a specific success you have had in local government.

I think it is a journey and I am very anxious to ensure that councils have a far greater say in what happens in relation to development in their local communities.

Changes in State Government legislation mean that the elected council no longer has a role to play in determining development applications where there is significant community objection. These decisions are now made by independent planning panels. Furthermore, State Planning Policies enable a significant portion of development to be undertaken without the need to obtain any approval from council. Once the development is approved, construction may be certified by private certifiers

Huge demand for jobs in Muswellbrook LG Focus catches up with Mayor Steve Reynolds of Muswellbrook in NSW this month and finds out just what makes him and his LGA tick.

Steve Reynolds was born and raised in Muswellbrook and is now raising his own family there, with his wife Ashley. He has been an elected member of council since 2016 and Mayor since January 2022. From a mining background, Steve left the industry after suffering a permanent injury and is heavily involved in the Muswellbrook community. Steve is currently working to ensure the sustainability and long-term growth of the Muswellbrook Shire, whilst retaining its regional lifestyle.

Tell us about your area: What makes your council special or different?

It may sound biased, although Muswellbrook is so well positioned, I can say that for this reason... the opportunities, the opportunities.

We have a huge demand for jobs here now but also the ability to capture new industry in the future, particularly in mining lands, both now by utilising buffer and peripheral land and post mining.

Muswellbrook has an existing extensive transport route and the advantages that come with a rural setting while still being close to the larger centres like Newcastle and Sydney.

Once the Muswellbrook and Singleton bypasses are completed, travel will be just over one hour to Newcastle and around two and a half hours to Sydney’s Olympic Park precinct.

Compared to metro and other areas, the housing market is well suited to growth.

There are limited rental vacancies, but a large number of housing blocks are due to come 8 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS January 2023

Mayor Steve Reynolds of Muswellbrook. online in the near future. With the rising cost of living, I believe people will look to a “tree change” for affordability in retirement and Muswellbrook is well poised to take advantage of that.

Also, the Muswellbrook Hospital is undergoing a major upgrade, worth a total of more than $70M once all stages are completed, to bring it up to a regional standard and offer excellent health care.

How long have you been on council and why did you become involved in

local government?

I was elected to council in 2016 and as Mayor in my second term, in January 2022. I have a passion for our community and its people.

A cliche I know, but it’s true. There were several controversial matters in the terms prior to my nominating for council. I was working in the mining industry at the time and was heavily involved in the community. I believed that if you aren’t going to “have a go” yourself, don’t stand back and criticise. Everyone has busy lives, but this has become an easy excuse these days. So, I committed, and when I commit, I see the job through.

Do you have another job? Tell us about that and how it contributes to your role/views as a councillor.

I actually have a permanent disability and live with chronic pain. I have had over 27 procedures on my upper back and neck over five years and I have a spinal stimulator device inserted in my spine from my neck down. It’s my previous life experiences in business and industry, and my involvement in the community that assists me in this position, as well as having a great team of councillors.

What activities do enjoy outside of work hours?

Nothing physical these days unfortunately.

Quite the contrary. Prior to my injury I enjoyed an active sporting and social life prior. Now, during winter I do a little sports commentating, although basically I just love spending time with my wife and kids, doing family ac-

tivities and capturing the fun moments with the click of a button What are they key challenges facing you and your council?

The inevitable downturn in the mining industry is our biggest challenge. We need to continue driving diversification now and capitalising on the opportunities offered by the land around our townships. Though, as I have learnt, nothing happens quickly in government.

We need intervention now - not in years to come - to take advantage of these opportunities through changes to planning and zoning criteria. It’s our problem now, but the lack of intervention will, in time, be a State financial issue once mining declines and they’re chasing their tail. Planning is the essential key to successful transition.

What is the best part about being a councillor?

I would go as far to say everything. It is what you make it, the same as anything in life.

Some people would complain about going to work when I was in the mining industry.

My wife always says in social settings when people complain about it “I never heard him complain once. He loved that job”. It’s the lens you look at it through. Make it enjoyable and bring people along with you.

What is the worst part?

If I really had to drill down to a negative that could be easily fixed it is the lack of education about what are Local Government, State and Federal responsibilities.

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

NEWS

New boss for Maranoa Maranoa Regional Council is pleased to announce the appointment of a permanent CEO for a period of three years.

Councillors voted to appoint the highly qualified executive Ms Edwina Marks at its December 14 ordinary meeting. She began her contract on 3 January.

Edwina has held leadership roles in the public and private sector for nearly two decades and is an experienced CEO who has served across Local Governments in Queensland, NSW, and NT. Supported by extensive professional qualifications and experience in financial management and local governance reform, Ms Marks will continue to drive the implementation of the new strategic model.

Edwina is a passionate advocate and involved regional leader who thrives on the rural

community lifestyle. In addition, she has held board roles on a range of Ministerial and notfor-profit boards, involved in regional development, disability, and the arts. These positions have included DDSW RDA, Barkly Regional Economic Development Committee, Barkly Arts and Safari.

Mayor Tyson Golder said Ms Marks was a standout applicant who will bring commitment, enthusiasm, and experience from her career to the role.

“We have been delighted with the quality of applicants who applied for the privilege to lead our council and I am thrilled to announce that Edwina has accepted the role.

“There have been a lot of changes over the last 12 months, and I am excited about this

decision and the positive impact it will have on our council and the results we will achieve together for our region. I look forward to continuing to work with such a highly respected leader,” said Cr Golder.

Ms Marks has expressed her enthusiasm for commencing in the role permanently and progressing important projects across the region.

She is looking forward to strengthening existing relationships and championing the council’s mission of operating locally with strong, vibrant, connected local communities embracing opportunities to grow.

Edwina Marks and Tyson Golder signing the contract.

Mercurio now an MP Chief on the move The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) declared Councillor Paul Mercurio the elected Member of Parliament for the seat of Hastings.

As a result, Cr Mercurio has resigned from the Mornington Peninsula Council and the VEC has been advised the Mornington Peninsula Shire has an extraordinary vacancy.

The VEC is to hold a by-election to determine council’s new Watson Ward representative, expected to take place by March 2023.

“Council would like to congratulate all three successful candidates in the local electorates

of Mornington, Nepean and Hastings,” Mayor Steve Holland said.

“I look forward to working with all of our newly-elected MPs on the outcomes that matter to our community.”

“While we await the result of the by-election, Watson Ward residents are welcome to contact either myself or Deputy Mayor Debra Mar to discuss any ward-related matters they might have.”

Alice Springs Town Council chief executive officer Robert Jennings has resigned to take on a role with Gympie Regional Council.

Mayor Matt Paterson thanked Mr Jennings, who joined the Alice Springs Council in 2019.

“Robert has tackled challenges such as guiding Alice Springs through the pandemic and successfully managing initiatives which assisted the community weather the storm associated with Covid-19,” the mayor said.

“He has helped in securing $135 million from the Federal Government through the Central Australian Plan. Robert has established a Liveability and Sustainability 2030 Strategic Plan, Asset Management Plan, a Long Term Financial plan and an Operational Business Plan.”

FOCUS ON GOVERNMENT GRANTS

Talking about grants and a return to fairness Talking about grants in a new light is such a nice thing to be able to do with 2023 now here. There are many challenges ahead for every council and community, not the least is continuing natural disaster. Yet there is a feeling of relief in our conversations with councils with a sense of return to fairness and equity in the grants process.

The significance of the return to probity is the concurrent return to the real purpose of a grant for 2023. As the Commonwealth Grant Guidelines say, the purpose of a grant is ‘… to help address one or more of the Australian Government’s policy outcomes while assisting the grantee achieve its objectives’.

Each state and territory have similar definitions. The new September 2022 NSW Government Grants Administration Guide says, ‘Grants are a way of distributing public money to achieve government policy outcomes for the benefit of the community’. Understanding the policies of your funding provider is the critical first step to success for 2023.

The next conversation is where is the policy? State governments have an extensive policy base as that’s their job. Search each agencies’ website and you should find them.

It is no secret that the previous Australian Government was void of policies. The new Australian Government is thus now building their policy base from scratch from arts to infrastructure to environment to climate. From a Canberra perspective, substantial work is underway for release of multiple policy drafts in 2023.

Proof of this process is that, as this article is being written on the last day of 2022, the Arts Minister, Tony Burke has just spoken at

the Woodford Folk Festival about the national cultural policy the government will release in January. As the Minister said: “Labor will unveil Australia’s first national cultural policy in a decade in an early major announcement for 2023, with millions in additional funding for the arts likely to follow in the May budget.”

Critically for the grants process, the Minister reinforced the new approach to grants decision making that we have not seen for 10 years.

Minister Burke ‘…also promised arms-length decision-making on arts funding, to be judged by artists’ peers, not by the minister’.

Talking about grants, the approach of preparing policy, with grants to follow as the way

of helping achieve the new policy outcomes, with decisions at arms-length from the Minister, is representative across the new Australian Government. The Growing Regions Program, to provide access to funding for capital works for community and economic infrastructure across our rural and regional areas, is following this process, with draft policy and guidelines anticipated to be released in February.

It’s nice to talk about grants in 2023.

Email Colin admin@section51.com.au or visit www.section51.com.au and find out about our interactive grants workshop series in February 2023.

Would you like to talk about Grants?

If you would like to talk about grants, Section51 is here for you.

Lets chat, and together we can find funding for your projects with our understanding of the policies of your State and the new Australian Government.

For further details contact: Colin Email: admin@section51.com.au or visit www.section51.com.au and find out about our interactive grants workshop series in February 2023 12584243-AV03-23

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

January 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 9

NATIONAL

Qld tourism ‘booming’

Audit wrapped up Australia’s first natural resource management agency to audit its environmental assets has welcomed a joint statement between the Governments of Australia and the United States on natural capital accounting.

Queensland was predicted to become the only Australian state to make a full pandemic recovery for domestic visitor nights by the end of 2022.

The forecast was part of new Tourism Research Australia (TRA) data which finds visitor nights in most states aren’t expected to recover from Covid until later in 2023.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland’s great lifestyle was breaking records for domestic holiday visitors to the State and spending.

“Queensland continues to be Australia’s shining light for domestic tourism which is great news for the visitor economy,” the Premier said.

“On most domestic indicators, Queensland tourism is booming and doing better than before the Covid pandemic.

“To see our biggest result for domestic overnight visitor expenditure (OVE) at $24.5 billion and most regions with record visitor numbers are reasons to celebrate.

“This is a strong recovery demonstrating the determination and resilience of tourism operators, and the world-class visitor experiences found only in Queensland.”

Tourism Research Australia data for the year to September 2022 confirms Queensland’s nation-leading position for the recovery of our domestic visitor economy.

Queensland’s $24.5 billion domestic visitor spend is the highest in the State’s history, leading New South Wales by one per cent and Victoria by 43 per cent, and a 26 per cent im-

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is seen during Question Time at Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane in 2022.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/DARREN ENGLAND provement on pre-pandemic data.

The State’s domestic OVE to September 2022 is almost $5 billion better than visitor spending for the year to June 2022, according to the TRA survey.

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In partnership with Minderoo Foundation, Accounting for Nature and Pollination Group, Burnett Mary Regional Group recently completed the world’s first regional scale environmental account – essentially a 5.6 million hectare stocktake of natural assets such as vegetation cover, soils, plants and animals.

CEO Sheila Charlesworth said the USAAustralia Joint Statement regarding Cooperation on Natural Capital Accounting, Environmental-Economic Accounting, and Related Statistics was a “significant step” forward.

“The joint statement recognises that nature and natural resources are capital assets which are critical for economic growth and prosperity,” Ms Charlesworth said.

“It says their inclusion in economic planning is imperative for addressing 21st century economic challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and declines in natural capital wealth.

“There’s acknowledgement that international cooperation is key to combine the expertise, ingenuity, and creativity necessary for aligning environmental and economic data into national environmental-economic statistics.”

In a recent address to ANU graduates,

Accounting for Nature director and former Treasury Secretary, Dr Ken Henry, said environmental accounting provides an opportunity to transform economies.

“The transformation will be facilitated by voluntary markets in carbon credits, carbon credits with embedded co-benefits, biodiversity credits, green bonds, social impact bonds and similar financial instruments,” he said.

Ms Charlesworth said governments are now clearly saying they want to invest in the restoration and preservation of natural capital “at a time when we are compiling the data to help them enable and direct that investment”.

“As climate change forces the world economy to decarbonise, corporations and institutional investors are also looking to invest in natural capital,” she said.

For the Burnett-Mary region in Queensland, Ms Charlesworth said it’s now on the world map as a leader and innovator.

The joint statement says Australia and the United States intend to facilitate opportunities for global leadership and agenda setting on natural capital accounting and nature-based solutions, and to encourage other nations to incorporate nature into economic decision making.

Crisis in housing Tasmania’s Circular Head Council is keen to tackle the current housing crisis, looking to highlight there is land for housing development in Smithton.

Mayor Gerrard Blizzard said the Circular Head Settlement Strategy project had begun but was likely to take a further six months or probably longer, to complete. The Settlement Strategy will determine how the municipality might need to grow and adapt over the next 10 years and will define further land releases.

“The new council hasn’t yet finalised its priorities but I’m confident that we will wish to tackle the current housing shortage,” Mayor Blizzard said.

“We’ve started the process to produce a Settlement Strategy, which will identify where growth could take place. Strategies take time

though and we are not waiting for the strategy to be finalised.

“We want to get the ball rolling and act now.

The first step is to identify the land that is available now.

“A map has been produced that shows land in Smithton that’s available for development and we hope that developers will get in contact with council. Four lots already have current subdivision applications in hand, including a 109-lot subdivision at Massey Street, which council will consider in December – the largest subdivision for some time.”

Council welcomes emissions reforms The Energy Efficiency Council has welcomed the commitment from the Federal Government to invest $600 million into decarbonising emissions intensive trade exposed industries, as part of its proposed reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism.

Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel said this is a smart investment.

“We have entered a new era with two key features: high energy prices around the globe, and an ever increasing focus on cutting the emissions intensity of the products we use every day.

“In this new landscape, working with our most emissions intensive industries to decarbonise as quickly as possible is the best way to secure their long-term competitiveness.”

Mr Menzel said improving energy efficiency and pairing energy use with renewables are crucial parts of the decarbonisation effort. An independent, global

scorecard released in April 2022 found that when it comes to industrial energy efficiency policy and performance, Australia is a long way behind competitor countries.

“Investing in improving the energy performance of our largest energy users is a no-brainer – it will reduce emissions, reduce exposure to volatile gas markets, and help transition Australian industry to a net zero future,” he said.

Mr Menzel said the government’s proposed reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism are also broadly on the right path, although further refinements are needed to ensure the scheme maintains its integrity.

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10 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS January 2023

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PARKS AND GARDENS

World nomination Coffs Coast is in the running for an international green tourism award after being named one of the Top 100 Green Destinations in the world by global organisation Green Destinations.

The grant will be used to upgrade the Ponds and Banks Track, comprising a boardwalk and walking track connecting the picnic area called Lamberts Clearing with the garden’s function centre known as Caley’s Pavilion.

Gardens attract funding The Coffs Coast story entry, Two Path Strong, celebrates Aboriginal tourism on the Coffs Coast.

Ecotourism Australia CEO, Elissa Keenan added her congratulations. “The Coffs Coast continues to support local sustainable tourism ventures and encourages ECO Certification among local ecotourism and nature tourism businesses elevating their mission to protect the natural landscapes that draw travellers to the destination year after year.”

Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School, New South Wales’ first bilingual Indigenous language school is located in Coffs Coast, along with an array of award-winning tours, cafes and cultural experiences run by the Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC). The region is also home to eight Ecotourism Australia-certified businesses and ex-

periences, with several more being supported

by City of Coffs Harbour to achieve Eco Certification over the coming months.

The Coffs Coast became NSW’s first certified ECO Destination in 2021 through a commitment to balance sustainable tourism practices, along with authentic First Nations history, language and culture and world-class naturebased experiences.

The region’s outstanding headlands, waterways, surf beaches, mountains, rivers, National Parks, forest reserves and unique Solitary Islands Marine Park – along with Gumbaynggirr language and culture - are now on the world stage.

Choose the right time to re-turf With sport become more popular and the weather becoming more extreme, there has been an increased need to repair sporting facilities during and after the playing season.

By Daryl Davidson With prices increasing for everything these days, from fuel to fertilisers, the turf grown on the farm will cost the farmer a lot more money and this will be passed on to the customer.

There are some things you can trial next time you are looking to re-turf an area, especially if you have to repair the same area each year.

As clubs and players are usually lazy, they will set up in the same spot each time, and 9 times out of 10 the damage is caused by them.

To save money, you can try talking to the players to move around, hire a grounds marshal to manage where people use the facilities or use technology and data with an Intelligent Play Camera that can tell you how many hours the areas have been used for each day. This data can be used to educate the clubs and players to help improve their facilities. See: intelligentplay.com Increasing your fertiliser program can help your turf handle more wear and tear during and after the season. You can trial adding more fertiliser to the high-traffic areas to see if it helps reduce the areas needed to be repaired.

Aerating more regularly to relieve compaction the same with the fertiliser you can trial just aerating the high traffic areas more regularly.

Adding drainage or re-shaping the area that needs to be repaired yearly. Saturated soils and sport does not mix well at all, sometimes it can be an easy fix with the area maybe being created in to a man-made bowl after years of wet weather use. Fixing the levels can make sure the water runs to where it is supposed to go and not sit in a low-lying area.

Choosing when to re-turf can save you LGFOCUS.COM.AU

thousands of dollars. If you only have a short turn around your only option may be to repair straight away but if you wait a few months each year the grass might recover a bit more each year making your problem areas stronger as the plant has a chance to establish properly.

Repairing a field straight after a season that only gets used for six months a year is only going to waste money as the plant only has six months to establish before it’s under pressure again. Letting as much grass grow back as possible with the help of aeration, fertiliser and water before repairing can shrink the area that needs to be repaired each year.

Choosing the right turf variety for the site is very important because if you are using the same variety each year and it continues to fail or the usage is increasing and the grass is struggling to survive after trying everything above, it may be time to trial some of the new varieties of turf that have been breed for this exact reason. Trialing a small area in your high traffic areas is the best place to trail a new variety because if it survives there it will have a better chance surviving everywhere else, trialling it in an area that has no traffic and full sun won’t give you the information you need to make a big and expensive decision to change turf varieties.

If you ever need any advice feel free to reach out to International Greenkeepers. We are more than happy to help out with advice and if we cannot help we can definitely recommend a qualified person in your area to give you the right advice.

Just send an email to internationalgreenkeepersfh@gmail.com And check out our website internationalgreenkeepers.com for many more great tips.

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is set for a $1 million upgrade thanks to a grant from the local council.

The funds will be used to upgrade one of the garden’s most popular walking tracks using an innovative form of recycled plastic.

Ku-ring-gai Council was awarded a total of $1.006 million from the NSW Government’s Places to Roam grant program.

The grant will be used to upgrade the Ponds and Banks Track, comprising a boardwalk and walking track connecting the picnic area called Lamberts Clearing with the garden’s function centre known as Caley’s Pavilion.

The track is one of the most popular within Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden and the existing boardwalk will be upgraded to improve safety and accessibility. Surrounding bushland will also receive additional protection for endangered species including the Eastern Pygmy Possum.

The new boardwalk will be constructed from recycled plastic material which is more durable, low maintenance and resistant to moisture and insects such as termites.

The grant funding will also be used to provide interpretative signage on the area’s native plants and wildlife and its indigenous history.

In announcing the grant had been awarded, Mayor Jeff Pettett said work on the new boardwalk was expected to start in the middle of this year and be completed within six months.

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The Coffs Coast story entry, Two Path Strong, celebrates Aboriginal tourism on the Coffs Coast and the rich culture that has supported the establishment of the first bilingual school of an Aboriginal language in NSW, The Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School (GGFS).

This story of sharing Gumbaynggirr culture and knowledge of Country across the Coffs Coast has now been nominated to receive a Global Green Destinations Story Award, in the Culture and Tradition category.

The awards will be judged by sustainable tourism experts from around the world and winners be announced at ITB Berlin on March 7 at the Green Destinations Story Awards ceremony.

“We are very excited that our story has been shared with the world and now to be the only Australian story in these global green awards is phenomenal,” said Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC) CEO Clark Webb.

“We are honored and proud that the story of our Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School and our award-winning cultural tourism businesses are nominated in the Culture and Tradition category,” said Mr Webb, who is also the owner operator of Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours.

Known as the ‘sharing people’, the Gumbaynggirr people are widely celebrated for giving their abundant food, waterways and knowledge to others, so it’s fitting that they receive international recognition for their success in sustainable tourism and Indigenous education.

Acting general manager, City of Coffs Harbour, Chris Chapman said: “It’s so exciting to be the only Australian destination nominated in these global awards and I urge people out there to also vote for our destination story in the People’s Choice category.

“Our region is further cementing its status as an ecotourism centre with a significant cultural story that will be shared around the globe.”

Further information contact: T: 1300 764 526 | sales@soilbond.com.au soilbond.com.au {Made in Australia} January 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 11

METRO AND SUBURBAN

Precinct for youth Skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter riders and children of all ages now have a dedicated precinct in Redbank Plains after Stage One construction finished on the Recreation Reserve Skate and Youth Area.

Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the $3.9 million project in the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve was part of council’s Skateboard and BMX Facilities Strategy.

“Following consultation with the community, the design of the skate and youth area has incorporated a mix of landscaping and pathways to better connect the space to the adjacent car park and playground elements as well as a skate bowl with plenty of contemporary features,” Mayor Harding said.

Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee deputy chairperson councillor Paul Tully said council worked with CONVIC, a specialist in skate park and youth area design, on the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve project.

“Works included demolishing and removing the previous concrete skate facility, constructing a concrete pathway linking the existing playground to the new skate park, Redbank Plains Road and to car parking as well as installing shelters, seating, drinking fountains and lighting,” Cr Tully said.

Deputy Mayor and Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said he would continue to advocate for funding to ensure that additional features can be added to the facility in future years.

“Stage 1 of the construction has added some

The QR codes go on.

Splendid Park facilities open in the west. great new features to the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve, but we also know the area can accommodate more features in the future,” Cr Madsen said.

Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said the old skate park had reached its end of life and

was long overdue for significant upgrade to keep up with the rate of families moving to Ipswich.

“Council started planning this new skate park in 2016, so it is wonderful to see it finally completed,” Cr Ireland said.

New $4.7 million cycling facility Western Australia’s first full criterium cycling facility has officially opened at Splendid Park in Yanchep.

The new cycling facility winds its way around Splendid Park’s existing ovals and hard courts and supports casual riding, racing, schools’ bike education and riding events.

Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said the project was exciting for local residents and for the northern suburbs cycling community who had been strong advocates for the project.

“The cycling track itself has been designed to allow for all levels of cycling, from elite athletes to local students at interschool carnivals,” she said.

“It will also enable existing local athletics clubs to use the track for running and sprint training.

“The facility is set to become a premier venue for major events, with a track timing system, purpose-built registration area and event hub.”

To help deliver the $4.7 million facility, the city attracted funding from the Australian Government, including $610,000 through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and $500,000 through the Building Better Regions Fund, as well as $400,000 from the State Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Splendid Park facilities open in the west.

Rate cap disappoints Brimbank Brimbank Council has expressed disappointment at the rate cap announced by the Victorian Government at the end of last year.

Brimbank Mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire has dismissed the cap as not realistic.

“The 3.5 per cent rate cap to be applied to all Victorian councils for the 2023-24 financial year does not reflect the real rising costs of delivering the vital services, asset maintenance, and infrastructure renewal local communities need and deserve,” he said.

“Brimbank Council is disappointed with the rate cap announced by the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Melissa Horne MP, which is below the 4 per cent cap recommended by 12 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS January 2023

the independent Essential Services Commission (ESC).

“The ESC recommendation better anticipated the needs of councils to deliver vital services and infrastructure, while still remaining below inflation and predicted Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases for 2023.

“We are already experiencing increases in the range of 6 to 8 per cent for utilities costs and contracts for capital works and other services, and anticipate these will likely continue to rise.

“We absolutely recognise the impacts of rising costs on our residents – we are all ratepayers too – however, it’s important that local government is able to ensure the viability of the hundreds of on-the-ground services and infrastructure relied upon – and expected – by our communities each and every day.

“We do provide support for residents experiencing financial hardship and offer payment plans to residents having difficulties paying their rates.”

Easy reporting system After a five-year partnership, Snap Send Solve and Glen Eira City Council are collaborating on an innovative technology project that will improve how residents can communicate with council.

Snap Send Solve has been providing communities around Australia and New Zealand with a fast, convenient and accurate app meaning they can report issues that they see quickly, and on the spot. Now, Snap Send Solve has partnered with the council to make community reporting even faster and more accurate through the innovative use of QR Codes.

From now, residents in Glen Eira will be able to use QR codes, visible on popular community assets like public toilets, rubbish bins and water fountains, to report issues directly to council with just a few taps. For those eager to report without using the app, the QR code technology has now made this possible — a first for Snap Send Solve.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Jim Magee said council was committed to providing clean and attractive streetscapes, parks and facilities.

“Snap Send Solve research indicates that 74 per cent of people notice issues in their local communities, but only 31 per cent report them,” Cr Magee said.

“We hope that by providing an easier way for the community to report issues to council, we will hear about community concerns faster, resulting in quicker action.”

CEO of Snap Send Solve Danny Gorog said the use of QR codes allowed customers to report common issues quickly and easily, without worrying about sending it to the right contact or downloading the app.

“It’s terrific to see one of Australia’s most innovative and customer-centric councils trial the updated platform to enhance the customer experience and improve trust with the community,” Mr Gorog said.

Initially, QR codes will be available in Caulfield Park and Railway Reserve in Carnegie, but council will look to broaden this across the municipality if the platform is used effectively to report issues.

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FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Changing climate Over the past year, the City of Stirling has been preparing a Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP).

A CHRMAP is a strategic, long-term plan that guides the response to existing and potential future risk of impact from coastal hazards. It assesses risk levels at specific planning timeframes 10, 25, 50 and 100 years into the future.

It then outlines adaptation pathways to be pursued to minimise risk and vulnerability across these timeframes.

The impact of sea level rise, associated with climate change, is considered in the CHRMAP over the next 100 years. Its influence is based on the projection that the sea level is projected to be up to 1m higher by 2122.Sea level rise will likely increase the risk associated with coastal hazards due to erosion and inundation, which are the two primary coastal hazards examined in the CHRMAP study.

The city’s motion on climate change adaptation passed unanimously at the National General Assembly as part of the Australian Local Government Association’s annual 2022 conference.

The city’s motion called on the Federal Government to: Develop a sustainable, equitable and efficient national funding model for the implementa-

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Sea level rise will likely increase the risk associated with coastal hazards due to erosion and inundation.

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tion of coastal hazard management actions to mitigate coastal erosion and inundation.

Charge the Productivity Commission with an investigation into an appropriate fund-

ing framework that shares the cost of coastal hazard management appropriately among all levels of government and the community.

Mosman takes climate action Mosman Council has had a long commitment to environmental sustainability and has taken a wide range of actions over the past few years to switch to renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gases.

Council declared a Climate Emergency in November 2019 and the following year set a target for council operations of zero net emissions by 2030 and an aspirational target for the community of zero net emissions by 2040.

The council recently adopted its Climate Action Plan – Resilience and Adaptation Strategy, which focuses on risk management and recovery while assessing and preparing for predicted impacts of climate change, complementing the previously adopted Climate Action Plan – Mitigation Strategy.

“All council’s energy is now supplied by renewable sources as part of a deal secured along with 24 other participating councils in one of the largest renewable energy deals for local government,” Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan said.

“Mosman Council has been steadily reducing emissions, cutting our operational

Mosman Council engineers Polly Makim and Patrick Lavery with Mosman’s e-vehicle and e-bike. electricity emissions by 29 per cent over the past decade and we have now confidently locked in further significant cuts to our emissions in coming years by switching facilities and buildings to LED lighting, installing rooftop solar PV and adopting technological and b

ehavioural efficiency measures.”

Solar panels have been installed on Mosman Civic Centres, while lighting upgrades have been carried out in public infrastructure and car parks to retrofit existing lighting with more environmentally-friendly LED. Council is shifting to sustainable transport through the use of electric vehicles and a bike, while community uptake of electric vehicles is being supported through the installation of three 50 kW Evie Networks fast charging stations, with negotiations underway with private vendors to facilitate the potential installation of two more, while council intends to introduce planning requirements to ensure that future residential flat buildings will have electric car recharging capacity.

Council also works closely with the community and local schools to improve other environmental sustainability outcomes.

ADVERTORIAL

Bins for blokes boost confidence

Reserve on track Work has leaped ahead as part of a four-year management plan for the reserve where the Southern and Canning rivers meet in the City of Gosnells, with effects expected to flow downstream.

Five hectares of previously weed-choked bushland and wetland areas were revegetated last winter and spring, and the announcement in December of $250,000 in funding for the project from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest Program will keep the momentum going.

City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes said rehabilitation of the total 10-hectare site, known as the Southern and Canning River Confluence Foreshore Reserve, will be crucial to river health and local ecosystems.

“Ultimately, the City would like this extensive reserve to be a natural environment filled predominantly with native vegetation that provides habitat to native wildlife, tolerates varying water levels and resists weed invasion,” she said.

“The Southern and Canning rivers are significant to the City of Gosnells. Rehabilitating this site will improve the quality of water entering the Canning River, which in turn flows into the Swan River.”

The reserve contains Bush Forever sites, however weeds of national significance were found in the reserve, including lantana and blackberry, as well as declared pest species such as arum lily and narrow leaf cotton bush.

The four-year management plan will be run by the City in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage; and the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group.

“The Marri, Swamp Paperbark and Flooded Gum woodlands at this site are home to Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, Brushtail Possums, South-western Snake Necked Turtles and Quenda, among many other valuable native species, which will benefit from rehabilitating the area,” Mayor Lynes said.

“Carter’s Freshwater Mussels have also been recorded upstream of the site in the Canning River and, by improving the quality of the water where the Southern and Canning rivers meet, we also hope to see a great improvement in the health and diversity of native species in the river.”

Not everyone can freely enjoy getting out and about.

With 1.34 million boys and men living with incontinence due to prostate problems, postmicturition incontinence, stress, neurological or other issues, many of them avoid going to public places because it is difficult for them to dispose of their incontinence products in public.

But there is a solution - BINS4Blokes – installing incontinence product disposal bins in male public toilet facilities.

Adding disposal bins for incontinence products to male public toilets will help men in your community live and work with confidence.

“Our aim is to make all Australians aware of how common incontinence is in men of all ages, and our hope is to get bins into public toilets Australia-wide,” says Rowan Cockerell, CEO of the Continence Foundation of Australia.

How your council can get involved: Investigate existing bins in your male toilet facilities and decide where you would place incontinence bins. Our suggestion is to have

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at least one cubicle equipped with an incontinence bin at each male toilet facility/location.

Find out who your current bin provider is and if they provide bin options for incontinence product disposal.

After installation, make sure men know that incontinence bins are available with BINS4Blokes posters and stickers.

To support men with incontinence, record your toilet and incontinence bin locations on the National Public Toilet Map at toiletmap. gov.au Get your local council involved now and help give men the freedom to get out and about.

Be part of the solution and organise a bin for the blokes.

This is a great way to promote inclusion and equality in your community.

For more information, visit bins4blokes. org.au

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January 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 13

NEWS

Celebrating youth art Some of Wodonga’s most talented young creatives are showcasing their works in a special exhibition at Hyphen Wodonga Library Gallery.

Artistic License celebrates the creativity of Year 12 students exploring ideas as diverse as identity, fast fashion and dreamscapes.

Two artists are sharing musical creations played in the gallery while other works use media such as digital art, acrylics and textiles.

Hosted for the first time at Hyphen, the exhibition features works by students from local secondary schools.

For Clio Waldegrave-Knight, the development of a grid technique was central to the work Turmoil in Red. The acrylic on paper work explores abstraction, a movement that has become a passion.

“I chose large-scale abstract painting because I felt there was a freedom to it that I was uncomfortable with it and I wanted to get better at it,” Clio said.

Jessica Jarald has two self-portrait works in the exhibition which explore how her ethnicity both contrasts and complements her nationality.

“With art, I wanted to explore who I was again and show everyone who I actually am, showing my culture of Indian and Australian together,” Jessica said.

Curator Bronwen Garner said Artistic License gave young artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in the context of a significant public gallery space.

“The community of Wodonga and Albury really loves exhibitions of work by young artists.

Mayor Gangemi with the high tech vehicle being used to survey the conditions of Hills roads.

Smart assessment of council’s roads The Hills Shire Council in NSW is undertaking an assessment of its 1023-kilometre road network, which includes kerb and gutter, street furniture and traffic management devices, and they are doing this with the help of smart technology vehicles.

Jessica Jarald and Clio Waldegrave-Knight.

It’s something they can connect with because they might know the kids or have something to do with what the art is about,” Ms Garner said.

“I think for young kids to come into Hyphen and see work by young artists on the walls is incredibly inspiring and to think that they might go to a secondary school here and make work of a high calibre that’s worthy of being on public display is terrific.”

The assessment complements council’s ongoing efforts to maintain its road network, and this also includes a record expenditure on road rehabilitation and one of its biggest years to fill and repair potholes.

“Residents may see these special vehicles travelling on our local roads over the course of January,” Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said.

“These smart vehicles are equipped with cameras, a profilometer for road texture assessment and GPS tracking devices, and they will be used to capture the information needed to assess the condition of our roads.

This is incredibly important, especially after all the rain that we’ve experienced and the impact it has on our road network.

“The results from this assessment will be so important in helping target priority roads and planning our multi-year road maintenance and renewal program,” Mayor Gangemi added.

Vehicles will be marked and equipped with hazard lights and other warning devices, and operators will be focussing on the safety of pedestrians and road users during the assessment period.

NOVEMBER 2022

Australia’s National Loc

per al Government Newspa

Resilient homes

n Resilient Homes

nt announced an $800 millio NSW and Federal Governme ss the eastern states, the s. flood s uary’ Febr by As floodwaters rose acro ted affec Northern Rivers of NSW Fund for residents in the

in seven Local GovAround 2000 homeowners rn Rivers of New ernment Areas in the Northe to raise, repair, eligible South Wales are now voluntarily bought home retrofit or have their million program. back, as part of a new $800 New South Wales The Commonwealth and support residenwill Government joint funding in the Februaryed tial homeowners impact Local Governseven the in March 2022 floods, Clarence Valley, Byron, ment Areas of Ballina, nd Valley and Tweed.

Kyogle, Lismore, Richmo e Janelle SafLismor for r NSW State Membe as a down payment fin welcomed the program from this year’s floods on ‘building back better’ more in future cost will which - a mammoth job budgets.

Minister Anthony Ms Saffin thanked Prime c Perrottet Domini r Premie Albanese and NSW 28 October to jointly for coming to Lismore on includes voluntary announce the fund, which ables), volrelocat ng (includi se house purcha retrofitting to make untary house raising, and to make residents safe homes flood resistant, and secure. se and Mr PerAlbane Mr for ed She organis of North Lismore resirottet to visit the home told his personal story dent Brian Burgin, who flood. record the g of survivin l MPs during the rk day in the history y Albanese, and local Federa “This really is a landma t and Prime Minister Anthon Premier Dominic Perrotte region. It is the start of Saffin is flanked by NSW of the Northern Rivers about their choices in Lismore MP Janelle giving local people clarity transformational announcement. the to speaks and the future, rs. The next phase ment to develop pracadaptation to natural disaste economic and envi- ing with the NSW Govern lives and livelihoods,” needs to strengthen our tical solutions to protect Saffin said. ronmental recovery,” Ms also welcomed he said.

Cherry Chris Mayor relentless flooding Tweed “We know this repeated, g and t. cemen the announ nally and financially drainin a real and lasting can be emotio to know we will be there “This funding will make into the fu- we want communities bility vulnera flood they recover.” our as to now, and difference be a chance at to support them will it the that, said than et more Perrott ture, but NSW Premier Dominic many of our families,” would help Northern a new beginning for so Resilient Homes Program further steps on the road Cr Cherry said. thought out Rivers’ residents take also boosting commuwell really a like y while “This seems al to be the single towards recover program that has the potenti ment has taken nity resilience in the long-term. govern tion extreme most impacting action “I saw first-hand the devasta across the Northern Rivers since the flood.” will be of- flooding caused for scheme k buybac ry program provides relief The volunta ts located in and I hope this who have suffered for too residen Rivers rn residents fered to Northe where major flooding so many the most vulnerable areas long,” Mr Perrottet said. for risk to life. ophic options catastr a provide to pose up would “We are stepping t Homes Fund and proSaffin with The Northern Rivers Resilien l assistance residents to move out of harm’s way cannot and Lismore MP Janelle we financia l Richmond MP Justine Elliot lves and their families but package will also provide PM Anthony Albanese, Federa raising or up to tect themse the past. in house have for we 00 as back $100,0 Burgin. e to build of up to com- resident Brian for homeowners in ar- continu Rivers ing rn retrofitt Northe for the 0 ucture and replacing $50,00 “We will work with building damaged infrastr be reduced by better , retrofitting and volunuent disasters. eas where flood risk can munity to ensure repairs damaged assets. that will vice on any subseq ll approach when building standards. ks are undertaken in a way e through the refrom “There is no one-size-fits-a help businesses navigat ment will pro- tary buybac To homes Govern their ofand Wales South program people s and this The New protect $22 million has been it comes to building back land and open up better covery period, more than s to facilitate vide $100 million to acquire future develop- future flood events.” to help residents stay in available for support service Manage- fers multiple measures s for made ncy nd location Emerge safe for withsta r flood better new y plans, provide Federal Ministe ments the region in homes that can the Northern Rivers the development of recover Watt, said both govern in grant apment, in partnership with The corporation is ment, Murray to stand shoulder to shoulder future floods,” Mr Toole said. health support and assist ation. mental Corpor truction e Recons continu ment Program expression of interest would ns. road to recovery.

The Flood Property Assess currently conducting an registered plicatio Trader with the region on the long parcels of land.

Business Chamber and absolutely provides a first point of entry, with n, been additio In has Rivers the process to identify suitable rn red for “The Northe established to enable be offered one of Minister Watt homeowners automatically conside Groups Programs will be Eligible homeowners will ted by flood after flood,” on. . es, based on expert devasta solutions for business activati Resilient Homes Program the three available measur and locally-led days later the Federal including flood impact said. up to $200,000 will also future diof just for d hile grants ry prepare Meanw being Recove property assessments, ses “We know that ced an $877 and potential future medium and large busines when it comes to the Victorian Governments announ severity data, safety risks, ting be available for sasters is a huge boost floods. of the region. million Recovery Support package, suppor y the by ed recover rm impact flood levels. long-te directly e and in the home businesses, farmers, and not-for-profits to reAlbanese said that damag ers and rural landPrime Minister Anthony g in resilience measures To assist primary produc e, effort, cost and build and return to trade as quickly as possibl make them more flood Investin 0 will be availto the $75,00 homes to reduce up ing of antly retrofitt grants by signific holders, ting floods. at most risk away can t package – rs. following the recent devasta to recover from disaste resilient, and moving those as part of a recovery suppor Producer can be safer during time r for Regional 0 are available to able from danger, communities Grants of up to $50,00 menting the existing Primary Deputy Premier and Ministe to individual profit organisa- comple future flood events. businesses and not-forPaul Toole, said offers sional Loan Program. rs are expected to NSW, wners will be based on extensive eligible efforts including re- Conces y recover t suppor “We know that disaste to homeo tions and more severe due floods and expert adbecome more frequent, analysis of the 2022 that’s why we’re workto climate change, and

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14 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS January 2023

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RURAL AND REGIONAL

Better Orange water Work has begun on a new underground pipeline project which will lead to a significant improvement in Orange’s water and sewer network.

Customers, councillors and staff celebrate the Bowerbird’s first birthday.

Bowerbird set to fly The City of Greater Geraldton recently voted to continue operations of the popular reuse facility known as the Bowerbird.

Originally slated to be a two-year trial, the facility located on the way to Meru Landfill will now become a permanent addition to the city’s portfolio.

Mayor Shane Van Styn welcomed the decision.

“It’s inspiring to see how well-loved the Bowerbird has become in the short time we have been running it,” he said.

“People can conveniently drop off items on their way to the tip, and these products are then given a second life in homes where they

are needed most.

“Not to mention that diverting items from landfill is a massive windfall for the environment,” he added.

“The Bowerbird has become a wonderful addition to city-run facilities and council are thrilled to see it continue to thrive,” finished Mayor Van Styn.

Previously run by non-profits, the city took over operation in 2021 as part of a trial to determine viability of bringing operations ‘in-house’.

As of 31 October 2022, the Bowerbird has served over 21,110 customers and diverted 60,238 items from Meru Landfill.

With the future of the Bowerbird now secured, plans can commence on expanding floor space as well as offering more diversion programs such as on-site repair cafes.

Items accepted include furniture, household electrical appliances, tools, building materials, crockery, bric-a-brac and more.

More details are available at cgg.wa.gov.au

Novel takes Townsville by storm Gripping mystery The Cane by Maryrose Cuskelly was a hit with Townsville booklovers this year, taking the title as the most-borrowed item in CityLibraries’ physical collection.

The Cane is set during the 1970s in a fictional North Queensland sugar town and tells the story of a mother’s desperate search for her missing 16-year-old daughter.

This gripping novel was chosen for council’s One Title One Townsville initiative this year, with its selection as the book for CityLibraries Townsville’s annual book club helping make it a runaway winner as the mostborrowed item.

For the city’s younger readers, Diary of a wimpy kid: Old School by Jeff Kinney took the title as the most-borrowed junior fiction book (borrowed 100 times) while Bluey: Grannies (64) was the most popular children’s picture

book in the same period.

Bluey was also the start of CityLibraries Townsville’s most attended program, with 667 attendees at Messy Play in the Park featuring Bluey activities at Queens Gardens on September 19.

Sing Two took the crown as the most-borrowed DVD, Liane Moriarty’s Apples Never Fall was the top eBook and Lee Childs’ Personal was the most popular eAudio Book.

CityLibraries also has a popular library of things, with the Super Nintendo Classic Mini once again topping the charts after being taken out 25 times this year.

All up the three CityLibraries branches and the mobile library loaned 627,675 physical and digital items during the 11-month period, to 388,375 total visitors.

Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the statistics backed up the public’s strong support of Townsville CityLibraries.

“Over 620,000 items have been borrowed this year and that shows the strong connection that our residents have with our fabulous Townsville CityLibraries locations, the library’s collections and our wonderful and knowledgeable staff,” Cr Greaney said.

The dual 6km pipelines are designed to upgrade both water and sewer infrastructure between Orange and Lake Canobolas, providing a broad range of health and environmental benefits to the community.

Orange City Council Infrastructure Committee chair, Cr Jack Evans welcomed the new project.

“The lake is an important tourism and recreation location and these benefits will be enjoyed by the thousands of people who visit the lake every year. The new water pipeline will not only mean an improvement in the delivery of water quality for the lake recreation area and the Scout Camp, but also for the 20 houses between Orange and the Lake,” Cr Jack Evans said.

“Since taking on management of the Scout Camp, Orange City Council has gradually been upgrading the facilities there. The new sewer pipeline and a planned new sewer pump station will enable us to phase out the system of septic tanks at both the Scout Camp and the Lake recreation area. That’s much better for the environment.”

The existing water main that supplies the Lake Canobolas Reserve is a 300mm cast iron main that is more than 100 years old. The new water pipe will deliver improved water pressure, and remedy problems with low residual chlorine levels.

In October Orange City Council awarded the $1.7 million construction tender to Canberra-based firm Utilstra Pty Ltd. The accepted tender includes plans to source a large proportion of the work to local contractors.

The dual underground pipelines would run the six kilometres from Lake Canobolas to the edge of the city’s current water and sewer networks.

Orange City Council Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Jack Evans checks out progress on the new dual pipeline project.

Country halls essential to communities Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has completed a comprehensive review of community halls, council and community owned, in the rural areas of the region.

With 55 community halls in total, TRC Environment and Community Committee chair Cr James O’Shea said it was important council had a sound understanding of the condition and use of the halls.

“We all appreciate the value and benefit public halls and community facilities bring to our residents,” Cr O’Shea said.

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“Community halls are much more than just a building. They’re a place for people to celebrate, socialise and come together. They can also be used in times of emergencies for purposes such as disaster evacuation centres.

“As such, council is committed to ensuring the facilities are maintained and meeting the needs of our community.

“When conducting the review, council staff spoke with community groups throughout the Toowoomba Region and users of the facilities to gain further knowledge.

“For council, it’s about understanding where we have these halls and identifying opportunities and constraints for facility improvements.

“This will help guide future decision making

on where upgrades are most needed and in the cases where the halls are underutilised we will look at strategies on how we can get the best use of the halls in those locations.

“In addition to this, the review will assist council and the community with funding submissions for potential grants to develop and improve infrastructure and amenity within the network.”

January 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 15

RURAL AND REGIONAL

Sports precinct underway The halfway point has been reached in a landmark construction project that’s transforming 96ha of former farmland into a sporting drawcard that will cater to a wide range of sports and thousands of players and spectators.

When completed in mid-2024, the Baranduda Fields project in Wodonga, North East Victoria, will become the largest regional sporting precinct between Sydney and Melbourne.

Stage one includes: Two soccer fields with lighting, fencing and irrigation; a soccer pavilion, up to eight change rooms, match officials and first aid rooms, canteen, function space and meeting room, duel facing grandstand seating and public toilets; one full-sized Australian rules oval and turf cricket wickets with fencing, irrigation and lighting; a shared AFL and netball pavilion with change rooms, canteen and public toilets; two netball courts with lighting and fencing; two car parks, including drainage and lighting and integrated water management design elements; and Landscaping and shared paths throughout the site.

Works have recently started on the AFL and soccer pavilions, with irrigation to be installed on the playing fields in February, 2023.

With 50 per cent of stage one now completed, Wodonga councillors and senior leaders inspected the site in early December and were encouraged by the rate of progress, despite heavy rain and widespread flooding in spring, 2022.

Wodonga Mayor Ron Mildren said it was exciting to see the project taking shape.

“The Wodonga community is very active and sports-minded so it’s terrific to be delivering such a modern, diverse facility that will ca-

Wodonga councillors and senior leaders inspected the site in early December and were encouraged by the rate of progress. ter to locals of all ages as well as providing a venue for visitors competing at local, regional and state level,” he said.

“Baranduda Fields will provide a significant boost to our visitor economy while also creating a nursery for the sporting stars of the future - and placed as it is within one of our city’s major growth precincts, it will provide a

sporting heartland for thousands of families who’ll soon call the area home.”

The project was designed with extensive stakeholder input, including feedback from more than 25 community and sporting groups.

In future stages, further facilities will be developed to cater for an expanded range of

Fireworks, dance ring in 2023 The West Arnhem community of Maningrida invested in welcoming the New Year on 31 December 2022 with a fireworks extravaganza and a culturally significant opening ceremony performed by local dance groups.

While other scheduled firework events around the Top End were cancelled due to severe winds and rain, including Darwin’s official New Year’s Eve fireworks display, event organiser West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) and local volunteers worked tirelessly with the Fireworks Australia team to deliver the 25-minute fireworks event of the highest standard despite the heavy downpours.

Strongly funded by the Maningrida Local Authority Board, the New Year’s fireworks display provided an opportunity for residents to experience a fireworks show of the highest calibre.

WARC council services manager in Maningrida Darren Lovett said the fireworks production exceeded all expectations of both the Local Authority members and the entire community.

“The people of Maningrida have never seen anything like it,” Darren said, “the community was in awe”.

More than 1000 Maningrida residents at-

A bright start to 2023. tended this event which also included substantial cultural aspects, including four separate dance groups representing different clans

performing ‘Bungul’ at the Maningrida oval.

This special event also represented an informal official opening of the Maningrida AFL Oval which has received significant upgrades including resurfacing, realignment, new goal posts, upgraded irrigation, new fence and newly-installed light towers with lowerable light mast heads to negate the exorbitant costs with hiring/barging Elevated Work Platforms from Darwin to Maningrida to carry out repairs to light towers.

These upgrades to the oval have also been supported by the Maningrida Local Authority and Northern Territory Government Department of Tourism and Culture.

West Arnhem Regional Council would like to thank the Fireworks Australia team, the Maningrida Local Authority, WARC staff including the works crew on the ground, Maningrida Progress Association and NTES MERGS (Maningrida Emergency Response Group) and other stakeholders throughout the community. With their support, this event was an incredible success.

Council trials new road surface Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) manages 2030 kilometres of local roads over an area of 282,000 square kilometres in the centre of Australia. As most of the connecting roads between communities are unsealed, that’s a lot of grading.

Now the Roads Team are trialling a new technique that could see the roads last longer, require less upkeep and provide a better ride for residents.

PolyCom Stabilising Aid can be used to improve the engineering properties of gravels and soils for road construction, thereby reducing maintenance requirements on unsealed roads.

CDRC decided to trial Polycom on Nyirripi Road, which connects the remote community of Nyirripi with Alice Springs, a total of over 440km. Polycom Stabilising Aid was 16 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS January 2023

applied to a one kilometre section of formed sand clay, and a second one kilometre section was constructed with no Polycom Stabiliser Aid added, immediately after and joining the stabilised section for comparison purposes.

The two sections will be monitored for around two years, and regular tri-monthly levels will be taken with digital survey equipment to record any differences in wear of the sections.

This was the first time the CDRC crew had experienced the work of applying, mixing and compacting a Polycom stabilised road base. A crew from ID in Adelaide gave effective support

and training into the method and handling of Polycom throughout the two days of the trial, and the work crew enjoyed the experience.

For Polycom to be most effective managing the material at optimal moisture content and a thorough mixing in is critical to the whole process. The crew estimated that the Polycom stabilising process is about double the work of constructing a standard 150mm sand clay base course.

A cost benefit analysis will be completed once the trial is finished, and if the results are positive, driving to and from remote communities in CDRC could be smooth sailing.

sports and activities with those additions to be guided by input and advice from sporting groups and families.

At a cost of $24m, stage one has been funded by $10m from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, with a further $14m provided by the council over a three-year period.

Grant for Albany The City of Albany has been awarded a Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant to fund the 2023 Allies Project.

The Allies Project will be led by the city’s Youth Advisory Council with guidance from city staff who will collect stories of those who have been a part of a regional LGBTQIA+ journey.

The stories can be from friends, work colleagues, parents, siblings, partners or family members that have supported someone’s LGBTQIA+ journey or been the centre of the journey themselves.

Stories will be recorded by story collectors at key events including Albany Pride Fair Day and the Pride Silent Disco where they will then be made available via a podcast.

ABC reporter Katie McAllister and author and literary critic Beejay Silcox will be running two workshops to assist young story collectors with technical knowledge and interview techniques.

The city sought expressions of interest from local young people who are eager to be a part of the story collecting team and contribute to the project. Community development coordinator Tammy Flett said the Allies Project aims to benefit a cross section of the Albany community.

“This project is for those who identify as LGBTQIA+, have been a part of an LGBTQIA+ journey, budding journalists, creatives and anyone who is interested in the content or the process,” she said.

“As we enter post-production stage, one story collector will be offered a mentorship from ABC reporter Katie McAllister to develop their skills in audio post-production. This is a vital project that supports our young people to feel welcome, heard and accepted in the city that they live in.

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