LG Focus - March 2023

March 2023

Australia’s National Local Government Newspaper

Road repair clash A plan by NSW Labor to scrap upgrades to the Great Western Highway duplication and tunnel in favour of funding infrastructure for Western Sydney has angered a major rural body.

The Country Mayors Association of NSW is becoming extremely frustrated by the funding focus on Western Sydney in the lead-up to the state election, according to its chairman Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey.

NSW Labor leader Chris Minns MP announced that should Labor form government after the 25 March election, the Coalition’s committed funding for the upgrades to the Great Western Highway duplication and tunnel will be scrapped in favour of infrastructure funding for Western Sydney. Though it is not all bad news for the bush with Labor later promising Labor a new $670 million Emergency Road Repair Fund a move praised by Lismore State Labor member Janelle Saffin, whose electorate taking in Tenterfield and Lismore through to Murwillumbah, was one of the worst hit last year.

“There is more to NSW than Western Sydney,” Chaffey said.

“CMA members have endorsed our state election priorities that are focused on eight key areas; regional road funding is high on that list.

“The city and regions are reliant on each other. The food and fibre, along with the minerals and energy produced in regional NSW, is critical to the prosperity of the state, and without safe and productive highway networks that connect city to the regions, we fail.”

CMA executive member, Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller said more attention should be paid to roads in the country.

“For 20 years the Central West has fought to open our food bowl to the rest of NSW - now we have been dealt a blow like no other,” he said.

“The much-needed upgraded Great Western Highway road duplication and tunnel infrastructure would help our residents by saving commute time for their advanced health and education needs, and now if Labor comes to power it will be taken away from the Central West community.”

Cabonne Shire Council mayor Kevin Beatty said: “This is extremely disappointing; we have been campaigning for a safe and productive link between Sydney and the Central West of NSW for more than 20 years. The last 12 months we have seen many extreme natural disasters - the Central West was virtually cut off from the city by road and rail for an extended period.

“Our tourist, business and residents were all dramatically affected and this caused an enormous economic downturn to our economies.”

On 10 February, the NSW Coalition government committed $1 billion for regional transport and roads if re-elected; $400 million to extend the critical Fixing Local Roads program,

Major flooding hit country Australia, including Parkes Road at Forbes, further damaging infrastructure and making roadworks in the bush even more of a priority this election. $300 million to create a Build Back Better fund; and $300 million to “Fast Track Freight” ($200 million of that amount will be allocated to rail projects).

“The CMA stands firm in our pursuit of equity of service provision for the residents of our communities,” chairman Chaffey said.

“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.”

Labor promises regional road repair Labor has promised a new $670 million Emergency Road Repair Fund, if the party wins the NSW state election according to Lismore MP Janelle Saffin whose electorate was one of the worst hit by the 2022 February/March floods.

She said it would be the Minns’ Labor Government’s first investment in fixing the critical nature of the regional roads on the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands.

“For more than a decade, maintenance of regional roads has tended to be patch-up jobs and we’re certainly not doing world’s best practice. We need to turn this around,” Ms Saffin said.

“The Nationals in government made a signature commitment in 2019 to reclassify and transfer up to 15,000 kilometres of roads to

Senator Murray Watt, Lismore MP Janelle Saffin and NSW opposition leader Chris Minns at Mortimer Oval. state responsibility but this has been an abject failure and could take another decade. It’s a hollow promise.

“NSW Labor will defer this failed road reclassification program and put the existing NSW Budget funding of $193 million – along with an additional $197 million of new money – into a more immediate response because road repair is so urgently needed.”

Ms Saffin said she welcomes NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns and NSW Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison’s confirmation on 3 March that a Minns La-

bor Government would continue the existing $280-million regional pothole program.

“This is a good baseline from which local councils can be confident they are being supported, particularly after last year’s flooding severely impacted what were already badly potholed roads,” Ms Saffin said.

“We will be providing an additional investment of $390 million over the next two years, bringing the total investment in road repair under the new Emergency Road Repair Fund to $670 million.”

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EDITORIAL DESK

NEWS

Equality more than one day a year I’m writing this on International Women’s Day, heartened by the releases and stories pouring into my basket from councils across Australia. The first story I wrote for this paper just over a year ago was about the record numbers of women elected to council in NSW. And yet it feels like we still have a long way to go until we achieve equal pay and representation. As a young journalist my first job was in sport, specifically as the cricket writer (given my lifelong love of the sport and work with local clubs) but when my first contact was put through, the man apologised and said that he must have been sent to the secretary. That feels like a lifetime ago and yet not. There have been some impressive programs announced on IWD this time around but we need more than one day to bring some where close to equality to our workplaces, whether it be councils or the media.

DIARY DATES IPWEA NSW and ACT State Conference 15-16 March Stadium Australia Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW

IPWEA Australasian Fleet Conference 2023 27–29 March Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC) 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills QLD The world is shifting from transportation to mobility requiring fleet managers to rethink how they move employees and goods to connect with customers and stakeholders.

- Tania Phillips

National General Assembly

INSIDE THIS EDITION COUNCILLOR PROFILES 6 THE GOOD OIL 7 COUNCIL CONFERENCES 12-13 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 14-19

CONTACT US

Ready for the National Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo.

Expo fast approaching It’s that time of the year again when the National Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo comes to town.

Australia’s National Local Government Newspaper Website: LGFocus.com.au Noosa Office: Telephone: (07) 5455 6946 Address: 36 Mary Street, Noosaville Qld 4566 Pakenham Office: Telephone: (03) 5945 0666 Address: 10 Army Road, Pakenham VIC 3810 Network with LG Focus twitter.com/@LGFocusau facebook.com/LocalGovernmentFocus Editorial: E: editorial@LGFocus.com.au Advertising: E: advertising@LGFocus.com.au Classifieds: P: 1300 666 808 E: sales@NetworkClassifieds.com.au EDITORIAL Tania Phillips Journalist E: tania.phillips@StarNewsGroup.com.au ADVERTISING Phill Le Petit Sales Manager E: phill.lepetit@StarNewsGroup.com.au M: 0439 377 525 Louisa Kneller Sales Executive E: louisa.kneller@StarNewsGroup.com.au M: 0413 380 545 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit LGFocus.com. au/terms-and-conditions/ 2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS March 2023

Visitors will be treated to a huge line up of the biggest brands, representing an amazing selection of equipment, vehicles, specialised machinery, attachments, technology and services.

Every year, the range of equipment grows and diversifies, as does the advance in technologies. These changes add up to make earthmoving and associated industries more efficient, saving your effort, costs and improving the bottom line of owner operators and fleet owners.

For businesses involved in anything to do with earthmoving - site preparation, services installation, trenching, utilities, landscaping, forestry and public works and infrastructure, this is where spending time can pay some big dividends for the business.

For the many owner-operated businesses, this is a once a year opportunity to update knowledge. For those in the market for new gear, there’s no better place to compare the amazing value on offer from the different suppliers.

It’s also a unique opportunity to talk to the many visiting local and overseas factory specialists who will be happy to give you some special insights to benefit your business for years to come. If you are in the market for some major capital expenditure, the demonstration site of large and small equipment will give you the hands-on opportunity to check performance.

The Expo also gives a valuable glimpse into what competitors and colleagues are doing with their businesses. New insights gained let you update your knowledge on what is out there and show you how to make your job easier and more efficient.

A great Expo site The Sydney Dragway site guarantees your visit to Diesel Dirt and Turf will be a comfortable and easy experience for you and your family.

Whether you visit for one, two or three days, there is loads of paved car parking, easy access to the exhibits and plenty of places to relax and enjoy a wide variety of food and entertainment.

Always something new Alemlube will again be at the Expo, showing its off-the-shelf lubrication equipment, fluid transfer and metering and hose storage and retrieval products. They will explain how they can design, supply, install, commission and maintain automotive and commercial vehicle workshop solutions, mobile equipment and fixed plant

automatic lubrication systems.

Boss attachments always draw a lot of attention with products such as their Motofog MFX dust suppression system, Boss rotating screening buckets, demolition steel shears, circular electromagnetic lifters, hydraulic tree shears and demolition pulverisers.

Makinex has been designing original, awardwinning tools and equipment for the flooring, construction and landscaping industries since 2004. The Makinex range has equipment that satisfies the needs of many contractors. It includes a jackhammer trolley, mixing station, floor stripper, a tile smasher attachment, a flippable wide chisel, dual pressure cleaner, hose reels, washers and much more.

RDO will be showing its John Deere E-Series hydraulic excavators, dozers that feature spacious air-conditioned cab and fully customisable, ergonomically designed controls. Also from John Deere is their new articulated dump trucks, motor graders, wheel loaders, backhoes, skid steers, compact track loaders and the E-Series mini excavators.

Many solutions for your business Other exhibitors specialise in material handling, safety, equipment hire, equipment trailers, trucks and hydraulics, haul trucks and specialised road equipment.

There are professional tools, tyres, tracks, access platforms, couplers and tiltrotators.

Adding to the visitor experience are agricultural and open space management equipment, mowers, trenchers and slashers.

Expo Manager Marti Zivkovich said, “sponsors like gold sponsor Komatsu and Earthmovers and Excavators and Trade Earthmovers magazine gold media sponsorship have made a major contribution to the success of the Expo”.

“Associate sponsors include Pickles, NAWIC, Norm Engineering, Earthmoving Equipment Magazine, XCMG, What-If and Record TIME.” Mark in the diary The 2023 National Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo is on Friday 21, Saturday 22 and Sunday, 23 April 2023.

Visitor entry including car parking is just $10 per adult and entry is free for children under 16.

To enquire or book to secure an exhibitor site contact the Expo manager, Marti on 0411 648 465 or apply online at www.dieseldirtandturf. com.au

13-16 June Canberra 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”. ALGA is seeking motions that align with this theme and identify opportunities for new federal programs and policies that will support councils to build stronger communities. Motions are due by Friday 24 March 2023 and must be lodged online.

National ALGWA Conference 17-20 May Mornington Peninsula The 2023 National Conference, hosted

by ALGWA and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, will be held from 1720 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 thoughtprovoking presenters, network with other attendees, and benefit from the tremendous peer support offered by ALGWA.

SA Local Government communications, marketing and engagement conference 23-24 March Adelaide 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.

Water Management Conference 26-28 June Parkes Shire 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.

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

Queensland Disaster Management Conference 30 May Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The conference will be held on 30 May at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Glenelg Street South Brisbane.

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NEWS

Reinvigorating city Heat hits As Lismore prepared to mark its one-year anniversary of the 28 February natural disaster, an audit of local Lismore CBD business revealed the city was on the road to recovery.

A CBD audit conducted by council’s destination and economy team at the end of January found an occupancy rate of 60 per cent across the inner CBD area, which includes street front and upstairs premises.

“This is great news for our whole community,” Mayor Steve Krieg said.

“The CBD is not just where we shop, it’s where we come together as a community.

“This audit shows promising growth in the number of local businesses and organisations operating in the CBD, compared to the previous post-flood audit conducted in August 2022 which found an occupancy rate of just 38.3 per cent.

“It’s fair to say that we are well on the way to our pre-flood occupation rate of 90.2 per cent, which was recorded at the end of February 2022 audit just prior to the natural disaster.”

Occupation rate improvements across the CBD (indicated by positive percentage change) include: 65 per cent increase in overall occupation since August 2022, when an occupation rate of 38 per cent was recorded.

Shopfront occupation rate of 56 per cent (up 47 per cent from August 2022) and 65 per cent occupation of upstairs premises (up 31 per cent from August 2022).

In January 2023, the team audited 580 street front and upstairs premises (including businesses, organisations, residencies, popups and vacancies - to best available information at the time of audit) around pre-determined central portions of Keen, Molesworth, Wood-

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Lismore is coming back to life. lark, Conway, Magellan and Carrington Streets.

This is the second CBD audit after the 2022 flood disaster, with previous audits undertaken in August 2022 (post-flood) and February 2022 (immediately prior to floods). The same area of the CBD has been audited by Council staff annually since 2017.

Street-by-street occupation figures for January 2023: Keen Street occupancy rate – 67 per cent.

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· Molesworth Street occupancy rate – 61 per cent. · Woodlark Street occupancy rate – 59 per cent. · Conway Street occupancy rate – 58 per cent. · Magellan Street occupancy rate – 56 per cent. · Carrington Street occupancy rate – 51 per cent.

Profits pushing up wages: ACTU Australia is in a greed-price spiral as profits surge while wages stagnate, according to ACTU Secretary Sally McManus.

Corporate profits surged by 10.6 per cent in the quarter to December 2022, the biggest quarterly jump since the early days of the pandemic (June 2022), according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in late February.

McManus said in stark contrast, profits are growing at four times the rate of the total wages bill of companies, which only grew by just 2.6 per cent for the same quarter.

“What we’re seeing is a greed-price spiral as corporate profits surge while wages stagnate. It is these profits off the back of excessive price rises that are pushing up inflation, not wages,” she said.

“Companies in key sectors such as energy, retail, banking and insurance know people have no choice but to pay the prices they set. Corporate Australia is driving inflation, not working people and their sluggish wages.

Inflation is clearly outpacing wages growth.

“Companies should drop their prices and moderate profit expectations to tackle inflation.

“Working people are also feeling the pain of outsize interest rate rises unfairly inflicted on them to rein in inflation.

“Today’s profit data shows companies are raising prices more than they need to and gouging workers.

“The simple fact is inflation is at 7.8 per cent, which is more than double wage growth of just 3.3 per cent. This caused the greatest drop in real wages in recorded history last year.

“The people getting the best pay increases are union members. Last year, union members took home on average $312 a week more than non-union members.”

McManus said year-on-year profits have risen by 16 per cent.

Some key industries with strong profit growth results for the December 2022 quarter include: Mining: profits up by 11.6 per cent.

Electricity, gas and other utilities: up by 8.5 per cent.

Retail: up by 6.5 per cent.

Financial and insurance services: up by 22 per cent.

These results are also reflected in the recent mega-profit announcements from Qantas ($1.4 billion); Woolworths ($907 million, up 14 per cent); Coles ($643 million, up 17.1 per cent); and the Commonwealth Bank ($5.15 billion, up 9 per cent)..

She said these corporate profits, resulting from price rises, are the key driver of inflation, not wages.

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United call for $500m annually Councils and public works engineers are calling for permanent funding in the upcoming Federal Budget to improve the liveability and productivity of Australian communities.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), with support from the Institute of Public Works Engineers Australasia (IPWEA), is urging the Federal Government to make the highly successful Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program permanent, with $500 million per year ongoing and funding indexed annually.

ALGA president Councillor Linda Scott said the LRCI program has supported councils across the nation to build and revitalise local playgrounds, community centres, libraries, sporting grounds and bike paths.

“The direct delivery of funding to councils, without the need for time-consuming grant applications, has ensured the quick and effective delivery of local projects,” Cr Scott said.

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Cr Scott also said making the LRCI permanent would be an investment in Australia’s future productivity.

“The recent upgrade of Gunnedah Aerodrome – funded in part through the LRCI program – is a fantastic example of how this program is supporting local economic growth, and making our cities, towns and regions more attractive places to live, invest and visit.”

ALGA’s 2021 National State of the Assets report, delivered by IPWEA, found $9.2 billion worth of local government buildings and community facilities are currently in poor condition.

IPWEA president Myles Lind said: “Our communities depend on a vast network of infrastructure assets, managed by local councils. We often take this infrastructure for

granted until something fails.

“When infrastructure assets are nearing the end of life, councils must be able to renew and replace these assets, before they fail, whilst still planning for future improvements.

“IPWEA supports ALGA’s call to make the LRCI program permanent. This program offers councils the opportunity to plan for the renewal of infrastructure assets and act before assets fail, renewing and revitalising infrastructure, so they can continue to serve our communities.”

ALGA, supported by IPWEA, is calling for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to be made permanent with ongoing funding of $500 million per year, with funding indexed annually.

The peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney, the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), will soon launch a Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce to build the city’s resilience to heat, thanks to funding from the NSW Reconstruction Authority and the Commonwealth Government.

WSROC president, Cr Barry Calvert said: “Heat is widely recognised as Australia’s most deadly natural hazard, one that poses a significant and growing threat to Sydney’s critical infrastructure, economic productivity, and environment.

“Despite this, Sydney does not have coordinated measures in place to measure, mitigate or manage heat risk across our city.

“The new taskforce will improve the way heat is managed by developing a holistic plan for Greater Sydney’s long term heat resilience, based on WSROC’s award-winning 2021 Heat Smart Resilience Framework.

“To ensure coordinated action, the taskforce will include representatives from across government agencies, emergency services, health services, councils, business, and the community sector.

“The NSW Reconstruction Authority and the Commonwealth Government are providing $1.3 million in grant funding to set up the new taskforce,” said Cr Calvert.

In addition to reviewing heat risk governance across our city, the taskforce will also support WSROC with implementation of three projects: Cool Suburbs NSW — a rating and assessment tool for building heat resilience into urban planning and development.

Heat Risk Methodology Project — to develop a methodology for holistic, place-based assessment of heat risk for use in local emergency management planning.

Local Heatwave Planning Guidance Project — to develop resources and training for local government, defining its roles and responsibilities in heatwave emergency planning, including its interaction with Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) and community organisations.

“Councils have long seen the impacts of heat on our communities; however, the issue is beyond the scope of local government to tackle alone,” said Cr Calvert.

“WSROC is extremely pleased the taskforce has received funding from the NSW and Australian Governments, as well as the significant ongoing support from partners across levels of government, industry, and community sectors.

“Except for disease epidemics, extreme heat events are Australia’s worst natural hazard for human deaths.

“Between 2001 to 2018 in Australia, at least 473 heat-related deaths were reported to a coroner, of which 354 occurred during heatwave conditions, according to a 2022 study reported in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction.

“Heat-related impacts are expected to substantially increase as average temperatures rise and heatwaves become more severe, frequent and last longer, largely due to climate change.

“Heatwaves place significant strain on community services, and essential infrastructure — including energy grids, hospitals and transport networks.”

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March 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 3

NEWS

Coast in top three Coffs Coast has sensationally placed in the top three of the Global Green Destinations Story Awards in the Culture and Tradition category.

Every year, international sustainable tourism organisation Green Destinations collects outstanding entries worldwide to inspire tomorrow’s travellers and today’s tourism professionals – and the Coffs Coast was the only Australian finalist in 2023.

The awards were judged by sustainable tourism experts from around the world and the winners were announced at ITB Berlin – the world’s leading travel trade show.

The Coffs Coast’s entry was Two Path Strong which 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).

“We are over the moon that our story was celebrated in Coffs Coast’s entry of this prestigious global award,” said Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC) CEO Clark Webb.

“We couldn’t quite believe that we were even nominated in the first place, so for the Coffs Coast to win top three in this elite group of culture and tradition tourism stories from around the world is simply mind blowing.

“We’re honoured and proud that the story of our Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School and our cultural tourism businesses on the Coffs Coast can be told far and wide,” said Webb, who is also the owner operator of Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours - also an ECO Certified business at Ecotourism level.

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.

Coffs Coast finishes in the top three.

Coffs Harbour Mayor, Cr Paul Amos said: “Placing top three in this award is proof of what we knew all along: that the Coffs Coast is a world-leader when it comes to ecotourism and the celebration of Aboriginal culture.

“This further cements our status as a best in class ecotourism destination with an important cultural story to be shared around the globe.”

Ecotourism Australia CEO, Elissa Keenan added her congratulations: “This award puts the spotlight on the Coffs Coast’s continued efforts to support local sustainable tourism ventures. It is an outstanding achievement for an Australian destination to be recognised on the global stage.

“City of Coffs Harbour already strongly en-

courages local operators to support sustainable and responsible tourism through ECO Certification for nature-based operators and we look forward to seeing more businesses in the region start their sustainability journey through the Strive Four Sustainability Scorecard and Sustainable Tourism Certification, to support the region’s commitment to and status as an ECO Destination, that draws travellers to the destination year after year.”

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.

Casual vacancy Bill welcomed The South Australian Local Government Association has welcomed the passing of the Local Government (Casual Vacancies) Amendment Bill 2023 through the Legislative Council of State Parliament earlier this month.

Local Government Association of South Australia president Dean Johnson said the Bill avoids the need for costly and unnecessary legal proceedings, supplementary elections or mandatory countbacks and honours the votes cast by ratepayers.

“The impacted councillors and mayors were democratically elected by their communities and while accountability and transparency of campaign donations and gifts is essential, the

cost and consequence of them not getting their paperwork in on time was disproportionate and unreasonable,” Mayor Johnson said.

“The outcome reached is a common sense, practical solution that upholds the democratic votes cast by South Australians at the recent local government elections while limiting the cost and impact on communities.”

Mayor Johnson thanked the State Government, Opposition and Crossbench for their

support to move the legislation through both Houses so swiftly and reduce the impact on councils and their communities.

“This legislative change will allow elected members to get back to the important business of serving their local communities.”

With the passing of the Bill, the LGA will work with the State Government to determine when council members can resume their duties once returns have been lodged.

Councils sidelined in planning The NSW Government has been caught out trying to keep controversial rezoning proposals secret from democratically elected councillors and the communities they represent, according to Local Government NSW (LGNSW).

LGNSW president Darriea Turley AM said she was appalled to learn the government was demanding council town planners sign confidentiality agreements before learning which areas were proposed for rezoning.

“To get the basic information our town planners must sign an agreement that they will not reveal any information to the democratically elected council they work for, or any member of the community who may be impacted. It’s a clear-cut attempt to subvert local democracy, and the sole reason is that the government knows communities will be outraged when they find out what they’re in for.

“Sidelining councils and the community from this critical role will only benefit the commercial interests of developers and further degrades the community from having any say about what developments occur in their areas.”

4 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS March 2023

LGNSW president Darriea Turley AM.

Board elected Councillor David Clark has been re-elected as president of the Municipal Association of Victoria, alongside 10 board directors, after the MAV board election results were declared on 6 March.

Cr Clark was elected president in 2021 and will be joined on the board by seven other returned directors and three new directors.

The successfully elected directors are: Cr Nathan Hersey representing the Gippsland Region.

Cr Aaron Scales representing the Goulburn Ovens Murray Region.

Cr Ruth Gstrein representing the Great South Coast Barwon Region.

Cr Rohan Leppert representing the Inner Metropolitan South East Region.

Cr Jennifer Anderson representing the Loddon Campaspe Mallee Region.

Cr Stuart James representing the Metropolitan East Region.

Cr Joseph Haweil representing the Metropolitan North Region.

Cr Steve Staikos representing the Metropolitan South Region.

Cr Kathy Majdlik representing the Metropolitan West Region.

Cr Murray Emerson representing the Wimmera Southern Mallee Central Highlands Region.

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Election changes Casting a vote at Local Government elections in October will look different, after the first tranche of legislation to amend the Local Government Act 1995 was read into Parliament by Western Australian Local Government Minister John Carey late last month.

Changes voters will notice include a popular public vote for mayors and presidents of larger band one and two local governments, the abolition of electoral wards for smaller band three and four local governments, optional preferential voting across all local government elections.

WALGA president Karen Chappel said WALGA had successfully advocated for a number of changes to the initial proposed legislation.

“While we are opposed to mandatory preferential voting, the introduction of optional preferential voting has demonstrated the Minister’s willingness to listen to the sector’s feedback,” Cr Chappel said. “We are also pleased that local governments with a population of less than 5000 will still retain seven councillors, rather than be reduced to five councillors. Some of our members also proposed that costly extraordinary elections should not be held if an elected member resigns in the first 12 months.

The legislation reflects this, meaning the unsuccessful candidate with the most votes is automatically elected, which will save local governments time, money and resources.”

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NEWS

Flood alarm promise Council A Minns Labor Government will invest in a new, world-leading natural disaster detection system to better protect communities in high risk areas of NSW. Designed and built here in Australia, these advanced early warning systems will use sophisticated sensor technology to predict changing weather patterns in real-time.

Labour leader Chris Milne said this would give local residents time to evacuate safely and direct emergency service workers to the highest risk areas.

“Sadly, natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe in our state. These new systems are desperately needed, and long overdue,” he said.

“Labor will work tirelessly to rebuild communities who have been devastated by floods, and give those areas the best possible protections moving forward.”

The $3.3 million investment will offer significantly better early warning for floods and fires compared to existing methods.

Early detection and warning systems will allow for responses to be more accurate, effective and targeted to specific areas in the fastest time possible.

Similar systems are already established in other states as well as New Zealand.

The commitment comes after experts on the independent NSW Flood Inquiry warned that current disaster warning systems are outdated and inadequate.

Investigations into last year’s catastrophic floods in areas such as Northern Rivers and Western Sydney highlighted the failure of the state’s existing system of rain gauges.

“Today’s announcement will make a real difference to communities in the highest risk areas,” NSW Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said.

“The people of NSW deserve world-leading

NSW opposition leader Chris Minns met with locals at Tumbulgum on the Tweed River during his alert announcement. protections from natural disasters. That is what this technology will deliver.”

Last year’s floods were Australia’s most expensive natural disaster, with an estimated cost of $5.5bn, leaving communities devastated. Labor leader Chris Minns will announce the ‘long overdue’ new system in Western Sydney today, where Labor has already pledged a major flood resilience package.

The commitment is just one part of Labor’s plan to make NSW more resilient and protect local communities from natural disasters.

If elected, a Minns Labor Government will: Commit $225 million for a Western Sydney Floods Resilience Plan to bolster flood prevention and evacuation infrastructure across Western Sydney.

Hire an additional 600 new Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters over the next eight years to protect our communities from an ever-present fire risk.

Draft new rules and streamline planning processes to stop new developments on dangerous Sydney floodplains.

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reforms The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s reform of integrity and accountability for councils has reached a new milestone, with a new framework being developed to ensure the highest standard of conduct from elected officials on local councils.

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the changes were proposed following an independent review of the existing accountability framework for NSW councils.

The reforms being proposed by the government respond to the recommendations from the independent Kellar review of the councillor conduct framework in NSW, which was released for public comment last December.

A key element of the updated framework will be the establishment of independent conduct review panels, similar in operation to the successful NSW Planning Panels, to deal with councillor conduct issues. Stronger mandatory training and development requirements will also be introduced, as well as tougher deterrents and stronger sanctions for councillor misconduct, including the ability to impose financial penalties on individuals.

Changing complaints The NSW Coalition Government’s pledge of a fresh approach to complaints against councillors has been welcomed by the local government sector, along with proposals to establish independent conduct review panels and better training to support councillors in their roles.

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tions and a clear commitment to natural justice.”

The key planks of the proposed new approach followed recommendations from a review of the existing councillor conduct framework delivered to the government by former Queensland council general manager Gary Kellar PSM in October 2022.

They included: The appointment of an Independent Councillor Conduct Commissioner and a series of independent conduct review panels Stronger mandatory training of councillors in meeting procedures and collaborative working; the role of the general manager and the relationship between that role and councillors; local government planning and financials.

Meaningful deterrents and sanctions for misconduct.

“It’s become acliche to say the devil is in the detail, but I am greatly encouraged by the Coalition Government’s commitment to ensure councils via LGNSW are fully involved in the design of the roadmap required to implement these proposals,” Cr Turley said.

“We’ll be working to ensure not only that the roadmap involves effective and genuinely independent complaint handling, but does not impose unreasonable costs on councils which divert funds away from community infrastructure and services.

“The Minister has foreshadowed that legislation would go before Parliament at the end of 2023 for implementation early in 2024, allowing sufficient time for the new complaints system to be fully embedded before the next local government elections in September 2024.

“We look forward to helping to ensure the final form of any new approach is fit for purpose and will operate in the best interests of the people of NSW.”

“Preparing for the unprecedented flood” to be held at Luna Park Venues on Sydney Harbour, NSW, from 24 - 26 May 2023.

Be Inspired: Hear motivating talks from exceptional keynote speakers Be Connected: Develop links with over 350 leaders, specialists and industry peers in floodplain risk management Be Smarter: Learn new skills and strategies from concurrent sessions and hands-on pre- conference workshops Be Innovative: Be exposed to emerging and state-of-the-art products on display throughout the trade exhibition Be National: Take on a nation-wide perspective by learning from other States and Territories Be Social: Make meaningful connections with like-minded industry professionals at networking functions The Conference is for anyone interested in making our communities more flood safe.

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Details are at www.floodplainconference.com

12589202-AP11-23

Local Government Minister Wendy Tuckerman announced a returned Coalition Government would legislate for a new accountability framework involving an independent Councillor Conduct Commissioner, supported by a number of equally independent review panels and more extensive mandatory training for councillors.

The peak body for councils said the new approach, scheduled for implementation in 2024 if the Coalition is returned on 25 March, would help reduce vexatious or politically motivated complaints about councillors.

“A new approach has the potential to better protect the integrity of the complaints process by ensuring independent investigation and review,” Local Government NSW (LGNSW) president Darriea Turley AM said.

“You only need to look at recent headlines to see that the current system has scope for improvement.

“I make no comment on any of these cases, other than to say that clear, well-understood rules, along with independent review and timely enforcement are absolutely critical to maintain public trust in the democratic process.

“LGNSW will always support moves to improve transparency and accountability at all levels of government.”

Cr Turley said the existing system for the resolution of councillor misconduct complaints by the Office of Local Government was effectively broken due to unclear systems, insufficient resourcing and limited available sanctions for properly proven cases of misconduct.

“For many, many years now councils have been calling out for a more timely and properly funded process in which everybody – councils, the community and the State Government – can have full confidence,” she said.

“We welcome this fresh new approach and its independent process with appropriate sanc-

Why You Should Attend 2023 Floodplain Management Australia’s National Conference

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

March 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 5

COUNCILLOR PROFILES

NEWS

Loving Port Augusta

A year on

Port Augusta is in a beautiful regional city in within South Australia. There are a range of opportunities and places to explore right here on our doorstep, many tourists, and business embrace our unique location.

By Mayor Linley Shine We often welcome new families to our region, to live, work or visit for a short period of time, and we are exceptionally lucky to have the iconic Flinders Ranges just 15 minutes away, which connects people with nature and scenery. We are also a coastal community with so much on offer within our Spencer Gulf waterway. As a city we are a regional connector, therefore Port Augusta is realised as a transport hub that connects Australia. There is so much opportunity here for business to embrace. Port Augusta is also known for being a major regional service hub, delivering quality services and of course we are very proud of this.

Port Augusta’s sound relationship with the other Upper Spencer Gulf Cities of Whyalla and Port Pirie is strong and really embraced which enables strategic growth opportunities. In addition, our council values and works closely with our neighbouring Flinders Ranges and Mount Remarkable Councils to support varying partnerships and opportunities surrounding the more rural and remote areas of our northern region. We understand just how important these relationships are to attract growth and prosperity and we are really looking forward to embracing this concept even more in 2023.

What Port Augusta offers which is unique is a relaxed lifestyle minus the hustle and bustle of a larger city. We are supported by wonderful amenities and services which are importantly, underpinned by embracing and understanding the importance of connection, care and relationships.

ENJOYING NATURE My favourite attraction to our council area is the relaxed environment of our Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden (AALBG). There is nothing better than wandering around the garden and engaging with nature and learning more about nature via workshops and educational tours. The AALBG is highly regarded throughout not only Australia, but the world, and this is enhanced even more with the opportunities we embrace through research. I also really enjoy the peaceful experiences that our Spencer Gulf and Flinders Ranges offer. Port Augusta provides such a diverse choice of attraction that it’s difficult to choose favourites.

BORN AND RAISED Port Augusta has always been my home, it’s where I grew up, raised my family, and built a career around supporting others. I’ve always been a passionate contributor who understands and values connection and participation. Of course, at the very centre of all of this is Local Government. My values include embracing diversity and this is something that local governments can do well if they take a real community development focus toward growth

Mayor Linley Shine. and opportunity. This is one of the main reasons I decided to become involved in Local Government four years ago when I was elected for the first time as a councillor. Now as Mayor, I’m excited to be able to take this focus further by working with our very diverse, passionate and committed elected members who all remain committed toward harnessing community development approaches and practice.

My working career has predominantly involved focusing on supporting others and especially those who are vulnerable. This is where my care and compassion language stems from and I’m a firm believer in never underestimating the power of kindness. This also correlates well to my social interests which involves connecting with people and enjoying togetherness, especially if that means making a difference in someone’s life in even the smallest of ways.

COUNCIL GOALS We need to continue diversifying our growth opportunities, especially in the context of being a large regional service hub. For example, we must consider the challenges around transport, attracting and retaining localised workforces, ensuring we have adequate health, housing and education offerings to enable choice, and importantly for me, ensuring our elderly and those living with a disability are supported and embraced in wellbeing.

Our new council is currently considering our strategic priorities and we’re all really looking forward to hearing the views of our community in determining these. It’s important for us to place community voice at the centre of everything we do and as a new council, we most certainly are all committed to doing that.

From citizen of the year to mayor Kylie Boston has recently been elected as mayor of the District Council of Grant in South Australia.

A passionate person, she loves the region’s small communities, having lived with her husband Garry in the Yahl district for the past 24 years, raising their family here.

Small schools are the life of the Grant communities, and Kylie said her involvement with the Yahl School on both Governing Council and Parent Club, was enjoyable and very rewarding.

She continues to be involved in the Yahl community with the Yahl Hall Committee.

She said her passion for sports is something that carried through with her children; with involvement in the Mt Schank Tennis Club (of which Kylie is a life member), South Gambier Netball Club and Tonique Studio and she is still very actively involved in the local sporting clubs.

In 2018 she was named Citizen of the Year – an accolade she proudly displays in her office still.

She is also very proud of what she has 6 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS March 2023

achieved over her twenty-nine-year working career throughout the Southeast across many fields of Primary Industries, working as a Research Scientist, Agronomist, Lecturer and Consultant in Primary Industries, for organisations such as, DairySA, Primary Industries and Regions SA, TAFE SA, Top Pork, International Red Dairy Breed Federation and the ever popular Cows Create Careers program.

Kylie also has also worked with not-forprofits, Women in Business and Regional Development, working with like-minded women across the Limestone Coast. In these roles she excelled in managing fabulous projects, events, conferences, and tours. Kylie believes we have some of the most amazing resources in our region.

To quote Helen Keller, “Alone we do so little, together we can do so much”.

This is Kylie’s vision of working together to make our community a great place for everyone to live, work and play.

This time last year Queensland was experiencing one of the most significant natural disasters.

The state’s recovery operations from the 2021-22 natural disaster season continue with an estimated reconstruction bill for the 2021-22 disaster season now exceeding $4.2 billion.

This amounts to one of the costliest recoveries in Queensland’s history, in response to nine devastating disaster events that hit the Sunshine State between November 2021 and May 2022, impacting 66 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas.

The largest of these was the ‘rain bomb’ over South East Queensland in late February, which saw the wettest sixday period in recorded history, while the Mary River in Gympie peaked at almost 23 metres, breaking records that had stood for a century.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said the scale of damage from these disaster events was extraordinary, with homes, businesses and communities severely impacted – some of them multiple times.

“Among these nine disasters, southern regions experienced four consecutive widespread major floods, which caused a level of destruction not seen since the floods of 2011. Areas from Maryborough and Gympie, west to Goondiwindi and south to the Gold Coast, saw extremely heavy falls that broke multiple rainfall records. Local emergency service workers and volunteers were called on time and again to protect their communities – I thank them for all they continue to do.

“These events remain very raw for Queenslanders, especially those who lost loved ones, lost their homes, and lost their businesses. We know the effects of these floods will be felt for a long time and I would encourage anyone who is having a hard time to seek professional support.”

Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles said the unprecedented weather event left its mark on South East Queensland.

“Queenslanders are a resilient bunch, but even the toughest of us were tested by the 2021-22 disaster season,” he said.

“Together with the Commonwealth Government, we funded the biggest disaster support package in Queensland’s history to not only respond to the immediate clean up and rebuild but to build back better and increase resilience in Queensland communities.

Through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), various programs and funding channels to assist floodimpacted communities and businesses have been established, including: The first-of-its-kind $741 million Resilient Homes Fund. $174.7 million for human and social initiatives like mental health services and accommodation support. $177 million for economic recovery, including loans for medium-to-large businesses, grants for rural landholders, and support for small businesses and tourism operators. $180 million to rebuild, recover and strengthen community and recreational assets. $59.9 million for environmental recovery, including $31 million for flood risk management. $150 million Betterment Fund for councils and state agencies to improve the resilience of essential public infrastructure. $30 million clean-up package for beaches, waterways and parks. $24 million local recovery and resilience grants.

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Mayor Kylie Boston.

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

NEWS

Hard at work.

Sand bags filled.

Recording flood stories The October 2022 flood event had an immense impact on the community right across Greater Shepparton, as did the incredible power of residents working together to provide support and assistance.

Greater Shepparton City Council would love to hear about the extraordinary efforts that volunteers made across their region.

This is an opportunity for residents to share their messages of appreciation for the volunteers who gave them, or someone they know, a helping hand during the floods.

Council is requesting residents write a short message, upload a photo or provide a link to a video with a message of thanks and appreciation.

Council has established a page on the Shaping Greater Shepp website for residents to upload their contribution.

Contributions can be made from now until Sunday 30 April, 2023.

Following the closing date, council officers will compile the messages, photos and videos into a format for them to be shared at the Greater Shepparton Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony, to be held in May this year, to highlight the efforts of volunteers

in our community.

Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, encouraged community members to visit the Shaping Greater Shepp page and upload a message of thanks.

“The flood event, while devastating, did bring out the best in people. It showed how great the community spirit is in our region, with everyone pitching in whenever they could to help each other out,” he said.

“We know that there are some amazing sto-

ries of volunteering in the community which occurred during the peak of the floods, and that are still continuing now throughout the recovery phase, and we want to capture these.

“I encourage people to send in their messages, photos and videos so they can be shared at the Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony later this year. This is a great opportunity to recognise and thank friends, family and community members for assisting when our region needed it most.”

Systemic and spatial industry policy?

Prime Minister Albanese addressed the National Press Club last month, during which he spoke of interesting industry development initiatives underway. It was quite an impressive catalogue I thought!

But within hours, social media was bemoaning the lack of an industry policy or vision.

One commentator said it’s no different to the previous mob - ‘it’s all bits and pieces’.

And within days, a Cockatoo colleague sent me a very timely article by Jeremy Gill, of the consultancy group Spiller, Gibbons & Swan (SGS), known to many of you.

The gist of Gill’s article is very relevant to local councils. The main points are: There has been a shift towards national place-based industry policy world-wide.

Many countries are reassessing how and where they incentivise, nurture and sustain industries domestically, rather than relying on global supply chains.

Many countries are now applying a spatial or place-based lens to their national industry policy e.g. UK, Germany, Canada, South Korea, and even the USA. By contrast, Australia does not adopt this approach. Here, the states are the main players in regional economic development and infrastructure investment. This creates competition between the states and leads to suboptimal results at a national level, reducing the opportunities for critical mass.

Australia thus needs a coordinated approach to investment and the development of nationally-significant industries. We need both a systemic approach (a coordinated nationally-networked approach to industry policy) and a spatial approach (place-based policy mechanisms).

We have precedents – City Deals (strong spatial focus), Cooperative Research Centres (weak spatial focus), Innovation Precincts (some spatial focus) and in NSW for example there are Special Activation Precincts and Renewable Energy Zones with a good spatial focus.

Overseas approaches worth contemplation are Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters Program, the UK Catapult Network Program, US Regional Technology & Regional Hubs, US Clean Hydrogen Hubs.

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

THE GOOD OIL ROD BROWN

The key recommendation is that the feds and states should develop a nation-wide, place-based assessment of industry competitiveness advantages aligned with national priority industries. And secondly, there should be a top-down approach involving a federal coordinating agency, similar to the US Economic Development Agency.

Recommendations I was enjoying the read until I developed heartburn reading the recommendations.

While they’re a nice sentiment about seeking systemic and spatial outcomes, they simply won’t work.

First, the alignment with the feds’ national priority sectors wouldn’t be practical. The priority sectors are limited and not representative. The good oil is that a certain former Industry Minister had a big hand in ensuring that ‘oil, gas, energy’ and ‘mining technology/ services’ were two of the six priority sectors.

They were his pet industries, and both are dominated by multinationals with a history of telling governments ‘to get out of my way’.

Not a good basis for collaboration with the feds and states.

Secondly, the time is not right for an Australian Economic Development Agency. Canberra has so many new agencies that it’s impossible to keep to track of them. And they have impressive staffing levels. Take for example the little-known federal Ombudsman Office - it’s an old agency now, and I’m reliably informed that it has now grown to around

250 staff. A proposal for an EDA will therefore get pushback from the federal bean counters.

Thirdly, any collaboration by the states with the EDA will be piecemeal and guarded.

As Gill admits, the states have led the regional development and infrastructure function for a long time. This means that it’s ingrained in state politics, and parochialism will always trump the national interest.

Local government role A bottom-up approach is the only way, and it obviously starts at the local level. It should continue to function through the existing chain of local, state and federal agencies.

A bottom-up approach means that project champions are identified at the outset, which is critically important. It also enhances the prospect of shared funding. The main problems in my experience (applicable to both bottom-up and top-down approaches) are the lack of a business plan or similar, and the risk of a state official failing to make a tight link to the federal agencies.

In this context, councils should never leave it totally to the states to look after their interests. Councils have every right to get on a plane and talk to a federal political adviser or federal government official. Projects and ideas get forgotten in the Canberra hurleyburley. You’d be explaining things first-hand to leave an impression.

Nation building infrastructure Catherine King (federal Minister for Infrastructure & local government) also addressed the National Press Club recently, and she didn’t mince words on a few issues: Inland Rail is ‘how NOT to do nation-building’ – cost overruns and behind schedule.

There are very significant weaknesses in the national infrastructure network. She instanced the Kimberley Bridge (Fitzroy River) that now requires complete replacement.

She also exampled the rail system through the Blue Mountains as well as infrastructure south of Perth.

Big hint that the feds are keen on Sydney-

Newcastle as the first step on a fast train agenda. Unclear as to whether this will be a Very Fast Train. She has asked Infrastructure Australia to re-do the sums on the VFT. Galleries The majority of councils have galleries of one sort or another. The sad reality is that even with volunteer staff, they’re a drain on council budgets. The alternative, I guess, is to close them and be ridiculed as a result.

We’ve therefore been talking recently to a few councils and gallery staff about how galleries might be upgraded or expanded, to thereby increase revenue streams and help cover operating costs.

The options being canvassed include: Co-location with coffee shops or restaurants.

Widening of the gallery product to include cartoons, Local Legends snapshots and video screenings.

Incorporation of timber artisans, and their products viz. furniture, kitchenware.

Establishment of Creative Arts Hubs, where the gallery would be just one node others possibly being a drama club, dance and singing classes, handicrafts, licensed night club etc.

Finding high-level Ambassadors from the arts community for specific hubs viz. Russell Crowe, Baz Luhrmann, Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban, Simon Baker.

I’m fully aware that numerous galleries would not have room for expansion, and numerous councils would think this is pie in the sky.

However, as you’d appreciate, there is a strong mood for us to embrace the creatives across our nation. They’ve done it hard during the Covid pandemic. So let’s look at galleries not as a stranded asset, but as a node of something bigger and brighter. Please drop me a line if this interests you.

Rod Brown is a Canberra-based lobbyist, former senior federal official and OECD policy analyst. Contact: apdcockatoo@iprimus.com. au 0412 922 559.

March 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 7

NEWS

Council restructure Woman Mildura Rural City Council has embarked on its biggest internal restructure in decades, guided by a stronger focus on providing a more customer-centric service to the community.

An independent consulting firm was engaged in late 2022 to review Mildura’s organisational operations, analyse local government sector trends and benchmark against similar councils.

“From the inside looking out, I knew we needed a refresh in terms of how we do business and support our community to thrive,” said Mildura Rural City Council CEO Martin Hawson.

“It was also vital to have an independent perspective, to ensure we were well-placed for long-term sustainability.”

The findings highlighted five main challenges – a lack of responsiveness to changes in the external environment, an elongated structure with inconsistent and cumbersome reporting lines, siloed operations, unsustainable workload pressures in the management team and the decentralisation of some functions such as project management and strategy development.

“Interestingly, these challenges are not unique to us in Mildura,” Mr Hawson said.

“They’re what many local government organisations are facing across the country, as

we strive to enhance the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of our residents.”

In response, Mildura Rural City Council is flattening its organisational structure, to better balance teams and streamline decision-making, with the addition of a fourth department.

“Introducing a fourth department and providing a generally leaner structure within each of those departments, not only brings us into line with our counterparts, but more importantly, will lead to better and quicker services for our community,” Mr Hawson said.

The new department, Strategy and Growth, will also serve a critical role in setting up both our organisation and our community for any challenges that lay ahead.

It will align functions such as arts, tourism, events, land use and major events, further supporting the work Mildura Regional Development does while ensuring we are providing the best support to local businesses to grow and develop.

Recruitment for Mildura Rural City Council’s four new general manager positions is currently underway.

The founder of a group that uses walking as a way to build connections and support between women has been named the 2023 Cairns Woman of the Year.

Mildura’s beautiful riverfront setting.

Picture: VISIT MILDURA

Japanese investment welcomed Latrobe City Council welcomed a Japanese Government’s announcement of a $2.35 billion AUD investment to establish an international large-scale liquefied hydrogen supply chain to Japan.

The council believes the announcement is significant for not only Latrobe, but for the state of Victoria and Australia.

The investment by the Japanese Government shows confidence in the world first pilot project which successfully demonstrated that brown coal extracted from the Latrobe region’s coal reserves can be used in the production of clean liquid hydrogen and support carbon capture and storage.

Large-scale new investment, such as this, supports the region’s future economic growth, through the creation of new industry, as the local economy transitions from a reliance on traditional energy and manufacturing industries.

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Kellie

O’Callaghan said diversification of industry will reignite the region’s role in the energy sector and position Latrobe as a key player in global emission reduction as Australia works towards a clean energy transition.

“Latrobe City is uniquely positioned with large brown coal resources and a skilled workforce, along with a long and proud history of generating electricity for more than 100 years for the state of Victoria,” said the Mayor.

“We have a highly skilled workforce informed by a strong capacity to adapt to new and emerging industries which provides Latrobe with a competitive edge. This combined with the region’s major energy infrastructure and a brown coal resource, which has minimal to no methane making it ideal for

hydrogen production, places the Latrobe at the forefront of future hydrogen projects and a hydrogen economy.

“The Japanese Government’s investment will enable the pilot project to advance to a commercial demonstration project, which will likely provide wider economic benefits for the region.

“We are encouraged by the consortium of industry partners, from Japan and Australia, who have the confidence to invest in Gippsland and Latrobe.

“We look forward to being briefed on the specifics of the investment and project and learning how this will support Latrobe’s continued transition with a coordinated approach to investment in new energy.”

Less emissions, less costs Camden Council has joined one of Australia’s most successful programs working to lower community energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.

Coordinated by Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), the Western Sydney Energy Program is a collaboration between eight Western Sydney councils — now including Camden Council — dedicated to realising energy cost and emission savings for participating councils and their communities.

Camden Council formally joined the Western Sydney Energy Program in February 2023.

“It’s fantastic to be one of the eight councils across Western Sydney that makes up this program,” said Camden Mayor, Cr Therese Fedeli.

“It works to achieve energy cost and emission savings for our communities, which is fantastic. As one of the fastest growing local government areas in the country, Camden welcomes more than 100 new residents every week.

“It’s important that we work hard to look after the environment around us, as well as help our residents live happily and comfortably – and helping to lower community energy costs will go a long way to doing that.

“I look forward to getting more involved and seeing what we can do together.”

The Western Sydney Energy program focuses on four areas of activity: Renewable Energy Transformation: including the installation of low cost, low emission energy generation and storage.

·

8 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS March 2023

Changing street light to energy-saving LED. emphasising transport infrastruc· Transport: ture to deliver a low cost and low emission future. our communities: by helping · Supporting communities access services to reduce energy costs. and precincts: through implement· Facilities ing best practice in energy planning and design for key precincts and facilities.

“Each year, the Western Sydney Energy Program works with member councils across a wide range of projects such as lighting and equipment upgrades, EV readiness, solar installations, and other initiatives,” said WSROC president, Cr Barry Calvert.

“The program has saved councils $24

of the year

million to date.”

Recent initiatives by the Western Sydney Energy Program include the rollout of 52,200 new energy-saving LED streetlights, replacing less efficient ‘mercury vapour’ light bulbs.

“The CO2 emissions reductions from that project alone are equivalent to taking 460,000 cars off the road and are expected to save 40,000 tonnes of greenhouse gasses,” said Cr Calvert.

“In the renewable energy space, the program has focused on such initiatives as virtual power plants, community batteries, the implementation of a Regional EV Roadmap focused on electric vehicle fleet transition and the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“Western Sydney is undoubtedly large and growing. However, our infrastructure, economy and community provide both challenges and opportunities relating to energy.

The Western Sydney Energy Program was recently highlighted in the Australian Government’s December 2022 report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

For details about the Western Sydney Energy Program, go to wsroc.com.au/projects/ project-western-sydney-energy-program

Small business owner and founder of Your Tribe group, Jo Piggott, was presented with the award at an International Women’s Day event at the Pullman International Hotel.

Ms Piggott started Your Tribe walk and talks along the Esplanade in 2019 with the aim of providing an environment where women could “talk about anything or everything they wanted”.

Mayoress Claire Manning, who presented the awards, said the walking group had been tremendous success, bringing together women from different backgrounds in an inclusive and welcoming setting.

“Jo’s leadership skills have been instrumental to the success of Your Tribe,” Mrs Manning said.

“As well as guiding the group herself, she has encouraged and empowered other women to lead walks, resulting in the group remaining relevant and sustainable.

“Jo also volunteers countless hours organising events, walks, and supporting members and has fostered a culture of women supporting and elevating each other, providing a safe space for them to talk about the challenges they face, their concerns and their goals.

“The group has now grown to more than 760 local women; a strong and connected network that supports and encourages women to be their best selves, regardless of their background or experience.”

Passionate netballer Ashleigh Meikle, 17, has been named the 2023 Young Woman of the Year in recognition of her feats on and off the court.

Local advocate for bettering the lives of refugees and migrants, Anna Jones, has been named as the recipient of the Recognition Award.

Established by council in 2018, the $2000 award encourages women of Cairns to achieve an important goal, and to support their valuable contribution to our community.

President of the Cairns African Association, Ms Jones has supported many newly arrived refugees feel safe and supported in the community.

Cairns International Women’s Day award recipients, Ashleigh Meikle (Young Woman of the Year), Jo Piggott (Woman of the Year), and Anna Jones (Recognition Award).

LGFOCUS.COM.AU

NATIONAL

Homes hit by rises Reply bid Lock the Gate Alliance is demanding the Queensland Government release the long overdue response to stakeholder consultations concerning the protection of Lake Eyre Basin rivers and floodplains from new oil and gas projects, and to stand firm in the face of mining industry lobbying.

The recent rate rise could have a major impact on the already declining level of building activity, according to the Home Industry Association.

“Leading indicators of housing activity have fallen to their lowest level in 15 years and will continue to decline as the full impact of the last nine months of rate increases continues to compound the decline in building activity,” stated HIA’s chief economist, Tim Reardon.

“Loans for the purchase and construction of a new home fell in January to the weakest month since November 2008. This is before the full impact of rate increases in 2022 hit the market, let alone the February 2023 increase.

“There are significant lags evident in this cycle and the full impact of higher cash rates will not be fully reflected in economic indicators until the second half of the year, at the earliest.

“The higher cash rate is compounding the adverse impact of the rising cost of materials, labour and land as well as the increased costs of compliance due to changes to the building code.

“There remains a large volume of work un-

Lock the Gate Alliance is demanding the Queensland Government release the long overdue response to stakeholder consultations concerning the protection of Lake Eyre Basin rivers and floodplains from new oil and gas projects, and to stand firm in the face of mining industry lobbying.

The call comes as media reports the Premier’s office has delayed the release of the regulatory impact statement (RIS) due to pressure from mining companies.

“It’s outrageous that the Palaszczuk Government has reportedly delayed strengthening protections for the Lake Eyre Basin after behind the scenes lobbying from Anglo American,” said Lock the Gate Alliance national coordinator Ellen Roberts.

“The focus of the consultation was about oil and gas. Anglo American was represented by the Queensland Resources Council throughout the process, who did not raise the issue of minerals mining during the months of consultation. This is a distraction which will delay important regulation of the gas industry.

“We estimate gas companies hold tenements covering more than 800,000 hectares across the Lake Eyre Basin. The threat oil and gas projects pose to these pristine and productive floodplains is imminent. The Palaszczuk Government must end this delay, make good on its election promises, and protect the floodplains from oil and gas.

“The Palaszczuk Government has historically refused to implement proper regulation of the gas industry in Queensland, with more than 10,000 unconventional gas wells now in production across the state. This must change. The Palaszczuk Government must not sacrifice the pristine rivers and floodplains of the Lake Eyre Basin to this insidious industry.

“The existing protections for the area, and the ban on open cut mining, must be retained. However, the consultation concerned how to regulate gas, and the RIS should be released without delay.”

The plant for the pilot program. derway that will be completed in 2023 which is obscuring the adverse impact of rate rises on other indicators such as unemployment and economic growth.

“By continuing to raise rates the RBA will inflict further unnecessary pain on the $120b housing sector and related industries,” concluded Mr Reardon.

Rate hike prompts housing calls A tenth consecutive interest rate hike has prompted urgent calls for more social housing to protect renters from rising costs.

Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize said that Australians are spending more and more on housing, and called on the government to step up and fund more social housing.

Everybody’s Home is a national campaign to fix the housing crisis. It was launched in 2018 by a coalition of housing, homelessness and welfare organisations to achieve the change needed so everybody has a safe and decent place to live.

According to their website the campaign now has more than 40,000 individual supporters and more than 400 organisational supporters.

“Rising interest rates are hurting everyone.

Rents are soaring, and people are spending more and more on housing,” Ms Azize said.

“Renters are at the bottom of the ladder. Not only are they dealing with record high rents, but they are missing out on badly needed help as billions of dollars are spent on tax handouts for landlords.

“Many are forced to accept rent increases and have nowhere to turn. With low vacancy rates across the country, finding another rental is not an option. And with a shortfall of 500,000 social homes, struggling renters are simply trapped.

“It’s time for the government to step up and take action. The billions of dollars we spend propping up landlords would be better spent helping struggling renters, and building

Philip Lowe is the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia. more social homes.

“The private market hasn’t been delivering low rents or social homes for people in need - even back when interest rates were at record lows. The only way to make it happen now that rates are going up is for the government to build the homes that

Picture: LUKAS COCH/AAP

Australians need.

“We’re calling on the Federal Government to start building 25,000 social homes each year. With thousands of Australians in rental stress and with the shortfall growing every year, there is no time to waste.”

Experts predict drier, warmer autumn The Bureau of Meteorology has released its long-range forecast for autumn 2023 and it indicates coming months are likely to be drier and warmer than usual across most of Australia.

Warmer than usual daytime temperatures are very likely this autumn for much of Australia, while warmer nights are also likely in coastal areas of the mainland and particularly Tasmania.

Bureau of Meteorology technical lead extended prediction Dr Andrew Watkins said drier than average conditions have emerged in some areas over summer, including parts of southern Queensland, western Tasmania and southwest Western Australia.

“Australia’s key climate drivers are easing and expected to be neutral over the coming months. When our climate drivers are more neutral, autumn rainfall in southern Australia has generally been lower than average over recent decades,” Dr Watkins said.

La Niña is nearing its end in the Pacific Ocean, with conditions likely to be neutral (neither El Niño nor La Niña) during autumn. The Indian Ocean Dipole is neutral and has little influLGFOCUS.COM.AU

ence on Australia’s climate during the northern wet season, which extends through until April.

“With drier conditions emerging in some areas over summer, and dry and warm conditions likely in autumn, some areas may continue to have below average rainfall over coming months,” Dr Watkins said.

Australia’s fire agencies have identified that most of Australia has normal bushfire potential during autumn. However, areas of above normal bushfire risk include parts of New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. There is also a continued risk of grassfires across southern Australia after abundant vegetation growth during the second-wettest spring on record in 2022 dried over summer.

For northern Australia, the wet season continues during March and April. Tropical cyclones, tropical lows, storms and active monsoon bursts can occur in the north.

During the northern wet season, tropical weather systems may, at times, reach southern Australia. The chance of more rainfall means the flood risk remains, particularly in areas where rivers and water storages are still high.

Summer 2022-23 snapshot While it was wetter than average summer for most of northern Australia, large areas in the south have had a drier than average summer.

North Queensland had well above average rainfall this summer. However, rainfall in parts of south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales was well below average.

It has been a much drier summer than usual for southern and inland parts of Western Australia, western Victoria and western Tasmania.

There have been four tropical cyclones in the Australian region between November 2022 and the end of February 2023. Ex-tropical cyclone Ellie brought heavy rainfall and flooding

to northern areas of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland contributing to above average summer rainfall in these areas. Summer days were warmer than average in Tasmania, western and central regions of Western Australia, and large parts of South Australia.

Daytime temperatures were cooler than average across most of the Northern Territory and most of Queensland.

Top temperatures for this past summer in Australia’s capital cities were: Adelaide 41.0 °C on 27 December.

Melbourne 40.5 °C on 17 February.

Perth 39.5 °C on 21 January.

Hobart 36.7 °C on 17 February.

Canberra 36.1 °C on 18 February.

Darwin 36.1 °C on 2 December.

Brisbane 35.7 °C on 12 February.

Sydney 30.6 °C on 3 February.

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March 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 9

FOCUS ON WOMEN

CEO leading by example In 2023, there are more women in leadership roles than ever before. And at Sunshine Coast Council, Emma Thomas has made it to the very top.

In the lead up to International Women’s Day, the CEO reflected on being a woman in the workforce and the many changes she’s experienced over her career.

Before becoming the chief executive officer of one of the nation’s biggest councils, Emma forged an impressive career path in several traditionally male-dominated arenas, including mechanical and aeronautical engineering and a decade-long stint in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Emma inherited her love of ‘space’ from her father and an interest in joining the RAAF from her grandfather.

“There were a lot of space shuttle launches in the 1980s and they would all get televised,” Emma said.

“I would sit on the loungeroom floor watching all the launches with my Dad - we shared a curiosity about all things ‘space’.

“I didn’t really know my grandfather that well, but he was a Spitfire pilot during WWII,” she shared.

Emma’s first RAAF posting was at Tindal, south of Katherine in the Northern Territory.

She worked on the then very new F/A-18 hornets and loved every moment.

Keen to be part of the small local community, the former WA state gymnast updated her coaching accreditations and spent many hours coaching at the local YMCA. She considers gymnastics a great confidence and character builder because it teaches you “to get back up’’ when things don’t turn out as well as hoped.

Emma left the RAAF to join Boeing Australia and then held a range of senior leadership roles with the South Australia and Queensland Governments.

She was also Director-General of Transport Canberra and City Services in the Australian Capital Territory – an organisation of nearly 2000 staff.

Sunshine Coast Council’s chamber meeting in session at City Hall.

Emma Thomas began her career with the RAAF in the 1990s.

Now at council, she’s still leading by example.

For Emma, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many incredible women across all levels of Sunshine Coast Council.

And if we still have inequitable situations, the CEO believes it’s a worthy conversation to keep having.

When considering a promotion, or stepping up, Emma believes women often stop themselves before even giving it a go.

“I’d encourage people to see how it works first, be open about what you need for it to work and let the system build around you.

“I try to say to people, ‘don’t have a fixation on what your pathway looks like, because 30 years ago, there’s no way I would have thought I would be sitting here today as the CEO of

Sunshine Coast Council CEO Emma Thomas.

Sunshine Coast Council’.

“It’s important to go and explore and to see what sparks your passion,” she said.

Emma shared her number one quality for any leader is to care about people.

“For anyone who’s thinking about being a leader, being a compassionate and caring and kind person is at the core of all leadership endeavours,” she said.

“International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on that one day a year, to keep shifting the dial, meaning we’ll continue to move towards equity – and get there as fast as we can.”

She said there’s a lot to still be done to make people feel that they fit in here on the Sunshine Coast – no matter which angle they come at it from.

With 10 of the 11 Sunshine Coast councillors being men, the CEO acknowledges there’s still work to be done to encourage diversity in local government representation.

“Councillors face a challenging job and it is difficult to get people to put their hands up.

“Our councillors work really, really hard and are very passionate about their communities.

“But I think for us, as council officers, making sure that they’re well supported in the job, that they can work for council in a way that’s very professional, is a big incentive for more women to also give it a try.

“Having women in the workplace – or diversity of any kind – allows us all to explore and understand differences a lot better. You want to get the best out of your workforce by seeing difference as an asset not a hinderance.”

Gunnedah exhibition embracing equity Gunnedah’s International Women’s Day Exhibition 2023 is an eclectic collection of creative art works, which opened on Friday, March 10.

First Nations artist Jenna Oldaker.

Celebrating women Community members were invited to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023 at a Surf Coast Shire Council event featuring the unveiling of a mural by First Nations artist Jenna Oldaker.

Titled Wunggurrwil Ba-gurrk Murrup (Strong Woman Spirit), the mural is a welcome addition to Wurdi Baierr Stadium in Torquay north.

Ms Oldaker, a proud Wadawurrung woman, was excited to reveal her piece at the celebration.

“This artwork is a celebration of all the strong women that have travelled this beautiful land that we are lucky enough to call home,” she said.

“Our Ancestors and Elders travelled these same lands sharing their culture, sharing their stories and ideas, and it is now our responsibility to take care of and nurture our Wadawurrung Country home.”

Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Liz Pat10 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS March 2023

tison led a Q&A with Ms Oldaker, followed by a morning tea.

“I’m looking forward to hearing valuable insights from Jenna about her mural, which is inspired by this year’s International Women’s Day theme: Embrace Equity,” Mayor Pattison said before the event.

“Council’s annual International Women’s Day celebration is a highlight on our calendar as we raise awareness about how important it is to keep striving towards gender equality in our community.

“I’m delighted that this year’s event also supports council’s commitment to Reconciliation and the need to grow our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.”

The bi-annual exhibition was held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, opening with a black and white dress themed night and featuring a variety of mediums including photographs, paintings and book paper folding.

International Women’s Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s cultural precinct team leader Michael Cornford said International Women’s Day was the ideal opportunity to celebrate the Shire’s strong community of creative women.

“There are so many talented, skilled and artistic women in our community and this exhibition is just one way we can celebrate all they have to offer,” he said.

“One of the special things about this exhibition is the collaborative art works submitted by groups of women including Gunnedah Wood Workers Club and The Sisterhood of the Couch Surfing Canvas Collective.”

The exhibition opening will include an interactive book paper folding demonstration by local artist and librarian Christiane Birkett.

A book paper folding installation featured in this year’s exhibition, along with Gunnedah’s Travelling Junk Journal, launched by local artist Jade Punch in August 2021 in response to Covid-19 lockdowns.

Ms Punch wanted to help Gunnedah’s creative women stay connected and utilise their

Gunnedah Shire Council’s cultural precinct team leader Michael Cornford and the civic’s Jade Punch with some of the works in Gunnedah’s International Women’s Day Exhibition 2023, including the Travelling Junk Journal. talents and ideas in a time when the art world was at a standstill.

She started things off by taking a deleted hard cover novel from Gunnedah Shire Library and repurposing it as a journal that could be handed from one artist to another.

The journal was a great success and will now feature in the International Women’s Day Exhibition as an interactive display, and women who attend the exhibition are encouraged to add a page or two of their own.

“Come along and discover the unique ideas of our Shire’s women illustrated in ink, paint, paper and film,” Mr Cornford said.

Gunnedah’s International Women’s Day Exhibition 2023 continues until Sunday, 16 April.

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NEWS

TURF TALK

Rocket repair time Natural Houston, we don’t have a problem. The Central Coast’s most iconic play structure at Long Jetty’s Lions Park is going into a temporary orbit but no need to worry as it will return as good as new and ready for many more trips around the sun. one priority is to preserve it for the future,” said Ms Smith.

“Many of our employees have a personal connection to the rocket by playing on it themselves in years gone by and now taking their own kids to enjoy it.

“To help facilitate the final design we’re asking the community to vote on their preferred option. The first option will be essential repairs only with the rocket ship retaining its classic look, while the second allows for the top portion of the structure to re-open to the public for the first time in years, with a return of the refurbished rocket consisting of the addition of an extra slide to bring it up to current standards,” she concluded.

Council administrator Rik Hart said the project acknowledges both the past and future rocketship design.

“We are completing this project now so that we can safely repair the rocket ship structure to meet the very high Australia standards.

“The team is committed to respecting the history of the rocket ship and is looking to install an information board at the completion of the project to highlight the rocket’s life throughout the years,” Mr Hart said.

International Greenkeepers and Turf NSW have teamed up to help promote the benefits of natural turf.

By Daryl Davidson

Rocket ready to launch.

Remembering a netball hero The name Liza Pharaoh has long been a part of netball in Warragul. With a career spanning 20-plus years and 382 games, Liza was an inspiration to not only her teammates but the broader community; and now her name will be a permanent fixture at the Western Park netball courts where she spent so many hours throughout her playing and coaching career.

Liza’s long and illustrious career included 12 best and fairest awards, and six runners-up finishes. She was also a key part of of two premierships with Gippsland Storm, the region’s elite developmental netball club.

Her career was capped with her Warragul Industrials life membership in 2008, but her contributions did not stop there, with coaching and mentoring the next generation of netballers firmly in her sights.

In 2018 the netball club created the Liza Pharaoh Perpetual Trophy in her honour. It reads, “we are who we are because of your friendship, we are who we are because of your years of dedication, we fight the way we fight because of your courage”. Although very much a champion on the court, it was Liza’s impact off the court that truly left its mark - including through the Pharaoh’s Secret Angels, a charity set up by Liza that raises funds to support local cancer patients.

Liza’s long-time friend and teammate, Kate Farrell, cherished her time spent with Liza,

Friends and team-mates gather. From left Kate Farrell, Skye Lennon, Nicky McDonald, Natalie Bright, Laura McCullough, Carol Pharaoh, Natasha Davis, Gillian Walsh, Shaun McCullough, Shane Ingham, Nikki Beilharz. saying “we are all so proud of your achievements, you fitted so much into your time on earth, and the impact you have left on everyone is remarkable, but not surprising”.

“Words will never be enough to express how much you meant to me. Our time together was too short, but I am forever grateful that you were in my life.”

A highly respected netballer, friend and community member, Liza sadly passed away in May of 2021. Baw Baw Shire Council unanimously voted to name the recently constructed pavilion after Liza following a submission that was made by the club to council’s Place Names Advisory Committee, which provides advice and recommendations on place-naming matters to council.

The naming proposal garnered huge amounts of support, both online and via written submission, and now endorsed will be celebrated as part of the official opening of the redeveloped netball facilities at Western Park. After conducting a collaborative survey from Geographic Names Victoria and Gender Equity Victoria, council’s Place Names Advisory Committee is eager to uncover notable women’s names for future projects in the shire to help address the disparity between male and female named features, such as parks, reserves, streets, and other public features.

Road project funding available Councils across South Australia can now apply for funding to support local road projects through the latest round of the Special Local Roads Program.

Local Government Association of South Australia president Dean Johnson said the funding would enable councils to undertake strategic local road projects that would otherwise stretch beyond their budget capacities.

“Road funding for SA is critical and this program is one way SA councils can construct and maintain important local roads – both sealed and unsealed – and bridges, which promotes economic and business growth as well as local employment,” Mayor Johnson said.

“The primary objective of the program is to prioritise the construction and maintenance of strategic and significant local roads that have a positive impact beyond the council and its community.”

Mayor Johnson said the Special Local Roads Program has been critical to helping LGFOCUS.COM.AU

communities flourish and is excited to see the new projects that will be undertaken in the latest funding round.

“This program has proven highly successful year-after-year and often receives more applications than there is funding available,” Mayor Johnson said.

“Last year, for instance, over $16 million was provided to twenty-three councils to support a range of strategic outcomes, such as improving freight and supply chain access, tourism, and safety.”

Franklin Harbour District Council was one of those councils, securing $1,063,000 for significant upgrades to the Cowell-Kimba and Lucky Bay roads.

“Our council services road users not just

from our own area, but from other neighbouring districts – including those driving grain trucks and other heavy vehicles,” Franklin Harbour Mayor Robert Walsh said.

“As a result, the added wear and tear on our roads requires regular upkeep and being a small council, we have to rely on external funding in order to carry out this work.

“Without this grant support, we would not be in a position to finance such extensive road upgrades.”

The Special Local Roads Program has been in place in SA since 1985 and is built on councils pooling together a portion of their federal road funding, which is then distributed across the local government sector to deliver more strategic outcomes.

Natural turf is not only great for the environment but also a great asset for your community to enjoy from picnics to sport natural grass can be enjoyed by everyone.

A couple of fun facts.

Did you know that each square meter of turf removes 2.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

So for the average size sports field that is turned to a synthetic pitch equals to around 25,000kg of carbon dioxide per pitch left in our atmosphere.

Come out to The National Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo to visit our stand where we will be displaying different types of natural turf and get free advice from professional turf growers to help you chose your next variety for your next project at work or home.

Bring your staff or family for a great day not only just turf but all kinds of machinery from excavators to tractors.

The National Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo Friday 21, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April 2023.

Australia’s largest construction equipment expo, Sydney Dragway, Ferrers Road, Eastern Creek.

The National Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo is on 21, 22 and 23 April.

Soilbond Dust Suppressant

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The gleaming yellow rocket is enshrined in the memories of generations of Coasties and this planned refreshment of the structure by council ensures the asset’s life will be extended for decades to come.

In a first-of-its-kind operation, Lions Park will be shut for a few hours later this month to allow crane access to the site and lift the rocket ship out in one piece before trucking it offsite for the repair work to begin.

Underpinning the refresh is a need to bring the park up to modern standards and includes replacing corroded metal that has reached the end of its design, removing rust, upgrading access points to be more accessible and painting the rocket in its original colours.

It is expected to be completed by the end of June.

The park will remain open during the duration of the project work.

Council director community and recreation services Melanie Smith is not only excited for the project to get underway but also the unique way residents are able to contribute to the final design.

“We understand the importance of the rocket ship to our community and Council’s number

turf benefits

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

FOCUS ON COUNCIL CONFERENCES

Bumper event The 2023 National General Assembly of local Government (NGA) – incorporating the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum – will be held from 13-16 June in Canberra.

From the 2022 National General Assembly.

Pictures: Phill lePETiT

Last year almost 1000 mayors and councillors met in Canberra on Monday for 2022 event but this year’s NGA is expected to be the biggest yet. The program is being developed to feature a wide range of high profile and engaging speakers, leaders and presenters. The theme for the 2023 NGA will be “Our Communities, Our Future” and the organisers are looking for

motions of notice for this year’s event which include ideas for new federal programs and policies that would support councils to build stronger communities in the future.

A notice of motion to this year’s NGA should either: Focus on practical and deliverable programs and policies that the Australian Government can support and work directly with the local government sector to build our communities; or New program ideas that would help the local government sector to deliver national objectives.

Motions should be concise, practical and able to be implemented. A council’s motion/s should address one or more of the issues identified in the discussion paper. Motions must be lodged electronically using the online form available at alga.com.au, where the full outline for submitting motions can be found, and must be received no later than 11.59pm on Friday 24 March 2023. The 2023 Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) will also be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on Friday 16 June, immediately following the 2023 NGA.

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Councillors and staff come from all over Australia for the event.

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FOCUS ON COUNCIL CONFERENCES

The host location.

Keynote speaker this time around is Julie Bishop.

Conference on Peninsula The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) may have been created more than 70 years ago, but its goal of encouraging female participation in local government continues to be relevant and essential today.

Which is why the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, together with the Victorian ALGWA branch, are proudly hosting ALGWA’s 2023 National Conference from 17-20 May at the stunning RACV Cape Schanck Resort.

A forerunner in female representation on council, Mornington Peninsula Shire has six female councillors out of its 11 positions on council.

The aim for the conference is to “bring together councillors and officers from across Australia to put a spotlight on issues facing women

in the sector”, said Mayor Cr Steve Holland.

“We have already secured several inspirational and thought-provoking speakers for the event, including the Hon. Julie Bishop as our keynote speaker. As one of Australia’s most recognised and respected politicians, we are sure she will be a highlight of the event.”

Deputy Mayor Cr Debra Mar recognises the peer support and benefits offered by ALGWA. “This is a really fantastic opportunity for women working in local government to come together, learn from the experiences of our broad

range of speakers and panellist, participate in meaningful and career-focussed workshops – and to network and enjoy the beautiful Mornington Peninsula,” said Deputy Mayor Mar. Other speakers and panellists announced by the shire include cross-cultural consultant Tasneem Chopra, demographer Simon Kuestenmacher, motivational speaker and author Gill Hicks, leadership coach Maree McPherson OAM, Kristy McBain MP and TV and radio commentator and former Australian cricketer Mel Jones.

Over the four days, guests will be treated to

a range of additional functions and opportunities to connect with peers, including a welcome function at the resort, a networking dinner at a locals’ favourite The Epicurean Red Hill and a gala dinner on the final night.

There will also be time to savour some of the Peninsula’s finest attractions on Friday afternoon, making sure guests experience a taste of the Mornington Peninsula.

“On behalf of my fellow councillors, we are very much looking forward to welcoming delegates to the Mornington Peninsula to connect, inspire and thrive,” said Deputy Mayor Mar.

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March 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 13

FOCUS ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Automated library success Central Coast Council initiated an automated, self-access service Library@YourTime at Toukley Library on 1 July 2022.

The aim of the project was to give greater flexibility and convenience to the local community, with access to library facilities from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, even during unstaffed hours and on public holidays.

Feedback from the community indicated that often the existing opening hours of Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm, did not always meet the needs of those wishing to use the library.

The automated system utilises technology to monitor public safety including the library entrance, lighting, alarms, and public announcements. The premises are CCTV monitored 24/7 to ensure safety and security.

Book loans and returns work on a self-service model using the existing FE Technologies RFID kiosks.

To ensure users, who must be over 18 years, are well versed in how to use the system, they attend an induction session, offered by appointment during Toukley Library staffed hours, have a site tour, and review user guidelines prior to their usage of the Library@YourTime service. They are then provided with a Library@ YourTime access card which allows access to the library outside of regular staffed operating hours. People under the age of 18 can enter but must always be accompanied by a responsible Library@YourTime customer.

Once inducted, customers can loan and return items, pick up reservations, use public PCs, print or photocopy items, use the scan to email machine, use the space in the library to work or study, or spend a bit of family time together.

Council is delighted in how the initiative is being received, with recent feedback from our customers very positive. Plans are underway to expand this service to two other council-operated library branches.

Touklay Library.

Touklay Library.

14 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS March 2023

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FOCUS ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

led Cameron Info support Passion to master his trade for councils iFerret provides dramatic information access improvements to support enhanced Council performance while reducing costs.

The iFerret search and discovery solution developed by iPLATINUM is now installed at circa 60 councils across Australia and is becoming widely recognised as the defacto standard search facility for Local Government.

The solution is also being used at a State Government level. Whilst the focus has been on government departments the solution can add real value to any organisation that has problems accessing and retrieving corporate information.

Whilst there are many features that elevate iFerret above other search technologies (as proven in recent evaluations), the main differentiator for iFerret is the installation approach developed by iPLATINUM. iFerret is installed as an appliance “turnkey” solution which means there is minimal effort required on behalf of customer staff and the solution can be made operational in months, unlike many tool boxes that often take years to install without ultimately achieving the desired outcomes.

The value proposition developed by many customers is a pretty simple one, iFerret enables any staff member to find any piece of information (security permitting) quickly and efficiently without having to understand the complexity of their corporate systems, office products or network structures.

Some organisations have reported time savings of 2.5 hours per employee per week.

When you multiply these numbers across the entire workforce the time and cost savings become very compelling.

While in its simplest form iFerret is a wonderful search solution, iPLATINUM has provided customised features to specifically address the requirements of its customers.

This includes the automatic electronic packaging of information for FOI and GIPA purposes, optical character recognition (searching on scanned documents) and reporting to easily identify copies and duplicates. iPLATINUM has developed standard connectors for the commonly used systems whether they be ERP solutions, EDRMS, email, email archives, or the storage of data in network shares and other repositories including those hosted in a cloud environment including the Outlook, SharePoint, Teams and OneDrive stack. iFerret will be a “must have” for organisations harnessing digital transformation as it will give them the capability to quickly and reliably access and retrieve information across disparate systems in different locations through a single, simple, intuitive interface. Because it is a web-based application it provides staff with the ability to access corporate data from remote locations. It also provides the ability to harness historical data that may otherwise be “left behind” during transformation via our unique iArchive solutions.

For those with interest in improving staff efficiency and reducing administration costs while improving data governance please contact iPLATINUM for a no obligation demonstration of the iFerret solution.

Cameron Jameson developed a keen interest in programming early in his IT career, so once he’d completed an undergraduate degree in Information Technology (IT), he decided to enrol in a masters.

“I wanted to pursue further education at postgraduate level not only to advance my IT knowledge, but I also wanted to eventually step into teaching,” the CQUniversity graduate explained.

“I chose the Master of Information Technology at CQU because I could do it online and working professionally, full-time, meant that I didn’t have time to take off to attend classes,” he said.

“One thing that particularly interested me about the MIT was that I could do a software and design development major. I was doing a lot of programming and scripting already in my professional IT role so that would help me expand on that knowledge area.”

The Rockhampton-based IT expert said the course’s flexible approach to learning suited his already busy life.

“I had employment responsibility and I’m a father, so I’ve got a parenting responsibility as well. To juggle those two, I wasn’t really able to attend mandatory weekly lectures at set times, so studying online gave me the personal flexibility to be able to go home at night, after I put the kids to bed and be able to watch the lecture recordings, read unit content and study and learn that way in my own time.”

Cameron said that despite studying online, there was still plenty of support provided through his studies.

Cameron Jameson.

“In the capstone unit, I had a really great unit coordinator who we did weekly Zoom sessions with so we kept up-to-date,” Cameron recalls.

“We’re able to ask any questions - they were contactable and replied pretty quickly to communications.”

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March 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 15

FOCUS ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Revolutionising community If you work for a local government authority in Australia, you know how important it is to keep your community informed and updated on critical issues. Insight GIS works with local governments to make this process easier and more efficient. Using powerful GIS web mapping software, it has become easier to connect with your community and share important information quickly and simply.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is now transforming how local governments stay connected with their communities. By utilising this software, local authorities can now make more informed decisions that reflect what matters to their communities, in particular housing affordability and environmental impact due to climate change. In addition, locals can quickly see how their actions directly impact their immediate environment, allowing them to be better custodians.

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GIS has been a critical system within local government in recent years. Internally it is a prerequisite for asset management, land use planning, and environmental management. However, the expectancy of residents to have information at their fingertips, is creating a challenge for local governments. One of the leading GIS providers, Insight GIS, is enabling authorities to allow their community to make more informed and smarter decisions, while keeping up with the pace of growth.

Insight GIS has built several solutions, working with all types of GIS software and data. These solutions have empowered communities with detailed visualisations, enabling quick access to information on land use, assets, community services and climate change.

Two such solutions are Discover Communities and TrueView.

The “Discover Communities” Project – promoting local communities through the use of web mapping.

The system in action.

Discover Communities is a solution for online mapping and public engagement for local governments in Australia. Discover Communities is not seen as mapping but as a communication tool that uses maps.

It allows local governments to not only deliver information, but to also engage with their residents. The GIS Team from Meander Valley said, “Discover Communities makes it easy for residents to access information about our

local government and greatly assists stakeholders in their planning and development applications.”

TrueView – sharing critical information with the community.

TrueView is a mapping tool which facilitates self-service for the public in a range of applications such as: climate change (flood information, storm surges etc), building constraints and planning schemes. A member for the Whitsunday

Regional Council said, “The information on offer here will increase investor confidence and go a long way to encouraging responsible, sustainable development in the Whitsunday region.”

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16 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS March 2023

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FOCUS ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Help on offer Connectivity can be a real problem when living in rural, regional or remote Australia and finding the solution can be even more problematic particularly if you are running a large organisation like a council. connectivity for their situation.”

The most unique part of their service is the one-on-one service.

“Someone can come to us who has no understanding or language to talk about what it is they want or need, or they might have a particular problem that they can’t solve,” she said.

“They can call us and have one-on-one conversations with a member of our tech team.

They can really work out what they want and what would suit them next.

“When it comes to councils we can collaborate with them and have a look at what is impacting their areas, their communities, or even what they need assistance with themselves in the office. We can meet with chambers of commerce, to identify and address any connectivity concerns and look at what’s coming in the future.

“We have the ability to travel to a LGA and present, guest speak and provide a collection of resources best suited to their specific needs.

“The Regional Tech Hub knows that reliable and appropriate connectivity is essential for most people and we are available to help anyone understand what they need and how to get it, and there’s no charge for it.”

Further information and ways to engage with the RTH can be found at https://regionaltechhub.org.au/about/ or you can email Kristen at kcoggan@regionaltechhub.org.au

Big grants on the way The great vibe for grants for local government is getting better every day.

By Colin Steele A wave of Australian Grants will be opening in the next six to 12 months, beginning soon.

Some are open now, but the big ones are on the way across Arts, Environment, Climate Change and the Growing Regions Program, the BBRF replacement.

So much is happening that the projects you have waiting to submit for a grant should be dusted off and prepared for a very different approach from the new Australian Government.

Everything from Arts Centres, bridges to adventure playgrounds have the potential for funding in grant assessment processes not seen in over a decade.

Politics is out, fairness and impartiality are in.

Now your application must hit the mark in a way many haven’t seen.

These words from Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories on 1 Feb 2023 tell what is on the way: ‘You know, we do a lot of investing in community infrastructure. And we’ve announced four new programs for communities across Australia, which includes the Growing Regions Program, the Priority Community Infrastructure Program, Investing in our Communities Program, and the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program. I’m really looking forward to making sure those guidelines are out in our communities as soon as possible’.

The positive vibe for Australian Government grants is here. Are you ready?

RTH Community Engagement Officer Kristen Coggan.

Discuss your FOR connectivity issues, FREE! “Regional Tech Hub-Get Connected, Stay Connected in rural regional and remote Australia”

To speak with a member of our tech team, head to our website and book an appointment that fits your schedule.

Click on “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” at https://regionaltechhub.org.au/book-an-appointment/ to reserve a session at a time that suits you.

The RTH is an Australian Government initiative run by the National Farmers Federation

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Those you do find to help are usually also trying to sell you something, cost an arm and a leg or know little about the area’s specific needs and give out a generic spiel.

Problems like these were the reason the Regional Tech Hub, a free service for those outside the metropolitan areas, was founded.

The RTH was established in response to the Regional Telecommunications Review’s findings and is made possible through the Australian Government’s Stronger Regional Digital Connectivity funding package.

RTH Community Engagement Officer Kristen Coggan (who often finds herself all over the country thanks to her job) said the group was unique, offering one-on-one bespoke advice, as well as the ability to train people on the ground, hold workshops and build skills and connectivity literacy.

“The Regional Tech Hub offers a unique service,” she said.

“We are an independent and free source of information for anyone, business owners, communities, groups, councils, chambers, anyone really to find information regarding any of their connectivity issues. Whether that be landline, mobile phone, internet. We’re completely independent, we’re not aligned with any company.

We’re a free service.

“We aim to give a really good holistic approach to people’s connectivity issues. We can give them all sorts of options and help them action any choices they may make regarding

‘All about Grants’ Webinar & Workshop ‘All about Grants’ webinar and workshop covers every part of the grants process including improving your skills on how to create a great application to suit this new grant era, as the old ways are gone.

Email admin@section51.com.au or visit www.section51.com.au for details and dates 12592425-MS10-23

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March 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 17

FOCUS ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Business connects Digital The City of Cockburn has taken another step towards connecting local businesses with those in Indonesia, creating real opportunities for the development of bilateral trade relationships.

Close to 100 businesses, government representatives and service support organisations from Cockburn, Perth, Indonesia and Singapore attended the city’s inaugural Cockburn Indonesian Digital Exchange Forum on 7 December.

It was held at the AMC Jakovich Centre, Henderson in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Perth.

The event featured a livestream digital exchange between Cockburn businesses, industry leaders and their Indonesian counterparts in five break-out rooms.

Guest speakers were able to present across specialist areas of mutual opportunity including the blue economy and defence, health and medical, education and vocational training, digital and cyber security, and agribusiness.

Local guest speakers represented the Electrical and Communications Association, South Metropolitan Tafe, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, the Australian Medical Association (WA) and more.

Guest speakers from Indonesia included Jemy Confido from the Indonesian Telecommunications & Digital Research Institute, Edi Nopian Mulia from Digiserve, and representatives from the Indonesia Australia Business Council.

The event builds on the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), which came into effect on 5 July 2020.

The IA-CEPA agreement provides a framework for Australia and Indonesia to unlock the vast potential of a bilateral economic partnership, fostering economic cooperation between businesses, communities and individuals.

Representatives at the city’s inaugural Cockburn Indonesian Digital Exchange Forum.

City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said opportunity for trade and cultural connections between businesses in Cockburn and those in Indonesia was unlimited.

“Indonesia is a sizeable and sophisticated market and with the IA-CEPA agreement and synergies across specialist areas of mutual opportunity, the timing is perfect to pursue the Indonesian market,” Mayor Howlett said.

“The opportunity to do business in Indonesia is now easier than ever, all you need is a conduit to the right conversations and that’s where the Cockburn Indonesian Digital Exchange Forum comes in.

“The city and its economic development team is doing all it can to foster prosperity for our community by partnering with State Government, business and not-for-profits to provide economic opportunities that will result in a vibrant future for Cockburn, its businesses and residents.”

Following on from this event, the city will lead a trade delegation to Jakarta and Surabaya in March 2023.

The city is seeking expressions of interest from businesses interested in participating in the delegation at their own cost, to expand their markets in Indonesia.

Improving IT skills of seniors From March through May 2023, a series of in-person sessions at local libraries are being held to help older members of the Snowy Monaro community build and improve their technology and IT skills.

Whether they’re looking to untangle the world wide web, evolve their email, shop smarter, or stay connected through social media, Snowy Monaro Regional Council and Telstra’s Tech Savvy Seniors is here to help the region’s seniors get online, get connected and get more involved with the digital world.

The program launched in the region at Cooma Library in 2019, expanded to Bombala Library in 2021, and late last month council announced a further expansion into Jindabyne Library for 2023.

Tech Savvy Seniors has been incredibly popular and sessions always book out quickly. Head to snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au/

Events-directory to learn more or call 1300 345 345 to be connected to your local library branch and book your place.

Tech Savvy Seniors is offered free to seniors across the Snowy Monaro thanks to a collaboration between Telstra and Snowy Monaro Regional Council.

first key In February 2023, the City of South Perth reached another milestone in its commitment to creating an online community and improving its customers’ experiences with the launch of mySouthPerth.

An online customer portal, mySouthPerth is part of the city’s digital first strategy to achieving a vision of providing better customer service, greater transparency, and improved efficiencies for our customers and community.

In mySouthPerth, customers can lodge and track development applications, register their pets, make a payment at anytime, anywhere. And it enables customers to easily access all their application records, animal details and payment histories online. The next and final step in this project phase will include rates and health compliance, with work being conducted over the coming months to implement by June 2023.

Business units across the organisation contributed and supported the planning and launch of the initial stage of mySouthPerth including planning, building, rangers, animal care, customer service, infrastructure services, finance and marketing.

The transition to mySouthPerth is an integral part of the city’s major project to replace most of its individual technology systems with 1System, to fully integrate and connect information from all core areas of the organisation, streamlining systems and creating one source of truth.

The aim is to deliver a best-practice system that provides a foundation to improve our processes, strengthens the capacity of our people and facilitates the delivery of excellent service to our customers.

The system has already delivered significant internal improvements and operational efficiencies and more broadly this project positions the organisation to meet 21st-century expectations in terms of customer service and efficiencies for service delivery and convenience.

To find out more, visit southperth. wa.gov.au/mysouthperth_learnmore

‘A huge project’: Burial records digitised Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) has recently digitised burial records that will allow people to search for loved ones online.

Grave location records for each of the cemeteries located in the Local Government Area (LGA) can be accessed, along with a location map and any headstone/plaque pictures. Providing accessibility and direction for visitors to find graves and monuments and memorials in the region’s cemeteries.

Flyers displaying QR codes accessible on most devices will guide people through the cemetery of their choice, showing grave sites, sections, and access to historic stories.

Links to each cemetery are also online showing the name, deceased date, age, and plot location with pictures of actual headstones where possible.

The system is an integral part of cemetery mapping, the process is all about managing a cemetery’s operations, including day to day tasks and access cemetery plot records and data. Digital cemetery mapping allows for new ways to keep accurate records and solve historical issues.

Senior Regulatory Officer, Ms Janelle Chapman said the project was a labour of love and very rewarding and is pleased that the information is now available.

18 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS March 2023

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) has recently digitised burial records.

“The cemetery mapping project has been a huge project, scouring through scores of records, speaking with local historians, taking photos of cemeteries, headstones, memorials and deciphering historical documents.

Not only will it assist with keeping accurate records for our cemeteries, but it will also assist those who are seeking information on loved ones or chasing down historical infor-

mation,” Ms Chapman said.

CGRC Mayor Cr Charlie Sheahan said this was a massive task to document, record and verify graves over 1500 throughout the LGA’s 13 cemeteries.

“The historical narrative, the information collected and the ability to continue to add to the records will be invaluable to council and

to those who are seeking chronological information on loved ones, family connections and past friends.

“It’s a great effort to have this information available and to get this project up and running, with the demerger coming having all these records in place will be fantastic for the new councils moving forward,” Cr Sheahan added.

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FOCUS ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Major investment The recent launch of the 2023 Wagga School Leaders Program saw Duty MLC for Wagga Wagga, Wes Fang, announce a major investment by the NSW Government to continue building confident and capable future leaders and young ambassadors for the City of Wagga Wagga.

“The NSW Government has a strong track record of backing the Wagga School Leaders Program and this support continues today with the announcement of $100,000 to fund the program into 2025,” Mr Fang said.

“This grant from the latest round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund will ensure this important program builds on the work it has already done with our young citizens.

“By investing in our young people, we are investing in the future of regional NSW. “We have an incredible depth of talent in Wagga Wagga and ensuring that our young citizens have the full resources to reach their potential is essential for the future leadership of our community.”

The Wagga School Leaders Program, run by the Committee Four Wagga, fosters leadership potential in young people and develops their understanding of leadership and community issues. Content is built around leadership development, presentation skills and business operation, to prepare students to become future leaders. Participants are challenged and rewarded by the program which aims to equip them to become ambassadors in the Wagga Wagga community.

Chair of Committee Four Wagga, Adam Drummond, has welcomed the funding.

“The Wagga School Leaders Program, now in its eighth year, is one of Committee Four Wagga’s annual flagship events and is considered one of our most important programs in the calendar,” Mr Drummond said.

“To receive funding from the NSW government ensuring this program remains viable over the next few years is overwhelmingly ap-

Looking to the future of Wagga Wagga. preciated by Committee Four Wagga.

“This funding illustrates the importance the government places on mentoring programs for our future leaders and ensures that regional school students can access experts and programs in Wagga Wagga to build a bright future for themselves as leaders in our community.

“We could very well have the next Prime Minister or CEO of a global company in our program and the calibre of participants each year is quite extraordinary.

“Committee Four Wagga could not fund a program such as this without assistance from our key stakeholders - such as the three levels of government - and our valued sponsors, who also contribute towards the running costs of the Wagga School Leaders Program.”

The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure in the regions.

Finishing touches on renovation The Normanville Foreshore renovation is being opened in stages with great numbers of visitors and early positive feedback received from the Stage One opening.

The project, which includes the beach plaza, inclusive beach access, lawn and nature play area, has been well utilised by the local community and visitors, especially during the festive period.

The project forms part of Yankalill District Council’s Normanville Foreshore Master Plan.

The master plan, adopted for delivery in July 2021, aims to revitalise the foreshore with improved facilities, increased recreation space, and better access, while protecting the heritage sand dunes and improving safety for pedestrians.

“The Normanville Foreshore is a hub in the summer months and we are proud to have delivered a safer and more inclusive space for our community and visitors to enjoy,” said Mayor Darryl Houston.

“We are grateful for the community’s patience and support during the construction, and we are confident that with the finishing touches over the next month or so, the final result will be worth the wait.”

The total cost of the project including the mobility compliant pedestrian ramp and beach interface, beach pla za, green space and nature play came to $2,563,650, with $2.1 million of that provided through the State Government’s Open Space and Places for People Grant Program from the Planning and Development Fund. Council contributed $463,650 to the project.

The master plan itself was the result of significant community consultation and feedback, which led to various refinements through the development of the project and concepts.

“The Normanville Foreshore Master Plan is a testament to our commitment to delivering quality projects for our community and for our focus on providing enhanced user experiences across the district,” said council CEO Nathan Cunningham.

“I was delighted to see the foreshore jumping and full of activity across the school holiday period.”

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Appeal success The local community has raised $40,670.40 for the 2022 Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, assisting over 1400 people within the local community.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM is overwhelmed by the generosity shown by the community for the community.

“This truly is a local appeal, and every cent of the donations are channelled directly back to those in need within Mount Gambier and surrounds,” Mayor Martin said.

“I thank all community groups, individuals and businesses who have helped those in need in our community to experience some of the joys of Christmas, making 2022 the largest distribution of support since 2015.”

Through the provision of food hampers, vouchers and gifts, local agencies Lifeline SE, Uniting Care, a.c care, Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul collectively supported approximately 728 adults, 219 teenagers and more than 481 children using funds donated to the appeal.

Lifeline South East financial counsellor Bronwyn Martin said the appeal provides critical assistance to the Mount Gambier community.

“The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal is a valued and necessary way of providing assistance to individuals and families in the Mount Gambier community, who are struggling trying to keep up with the high cost of living,” Ms Martin said “The giving of gifts brightens the life of the children ensuring presents are available under the tree,” Ms Martin said.

Your say

From left, director of assets and environment Ross Whitfield, Mayor Darryl Houston and CEO Nathan Cunningham.

Director assets and environment, Ross Whitfield, thanked the staff and Neo Infrastructure for their hard work.

“I want to extend my gratitude to all the staff and contractors who have worked on this project,” he said.

“Their hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and the results speak for themselves.”

Work remaining to be completed includes the shelter and the resealing of the carpark.

The carpark resealing will be timed to work around the Normanville Surf Life Saving Club and Cafe/Kiosk construction. Wheel stops will

also be installed in some areas of the car park to provide additional protection to footpath users.

Delivery of all aspects of the Normanville Foreshore Master Plan (including Holiday Park upgrade and Surf Life Saving Club and Cafe/ Kiosk development) will provide major economic stimulus to the district, with ongoing job creation, improved community infrastructure, and reduced rates burden on the community.

The council is delighted with the end result of Stage One of the Normanville Foreshore and looks forward to the continued growth and development of the other projects that make up the Normanville Masterplan.

Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman has called on the ratepayers and residents of Devonport to provide their valuable feedback on the draft Waste Strategy 2023-2028.

The 30-day consultation process presents an opportunity for the community to get involved and contribute towards the development of sustainable waste initiatives for the region.

According to Mayor Jarman, the consultation process is an avenue for members of the Devonport community to collaborate with the council and develop new ways to reduce waste, promote sustainable practices and minimise the impact of waste on the environment.

The draft Waste Strategy focuses on four key objectives that align with council’s strategic goals: Achieve 60 per cent resource recovery.

Eliminate the use of priority single-use plastics from council operations.

Increase the range and quantity of recycled and recovered materials into its operations.

Contribute to regionally consistent and effective waste management practices.

Ratepayers and residents are encouraged to participate in the consultation process and share their views.

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RURAL AND REGIONAL

First birthday party Telling It hardly seems any time at all since Goulburn Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) threw open its doors and welcomed the community to a new era of spectacular live performance.

Now in true theatrical style, GPAC is throwing a spectacular party – complete with world-class acrobatics – to celebrate its first birthday on Saturday 25 March.

Mayor Peter Walker said there is plenty for the region’s newest cultural institution to celebrate.

Mayor Walker said: “Since opening in March 2022 GPAC has been host to over 23,000 visitors, presented more than 140 events including 101 shows. Local theatre and musical groups, dance schools and school groups have taken to the stage and 50 people have found employment as permanent or casual staff. Local businesses have benefited from patrons dining out before shows or going for drinks afterwards, and the growing number of out-of-town visitors attending events has helped fill motel beds.

“Celebrations to mark the anniversary include a VIP function, post-show cake and bubbles and a heart stopping, high energy performance by world class acrobats – ON by CIRCA,” GPAC manager Raina Savage said.

“CIRCA is Australia’s most exciting and world-renowned contemporary circus company, showcasing our most brilliant acrobats and creative directors. So, it seemed fitting to feature ON by CIRCA as the anniversary performance at GPAC.” The celebration continues on Sunday 26 March with an Open Day from 11am with free

GPAC lit up on the outside. venue tours, wine tasting with cultural partner Lerida Estate wines, and a piano concerto by international award-winning pianist Konstantin Shamray. But after such a huge first year GPAC is not resting on its laurels.

Ms Savage said: “The coming year is

packed to the rafters with more world class theatre and entertainment from around Australia and overseas – including Opera Australia, Bangarra, Cirque Mother Africa, 1927, Ross Noble and Soweto Gospel Choir. There really is something to excite everyone.”

Look up and live, urges Transgrid Transgrid has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign to increase safety for NSW regional communities around its 13,000km high-voltage transmission network.

The Look up and Live campaign is targeted at business owners, agricultural and construction workers, and machinery operators working around transmission lines, poles and towers as part of Transgrid’s commitment to community safety.

“Safety is our highest priority for our people, delivery partners, landowners and communities,” Transgrid executive general manager of network, Marie Jordan said.

“That’s why we are launching this interactive awareness campaign reminding everybody working near our powerlines to take appropriate steps to ensure they work safely.”

The safety campaign promotes a free and easy-to-use Look up and Live app, providing access to powerline locations and imagery via an interactive geospatial map, powerline safety guidelines, options for planning or performing work, Dial Before You Dig information, and other important safety links.

Transgrid is also sending Look up and Live stickers and posters to more than 5,000 landowners in regional areas throughout its network. The stickers are designed to be placed on windscreens and cabins of machinery to remind operators about heights, encourage them to use the Look up and Live app, and provide information on what to do in an emergency. The campaign also includes promotion of safety messages on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

The campaign is encouraging those working near powerlines to take appropriate steps to ensure they work safely.

“Transgrid has partnered with the creators of Look up and Live (Energy Queensland) and other utility companies to provide access to our network data so those living and working near our network can safely plan their activities,” Ms Jordan said.

“The safety message is particularly pertinent for primary producers preparing to sow their winter crops, reminding them to Look up and Live and inform their contractors and staff about risk management practices around powerlines.

“We are also urging farmers to be aware of transmission line locations, machine heights and safety guidelines when reviewing their

risk management strategies.

“While incidents on our network are uncommon, using the Look up and Live app will help reduce the risks of injury or death from electrocution and damage to equipment and the electricity network.

“This campaign is all about sharing important safety information and encouraging safe working practices to keep the community safe.”

For more information about the Look up and Live campaign, visit transgrid.com.au/ customers-community/community-safety/ look-up-and-live

the story Residents are invited to nominate the special places, buildings and features they consider are important to the character, identity, and story of Noosa Shire.

“We know from feedback from our Liveability and Customer Satisfaction Surveys that our community places high importance on heritage and character,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

“We’d love to hear, in detail, what people value.

“Whether it’s a special place, a street, a unique building or structure, or even a view, residents and visitors can share their thoughts either online, through a survey, or in person at a series of community events.

“The aim is to discover places across the shire, from the coast to the mountains, that are important in telling the story of the Noosa region over time,” heritage coordinator, Jane Harding, added.

“Our community’s input will help us recognise, celebrate, and conserve, the special places and features we want to hold on to for future generations.

“It’s no secret that Noosa is worldrenowned for its natural beauty, environmental values and iconic natural features. But it also has a rich history. Our urban, built environment, and heritage and character places, play an important role in shaping our identity and this review will help us recognise, share and conserve those places.

“Whether it’s the places that played host to unique local stories, have historical significance, or are linked to those who have lived and worked in the region, or have a special and unique attachment to the local community, all input is welcome.

“Even more recent buildings can quickly gain a deep connection to place.

Hence there is no age limit on what we consider our heritage,” Ms Harding said.

The feedback received during the consultation, which runs until the end of March, will help council ensure Noosa’s heritage and character remain an integral part of its local identity and landscape.

Noosa’s urban, built environment, and heritage and character places, play an important role in shaping its identity.

Ballarat pushing for a better food system A healthier, more sustainable future of food is on the menu in Ballarat.

The City of Ballarat wants people to join the push for an improved local food system and is seeking community input.

Expressions of interest are currently being sought for anybody interested in joining the Ballarat Local Food Coalition – a new initiative established by the City of Ballarat.

Working closely with Sustain: the Australian Food Network, the coalition will aim to identify local needs and resources, culminating in 20 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS March 2023

a three-year action plan to give the community more agency to develop a resilient, healthy and fair local food system.

The coalition will consist of 15 members with diverse interests, all of which have various connections into different sectors of the local food system.

The City of Ballarat’s Good Food for All Strategy 2019-2022 committed to a vision of ‘all community members having access to and

celebrating a vibrant, nutritious and sustainable food system’.

However, with the strategy now complete, attention is turning towards creating a new action plan to work closely with community members to progress work on the food system.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the work of the Good Food for All Strategy had laid a solid foundation in terms of supporting a sustainable local food system.

However, he acknowledged it was crucial that the work continued.

“We know how important a strong and sustainable food system is and as a council we are acutely aware of the importance of prioritising the health and wellbeing of the community,” Cr Hudson said. “We look forward to seeing the Ballarat Local Food Coalition work to collaborate across food system sectors and develop projects to address issues.”

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RURAL AND REGIONAL

Uncovering stories Mosquito warning A walk through the Drakesbrook Public Cemetery located in the Shire of Waroona reveals the hidden stories of families who settled in the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

A walk through the Drakesbrook Public Cemetery located in the Shire of Waroona reveals the hidden stories of families who settled in the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The cemetery is rich in valuable historic resources and reminders of various settlement patterns with connections to the area’s original pioneering families and ties to the waves of Italian families who migrated to the region after World War II. Burial records dating back to 1903 have been meticulously maintained by the shire with the original burial register book still maintained until this day.

Today, the Drakesbrook Public Cemetery is, by its very nature, a place of quiet reminiscence, allowing our community members to live on in the memories of their lost ones and aid in the grieving process.

To further connect people with the rich history of our cemetery and allow families to further celebrate their loved ones, the Shire of Waroona embarked on the implementation of a digital cemetery platform.

Chronicle is a digital mapping and database software solution which was created by Matthew Borowski in 2016.

The system creates digital mirror of the cemetery which allows the shire to manage cemetery records and share them online.

Chronicle uses geospatial engineering services to map the cemetery and provide each grave with a unique ID creating an accurate plot map relating to existing electronic records.

This is achieved through an aerial drone survey which produces high resolution aerial images and cross checks them against manual maps for accuracy.

A GPS coordinate and headstone photo of each plot is recorded, and diagrams of individual burial spaces are then marked providing a full overview of plots colour coded by status

With March a peak mosquito activity period, the Gawler Council community is being reminded to not only protect themselves but also their horses against potentially fatal mosquito borne diseases that are spreading through South Australia.

Council was contacted by SA Health in the first week of March who advised that Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) had been conducting testing of horses in the Gawler region to look for the presence of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV).

This follows some test results that are suggestive that a small number of horses may have been infected with the virus within the town of Gawler. These horses have been reported from the Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Plains, Gawler, Barossa and Mid North regions with further testing currently being undertaken by the department.

“The risk of mosquito- borne disease is high across the state, with Gawler now being identified as an area of exposure. We encourage our community to be vigilant during this time by protecting themselves and helping to reduce mosquito numbers by eliminating potential breeding sites around properties,” said Mayor Karen Redman.

Council started a campaign to ensure community awareness of the issue and to promote the steps people could take to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and infection.

They warned people to protect themself against mosquitoes: Wear light coloured, loose-fitting and long-sleeved clothing.

Use insect repellent on all exposed skin surfaces.

Limiting outdoor activity between dusk and dawn.

Fitting mosquito screens to doors, windows and vents.

Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around the house.

From 1 March 2023, PIRSA started contacting horse owners to implement mosquito reduction activities.

This includes advising how to reduce mosquito numbers and exposure to mosquitoes to reduce the risk of arboviruses, including MVEV, WNV-K, JEV, and Ross River virus. Landholders were advised to control mosquitoes on their property, eliminate breeding areas and use chemicals responsibly.

Chronicling the past for the future. (reserved, interment, vacant), walking directions from a smart phone to searched plots, viewing and storing of headstone photos, public access to locate ancestors, and accessibility via web browsers on any internet connected device.

In addition, Chronicle provides members of the public with an opportunity to create an on-

line memorial with Life Chronicle sharing stories of their loved one’s life.

The Shire of Waroona anticipates that Chronicle will be live by Monday 13 March and looks forward to providing the public and our community access to invaluable historical information, by connecting memories of the deceased through meaningful digital innovation.

Former mayors honoured Temora Shire Council (in the Riverina, New South Wales) recognised three of its favourite ‘sons’ on Friday 3 March with the Freedom of the Shire Award.

The highly esteemed former Mayors who received the prestigious tribute included Ian McRae, Peter Speirs OAM and Cr Nigel Judd OAM. The rare honour is the highest accolade council can bestow on a citizen, individual or organisation and is voted on by councillors of the day. In front of more than 60 invited guests, Mayor of Temora Shire, Cr Rick Firman OAM presented the awards, with Deputy Mayor Graham Sinclair acting as MC. NSW Member for Cootamundra, and Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience, and Minister for Flood Recovery - The Hon Steph Cooke MP was among the special guests, which also included LGNSW president - Cr Darriea Turley AM (Broken Hill City), past and present councillors. Messrs McRae, Speirs and Judd are only the seventh, eighth and ninth inductees respectively since the high honour was instituted in 1981.

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Trio honoured.

Help for Burnett after 2022 flooding events Following the devastating flood events of 2022, North Burnett Regional Council received funding to employ a Community Recovery and Resilience Officer (CRRO) until 30 June, 2024. This position is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

“During 2021-22, North Burnett was activated five times with three events, the Central, Southern, and Western Queensland Rainfall and Flooding November-December 2021, ExTropical Cyclone Seth January 2022 and South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding February 2022, making us eligible for Community Recovery assistance,” Mayor Hotz said.

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“This position is designed to help impacted communities recover from these events. They will also undertake widespread community engagement activities to increase the resilience of our communities for future events. This resilience work will take place across the entire North Burnett with some projects already planned, but many initiatives will be guided by what the community sees as a priority,” Mayor

Hotz explained.

Some projects which have been identified include: Establishment of Volunteering Queensland and Givit within North Burnett, to assist our community during disaster events.

Reviewing evacuation centre plans, training community members to assist in op-

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erating centres and further equipping centres for activation.

Disaster Management Roadshows to promote disaster preparedness and assist the community in making plans.

Working with schools to better understand how to support children while recovering from events.

March 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 21

METRO AND SUBURBAN

Future ideas for Maroubra Randwick City residents are being asked to think about the future of Maroubra Junction with a 20-year masterplan released for public comment.

“Our plan is both ambitious and also practical in transforming Maroubra Junction into a place where innovative transport and traffic solutions combine to create a lively, pedestrian-orientated destination,” Mayor Dylan Parker said.

“It includes some big ideas that we can work towards as longer-term aspirations, but also shorter-term improvements that will make considerable improvements to the look and public experience of Maroubra Junction.”

The plan is based on feedback from community consultation undertaken in 2021 and is designed to guide public domain improvements over the next 20 years.

It proposes improving pedestrian access across Anzac Parade with a new mid-block crossing, large tree plantings, connecting the centre median parking and plaza to retailers and a new bi-directional cycleway on the east-

ern side of the central median.

The masterplan also proposes creating some new public spaces in the town centre and extended area.

This includes a new public plaza on the western edge of the town centre where Maroubra Road meets Bunnerong Road by closing Wild Street to cars. This provides space for a new outdoor dining precinct and additional tree planting.

At the intersection of Walsh Avenue and Maroubra Road, the layout will be amended to better meet the needs to all users. The slip lane will be closed to create space for a new plaza which will feature new seating, trees, public art and green space. The nearby Robey Street carriageway will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly environment with new street trees.

Input is being sought on the future of Maroubra Junction.

Coast council waives permits In recognition of the housing crisis and cost of living, Sunshine Coast Council has waived permit fees for those having to temporarily live in a tent, car, caravan or mobile home and who, due to extenuating circumstances, will find it difficult to pay.

Service excellence and customer service portfolio Cr Christian Dickson said council understood rising housing pressures had placed a burden on many local families.

“Some people have no choice but to live in a temporary home until their circumstances improve,” Cr Dickson said.

“Prior to today’s decision, the $514 application fee to apply for a temporary home permit may have made it difficult for people struggling to make ends meet.

“Waiving the fee for those who are experiencing financial hardship or other legitimate circumstances such as family or domestic violence, will help them gain approval for temporary housing sooner.”

Approval is for a limited duration, depending on the type of temporary home: Less than three months for a tent.

Six months for a car.

18 months for a bus, caravan, or mobile home.

Where more time is required, the fee to reapply for a temporary home approval is $392.

However, where council has previously

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waived the fee, council will again take into account any extenuating circumstances.

Cr Dickson said no two cases were the same and council would carefully consider the circumstances of each application.

“I’m not going to pretend to know all the hardships people are going through and the local law and application fee may be preventing people having a safe place,” Cr Dickson said.

“Our first priority is to ensure everyone – including our most vulnerable people – is safe.

“While it is important we support people who need to access a temporary home, council also has obligations to protect and manage health and safety, the environment, and reduce impacts on nearby properties and public spaces.

“This includes ensuring temporary homes are not placed in known bushfire or flood prone areas; waste, sewage, and grey water are disposed of safely; and the temporary home is safe for use and the occupants have access to, or a plan for, kitchen, bathroom, and toilet needs.

“Our officers will make this as easy as

possible for applicants, understanding many may not have online access and may be facing significant challenges.

“Staff want to sit with them, make sure they are safe, take them through the process and respond with compassion.

“Importantly, the approval process also enables officers to connect people to help and services when additional support is needed.

“While this is a significant step in the right direction, there is much more work to do and we are continuing to look at mechanisms across council to find solutions.”

Approval is not required for a temporary home on a vacant property when occupied for less than two weeks per year or occupied for less than four weeks in any 52-week period on a property with a dwelling house.

In these instances waste materials, including grey water, are not to be left on site and the temporary home is to be located at the rear of the dwelling house.

However, if the temporary home will be in place for longer periods or if it cannot meet the conditions, approval will be required.

Brimbank consults on 26 January Brimbank Council is planning a consultation process to help understand community sentiment around 26 January.

Council acknowledges that 26 January means different things to different people, and for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it represents a day of mourning.

A notice of motion raised by Cr Jae Papalia was endorsed at the 21 February council meeting, for council to conduct a community engagement process regarding 26 January.

“It’s time for Brimbank Council to start engaging with Traditional Custodians and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people to understand their desire to change Brimbank’s Australia Day Ceremonies date,” Cr Papalia said.

“This is something I’m really passionate about. More people are moving to having traditional ceremonies on 26 January to embrace Indigenous culture, and it’s important for our council to understand community sentiment on this topic.”

Council will consult with the community, engaging directly with Traditional Custodians and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people.

Key stakeholders council will engage with 22 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS March 2023

include the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation Action Plan Consultative Committee (BATSICC), Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

Consultation will be conducted in parallel to engagement on council’s draft Reconciliation Action Plan. More information on the future consultation will be available soon.

Based on the outcomes of the community consultation, a report proposing options and recommendations to acknowledge 26 January, will be considered at a council meeting later this year. This will be in time to inform planning for the 2024 year.

“We know that 26 January means different things to different people, and we’re keen to know how our community view the day and how they want it to be marked,” Mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire said.

“The change in the Australian Citizenship Code provides flexibility for council to consider other options for marking the date rather than the usual Citizenship Ceremonies and Citizen

Awards we’ve held in the past.

“I look forward to getting feedback as to how Traditional Custodians and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples want council to mark the date.”

Council has been hosting an Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony and Citizen of the Year Awards event on 26 January for many years.

In the past two years, council has worked to increase information and provide a voice from our local First Nations communities about the area’s Indigenous heritage, including at citizenship ceremonies. This includes video addresses from BATSICC, provision of brochures about Brimbank’s Aboriginal history and the distribution of lapel pins to all new citizens that features the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

As a result of the recent Federal Government update of the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code, councils now have flexibility to hold a citizenship ceremony either on Australia Day, or in the three days after, or the three days before. This means council can consider other options for marking the date.

Preparations are underway.

Plant giveaway welcome The City of Swan is running its biggest ever giveaway of 45,000 free trees and plants this year, and all residents are eligible to apply.

For the past 15 years, the City of Swan has run its popular Rural Revegetation Program, where city residents living on properties 4000 square metres or larger in size were eligible to claim a selection of free plants.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said this year, for the first time, the program was open to everyone in the City of Swan.

“This is one of, if not the biggest giveaway of free trees and plants by a local government in Perth,” he said.

“We will have a whopping 45,000 trees and plants available.

“We’re very proud to be partnering with local Hazelmere nursery Trillion Trees to deliver this wonderful initiative.

“Planting more local native species in our gardens provides many benefits, including increasing our urban forest, creating shade, reducing heat, improving air quality, combating salinity and soil erosion, and offering habitat and food for local wildlife.”

The giveaway will help grow the city’s tree canopy and protect the local biodiversity for future generations.

City residents are invited to apply before the application period closes on 31 March, 2023.

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METRO AND SUBURBAN

Humanitarian honoured An award-winning screenwriter and humanitarian received a key to the City of Newcastle after a compelling keynote speech at the annual Lord Mayor’s International Women’s Day Morning Tea at City Hall.

From her Newcastle home, Vanessa Alexander helped more than 100 Afghan women and their families at risk of retribution from the Taliban out of Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul in August 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fifty-six of these refugees are now living in or around Newcastle, 32 are in Ireland with the support of Ms Alexander’s sister, Elise, while others have resettled in Brazil and the US. Some of the people pivotal to this mission joined Ms Alexander and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes for a panel discussion, facilitated

by Cr Carol Duncan, including: Darwish Ahmadzai, who helped hundreds of women and children flee; Richelle Aiken, head of Friends of Refugees Newcastle; Megan Smith, director at Prosperity Advisers, who helped find local jobs for women; and Tooba Azami, a female Afghan doctor who sought refuge in Newcastle on an emergency visa.

In addition to this, Ms Alexander is a writer and producer, best known for her work on Vikings: Valhalla (Netflix) and The Great (Hulu).

For The Great, she was nominated for Best Comedy and Best New Series at the Writers Guild of America Awards in 2021. The same year, she went on to co-executive produce Valhalla from her bedroom in Newcastle during lockdown while home-schooling three children.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Ms Alexander exemplified the attributes of an ambassador for the city and embodied the spirit of

Vanessa Alexander and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes. the 2023 International Women’s Day theme, Embrace Equity.

“After the fall of Kabul, Vanessa was inspired to organise a group of local women to coordinate urgent and meaningful assistance for vulnerable Afghans, linking a global network of contacts via WhatsApp,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Hers is an incredible story of courage and

hope, and I am proud to induct Ms Alexander as a City of Newcastle ambassador and give worthy recognition to her wonderful work with a key to the city.”

Captivating a packed Concert Hall, Ms Alexander said she was honoured to accept the award for and on behalf of those who had helped coordinate support.

Reversing statue imbalance The City of Melbourne is taking action to address the gender imbalance in the city’s statues, calling for public nominations for remarkable Victorian women to be commemorated.

Only nine of the city’s 580 statues in the city depict and celebrate women from Melbourne’s history – representing less than two per cent. Five of the 25 statues on City of Melbourne land depict women.

“When you look around town, it’s clear more needs to be done to publicly recognise the significant achievements of Victorian women,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“There are so many remarkable women who have shaped our great city – and we want to celebrate them for generations to come.

“Three new statues will be developed in the coming years, and we won’t stop there.

We’ll continue to look at more ways we can better represent and recognise women across our city.”

In December, City of Melbourne councillors passed a motion to create at least three new statues of significant Victorian women.

To mark International Women’s Day, coun-

cil has invited all Melburnians to have their say by nominating the women they want to see publicly recognised and celebrated for generations to come.

“The underrepresentation of women in public spaces is a national issue, in every state and every capital city – and we’re proud to be leading the way by taking action to rectify the imbalance here in Melbourne,” Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said.

“There are more statues of fairies and nymphs in Melbourne than there are of actual real women who lived in this city. We want the gender gap to be narrower than the clearance of the Montague St bridge.

“We’re calling on people to have their say about the remarkable women who should be immortalised in statues. This a fantastic conversation and debate for Melbourne to have – for too long the women who built this city have been airbrushed out of our history. This program will help give proper public recognition to their outstanding achievements.”

These contemporary statues will immortalise women who have shaped the city, celebrating outstanding and diverse achievements across the years.

As part of the selection criteria, nominations must consider the individual’s lasting contribution to Melbourne and Victoria, and reflect the strong values, diversity and inclusive nature of our city.

The City of Melbourne is calling on private landholders and companies, philanthropists and the Victorian Government to help facilitate the development of the statues in every way possible, such as access to land for the installation of statues.

Local artists will be engaged as part of this initiative – supporting the Australian creative sector and our talented home-grown talent.

The new statues will build on council’s work to recognise the contributions of Victorian women to the city, including the renaming of streets, public parks and places.

City aims to be top student spot The City of Melbourne is dedicated to being Australia’s number one city for student experience last month welcoming back international students with free tickets to iconic events, employment seminars and welcome sessions as university O-Week brought hundreds of thousands of students into the CBD. More than 104,000 international student visa holders have chosen Victoria for their studies in 2023 – a 33 per cent increase on January 2022.

Students from India make up the largest cohort at 22 per cent, followed by students from China at 20 per cent.

“International students are part of the lifeblood of Melbourne, adding significantly to our city’s cultural vibrancy and atmosphere,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“We know their strong return will also have significant economic benefits – creating jobs and driving up spending at city businesses.

“Prior to the pandemic, more than 150,000 international students lived in Victoria, contributing $13.7 billion a year to the state’s econLGFOCUS.COM.AU

omy. We’re determined to get back to those levels by making Melbourne the world’s best city for student experience.”

Pedestrian activity around the city’s universities has risen in recent weeks, with average weekday activity up almost 60 per cent compared to the same time last year.

Council will support a range of activities across the city in February and March to welcome new and returning international students, including: The My Melbourne program, which provides free tickets to iconic Melbourne events such as the Moomba Festival, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

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· The Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome at the · · · ·

Queen Victoria Market’s Summer Night Market.

A speed-friendship session for international students, as part of Melbourne Conversations O-Week stalls at RMIT University and the University of Melbourne attended by councillors.

The annual Melbourne International Student Conference in partnership with Meld Community.

Employment seminars and health and wellbeing sessions at The Couch International Student Centre.

“Some of those people join us today on the panel. Darwish helped over 300 women and children to safety, and it inspired me to set up a Dungog Refugee support group who helped me secure Darwish a job and housing there.

“Richelle established Friends of Refugees Newcastle and provided support to the first 25 refugees who arrived, including housing Tooba and her brothers. Erin Beard, a social worker, was the other half of this mighty effort. Megan, together with Richelle, Rosanna Fuller and Lisa Toohey, helped me relocate a young female accountant by giving her and funding her skilled visa,” Ms Alexander said.

“While I was personally involved in helping close to 100 Afghan women and their families, the ripple effect was manyfold as hundreds more received crisis support through the network Darwish and I established with the Canberra based woman’s activist, Susan Hutchison.”

The morning tea raised $3200 through a raffle and online donations for Ms Alexander’s chosen beneficiary, refugee support service Talent Beyond Boundaries, adding to the $1800 raised in 2022 for suicide prevention charity R U OK? and $3100 for domestic violence organisation Got Your Back Sista in 2021.

Wowing judges The ‘wow factor’ is among the key criteria the judging panel considers when choosing the winners of the Logan Urban Design Awards (LUDA).

Nominations are now open for the 2023 awards, which will recognise outstanding urban design, landscaping and architecture projects in the City of Logan.

Creative new businesses and influential community events will also be considered. Urban planners, designers, business owners and event organisers whose efforts are contributing to the vibrant cultural lifestyle of the city are encouraged to apply.

Projects completed – or new businesses opened – since 2020 are eligible.

Economic development chair, Cr Jon Raven said council was proud to promote and endorse clever and creative urban design and lifestyle initiatives through LUDA. He said council’s 2022 Urban Design Framework outlined its commitment to support and guide high quality public planning across the city.

“Council is determined to deliver and support projects and events that inspire people and make our local communities even better places to live,” Cr Raven said.

“These awards are an important opportunity to celebrate the talent and creativity of Logan’s design and business communities and I encourage them to continue aiming high.”

The reimagined Jimboomba Central shopping centre claimed the top gong at the 2020 LUDA (held in March 2021 because of pandemic restrictions).

The project, designed by Interlandi Mantesso Architects and developed by the Zagame Corporation and Pellicano Developments, was lauded for its strong sense of identity and generous use of space.

March 2023 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOCUS 23

NEWS

Peace with the river Managing flood risk Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry led a heart-warming service recently, casting flowers into the Tweed River in a symbolic gesture of hope and healing as the region marked the first anniversary of the 2022 flood.

Cr Cherry was joined by Federal Richmond MP Justine Elliot, Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis, Crs Reece Byrnes and Nola Firth as well as representatives from the Australian Red Cross, SES, Tweed Byron Police District, Northern NSW Local Health District and local residents, as they reflected on the devastating events of 28 February 2022.

Speaking from the heart, an emotional Cr Cherry paid tribute to the river as the lifeblood of the Tweed, marking a minute’s silence before leading a procession down to the river to cast flowers off the historic Skinner Lowes Wharf in Murwillumbah.

“Looking at this peaceful river today it’s hard to imagine what was building up 12 months ago,” Cr Cherry said.

“But then as now, we did it together: the shock, the losses, the destruction, and the helping one another through. This river gives the Tweed life and the beautiful green scenery you see all around. It sustains our forests and farms, our villages and towns, from Wollumbin to the sea.

“But we know that as much as the river gives, it can also take, and it has never taken as much as it has in the past year, and we are still recovering.

“Today is an incredibly personal moment – it is about acknowledging all that we went through, but also all that we are still going through. For many, the experience of 28 February and what followed is still raw. It’s too early to start thinking about healing, while they are still dealing with damage to their houses, struggling to find suitable long-term alternative accommodation, trying to access insurance payments and dealing with feelings of loss.

Three tiers of government united: making peace with the Tweed River at Murwillumbah, with Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Federal Richmond MP Justine Elliot, and Tweed Mayor Cr Chris Cherry.

“To those who aren’t here today for those reasons, I have you in my thoughts and my heart. I hope that one day, you will make your own peace with this river and your experiences of 12 months ago. I understand that healing is an intensely personal thing, and we all have our own journey to take.”

Cr Cherry said the ceremony was another step in the journey towards recovery, with the flowers used carefully selected by a local florist as symbols of hope across cultures.

The ceremony followed an earlier community breakfast hosted by Business Kingscliff president, Cr James Owen, which drew a strong crowd, while a variety of additional community activities will be held across the week to mark the anniversary.

One of the events, DROPS, hosted by the Australian Red Cross together with council, invites residents affected by the flood to drop into the Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium to share their experiences through contributing to an artwork.

Australian Red Cross spokesperson Penny Harrison said the Disaster Recovery of Personal Stories (DROPS) initiative was just one of the ways the Red Cross was supporting local communities to take time to reflect on how far they’ve come in their recovery journey over the past 12 months.

“The DROPS initiative is about providing a safe place for Tweed community members to reflect on the past 12 months, by expressing their feelings and thoughts on a paper ‘drop’ which is then posted on a display board within the Murwillumbah Council Auditorium,” Ms Harrison said.

“Over the past 12 months, the Australian Red Cross has helped many communities on the journey to recovery, firstly through the disbursement of financial grants, and secondly through ongoing recovery programs on the ground.

“Much of the work we’re doing now simply wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our donors right across the nation who contributed to both the Australian Red Cross Flood Appeal and the Australia Unites telethon which raised an incredible $55.6 million.”

To help demonstrate how these vital funds have provided both immediate and ongoing recovery work with communities including programs designed to build resilience, Australian Red Cross has released a 12-month Flood Report which can be found at redcross.org.au

Flood-impacted councils across Queensland will share in a total of $18.25 million to improve flood resilience through flood studies, risk assessments and other special projects.

A total of 36 councils will receive funding for 127 projects through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in response to the 2021-22 disaster season.

This funding will allow councils to invest in flood studies, flood risk management plans, and flood warning intelligence systems, so they’re better prepared for the threat of natural disaster.

Local government areas impacted by the following weather events have received grants: Central, Southern and Western Queensland Rainfall and Flooding (10 Nov - 3 Dec 2021).

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth (29 Dec 2021 - 10 Jan 2022).

South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding (22 Feb - 5 Apr 2022).

Southern Queensland Flooding (6 May - 20 May 2022).

This package is one of three made available through the $31 million Flood Risk Management Program, which is being administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

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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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