Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Planning for new millennium
With an emphasis on a practical appreciation of planning, conservation and development, the recent National Congress of the Royal Australian Planning Institute (RAPI) had the appropriate theme 'Implementing the Vision: Reflections and Directions'. It attracted almost 500 delegates, with Councils represented from across the nation.

Editorial
How we are perceived by the global community it vital. Laying a xenophobic card on the table is simply not good business and the multiplier effect will have devastating results on our communities, let alone tear the heart and soul out of our communities through its divisive nature. Australians are renowned for giving everyone 'a fair go'. Tolerance, fairness and respect for others are the essence of healthy, safe and productive communities. Councils, being closest to the people, are ideally placed to show leadership and reaffirm their total commitment to 'community', that everyone in our community contributes to what makes it great and our nation strong. This is particularly vital as we open our doors and host the rest of the world at the 2000 Olympics.

Best practice environment management
Dubbo City Council in inland NSW has embarked on an extensive 20 year plan to determine the future health of its rural and urban environment. Council is determined to improve the district's ability to sustain and develop its current industry and lifestyle.

Building relationships
Building Relationships is Victoria's response to 1995 resolution by Commonwealth, State and Territory Local Government Ministers, to develop strategies for improving the delivery of Local Government services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Using a series of case studies, involving several Victorian Councils and their Koori communities, 'Building Relationships' is a useful tool for Councils and Aboriginal organisations wanting to work together to develop more effective relations and culturally relevant services.

Councils join Australia's 'big conversation'
Councils all around Australia have been invited to participate in Australia Consults 1997, a grass roots consultation program on key national identity issues. It is expected that 200 Councils will join in this 'big conversation' either on, or around Australia Day 1997. Australia Consults is a simple idea - Mayors or Presidents invite the local community to a public forum.

LG Act review in Tas
Following a reasonable settling in period, the Tasmanian Local Government Act 1993 is currently being reviewed. The impact of the National Competition Policy and other policy reforms demand the Act be revisited to ensure Councils have the capacity to carry out these changes.

Quality awards for LG
Three Victorian Councils, the Cities of Port Phillip, Whitehorse and Manningham, were among 57 organisations recognised in this year's Australian Quality Awards. An increasing number of organisations are using the Australian Quality Awards assessment criteria in their pursuit of excellence and for measuring business performance.

Quality certification for entire organisation
Manningham City Council in Melbourne's East has not only talked about quality assurance it has implemented a program earning it quality certification under international standard ISO9001. Manningham believes it is the first Local Government authority in Australia to achieve quality certification for the entire organisation.

Setting priorities
With responsibility for $74 million of ratepayers money, Parramatta City Council is determined to fulfil residents wishes when it comes to expenditure. For a tiny fraction of their budget, Parramatta has, for the past four years, invested in community surveys to ascertain the priorities and requirements of the electorate.

Melbourne first debt free Capital City
Back in 1990 Melbourne City Council took on a mission to make the City debt free. In October this year, it achieved that aim, and believes it is the first Capital City in Australia to do so.

Self managing work teams at Bankstown
In a major change initiative, Bankstown City Council has replaced a traditional command and control hierarchy with self managing work teams. Given the responsibility, skills, 'time out' and support, staff are not only better positioned to compete but in the long run will have increased job satisfaction and security.

Full steam ahead with a secure future
In population terms, Gold Coast is Australia's second largest Council. Formed in March 1995 following the amalgamation of the former Albert Shire and Gold Coast City, this 'Super Council' serves a population of approximately 340,000 and has an annual budget of $425 million.

World City
Gold Coast is Australia's seventh largest City and with over three million tourist visits per year, Australia's tourist capital. The most popular destination in Australia with international visitors, Gold Coast is very much a World City.

Attracting new business
Even with its great climate, international status and annual growth rate, the Gold Coast City Council is aware that to attract new business, it must compete with every other region and Council in Australia.

Community input for Nature Conservation Strategy
Gold Coast City Council is offering residents an opportunity to directly guide development of a major conservation plan for the City. Community members have been invited to form a Key Stakeholder Group, which will play a significant role in developing Council's Nature Conservation Strategy. Council's decision to develop the Strategy reflects its commitment to ecologically sustainable development.

Tourism and water conservation
Throughout Australia, the issue of water conservation is vital for the long term sustainability of our economy and environment. At Gold Coast, this issue is exacerbated with the constant influx of tourists. To help reduce water usage, Council's Gold Coast Water has produced a 'Waterwise Manual of Best Practices' specifically for the area's large number of hotels and resorts.