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LG achieving for Australia
Speaking at the recent Annual Conference of the NSW Local Government Association, the Premier Bob Carr said that is it impossible for this country to work without an effective partnership between Federal, State and Local Government. The partnership between the State Government and Local Government must be based on cooperation. Any decision on amalgamation must be made at the local level, initiated locally and agreed to by the Councils and communities concerned.

Editorial
In Melbourne's City of Moreland, Optus vehicles have been impounded and in NSW Councils are threatening to send in teams of workers to rip down cables if rates they intend to impose are not paid. Western Australian Council's have found a strong ally in the shape of the State Government. The Court Government has said an emphatic 'no' for the use of its power poles to string up cables. Much to the consternation of the telecommunication giants this issue is not just going to disappear.

Lobbying Canberra
David Plumridge, President of the Australian Local Government Association, has highlighted the important work carried out by ALGA in promoting the interests of Local Government to national decision makers in Canberra. The National General Assembly, to be held in Canberra in early December, will again send a clear message to decision makers about the strength of Councils from across Australia. He said that the National Assembly is vital to clearly stamp Local Government's position in the early years of the Howard Government.

Internet as a teaching and learning tool
Teachers and library staff from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) have produced a model for mounting programs online. It includes access to learning resources and course information, a range of communication functions, administrative services and monitoring methods.

Highest quality childcare
At a time when the future of Chiildcare is under a cloud, due to Federal Goverment funding cuts, Glen Eira Council in Melbourne's south east has every reason to be proud of its performance in this service area. Glen Eira has gained the highest possible level of Quality Assurance and Accreditation for each of Council's five Childcare Centres.

Managing medical waste safely
Concerns about the potential for injury from needles and other medically contaminated waste has seen Wingecaribee Shire in New South Wales introduce a comprehensive policy covering the disposal and transport of all kinds of waste which has been contaminated by human body fluids.

Planning for a sustainable future
Dorset Council in north west Tasmania has developed planning strategies in the world to recognise the fundamental role of a healthy environment for a healthy economy and high quality of life. It has attracted interest from other Local Government bodies not only in Australia but overseas.

New impetus in north west Victoria
Mildura Rural City Council was established in January 1995 as a result of the amalgamation of the former Mildura City Council and former Shires of Walpeup and Mildura. The new Municipality has the largest area, and with 46,000 residents one of the largest populations in country Victoria. It is uniquely situated at the crossroads of the three States - Victoria, South Australia and NSW.

Tourism boom
Located in the warmest region of Victoria and ideally situated to exploit the beauty of the Murray River, and the unique environment of the Sunraysia and Mallee districts, it is little wonder that tourism plays a significant role in the local economy. Keen to maximise on these attributes, Council provides various infrastructure and works with industry groups to develop ideas and events to attract people to the district.

Customer focus
Council has developed a number of quality improvement strategies including a Customer Service Charter. The Charter is a positive way of formalising a matching of services provided by Council with the needs of customers.

Multi purpose Community Centre
The biggest community infrastructure program in the history of north west Victoria is currently being undertaken by Council with construction of The Alfred Deakin Centre. At a cost of $11 million, the new Centre will provide residents and visitors to the area with over 5,000 square metres of community facilities, ideally located on Mildura's main boulevard.

Ensuring people come back is good business
Mildura Rural City Council and Wentworth Shire in NSW, have joined forces to produce a Food Safety Kit and introduce a Food Hygiene Audit System for local food proprietors. It has been distributed to every food outlet in the two Council areas and has been well accepted.

Sunraysia 2000
Remnants of previous eras in a City's history can leave present day residents with unsightly, dangerous or other planning disasters. These are often placed in the 'too hard' basket because of cost or other considerations. It takes vision and enterprise to tackle difficulties like these. A major project to improve the appearance and access to the Murray River for both residents and visitors would see the rail line rerouted around the town. This would open up the River precinct for further development.