 Working with Native Title
'Working with Native Title: A Program for Local Government'. A joint
initiative between the ALGA and the National Native Title Tribunal.
Phase one of the program includes the practical, plain English guide,
'Working with Native Title'. This program of education and
information will go a long way toward improving local communities'
understanding of native title.
VIC's super black hole
A superannuation
shortfall of $393 million has led the Victorian Government to
announce that it will lift its Local Government rate cap by 3
percent. The $393 million super black hole became public in March
when a leaked Local Authorities Superannuation Board document was
tabled in State Parliament.
Editorial
In the last edition of
FOCUS, we criticised the Victorian Government's sacking of Darebin
City Council. The two Letters to the Editor received in response to
our comments, and presented below, clearly illustrate the divergent
views of those in Local Government compared to the Minister,
representing the State Government.
24 hour access
Access to Local
Councils during working hours can be difficult for some people due to
work or other commitments. Victoria's Manningham City Council has
gone a long way to overcoming this problem, recently introducing
touch screen information kiosks at seven community locations.
Manly sets financial reporting
benchmark
In July, Manly Council set a financial reporting
benchmark by submitting finalised audited statements within three
weeks of the financial year end.
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Unique community complex opened in
Mildura
Mildura Rural City Council has set a new benchmark in the
provision of community facilities with the opening of its $12 million
Alfred Deakin Centre. The new building not only provides residents of
Mildura with a wonderful modern facility, it offers visitors a
visually stunning gateway to the City, the region and all its
attractions.
Horsham welcomes 'Port Power'
Ever
since Australian Rules football has become a national sport, each
weekend diehard fans traverse the country giving their teams valuable
support. Aiming to make the most of opportunities for interstate
cooperation and friendship, is the Victorian Rural City of Horsham,
conveniently situated on the Western Highway about half way between
Melbourne and Adelaide.
Showcasing Gilgandra services
This
month during NSW Local Government Week, Gilgandra Shire Council will
showcase its achievements in health and community services. At a time
when many rural communities are struggling to find ways to provide
adequate levels of care and services which urban communities take for
granted, Gilgandra can point to a range of initiatives enhancing the
lives of its citizens.
Handbook to improve access saves
money
Modern society expects that buildings, footpaths, carparks
and other facilities that are part and parcel of modern life should
provide accessible and safe use for everyone, regardless of age or
disability. Unfortunately designers, builders and developers, often
overlook the practical needs of many groups in the community when
planning new facilities.
Youth projects hit the mark
In Huon
Valley, Australia's southern most Municipality, local youth are a
high priority. Although not far from Hobart, a lack of public
transport means young people in the district experience much the same
difficulties in accessing facilities as youth in more remote areas of
the country. With this in mind, Council's Youth Services Department
makes an effort to provide opportunities local young people would not
otherwise have.
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Hastings welcomes conference
delegates
Hastings Council is proud to be hosting the 1997 Local
Government Association Annual Conference at the magnificent Port
Macquarie RSL Club. We hope that the enthusiasm of the Hastings
community inspires the Conference so that, as an industry, we can
surf the waves of change together and move forward positively.
Venue with a difference
Long serving
delegates who attended the last LGA Annual Conference hosted by
Hastings in 1987 will notice that the area has certainly moved from
strength to strength. As well as major town centre works and
prestigious residential canal developments, a key feature will be the
new Conference venue.
Welcome reception on the Town Green
Boasting the best climate in Australia, and that's official,
according to a report released by the CSIRO, why not make the most of
it? The Conference organisers, keen to exploit this key attribute,
are planning an outdoor President's Reception and Welcome to
Delegates. Rather than being indoors shut away from the
community, residents and visitors will witness Mayors, in full
regalia, and many Councillors from around the State coming together,
to 'surf the waves of change'.
Coordinated local area planning at
its best
In recent months, Hastings Council has been drawing up a
plan ensuring community services needs will continue to be met well
into the next century. Council firmly believed the best way to
achieve this, and make optimum use of available resources, was to
obtain extensive input for service users and providers, Government
Departments and the broader community.
Port Macquarie Town Centre
revitalised
Those who have not been to Port Macquarie for a few
years are in for a pleasant surprise when they visit Council's
revitalised Town Centre. The combination of beautification works,
carried out as part of the Port Macquarie Town Centre Masterplan, and
the development of the Port Central Shopping Centre has transformed
the town centre area. Further improvements are planned to achieve
Council's vision of 'creating a visually attractive town centre that
is safe, pleasant for users, and enhances business opportunities for
the benefit of the community'.
Welcome to the heart of Australia's
Holiday Coast
Almost midway between Sydney and Brisbane, Hastings
Council has 85 kilometres of superb coastline. Port Macquarie, at
the mouth of the Hastings River and with a population of 36,000, is
Council's major centre. With an abundance of man made and
natural attractions, as well as providing an excellent Conference
venue, delegates are encouraged to come early or stay longer to take
full advantage of one of the most beautiful and relaxing places in
Australia.
Places to see things to do
River
cruises, farm tours, restaurants, a cinema complex, nightclubs,
galleries, handcraft centres and a very active local historical
society are just some of the added attractions.
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