Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Australia's big conversation continues to gain momentum
From Devonport in Tasmania to Chinchilla in Queensland, Sandstone in Western Australia to Warringah on Sydney's north shore, Councils large and small once again joined with their communities in 'Speak Up' - the Australia Consults program ran by the National Australia Day Council.

Editorial
The election of the Howard Government in March last year meant change was inevitable. In the lead up to the election a number of pre election undertakings were sought and obtained from the then Opposition by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). Failure of the Government to honour these undertakings culminated late last year with the ALGA suspending negotiations on the MOU.

Gas bonus for Wagga Wagga
Responding to a changing environment created under National Competition Policy, the City of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales has put its gas supply and distribution business up for sale.

Promoting regional tourism
With the Sydney Olympics on the horizon, tourism opportunities are expected to expand, particularly in New South Wales. Concerned that tourism promotional strategies are largely focusing on Sydney and coastal areas, five Councils in New South Wales' Central West have joined together to promote their region.

Working in partnership
Brimbank City Council is one of only two Victorian Councils to introduce a Mentoring Program. This involves an employee being guided by a more experienced and skilled person with advice, information, feedback and the sharing of knowledge and experience.

Ditching back injuries
According to WorkCover NSW, during 1993/94 almost $25 million in compensation was paid for back injuries in the public administration area. More than 70% of this was paid to Local Government workers.

Protecting hearing at Glenorchy
Glenorchy City Council in Tasmania was concerned about the risk of noise induced hearing loss. With workers, including parks and gardens staff, operating a range of machinery, in 1994 Council introduced a 'noise conservation program'.

Contracting made safer
In Victoria, Compulsory Competitive Tendering has resulted in a dramatic increase in services being contracted out. As a result, the legal issues and implications of Occupational Health and Safety need to be fully understood.

Workshop to look at OH&S; and contracting out
According to the Victorian WorkCover Authority contracting our does not reduce risk - in fact it is more likely to increase a Council's risk exposure unless there are systems in place to effectively manage legal obligations for health and safety. A Council's responsibilities for contractors - and how to better manage contractor risks - will be one of the key workshops at the 1997 Local Government Conference "Reform beyond 'Reform'".

Newcastle tackles safety head on
In 1993, Newcastle City Council identified a real problem with lost time injuries. As one of the few self insurers in Local Government in Australia, an injury bill of $830,000 per annum was unacceptable and the organisation anxiously sought to reverse this trend.

World class living in Melbourne's west
Situated on the western fringe of metropolitan Melbourne, Melton just 30 years ago was a country township on the Western Highway passed through by travellers as they made their way to Ballarat or beyond to Adelaide. Today it is a thriving urban area offering its 44,000 residents a unique lifestyle that combines the best of both rural and city living.

Diversity in development
Foresight coupled with good investment practice has combined to afford Melton a perfect development opportunity that meets growth targets, provides sustainable living and increases the area's social and economic diversity.

Streamlining approvals
Currently, Council approves about 300 new residential lots per year. This is expected to escalate to 500 or more as development in the eastern part of the Shire increases. To ensure an efficient, high quality service, Melton Shire has introduced two new initiatives. These reduce costs and time for residents, property developers and Council.

Spinoffs from landcare
While residents enjoy the rural ambience of the district, in reality much of the local landscape has been compromised by the spread of weeds. To improve the appearance and value of the local landscape, Council has embarked on an extensive campaign encouraging land holders to improve their holdings by appealing to their hip pocket nerve.

Youth take part
With the highest percentage of young people in the Melbourne metropolitan area, Council places a high priority on its Youth Services Program. Conscious that youth need space for recreation and socialising that does not infringe on the amenity of other residents, Council aims to meet these needs by making full use of what young people themselves have to offer. Younger residents have been actively encouraged to participate in Council activities, particularly in the planning and designing of facilities.

Tourism just a stone's throw from Melbourne
Historically, Melton Shire has not featured as a major tourist destination, although visitors to Bendigo along the Calder Highway and Ballarat on the Western Highway pass through it. This is about to change. Plans are under way to make the most of the many attractions Melton has to offer daytrippers or weekend holiday makers from Melbourne.

Thoroughbred International
Not only is Council working to bring business to the district, it is establishing its own business initiatives, capitalising on links with long standing local industries. Council has become a partner with local horse breeding establishments, in an enterprise to market quality horses to Asia Pacific owners. The horses are bred, trained and housed in Australia where there is ample room for the industry to grow.