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Broader focus reaps rewards
With over 1,000 delegates gathering in Penrith for the 1998 IMEA NSW Division Annual Conference, President Chris Watson and Executive Director Don Sheffield agreed it was an outstanding success. A further 6,000 people attended the two day Field Days, where some 300 exhibitors made the most of the indoor and outdoor facilities.

MAV moving forward
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) held its annual forum in March to discuss current issues facing member Councils. These reflected the diverse role of Local Government in the modern era, including planning matters, governance issues, and rating for timber plantations and Vicgrains solos.

Editorial
Since the Treasurer announced that tax reform was firmly on the agenda, the Australian Local Government Association has been working to ensure Councils and their communities will not be adversely affected by any changes. ALGA has become very concerned by the failure of the Federal Government to rule out a GST on Council rates. During Question Time on 7 April, the Minister for Local Government, Alex Somlyay, stated that the Government, at this stage, will not rule in or out anything that is in the tax reform package.

President's comment
Each edition we feature the views of a State Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Bill Bott, President NSW Shires Association.

Net dining in Canterbury
While many Councils publish local restaurant guides, Sydney's Canterbury City Council has gone a step further. A restaurant guide included on Council's Internet site has proved a big success.

Engineering excellence rewarded
For the first time Awards for Excellence, announced each year at the Annual Conference of the Institute of Municipal Engineering Australia - NSW Division, have included a category for Environmental Initiatives. This reflects the extent to which Local Government engineers are now being increasingly called on to rectify environmental problems and protect natural resources for future generations.

Valuing older people
As Australia's population ages, planners must increasingly consider the needs of older people. With a rapidly aging population and the largest aged care budget in the Melbourne Eastern Metropolitan Region, the City of Whitehorse is not only looking at improving and expanding existing services but also implementing innovative programs to foster positive attitudes in older people and about older people by the broader community.

A stroll through Manly's history
A walking tour guide published by Manly Council in NSW draws the attention of residents and visitors to the many works of art in the area. Public art works in Manly reflect the social and historical development of the locality and Australian art.

IMEA/RTA Local Government Road Safety Project
Now in its fifth year the IMEA/RTA Local Government Road Safety Project continues to raise the priority of road safety in local government primarily through the development of road safety strategic plans and the incorporation of these plans into council management plans. The Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Awards Scheme was established in late 1995. The Awards, sponsored by the Motor Accidents Authority, publicly recognise the outstanding achievements of councils in the area of behavioural/educative aspects of road safety.

Services Expo brings greater understanding
A recent Expo staged by the City of Frankston in Victoria has not only served to better inform the public of the range of services and facilities that Council provides, it has also encouraged staff to recognise the value of their achievements.

Zapping the millennium bug
With just over 600 days to go before we reach the Year 2000, organisations everywhere must assess the effect on their operations and systems of the 'millennium bug'. Brisbane City Council is tackling the problem by establishing the Year 2000 Compliance Plan Project.

Management system helps in time of uncertainty
As with Local Government across Australia, Tasmanian Councils are facing changes being brought about by National Competition Policy and the drive for greater efficiency and accountability. The further degree of uncertainty with possible further amalgamations facing Tasmanian Councils does not make it any easier.

Operational manual earns quality accreditation
An operating manual which clearly sets out procedures for existing, new and temporary staff has earned Darebin City Council's Executive Services Department independent Quality Accreditation to Australian and New Zealand standards (AS/NZS ISO 9002:1994).

Knowledge management through COLD techology
Computron's COOL solution evolved from COLD (Computer Output to Laser Disk) technology. It replaces costly, inefficient microfiche and paper based storage of reports with rapid archiving and instant retrieval of electronic data. Councils are able to archive information, such as rate notices, payroll reports, immunisation details or parking fine information. They can retrieve this information in seconds using COOL's sophisticated search engine.

Improving government service
The Commonwealth Government is committed to improving the quality of customer service provided by its Departments, agencies and enterprises, while at the same time ensuring public funds are spent in the most efficient way. Two key parts of the strategy to do this are 'The Quality in Customer Service Package' and the Government's decision to introduce Service Charters for government bodies that deal with the public.

Room to grow in Maroondah
Formed on 15 December 1994, Maroondah comprises the former Cities of Croydon and Ringwood, as well as Ringwood North (formerly in Doncaster Templestowe) and Kilsyth South (formerly part of the Shire of Lillydale). Situated 25 kilometres from the GPO, Maroondah now forms the eastern boundary of metropolitan Melbourne. Its 61 square kilometres are home to 91,111 people who enjoy an environment dominated by greenery.

Technology to increase community ties
An ambitious program to establish Internet training and wider access for residents is soon to be established in Maroondah. Courtesy of $100,000 funding from the State Government, the City expects to be able to assist a broad range of citizens to gain familiarity with this technology.

Leadership course brings community benefits
For the past four years Council has been actively encouraging initiative and talent in Maroondah through the Leadership Maroondah program. Under the program, Council recruits approximately 15 local people from all walks of life to participate in a training and development program for community and personal benefit.

Getting to know the neighbours
There is no more congenial place to gather a community together than a local neighbourhood park. Over the last two years, Council has organised eight evening gatherings in small parks. Here local residents are invited to come along and enjoy a barbecue and entertainment in the form of clowns, musicians and activities for children.

Youthful advice
A Youth Advisory Group scheme is about to be expanded, offering training and skills development to young people. The aim is for them to gain knowledge which will enable them to give something to the community as well as gain skills and training to help with future career choices.

Community survey leaders
With the introduction of Compulsory Competitive Tendering in Victoria, it is essential for Councils to evaluate the level of service they are offering. Maroondah has taken on this task with determination, undertaking extensive customer satisfaction surveys.

Older citizens getting out and about
The Maroondah Adult Day Activities and Support Services - Kerrabee Club, caters for about 70 people. It takes groups out on smaller trips on a regular basis, but a highlight of the year for many is the four day holiday to give respite for carers and a holiday to club members.

World class venue in Melbourne's East
Situated in a picturesque bush garden adjacent to the Civic Offices in Ringwood is one of the City's great assets, the Karralyka Centre. Designed by famed architect Harry Seidler, the Centre features a theatre, reception rooms, function rooms and a meeting place.

First class leisure service
Amalgamation in 1994 coupled with the introduction of Compulsory Competitive Tendering gave Maroondah Leisure, the business unit created to manage the City's major recreational facilities, unprecedented opportunities to streamline services and gain from new economies of scale.

Reclaiming waterways
Maroondah has six major waterways and several lakes, all providing aesthetic and recreational amenity. In the past, some have suffered through failure to recognise these values. A study funded by Council is now underway to provide a broad strategy for rehabilitating and enhancing the streams and lakes.

Broadcasting local events at Wyreena
Housed in one of Maroondah's oldest homes is the Wyreena Centre. Here residents can meet and join in an enormous variety of activities ranging from art classes to seminars to community broadcasting.