Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Social justice in a culture of competition
Speaking at the 7th National Conference on Local Government and Community Development, Frank Hornby said that the diverse cultural and social structures of Australian's cities and towns and isolated rural areas call out against a fixed central system of economic and social policy. A system which narrowly defines public morality as a short term helping hand for the less fortunate.

Landmark for new Century
As Homebush Bay takes shape for the 2000 Olympics, this environmentally sensitive development is being described as an icon to rival the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, according to a promotional video.

Editorial
A number of organisations, both public and private sector, were in there vying for the recent Australian Customer Service Awards. Winning two of the four Categories, and the overall Qantas Special Award, plus two High Commendations is definitely a feather in the cap for Local Government. Competing against the best in the private sector for these National Awards illustrates Local Government's commitment to providing quality service at an affordable price.

President's comment
In each edition, we feature the views of a Local Government Associate President. The following is from Mayor Rosemary Craddock, President Local Government Association of South Australia.

Call for entries for Annual Report Awards
Organisations committed to excellence, accuracy and responsibility in reporting to stakeholders should enter the prestigious 1999 Annual Report Awards (ARA). Some of Australia's largest publicly listed companies, as well as many government and not for profit organisations, have accepted the Awards as the benchmark for excellence in annual reporting.

LG scoops Australian Customer Service Awards
With six of the 18 finalists in the 1998 Australian Customer Service Awards being Councils, there is little doubt Local Government not only mixes it with the best in the private sector but can better them.

Teaching the community about water management
Water supply and management are an important responsibility of Local Government in many States. Recent experiences in Sydney have highlighted issues which are often taken for granted, but much of the discussion has not been fully informed. To help increase public information about this crucial resource, the Australian Water and Wastewater Association (AWWA) has embarked on a Water Education Project.

Councils aim to turn the tide on climate change
Halting rising seas and the erratic weather extremes predicted to accompany global warming lie behind the worldwide linking of Local Government in the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) program. With the completion of a successful pilot involving 30 Councils across the country, CCP Australia has expanded its program for Councils to reduce greenhouse gas emissions &endash; the prime cause of global warming.

Tax reform summit raises many questions
Local Government in Western Australia recently had the opportunity to discuss the implications of a GST through a Tax Summit, titled 'Taxation Reform: Back to Basics - An Examination of Key Issues for Western Australia.' Organised by the Western Australian Municipal Association (WAMA), delegates heard from a range of speakers regarding the likely effects of the Howard Government's proposed tax changes.

Regional benchmarking
Queensland's City of Logan recognised that data which had helped improve efficiency in its roads and drainage operations was limited by its internal nature. To achieve a broader evaluation of its efficiency, comparison with other operators was necessary.

Two Way Rental Finance Plan
The Two Way Radio Division of Motorola is offering its' customers a new approach to financing their mobile business communications needs. By signing up to Motorola's Two Way Rental Finance Plan, Councils will enjoy several significant advantages, not the least of which is the all in one nature of the package of finance, hardware, installation and training.

International Year of Older Persons
1999 has been designated as the United Nation's International Year of Older Persons (IYOP). The IYOP will provide an opportunity for government, business, the community and families to work together to improve the health and wellbeing of older people. Local Government authorities have a key part to play in ensuring that the International Year has a lasting effect on the quality of life and wellbeing of older Australians.

Brisbane offers Gold to its Seniors
Abseiling, plane flying lessons, roller blading, sea kayaking, South American dance, Tai Chi, bush walks, belly dancing and trails riding are not the activities you would normally associate with older Australians. In Brisbane, however, these are options, along with 40 others, which are offered to the senior citizens as part of an innovative scheme which challenges the accepted notions of age appropriate activity.

Jabiru - the gateway to Kakadu
Originally established as a service town for employees of the Ranger uranium mine, Jabiru township is now preparing to change its character to meet changing circumstances. Each year, increasing numbers of people pass through Jabiru when they come to see the unique landscape and cultural experience of Kakadu National Park.

Sustainable growth in reginal Australia
Urban and northern population drift, combined with a continued low reproduction rate, will lead to the depopulation of some regional areas, according to statistician, Brian Doyle. Brian Doyle, from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, was speaking at the second annual Sustainable Economic Growth in Regional Australia conference, held in south east Queensland in November.

Torres Strait Festival celebrates community and culture
The Torres Strait Cultural Festival, held recently, has reinforced the rich and unique culture of Island community in far north Australia. Islanders from across Torres Strait converge on Thursday Island every two years to celebrate their cultural identity.

Landmark of Australian democracy
A $4.2 million Centre celebrating one of the most significant events in Australia's history was opened earlier this year. The Eureka Stockade Centre, developed by the City of Ballarat, portrays the events which led to the historic uprising which pitched miners in an armed struggle against colonial authorities.

Encouraging travellers to stay
Council assistance in promoting the local region as a stopover for travellers has been enthusiastically welcomed by South Australia's towns of Quorn and Hawker. Situated at the southern gateway to the picturesque Flinders Ranges, local businesses were concerned about economic opportunities being missed with too many people simply passed through the towns without realising how much there was to see and do in the area.

Tourism support brings sustainable development
The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley in Western Australia is a natural destination for tourists seeking an outback experience. With tourist numbers expected to continue to grow, the Shire assists local industry to make the most of the economic opportunities this brings via the provision of infrastructure and through its planning role.

Spa leads to a healthy economy
Booringa Shire Council in South West Queensland has taken an innovative step to ensure economic security for the Shire through its natural assets. The Great Artesian Spa, opened in April 1998, in the town of Mitchell, capitalises on a unique feature of the Shire.

Planning regional tourism accommodation
The Tourism Task Force has recently published a two-part guide for Councillors and developers considering future regional tourism accommodation development.

People, places and partnerships
In his address, President of the Australian Local Government Association, Councillor John Campbell said that the National Assembly's theme, 'People, Places and Partnerships', is very appropriate as Local Government prepares for the next millennium. The remainder of 1998 and 1999 will be critical for ALGA as tax reform legislation is introduced into Parliament.

What makes people happy?
As a nation we place enormous faith in the ability of economic growth to make us feel happier. Yet in his Keynote Address at the National Assembly, Dr Clive Hamilton, Executive Director of The Australian Institute, stated there is very little evidence to validate this widely held belief.

What the Federal politicians said
Extracts of speeches delivered at the 1998 National General Assembly of Local Government.

LG leadership in reconcilitation
The Indigenous Issues Briefing has become an annual forerunner to the National Assembly. It provides the opportunity for local Councils to discuss issues and opportunities to improve the planning, coordination and delivery of services to Indigenous communities.

Urgent attention needed to bridge widening regional gap
A crisis is looming for Australia's urban and rural regions unless the Federal Government takes urgent and bold action, according to a report released at the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum staged in conjunction with the National Assembly. The 'State of Our Regions' report, prepared for the Australian Local Government Association by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research, outlines the major trends and challenges for Australia's urban and rural regions.

GST uncertainty
President of ALGA, Council John Campbell has called for urgent clarification as to which Local Government activities will be subject to a GST. Councillor Campbell said many Council activities fall into a grey area, where it is still uncertain if a GST will apply.

Building partnerships with young people
Speaking at the National Assembly Mia Handshin, Youth Advocate and delegate at the Constitutional Convention, urged Councils to see their young people as citizens who have something to contribute now. She said if youth are seen as tomorrow's citizens with only something to contribute in the future then their sense of belonging is undermined.

Sydney and Surf Coast take National Innovation Awards
Sydney City Council has won the prestigious 1998 National Award for Innovation in Local Government, while Surf Coast Shire took out the National Rural Award.