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 Community Government revamp
NT Minister announces regional partnership agreements
In the six months since the election of Clare Martin’s Labor Government in the Northern Territory, there has been a shift away from the previous government’s move to amalgamate Councils. Community Development Minister, John Ah Kit, the first Aboriginal Minister in NT, and second anywhere in Australia, recently outlined to Parliament why a new approach is needed. He said four years on for Local Government Reform and Development Agenda of the former Government, the Tiwi Islands Local Government is the only a single run on the board.
Darwin marks 60th anniversary of first air attack
Darwin City Council welcomed some 800 people who travelled to the Top End to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first bombing raids on Darwin that took place in the early morning and at noon on 19 February 1942. During the four day program organised by Council, the main event, the Commemorative Service at the Darwin Cenotaph, attracted 3,500 people. This is the only Cenotaph in Australia to have come under enemy attack.
Editorial
Increasing responsibilities; rising community expectations; difficulties in keeping up with infrastructure maintenance, together with an escalating problem if this expenditure is deferred; soaring insurance premiums; plus unfunded mandates all contribute to the financial tightrope Councils are walking. This is translating into a reduction in services, a deterioration of the built infrastructure and a failure to be able to sufficiently address unsustainable practices. No matter how prudent Local Governments are in managing their operations, or how well they are stretching every available dollar, the lack of adequate resources means it is communities that are suffering.
President’s comment
In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Mayor Johanna McLuskey, President of the Local Government Association of South Australia.
Councils set up business program to optimise infrastructure project
In late 1999, when the Queensland Government announced that the $570 million Tarong North power station would be built, Kingaroy Shire Council swung into action to stimulate the opportunities arising from this major infrastructure project.As a result Council, in partnership with adjoining Nanango and Rosalie Shire Councils and with support from local businesses, community groups and the Department of State Development, created the Tarong Business Program.
LG professionals lift the horizon
A forecast of the challenges ahead, forming partnerships and a greater leadership role by Local Government were just some of the issues covered at the LGPro Annual Conference 2002. Held at Melbourne Park on 21 and 22 February, delegates heard the theme ‘Lifting the Horizon’ resonate through various presentations and discussions.
MAV more accessible following new rules
Member Councils of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) overwhelmingly endorsed changes to the MAV Rules at a Special State Council meeting held on 28 February. The key feature of the reforms was the introduction of a 12 (plus the President) member Board.
Singapore Ink. - The Good Oil by Rod Brown*
The Australian printing and publishing industry is currently working with the Australian Government to chart a new way forward. Just as well too because the impact of eCommerce and globalisation is putting firms in the firing line. The long standing book bounty has finished, and the industry already has a high level of foreign ownership. I was recently invited to a workshop in Melbourne to discuss options for industry growth, particularly how to compete with the hotspots of the UK, areas of the USA, plus the Asian Tigers, especially Hong Kong and Singapore. The fact that printing and publishing is one of the largest manufacturing industries in Australia, with a wide national coverage, gives it particular prominence, and the workshop discussion highlighted some issues worth quiet contemplation.
LGMA delivers double value at 2002 Congress
This year, in a collaborative venture with international affiliates in the USA and NZ, Local Government Managers Australia – Australia’s peak professional association – is mounting an International Best Practices Symposium in Darling Harbour on 10 and 11 May. This immediately precedes the Annual National Congress, also in Darling Harbour, from 12 to 15 May.
Youth outreach van for Huon Valley
A unique initiative by the Huon Valley Youth Outreach Program has seen the transformation of what was once a mobile dental van, now converted to the Huon Valley Outreach Van. The area of Huon Valley in southern Tasmania, is 5,620 square kilometres and has 32 localities within its boundaries. As part of Council’s Outreach Program, the Youth Outreach Van will provide young people and others in rural areas access to services and resources, such as support, leisure equipment, and computer access, just to name a few.
New mobile fun box launched
The latest innovative design from Skateramps Australia has just been released, aptly named the Mobile Fun Box. In keeping with skating trends this new design moves on a step from the typical skate ramp, providing various obstacles to test and challenge skaters. As the central item of a skate venue, the Mobile Fun Box forms the nucleus and heart of the layout. However, what is unique about the design is its portability, enabling it to be moved from one location to another.
Councillor profiles
A new regular feature in response to feedback from our 2001 Reader Survey
Paid maternity leave what’s happening?
The 14th Women, Management and Employment Relations Conference, Sydney, 25 to 26 July 2002, will feature two presentations on paid maternity leave. Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Pru Goward, has put the issue at the top of her agenda. Her particular concern is that Australia has failed to provide adequate paid leave for women on maternity.
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