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Weekly Issue 14, 11 April 2014
Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 1
Negotiations for a New Local Government (State) Award 2014 Survey
Councils should be aware that the ‘LGNSW Survey – seeking feedback for the proposed changes to the Local Government (State) Award 2010’ was emailed to general managers on Thursday 10 April 2014.
Early Bird Registration – Local Government Arts and Culture Awards and Summit
The Local Government Arts and Culture Summit recognise the wide ranging arts and cultural roles councils are engaged in, including managing more than 4000 cultural sites across NSW and developing services, programs and strategies.
Extension for Cr Pat Dixon Support Training Program
The application closing date for LGNSW’s 2014 Cr Pat Dixon Support Training Program has been extended to Friday 25 April 2014.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW
GPO BOX 7003 SYDNEY NSW 2001 L8, 28 MARGARET ST SYDNEY NSW 2000 T 02 9242 4000 F 02 9242 4111 LGNSW.ORG.AU [email protected]
ABN 49 853 913 882
EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION LGNSW.ORG.AU/SUBSCRIBE
Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 2
Contents page
Awards
Item 1: Award opportunities
View the latest Award opportunities for Local Government
Conferences and Events
Item 2: Upcoming conferences and events
View upcoming conference and events relevant to Local Government
Grants and Funding
Item 3: Grant and funding opportunities for Local Government
View the latest grant and funding opportunities for Local Government
General Interest
Item 4: RH Dougherty Awards – Prepare Your 2014 Entry Now
It’s now time to prepare your entry for the RH Dougherty Awards. These awards are presented at LGNSW’s annual Local Government Week Awards dinner. This year, the Awards will be held at Parliament House in Sydney on Thursday 7 August.
Item 5: Early Bird Registration – Local Government Arts and Culture Awards and Summit
The Local Government Arts and Culture Summit recognise the wide ranging arts and cultural roles councils are engaged in, including managing more than 4000 cultural sites across NSW and developing services, programs and strategies.
Item 6: Heart Foundation Local Government Awards
Entries are now open for the 2014 Heart Foundation Local Government Awards. Councils are encouraged to enter.
Item 7: Compulsory Individual Water Meters in New Multi-level Buildings
Sydney Water advises that compulsory requirements for individual water metering of units in new multi-level buildings are to start on Monday 1 September 2014.
Community
Item 8: Extension for Cr Pat Dixon Support Training Program
The application closing date for LGNSW’s 2014 Cr Pat Dixon Support Training Program has been extended to Friday 25 April 2014.
Item 9: National Families Week 2014
Councils are invited to support National Families Week 2014 and celebrate the vital role families play in Australian society.
Item 10: Funding Support for NDIS Transition
Minister for Disability Services, the Hon John Ajaka MLC, has announced a $2.8 million NSW Government Fund to assist disability services providers transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Organisation Transition Fund is outside of the Industry Development Fund (IDF) but has the same goals, principles and guidelines. Councils can apply to access these funds.
Environment
Item 11: 2014 Futures Forum – Sustaining Regional Communities
Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 3
Cowra Shire Council and the Cowra Natural Resource Management Advisory Committee are hosting a forum to discuss issues in relation to regional sustainability and natural resource management.
Finance
Item 12: Prices for Valuer-General Land Valuation Services
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has released its draft report on the determination of maximum prices for the Valuer-General’s land valuation services to councils from Tuesday 1 July 2014. IPART invites submissions to its draft report.
Industrial Relations
Item 13: Negotiations for a new Local Government (State) Award 2014 Survey
Councils should be aware that the ‘LGNSW Survey – seeking feedback for the proposed changes to the Local Government (State) Award 2010’ was emailed to general managers on Thursday 10 April 2014.
Learning
Item 14: Staff Training Courses in May 2014
LGNSW Learning Solutions is facilitating a number of staff training workshops in Sydney and Dubbo.
Item 15: Councillor Training Courses in May 2014
LGNSW Learning Solutions is facilitating a number of councillor training workshops.
Item 16: 2014 Local Government Employment Law Seminar – Friday 16 May
Register now to take advantage of the early bird rate for the LGNSW Learning Solutions ‘Getting It Right!’ Employment Law Seminar.
Item 17: Learning and Development Network Meeting – Monday 19 May
The next meetings for both the LGNSW Learning and Development Network and the Government Training Advisory Network (GTAN) have been scheduled on the same day and location to allow council staff to attend one after the other.
Planning
Item 18: Comments Sought – Resilience of Buildings to Extreme Weather Events
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking feedback on a Discussion Paper about the resilience of new buildings to extreme weather events.
Item 19: ABS Releases Estimates of Regional Population Growth 2012-2013
According to population estimates released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) last week, Australia's estimated resident population (ERP) reached 23.1 million at Sunday 30 June 2013, increasing by 407,000 people (1.8 per cent) since Saturday 30 June 2012. All states and territories experienced population growth between 2012 and 2013.
Item 20: Boarding House Fact Sheet
NSW Fair Trading and Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) have developed a Guide for Councils publication and a factsheet that contain relevant contact and background information on the Boarding House Act 2012 and the Regulation.
Item 21: Culture Change and NSW Planning Reforms
LGNSW policy staff, council general managers, planning directors, state agencies and emerging leaders attended a recent workshop to identify actions to accelerate culture change for the NSW planning system.
Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 4
Awards
Item 1: Award opportunities
View the latest Award opportunities for Local Government
RH Dougherty Awards – Prepare Your 2014 Entry Now
It’s now time to prepare your entry for the RH Dougherty Awards. These awards are presented at LGNSW’s annual Local Government Week Awards dinner. This year, the Awards will be held at Parliament House in Sydney on Thursday 7 August.
Early Bird Registration – Local Government Arts and Culture Awards and Summit
The Local Government Arts and Culture Summit recognise the wide ranging arts and cultural roles councils are engaged in, including managing more than 4000 cultural sites across NSW and developing services, programs and strategies.
Heart Foundation Local Government Awards
Entries are now open for the 2014 Heart Foundation Local Government Awards. Councils are encouraged to enter.
Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 5
Conferences and Events
Item 2: Upcoming conferences and events
View upcoming conference and events relevant to Local Government
RH Dougherty Awards – Prepare Your 2014 Entry Now
It’s now time to prepare your entry for the RH Dougherty Awards. These awards are presented at LGNSW’s annual Local Government Week Awards dinner. This year, the Awards will be held at Parliament House in Sydney on Thursday 7 August.
Early Bird Registration – Local Government Arts and Culture Awards and Summit
The Local Government Arts and Culture Summit recognise the wide ranging arts and cultural roles councils are engaged in, including managing more than 4000 cultural sites across NSW and developing services, programs and strategies.
Heart Foundation Local Government Awards
Entries are now open for the 2014 Heart Foundation Local Government Awards. Councils are encouraged to enter.
National Families Week 2014
Councils are invited to support National Families Week 2014 and celebrate the vital role families play in Australian society.
Culture Change and NSW Planning Reforms
LGNSW policy staff, council general managers, planning directors, state agencies and emerging leaders attended a recent workshop to identify actions to accelerate culture change for the NSW planning system.
2014 Futures Forum – Sustaining Regional Communities
Cowra Shire Council and the Cowra Natural Resource Management Advisory Committee are hosting a forum to discuss issues in relation to regional sustainability and natural resource management.
Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 6
Grants and Funding
Item 3: Grant and funding opportunities for Local Government
View the latest grant and funding opportunities for Local Government
Extension for Cr Pat Dixon Support Training Program
The application closing date for LGNSW’s 2014 Cr Pat Dixon Support Training Program has been extended to Friday 25 April 2014.
Funding Support for NDIS Transition
Minister for Disability Services, the Hon John Ajaka MLC, has announced a $2.8 million NSW Government Fund to assist disability services providers transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Organisation Transition Fund is outside of the Industry Development Fund (IDF) but has the same goals, principles and guidelines. Councils can apply to access these funds.
Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 7
Date and location
Local Government Week Awards dinner Thursday 7 August 2014 Parliament House 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Online information and entry form
lgnsw.org.au/events-training/rh-dougherty-awards
Contact
Meg Fisher [email protected] 02 9242 4044
Ref: R11/ 0017 MF
General Interest
Item 4: RH Dougherty Awards – Prepare Your 2014 Entry Now
It’s now time to prepare your entry for the RH Dougherty Awards. These awards are presented at LGNSW’s annual Local Government Week Awards dinner. This year, the Awards will be held at Parliament House in Sydney on Thursday 7 August.
The RH Dougherty Awards recognise and encourage greater understanding and communication by councils with their local communities.
The awards are managed by LGNSW and are judged by leading experts in the communications field
Award Categories
In 2014, there are three award categories:
Reporting to your Community
Encompasses all forms of community reporting. Councils enter and are judged within their divisions. This category includes publications, both printed and electronic.
Excellence in Communication
Community or public relations campaigns or special events. These campaigns should be part of an overall strategy or event. Elements of campaigns could include websites, surveys, social media and newspaper inserts. Councils enter and are judged within their division.
Outstanding Individual Contribution Acknowledges a vital communications and event staff member within council.
Did your Council submit an entry into the Local Government Arts and Culture Awards?
A number of the submissions received for the Local Government Arts and Culture Awards could also be eligible to enter the RH Dougherty Awards. We encourage all entrants of the Arts and Culture Awards to review their submissions and consider re-entering under the RH Dougherty Awards. If you’re unsure about whether your submission can be re-entered, please contact Meg Fisher at LGNSW for further information and tips (see fact box).
How to Enter
The simple nomination process involves submitting your entries via the online form on the LGNSW website. The LGNSW website also has judging criteria, tips on preparing your submission and some examples of award winning submissions from last year (see fact box). Entries close 5pm Friday 13 June 2014.
The Awards will be presented at LGNSW’s annual Local Government Week Awards Dinner. The evening is a celebration of the great entries from councils across the state. This year, the dinner will be held in Sydney’s prestigious historical and cultural site, Parliament House.
This event is supported by our Elite Sponsor, Local Government Super, and our category sponsors and stakeholders the Heart Foundation and the Office of Communities.
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 8
Gala Awards Ceremony
Evening of Tuesday 27 May 2014 NSW Parliament House
Summit
Monday 26 – Tuesday 27 May 2014 Vivid Ideas Exchange Museum of Contemporary Art, The Rocks, Sydney
Early bird registrations
Open until Wednesday 30 April 2014 http://www.cvent.com/d/x4q214
Online updates and registration
lgnsw.org.au/events-training/local-government-arts-culture-summit
Information Pack
lgnsw.org.au/files/imce-uploads/127/award-nomination-and-summit-rego-info-pack-3.pdf
Contact
Chloe Beevers Project Manager Arts and Culture 02 9242 4047 [email protected]
Ref: R13/0037 CB
General Interest
Item 5: Early Bird Registration – Local Government Arts and Culture Awards and Summit
The Local Government Arts and Culture Summit recognise the wide ranging arts and cultural roles councils are engaged in, including managing more than 4000 cultural sites across NSW and developing services,
programs and strategies.
Sessions of the Summit cover each area of practice, identify sector developments and showcase leading council initiatives. All initiatives presented over the two days are finalists in the Local Government Arts and Culture Awards, with winners to be announced at NSW Parliament House in the evening following the Summit. Register now for the Local Government Summit and Awards for Arts and Culture to secure your early bird discount.
The Summit on Monday 26 – Tuesday 27 May will:
Provide updates from government and peak bodies at state and national level, for perspectives and directions for arts and culture, with a focus on Local Government implications and opportunities
Facilitate dialogue with government and peak bodies to address Local Government arts and cultural priorities
Address cultural policy priorities identified in the Fourth Cultural Accord
Inform planning for arts and culture
Engage councils to inform the LGNSW arts and cultural program, advocacy and priorities
Showcase a cross-section of council arts and cultural initiatives
Provide development opportunities for councillors and staff
Create opportunities for collaboration
Promote the role of Local Government in arts and culture to the broader arts sector and community.
Registrations
While you can register for the Awards and Summit separately, a package markdown is available.
A range of discounts are being offered, with a potential saving of $300 per registration, bringing the full program package price down from $835 to $535 (excl. GST).
Please see fact box for event details and how to register.
Registration prices
All prices (excluding GST):
Two day Summit $555 Early Bird; thereafter $630
Gala Awards function $115 Early Bird; thereafter $130
Networking function $75 Early Bird; thereafter $85
All Inclusive Program $735 Early Bird; thereafter $835.
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 9
Date
Entries close Friday 23 May 2014
Awards
Winners will be announced at the Local Government Week Awards dinner Thursday 7 August 2014 Parliament House 6 Macquarie St, Sydney
Online information
www.heartfoundation.org.au/lga
Contact
Jen-Kui Maxwell [email protected] 02 9219 2458
Ref: R90/1183 NB
General Interest
Item 6: Heart Foundation Local Government Awards
Entries are now open for the 2014 Heart Foundation Local Government Awards. Councils are encouraged to enter.
The Heart Foundation Local Government Awards (previously called the Heart Foundation Healthy Community Awards) recognise and showcase councils for their contribution to improving heart health.
Councils implementing policies, infrastructure and programs to improve the health of their community are invited to submit an entry for these awards.
Exciting winner prize package includes:
Cash award
Commemorative frame
Profiling of council's efforts through promotional material, presentation events, local media and case studies.
Winners will be awarded at both state and national levels. The NSW winners will be presented at LGNSW’s annual Local Government Week Awards Dinner at Parliament House on Thursday 7 August. The evening is a celebration of the great entries from councils across the state.
We encourage councils to enter these awards to raise awareness of the work you do in your community.
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 10
Online information
http://production.sydneywater.com.au/SW/plumbing-building-developing/plumbing/meters-and-metered-standpipes/index.htm.
Multi-level Individual Metering Guide
www.sydneywater.com.au/web/groups/publicwebcontent/documents/document/zgrf/mdq1/~edisp/dd_045282.pdf.
Contact
Ref: R90/1056-12 SM
General Interest
Item 7: Compulsory Individual Water Meters in New Multi-level Buildings
Sydney Water advises that compulsory requirements for individual water metering of units in new multi-level buildings are to start on Monday 1 September 2014.
On Monday 1 September 2014, new provisions are to come into effect requiring multi-level buildings to be designed to cater for metering of individual units.
The new requirements will apply to relevant development applications that receive Sydney Water’s Notice of Requirements (NOR).
Sydney Water advises that the industry could plan ahead for the new requirements by designing plumbing for individual water meters. Sydney Water advises that there were three key things to remember when designing new multi-level buildings:
1. Allow for plumbing for a single water inlet to each unit
2. Locate individual meters in the common area (not inside individual units)
3. Consider the need for space and power supply for data logger(s); loggers would transmit meter reads to Sydney Water remotely.
Given the role of councils in reviewing development applications, Sydney Water considers it important that councils are aware of these requirements and what they mean for future developments.
Sydney Water will announce the Accredited Metering Suppliers in the coming months.
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 11
Date
Applications close Friday 25 April
Online information
lgnsw.org.au/policy/aboriginal-affairs
Contact
Constance Chatfield Aboriginal Liaison Officer 02 9242 4085 [email protected]
Ref: R09/0006 CC
Community
Item 8: Extension for Cr Pat Dixon Support Training Program
The application closing date for LGNSW’s 2014 Cr Pat Dixon Support Training Program has been extended to Friday 25 April 2014.
Through this program, LGNSW is providing assistance to the value of $1,000 for four Aboriginal candidates (for example Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councillors or community development/liaison workers) that are interested in doing a short course of their choice with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) or with LGNSW Learning Solutions.
The late Cr Pat Dixon was a role model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were either employed by Local Government or were interested in serving on councils in NSW. In recognition of the significant role played by Cr Pat Dixon, LGNSW established a Leadership Program in her honour. The Scholarship is managed by LGNSW who acts as Trustee of the fund.
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 12
National Families Week 2014
Thursday 15 May – Wednesday 21 May (coincides with UN International Day of Families - 15 May)
Register event by
25 April 2014
Online information
www.familiesaustralia.org.au
Contact
Jennifer Horsfield [email protected] 02 62734885
Ref: R99/0040-02 CC
Community
Item 9: National Families Week 2014
Councils are invited to support National Families Week 2014 and celebrate the vital role families play in Australian society.
The theme for 2014 is ‘Stronger Families, Stronger Communities’, highlighting the important role families play as the central building block of communities and how family wellbeing enhances community wellbeing.
National Families Week is a time to celebrate with your family, make contact with extended family and friends, celebrate the meaning of family and make the most of family life.
Families Australia encourages councils to become involved in National Families Week by holding events, issuing media releases on topics relevant to the theme, or in any other way they deem appropriate.
National Families Week is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services as a valuable opportunity to demonstrate that families across the lifespan are integral to civil society.
If you are planning to hold an event for National Families Week, it is important that you register the event with Families Australia in time to receive promotional products to celebrate your event (see fact box).
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 13
Dates
Hunter round closes Friday 16 May 2014.
Funding for other areas opens in June 2014.
Online information
http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/about_us/media_releases/ministerial/$2.8_million_to_support_services_transitioning_to_the_ndis#sthash.AEgKmTP7.dpuf
Contact Angela Hartingdon NSW Organisation Transition Fund Grants Coordinator 02 9256 3194 [email protected]
Ref: R90/0058 MK
Community
Item 10: Funding Support for NDIS Transition
Minister for Disability Services, the Hon John Ajaka MLC, has announced a $2.8 million NSW Government Fund to assist disability services providers transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Organisation Transition Fund is outside of the Industry Development Fund (IDF) but has the same goals, principles and guidelines. Councils can apply to access these funds.
National Disability Services will administer the funds, which will assist non-government organisations (NGOs) with costs such as streamlining back office functions. All NSW Government funded specialist disability and community care NGOs are able to apply for support, however in the first stages, priority will be given to NGOs in the Hunter area currently involved in the NDIS launch. Councils can also apply to access the funds.
A second round of funding opened on Saturday 29 March and closes on Friday 16 May. This round is also targeted at Hunter providers. Further rounds across NSW will be opened in June 2014. Small to medium-sized service providers can apply for grants of up to $25,000. Large organisations that can demonstrate substantial, sector-wide benefits through the use of this support can also apply.
Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 14
Date and location
Friday 2 May 2014 Cowra
Online information
http://cowracouncil.com.au/images/pdf/FuturesForum.pdf
Contact
Claire Johnstone 0499 518 868 [email protected]
Ref: R90/1211 KM
Environment
Item 11: 2014 Futures Forum – Sustaining Regional Communities
Cowra Shire Council and the Cowra Natural Resource Management Advisory Committee are hosting a forum to discuss issues in relation to regional sustainability and natural resource management.
The MC for the Forum will be Sarina Locke from Regional ABC. The event will include presentations from the following: the Climate Council, State Water, Charles Sturt University, CSIRO Ecosystems and Isabel Knight, the NSW Rural Woman of the Year.
A full copy of the 2014 Futures Forum program is available on the Cowra Shire Council website (see fact box).
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 15
Date
Submissions to IPART due by Monday 28 April 2014
Online information
www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Other/Reviews/Valuer_General
Contact
Sascha Moege Senior Policy Officer [email protected] 02 9242 4045
Ref: R90/0400-04 SM
Finance
Item 12: Prices for Valuer-General Land Valuation Services
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has released its draft report on the determination of maximum prices for the Valuer-General’s land valuation services to councils from Tuesday 1 July 2014. IPART invites submissions to its draft report.
Under IPART’s draft decisions, the Valuer-General’s maximum prices to councils for land valuation services are to decrease by 1.2 per cent in real terms (i.e. excluding inflation effects) in 2014/15. Prices are to remain constant in real terms thereafter, until 2018/19.
Under the draft determination, councils are to pay $5.30 per residential valuation in real terms for the next five years, down from $5.37. Non-residential valuations are to fall from $11.81 per property to $11.66 and also remain at that level for five years in real terms.
IPART advises that the difference between its draft determination and the Valuer-General’s proposal to increase prices annually by 2.8 per cent in real terms (i.e. about 5.3 per cent including inflation assuming 2.5 per cent inflation) was due mainly to its draft decision to lower the allocation of costs to councils to 34 per cent from the 40 per cent proposed by the Valuer-General.
IPART also scaled back the Valuer-General’s operating costs (including lower corporate overheads allocated from Land and Property Information and the Department of Finance and Services) and applied a lower rate of return on his assets based on its assessment of market conditions.
IPART’s final determination is expected for May 2014.
Background
The Valuer-General is required to provide land valuation lists and supplementary lists to councils of areas under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) for their rating purposes. These land valuation services are declared as government monopoly services under section 4 of the IPART Act 1992 (NSW).
The current determination (2009 Determination) for the Valuer-General was released in July 2008. It sets maximum prices for the period Wednesday 1 July 2009 to Monday 30 June 2014.
The current review is to determine maximum prices to apply from Tuesday 1 July 2014 for the Valuer-General’s land valuation services to councils (2014 Determination). IPART aims to set prices to recover an appropriate level of revenue needed to support its regulated services in an efficient and effective manner.
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 16
Date
Survey response due by Thursday 1 May 2014
Contact
Nicholas Adams Industrial Officer Workplace Solutions Division 02 9242 4142 [email protected]
Ref: I13/0010, I13/0009 NA
Industrial Relations
Item 13: Negotiations for a New Local Government (State) Award 2014 Survey
Councils should be aware that the ‘LGNSW Survey – seeking feedback for the proposed changes to the Local Government (State) Award 2010’ was emailed to general managers on Thursday 10 April 2014.
In late November 2013, the NSW Local Government, Clerical, Administrative, Energy, Airlines and Utilities Union (the USU) filed a dispute to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission in relation to the making of a new award to replace the Local Government (State) Award 2010 (IRC 1960 of 2013). Since then, LGNSW and the industry unions have commenced award negotiations and participated in a number of conciliation proceedings before the Commission.
The survey has been produced to establish the scope and impact of items that are being considered as part of the negotiations for the new Award. The information sought requires those who respond to the survey to examine the potential cost impacts on councils. Subsequently, participation of councils in this survey is critical in assisting LGNSW to accurately reflect the views of the industry during the negotiations for the new Award.
The survey is comprehensive in scope and there are a number of questions that will require councils to refer to specific financial and quantitative data. Councils are able to save their progress and exit the online survey at any time.
In addition to the survey, LGNSW will be consulting and canvassing the views of councils at a meeting in Sydney on Wednesday 4 June 2014, to which council general managers and human resources managers have been invited to attend.
Councils need to complete the survey by close of business Thursday 1 May 2014.
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 17
Locations
Dubbo and Sydney
Registrations
lgnsw.org.au/events-training/courses-staff
Cost
$550 (incl. GST)
Contact
LGNSW Learning Solutions 02 92424181 [email protected]
Ref: I98/0012 SA
Learning
Item 14: Staff Training Courses in May 2014
LGNSW Learning Solutions is facilitating a number of staff training workshops in Sydney and Dubbo.
All of our workshops are Local Government oriented with case studies, models, and exercises that are relevant and easily transferable to our industry.
Finance for Non-Finance Managers
Dubbo – Friday 9 May 2014
This one-day workshop introduces non-finance managers to the understanding of basic accounting and teaches them how to communicate effectively with finance and accounting departments. It helps managers and supervisors better understand budgeting and financial reporting issues.
Award History
Sydney – Tuesday 13 May 2014
This practical program is designed to assist general managers, directors, human resource practitioners and line managers in the interpretation and application of the Local Government (State) Award 2010. It will also assist in understanding how the next Award is being developed.
This workshop will help participants understand the progress of Local Government Award restructuring and variations to Award terms and conditions to date. It aims to create an awareness of factors that have influenced the development of the Award since 1992.
Participants will be provided with a comprehensive handbook and will have an opportunity to raise Award queries during the workshop.
Time Management
Dubbo – Thursday 15 May 2014
If you lose time to email, report overload, shifting priorities and ineffective meetings, or to psychological factors like procrastination, then you need to do this highly practical workshop.
Participants will walk away from the program with a kit of time management skills and tools to help them become more productive.
If your council would benefit from the above programs but the dates or locations don’t suit, please contact LGNSW Learning Solutions who can schedule them locally or provide an in-house quote (see fact box).
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 18
Date and Locations
Saturday 17 May 2014 Newcastle and Sydney
Online registration
lgnsw.org.au/events-training/courses-councillors
Cost
$660 (incl. GST)
Contact
LGNSW Learning Solutions 02 9242 4181 [email protected]
Ref: I98/0012 SA
Learning
Item 15: Councillor Training Courses in May 2014
LGNSW Learning Solutions is facilitating a number of councillor training workshops.
Media Interview Skills
Newcastle – Saturday 17 May 2014
LGNSW Learning Solutions has a one-day media interview skills course which will help you turn bad stories into positive opportunities for council. Elected members and senior staff who deal with the media will benefit from this course.
It will help you think on your feet when faced with a hostile press and you will learn how to get important messages across in a memorable way.
Effective and Fair Meeting Procedures
Sydney – Saturday 17 May 2014
This workshop is designed to better equip attendees to deal with business procedures at council meetings.
If your council is in need of these programs but the dates or locations don’t suit, please contact LGNSW Learning Solutions so we can schedule them locally or provide you with an in-house quote (see fact box).
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 19
Date and Location
Friday 16 May 2014 InterContinental Sydney
Registration and accommodation
lgnsw.org.au/events-training/local-government-nsw-employment-law-seminar
Cost
$660 (incl. of GST) Early bird special until Friday 2 May 2014
Contact
LGNSW Learning Solutions 02 9242 4181 [email protected]
Ref: I98/0012 JJ
Learning
Item 16: 2014 Local Government Employment Law Seminar – Friday 16 May
Register now to take advantage of the early bird rate for the LGNSW Learning Solutions ‘Getting It Right!’ Employment Law Seminar.
Targeted to general managers and human resource professionals, this one-day seminar will discuss recent legislative changes and the implications for your successful management of challenging workplace issues.
‘Getting It Right!’ will feature an address by Justice Michael Walton, President of the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW and presentations on topical issues including workforce bullying, managing injured workers, procedural fairness and mental health.
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 20
Date and location
Monday 19 May 2014 Sydney Water 1 Smith St, Parramatta
Online information and registration
For L&D Network lgnsw.org.au/news/network/learning-and-development-network
GTAN information
www.psitab.com.au/projects/gtan
GTAN registration
Cost
Free
Contact
LGNSW Learning Solutions 02 9242 4181 [email protected]
Ref: I98/0012 SA
Learning
Item 17: Learning and Development Network Meeting – Monday 19 May
The next meetings for both the LGNSW Learning and Development Network and the Government Training Advisory Network (GTAN) have been scheduled on the same day and location to allow council staff to attend one after the other.
LGNSW and the NSW Public Sector Industry Training Advisory Body have arranged the opportunity for council staff to attend LGNSW’s Learning and Development Network meeting in the morning and then the GTAN meeting after lunch, at 1.30pm.
LGNSW Learning and Development Network
The Learning and Development Network is sponsored by LGNSW to promote the learning and development of training professionals in our industry.
The network’s next meeting will feature:
An update on Local Government reforms
An overview of national Local Government leadership program research
An interactive workshop on change management and leadership programs within the network
Speakers from the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government and the NSW Office of Local Government.
GTAN
The NSW Government Training and Assessment aims to increase understanding and use of vocational education and training by government organisations, to facilitate partnerships between government agencies and registered training organisations and to provide professional development opportunities for trainers. Please see the fact box for online information on the GTAN meeting and the email address to register.
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 21
Date Submissions close on Tuesday 1 July 2014
Online information
http://www.abcb.gov.au/en/major-initiatives/Resilience%20of%20Buildings%20to%20Extreme%20Weather%20Events
Ref: R90/0559-03 JP
Planning
Item 18: Comments Sought – Resilience of Buildings to Extreme Weather Events
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking feedback on a Discussion Paper about the resilience of new buildings to extreme weather events.
The ABCB is responsible for the National Construction Code (NCC), which comprises the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA). A challenge for the future is the need to ensure that the NCC contains appropriate standards for buildings and plumbing systems to be sufficiently resilient in the face of natural hazards affected by extreme weather events, which may change over time.
The ABCB has released Resilience of Buildings to Extreme Weather Events – ABCB Discussion Paper to inform and seek feedback from stakeholders on the resilience of new buildings to extreme weather events. Topics covered include:
Productivity Commission recommendation regarding Climate Change Adaptation on ABCB Work Program
ABCB Work Program and Adequacy of NCC
ABCB 2010 Report investigating possible BCA Adaptation Measures for Climate Change
Impact of NCC changes in short/medium term:
State/territory triggers regarding work on existing building/plumbing systems
Impediments/limitations on amending the NCC for resilience to extreme weather events:
Need for robust consistent data
Political/community support
Affordability
COAG Requirement for Best Practice Regulation
Opportunity to differentiate between new and existing, residential and non-residential buildings
Alternatives to NCC dealing with resilience to extreme weather events
Building and Planning working cooperatively
Planning and Building – Background
Possible improvements.
The Discussion Paper contains 20 targeted questions to which the ABCB is inviting a response from stakeholders. The Discussion Paper and Response Sheet can be downloaded from the ABCB website (see fact
box). The consultation period closes on Tuesday 1 July 2014.
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 22
Date
Publication released Thursday 3 April 2014
Online information
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Products/3218.0~2012-13~Main+Features~Main+Features?OpenDocument
Further online information
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Latestproducts/3218.0Main%20Features42012-13?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3218.0&issue=2012-13&num=&view=
http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Latestproducts/3218.0Media%20Release12012-13?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3218.0&issue=2012-13&num=&view=
Ref: R90/0828 JP
Planning
Item 19: ABS Releases Estimates of Regional Population Growth 2012-2013
According to population estimates released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) last week, Australia's estimated resident population (ERP) reached 23.1 million at Sunday 30 June 2013, increasing by 407,000 people (1.8 per cent) since Saturday 30 June 2012. All states and territories experienced population growth between 2012 and 2013.
The ABS publication Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2012-13 (cat. no. 3218.0) contains population changes in areas of Australia between Saturday 30 June 2012 and Sunday 30 June 2013. This annual publication includes estimates of population change, state/territory highlights, capital city growth, outer suburban growth, inner-city growth, urban infill, coastal and inland growth, population decline and other population data.
Some features from this year’s publication include:
Victoria had the greatest growth (up by 106,800 people), followed NSW (103,200) and Queensland (88,600).
In terms of rates of growth, NSW grew by 1.4 per cent, compared with the fastest growing state which was Western Australia with a 3.3 per cent growth rate.
Within the states and territories, population growth tended to be most prominent in outer suburbs, inner cities, urban infill areas and along the coast.
Areas that declined include regional areas and long-established suburbs within capital cities.
Parklea-Kellyville Ridge was the largest and fastest growing statistical area in NSW, in the year to 2013, up by 3,400 people (13 per cent.)
The four most densely-populated areas in Australia at June 2013 all surrounded Sydney's central business district, including Pyrmont-Ultimo, at 14,300 people per square kilometre.
The ABS release also explores how capital cities have grown over the past 40 years, and are projected to grow over the next 40. According to the population estimates released by the ABS, capital cities had more than three times as many new residents as the rest of Australia in the year to June 2013.
For more information on regional population change, or to find out more about how the capital cities have grown, see Regional Population Growth, Australia (cat. no. 3218.0) on the ABS website (see fact box).
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 23
Online information
http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Tenants_and_home_owners/Boarding_houses.page?
Ref: R96/0126 MK
Planning
Item 20: Boarding House Fact Sheet
NSW Fair Trading and Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) have developed a Guide for Councils publication and a factsheet that contain relevant contact and background information on the Boarding House Act 2012 and the Regulation.
The Boarding Houses Act 2012 has been in force for over a year and contains certain responsibilities for councils.
The purpose of the Act is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of boarding house residents through mandatory registration and inspection of boarding houses.
The Act requires boarding house proprietors to register their boarding house with NSW Fair Trading.
Councils have the primary role in approving new boarding houses and inspecting and enforcing safety and accommodation standards in existing boarding houses. They also have the power to fine operators of unregistered boarding houses or to issue orders for boarding houses to meet certain building, safety and accommodation standards.
The factsheet provides information for councils on developing a boarding house inspection program and a template for an inspection report form.
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Local Government NSW Weekly 14/14 11 April 2014 Page 24
Online information
http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/en-au/policyandlegislation/howplanningworks/culturechange/culturechangeevents.aspx
http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/en-au/policyandlegislation/howplanningworks/culturechange.aspx
http://www.planning.org.au/documents/item/4335
Contact
Jane Partridge 02 9242 4093 [email protected]
Ref: R14/0002 JP
Planning
Item 21: Culture Change and NSW Planning Reforms
LGNSW policy staff, council general managers, planning directors, state agencies and emerging leaders attended a recent workshop to identify actions to accelerate culture change for the NSW planning system.
With more than 80 participants, the all-day Culture Change Workshop was hosted by NSW Planning and Infrastructure (P&I) with the aim of having participants co-design the beginnings of a way forward for culture change in the NSW planning system. This has led to the development of a draft ‘roadmap’ for culture change across the sector, that will be shared with stakeholders to further refine and help determine the best way to make change happen.
There is broad support from all stakeholder groups for a change in the culture of NSW’s planning system.
It is anticipated that P&I will assume a leadership role, but there is also an expectation and responsibility for those in Local Government, along with professional bodies, industry and others, to embrace cultural change.
P&I is progressing with a number of initiatives to change the culture of planning in NSW, starting with its own agency. It has surveyed staff and external stakeholders (including councils and LGNSW) to better understand its current culture and inform its priorities, make structural and leadership changes, and established an internal Culture Change Working Group.
In addition to focusing on its own cultural improvement, P&I has also established an external working group with representatives from across the sector, including Local Government. The group's main purpose to date has been to advise on how to accelerate and align culture change across the sector and set up necessary governance arrangements.
P&I plans to hold a series of events around NSW in the coming months to help clarify what needs to change and to work through actions to be taken by all groups across the planning sector in a collaborative effort.
Please visit the P&I website for more information about changing the culture of NSW planning (see fact box). In addition to this, the NSW Branch of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA NSW) wrote a paper on cultural change in the planning sector in September 2012, entitled Supplementary Submission on NSW Planning Review Green Paper - From Green Paper to a New Culture. This is also available online (see fact box).
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