LGANT News Page 1 of 11 · The audit says individual communities should play a central role in determining their infrastructure priorities – ... Change has to be functional and

For LGANT to lead, represent and be influential for the benefit of local government

A note from our President

Infrastructure Australia’s 15-year Infrastructure Plan

identifies a crucial role for local government in addressing

the many issues that block economic development in

remote and very remote communities in the Northern

Territory.

The report, which was released learlier this month,

highlights shortcomings that exist in baseline infrastructure

in regional and remote areas and identifies key

infrastructure projects that should be the focus of all levels

of Government.

The audit states:

‘Many remote and very remote communities lack reliable

energy supply, quality telecommunications, clean water

and wastewater services and adequate road access.

These are difficult infrastructure challenges.’

The audit says individual communities should play a

central role in determining their infrastructure priorities –

which in the Territory means Regional Councils and Local

Authorities.

It also identifies the impact under-investment in the

maintenance of local roads in remote areas has on the

capacity to deliver services.

The report prioritises three local roads for upgrade:

• The Arnhem Highway connecting Jabiru to Darwin,

which services approximately 4100 vehicles each

day

• The Daly River Road, which connects Wadeye and

other communities with Stuart Highway

• The Tiwi Islands, where the 280 kilometre road

network has little or no immunity to flooding.

It also asserts the need for an improved focus on new

technologies, enhanced telecommunications, renewable

energies and better access to the National Broadband

Network.

I wholeheartedly support the report’s assertion that

‘governments should continue to work with remote

communities to develop, implement and maintain their

infrastructure’.

Better co-ordination and pooled funding between

March

2 ... Litchfield Council meeting

8 ... City of Darwin meeting

9 ... West Arnhem Regional Council meeting

15 ... City of Palmerston meeting

15 ... Coomalie Community Government Council meeting

15 ... Wagait Shire Council meeting

16 ... Litchfield Council meeting

16 ... West Daly Regional Council meeting

17 ... Barkly Regional Council meeting


22 ... Katherine Town Council meeting

23 ... East Arnhem Regional Council meeting

23 ... Tiwi Islands Regional Council meeting

28 ... Alice Springs Town Council meeting

30 ... Roper Gulf Regional Council meeting

April


8 ... Central Desert Regional Council meeting

8 ... MacDonnell Regional Council meeting


13 ... West Arnhem Regional Council meeting

14 ... LGANT general meeting - Jabiru


19 ... Coomalie Community Government Council meeting

19 ... Victoria Daly Regional Council meeting

19 ... Wagait Shire Council meeting


26 ... Katherine Town Council meeting

27 ... Tiwi Islands Regional Council meeting

New leaders at MacDonnell

Congratulations to long-time councilllor Roxanne Kenny and Braydon Williams who were last

week elected President and Deputy President of MacDonnell Regional Council.

Roxanne was Deputy President from MacDonnell's inception in 2008. She represents Ljirapinta

Ward and has sat on Council’s Finance Committee and Audit Committee since inception.

She also has elected roles with Tjuwanpa Outstation Resource Centre Aboriginal Corporation,

Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation and Central Land Council.

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Page 1 of 11LGANT News

4/03/2016http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=3818f5dc18d699e125b816524&id=7255264e4b...

government and business as well as tendering to attract

more private sector innovation should also be a priority.

The Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments

should seriously consider the report’s findings and use

them to drive infrastructure prioritisation into the future.

Read the infrastructure report here.

Guideline 8

The Department of Local Government has re-released

Guideline 8 Regional Councils and Local Authorities.

The eight page document covers matters as diverse as the

nomination and appointment process, reporting, quorums

and functions of local authorities.

Damien Ryan, President

Local Government Association of the Northern Territory

Braydon was elected to council in 2012.

Before closing her first meeting as President, Roxanne moved a motion acknowledging the

great contribution made by her predecessor, Sid Anderson, to the establishment, success and

stability of the MacDonnell Regional Council. The motion was supported unanimously by

Council.

And on Thursday evening I had the pleasure of presenting Sid with LGANT's 30 Years Service

award.

Inside this edition ...

• New Barkly CEO

• LGANT fronts Senate hearing

• New face at Central Desert

• Local Government awards

• Remote jobs

• LGANT@work

• Waste management campaign

• Central Desert's new bus

• Funding sought for Duchess

• Bombing of Darwin

• Victorians respond to rates freeze

• Smart Sparx

• New Turnbull Ministry

• Family violence summit

• Special Purpose Grants

• Regional economic development survey

New Barkly CEO

As part of her PhD studies with

University of Technology Sydney, new Barkly Regional Council chief executive Marion Smith examined the impact of local government amalgamation –

evaluating the positives and negatives. This, and a seven-month maternity leave infill at Roper Gulf Regional Council last year, moved her to the Northern

Territory. Her take on the Territory is more generous than the unintended consequences of amalgamation. “The focus of amalgamations is always on efficiency

but when we forget to measure democracy we’re setting ourselves to fail in what is believed to be a democratic country,” she says.

Born in England, a recent element of her professional life has been providing accounting-based services to local government and the private sector in New

Zealand and Australia. Before Roper Gulf, she was employed reviving struggling businesses on Australia’s east coast. “Mainly small companies, usually coming

in after a recommendation from a bank. Sometimes this takes an outside perspective and a detached perspective that someone who owns the organisation

doesn’t always have. “



Marion has a three-year contract with Barkly. She answered LGANT News' questions.

Barkly Regional Council has had a pretty high churn of CEOs over the past few years. What skills do you have that leads you to believe you will

succeed in this role?

“Endurance. I don’t get put off. I work very fast and I’m a change agent. If you had to describe my leadership style, I try to develop people, try to employ people

cleverer than me so I don’t have to do their work. Leadership is about getting the best out of people that you’re with, as well as getting the best out of yourself.

Change has to be functional and beneficial. Some people say if it’s not broke don’t fix it, but does that mean you’re getting the best? Retention is based on

people having fun doing their jobs and a good balance. I believe in Kaizen – the principle of continuous improvement. Not just at the top level but the person who

turns the screws."

What challenges such as resource distribution does Barkly face given it services remote communities and Tennant Creek?

"Communications and transportation are extremely important but developing human resources within communities rather than importing them is a priority. So that

means literacy, numeracy and making communities more self-sufficient. They’re not traditionally areas of local government but human services are and that links

with mental and emotional health. To just say ‘it’s not our job’ is not the answer to developing our communities."

What are your views on the prospects for regional economic development and the role of Local Government in the Barkly Region?

"The pipeline will create jobs initially but we need to bring about other opportunities, what skills can we gain in that particular activity that may take a few years.

Tennant Creek specifically is well placed to be the logistics freight centre for the Northern Territory, with branches coming in from Queensland, South Australia

and Darwin. That’s one of the projects I’ll look into because that has long term and sustainable impacts."

What do you see as your biggest challenges in the job?

"Being accepted will be the biggest challenge. I’m brand new and don’t come from the area."

What do you hope to achieve during your term at Barkly?

"I’m hoping to achieve something stunning. Want to achieve a legacy that’s going to be sustainable, that’s going to make a difference. The CEO is a go-between.

Translator of image, vision and hopes and nothing can be done if it’s not what the organisation or community wants. I’m looking forward to working in Barkly. I

don’t go for boring jobs, I like challenges and it’s going to be a challenge. It’s going to be an interesting one."

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IAS shortcomings highlighted at Senate hearing

Shortcomings within the Commonwealth’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy as it applies to local government in the Northern Territory were detailed at a recent

Senate Committee hearing in Darwin.

LGANT’s presentation to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee highlighted flaws with the administration and delivery of the Strategy that

impacted regional councils, which invested considerable time and money into the application process.

Primary among these was the lack of positive change that failed to match the effort undertaken by regional councils to lodge Indigenous Advancement Strategy

submissions.

“This was a soul destroying exercise for some of the people who did a lot of work into trying to come up with new ways to deliver programs within a constricted

funding environment,” LGANT’s Policy Development and Corporate Services manager, David Jan, told the Committee.

“There is a general perception amongst the councils that, throughout the assessment process, the people who were assessing programs probably either were

inexperienced or did not have the knowledge behind them to fully assess what was put in front of them.”

Regional Councils went to an extreme amount of effort to lodge submissions, including one that recruited a consultant to draft its submission at considerable cost.

“When the initial round of funding came out there were some significant gaps in what was asked for within local government.”

This resulted in considerable confusion and what appeared to be unilateral decisions within the Indigenous Advancement Strategy hierarchy to restore funding to

previous programs without due consideration of the applications that had been lodged.

A full transcript of David’s submission, the Q&A that followed and full Senate hearing is available here. David’s contribution begins on page 42.

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New face at Central Desert

Central Desert has a new councillor - Sandra Peckham has been elected unopposed to fill a vacancy at Akityarre Ward.

Akityarre covers Atitjere community and surrounding stations and outstations. Cr Peckham replaces Louis Schaber, who resigned due to ongoing health issues.

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Nominations open for National Local Government Awards

The 2016 National Awards for Local Government are now open for entries. The awards recognise local governments for their achievements and for the crucial

role they play in Australian communities.

The awards recognise local government projects that demonstrate innovation and improved outcomes for their community.

This year's awards have increased private sector sponsorship, with Optus Business and Woodside Energy Ltd joining the Australian Government in supporting

this important annual event.

As the closest tier of government to the community, local government service delivery is crucial to the social and economic development of Australian regions.

Through these awards, the Australian Government demonstrates the value of, and fosters its relationship with, local governments by celebrating the best projects

with the recognition they deserve.

Benefits of being recognised by these awards include increased profile and promotional opportunities for council, expansion of programmes and enhanced

networking opportunities.

Last year's winner Maroondah City Council took out the Disability Access and Inclusion Category and delivered a key infrastructure project that demonstrated

leading practice and addressed a significant disability issue facing the community.

This year all local governments are encouraged to submit projects that aim to deliver better services at the community level and contribute to building a stronger

more productive local economy.

Held annually since 1986, the National Awards for Local Government are highly regarded by the local government sector and considered a prestigious event in

the local government calendar. LGANT encourages each local government to consider entering these awards.

Category winners will be announced in April 2016 and the National Winner will be announced at the Australian Local Government Association National General

Assembly dinner in June 2016.

Nominations close on 4 March.

2016 National Awards for Local Government categories:

• Arts Animates—excellence in building innovative and inspired communities

sponsored by the Department of Communications and the Arts through the Ministry for the Arts

• Boosting Productivity through Infrastructure

sponsored by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

• Contributing to Regional Growth


• Digital Innovation in Local Government


• Disability Access and Inclusion

sponsored by the Department of Social Services

• Excellence in Road Safety


• Innovation to create more liveable Australian cities

sponsored by Optus Business

• Multicultural Australia—Strength in Diversity

sponsored by the Department of Social Services

• Promoting Indigenous Recognition

sponsored by Woodside Energy Ltd

• Youth Economic Participation


More information on the National Awards for Local Government is available at infrastructure.gov.au/nalg.

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Local Government leads the way in remote jobs

The Territory Government’s new Aboriginal Affairs Strategy sets clear benchmarks for improving outcomes for residents in remote and very remote areas.

A key component of the Government’s strategy is job creation and LGANT supports measures that will see improved training opportunities and increased

Aboriginal employment through such measures as the tendering process and subsidies to councils for service delivery.

For many years local government in the Northern Territory has benefited from the employment of Aboriginal people. Most regional councils maintain between 60

and 80 per cent Aboriginal employment in their workforces. Overall there are 2400 people employed in regional councils, with upwards of 1700 Aboriginal people

working in the local government system.

The scope of employment is broad, including works and services to do with housing maintenance, civil works, waste management, parks and gardens

maintenance, security, library, childcare, aged care and sport and recreation.

This brings enormous social and economic benefits to communities and local government stands ready to partner the Territory Government in meeting the

targets it has set.

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LGANT@work

• 11 February – LGMA NT meeting

• 11 February – Big Rivers Waste Management Working Group meeting

• 12 February – National Asset Strategy meeting

• 16-18 February – ALGA Strategic Planning meeting (picture above)

• 16 February – Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee IAS hearing

• 19 February – Central Australian Waste Management Working Group meeting

• 22-29 February – West Daly Regional Council training

• 23 February – Rating Workshop program review

• 24 February – Tiwi Islands Council meeting (picture below)

• 24-25 February – ALGA Road and Transport Advisory Committee

• 26 February – MacDonnell Regional Council meeting

• 26 February – Sid Anderson farewell reception

• 1 March - GHD Group meeting



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Winning the waste management war

LGANT has printed 100 copies of a poster that acknowledges the excellent work done over the past few years to resolve issues of waste management in remote

communities.

It highlights the five key areas to improved waste management outcomes: improved public health, waste management, governance, collaboration and

recognition.

The poster serves as acknowledgement of the great work already done and a reminder to communities that waste management is a work in progress and should

not be compromised at any cost.

LGANT officers are taking copies of the poster to communities or councils as they visit. To obtain copies telephone LGANT on 89449685



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New bus, no fuss

Willowra’s elders have a new Aged Care bus.

Central Desert Regional Council President Adrian Dixon says the bus is an important addition to aged care services in Willowra.

“Not very long ago there was no aged care service in Willowra,” he said.

“The community demanded a service and they needed a bus. Our Council listened to the community and we’ve worked really hard to develop a service. It’s

really coming along well and this bus will make a big difference to the lives of our old people.”

The bus will improve aged care client access to activities in and around the community including creek and bush trips, exercise classes and school visits that give

old people the opportunity to share their stories with the young people and attend school concerts.

The bus will also enable clients to attend more regular medical appointments and visit Alice Springs for the occasional shopping trip.

The Toyota Commuter Bus has been fitted with a wheelchair lift for ease of access for clients with mobility issues.

The bus has been funded through a partnership between the Central Land Council, the Land Holding Body and the Central Desert Regional Council.



Makeover for Duchess?

Wagait Shire Council will look for an alternative source of funding to refurbish the Darwin Duchess after a $26,020 grant application to Tourism NT’s

Infrastructure Development Fund was unsuccessful.

Wagait vice president Brad Irvine asked Council to submit a grant application to Tourism NT to refurbish the Darwin Duchess.

The Duchess served as the old Mandorah Ferry during the 1980s and 1990s and was then used by a private shipping business before being badly damaged

during a 2001 storm.

It sat in a Darwin shipyard for many years before its owner, Les Barolits (pictured by the ABC), offered to give away the vessel to anybody prepared to remove it.

Wagait Shire Council took possession last June.

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Bombing of Darwin

Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim paid tribute to the hundreds of service and civilian personnel who lost their lives during the Bombing of Darwin at a special

commemoration at the Cenotaph on 19 February.

With more than 2700 people in attendance, the Lord Mayor reflected on the continued significance of the event 74 years after the first bombs were dropped.

“It is important for us to continue to pause on 19 February and reflect on the men and women who gave their lives in order to preserve our freedom,” she said.

Darwin was honoured to have more than 40 veterans, both local and interstate, who attended this significant occasion.

It is estimated only four veterans from the first bombing raid survive.

The sounding of an air raid siren followed the ceremony, accompanied by a flyover of four RAAF FA18 Aircraft and the firing of guns by the Royal Australian

Artillery.

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Cutting their cloth

As local government in Victoria prepares for life under the 2.5 per cent rate cap imposed by the State Government, the Municipal Association of Victoria is

gearing up for a fight over cost shifting.

In a recent media release, MAV President, Cr Bill McArthur, said the reality of the cap was now hitting home, with some councils reassessing whether they will

continue to deliver services that are a State Government responsibility.

“For decades, an increasing range of services have been provided by councils under shared funding agreements with the State," Cr McArthur said. "The MAV’s

data shows that over time, the State’s contribution has reduced, stopped completely or not kept pace with costs - leaving ratepayers to foot the bill.

“Many agreements were originally 50:50 funding splits with the State like school crossing supervisors and SES units. Councils have struggled to maintain their

own expanding emergency service responsibilities, and for years have voiced concerns about being unable to meet the increasing costs of the SES units.

“As a key Victorian emergency services agency,

our SES deserves to be adequately funded in the same way the State funds other emergency services. SES units should not be relying on councils, fundraisers

and community goodwill to do such important work protecting our communities.

“The same can be said for school crossing supervisors which began as a joint 50:50 funding split in 1975 but now only has 20 per cent of costs covered by the

State, with councils contributing $44 million a year.

"Councils have been caught in a catch 22 for years; increase rates to keep funding these important services as State funding diminishes or face misdirected

community anger if they cease."

Link to full media release below.

http://www.mav.asn.au/news/Pages/councils-look-to-reverse-state-cost-shifting-15-feb.aspx

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Smart Sparx

Smart Sparx Fire Safe campaign is a school based fire safety program aimed at lower primary students aged between five and eight years.

The program is linked to the Australian Curriculum Framework and promotes individual and community health as well as learning in english, maths, science and

social and environment studies.

The resource pack consists of DVDs, music CDs, puppets, games, big book stories and teaching activities aimed at young Aboriginal children to promote safety

in urban, rural and remote regions of the Territory.

It also incorporates visits by fire and police officers and visits to fire stations and fire trucks, with certificates awarded after program completion.

Students completing the program will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

• the difference between a safe fire and an unsafe fire

• The dangers of matches and lighters

• The safest method to exit a smoky environment

• The appropriate action to take if clothing catches fire

• Correct campfire safety

• The appropriate action to take if caught in a bushfire

• Why firefighters’ wear protective clothing

• The role of firefighters within the community

• Evacuation from the home in case of fire

• Calling for emergency assistance using a telephone

Schools, community libraries and other organisations can book visits access these resources on http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Fire-and-Rescue/Community-fire-

safety/Community-engagement-unit.aspx

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Local Government Minister the Hon Paul Fletcher MP retained his position at the recent Federal Cabinet reshuffle, but a number of other portfolio changes will

affect the sector leading to the election, scheduled for later this year.

As well as being sworn in as the new Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP retained the Agriculture and Water Resources portfolio. Nationals

Deputy, Senator Fiona Nash, was sworn in as Minister for Regional Development, Regional Communications and Rural Health.

The Hon Darren Chester MP is Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Angus Taylor MP is Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, with responsibility for

Cities and Digital Transformation.

LGANT would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate former Deputy Prime Minister Hon Warren Truss MP and former Trade Minister the Hon

Andrew Robb MP for the fantastic work they did in their portfolios during this term of Government and for their efforts during their extensive political careers. Their

contribution to public life and strengthening the national economy will be remembered for many years to come.

Link to the new Turnbull Ministry:

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National Family Violence Summit

The inaugural National Family Violence Summit will bring together the combined expertise and experience of Australia’s frontline service providers, thought

leaders and political decision makers to deliver real change in the way we work to defeat family violence.

Facilitated by the Tara Costigan Foundation (TCF) and sponsored by BaptistCare, the National Family Violence Summit will be held in Canberra from 17-18

March 2016 at the QT Hotel. On Saturday 19 March the Summit will formally conclude with ‘Tara’s Walk for Change’ commencing at Reconciliation Place.

The Summit will produce a report each year to be presented to the Prime Minister for an annual statement to the House of Representatives on family violence.

The statement is intended to keep Family Violence at the forefront of public, political and policy consciousness in a similar manner to the ‘Closing the Gap’ Report

on Indigenous disadvantage.

The National Family Violence Summit will comprise two intensive days of presentations, keynote addresses, policy debate and panel discussions.

While the National Family Violence Summit has a limited number of delegate positions available, members of the public are welcome to attend.

The completed agenda with guest speakers and their schedule will be published in mid February.

For details visit the website: http://nfvsummit.com.au/

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SPGs and family safe funding available

The Department of Local Government and Community Services is inviting applications from councils for round two of its 2015-16 Special Purpose Grants (SPG)

program and the Family Safe Environment Fund.

The current round of SPG funding has $16 million available for distribution.

Funding under the SPG program is offered to enable local governing bodies and other incorporated organisations providing local government services the

opportunity to apply for funding to improve community infrastructure and service delivery outcomes.

The overall focus of the project should be targeted towards high priority initiatives that generally benefit specific local government organisations and the wider

community.

The focus of the needs based funding under the SPG program covers areas such as training, key staff housing, road plant equipment and social infrastructure-

recreation facilities.

Applications are due by COB 18 March 2016.



The Family Safe Environment Fund (FSEF) will provide councils with financial assistance to address issues around anti-social behaviour, and discourage acts of

vandalism and graffiti in parks and open spaces.

The program is designed to provide a safe environment for park users and nearby residents, reduce the incidence of anti-social behaviour in council parks and

open spaces, reduce the incidence of willful vandalism and graffiti of park infrastructure, improve park layouts and infrastructure to increase amenity and safety

for park users and facilitate increased usage of public parks and open spaces by the community in general.

The $250,000 program is subject to a single round of funding per annum, with applications called for in February each year.

Organisations will be given approximately four weeks to complete and submit applications and no late applications will be accepted. The normal assessment and

approval processes will be undertaken after the closing date. Councils are strongly encouraged to discuss possible applications with their relevant DLGR regional

offices or the Local Government Grants Unit prior to submission.

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Regional Economic Development Survey

Brian Scantlebury is a candidate in the practice based Ph.D program at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne. His research investigates the

applicability of futures and foresight methods to economic development. It involves this survey and a series of workshops directed at clarifying the dynamics of

economic development practices.

This survey seeks to get a sense of the geographic element of regional operating environments. Respondents are asked to provide some basic information about

their region and to indicate their level of knowledge and experience and provide opinions regarding certain practices. Questions also address innovation and

innovation systems. Foresight and futures are involved in a number of the questions.

The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete on the following link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VVSWPZJ

If you are interested in receiving more information about the project, contact Brian at [email protected]

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LGANT News Page 1 of 11 · The audit says individual communities should play a central role in determining their infrastructure priorities – ... Change has to be functional and