ALGA has provided a submission to the Federal Government’s Housing Legislative Package.
Across Australia, the supply and availability of affordable housing is a critical issue facing most local governments and their communities.
The lack of suitable housing impacts on the well-being and economic productivity of local communities.
Win! Disaster Recovery funding now available
Last year, ALGA’s advocacy secured a new $200 million Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), and I’m pleased to let you know that first round of funding is now open for applications.
Only states and territories are eligible to apply through Round One. However, the National Emergency Management Agency wants all jurisdictions to work closely with local governments to identify suitable projects, including sea walls, flood levies and bushfire mitigation, so please talk to your state or territory government about worthwhile disaster mitigation projects you have ready to go.
Win! Australia Day citizenship ceremony changes
In another win, the Government recently made common sense changes to provide councils with more flexibility to hold citizenship ceremonies on or around Australia Day.
We have consistently advocated for individual councils to decide the scope of Australia Day activities based on consultation with their communities, and we welcome the Government’s pragmatic approach.
2023 ALGA Annual Conference call for motions
Finally, I wrote to all councils last month seeking motions for our 2023 National General Assembly (NGA).
The NGA is biggest national government event in Australia and draws more than 1,000 local government leaders to Canberra every June.
The theme of this year’s NGA will be “Our Communities, Our Future”, and we are keen to hear your ideas for new federal programs and policies that would support councils build stronger communities into the future.
A discussion paper containing essential information, and outlining the criteria that motions must meet, can be downloaded here.
This year’s NGA is expected to be even bigger than 2022, and we are working with the Prime Minister and Government towards incorporating the return of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG).
We look forward to welcoming you to Canberra in June.
The first round of funding for the Federal Government’s $200 million Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) is now open for applications.
Only states and territories are eligible to apply in round one. However, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has encouraged all jurisdictions to work closely with local governments across Australia to identify suitable projects.
The Government said everyone has a role to play in disaster risk reduction and local government input will be key for this program.
The DRF Program Guidelines, as well as FAQs and a factsheet, can be found here: https://www.nema.gov.au/programs/disaster-ready-fund/round-one.
Applications close 6 March 2023.
As part of a new ALGA News segment, we sat down with Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) boss Michael Caltabiano to discuss Australia’s flood and rain-damaged roads and the need for an urgent rethink of road construction, maintenance and to embrace new technologies.
ALGA: Can you tell us about the shocking state of Australia’s local roads and how we can better manage this $3.8 billion problem?
Michael Caltabiano (MC): As we’ve seen over the past 12 to 24 months, there’s been extensive damage to large parts of Australia’s road system, across several states, from severe flooding and heavy rains.
We believe this provides the opportunity for decision-makers to evolve the way Australia’s roads are constructed and managed. There is no better time than during disaster recovery to think differently and build – rebuild – the damaged infrastructure in a way that is more resilient and more sustainable to withstand future flooding events.
ALGA: We’ve heard of the ‘pothole pandemic’ in Australia – how can we fix this crisis to have more resilient roads?
MC: Moisture is like the kryptonite for roads, and inevitably leads to potholes and extensive road failures. The last two year’s floods and torrential rains have caused catastrophic damage to the road systems that connect communities and deliver freight.
Standards and materials used for constructing Australia’s road systems have to change to improve water resistance and enable a quicker recovery after significant rainfall events. Now is the time to act and look at what innovations are possible so we can prevent a repeat of this infrastructure emergency in the future. At ARRB, we have completed the research component of new and next generation materials to fulfill this role and now is the time to partner with Local Governments across Australia to implement a step change.
ALGA: What are some of the game-changing sustainability solutions being trialled and used in Australia?
MC: We’ve got some of the smartest road technology in the world here in Australia. Our research shows that many recyclables – including tyre rubber – are not only eco-friendly but will create more durable and resilient road surfaces. By using recycled materials that have better resistance to cracking hence reduce the incidence of moisture ingress in roads, we can ensure that fewer potholes and road failures occur.
This will also improve the durability of our roads, and reduce the materials we send to landfill which will result in much better environmental outcomes. ARRB recently released a major report which provides an independent, expert review on how to sustainably and successfully increase the use of recycled materials in road and rail infrastructure.
ALGA: New technologies also have a key role to play, so what are some of the options are available to councils?
MC: Using our technology we can measure ride quality and road conditions. ARRB has a suite of state-of-the-art vehicles fitted with lasers and high-tech equipment that measure road conditions at traffic speed, and they help us to find issues with a road before they become apparent.
Our Intelligent Pavement Assessment Vehicle (iPAVE) has lasers and other high-tech equipment and can measure road condition at traffic speed as well as smaller survey vehicles which can be used on unsealed regional roads. These vehicles have recently been equipped to service local government roads that connect communities and connect farm gate to highway or rail head.
The accuracy and resolution of the iPAVE helps engineers to pinpoint areas where the pavement is be subject to failure, allowing councils and road agencies to decide where best to spend their valuable maintenance dollars. The benefits of knowing the right time, right place and right treatment are delivering BCR’s for State Agencies in excess of 10.
ALGA: Considering the ongoing impacts of climate change, how important is it to build back better local infrastructure?
MC: Climate scientists are telling us we need to expect more extreme weather events more often in Australia. For our roads, this means the maintenance schedules need to be modified to reflect the increased risk. It also means the standards that we use for the construction of our road systems need to change to have a resilient focus.
Right now, we are doing the same level of maintenance, when we should be building and maintaining our roads for what we can expect in the future. We are keen to work with more councils to deliver longer lasting solutions, that are going to deliver safer roads for all users.
Please find relevant updates provided by the Australian Government regarding the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code and other important citizenship ceremony information.
Updates to the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code
The Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code has been updated to reflect:
The updated Code can be downloaded here.
Instrument of Authorisation
The Instrument of Authorisation has been updated to:
The updated Instrument of Authorisation (LIN22/074) can be downloaded here.
Portrait of The King of Australia
A portrait of The King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III, has been provided by Government House and can be downloaded here.
Please note, this portrait is only for use at Australian citizenship ceremonies and should not be used for any other events. The portrait is suitable for framed portraits only and is not suitable for banners.
Please note, the following printing specifications when printing the portrait to ensure the best quality:
Now that a portrait of The King has been provided, advice from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is that it is no longer appropriate to use a portrait of Queen Elizabeth at citizenship ceremonies.
ALGA has welcomed the appointment of David O’Loughlin to the Federal Government’s new National Housing Supply and Affordability Council.
As a former ALGA President with vast local government experience, Mr O’Loughlin, an Urban Renewal Authority Director in SA, joins a range of senior leaders on the interim council including:
Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness Julie Collins said the appointments were an important step in implementing the Government’s ambitious housing agenda.
“We want to ensure our investments are underpinned by expert advice,” Minister Collins said.
“That’s why we’re creating a National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, to deliver independent advice to Government on ways to increase housing supply and affordability.”
ALGA looks forward to working with Mr O’Loughlin, the council and Government in addressing affordable housing and homelessness in Australia.
The Federal Government’s common sense decision to allow more flexibility for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies around Australia Day has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) today.
The Government has updated the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code to allow councils to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies in the period from Monday 23 to Sunday 29 January.
ALGA National President Linda Scott said we have consistency advocated to the Government for councils to decide the scope of Australia Day activities based on consultation with their communities.
“In response to local government advocacy, we welcome this pragmatic update to the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code, allowing councils to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies on or around Australia’s national day,” Cr Scott said.
“Common sense has prevailed as Australia Day is an important recognition of our diverse origins and what it means to be Australian. Hosting citizenship ceremonies is a great honour for councils and it’s one we take very seriously.
“It’s also a day where councils welcome our newest citizens and stage associated celebrations and activities for our local communities.”
Cr Scott said: “We have consistently advocated for individual councils to mark Australia Day, and the timing of local events, as a matter for local governments, knowing that we strive to reflect the broad wishes and aspirations of communities.
“It’s the responsibility of individual councils to be responsive and respect the views of our local communities.
“Today’s outcome shows the strong respect and understanding the Government has for local governments and the important role they play in representing our communities and welcoming new Australians.”
Win! Minister backs local government in Parliament
It was tremendous to hear Local Government Minister Kristy McBain singing the praises of local councils during a Question Time speech in Parliament on 1 December.
She applauded our sector as a “trusted delivery partner” and “the only level of government who deliver services to every town, village and community across this country.”
As a former mayor, Minister McBain understands not just the challenges facing your councils, but the outstanding services you provide to local communities every day.
Roads Emergency Advocacy
We’re working to put your local government calls on the national agenda, this week releasing new figures estimating the flooding damage to local roads, cycleways and footpaths this year to be in the vicinity of $3.8 billion.
We joined with the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) to call for a major rethink of pavement construction, maintenance and funding, resulting in widespread media coverage including in the Australian Financial Review and on ABC radio. I also spoke to several radio stations and appeared on Sky News about the roads emergency.
Local government know we need to break the cycle of rebuilding roads and footpaths by increasing federal Roads to Recovery funding from $500 million to $800 million per year to help councils invest in building more resilient infrastructure.
Happy holidays
Finally, I wish you and your families a happy holidays and hope you enjoy some rest and relaxation.
Working together, we have achieved some outstanding results for the local communities we represent, and I look forward to an even bigger and better 2023!
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
With the cost of repairing Australia’s flood and rain damaged roads expected to top $3.8 billion, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has joined with the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) to call for an urgent rethink of road construction, maintenance and funding.
Speaking of behalf of Australia’s 537 councils, ALGA President Linda Scott said rebuilding these roads to current standards would only cost Australian communities more in the long term.
“In recent months, thousands of kilometres of local roads across NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland have been severely damaged by flooding, and in some cases have been washed away,”
Cr Scott said.
“ALGA has estimated the total cost of fixing and replacing these roads is in the vicinity of $3.8 billion, which is roughly the equivalent of Australia’s annual foreign aid budget.
“Considering the ongoing impacts of climate change, we can’t simply rebuild our local infrastructure – including roads, footpaths and cycleways – to current standards, we need a fundamental shift in the way we fund, deliver and maintain these assets.”
ARRB Chief Executive Officer Michael Caltabiano said the extensive damage to large parts of the road system across several states was a major wake-up call and an opportunity to evolve the way Australia’s roads are constructed and managed to deliver more resilient outcomes.
“Moisture is kryptonite for roads, and inevitably leads to potholes. This year’s floods and torrential rains have caused large scale catastrophic damage to the road systems that connect communities and deliver freight. Now is the time to reassess what innovations are possible to prevent a repeat of this infrastructure emergency,” Mr Caltabiano said.
Mr Caltabiano said standards and materials used for constructing Australia’s road systems needed to change to improve water resistance and quicker recovery after significant rainfall events.
“Australia houses some of the smartest road technology in the world and the latest ARRB research shows many recyclables – including tyre rubber – are not only eco-friendly but create a more durable and resilient road surfaces,” Mr Caltabiano said.
“ARRB also has a range of the state-of-the-art vehicles fitted with lasers and high-tech equipment to measure road conditions at traffic speed. Pinpointing the issues on a road can ensure valuable maintenance dollars are spent in the right place, at the right time.”
Cr Scott said while councils appreciate the significant federal government support they receive, they need an increase in Federal Roads to Recovery funding from $500 million to $800 million per year to help invest in new technologies and build more resilient roads.
“ALGA has advocated for betterment funding to be more effectively incorporated into Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and we are pleased the government has indicated they are keen to progress these changes.
“While many councils are facing unprecedented flooding, others in the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia see their roads washed away every wet season, and these councils need more support to break this cycle.”
Cr Scott said the Government’s new Disaster Ready Fund would play a key role reducing damage caused by natural disasters.
“No amount of innovation can save a road that’s underwater, so it’s vital we continue to invest in flood mitigation.
“Allocating $200 million per year is a great first step, but we need to continue to grow this investment if we want to effectively safeguard our local towns and communities.”
-ends-
Media contacts:
ALGA Media – Brad Watts | brad.watts@alga.asn.au | 0418 415 649
ARRB Media – Guy Hand | guy.hand@arrb.com.au | 03 9881 1555
Background
National road infrastructure:
Councils are responsible for more than three quarters (77 per cent) of Australia’s roads by length, equating to about 678,000km.
About ALGA
The Australian Local Government Association is the national voice of local government, representing 537 councils across the country. In structure, ALGA is a federation of state and territory local government associations.
About ARRB
ARRB collaborates with all levels of government – including councils and transport agencies – consultants and contractors, and private sector organisations on any aspect of transport and mobility.
They deliver transport solutions that are safer, more sustainable, value-for-money and provide a demonstrable return on investment.
ALGA has been working closely with Our Watch – a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia – to develop a suite of new resources for councils.
The organisation was created to drive nationwide change in the practices, norms and structures that lead to violence against women and children.
Over the past 12 months, the partnership between ALGA and Our Watch has resulted in additional resources to help councils prevent domestic violence in their communities including two webinars, an animation and a series of factsheets which are soon to be released.
These additional resources have been developed to assist local government in implementing the Domestic Violence Toolkit for Local Government.
More information can be found here: Prevention Toolkit for Local Government
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, please call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Councils are being urged to make a submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry about the implications of severe weather events on Australia’s regional, rural and remote road network.
Following the extreme flooding and weather events this year, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport has launched a formal inquiry into the resiliency of the country’s road network.
The inquiry will investigate road engineering and construction standards to strengthen road resiliency against natural disasters, including the critical role of climate change trends and data to inform infrastructure standards.
The committee will also review the increasing deterioration of the nation’s road network, particularly in regional, rural, and remote areas.
To make a submission or find out more, visit https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Regional_Development_Infrastructure_and_Transport/ResilientRoads
Submissions close on 28 February 2023.
Local governments are a trusted partner of the federal government and effectively deliver services on behalf of the Commonwealth, Local Government Minister Kristy McBain told Question Time on Wednesday (30 November).
“The local government sector is a trusted delivery partner for the federal government. They are the only level of government who deliver services to every town, village and community across this country,” she said during a speech in the House of Representatives.
“Whether that’s disaster recovery, aged care, Closing the Gap initiatives or other community services, we know if we’re going to rely on them, we have to give them a seat at the table.”
McBain also highlighted the recent Local Government Ministers’ meeting, attended by ALGA, where a range of “critical issues” were discussed including skills shortages, sustainability, jobs and skills shortages and housing.
“We know local governments across Australia deserve broad sweeping policy that meets the needs of communities across this country – and we will ensure that their voices continue to be heard,” she said.
“Local governments across Australia will benefit from all our policies – whether it’s increased jobs in the renewable energy sector, access to secure housing, better connectivity or helping them deliver their locally-led solutions.”
Minister McBain also said the government would continue to provide funding support to councils so they can “fix roads, upgrade facilities and provide essential services”.
“In 2022-23, this government is committed to delivering $2.9 billion in Financial Assistance Grants to local governments across the country.
“We know this untied funding enables local governments to deliver their community priorities and enables the best placed solutions to come through.”
Watch full speech in Parliament below:
Local governments can access a new guide to help prevent and address illegal asbestos disposal.
Developed by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA), the guide has been developed to help councils both manage and control the risks from illegal asbestos disposal.
It provides practical examples of actions councils can take to prevent illegal asbestos disposal, based on best practice case studies from local councils.
The ASEA says every action taken at a local level is a positive step in ensuring the health and safety of council workers and the community.
Download the guide here: Action on illegal disposal of asbestos: A Guide for Local Government
Australian councils are encouraged to apply for funding through a new Safe and Together Community Grants Program, managed by the Department of Home Affairs.
This Commonwealth program is aimed at helping organisations develop local initiatives to support Australian communities and vulnerable individuals to strengthen their resistance to extremism.
Community-based organisations, including councils, can apply for grants between $10,000 and $100,000 for a wide range of programs, including supporting disengaged youth, tackling anti-hate and racism or delivering social cohesion initiatives at a local level.
Applications close at 9pm (AEDT) on Thursday 12 January 2023.
For more information about how to prepare a grant application visit: Countering violent extremism
To apply for funding visit: GO5868: GrantConnect
Win! New Disaster Ready Fund Legislated
In response to ALGA’s advocacy, we’re so pleased the Federal Government has successfully legislated to establish a new Disaster Ready Fund, which will enable local governments to seek funding – up to $200m annually – for infrastructure that mitigates against the impact of natural disasters on our communities.
If your council has planned sea walls, flood levies or bushfire mitigation projects in the pipeline, we look forward to working with you and our State and Territory Local Government associations to finalise the details of guidelines for this Fund, with the Government.
Our thanks to Minister Murray Watt for working to listen to ALGA’s advocacy on this issue, and legislating this commitment for local government, as well as Senators Perin Davey and Bridget McKenzie and other members of Parliament for their engagement with ALGA to progress this issue.
Win! Workforce Skills and Capability Survey
I was delighted to present the findings of our 2022 Workforce Skills and Capability Survey to federal, state and territory Local Government Ministers on Friday.
These survey results show nine out of every ten Australian councils are facing jobs and skills shortages, highlighting the need for increased investment in our local government workforce.
The roads emergency remains a major issue for our communities, in both regional and metropolitan areas, and our thoughts are with the towns and regions that have been devastated by flooding.
I am continuing to talk to the Government about opportunities to help councils fix the potholes, rebuild our local roads and, more importantly, build back better.
Increasing Roads to Recovery funding from $500 million to $800 million per year, and restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue, is now more important than ever before.
Congratulations Mayor Dean Johnson
Finally, congratulations to Kimba Mayor Dean Johnson who has been elected as the new President of the Local Government Association of South Australia.
I look forward to working closely with Mayor Johnson and LGASA to advocate for a better deal for South Australian councils and their communities.
Australia’s 537 councils are looking to work with the Commonwealth Government to deliver Australia more engineers, town planners, building surveyors, environmental health officers, accountants and HR professionals, according to a new snapshot of the nation’s local government workforce released today.
ALGA President Cr Linda Scott said the 2022 Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey highlighted the magnitude of the current jobs and skills crisis.
“More than nine out of every 10 councils are currently facing jobs and skills shortages which are acting as a handbrake on local productivity,” said Cr Scott.
“When councils can’t get the staff we need to build much-needed libraries and pools, or maintain our roads, footpaths and cycleways, the impacts are felt right across our nation.”
The 2022 Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey was funded by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, and updates a previous survey in 2018.
Cr Scott said the 2022 survey results showed the jobs and skills crisis in local government is deepening.
“In just four years, we’ve seen the number of councils experiencing jobs and skills shortages increase by around 30 percent,” Cr Scott said.
“The main issues councils are experiencing are a shortage of skilled candidates, and often an inability to compete with the private sector and other levels of government on remuneration.”
Cr Scott said local governments could play a bigger role addressing Australia’s broader jobs and skills crisis, including through giving young people a start through traineeships and apprenticeships.
“It was fantastic to see the announcement of an extra $1 billion for fee-free TAFE places at the recent Jobs and Skills Summit but we’re seeking funding that will support councils to employ more apprentices and create jobs and new career pathways right across our nation,” Cr Scott said.
“As the level of government closest to its community, local governments are ideally placed to be an anchor organisation in the community, supporting economic development and local employment.
“But for councils to play a bigger role in addressing the shortages, we need more funding and support from all levels of government.
“Federal Financial Assistance Grants to councils have slipped from one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue in 1996 to just 0.52 percent today, and this is making it harder for councils to attract and retain the staff they need.
“With a full picture of the jobs and skills gaps across our sector, we look forward to working with all levels of government towards practical solutions.”
The full report is available here.
The passing of Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) legislation in Parliament delivering $200 million per year for vital disaster mitigation projects has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).
ALGA President Linda Scott said this new funding was critical for protecting Australian communities from disaster events.
“Local government advocacy secured this new Disaster Ready Fund, and we are thrilled the legislation has now passed through the Parliament,” said Cr Scott.
“Less than five percent of disaster mitigation funding in Australia is currently spent on mitigation and community resilience. This needs to change if we are to protect our communities from increasingly frequent floods, fires and cyclones.
“Investing in mitigation makes economic sense, and significantly reduces the costs governments incur during recovery.
“We expect that the new funding for local governments will be ready from next year, and will support councils to invest in flood levees, cyclone shelters, fire breaks and evacuation centres.
“In Queensland, Bundaberg’s flood levee has local and state support but the council is still waiting on a $42 million commitment from the Commonwealth.
“Councils already have mitigation projects in the pipeline, and we are working with the Government on the program guidelines to ensure this funding goes where it is most needed and will do the most good.”
In 2014, the Productivity Commission recommended at least $200 million per year be invested in disaster mitigation, and this program was a key component of ALGA’s recent pre-election advocacy.
-ends-
Councils are invited to apply for new federal funding through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) program, run by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
The Australian Government has committed $4 million towards Round 8 of HVSI funding for new projects that will help support a safer heavy vehicle industry.
Project submissions must address the themes of safer drivers, vehicles or road use by investing in driver or supply chain skills and training, vehicle safety technologies and improvements or heavy vehicle educational tools and resources.
Submissions are open until 20 February 2023.
For more information, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi
Circular Australia – an independent not-for-profit company – has released a new guide for local governments and other organisations to take action on progressing towards a circular economy.
In collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures, the study kickstarts a national dialogue on how to report and measure progress towards designing out waste and pollution, cutting hidden carbon emissions in waste streams and new circular economy jobs.
For more information, including a launch webinar recording, see here: https://circularaustralia.com.au/circular-economy-metrics-creating-a-national-dialogue/
ALGA President Cr Linda Scott was a keynote speaker at the Local Government Association of the NT Convention in Darwin on 17 November.
Cr Scott highlighted several of ALGA’s advocacy wins this year, secured in collaboration with LGANT and other state associations,
These wins included a $750 million expansion of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI), taking the total value of this program to $3.25 billion.
With state and territory support, ALGA also secured a $200 million per year disaster mitigation fund to help build the infrastructure need to protect council areas from fires, floods and cyclones.
Cr Scott said: “It was fantastic to see both the LRCI extension and new Disaster Ready funding included in last month’s Federal Budget.
“Other Budget wins included an extra $100 million in Financial Assistance Grants, as well as $1 billion in new regional grants programs over the next three years.”
ALGA President Cr Linda Scott was a keynote speaker at the Australian Airports Association Conference in Adelaide on 16 November.
Cr Scott highlighted the importance of council-run regional airports to local communities and how more funding support is urgently needed.
Across Australia, local governments own and operate more than 300 small airports and aerodromes – from Albany in Western Australia to Broken Hill in New South Wales and King Island in Tasmania. These airports are essential for sustaining and linking our regional communities, especially for health services, education, economic development and social connectivity.
ALGA’s 2021 National State of the Assets showed one in 10 local government assets need significant attention, and three in every 100 assets may need to be replaced. Specifically for regional airports, the report showed the value of local government airport assets in poor condition has increased.
Cr Scott said: “Unfortunately, there’s no silver bullet for the growing challenges faced by local councils and communities.
“But increasing untied funding and support to local government is absolutely critical.
“And this is something we’ve been strongly pushing with the Federal Government, who have a renewed focus on the importance of partnering with councils.
“For the vast majority of councils in Australia, having extra funding and support – especially FA Grants – has never been so critical in these tough economic times.”
Feedback is invited on the Federal Government’s new draft guidelines for drone delivery services in Australia.
The drone delivery guidelines step through regulatory requirements for drone operators and guide planning authorities, including councils, to make informed decisions about drone delivery services in communities:
The guidelines are open for consultation, including from local government, until 2 December 2022.
Feedback will inform a final version for release in 2023.
More information is available here: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/infrastructure-planning-guidelines-drone-delivery-services
Congratulations to Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett and WALGA President Karen Chappel, both elected as your ALGA Vice Presidents at our recent ALGA AGM.
I’m honoured to have been re-elected as your ALGA President, unopposed, and look forward to serving Australian local governments for a further two years.
On behalf of the Board, I wish to acknowledge the enormous contribution of our former Vice President, Tasmanian Local Government Association President Christina Holmdahl, who has decided to step down. Christina is a tremendous local government leader and advocate for councils, and it has been an honour and a privilege serving alongside her.
I am delighted Christina will remain on the ALGA Board and continue to play a key role representing and promoting councils to our Federal Government.
Our thanks to our Tasmanian Local Government Association hosts, who enabled us to host our annual Roads Congress. We’re grateful to Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown, Shadow Minister Bridget McKenzie and Tasmanian Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson for addressing local government mayors, councillors and staff from across the nation.
And I note the important advocacy undertaken by State and Territory Associations about the roads emergency:
Government News – Councils declare statewide roads emergency after floods
The Canberra Times – Councils urgent call for funds to fix flood damaged roads
On your behalf, ALGA will continue to advocate for more Roads to Recovery funding and for Financial Assistance Grants to be restored to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.
Finally, today the Commonwealth Government has released their First Secretaries Group’s Review of Ministerial Councils, including a recommendation that a Local Government representative could advise National Cabinet on opportunities and challenges within local government that align to national priorities (for example, productivity-enhancing reforms).
As we continue to represent you on a large range of Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministerial Councils, including Transport and Infrastructure, Energy and Climate and Closing The Gap, we will continue to ensure the voice of Australian Local Governments is represented at all relevant decision-making tables.
Have a wonderful week.
The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) is launching a new network for local government road safety practitioners.
The network will be launched with a webinar on Friday 18 November exploring and celebrating road safety strategic planning.
The webinar will discuss the formation of the Local Government Road Safety Practitioners network, which enables members to:
To find out more information, click here.
More than 200 elected members and council staff attended ALGA’s 2022 National Local Roads and Transport Congress in Hobart from 2-3 November.
With the theme of Collaborating to improve Safety, Sustainability and Productivity, the Congress focused on delivering safer roads, building more resilient infrastructure, reducing emissions and boosting national productivity.
Political leaders and guest speakers presented on the latest developments in national heavy vehicle access reforms, using recycled materials to cut emissions and how councils are supporting Australia’s transition to electric vehicles.
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Senator Carol Brown outlined the federal Government’s latest roads and transport priorities, while Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Senator Bridget McKenzie highlighted the Opposition’s vision for working with local governments.
Tasmania’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson also spoke about the important role councils play improving and maintaining infrastructure to support their local communities.
Another highlight was a unique presentation by Hyundai’s Senior Manager of Future Mobility & Government Relations Scott Nargar about the company’s innovative Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle project and future mobility programs.
Other keynote speakers and presenters included Marcus Spiller from SGS Economics and Planning, Marion Terrill from the Grattan Institute, Steve Verity from the Institute of Public Works Engineers Australasia (IPWEA) and Gabby O’Neil from the National Office of Road Safety.
ALGA President Cr Linda Scott said the Congress shone a spotlight on the shocking state of Australia’s local roads.
“Councils are responsible for 77 per cent of Australia’s roads but collect less than four per cent of national taxation,” said Cr Scott.
“We simply can’t afford to maintain our road network to an acceptable standard under these funding constraints.
“ALGA is advocating for an increase in Roads to Recovery Funding from $500 to $800 million a year, that will support councils to invest in the roads Australians use every day.”
We thank all major sponsors of the Congress including the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and the Arts, Austroads, Regional Development Australia – Tasmania, ServiceStream and MetroCount.
