Message from the President Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM LGNSW President, Keith Rhoades AFSM, provides an update on Local Government issues

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1 Weekly Issue 11, 20 March 2015 Message from the President Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM LGNSW President, Keith Rhoades AFSM, provides an update on Local Government issues There s a storm brewing #noforcedmergers With the state election now hitting the home straight, Local Government NSW is rallying the troops and stirring up a Twitter storm. Labor s Public Libraries Funding Announcement As part of the election campaign the Labor Party has promised increase funding for our public libraries by $23.3 million over three years. Economic Development Strategy for Regional NSW The NSW Government has released an Economic Development Strategy for Regional NSW, and nine Regional Economic Profiles. Greater Sydney Commission Call for Feedback The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has called for feedback on the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC). L GNSW is coordinating responses from metropolitan and surrounding councils, with the deadline for all submissions the end of March. LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW GPO BOX 7003 SYDNEY NSW 2001 L8, 28 MARGARET ST SYDNEY NSW 2000 T F LGNSW.ORG.AU LGNSW@LGNSW.ORG.AU ABN SUBSCRIPTION LGNSW.ORG.AU/SUBSCRIBE Local Government NSW Weekly x/15 20 March 2015 Page 1

2 Message from the President Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM Friday 20 March 2015 With only eight days to go until polling day I m extremely disappointed to report we are still yet to receive any formal commitment from the Government in relation to our Election Priorities. As you re aware, our document was released late last year in the lead up to the election, and yet it s still crickets from one of the major parties. As I mentioned in last week s message, we have been assured councils won t be forced into a future they don t want under a Labor government, however the current Premier and Local Government Minister continue to keep us in the dark over the question of forced amalgamations. In light of this refusal to come clean on where the future of Local Government lies, LGNSW is getting ready to unleash a Twitter storm to let the community know where we stand on this issue and we need your help. Join LGNSW on Tuesday 24 March between 11am and 12pm as we aim to get #noforcedmergers trending on Twitter. Click here to find out more about this initiative, which is critical in drawing attention to our concerns before we head to the polls next weekend. While we re rallying the troops, it s important to remember LGNSW is not anti-reform, but most importantly we are pro-choice. To those councils who choose change in their region, we support your decision and will continue to do all we can to ensure any transitional period is seamless and beneficial to your local community. However, I firmly believe this decision should be made by those it will affect the most, and those who best understand the impact it will have on their local community at a grassroots level. Greater Sydney Commission Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet with both SHOROC and NSROC to clarify LGNSW s role in the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC). The overall role of LGNSW is to act as the sword and shield of Local Government, and never has this been more so than with the GSC a subject we ve been active on since it was initially announced in June Since then we have taken every opportunity to press upon the State Government that Local Government representation is imperative. LGNSW will continue to press the relevant State Government leaders for more details around the Commission, while also forcefully advocating the necessity for metropolitan councils to be strongly represented on both the interim Ministerial Advisory Group and the final GSC governance structure. In February, LGNSW accepted the invitation to coordinate metropolitan council feedback on questions relating to the Plan for Growing Sydney and the GSC. Click here to read this week s item on how to provide your feedback. Council Visits Next week, Chief Executive Donna Rygate and I will be hitting the road again and taking time to continue visiting councils and listening to the issues affecting each region. The visits so far have been very informative as we build upon the strong foundations we have with our members. Office of Local Government Lastly, the appointment of Marcia Doheny as Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government was announced this week. We welcome Marcia to the role, and thank Steve Orr for his hard work. Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM President of Local Government NSW Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 2

3 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 General Interest Item 3: There s a storm brewing #noforcedmergers With the state election now hitting the home straight, Local Government NSW is rallying the troops and stirring up a Twitter storm. Item 4: Total Facilities Seminar Registrations Open The Total Facilities 2015 seminar program provides an opportunity to hear from some of Australia s leading facilities management experts, including International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney General Manager Adam Mather-Brown. Community Item 5: Labor s Public Libraries Funding Announcement As part of the election campaign the Labor Party has promised increase funding for our public libraries by $23.3 million over three years. Economic Development Item 6: Economic Development Strategy for Regional NSW The NSW Government has released an Economic Development Strategy for Regional NSW, and nine Regional Economic Profiles. Emergency Services Item 7: Emergency Management Resilience Forum The Australian Institute of Emergency Services (AIES) Emergency Management Resilience Forum will be held at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday 22 May Environment Item 8: Local Government and Bushfire Conference Fire and Restoration: working with fire for healthy lands is the theme of the 10th biennial Bushfire Conference to be held in Sydney in May. Item 9: Consultation on the Wood Smoke Control Framework Update Councils are invited to review the proposed amendments to the wood heater regulatory framework and submit their feedback before the submission deadline, Friday 15 May Item 10: Floodplain Management Association National Conference The 2015 Floodplain Management Association National Conference is being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from Tuesday 19 May to Friday 22 May. Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 3

4 Item 11: Floodplain Management Association Excellence Awards Councils and their staff are encouraged to nominate for the Floodplain Management Association s (FMA) annual Excellence Awards. Learning Item 12: 2015 Local Government Employment Law Seminar Is your workplace compliant with the latest Industrial Relations laws? Registrations are now open for the Local Government NSW Learning Solutions Employment Law Seminar. Item 13: Community and Stakeholder Engagement Workshop This Local Government NSW Learning Solutions workshop is designed to give participants improved skills and insights into effective community and stakeholder engagement. Item 14: Mayors Weekend Seminar Sydney Mayors are the face of Local Government - a high profile and demanding role. LGNSW Learning Solutions is offering this opportunity for NSW mayors, deputy mayors and aspiring mayors to address complex leadership challenges. Item 15: Public Programs for March, April and May 2015 LGNSW Learning Solutions is offering the following professional development workshops for Local Government professionals and elected members: Item 16: Regional Collaboration and Shared Services What Works? Local Government NSW has developed a two-day roundtable program for mayors, councillors and senior managers who are involved with or are considering options for increased regional collaboration and resource sharing. Planning Item 17: Greater Sydney Commission Call for Feedback The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has called for feedback on the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC). L GNSW is coordinating responses from metropolitan and surrounding councils, with the deadline for all submissions the end of March. Item 18: New two-day Swimming Pool Inspection Seminar This two-day master seminar is designed to provide participants with a detailed understanding of the recent changes to NSW swimming pool legislation and the roles and responsibilities of Local Government and private accredited certifiers. In the News Item 19: Local Government NSW Media View the latest media releases distributed by LGNSW Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 4

5 Awards Item 1: Award opportunities View the latest Award opportunities for Local Government Floodplain Management Association Excellence Awards Councils and their staff are encouraged to nominate for the Floodplain Management Association s (FMA) annual Excellence Awards. Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 5

6 Conferences and Events Item 2: Upcoming conferences and events View upcoming conference and events relevant to Local Government Total Facilities Seminar Registrations Open The Total Facilities 2015 seminar program provides an opportunity to hear from some of Australia s leading facilities management experts, including International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney General Manager Adam Mather-Brown. Emergency Management Resilience Forum The Australian Institute of Emergency Services (AIES) Emergency Management Resilience Forum will be held at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday 22 May Local Government and Bushfire Conference Fire and Restoration: working with fire for healthy lands is the theme of the 10th biennial Bushfire Conference to be held in Sydney in May. Floodplain Management Association National Conference The 2015 Floodplain Management Association National Conference is being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from Tuesday 19 May to Friday 22 May. Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 6

7 General Interest Item 3: There s a storm brewing #noforcedmergers With the state election now hitting the home straight, Local Government NSW is rallying the troops and stirring up a Twitter storm. On Tuesday 24 May 2015 between 11am 12pm, LGNSW is aiming to have the hashtag #noforcedmergers trending on Twitter and we need your help! To get on board and help make our opposition to forced amalgamations clear to all political parties, simply send out a tweet between 11am and 12pm on Tuesday 24 March 2015, and let your followers know why it s critical that NSW councils and Dates Tuesday 24 March am-12pm Online information LGNSW Communications Ref: R12/0041 SMcB communities make their own decisions when it comes to the future. Then, end the tweet with #noforcedmergers LGNSW is planning to precede the Twitterstorm with a media release letting voters know we ve still got tumbleweed when it comes to a Government commitment on no forced mergers. If you re not already, make sure you re following the LGNSW Twitter account (@LGNSW) and you can follow our lead by retweeting any #noforcedmergers tweets, as well as doing your own new tweet that includes the hashtag. Don t just leave this to your communications team be part of the voice of Local Government, get on board and help us send a strong message to the community about forced mergers. A special mention to the members of the PR Network who developed the idea and are helping support the cause at a grassroots level! Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 7

8 General Interest Item 4: Total Facilities Seminar Registrations Open The Total Facilities 2015 seminar program provides an opportunity to hear from some of Australia s leading facilities management experts, including International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney General Manager Adam Mather-Brown. The comprehensive seminar program offers audiences a chance to hear from industry leaders about the latest and most innovative technologies and new approaches to facilities management and professional development. Keynote speaker Mr Mather-Brown will be offering the Total Facilities audience a preview of Sydney s new International Convention Centre. Mr Mather-Brown will provide an overview of the key features designed to enhance the end user experience at the new centre, when it opens in December Dates and location Wednesday 25 March Thursday 26 March 2015 Sydney Exhibition Centre Glebe Island Online information Felicity Parker Diversified Communications Ref: R90/0794 SMcB Total Facilities Event Manager David Skilton said the event s seminar program would host both local and international speakers and deliver practical information to assist with operating facilities more effectively and efficiently. There will be two seminar stages. The Main Stage Seminar Theatre covers a broad range of topics including building information modelling and contract management, while the High Performance Buildings Theatre offers targeted education sessions on improving energy and resource efficiencies to create a more sustainable building, Mr Skilton said. Facilities managers will be able to use the seminar sessions as a platform to raise their respective challenges and opportunities through a Q and A with the industry s leading experts. Highlights of this year s Total Facilities seminar program include: Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association s (NSW) Tony Khoury, who will provide professional development advice about what all waste managers should know The Energy Efficiency Council s Luke Menzel, on the professionals you can trust to deliver comprehensive building retrofits Contract Control International s George Strohfeldt, who will discuss a skills model for successful contract management. The Total Facilities exhibition and seminar is being held at Sydney Exhibition Centre, Glebe Island, from Wednesday March 25 to Thursday March 26, and individuals can register to attend for free. The exhibition will combine innovation and education on reducing costs and improving the performance of the nation s facilities, while connecting more than 160 suppliers with 2,500 clients and end-users. For further information on the event or to register your attendance visit the Total Facilities website (see fact box). Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 8

9 Community Item 5: Labor s Public Libraries Funding Announcement As part of the election campaign the Labor Party has promised increase funding for our public libraries by $23.3 million over three years. Labor says, if elected it will double the per capita subsidy for public libraries in their first term. The per capita subsidy will increase to $2.31 in , $2.78 in , $3.24 in , and $3.70 in Online Information eating_21st_century_libraries Ref: R90/0797 NB For the first time, Labor will also be linking the subsidy to changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will ensure the new per capita subsidy of $3.70 maintains its value in real terms into the future. Also as part of the announcement, a $2 million hardship fund will be created for public libraries in communities which have populations under 20,000 and require additional assistance. In addition, Labor will create a $50 million Public Library Infrastructure Fund for public libraries to upgrade their facilities, or purchase new equipment. To read the full policy announcement, visit the website listed in the fact box. Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 9

10 Economic Development Item 6: Economic Development Strategy for Regional NSW The NSW Government has released an Economic Development Strategy for Regional NSW, and nine Regional Economic Profiles. The Economic Development Strategy for Regional NSW (the Strategy) was a 2014 priority of the overarching NSW Economic Development Framework that provides a roadmap for driving growth in key industries in the NSW economy. The Strategy: Articulates the economic value of regional NSW Details NSW regional economic development initiatives Recommends 23 new actions to promote regional economic development Online information NSW Trade & Investment Amanda Chadwick amanda.chadwick@trade.nsw.gov.au Ref: R90/ LG Identifies five goals that promote the key drivers and enablers of regional economic development. The five goals of the Strategy are: 1. Promote key regional sectors and regional competitiveness 2. Drive regional employment and regional business growth 3. Invest in economic infrastructure and connectivity 4. Maximise government efficiency and enhance regional governance 5. Improve information sharing and build the evidence base. Complementing the Strategy are nine Regional Economic Profiles that examine local economic performance and identify emerging trends and industry opportunities. The nine regions covered by the Profiles are: Central Coast Central West and Orana Far West Hunter Illawarra Murray Murrumbidgee New England North West North Coast South East Tablelands. The Strategy will be reviewed every two years with progress reported to NSW Cabinet. Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 10

11 Emergency Services Item 7: Emergency Management Resilience Forum The Australian Institute of Emergency Services (AIES) Emergency Management Resilience Forum will be held at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday 22 May The Forum will examine how effectively the emergency management community is addressing resilience, and the level of preparation required for future challenges and opportunities. Attendees will include Commonwealth, State and Local Government elected representatives and staff, researchers and education providers, in addition to various other emergency response personnel and community volunteers. For more information on the forum, including keynote speakers and information on how to register, please visit the AIES conference website. (see fact box) Date and location Friday 22 May 2015 Netball Central 2 Olympic Boulevard Sydney Olympic Park Online information admin.nsw-forum2015@aies.net.au Ref: R90/ LG Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 11

12 Environment Item 8: Local Government and Bushfire Conference Fire and Restoration: working with fire for healthy lands is the theme of the 10th biennial Bushfire Conference to be held in Sydney in May. This two-day, multi-disciplinary fire management conference will focus on how fire can be used to rehabilitate degraded landscapes, restore ecological integrity and reinstate resilience into the environment and community. Highlights of the conference will include Local Government case studies of the integration of hazard reduction works, weed control efforts and bush regeneration activities through the use of fire. This approach is resulting in excellent gains for biodiversity and reducing bushfire risk and is sure to be of interest to anyone responsible for bush land management. The program will cover: Integrated fire and weed management Grassland restoration Aboriginal cultural burning Ecological burns for endangered flora and fauna. Dates and location Tuesday 26 May Wednesday 27 May 2015 Surry Hills, Sydney Early bird closes Friday 27 March Online information Nature Conservation Council of NSW or Ref: R90/ SC Speakers include: Bruce Pascoe - author of Dark Emu Professor Lesley Hughes - Climate Council of Australia Tein McDonald - Australian Association Bush Regenerators Jeremy Russell-Smith - Darwin Centre for Bushfire Research, Charles Darwin University. For more information, and to register for the event please visit the conference website or contact the Nature Conservation Council of NSW (see fact box) Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 12

13 Environment Item 9: Consultation on the Wood Smoke Control Framework Update Councils are invited to review the proposed amendments to the wood heater regulatory framework and submit their feedback before the submission deadline, Friday 15 May The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is proposing an amendment to the current wood heater regulatory framework, giving power to NSW councils to introduce additional controls on wood heater installation. The amendment: Proposes a new schedule of additional controls councils can choose to implement, either in their entire Local Government Area or designated areas such as high density neighbourhoods, new development precincts or localities affected by wood smoke because of their topography (this approach is similar to control of burning in the open in NSW) Incorporates updated Australian/New Zealand Standards for wood heaters, setting more stringent emission limits and new efficiency limits. Submission deadline Friday 15 May 2015 Online information ke/woodsmokeoptions.htm s Kirsty McIntyre Senior Policy Officer - NRM kirsty.mcintyre@lgnsw.org.au Trevor Solomon, EPA Nadia Kanoush, EPA Ref: R92/0037 KM The amendment also presents councils with the opportunity to consider listing their Local Government Area on a new schedule, in accordance with the level of wood heater control desired by their community. In order to be placed on the schedule, councils must advise the EPA in writing by Friday 15 May For a copy of the questionnaire contact Trevor Solomon, and for other queries or to arrange a meeting with the EPA to discuss submissions, please contact Nadia Kanhoush (see fact box). LGNSW would also like to receive copies of council s submissions. Please forward these to Kirsty McIntyre (see fact box). Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 13

14 Environment Item 10: Floodplain Management Association National Conference The 2015 Floodplain Management Association National Conference is being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from Tuesday 19 May to Friday 22 May. The theme for the conference is Building a Flood Resilient Australia, focusing on building resilient communities and flood resilient buildings and infrastructure. The conference will include: Australian and international keynote speakers More than 75 presentations Local Government councillors session National conference forum Field trips Pre-conference workshops Networking events. Dates and location Tuesday 19 May Friday 22 May 2015 Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Online information East Coast Conferences amy@eastcoastconferences.com.au Ref: R90/0497 LG Conference attendees will include Commonwealth, State and Local Government elected representatives and staff, researchers and education providers, as well as consultants, engineers, land-use planners, emergency response personnel and community volunteers. For more information on the event including speakers, content and registration information, please visit the conference website (see fact box). Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 14

15 Environment Item 11: Floodplain Management Association Excellence Awards Councils and their staff are encouraged to nominate for the Floodplain Management Association s (FMA) annual Excellence Awards. The FMA Excellence Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of FMA organisations and individuals towards promoting land-use planning, reducing flood impacts, managing flood incidents or restoring communities after a flood event. The Allan Ezzy Flood Risk Manager of the Year Award This award is presented to an individual who demonstrates the highest level of achievement in areas of flood risk management. Nominees will be judged in terms of achieving excellence in any or all of the following criteria: Demonstrating the use of best practice in flood risk management Promoting wise and sustainable land use planning Contributing to community awareness and resilience Initiating innovative approaches or programs. Dates Entries close: Friday 3 April 2015 Winners Announced: Thursday 21 May 2015 Online information Dominique Jovanović projectservices@floods.org.au Ref: R90/0497 LG The winner will receive a full three-day registration to the 2016 FMA Conference and pre-conference workshops to be held at Nowra. The prize is valued at up to $1200 (based on full member pricing). The FMA NRMA Insurance Flood Risk Management Project of the Year Award This award is given to a project that demonstrates the highest level of achievement in areas of flood risk management including: Public benefit projects that benefit the safety and/or sustainability of flood prone communities and/or environments Community involvement projects that demonstrate excellence in community engagement and education in floodplain management Innovative solutions projects that involve the development or implementation of innovative floodplain management methods, techniques, or research with demonstrated benefits to floodplain management practice. Projects will be judged in terms of achieving excellence in any or all of the following criteria: The project provides the opportunity to enhance understanding or knowledge of best practice flood risk management The project has increased the public or political profile of flood risk management The project is cost effective and sustainable The project actively involves community or stakeholder groups. The winner will receive $2500 for a purpose related to flood risk education e.g. professional development or a community flood education project. Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 15

16 Learning Item 12: 2015 Local Government Employment Law Seminar Is your workplace compliant with the latest Industrial Relations laws? Registrations are now open for the Local Government NSW Learning Solutions Employment Law Seminar. Designed for those responsible for understanding and implementing employment law in the workplace, the seminar will bring you up to date with recent legislative changes and give you the knowledge to successfully manage challenging workplace issues. Keynote speakers include: Nigel Ward, CEO and Director Workplace, Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors Dr Joellen Riley, Dean and Professor of Labour Law at Sydney Law School. The seminar will cover a range of diverse topics including: Achieving the Council s Charter under the Local Government Act Contract-based claims, post Baker Conducting effective workplace investigations Managing employee performance Getting Fit for the Future Q&A panel session Social media and employment The year in review/ preview. Date and Location Friday 8 May 2015 Swissotel 68 Market Street, Sydney Further information and registrations Cost $ (inclusive of GST) LGNSW Learning Solutions learning@lgnsw.org.au Ref: I98/0012 SA If you re a general manager, senior manager or human resource professional, you can t afford to miss this essential professional development opportunity. CPD points may apply. For more information, and to register for the seminar please visit the Local Government NSW website (see fact box). Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 16

17 Learning Item 13: Community and Stakeholder Engagement Workshop This Local Government NSW Learning Solutions workshop is designed to give participants improved skills and insights into effective community and stakeholder engagement. Many tasks at the core of council operations require effective engagement with local communities, the business sector, non-government organisations (NGOs) and other levels of government. This can often be challenging, with a need to balance and respond to a diverse range of views and opinions. The Workshop addresses key aspects of the engagement process with a specific Local Government focus, drawing on both the participant and presenter experience to provide context in operational areas such as corporate strategy, community development, service delivery and land use planning. The workshop will cover: Insights into the principles of effective stakeholder engagement Consideration and analysis of the different levels of engagement Practical approaches to enable effective stakeholder identification Date and Location Wednesday 1 April 2015 Sydney Cost $660 incl. GST Online information and registrations nts-training/community-andstakeholder-engagement LGNSW Learning Solutions learning@lgnsw.org.au Ref: I98/0012 SA Tools for the effective evaluation of agency practices and processes in stakeholder engagement A detailed account of stakeholder engagement methods and when to apply them Practical experience in planning stakeholder engagement activities and processes An account of processes for effective facilitation of groups and meetings. LGNSW Learning Solutions for a quote to have this workshop delivered locally or in-house at your Council. LGNSW Learning Solutions also welcomes proposals from ROCs or groups of councils who would like to share program delivery costs. Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 17

18 Learning Item 14: Mayors Weekend Seminar Sydney Mayors are the face of Local Government - a high profile and demanding role. LGNSW Learning Solutions is offering this opportunity for NSW mayors, deputy mayors and aspiring mayors to address complex leadership challenges. The Mayors Weekend Seminar will explore four critical aspects in today s Local Government environment: The Mayor as community leader The Mayor as council leader The Mayor and General Manager The Mayor and Integrated Planning and Reporting. The weekend provides an opportunity for structured and informal networking, encouraging learning and support amongst fellow leaders. Dates and location Saturday 2 May Sunday 3 May 2015 Sydney Online information and registration Cost $1,320 incl. GST for two days Learning Solutions learning@lgnsw.org.au Ref: I98/0012 SA The content of the seminar draws on recent reviews in NSW, South Australia and New Zealand, interviews with mayors carried out by the Centre of Excellence for Local Government, and lessons emerging through the LGNSW Mayoral Mentoring Program. With short background presentations, comments by expert panellists and roundtable discussion, this event promises to be a highly beneficial weekend for all mayors from across the state. Keynote speakers include: Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM, President LGNSW and Councillor Coffs Harbour City Council Professor Graham Sansom, Chair, NSW ILGRP and formerly ALGA CEO Glenn Inglis, former General Manager of Tamworth Regional Council and Member, NSW ILGRP Genia McCaffery, LGNSW Mayoral Mentor, formerly Mayor of North Sydney Council. For more information and to register your attendance, visit the LGNSW website or contact the LGNSW Learning Solutions team (see fact box). Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 18

19 Learning Item 15: Public Programs for March, April and May 2015 LGNSW Learning Solutions is offering the following professional development workshops for Local Government professionals and elected members: Essential Skills and Knowledge Targeted training from expert presenters to develop professional and practical skills and knowledge. Improving Your Minute-Ttaking Skills Sydney Thursday 26 March 2015 Time Management Sydney Thursday 30 April 2015 Effective Workplace Relations Professional development programs to improve workplace relations and people management in your council. Making Consultative Committees More Effective Lismore Monday 20 April 2015 Armidale Monday 11 May 2015 Essentials of Volunteer Management Sydney Wednesday 22 April 2015 Advancing Local Leadership Supporting and developing the role of both elected and professional leaders. Model Code of Conduct for Staff Sydney Monday 30 March 2015 Managing People, Personality and Performance Sydney Thursday 23 April 2015 Model Code of Conduct for Councillors Tamworth Tuesday 12 May 2015 Cost $660 incl. GST Online information Registrations oming-courses/ LGNSW Learning Solutions Ref: I98/0012 SA LGNSW Learning Solutions for a quote to have these workshops delivered locally or in-house at your Council (see fact box). Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 19

20 Learning Item 16: Regional Collaboration and Shared Services What Works? Local Government NSW has developed a two-day roundtable program for mayors, councillors and senior managers who are involved with or are considering options for increased regional collaboration and resource sharing. The roundtable is an opportunity for councils to exchange information, explore ideas and identify new ways of working together. NSW councils have had a long history of forming successful partnerships through Regional Organisation of Councils (ROCs), County Councils and strategic alliances. Currently around 50 councils are engaged in five official pilots to explore the new concept of Joint Organisations (JOs) initially proposed by the Independent Local Government Review Panel. The roundtable program will cover: Research findings on key elements of regional collaboration Case studies on a range of different approaches to working regionally Early messages from the JO pilots How regional resource sharing can help smaller, rural councils Lessons learned over recent decades and mapping alternative ways forward. Date and Location Thursday 30 April Friday 1 May 2015 Sydney Online information and registrations Cost $990 (incl. GST) LGNSW Learning Solutions /4081 learning@lgnsw.org.au Ref: I98/0012SA Our team of speakers includes: Representatives from each of the JO pilots Kyme Lavelle, General Manager, Rous Water, Richmond River and Far North Coast County Councils Donna Galvin, Executive Manager, WBC Alliance Ben Taylor, Executive Director, SHOROC Stewart McLeod, Lower Macquarie Water Alliance. This roundtable is likely to only be held once, so make sure you don t miss your opportunity to attend. Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 20

21 Planning Item 17: Greater Sydney Commission Call for Feedback The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has called for feedback on the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC). LGNSW is coordinating responses from metropolitan and surrounding councils, with the deadline for all submissions the end of March. The GSC has been tasked with implementing the recently-released Metropolitan Plan for Sydney A Plan for Growing Sydney, 2014, and six sub-regional plans. An interim Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC), a forerunner to the GSC, is currently under development. The new GSC/MAC will be supported by six Local Government Advisory Committees representing each sub-region. The Minister of Planning and Environment is canvassing responses to higher-level questions to assist with framing the work of the Commission. The Department provided some preliminary questions at its recent briefing sessions to facilitate discussion and has indicated it would welcome further input on these. The full list of questions can be read on LGNSW s website (see fact box). Dates Feedback closes end of March 2015 Send responses to policy@lgnsw.org.au Online information Preliminary questions Greater Sydney Commission au/sydney/the-commission/ Jennifer Dennis Senior Policy Officer Planning jennifer.dennis@lgnsw.org.au Ref: R90/0028 JD Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 21

22 Planning Item 18: New two-day Swimming Pool Inspection Seminar This two-day master seminar is designed to provide participants with a detailed understanding of the recent changes to NSW swimming pool legislation and the roles and responsibilities of Local Government and private accredited certifiers. Professionals carrying out swimming pool inspections must have a thorough understanding of legislation requirements, including recent changes to confidently assess and issue certificates of compliance in a timely manner. The interactive training program is designed to increase the skills and confidence of participants to assess and inspect swimming pools in accordance with NSW swimming pool legislation. A number of practical workshops will also help developed these much-needed skills. A variety of teaching methods will be used, including real-life examples and videos, and there will be time for questions. A certificate of attendance will be issued on completion of this seminar. CPD points may apply. Dates Wednesday 1 April - Thursday 2nd April 2015 Cost $1,100 (GST free) for two days Further information and registrations clg@uts.edu.au Ref: I13/0004 LT For more information, and to register for the seminar please visit the UTS Centre for Local Government website (see fact box) Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 22

23 In the News Item 19: Local Government NSW Media View the latest media releases distributed by LGNSW Media Release: Rural, regional councils hone in on local government reform 17 March Councils from regional and rural NSW have come together with Local Government NSW (LGNSW) in Dubbo today in a bid to achieve the best outcome for residents and ratepayers under the State Government s Fit for the Future reform package. Media Release: LGNSW urges greater support for non-city seniors 18 March A State Government program which funds ageing and disability workers in metropolitan and major regional councils must be extended to rural NSW, Local Government NSW (LGNSW) said today. Local Government NSW Weekly 11/15 20 March 2015 Page 23