Weekly Issue 2, 17 January 2013 LGNSW Tourism Conference Early Bird Closes in One Week The early bird special for the 2014 LGNSW Tourism Conference ends in one week, so be sure to book today to receive the discounted rate. Executive Certificate for Elected Members Sydney LGNSW, in partnership with the UTS Centre for Local Government and TAFE NSW, has developed the Executive Certificate for Elected members a high quality accredited program, which gives councillors a pathway to higher learning. Review of Prices for Land Valuation Services provided by the Valuer-General to Councils The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has commenced a review to determine maximum prices from Tuesday 1 July 2014 for the Valuer-General s land valuation services to councils. IPART invites submissions to its issues paper. LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW GPO BOX 7003 SYDNEY NSW 2001 L8, 28 MARGARET ST SYDNEY NSW 2000 T 02 9242 4000 F 02 9242 4111 LGNSW.ORG.AU LGNSW@LGNSW.ORG.AU ABN 49 853 913 882 EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION LGNSW.ORG.AU/SUBSCRIBE Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 1
Contents page Conferences and Events Item 1: Upcoming conferences and events View upcoming conference and events relevant to Local Government General Interest Item 2: LGNSW Tourism Conference Early Bird Closes in One Week The early bird special for the 2014 LGNSW Tourism Conference ends in one week, so be sure to book today to receive the discounted rate. Community Item 3: Aboriginal Culture and Heritage Legislation Extension and Workshops The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has announced a six week extension of the closing date for comment on a proposed model for stand-alone Aboriginal Cultural Heritage legislation in NSW. The initial closing date of Friday 14 February 2014 has now been extended until Friday 28 March 2014. Item 4: Disability Inclusion Bill Finance On Tuesday 17 December, the NSW Government released the draft Disability Inclusion Bill 2014 for public consultation. Under the new legislation, councils will be required to develop Disability Action Plans. Item 5: Review of Prices for Land Valuation Services provided by the Valuer-General to Councils The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has commenced a review to determine maximum prices from Tuesday 1 July 2014 for the Valuer-General s land valuation services to councils. IPART invites submissions to its issues paper. Learning Item 6: Executive Certificate for Elected Members Sydney LGNSW, in partnership with the UTS Centre for Local Government and TAFE NSW, has developed the Executive Certificate for Elected members a high quality accredited program, which gives councillors a pathway to higher learning. Item 7: LGNSW Learning and Development Network Meeting February 2014 The next Local Government Learning and Development Network meeting and the Government Training Advisory Network (GTAN) meetings are scheduled for the same day. Item 8: In-House Programs in January and February 25 Per Cent Off LGNSW Learning Solutions is offering a 25 per cent discount off selected in-house programs in January and February 2014. Planning Item 9: BPB Report on Building Certification and Regulation - Public Comment Sought The Building Professionals Board (BPB) is seeking public comment on a building certification and regulation report which has just been publicly released. Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 2
Conferences and Events Item 1: Upcoming conferences and events View upcoming conference and events relevant to Local Government LGNSW Tourism Conference Early Bird Closes in One Week The early bird special for the 2014 LGNSW Tourism Conference ends in one week, so be sure to book today to receive the discounted rate. Aboriginal Culture and Heritage Legislation Extension and Workshops The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has announced a six week extension of the closing date for comment on a proposed model for stand-alone Aboriginal Cultural Heritage legislation in NSW. The initial closing date of Friday 14 February 2014 has now been extended until Friday 28 March 2014. Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 3
General Interest Item 2: LGNSW Tourism Conference Early Bird Closes in One Week The early bird special for the 2014 LGNSW Tourism Conference ends in one week, so be sure to book today to receive the discounted rate. Co-hosted by Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and Cessnock City Council, this Conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley from Monday 10 Wednesday 12 March. The theme of the Conference is, Harvesting the Value of Tourism. The 2014 Conference will include the optional summit Reinvigorating Visitor Information Centres to Adapt to the Contemporary Visitor Economy. Facilitated by John Larkin from Aurora Research, this summit will include industry experts Glenn Caldwell, Coffs Harbour City Council; Steve Rosa, Destination Southern Highlands; Mitch Lowe, Lismore City Council and many more. Delegates wishing to attend this summit will need to purchase summit tickets when they register. For rates and registration package details, visit the LGNSW website. Following the AVIC Summit, the Conference program will also include case studies and industry experts presenting on: The Lifecycle of an Event facilitated by Andrew Walsh, Accolade Event Management, with case studies from Ignatius Jones, Destination NSW; John Harvie, Deniliquin Council and Lesley Morris, Towns with Heart. Online information and registration lgnsw.org.au/events-training/localgovernment-tourism-conference Dates and location Monday 10 Wednesday 12 March 2014 Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley 430 Wine Country Drive Lovedale NSW Rates Early Bird $583 Group Early Bird (three people) $1650 Early Bird closes Monday 27 January 2014 LGNSW Events Team events@lgnsw.org.au 02 9242 4000 Ref: R13/0016 KR Destination Management Plans Collaboration in the Visitor Economy (how to put one together and are they adding value) facilitated by Andrew Sargant, Destination NSW, with speakers including Albert Stafford, The Stafford Group; Graham Perry, Inland Tourism; and Andrea Roberts, Broken Hill City Council. Harvesting the Value of Tourism how much does tourism pump into your economy? with Tom Phillips, South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation Inc and Peter Valerio, Tourism Strategy Development Services. Short Term and Holiday Rentals with Eddie Love, Gosford City Council and Daniel Kobeleff, Holiday Rental Solutions. Delegates will have the choice to attend one of three site visits to Kurri Kurri Murals, Wollombi s Convict Trail Project or the Hunter Valley Delights Tour, which includes the Hunter Olive Centre and the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company (with a sparkling winery facility tour not generally open to the public). For full details, please download a copy of the draft program from the LGNSW website (see fact box). The 2014 LGNSW Tourism Conference is made possible by the support of our Major Partner, Destination NSW. Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 4
Community Item 3: Aboriginal Culture and Heritage Legislation Extension and Workshops The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has announced a six week extension of the closing date for comment on a proposed model for stand-alone Aboriginal Cultural Heritage legislation in NSW. The initial closing date of Friday 14 February 2014 has now been extended until Friday 28 March 2014. Included within this proposed extension are an additional six public workshops across NSW. Councils are encouraged to promote the additional six public workshops to their local Aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities. The current phase invites the public to read and consider the background information and the NSW Government's proposed model to reform Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation in NSW. This is an important opportunity for people to comment on the Government s proposed model. More information, including location and dates of the public workshops are available online (see fact box). Date Comment due by Friday 28 March 2014 Public consultation workshop information http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/achr eform/achconsult.htm Further online information http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/achr eform/achproposedmodel.htm OEH 131 555 (local call from landlines within NSW) or 02 9995 5555 Ref: R90/0321-05 CC Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 5
Community Item 4: Disability Inclusion Bill On Tuesday 17 December, the NSW Government released the draft Disability Inclusion Bill 2014 for public consultation. Under the new legislation, councils will be required to develop Disability Action Plans. The draft Bill foreshadows the introduction of a law in 2014 that will replace the Disability Services Act 1993, which has been under review by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) since the beginning of 2013. The Bill was developed following consultation with stakeholders, including submissions from Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and some councils, in early 2013. It takes into account the changing landscape of the National Disability Insurance Scheme which included the creation of new national laws and Dates Comments to LGNSW due by Friday 7 February Comments to ADHC due by Friday 14 February Online information www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/dib Jane Selwood, ADHC or a member of the Disability Inclusion Bill Team 1800 446 470 disabilityinclusionbill@facs.nsw.gov.au Ref: R90/0058 MK policies. The draft Bill contains updated objects and principles with a focus on human rights and reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Disability Action Plans Under the Bill, disability action plans (DAPs) identify actions to be taken by each NSW Government department and NSW council so that people with disability can access mainstream supports and services available in the community and fully participate in the community. For councils, the types of measures to be included in a plan include how the council will: Provide access to buildings and facilities, such as council chambers, halls, libraries, toilets, and clubs Provide access to information in accessible formats such as Braille and easy English Accommodate the specific needs of people with disability, as needs vary depending on the person Support employment of people with disability e.g. by encouraging and supporting people with disability to work within the council and providing supports and services within the organisation for people with disability Encourage and create opportunities for people with disability to access the full range of services and activities available in the community thereby having people with disability more included in everyday activities and less reliant on specialist disability support services where possible. What do councils need to do now? When the new law commences, councils will need to be ready to develop disability action plans for when they are required. Timing will be established in the regulations which will follow the new legislation. ADHC will work with councils and will release guidelines on how to develop these plans. To avoid unnecessary administrative burden, councils will be able to adapt: Their current strategic planning process to include disability action plans Existing disability action plans Plans made to comply with the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) to meet the requirements of both laws. Councils will need to consult with people with disability in developing their plans. Councils can also seek the assistance of the Disability Council NSW about the content and implementation of plans. Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 6
Reporting Disability action plans must be publicly available and councils must give a copy of their plan to the Disability Council NSW, which advises the Minister for Disability Services on the content and implementation of plans. Councils must also include in their annual reports how they have implemented the plan and provide a copy of that part of their annual report to the Minister for Disability Services. Every year the Minister for Disability Services will report on disability action plans for both departments and councils in Parliament. Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 7
Finance Item 5: Review of Prices for Land Valuation Services provided by the Valuer-General to Councils The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) has commenced a review to determine maximum prices from Tuesday 1 July 2014 for the Valuer-General s land valuation services to councils. IPART invites submissions to its issues paper. The review will involve: Establishing (not setting) the services provided by the Valuer-General to its customers (for example the obligations for service and expected level of service provided). Establishing the efficient costs of providing those services (for example determining the revenue requirements), including consideration of the scope for efficiency savings. Allocating the costs of the operation (revenue requirements) to the various user groups (in particular, councils and the Office of State Revenue). Setting maximum prices for the valuation services provided to councils by either determining a price path for the charges or a methodology for determining those charges in future years. Submission Submissions to IPART are due by Friday 7 February 2014. The Valuer- General s submission is due on 31 January 2014. IPART public hearing IPART will hold a 9.30am public hearing on Tuesday 25 February 2014 at IPART s office. Level 8, 1 Market St Sydney NSW 2000 IPART Online information www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/home/industri es/other/reviews/valuer_general LGNSW contact Sascha Moege Senior Policy Officer sascha.moege@lgnsw.org.au 02 9242 4045 Ref: R90/0400-04 SM IPART has released an issues paper with the aim of obtaining the Valuer-General s and stakeholders views on the issues that are raised in it. The issues paper explains how the review is to be undertaken, provides background information, and outlines issues on which comment is particularly sought. IPART is expected to release a draft report (including draft findings and price determination) in April 2014, which will provide further opportunity for submissions. Background The Valuer-General is required to provide land valuation lists and supplementary lists to councils of areas under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) for their rating purposes. These land valuation services are declared as government monopoly services under section 4 of the IPART Act 1992 (NSW). The current determination (2009 Determination) for the Valuer-General was released in July 2008. It sets maximum prices for the period 1 July 2009 to Monday 30 June 2014. The current review is to determine maximum prices to apply from Tuesday 1 July 2014 for the Valuer-General s land valuation services to councils (2014 Determination). IPART aims to set prices to recover an appropriate level of revenue needed to support its regulated services in an efficient and effective manner. Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 8
Learning Item 6: Executive Certificate for Elected Members Sydney LGNSW, in partnership with the UTS Centre for Local Government and TAFE NSW, has developed the Executive Certificate for Elected members a high quality accredited program, which gives councillors a pathway to higher learning. The five-day program is conducted over three stages and covers: Stage 1 Role of an Elected Member (one day) Stage 2 Legislative Responsibilities of NSW Elected Members (two days) Stage 3 Effective Decision Making (two days). On successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment for the National Elected Members Skills Set, as well as a UTS Executive Certificate for Elected Members. Dates and location Stage 1 14 June 2014 Stage 2 15-16 June 2014 Stage 3 18-19 July 2014 Sydney NSW Registration and course brochure lgnsw.org.au/events-training/coursecouncillors Cost $3500 (excl. GST) LGNSW Learning Solutions (02) 9242 4181 learning@lgnsw.org.au Ref: I98/0012 DR The program also offers a pathway to higher learning. Eligible participants wishing to progress to postgraduate tertiary studies will receive one subject credit towards the UTS Centre for Local Government s Graduate Certificate in Local Government Leadership or the Master of Local Government. To ensure you don t miss out on this popular course, register now for the Executive Certificate for Elected Members to be held in Sydney later this year. A small number of places are still available for the regional Coffs Harbour course on Friday 28 February to Sunday 2 March and Friday 28 Saturday 29 March 2014. LGNSW Learning Solutions for more information (see fact box). Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 9
Learning Item 7: LGNSW Learning and Development Network Meeting February 2014 The next Local Government Learning and Development Network meeting and the Government Training Advisory Network (GTAN) meetings are scheduled for the same day. The Local Government Learning and Development network is sponsored by Local Government NSW (LGNSW) to promote the learning and development of training professionals in our industry. The network s next meeting will feature: What s happening globally in training Council reports How to avoid the tricks of relational sellers and avoid being investigated by ICAC. LGNSW and the NSW Public Sector Industry Training Advisory Body have arranged the opportunity for council staff to attend the NSW Government Training and Assessment Network (GTAN) meeting immediately following the Local Government Learning and Development network meeting. The GTAN aims to increase understanding and use of vocational education and training by government organisations, to facilitate partnerships between government agencies and registered training organisations, and to provide professional development opportunities for trainers. For more information on GTAN see the fact box. The agenda for the GTAN meeting includes: Date and location Monday 10 February NSW Department of Education Building William Wilkins Gallery Level 7, 35 Bridge Street Sydney Registration lgnsw.org.au/news/network/learningand-development-network GTAN online information http://www.psitab.com.au/projects/gta n/ for GTAN jajames@psitab.com.au Cost nil LGNSW Learning Solutions 02 9242 4181 learning@lgnsw.org.au Ref: I98/0012 DR A presentation by NSW Department of Education and Communities on funding arrangements for 2014 and plans for Smart and Skilled in 2015 The latest information from Government Skills Australia on the major changes proposed to the Public Safety and Local Government training packages GTAN Skill Set offers. Information on professional development workshops and research reports related to Vocational Education and Training. Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 10
Learning Item 8: In-House Programs in January and February 25 Per Cent Off LGNSW Learning Solutions is offering a 25 per cent discount off selected in-house programs in January and February 2014. Don t miss this opportunity to have one or more selected training programs run in house at a 25 per cent discounted rate during January and February 2014. The discounted in-house programs on offer are: Handling Difficult People Making Consultative Committees More Effective Mediation Skills for People Professionals Coaching Skills for Leaders Managing Inappropriate Behaviour and Performance Bullying and Harassment Prevention Model Code of Conduct (half day) Developing High Performance Teams Leading Change and Uncertainty (leader and employee programs available) Performance Management. Dates January and February 2014 Registration lgnsw.org.au/eventstraining/house-training-service LGNSW Learning Solutions 02 9242 4181 learning@lgnsw.org.au Ref: I98/0012 DR The training must be conducted during January or February 2014. Councils will be required to supply the venue and training equipment such as a whiteboard, flip chart and data projector. In-house costing and comprehensive information sheets about the content of each program can be provided on request. Most of the programs will take up to 20 participants so the in-house costs will be highly competitive. Be sure to contact LGNSW Learning Solutions at your earliest convenience as bookings are being taken on a first come, first served basis. Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 11
Planning Item 9: BPB Report on Building Certification and Regulation - Public Comment Sought The Building Professionals Board (BPB) is seeking public comment on a building certification and regulation report which has just been publicly released. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, the Hon. Brad Hazzard MP, engaged Mr George Maltabarow in March 2013 to review the building certification system in NSW. Mr Maltabarow (who became President of the BPB in June 2013) interviewed a range of industry stakeholders in conducting his review. His report, Building certification and regulation - serving a new planning system for NSW, was finalised in May 2013 and makes recommendations regarding reforms to the building certification system and how it will operate with the proposed new planning system. The report is structured with an analysis relating to the following issue areas: White Paper Directions and Priorities (Chapter 4) The Role of Certifiers (Chapter 7) The Importance of Boundaries and Empowering Councils (Chapter 8) Building and Consent Compliance Boundaries (Chapter 9) The Building Professionals Board (Chapter 10) The Building Sector a Consumer s View (Chapter 11) Date Submissions close on Monday 24 March 2014 Online information http://www.bpb.nsw.gov.au/page/have -your-say--building-certification-report- --submissions-close-24-march/ Further online information http://planspolicies.planning.nsw.gov. au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id= 6356 Jane Partridge 02 9242 4093 jane.partridge@lgnsw.org.au Ref: R90/0559-03 JP The key recommendation of the report is the appointment of three expert panels, as follows: i. To assess the regulatory impact of the White Paper proposals on building regulation. ii. iii. To deal with council empowerment and define the boundaries between private certifiers, council certifiers and councils; and To develop streamlined regulatory obligations and a practice guide for certifiers to define the scope of certification in respect to both BCA (Building Code of Australia) and consent compliance. Other recommendations in the report deal with process issues including: The withdrawal of recent changes to regulations relating to the issue of Occupation Certificates and mandating certifier contracts with owners Establishing more effective insurance arrangements Requesting that IPART determine an appropriate range of fees for private certifiers Restructuring the BPB and arrangements to secure coordination with other related government initiatives. The report can be downloaded from the BPB website (see fact box) and submissions can be made to the BPB until 24 March 2014. Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 12
Local Government NSW Weekly 2/14 17 January 2014 Page 13