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Issue 48, 30 November 2012
Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 1
IPART – Rate Peg Determination 2013/14
On 26 November 2012, IPART announced that the rate peg to apply in the 2013/14 financial year will be 3.4 percent.
Extension of Deadline for Public Discussion on Wood Smoke Control
Submissions have been extended for discussion on six potential wood smoke control options and an implementation framework that would give councils flexibility to choose the appropriate options their areas.
Win $3000 for Your Council at the 2013 Tourism Conference
‘State Your Case’ applications close in less than two weeks.
Local Government Workforce and Employment Census
The Local Government Workforce and Employment Census (formerly the National Minimum Dataset) is part of a national initiative by Federal, State and Territory Local Government ministers to improve Local Government workforce development.
Local Government Association of NSW and the Shires Association of NSW
tel: 02 9242 4000 fax: 02 9242 4111 email: [email protected] website: www.lgsa.org.au GPO Box 7003 Sydney 2001 Level 8, 28 Margaret St Sydney NSW 2000
Email subscription
Subscribe to receive the Local Government Weekly and media releases directly by email on the LGSA website at: www.lgsa.org.au/subscribe
Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 2
Conferences and Events
Item 1: Upcoming conferences and events
View upcoming conference and events relevant to Local Government
Grants & Funding
Item 2: Grant and funding opportunities for Local Government
View the latest grant and funding opportunities for Local Government
General Interest
Item 3: Win $3000 for Your Council at the 2013 Tourism Conference
‘State Your Case’ applications close in less than two weeks.
Item 4: Calling for Photographers
Witness King Tides is a national community event asking photographers to capture images of the high water levels during the king tide and to share them on a website.
Emergency Services
Item 5: Emergency Legislation Amendment Bill 2012
The Emergency Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 passed in NSW Parliament on Wednesday 21 November and is currently awaiting assent.
Environment
Item 6: Extension of Deadline for Public Discussion on Wood Smoke Control
Submissions have been extended for discussion on six potential wood smoke control options and an implementation framework that would give councils flexibility to choose the appropriate options for their areas.
Item 7: Wood Smoke Reduction Program 2013 Funding Grant
Applications have been extended for councils and groups of councils throughout NSW to submit expressions of interest for funding of up to $60,000 to participate in the 2013 Wood Smoke Reduction Program.
Finance
Item 8: IPART – Rate Peg Determination 2013/14
On 26 November 2012, IPART announced that the rate peg to apply in the 2013/14 financial year will be 3.4 percent.
Industrial Relations
Item 9: Local Government Workforce and Employment Census
The Local Government Workforce and Employment Census (formerly the National Minimum Dataset) is part of a National initiative by Federal, State and Territory Local Government ministers to improve Local Government workforce development.
Learning
Item 10: In-house Training Services – Conflict Resolution Skills
Conflict is a natural part of life and can be used as a force for positive change if managed well. Local Government Learning Solutions has tailored in-house workshops to help you to make conflict work for you, rather than against you.
Item 11: In-House Training - Preventing Bullying and Harassment
Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 3
Local Government Learning Solutions has a number of professional development workshops, such as the Preventing Bullying and Harassment Module, to assist councillors.
Item 12: In-House Training - Work Health and Safety Workshops
Local Government Learning Solutions are pleased to offer councils a number of different workshops on Work Health and Safety (WHS).
Planning
Item 13: Regulation Enforces Certifiers to Issue Demolition Certificates
Changes have been made to the Building Professionals Regulation 2007 to enable accredited certifiers who hold Category A1, A2 or A3 accreditations to issue a complying development certificate (CDC) for the demolition or removal of buildings.
Item 14: National Earthquake Hazard Map
Seismologists at Geoscience Australia have developed a series of maps useful that will provide new information on which areas of Australia are susceptible to earthquakes.
Item 15: National Flood Risk Portal Online
A new online one-stop-shop for flood risk information is available to assist the community, planners and insurers to access flood information about their local area.
Water
Item 16: Murray-Darling Basin Plan – Final Plan
On Thursday 22 November, the Australian Government Minister for Water, the Hon. Tony Burke MP, approved and presented to the Australian Parliament the final Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Item 17: Review of Urban Water Regulation in NSW – Discussion Paper
The NSW Government has released a discussion paper to seek stakeholder feedback on a review of the Water Industry Competition Act (NSW) 2006 and regulatory arrangements for water recycling under the Local Government Act (NSW) 1993.
In the News
Item 18: Media from the LGSA
View the latest media releases distributed by the LGSA
Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 4
Conferences and Events
Item 1: Upcoming conferences and events
View upcoming conference and events relevant to Local Government
Win $3000 for Your Council at the 2013 Tourism Conference
‘State Your Case’ applications close in less than two weeks.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 5
Grants & Funding Item 2: Grant and funding opportunities for Local Government
View the latest grant and funding opportunities for Local Government
Extension of Deadline for Public Discussion on Wood Smoke Control
Submissions have been extended for discussion on six potential wood smoke control options and an implementation framework that would give councils flexibility to choose the appropriate options their areas.
Wood Smoke Reduction Program 2013 Funding Grant
Applications have been extended for councils and groups of councils throughout NSW to submit expressions of interest for funding of up to $60,000 to participate in the 2013 Wood Smoke Reduction Program.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 6
State Your Case deadline Monday 10 December 2012
Key dates and location Monday 11 – Wednesday 13 March 2013 Shoal Bay Resort & Spa, Shoal Bay
Conference website www.lgsa.org.au/events-training/local-government-tourism-conference
2013 Conference theme ‘Leadership and Innovation in Tourism’
Further information Meg Fisher 02 9242 4044 [email protected]
Ref: R12/ 0061 MF
General Interest Item 3: Win $3000 for Your Council at the 2013 Tourism Conference
‘State Your Case’ applications close in less than two weeks.
Send a short submission to the Tourism Conference organisers by Monday 10 December 2012 for the chance to win $3000 for your council on Wednesday 13 March 2013.
‘State Your Case’ is a competition designed by the LGSA to solve a tourism challenge. You could be selected as one of three finalists to present your challenges to our expert panel the 2013 Local Government Tourism Conference.
This will be a great opportunity to network with around 200 councillors and council professionals representing areas of tourism, events, economic development, planning, infrastructure and services. Representatives of Destination NSW, the Tourism Industry Council, and other agencies will also be present.
If your council is interested in participating in the competition, please contact the LGSA Manager Events and Protocol, Meg Fisher on 9242 4044 or [email protected].
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 7
Register http://www.witnesskingtides.org/participate/register-to-participate.aspx
Online information www.witnesskingtides.org
Contact Suzanne Dunford NSW Office of Environment and Heritage [email protected]
Ref R06/0049 DA
General Interest Item 4: Calling for Photographers
Witness King Tides is a national community event asking photographers to capture images of the high water levels during the king tide and to share them on a website.
These shared images are then geo-located on a map of Australia resulting in a collection of images that help visualise what our coasts may look like in the future.
This summer, the NSW king tides are expected to occur on Friday 14 December at 9:32am (AEDST) (1.95m) and Saturday 15 December 2012 at 10:24am in Sydney (AEDST) (1.94m).
With support from NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, all coastal and estuarine communities are encouraged to participate in this fun community event that can help to visualise potential future impacts on local coastal conditions, including sea level rise.
There will be photo opportunities at vulnerable, low lying coastal areas. Photos captured within the estuarine margins, an area where king tide is in close proximity to buildings or infrastructure, can be quite dramatic.
This is a positive project where the community can demonstrate their care and concern for their local coastal environment. It’s also a great opportunity for NSW Local Government to develop community understanding of how coastal conditions may change, and start a dialogue about what measures and information can build community resilience, and how communities can respond.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 8
Online information www.parliament.nsw.gov.au
Contact Natalie Marsic, MPES 02 8247 5923 [email protected]
Liz Gemes, LGSA 02 9242 4063 [email protected]
Ref R90/0753-05 LG
Emergency Services Item 5: Emergency Legislation Amendment Bill 2012
The Emergency Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 passed in NSW Parliament on Wednesday 21 November and is currently awaiting assent.
The Emergency Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 makes amendments to the Fire Brigades Act 1989, Rural Fires Act 1997, State Emergency Services Act 1989, and the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989.
Amendments include:
Councils’ general manager to chair the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC).
Removing the title of Local Emergency Management Officers (LEMO).
Renaming the DISPLAN to State Emergency Management Plan.
Districts renamed as regions.
Amalgamating 18 districts into 11 regions (took effect 1 March 2011).
Changes to the functions of the Regional Emergency Management Committee and LEMC.
Council General Manager to Chair LEMC
The LGSA have advocated for the chair of the LEMC to be the general manager or nominated council representative with the approved authority to delegate council resources.
This position was also supported by the State Emergency and Rescue Management (SERM) Act 1989 Strategic Review recommendation 6.4.5.4: “a senior representative of the council of the relevant Local Government area nominated by the general manager of that council, is to be the Chairperson of the Committee…”
Although this amendment states that the general manager will be the chair the LEMC, once the council has delegated by resolution, the General Manager can delegate the role.
Removing Local Emergency Management Officers
The Bill omits section 32 (2) of the SERM Act: The principal executive officer is to be known as the Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO).
The Ministry of Police and Emergency Services advises that although the title of LEMO is removed from the SERM Act, the LEMO role is set out in the new State Emergency Management Plan.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 9
Submissions deadline 5pm, Friday 14 December 2012
Online information http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/woodsmoke/WoodSmokeOptions.htm
Further information http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/woodsmoke/index.htm
Contact Nadia Kanhoush 02 9995 5827 [email protected]
Ref R96/0003 RV
Environment Item 6: Extension of Deadline for Public Discussion on Wood Smoke Control
Submissions have been extended for discussion on six potential wood smoke control options and an implementation framework that would give councils flexibility to choose the appropriate options for their areas.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting with Local Government and the community on these new wood smoke control options.
As part of a review of regulatory and non-regulatory wood smoke control in NSW and exploration of potential new measures, a survey was conducted in 2011 of all NSW local councils of which 74 councils responded, with most supporting additional wood smoke controls.
Based on the information provided by these councils and an economic assessment, the EPA has identified six potential wood smoke control options and a statutory implementation framework that would give councils the flexibility to choose and apply one or more controls in areas where health benefits could be achieved. For more information see http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/air/WoodsmokeControlReport.pdf
The Options for Local Government Wood Smoke Control in NSW Discussion Paper outlines the identified control options and implementation framework. The EPA is seeking broad Local Government and community feedback and input on wood smoke controls for NSW and welcomes submissions on the paper.
The paper is available in various formats:
Downloaded from the EPA website: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/woodsmoke/WoodSmokeOptions.htm
Viewed on the EPA’s interactive consultation portal uEngage: http://engage.environment.nsw.gov.au/portal/environmentalissues/air/woodsmoke/woodsmoke
Hard copy from Environment Line on 131 555.
Councils may wish to inform their local community of the discussion paper and encourage them to make formal submissions via uEngage at the above link.
Submissions now close at 5pm on Friday 14 December.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 10
Applications close Friday 14 December
Online information http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/woodsmoke/wsrp2013.htm
Further information http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/woodsmoke/index.htm
Contact Trevor Solomon 9995 6087 [email protected]
Ref: R96/0003 RV
Environment Item 7: Wood Smoke Reduction Program 2013 Funding Grant
Applications have been extended for councils and groups of councils throughout NSW to submit expressions of interest for funding of up to $60,000 to participate in the 2013 Wood Smoke Reduction Program.
The funding is available from the NSW State Government via the Environment Protection Authority. This funding will assist local communities to address air pollution, caused by wood heaters, through the following options:
Community education programs about the health impacts of wood smoke pollution and how best to operate wood heaters.
Smokey chimney surveys by councils and appropriate educational/enforcement action.
Targeted cash incentives to replace old, uncertified wood heaters and fireplaces with cleaner forms of heating.
Programs that adopt one, two or all of the above options may be proposed.
Copies of the information package and expression of interest form are available by emailing [email protected] or phoning 02 9995 6087.
Grant funds may also be used to hire an extra staff member to run the program or backfill the position of an existing staff member assigned to the program.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 11
Online information www.ipart.nsw.gov.au
IPART [email protected]
IPART Contact Tony Camenzuli 02 9113 7706 [email protected] or
Michael Solo 02 9290 8458 [email protected]
Ref: R90/0397 smcb
Finance Item 8: IPART – Rate Peg Determination 2013/14
On 26 November 2012, IPART announced that the rate peg to apply in the 2013/14 financial year will be 3.4 percent.
The rate peg for 2013/14 was determined by IPART using a Local Government Cost Index and a productivity factor. We have also made an adjustment for the carbon price advance that was included in the rate peg last year.
The Local Government Cost Index (pdf 458.9KB) was developed by IPART, following a survey of councils by IPART in 2010. For more information on the Local Government Cost Index click here.
The Local Government Cost Index increased by 3.7 precent in the year to September 2012.
They deducted a productivity factor of 0.2 percent and 0.1 percent of the carbon advance of 0.4 precent that we included in the rate peg for 2011/12.
Under the Local Government Act, councils are able to seek additional increases in general income beyond the annual rate peg, by applying to IPART for a ‘special rate variation’.
For more information on the Local Government Rate Peg, see the Information Paper, Fact Sheet and Media Release.
To see the LGSA’s media release in response to IPART announcement, visit http://www.lgsa.org.au/news/media-release/media-release-local-government-welcomes-ipart-rate-pegging-determination.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 12
Register on the ALGWE Census website http://algwecensus.org/
Contact Karen Purser ACELG Program Coordinator 02 9514 4882 [email protected]
Ref: R91/0246-04 NS
Industrial Relations Item 9: Local Government Workforce and Employment Census
The Local Government Workforce and Employment Census (formerly the National Minimum Dataset) is part of a National initiative by Federal, State and Territory Local Government ministers to improve Local Government workforce development.
The workforce census has been designed to collect standardised workforce data from all 565 councils across Australia, to allow workforce analysis by region and council classification by State. The census will enable councils to benchmark themselves against aggregated groupings of councils (National, State, and regional).
The information will be used to improve workforce planning capacity within individual councils and to support sector-wide and jurisdictional efforts to address skill shortages, enhance the professionalism of Local Government and facilitate greater workforce diversity.
Following extensive consultation by the Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) with key stakeholders across the sector, a minimum dataset has been agreed to and adopted. An interactive data collection tool has also been developed to facilitate the collection of the data across the sector.
Most councils will have received a link to the survey, and accompanying information pack via their jurisdictions in advance of the census opening today, Friday 30 November. Councils who do not receive their invitation from their jurisdictions but would still like to participate in the census will be able to register on the ALGWE Census website (http://algwecensus.org/) and will be sent an invitation directly.
Data collection will commence today, Friday 30 November, and the survey will remain open until Friday 21 December.
Each council will receive a print out of their own data following submission of their data. No councils will be able to access another council’s data. ACELG will analyse the data and provide reports at classification, regional and jurisdictional level.
The LGSA supports the census and encourages all councils to participate.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 13
Online information http://www.lgsa.org.au/events-training/house-training-service
Contact Ask for a quote from Judy Archer, Learning Solutions 02 9242 4180 [email protected]
Ref I98/0012 DR
Learning Item 10: In-house Training Services – Conflict Resolution Skills
Conflict is a natural part of life and can be used as a force for positive change if managed well. Local Government Learning Solutions has tailored in-house workshops to help you to make conflict work for you, rather than against you.
The case studies, examples, discussions and questionnaires used on the following workshops are all based around the Local Government industry to ensure learning can be utilised in the workplace.
Assertiveness Skills - Do you want to communicate more clearly and confidently? Would you like to get your ideas across in a respectful, considerate, confident way? Would you benefit from feeling more in control of yourself when talking with others? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this program is for you.
Conflict Resolution Skills - This practical one day workshop is a great introduction to effective conflict resolution tools and techniques. The workshop is designed to equip you with skills to manage general conflict more effectively in the workplace.
Verbal Judo for Contact Professionals - Verbal Judo is one of Learning Solutions’ most requested programs. This one day program teaches a set of specific behaviours and tactics with which staff can redirect hostile or aggressive behaviour of others, and generate voluntary compliance. Rangers and other compliance staff, child care, customer service, librarians, development planners, and health and building staff have all benefited from past attendance at this excellent workshop.
Handling Difficult People - Staff who need to be more assertive with clients or colleagues, improve their communication, and have a process to diffuse anger should attend this workshop. Staff who deals with the public should be given the opportunity to attend this hands-on Local Government oriented workshop.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 14
Online information http://www.lgsa.org.au/events-training/house-training-service
Contact Ask for a quote from Judy Archer Learning Solutions 02 9242 4180 [email protected]
Ref I98/0012 DR
Learning Item 11: In-House Training - Preventing Bullying and Harassment
Local Government Learning Solutions has a number of professional development workshops, such as the Preventing Bullying and Harassment Module, to assist councillors.
Through the course of their duties, councillors may be exposed to situations that could involve bullying and harassment.
Topics covered in this training module include:
Define bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Examples of these types of behaviours.
Identify relevant legislation.
Outline the effect and costs of bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Identify options available for resolution of problems.
Provide feedback to a person whom you have noticed adopting bullying/harassing behaviour.
This workshop, delivered in-house at your council, will help you to develop skills to both prevent and manage situations that involve bullying and harassment.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 15
Further information http://www.lgsa.org.au/events-training/house-training-service
Contact Ask for a quote from Judy Archer Learning Solutions 02 9242 4180 [email protected]
Ref: I98/0012 DR
Learning Item 12: In-House Training - Work Health and Safety Workshops
Local Government Learning Solutions are pleased to offer councils a number of different workshops on Work Health and Safety (WHS).
The following workshops are available in-house on a fee for service basis including:
WHS Legislation Awareness workshop for all staff or Managers (half day).
WHS Duty Holders workshop for all levels of Managers and HR/OHS staff, committee members and Health and Safety representatives (half day).
WHS Due Diligence workshop for all levels of Managers and HR/OHS staff, committee members and Health and Safety representatives (half day).
WHS Consultation workshop for Line Managers and HR/OHS staff, committee members and Health and Safety representatives (half day).
WHS Regulation workshop for Line Managers, Supervisors, OHS staff, committee members and Health and Safety representatives (half day).
WHS Codes of Practice workshop for Line Managers, Supervisors, OHS staff, committee members and Health and Safety representatives (half day).
WHS Regulation and Codes of Practice workshop for Line Managers, Supervisors, OHS staff, committee members and Health and Safety representatives (full day).
WHS Management Plan workshop for Executive Managers, Line Managers, HR Managers and OHS Officers (half day).
WHS for Volunteers and Contractors workshop for Line Managers, Supervisors, OHS staff,
committee members and Health and Safety representatives (half day). | Top |
Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 16
Amended Regulation http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/epub
Building Professionals Board http://www.bpb.nsw.gov.au/page/proposed-building-professionals-amendment--accreditation--regulation-2012--/
Planning Network http://planningnetwork.lgsa.org.au
Ref R90/0559-03 JP
Planning Item 13: Regulation Enforces Certifiers to Issue Demolition Certificates
Changes have been made to the Building Professionals Regulation 2007 to enable accredited certifiers who hold Category A1, A2 or A3 accreditations to issue a complying development certificate (CDC) for the demolition or removal of buildings.
The Building Professionals Board advertised in October 2012 for public feedback on a proposed amendment to the Building Professionals Regulation 2007.
This followed the February 2011 amendments to the Codes SEPP that introduced the Demolition Code. The Demolition Code allows a complying development certificate (CDC) to be issued for the demolition or removal of specified buildings including dwellings, swimming pools and certain industrial and commercial buildings.
Previously, accredited certifiers could not issue CDCs under the Demolition Code, as the demolition or removal of a building is not building work; therefore the work was not covered by any existing authority under the Board's Accreditation Scheme. The amendment to the Regulation was intended to bring into line the provisions of the Building Professionals Regulation with the Codes SEPP.
The amendment to the Regulation is made under the Building Professionals Act 2005, including sections 5A (2), 6 and 94 (the general regulation-making power).
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 17
Online information www.ga.gov.au/darwin-view/hazards.xhtml
http://www.ga.gov.au/image_cache/GA21214.pdf
Geoscience Australia David Burbidge 0262499761 [email protected]
Clive Collins 0262499544 [email protected]
Ref: R90/0753-05 LG
Planning Item 14: National Earthquake Hazard Map
Seismologists at Geoscience Australia have developed a series of maps useful that will provide new information on which areas of Australia are susceptible to earthquakes.
The maps will be of assistance to engineers, planners, emergency managers, and dam operators.
The Minister for Resources and Energy, the Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP, has released the National Earthquake Hazard Map of Australia which has been developed following detailed examination of past earthquakes in Australia.
Since 1950, Australia has experienced 168 earthquakes above magnitude 5.0 and in 2011 there were 82 events recorded at magnitude 3.0 or above.
Although the maps do not enable experts to predict earthquakes, they will assist engineers and planners with design, locate buildings and infrastructure. And inform Local Emergency Management Committees for local disaster planning.
The information is intended for incorporation into Australia’s building code, a step which would support engineers to design structures to better withstand the likely ground shaking that will be experienced at a particular location.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 18
Online information http://www.ga.gov.au/flood-study-search/
http://www.ga.gov.au/hazards/flood/flood-study-search-help.html
Contact Geoscience Australia 02 62499111
Ref: R90/0753-05 LG
Planning Item 15: National Flood Risk Portal Online
A new online one-stop-shop for flood risk information is available to assist the community, planners and insurers to access flood information about their local area.
The Portal uses satellite imagery to map floods and is supported by guidelines to assist holders of flood risk information to make their flood studies and maps available through the Portal.
The guidelines, in conjunction with the agreement between Geoscience Australia and Engineers Australia to finalise the revision of the Australian Rainfall and Runoff guide, will assist in improving the consistency and quality of flood studies.
Each flood study is a comprehensive technical investigation of flood behaviour. A flood study defines the nature and extent of flooding across the landscape by providing information such as the extent, level and velocity of floodwaters and the distribution of flood flows.
Easy access to flood risk information will give communities and planners a better understanding of their exposure to floods, as well as assist insurers in developing fair and reasonable policies.
Geoscience Australia will host the Portal, which will be fully developed over four years, with updates in November each year prior to the summer season.
The first phase of the Portal development includes an updated Australian Flood Studies Database with enhanced search functionality and a ‘Google maps’ style interface.
The Australian Flood Studies Database provides metadata on Australian flood studies and information on flood risk. It contains general information for all studies, including the study location, date, commissioning organisation and lead consultant.
The database acts as an information management tool for all levels of government and contributes to flood intelligence. The database enables consultants tendering and undertaking work for Local Government to discover quickly – from a single source – what work has been done previously in their area of interest. It will also make it easier to identify what datasets are available for future use.
The database will also enable organisations wanting to commission a flood study (particularly small councils with less experience with flooding or risk analysis) to learn from the work that has been undertaken in other regions. It also enables the general public to access flood information for their area, before approaching their council for more specific information on their property.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 19
Online information http://www.mdba.gov.au/basin-plan
Ref: R90/1056-12 SM
Water Item 16: Murray-Darling Basin Plan – Final Plan
On Thursday 22 November, the Australian Government Minister for Water, the Hon. Tony Burke MP, approved and presented to the Australian Parliament the final Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Following Minister Burke’s signing into law of the Basin Plan, the Australian Parliament has 15 sitting days to consider and disallow the Basin Plan with the result of the Basin Plan ceasing to have effect.
The final Basin Plan confirms the sustainable diversion limits (SDLs) on surface and groundwater resources in the basin that were proposed in the previous versions. The basin-wide SDL for surface water is 10,873 GL/y. To achieve this, 2,750 GL/y of consumptive water use needs to be recovered based on a 2008 baseline. SDLs are to come into effect from 2019, allowing for time to adjust.
At Sunday 30 September, 1,577 GL/y of the 2,750 GL/y recovery target had already been recovered through initiatives undertaken by both the Basin States and the Australian Government (water buybacks and water efficiency/infrastructure investment under the Sustainable Rural Water use and Infrastructure Program).
SDL adjustment mechanism The final Basin Plan includes a mechanism for adjustment of SDLs for new water saving initiatives. This applies to additional changes in infrastructure and other measures undertaken or funded by the Australian Government or a Basin State/Territory (i.e. not currently in operation or planned for such as existing irrigation efficiency and water buyback programs). The adjustment mechanism is to operate in the net range of plus or minus 5% of the total SDL for the basin of 10,873 GL/y allowing the adjustment to occur at least within the range of 2,400 GL/y to 3,200 GL/y.
The adjustment mechanism will either allow equivalent environmental outcomes to be achieved with less water (supply measures) or increase the volume of water available for environmental under the condition that measures do not have negative socio-economic impacts (efficiency measures).
Supply measures are works, river operations or rule changes that enable the use of less water but still achieve the Basin Plan's environmental outcomes. Such projects would allow the SDL to be achieved by other means, thereby reducing the basin plan's 2,750 GL consumptive water recovery target, as well as reducing the social and economic impact of water recovery.
Efficiency measures recover and provide more water for the environment without negative social and economic impacts. They include improving the efficiency of on-farm irrigation and transferring the water savings for environmental use. Such projects would allow the 2,750 GL recovery volume to be increased without reducing productive capacity.
On Friday 26 October, the Hon. Tony Burke MP announced plans to implement efficiency measures to return an additional 450 GL/y of water to the Murray-Darling Basin, primarily through on-farm efficiency initiatives that generate water savings. Measures are to be funded by an additional $1.77 billion of Australian Government funding over ten years from 2014. These plans were in response to modelling by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority which showed that better environmental outcomes for the Basin could be achieved through a combination of relaxing capacity constraints and providing an additional 450GL/y of water above the 2750GL/y described in the plan.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 20
Submissions due Friday 15 February
Online information www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/urbanwaterregreview
Details on and registration for workshop www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/urbanwaterregreview
Contact Metropolitan Water Directorate, Department of Finance and Services 1800 759 857 [email protected]
Ref: R90/1056-12 SM
Water Item 17: Review of Urban Water Regulation in NSW – Discussion Paper
The NSW Government has released a discussion paper to seek stakeholder feedback on a review of the Water Industry Competition Act (NSW) 2006 and regulatory arrangements for water recycling under the Local Government Act (NSW) 1993.
The Metropolitan Water Directorate in the Department of Finance and Services is leading the review.
The purpose of the review is to address issues with aspects of the current regulation of the urban water sector in NSW, and develop a consistent whole-of-sector approach that appropriately manages risks to public health, the environment and consumers without imposing unnecessary red tape.
Key issues discussed in the paper include whether there is scope to develop more targeted risk-based regulatory requirements across both the Water Industry Competition Act (NSW) 2006 and the Local Government Act (NSW) 1993, how current processes can be improved to reduce costs to business and government alike, and how to allocate regulatory roles and responsibilities.
Public information workshops are to be held in the following metropolitan and regional area in December 2012:
Queanbeyan.
Orange.
Coffs Harbour.
Newcastle.
Parramatta (Local Government Act (NSW) 1993 only).
Sydney (Water Industry Competition Act (NSW) 2006 only).
Stakeholders are encouraged to attend the workshops, which will provide an opportunity to talk directly with the NSW Government about relevant issues.
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Local Government Weekly 48/11 30 November 2012 Page 21
In the News Item 18: Media from the LGSA
View the latest media releases distributed by the LGSA
Media Release: Awards recognising environmental excellence by councils
30 November 2012
http://www.lgsa.org.au/news/media-release/media-release-awards-recognising-environmental-excellence-councils
Outstanding achievements by councils in developing innovative sustainability projects and managing and protecting their local environment will be recognised on Tuesday 4 December 2012 at the NSW Local Government Excellence in Environment Awards.
Media Release: Shires Association President to visit north-west NSW councils
27 November 2012
http://www.lgsa.org.au/news/lg-weekly/media-release-shires-association-president-visit-north-west-nsw-councils
The President of the Shires Association of NSW, Cr Ray Donald, will this week meet with rural councils across north-western NSW in a series of meetings to discuss key issues and update them on a number of State Government reforms impacting NSW councils.
Media Release: Local Government welcomes IPART rate pegging determination
26 November 2012
http://www.lgsa.org.au/news/media-release/media-release-local-government-welcomes-ipart-rate-pegging-determination
The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) welcome the third independent determination of the rate pegging limit by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART). The IPART announced today that it has determined a maximum allowable increase of councils’ rate revenue for 2013/14 of 3.4%.
Media Release: Safe management of asbestos made easier for NSW councils
26 November 2012
http://www.lgsa.org.au/news/media-release/media-release-safe-management-asbestos-made-easier-nsw-councils
NSW councils will soon be better equipped to safely manage asbestos and provide advice to ‘mum and dad’ home renovators worried about asbestos in their homes, following the launch of a Model Asbestos Policy and Guide by the Hon. Don Page MP earlier today.
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