major planning reform announced · · 2012-05-03planning reform to streamline approvals and ......

LGAT News June 20118

faces of local government

On 25 May, the Minister for Planning, Bryan Green, announced Tasmania’s biggest single planning reform to streamline approvals and facilitate development.

A new statewide template will be incorporated into all future local council planning schemes to provide clear and consistent planning laws - providing the consistency and certainty that local councils, developers and the public have been calling for.

Mr Green said the reform was designed to strike the right balance between providing investor confidence and good planning outcomes. “It is a major

milestone in the evolution of Tasmania’s planning system,” he said. “The template will be the new standard for residential, commercial and industrial development and will ease the frustrations of developers who in the past have had to work through a cumbersome planning process.”

Mr Green said the template was the key in a suite of planning reforms to come including a streamlined approvals process for the residential building code, and new regional planning strategies to further enhance the system.

Major Planning Reform Announced

The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) has released a major report, Consolidation in Local Government: A Fresh Look, on the options available for Local Government to increase its capacity and provide improved services.

In the past, Local Government reform has focused strongly on council amalgamations and cost savings. The ACELG research sought a more balanced approach, taking into account the importance of good governance and effective local democracy and representation. It also looks at the aftermath of previous efforts at reform through a series of in-depth case studies and interviews with senior figures in Local Government.

The report is the result of a year’s work by senior researchers from Australia and New Zealand. Each wanted to take a fresh look at the various options for consolidation in Local Government – amalgamations, boundary changes, shared services and regional collaboration – free from any current pressures to go down a particular path to reform. The report highlights the need

for Local Government to embrace further change if it is to be sustainable and cement its place as the democratic representative of local and regional communities.

The Director of ACELG, Prof Graham Sansom, said consolidation options must be addressed so that councils can meet growing community needs and expectations. “State and Federal Governments are also asking Local Government to do more. Councils should work with their communities and regional partners to determine which option will deliver the best outcome. In some cases this may lead to amalgamations or boundary changes, in others to more regional collaboration and shared services,” he said. “But everyone needs to be clear that the objective is more effective Local Government, not cutting rates and charges. There is often scope for efficiency gains, but these are needed to fund new or improved services and infrastructure.”

The report can be downloaded from ACELG’s website at www.agelg.org.au.

Study Highlights Opportunities for Stronger Local Government


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9June 2011 LGAT News

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On 22 May, Premier Lara Giddings and the Mayor of the Break O’Day Council, Robert Legge, signed a partnership agreement setting out a 10-year framework for sustainable development.

This is the third such agreement between Council and the State Government to ensure that the priorities of State Government agencies and the Council are aligned and that future development in the municipality is undertaken in a strategic and integrated manner.

Previous partnership agreements have delivered financial assistance for dredging the St Helens barway, upgrading walking tracks in the area, developing a business plan for the expansion of the St Helens History Room and securing $1 million to remove sand from Blanch Beach.

The agreement focuses specifically on the development of a Municipal Management Plan and how State Government agencies will provide input. The plan will focus on development and job creation, community wellbeing and sustainable environmental policies and practices over a 10-year period.

Tasmania has taken a step forward towards more informed and innovative infrastructure planning with the announcement of Mr Philip Clark AM as the Chair of the Tasmanian Infrastructure Advisory Council and the inaugural meeting of its members on 11 May in Hobart.

In an Australian first, the Advisory Council will play a key role in advancing the State Infrastructure Strategy and its reform agenda. It will provide a vital link between Government, industry and the community, and help ensure Government decisions are guided by expert advice. Infrastructure Minister, David O’Byrne, said we want the best advice and the most innovative ideas to guide our infrastructure planning in the years and decades ahead. “This is all about providing Tasmanians with the infrastructure they need, in the most informed, efficient and strategic way,” he said.

The other members of the Council are: Allan Garcia (CEO, Local Government Association of Tasmania), Peter Davis (CEO Aurora Energy), Peter Clark (CEO Transend), Greg Alomes (Executive Commissioner, Tasmanian Planning Commission), Miles Hampton (Chair, Tasmanian Water and Sewage Corporations), Matthew Phillips (Manager Commercial Strategy, NBN Co), Damien White (CEO, Tasrail), Paul Weedon (CEO, Tasports), Robert Wallace (CEO, Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Kim Evans (Secretary, Department of

Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment), Mark Kelleher (Secretary, Department of Economic Development), and Norm Mcilfatrick (Secretary, Department of Infrastructure Energy and Resources).

Mr Philip Clark AM, is a former investment banker and leading law firm management executive, with broad experience in key infrastructure issues. He’s a member of the JP Morgan Australia Advisory Council, and holds degrees in Arts and Law from Sydney University, and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University. In 2007, Mr Clark was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the legal profession and business.

(L-R) Premier Lara Giddings and Break O’Day Mayor Robert Legge at the signing of the

partnership agreement

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New Partnership Agreement for Break O’Day

Infrastructure Council Up and Running

Photography by Dean Parry


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JOHNSTONE McGEE & GANDY incorporating Dale P Luck & Associates

Celebrating 50 years in business in 2010 JMG is Tasmania’s longest established totally Tasmanian owned multi-discipline Engineering and Planning practice; also this year Dale P. Luck & Associates has joined forces with JMG at our new Launceston office to expand our capacity and capabilities.

For further information visit www.jmg.net.au or phone Ian Johnston on (03) 6231 2555

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Established in 1960, JMG is Tasmania’s longest established totally Tasmanian owned multi-discipline Engineering and Planning practice. With 60 staff between Hobart and Launceston we are able to provide Engineering and Planning Services on projects to meet the needs of Tasmania throughout the state, in all market sectors, from investigation, feasibility studies, design and documentation, pursuing approvals, through to the administration and management of contracts.

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The new Swansea Water Treatment Plant was officially opened on 4 May by the Premier, the Hon Lara Giddings, who joined with the community in celebrating the lifting of the permanent boil water notice.

Southern Water’s Chairman, Mr Miles Hampton, said Swansea residents and visitors to the area no longer had to boil their water. It was the first time in history that Swansea has been provided with fully treated water.

Following extensive testing, the Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed that Swansea water now meets the Australian and Tasmanian Drinking Water guidelines and the provisions of the Tasmanian Public Health Act (1997). This provides a number of health benefits to the community including improved oral health care through the fluoridation of the water supply. Mr Hampton acknowledged the vision of Mayor Bertrand Cadart and the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council in laying the groundwork for providing the area with high quality drinking water.

The Swansea Water Project is an $8.5 million project that was born in an agreement between the State Government, Glamorgan Spring Bay Council and former bulk water authority, Hobart Water, to provide Swansea with high quality, potable drinking water.

The completed water treatment plant, at the south eastern edge of the new dam, is now supplying residents with quality drinking water sourced from the Swan and Meredith rivers. The Swansea water supply, like all Southern Water drinking water systems, will undergo ongoing monitoring and testing to confirm water quality remains high and meets drinking water standards.

Swansea water is now treated, disinfected with chlorine and fluoridated before being supplied to residents and businesses. Water is stored in the Noyes St and Cathcart St reservoirs and pumped through reticulation pipes around the town. The Noyes and Cathcart St reservoirs have been roofed as part of the project to avoid microbiological contamination and to aid disinfection.

Swansea Celebrates Opening of Water Treatment Plant

(L-R) Southern Water Employees Ricky Wright, Kim Williams and Stephen Ninness drink a toast to

having fully treated water

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Circular Head’s Seven Up Youth Centre Wins AwardCircular Head Council’s ‘Seven Up Youth Centre’ project has been formally recognised as the recipient of a National Award for Local Government in the youth engagement category.

As one of only six Local Government areas in Tasmania to have a youth population equal to, or greater than the state average, Circular Head Council recognises the importance of taking a proactive role in including and inspiring its young people to actively participate in community life.

During National Youth Week 2009, the Council held ‘y engage’, a listening event designed to determine the needs of our young people in an engaging and interactive environment. At the event, young people said it was important that they have a place to go, a ‘youth space’, which can reduce the isolation some feel given Circular Head is a diverse, sparsely populated rural area.

In response, Youth and Community Officers from Circular Head Council and Rural Health Tasmania worked in partnership with a local Church and Circular Head’s young people to establish a Youth Centre. Extensive regular consultations were held with student leadership teams from both secondary schools and the Circular Head Youth Leaders (CHYL) who acted as a youth advisory group to Council.

A student-led trial was established late in 2009 with the goal of providing some data to support the project. The initial venue was deemed to be unsuitable, mainly due to its location, so organisers sought a new venue in a more central location. The second trial period, conducted in 2010 at the new location, was overwhelmingly successful.

Some of the engagement tools used included regular stakeholder meetings with teachers, parents, youth service providers and church leaders, and updates were provided to the community via local print media and social media. Direct consultation was conducted using an ‘asset-based’ approach which entails focusing on the community’s strengths rather than its deficits. Young people were asked what they like about their community and were invited to see their community as a place of opportunity.

The centre’s name and logo was also chosen by young people, with this level of student involvement considered vital to ensuring that the young people felt a sense of ownership of the project. The project culminated in a successful funding submission to the Department of Premier and Cabinet through its Community Capacity Building Grants program. This

funding ensured that the centre was able re-open in 2011 and continue to deliver quality programs to service the youth of Circular Head.

Key to the success of the project was the dedication of Deb Mainwaring, Yvonne Stone and Alysha House who make up the Community Services Department at Circular Head Council. Deb and Yvonne were instigators of the 2009 ‘y engage’ youth forum, and Yvonne, in her capacity of Youth Officer at the Council, continue with the youth engagement process through ongoing regular consultations with student leadership teams and teachers at the two secondary schools in Circular Head. Yvonne also facilitated the Circular Head Youth Leaders whose input into the project was vital. Alysha House came on board to run the youth centre during the 2010 trial period and proved to be invaluable in ensuring that young people remained engaged with the project.

For further information please contact Yvonne Stone on (03) 6452 4864, or email [email protected].

Pictured at the National Awards for Local Government (L-R) Alysha House, Yvonne Stone and

Deb Mainwaring of Circular Head Council

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The Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) Management Challenge was recently held around Australia and five Tasmanian council teams competed for the title of state winner at a hard fought Challenge Day.

The Challenge Day was held in late March and teams from Launceston City, Meander Valley, Waratah-Wynyard, Circular Head, Devonport City and Kingborough Councils came together for a full day of tasks and problem solving. The eventual winners, Kingborough Council, will now compete in Sydney for the Australasian title. The team of six, plus their mentor, Abyilene McGuire, will travel to Sydney in late June.

Kingborough Council’s General Manager and National President of LGMA, Paul West, said the challenge is much more than a training opportunity. It is a development program for emerging leaders in Local Government and can enhance or provide new skills in leadership, teamwork, problem solving, time management, negotiation, influencing skills and much more.

“The challenge provides an opportunity for staff members to gain feedback from experienced facilitators on how they performed, which helps people to work out where their strengths may lay and what areas they need to improve in,” said Mr West. “The feedback is as important as the actual challenge as the staff can go on to build on those comments and improve both their own

performance in the workplace and use the team work skills in their own work teams.”

Teams were required to perform a pre-challenge task and write a report on how to retain critical staff in Local Government, specifically looking at their own council. This comprehensive report had to show research, methodology and tactics for new, or existing strategies. Challenge Day saw a day filled with tasks ranging from designing posters through to addressing complex issues that affect all councils. The tasks were varied and required teams to write reports, attend a simulated meeting with ratepayers and work with other councils on specific issues.

Kingborough Council’s team members came from diverse backgrounds with one each from compliance, finance, communications, planning, engineering and youth services. Council’s Civil Design Team Leader Renai Clark said one of the best things to come out of the challenge was meeting other people from different areas and learning about what happens in their jobs.

(L-R) The team, Undercover Bosses, comprised of Environmental Planning Officer

Nikki den Exter, Compliance Coordinator Darren Pallot, Communications Officer

Carolyn Docking, Senior Finance Officer Naomi Cooper, Team Leader Civil Design

Renai Clark and Youth Development Officer Jehni Sheyan.

Managers Rise to the Challenge

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The Two Hands Coffee cart, a non-profit, social enterprise run by young people for the Launceston community, is helping young people gain valuable experience while providing top quality coffee for residents and visitors.

Two Hands Coffee aims to reconnect young people with training and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry, while offering a value-laden service to the community which is socially responsible and inclusive. The program is an initiative of the Launceston City Council and is supported by the Australian Government and City Mission.

Two Hands Coffee enables students to enrol in three Tasmanian Polytechnic units which are free of charge and transferable to a Certificate II in Hospitality. The

students then receive eight weeks work experience on the coffee cart where they continue their training with experienced baristas. At the end of the eight-weeks work experience, the young people are placed in a two-week work placement within a local café. Each of the students receives an industry-standard uniform so that they can then be ‘job ready’ at the end of their work experience.

Eight students from Youth on Paterson and National Joblink were congratulated for successfully completing their barista training and creating opportunities not just for themselves but for the whole community. The Council hopes the establishment of Two Hands Coffee will help build community cohesion, trust and inclusivity, while creating a sustainable program for future students.

Helping Young People Become ‘Job Ready’

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The Two Hands Coffee cart in

operation

Staying vigilant with regards to risk management, hazard perception and traffic control are vital to effective daily operations. Similarly, hazards that can present a high risk of injury or illness need to be prioritised for action to eliminate, control, or reduce the risk. Legislation requires all employers to approach their OHS risks in a systematic manner based on recognised principles.

The new National Guide to Public Works and Services Safety 2011 is now available to help minimise the risks in the workplace. The guide looks at the common dangers and simple steps that should be taken to avoid unnecessary risk or injury, thus ensuring a safe working

environment. The guide includes personal protective equipment guidelines and encourages those working in the Public Works and Services sectors to wear clothing that is appropriate for the job. When displayed in a visible area, the guide acts as daily reminder of simple safety procedures that should be implemented by both employers and employees in the Public Works and Services sector. Copies are available at no cost.

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New Guide Paves the Way for Improved Public Works Safety



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What do Julie Andrews, Buzz Lightyear and Jake Gyllenhaal have in common? They’ve all made recent appearances in the Tasmanian east coast town of Orford, courtesy of the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council (GSBC) and Orford Primary School, whose initiative is providing some much-needed entertainment for the community, for whom the nearest cinema is an hour’s drive away.

The venture is driven by a volunteer committee consisting of GSBC staff Lona Turvey (Manager, Community Development), Gavan Barber (Finance Officer), Angela Higgs (Administrative Assistant), Orford Primary School Principal Phillip Wells and local resident David Kirk (former professional actor).

The Orford Odeon, held monthly in the school’s Performing Arts Centre, features a 4-metre retractable screen, a HD data projector and comfortable, upholstered seating. Since January, films screened have included The Sound of Music and Prince of Persia, while Toy Story 3 has been the most popular. The choices mirror responses to a questionnaire distributed in Orford and its near-neighbour, Triabunna.

“It’s about providing a cinema experience that’s accessible to the community, particularly the elderly and the young,” said Lona Turvey. The cinema has

attracted 60-plus patrons each screening. Tickets cost $5 and refreshments are sold in the foyer. All profits go to youth community projects in GSBC and to Orford Primary School.

For further information, contact Lona Turvey on (03) 6257 4778, or email [email protected].

Cinema enthusiasts grab some refreshments at the screening of Toy Story 3 at the Orford Odeon

Cinema by the Sea

The Hobart City Council has given approval to a project that seeks to have its restored heritage trams operating along the main rail line connecting the Waterfront area with the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and possibly, in the future, with other attractions in the Northern Suburbs including MONA.

Hobart’s Lord Mayor Alderman Rob Valentine said the Council will have three heritage trams restored to running condition and capable of operating along the main rail line. The service, which would be an added attraction for visitors and tourists to the city as well as locals, would be powered by a DC generator until at some future date there would be justification for providing an overhead power supply. The relocation of the rail freight depot to Brighton will leave the rail line free for other uses including a tourist tram ride experience.

The Council has authorised discussions to commence with the State Government about access to the rail line and a piece of suitable land on which to construct a tram storage and display shed. The Hobart plan follows many cities in Australia and around the world which are reinstating their tram and light rail services both with a heritage theme for visitors and tourists, and for public transport. Works have

begun to complete the final restoration of the mechanical and electrical components on double bogie Tram 118, which has been undergoing body restoration at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

The restored heritage Tram No 39

Heritage Tram Plan Unveiled

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A new Launceston City Council initiative will see Launceston children recognise the significant contribution of older people in the community.

Growing Recognition involves students from seven primary schools and community centres planting bulbs, donated by Council, in their school gardens during the coming weeks. The students will care for the bulbs, providing an opportunity for this activity to be incorporated into the education program. When the

bulbs flower in late September, the students will present the flowers and handmade cards to older people in the community during Seniors Week (1-7 October).

Launceston City Council Mayor Albert van Zetten said this initiative will help to connect two demographics of our community to help each gain an appreciation of the other. “Growing Recognition highlights the positive effects of bringing joy to someone else’s life and how this can be achieved through a simple gesture,” he said.

The initiative is supported by the Red Cross, Delivered Meals and the Northern Suburbs Community Centre.

Launceston City Council Mayor

Albert van Zetten with West

Launceston Primary School students Jake Kilby and Genzeb Frelek

Growing Recognition for our Elders

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Welcome Central HighlandsIn March this year the Central Highlands Council and the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the 26th Community Road Safety Partnership (CRSP) in Tasmania.

In April the first meeting of a local road safety advisory group met in Hamilton to discuss issues relevant to the Central Highlands community.

Factors such as driving to conditions on narrow rural roads, visitors unfamiliar with local roads, sharing the road with large vehicles and the safety of young local drivers were among the issues discussed.

Further planning and community consultation is scheduled to occur. Following that a local road safety action plan will be developed at a meeting in the near future.

Who’s Des Tonight? in Circular HeadIn April 2011 the hard working Circular Head CRSP Committee, in conjunction with their new local Liquor Accord, introduced the Who’s Des Tonight? designated driver program to the municipality.

This initiative forms part of Circular Head CRSP’s successful ‘Look After Your Mates’ campaign and is operating in the following venues: Bridge Hotel/Motel, Circular Head Community & Recreation Centre, Irishtown Community Centre, Marrawah Tavern, Nut Rock Café, Rocky Cape Tavern, Smithton Club, Smithton Country Club, Smithton RSL, Smithton Turf Club, Stanley Hotel, Tall Timbers Hotel/Motel, Trowutta Sports Centre.

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MORE INFORMATION?Anyone interested in obtaining more information regarding the CRSP Program can contact Project Manager,

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CRSP Update

Football Club Alcohol Management Partnership

In May a partnership promoting a new Football Alcohol Management Strategy was launched at Windsor Park in Launceston. DIER is working with the Liquor and Gaming Branch (Department of Treasury and Finance), Good Sports (Australian Drug Foundation) and AFL Tasmania to encourage football clubs to develop policies that better manage the way they sell and consume alcohol and support their players and patrons.

Safe transport plans and initiatives to promote safe driving practices will be a core component of this partnership.

Stuart Fox and Grant Birchall (Hawthorn Football Club), Greg Squires (Liquor & Gaming Branch), Jane Crosswell (Good Sports) and Penny Nicholls (DIER) at the launch.

Members of Council, Liquor Accord and DIER launch ‘Des’ in Circular Head at the Rocky Cape Tavern

Central Highlands road safety advisory group - Bob Lovell (Tasmania Police), Cr Lou Triffitt, Alysse Gavlik (DIER), Cr Joe Jacka, Cr Andrew Downie, Zara Gerven Community & Economic Development Officer.


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Join the Local Government Association of Tasmania as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary at the 2011 Local Government Conference, being held at Wrest Point in Hobart, from 20-22 July.

Themed 100 Years Long: 100 Years Strong, the speakers and panellists will explore how far we have come as a sector and as a State, as well as future challenges and trends that will affect how councils do business in the future. Other topics to be addressed include harnessing the power of the social media, disaster management, recruitment, effective performance management and policy development.

The conference will be complimented with a large trade exhibition featuring the latest technology and services to support local councils. There will also be great giveaways for delegates in attendance. Elected members, council managers, staff, and Local Government affiliates are encouraged to be a part of this historical event.

Ross DawsonCreating the Future of Local GovernmentRepresented by Saxton Speakers Bureau P/LSponsored by the Stornoway Group

Throughout the world, this is a defining era for the role of government. Local Government is in the front-line of those changes and challenges, and is absolutely in a position to take the lead in turning these challenges into opportunities. Among the prominent trends are the rapid ageing of Australia and in particular its regional areas, changing patterns to work enabled by communications technologies, heightened expectations of service, and a widespread desire to ensure our society is sustainable.

Councils need to address these shifts in their organisational structures, from attracting and inspiring talented younger workers, to making the knowledge and expertise of their most experienced staff available beyond their retirement. The ability to collaborate easily and effectively is now fundamental for any organisation.

One of the biggest opportunities is for councils to get communities truly involved. Around the world, forward-thinking local councils are creating powerful

2011 Local Government Conference100 Years Long: 100 Years Strong

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ways for their residents to participate, contribute, and to have genuine conversations across the community on the issues that really matter. Tapping the ideas and energy of citizens can help to generate better outcomes than ever before. Elected representatives in Local Government who tap into the current dramatic shift in how people communicate with their peers and friends, and who can participate genuinely in the new flow of online conversation will be best positioned to have their voices heard and views supported.

The vital role played by Local Government will become even more important in the decades ahead as greater value is placed on peoples’ local community. It just needs to recognise and effectively respond to the inexorable forces of change.

Ross Dawson is globally recognized as a leading business futurist, keynote speaker, and strategy advisor. He is a successful entrepreneur, having founded four companies: international consulting firm Advanced Human Technologies, futures thinktank Future Exploration Network, events company The Insight Exchange, and online start-up Repyoot. His bestselling books include the acclaimed Living Networks and the award winning Developing Knowledge-Based Client Relationships.

Jacky HodgesCensus: 100 Years in TasmaniaSponsored by the Tasmanian Public Finance Corporation

2011 also marks 100 years since the first national census was conducted in Australia. In 2011, the Census of Population and Housing remains Australia’s best source of local level data. Jacky Hodges will reflect on how Tasmania has changed over this time, as seen through the Census, and will offer some insights on how local governments can get more from census data to support their local communities into the future.

Jacky Hodges was recently appointed by the ABS as Regional Director for Tasmania, having previously served as Acting Regional Director for NSW. She leads the office in delivering high quality statistics which aim to deliver the best set of official statistics for Tasmania - through the ABS’s extensive set of national outputs and complimented by relevant local products and services produced in collaboration with other agencies. In 2011, Jacky’ will be overseeing Tasmania’s preparation and delivery of the Agricultural Census and the Census of Population and Housing on 9 August.

Ricky LangfordWorker Health is Your Business!Sponsored by the Stornoway Group

Global research has revealed that when health and wellness is managed well, organisation performance increased more than 2.5 times. Alternatively, when health and wellness is not managed well, organisation performance decreased more than 3.5 times. Evidence that the number of health risks employees have impacts on absenteeism, presenteeism, their ability to cope with the changing work environment and also affects whether an individual participates in the workforce at all. What does your business do to assist employees to manage this risk? Business has a valuable opportunity to assist employees to prevent and manage their health risks through an effective workplace health program.

As an Exercise Scientist and Physiologist, Ricky Langford, is a leading expert on performance, productivity and resilience. He is a former physical performance specialist in sports from Golf to AFL football and was the Physical Performance Manager for the Australian Cricket team. Ricky is the co-founder of Healthy Business, a successful work health organisation.

Panel DiscussionA Retrospective – The Living PresidentsSponsored by Dobson, Mitchell & Allport

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Roger Chalk

Lynn Mason

Sue Smith

Mike Gaffney

Tony Bisdee

Continued Page 22

▲


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This panel discussion will feature the past living Presidents of the LGAT who will showcase the highs and lows of Local Government during their time at the helm. From the modernisation program of the early nineties through to water and sewerage reform of the late noughties, our past Presidents will recall the challenges, the victories and a few of the hits they took along the way. The session will provide a snapshot of the hurly burly of intergovernmental relations and their successes, or otherwise, in galvanizing support from the membership during their leadership.

Prof Jill KleinWhen Good Managers Make Bad DecisionsSponsored by Pitt & Sherry

The brain is a truly amazing biological machine, developed through millions of years of evolutionary pressure. More recent changes in human history have created a gap between the world for which our brains were designed, and the world in which we actually live. This mismatch is played out in many aspects of management and leadership. In particular, we suffer from strong biases that hinder good decision-making. Fortunately, scientists have generated a great deal of knowledge that allows us to identify these deficiencies and to find remedies for them. This session is based on state-of-the-art neurobiological research that sheds light on the obstacles we face when making decisions, and ways that we can overcome these obstacles.

Jill Klein is a Prof of Marketing for the Melbourne Business School. She has a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan and was a member of faculty in the Marketing Department at Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University. From 1997 to 2008, she was on the faculty at INSEAD.

Anne LeadbeaterBlack Saturday 2009: Collaboration and Partnerships in the ‘Post-Bushfire’ EnvironmentSponsored by Acrodata

In just a few hours on 7 February 2009, the rural Victorian municipality of Murrindindi was decimated by bushfires. With 40% of the shire’s land area burnt,

the loss of 95 lives and the destruction of community facilities, businesses and more than 1,200 homes, the devastating effect of the fires exceeded all previous experience and planning.

Anne Leadbeater will examine the impact of the Black Saturday fires on Murrindindi Shire and the significant challenges that were faced in managing relief and recovery. She will also explore the recovery model established in the communities of the Kinglake Ranges and highlight the importance of innovation, collaboration and partnerships and the vital role of local knowledge and community resilience.

Anne Leadbeater is Manager of Community Engagement with the Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner of Victoria. Previously, Anne worked for 12 years in various roles with Murrindindi Shire Council, most recently in bushfire recovery and drought support. Following the 2009 Black Saturday fires, Anne worked on behalf of Council to coordinate the initial recovery efforts for the Kinglake Ranges communities.

Commonwealth Bank Happy Hour, Trade Hall The Commonwealth Bank Happy Hour will commence at 4.30pm in the Exhibition Hall on 21 July. The occasion provides the opportunity for delegates, sponsors and trade exhibitors to relax and unwind after an intensive day of conferencing before heading out to the Conference Dinner. During Happy Hour, raffle tickets will be sold to raise funds for Anglicare’s Emergency Relief Program. The raffle winner will receive a $500 travel voucher from Quadrant. This popular annual event is a valuable and fun networking opportunity for sponsors, trade exhibitors and delegates. Be sure to bring your business cards!

MAV Insurance Conference DinnerThe MAV Insurance Conference Dinner promises to be a highlight of the 2011 Local Government Conference. The dinner will be held on Hobart’s picturesque waterfront at

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sustainable compliance means quicker certification and less paper

Climate | Community | Industrial | Transport | www.pittsh.com.au sustainablethinkingsustainablethinking

pitt&sherry Building Surveying has developed a process by which clients can email electronic copies of building approval documentation. The initiative streamlines the certification process, as well as having the ability to store documents electronically.

Electronic processing is a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative to efficiently deal with applications without the traditional waste involved with reams of paper. The savings that owners and designers can achieve, both in time and printing; and the savings that councils and statutory bodies can achieve in lowering cost, printing, handling, and storage are considerable.

pitt&sherry’s electronic processing and lodgement provides numerous benefits, including the following:

Further information about pitt&sherry’s paperless lodgement solution and how it can be implemented in your council is available by calling Roland Wierenga on +61 (0) 3 6210 1479 or emailing him at [email protected]

w w w. p i t t s h . c o m . a u

Enter pitt&sherry’s world of electronic lodgement.

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buildingsurveying

On-site storage of files, lost files, and time spent by staff retrieving/looking for files for staff/client access.

Reduced time spent on manually stamping applications.

Reduced time spent on handling applications by allowing multiple users of the one file at the one time, which leads to reduced processing times.


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the Hobart Function Centre on 21 July. The JMG Shuttle

Service will provide free, return transport for delegates

staying at Wrest Point. The evening’s entertainment will

include performances by Cary Lewincamp and Island Fire,

and dance music by Manhattan. After dinner, the winners

of the Council History Award and Life Members Award for

Meritorious Service will be announced. Partners, sponsors,

trade and Local Government affiliates are welcome.

Local Government Awards for ExcellenceIn a departure from previous years, the winners of the 2011 Local Government Awards for Excellence will be announced at Wrest Point during conference on Friday, 22 July, from 11.30am. Traditionally, the Awards for Excellence have been presented at the Conference Dinner. This year, the award winners will be announced by Local Government Minister, Hon Bryan Green MP. The Local Government Awards for Excellence are proudly sponsored by MAV Insurance.

Special thanks to our Sponsors and SupportersPlatinum Sponsor – MAV Insurance

Gold Sponsors – Commonwealth Bank, Marsh, Aerus Technologies and Knight Errant

Silver Sponsors – Pitt & Sherry, Tyreright, Quadrant Super, and Acrodata

Valued Contributors – Font Public Relations, Landmark Products, JMG Engineers and Planners, Print Mail Logistics, Tasmanian Public Finance Corporation, Stornoway, Dobson Mitchell & Allport, Wrest Point, the Premier’s Physical Activity Council and the Local Government Division.

To register for the 2011 Local Government Conference, visit the LGAT website at www.lgat.tas.gov.au or phone (03) 6233 5966.

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Island Fire

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Email: [email protected]


news and reviews

News in BriefElectoral Commissioner AppointedTasmania has a new Electoral Commissioner. Julian Type, who’s been the acting Electoral Commissioner since the retirement of Bruce Taylor in August last year, officially took up the new position on 4 April. Mr Type is well-credentialed for the position, with wide experience in state and international electoral management. His international experience includes a five-month posting as the Senior Electoral Advisor with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Nepal, and for almost a year he was Deputy Chairperson of the Joint Electoral Management body in Afghanistan. Mr Type, who began his career in Burnie with the Australian Electoral Commission, has also served in advisory roles in Kenya, Cambodia, East Timor and Indonesia. One of Mr Type’s first responsibilities was to oversee elections in four divisions of Tasmania’s Legislative Council in May this year.

ALGWA Mentoring Framework LaunchedAs part of the 60th Anniversary celebrations, the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) launched a Mentoring Framework in Devonport on 5 March. The Tasmanian Mentoring Framework was developed by members at a workshop held in October last year. The workshop defined the roles and responsibilities of mentors and mentees and explored boundaries and goal setting. The framework endeavors to formalise those discussions and provide clear direction to ALGWA members about their responsibilities. It also calls for the position of Mentoring Coordinator to be added to the list of office

bearer roles to ensure continuity and structure to the Tasmanian MentorNet program. More information can be found at www.algwatas.asn.au.

Disability Access to Premises GuidelineThe Disability (Access to Premises - buildings) Standards 2010 (Commonwealth) (Premises Standards) commenced on 1 May, with any application for a building approval for a new building or upgrade of an existing building triggering this new standard. The Standards will ensure that dignified, equitable, cost-effective and reasonably achievable access to buildings, and facilities and services within buildings, is provided for people with disability. Moreover, they give certainty to building certifiers, developers and managers that if the standards are complied with they cannot be subject to a successful complaint under the DDA in relation to those matters covered by the Premises Standards. The changes will require the development of new skills, knowledge and approaches from those in the building industry. To assist in their application, the Australian Human Rights Commission has issued a Guideline on the Application of the Premises Standards, available online at www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/standards/PSguide.html.

Residents Encouraged to Prepare for an Emergency The Launceston City Council has been encouraging residents to be better prepared for an emergency event such as a bushfire, flood or storm through an Emergency Preparedness Display located in the Council’s Customer Service Centre. The display showcased and detailed items that can be placed in an Emergency Kit and the Australian Red Cross, Tasmania Fire Service and State Emergency Service provided informative brochures for the display, together with the Council’s flood information. Residents and businesses are encouraged to put together their own emergency kit so they are prepared if they need to evacuate their home or business in the event of an emergency.

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Revenue raising

Environmental protection Energy conservation

Abberfield Industries Pty Ltd 32 Cross St, Brookvale Sydney, NSW 2100 Australia

Floodlights

Water distribution

Coin showers

Car parking

and more

Coin / Token / Card controlled machines

User pay charges for council facilities

Ph: 02 99392844 Email: [email protected]

Fax: 02 99383462 Visit our web site: www.abberfield.com.au

major planning reform announced · · 2012-05-03planning reform to streamline approvals and ......

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