MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA
STATE COUNCIL
27 May 2009
RESOLUTIONS FROM MEMBERSHIP
TIMING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN VICTORIA
That the State Government be requested to amend the Local Government Act to provide for municipal
elections in Victoria to be held on the second Saturday in October, in order to create the opportunity for a
far earlier start to the Council Plan process, and thereby creating the opportunity for a far more influential
involvement for Councillors in the first budget of a new Council.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION
That the 2008 election timeline be brought forward six weeks to improve the overall outcome for Council
and the community.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROVISIONS
The Municipal Association of Victoria requests the Government amend the new conflict of interest
provisions to remove the complexity, procedural problems and uncertainty they are now causing Councils
by hamstringing them in their role of effectively representing their communities
REVIEW THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ACT
That the Minister for Local Government be requested to work closely with local government to review the
Conflict of Interest and assembly of councillors provisions contained in the Local Government Act to
ensure that:
– Councillors are not unduly restricted from participating in decision making.
– The provisions are simplified and drafted in plain English so that Councillors are clear about their
obligations.
– The requirements of Councillors are more aligned to the rules that apply to State
Parliamentarians.
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
That the MAV State Council, in regard to ensuring the long term financial sustainability of Local
Government, convey to State and National Governments that:
a) The largest problem facing councils is vertical fiscal imbalance (i.e. the sector requires
additional funding from other levels of government to fund its services).
And
b) As the Commonwealth raises significant additional revenue over and above its expenditure
responsibilities.
That
c) There is a need for the redistribution of National income, through the commonwealth
providing local government a predetermined share of national income tax allocated as 'untied'
and as 'base' revenue.
State Council May 2009 – Resolutions from Membership
SCHOOL CROSSING GRANT TO COUNCILS
That the MAV write to the Victorian Minister for Public Transport, the Hon. Lynne Kosky MP, requesting
an increase in the grant allocation pool to councils for the employment of School Crossing Supervisors.
SCHOOL CROSSINGS FUNDING
That the State Government reviews the warrants criteria and funding arrangements for school crossings
to lessen the increasing funding shortfalls for Local Government
DEPRECIATION
That the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council calls on the State Government to ensure
consistency in the calculation of the depreciation expense to ensure valid comparisons between councils.
TAX DEDUCTIBILITY - ELECTION EXPENSES
That the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council further write to the Australian Tax Office seeking
an urgent review of the current ceiling of $1,000 for election expenses that can be claimed by candidates
for council elections.
PUBLIC LIBRARY FUNDING
That the MAV continues to pursue the issues raised by councils and Regional Library Corporations,
regarding the escalating recurrent costs by local government for the provision of public library services in
Victoria.
RATING VALUATIONS
That the Municipal Association of Victoria call upon the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, as
the responsible party for the office of the Valuer General, to abandon the proposals put forward in the
document “The Future Direction of Rating Authority Valuations in Victoria”
INCREASE OF CAPITAL FUNDING TO JOINT USE FACILITIES BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
That the MAV lobby State Government to increase capital funding to joint use facilities between local
communities and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
SENIOR OFFICER DEFINITION
That the Municipal Association of Victoria lobby the Minister for Local Government to amend the definition
of “Senior Officer” in the local Government Act in order to ensure that the Senior Officer definition only
captures the appropriate level of positions and that a remuneration level should not be included.
Accordingly the following definition is proposed:
Senior Officer means –
the Chief Executive Officer
any officer who has management responsibilities and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer
And, further that an amendment be made to the Financial Reporting Regulations to require remuneration
for all Senior Officers to be reported through the Related Parties disclosure in the Annual Financial
Statements.
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State Council May 2009 – Resolutions from Membership
PENSIONER RATE CONCESSION
That the Municipal Association of Victoria lobby the Minister for Local Government to conduct a
review of the pensioner rate concession with a view to increase the concession amount.
FUNDING FOR RURAL GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
That the MAV lobby federal government to retain the current incentive program for GP practices in
rural and remote areas.
COST OF VALUATIONS
That the MAV lobby State Government to increase the contribution made towards the bi-annual
revaluation process.
COST SHIFTING OF ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES ON BUILDINGS ON CROWN LAND
That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls upon the State Government to undertake its
obligations under the Victorian Building Regulations in relation to essential safety measures on
buildings located on Crown land, or provide financial assistance to Councils to undertake the works
required.
LIABILITY FOR ASSETS IN ROAD RESERVES
That the MAV develop a position which protects Councils from any ongoing liability or cost regarding
water authority assets in road reserves that are transferred to private ownership.
ESTABLISHING A FEDERAL COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
That the MAV advocate for the establishment of a Federal Community Infrastructure Fund, similar
to the "Regional & Local Community Infrastructure Fund", to support local governments in
providing and renewing community infrastructure for local communities.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES
That the MAV call upon the Federal government to reinvest in not for profit childcare and early
years education in Australia by creating an infrastructure fund and by providing program support
funding for not for profit centres.
FUNDING FOR AGED & DISABILITY SERVICES
That the MAV in partnership with ALGA call on the State and Federal governments to increase real
funding for service provision in the Aged and Disability area
1.
2.
3.
FUNDING FOR DROUGHT RESPONSE OFFICERS
That the MAV request the State Government to continue to fund Drought Response Officers
from 1 July 2009 to provide ongoing support for drought-affected individuals and families in
Victoria.
That the MAV urge the State Government to review drought conditions and any progress in
drought recovery by 31 March each year and make an early announcement regarding the
availability of ongoing funding for Drought Response Officers so that affected staff and the
communities they serve have certainty of ongoing support
Expand the Drought Response Officer Program to all municipalities that are drought declared
but not in receipt of the service.
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State Council May 2009 – Resolutions from Membership
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
That the MAV advocate for the Commonwealth Government to provide funding for sustainable
public transport infrastructure in order to provide equitable and quality transport choices and to
mitigate the social and economic impacts of rising fuel costs and the environmental impacts
associated with greenhouse gas emissions.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO CHANGE TO ENERGY EFFICIENT STREET LIGHTS
That the MAV advocate for financial support for Councils from both the Commonwealth and
Victorian Governments to change over residential street lights to more energy efficient street
lighting thereby reducing emissions and ongoing energy costs to communities.
ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING
That the MAV seek State and Federal government funding to develop a state-wide program to
progressively replace public street lighting with low energy globes
ENERGY EFFICIENT STREET LIGHTING
That the Electricity Distribution Businesses, Federal Government, Local Government and the State
Government each contribute an agreed percentage towards bulk replacements of energy efficient
street lighting globes across Victoria.
PROTOCOL FOR NEGOTIATING STATE EARLY YEARS FUNDING
In conjunction with Local Government Human Services Directors and or their delegates, the MAV
undertake a review to develop an agreed protocol between the MAV and Local Governments to
ensure adequate consultation and endorsement procedures prior to agreement with other levels of
government regarding funding and or policy directions implicating local governments’ provision and
or facilitation of early years programs.
FUTURE DIRECTION OF RATING AUTHORITY VALUATIONS
That the MAV vigorously represent the interests of those local governments opposed to the
proposal announcement in December 2008 by the Valuer-General for the responsibility for
municipal valuations to be centralised and co-coordinated by the Valuer-General.
LAND TAX
That the MAV calls upon the State Government to reduce its reliance on Land Tax and to reduce
the costs to small business and the Victorian community.
RIGHT OF REVIEW BY VCAT IN RELATION TO CROWN LAND
That the MAV State Council note the decision of VCAT (VCAT REFERENCE NO. P1983/2008)
and inform its members of the outcome of the decision and potential implications for development
on Crown Land in Victoria.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
That the MAV State Council request, the State Government to develop a suitable definition of
affordable housing and investigate opportunities within State Planning Schemes to encourage the
provision of affordable housing.
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State Council May 2009 – Resolutions from Membership
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
That the MAV call upon the Commonwealth Government to:
·
ensure that Victoria receives an equitable share of the Commonwealth Government’s
funding programs for public, social and affordable housing; and
encourage State and Territory governments to introduce mandatory accessible design
·
features for all new domestic dwellings.
MEALS ON WHEELS
That the MAV recommend to the Federal Government that it raise the subsidy for meals on wheels
so that it is commensurate with other core HACC services, such as Home Care.
FREEZA PROGRAM
That the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council reiterates its support for an urgent review
of State Government Funding for the FReeZa Program.
INTEGRATED HACC SERVICES
That the MAV seek further planning, funding and program opportunities for families/carers living
with a child/children with disabilities to ensure an integrated service approach is implemented to
address the needs.
CHILDREN’S SERVICES REGULATIONS
That the State Government provide Local Governments with sufficient funding to offset any
increases to parent fees and/or operational expenses as a result of the implementation of the new
regulations.
DPCD ANNUAL COMMUNITY SATISFACTION SURVEY
That this State Council meeting of the Municipal Association of Victoria call upon the Minister for
Local Government to initiate a review of the Annual Local Government Community Satisfaction
Survey in the light of changes in the local government sector and changes in community
expectations and concerns since this survey was introduced. Further, that the review be
established on a fully consultative basis with representation of the local government sector and that
discussions with the Municipal Association of Victoria and other stakeholders be sought before the
finalisation of the terms of reference of such review.
PRE-SCHOOL SERVICES
That the Municipal Association of Victoria calls upon the State Government to establish a funded
strategy to meet its commitment to provide universal 4 year old pre-school access, given the
apparent decline of the church and community based sectors in this critical service area.
RELEASE AND FUNDING OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT’S AUTISM STATE PLAN
That the State Council recommends that the State Government release the Autism State Plan and
provide adequate resources and funding to meet the complex service needs of people with Autism
and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
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State Council May 2009 – Resolutions from Membership
SUPPORTING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EARLY YEARS REFORM AGENDA
That the MAV call upon the Commonwealth and Victorian State Governments to ensure that:
· A partnership approach is taken with local government to develop and
implement the national early years reform agenda;
· Adequate financial resources are allocated to ensure the availability of the
required numbers of appropriately qualified early years professionals to
implement the reform agenda;
· Adequate financial resources are provided to ensure that well designed
facilities can be developed or refurbished to meet the expanded and
integrated early years services needs, including the universal platform of 15
hours of preschool program per child per week; and
· Appropriate transition timelines and financial support arrangements are in
place to ensure local service and facility planning can be undertaken to
successfully meet the goals of the early years reform agenda within local
communities.
IMPACTS OF HEAT STRESS
MAV advocate to State Government to develop and deliver a community education program to
raise the awareness of communities, families and individuals of how to actively minimise the
negative health impacts of heat stress in the face of the predicted growth in the number of
heatwaves.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH PRIVATE UTILITY COMPANIES
That the MAV prepare and negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with private utility
companies that obtains agreement from the companies for commercial rental to be paid when
utility infrastructure such as electricity sub-stations is placed on Council land.
CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR REVITALISATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF MAJOR AND PRINCIPLE
ACTIVITY CENTRES THROUGH THE EXTENSION OF THE CREATING BETTER PLACES
PROGRAM
That the MAV State Council request the State Government to provide ongoing funding to support
the revitalisation and development of Major and Principal Activity Centres through the extension of
the Creating Better Places Program and other urban planning initiatives.
LEVEL RAILWAY CROSSINGS – GRADE SEPARATION
That the MAV calls on the State Government to:
Release the current priority list for grade separation of level railway crossings in Victoria.
Ensure that construction starts on these projects by 2010/11.
Increase investment in grade separation over and above the $440 million outlined in the Victoria
Transport Plan.
NATIONAL TV TAKE BACK SCHEME
That the MAV State Council support the introduction of a National TV Take Back Scheme and write
to the State and Federal Governments requesting implementation of such a scheme by the end of
2009.
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State Council May 2009 – Resolutions from Membership
DISPOSAL OF FLUORESCENT GLOBES
That the MAV State Council support a national scheme for recycling compact fluorescent globes
and write to the State and Federal Governments requesting implementation of such a scheme by
the end of 2009.
IMPLEMENTATION OF VICTORIAN COASTAL STRATEGY SEA LEVEL RISE POLICY
That the MAV work more proactively with coastal municipalities and the State Government to
provide:
1. A more collaborative, strategic and coordinated approach to the
implementation of sea level rise policy across the Victorian coast;
2. Increase support for Local Government through the development of clearer
guidelines that will assist in the management of strategic planning and
development approvals processes in coastal areas;
3. The urgent release of a program and timeframes for implementation of
Victorian Coast strategy actions relevant to sea level rise, and
4. The provision of interim protection from liability for local government for
decisions made where land may be impacted by sea level rise.
SEA LEVEL CHANGE
That the MAV advocate for a reduction in greenhouse gas concentrations to levels that will prevent
dangerous climate change and prevent sustained human induced sea level rise.
CONTAINER DEPOSIT LEGISLATION
That the delegates to this MAV State Council: –
a)
support the introduction a Container Deposit Scheme throughout the State,
b)
write to the State Government urging the introduction of legislation to implement
Container Deposit Schemes throughout Victoria, because of the financial, social and
environmental benefits,
actively promote the benefits of Container Deposit Schemes in the wider community.
c)
PACKAGING /CONTAINER RECOVERY SCHEME
That the MAV support the introduction of a broad based packaging/container recovery scheme
supported by legislation; integrating initiatives such as Container Deposit Legislation, the National
Packaging Covenant and kerbside recycling.
PHASE OUT POLYETHYLENE BAGS
That delegates to this State Council support representation to the State and Federal Governments
to legislate for the phase out of polyethylene plastic bags.
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
That the Municipal Association of Victoria strongly encourage the Department of Planning and
Community Development to include within a revised Annual Local Government Community
Satisfaction Survey a measure relating to community satisfaction with environmental management
performance of a Council within a new version of the annual survey after consultation with the
sector.
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State Council May 2009 – Resolutions from Membership
TAKE IN – TAKE OUT RUBBISH POLICY
That the MAV seek an urgent review of the State Government’s “Take in Take out” rubbish policy
in State and National Parks, with a view to implementing an improved system that adequately
compensates Local Government.
TREATMENT OF GREEN POWER UNDER THE CARBON POLLUTION REDUCTION SCHEME
That the MAV request the Federal Government to amend the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
(CPRS) to ensure that all purchases of Green Power reduce greenhouse emissions beyond the
National greenhouse reduction target on an annual basis
ESTABLISHMENT OF MEASURES TO ADDRESS E-WASTE
That the MAV State Council acknowledge the increasing problems posed by e-waste and support
the implementation of services similar to the “Brimbank Detox Your Home Facility”, in partnership
with Sustainability Victoria, to assist in the responsible disposal of e-waste
WEED CONTROL
That the MAV lobby the State Government to appropriately resource the Department of Primary
Industry to enable it to effectively meet its enforcement obligations in respect of weed control on
private property.
WATERING OF COMMUNITY SPORTS GROUNDS
That, as the first step in responding to the availability of additional water resources under the State
Government’s Water Plan, the State Government be requested to exempt the watering of
community sports grounds from water restrictions.
ASSISTANCE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION & MITIGATION
That the Municipal Association of Victoria call for greater financial support for Councils from the
Commonwealth and Victorian Governments for climate change mitigation and adaptation
strategies and actions. Climate Change is substantially impacting on the lives of most Australians
and more action is required in the short term to provide for sustainable communities and
infrastructure.
BUSHFIRE LEVY
That the MAV request the State Government to impose a fire service levy on all rateable properties
across Victoria to equitably fund fire services.
MUNICIPAL SUBSIDIES FOR VIC SES UNITS
That the MAV review the agreement requiring Local Government to contribute matching funds to
State Government in support of SES units because of the financial impact on small rural councils
who have to support several units.
FIRE CONTROL PROGRAMS
That the MAV requests that the Department of Sustainability and Parks Victoria improve the
effectiveness of their fire control programs on all public land in and around townships, to ensure
that risk to property and lives is minimised, by the reduction of the potential for wild fires to occur.
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State Council May 2009 – Resolutions from Membership
REGIONAL LIBRARY CORPORATIONS BY TELE/VIDEO CONFERENCE
That, in recognition of the distances some members of Regional Library Corporations are required
to travel to attend meetings the Minister for Local Government be requested to support necessary
amendments to the Local Government Act to allow attendance at Regional Library Corporation
meetings by teleconference or video conference.
CALL FOR THE MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA TO ADVOCATE ON ISSUES RELATING
TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
That the Municipal Association of Victorian in partnership with the Victorian Local Governance
Association bring together local, State and Federal Government agencies, registered training
organisations, educational institutions, housing services, international student services to discuss
international student issues at a local operational level with a view to the establishment of an
Overseas Student Coordination Committee with formal links to the Victorian Government’s
Overseas Student Education Experience Taskforce.
A PACKAGE TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS, CREATE JOBS AND SUPPORT ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
That the MAV State Council calls upon the Australian Federal, State and Territory Governments to
resource a package of measures to reduce carbon emissions in local areas and which also
stimulates job creation and economic development.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT BROADBAND
Acknowledging the broadband intentions of the Federal Government, it is requested that the MAV
State Council seek the establishment of a working group with the State and Federal Governments
to develop a common position on best practice in telecommunications and identify the role of local
government in the NBN process.
ACCOUNTING FOR REGIONAL, RURAL AND GROWTH AREA NEEDS
That the MAV State Council calls upon the Australian Federal, State and Territory Governments to
include cost factors in grant allocations that take account of distance from capital cities,
sparseness of infrastructure and services and risk factors for communities living in these areas.
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
That the MAV State Council call upon the Federal, State and Territory Governments to develop
national standards for the provision of community infrastructure and an intergovernmental
agreement on how they are to be funded.
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State Council May 2009 – Resolutions from Membership
PLANNING PERMIT EXEMPTIONS
That this State Council meeting request the MAV to:· record its recognition of the need for actions to address impacts of the Global
Economic Crisis
· in view of the long term impacts of major development, express its strong concern
and disapproval to the Minister for Planning in respect of his actions in approving and
implementing Amendment VC56 which provides for planning permit exemptions for
school and social housing building and works funded under the Federal
Government's economic stimulus packages, and also appointing the Minister for
Planning as Responsible Authority for such applications, which has the effect of
reducing the role of councils, and the rights of communities, in planning decisions for
schools and social housing
· inform the Minister that the MAV’s concerns arise from the lack of transparency
around the development and approval of VC56 and the failure to properly explore
other options to achieve the objectives of the economic stimulus package
· advise the Minister that Local Government welcomes the opportunity to discuss
means of realising the objectives and timeframes of the economic stimulus package
but in a manner which respects the role, competency and commitment of local
government and without disenfranchising councils as Responsible Authorities under
the Planning and Environment Act
· express concern to the Minster for Local Government that the much vaunted
partnership agreement between the State Government and Local Government, which
was signed only 12 months ago, is being honoured only in the breach.
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