Win! Four week extension for local government inquiry submissions

I am pleased to announce that ALGA’s request for a four-week extension for all submissions to Parliament’s inquiry into local government sustainability has been granted, with the new due date being Friday 31 May.

ALGA will provide a comprehensive, evidence-based submission on behalf of all local governments. However, it’s important that the Parliamentary Committee have a full understanding of the challenges facing Australian councils – as well as how we could support our communities to thrive with more sustainable funding – so I encourage all councils to provide their own submissions.

This Federal Government has promised “fair increases” to Financial Assistance Grants and I urge you to highlight what this would mean for your local area.

Curbing kerbside waste to landfill

One of ALGA’s priorities in next month’s Federal Budget is funding support to standardise kerbside bins across the country.

We are committed to doing everything we can to reduce the amount of household waste that is sent to landfill, but confusion around which products can be recycled – and which kerbside bin should be used – remains a significant barrier.

Standardising bin lids across the entire country would allow us to run a national education campaign that would give Australians the information they need to make informed decisions about what they put in their bins, and help us deliver better environmental outcomes.

Planning for climate change

I recently welcomed the Government’s new Heat-Health Risk Index, which will help us as community leaders to better prepare and respond to extreme heat across Australia.

We are at the forefront of climate change adaptation, providing critical services and facilities that protect Australians from the impacts of rising temperatures and heat waves.

From air-conditioned libraries and community centres to tree-lined parks and  community pools, we provide shelter from the elements, especially during the hotter summer months.

This new national heat mapping tool will support us to expand on our local adaptation initiatives and make place-based decisions that will help keep our communities cooler.

The Office of Road Safety is interested in how local governments in Australia can be better supported to undertake network safety risk assessments to prioritise infrastructure investment.

As a result, all councils are invited to participate in a new survey to help identify the skills, support and capabilities local governments need to help in the development of a supporting framework.

The aim is to increase the impact councils can have on reducing the road toll, which remains unacceptably high.

The survey can be found here.

Local governments are invited to join the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM) to measure the Australian Night Time Economy (NTE) for the 2022-2023 period.

Do you represent a council with ambitions to better understand and support economic activity after dark? Are you interested in understanding the performance trends of your NTE over time? This research offers an affordable and low-cost opportunity to gain insights into your NTE’s performance.

The CCCLM night time economy research provides:

• Access to comprehensive data on the number of NTE businesses, employees and amount of sales turnover generated in your LGA over time.
• Insights into and the trading hours and precinct patterns shaping your NTE’s growth.
• Opportunities to contribute to informing future strategies and policies aimed at bolstering Australian NTE vitality.

For more details click here or to express your interest, contact 02 5104 7333 or deborah.wilkinson@lordmayors.org before Friday 26 April 2024.

New Governor General appointed

I was delighted to see Sam Mostyn AO announced as the next Governor-General of Australia last week.

Sam is a humble, dedicated servant of the public good, and a wonderful appointment by the Albanese Government.

Thank you also to outgoing Governor General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley DCE FTSE and his family for their service.  We were honoured to work closely with him, noting in particular his support for leaders and communities recovering from natural disasters was unprecedented and especially warmly welcomed by Australian local governments.

In recent years, we’ve been honoured to have His Excellency deliver the opening address at our National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA), and I’ve written to Sam asking her to continue this valued tradition.

I’m confident that under Sam’s leadership, we will continue to work effectively across all levels of government to build stronger, more resilient communities, and drive sustainable development across Australia.

Reminder: national inquiry into local government sustainability

A reminder to all councils to lodge your submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee national inquiry into local government sustainability.

ALGA will provide a submission on behalf of local government, but it will also be valuable for the Committee to hear a range of local perspectives from your councils.

The Albanese Federal Government made an election commitment to provide “fair increases” to Financial Assistance Grants which they have not yet met, so it’s important that this inquiry looks for ways that promise will be supported (including retrospectively).

ALGA’s research shows local government expenditure per capita has flatlined over the past decade, while spending by other governments has continued to rise.

This is despite additional responsibilities increasingly being forced onto Australian councils by other spheres of government.

By international standards, investment in Australian councils is low, and this is constraining our capacity to deliver core services, such as maintaining local roads and community infrastructure.

Restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation is crucial to ensuring sustainable, productive and liveable communities.

I once again urge councils to make a submission noting these key points, and examples where an increase to Financial Assistance Grants will support your local community to thrive, before the deadline of 3 May 2024.

Book now for 2024 NGA and the ACLG

Last week, I invited all councils to book your tickets for our 2024 NGA, in Canberra from Tuesday 2 -Thursday 4 July.

Our 30^th NGA will be our biggest annual conference yet, and we have released a registration brochure outlining the full week of events, including networking sessions and the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) on Friday 5 July.

This year we have a new addition to the NGA program, with four concurrent listening sessions providing you with the opportunity to have your say about federal policies affecting our communities. These sessions will be held after our Regional Forum on the Tuesday afternoon, before the NGA officially commences on Wednesday morning.

I’ll also be speaking at the National Press Club at lunch time on Tuesday and hosting our annual Local Government vs Parliamentarians soccer match early Wednesday morning.

Your councils can still submit motions for discussion and debate at the NGA, with the deadline extended until 30 April.  Please remember your motions must meet the criteria outlined in our discussion paper.

I’m so excited about this year’s NGA and I hope to see you there.

Australia’s local governments are being reminded to book tickets for the 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) in Canberra from Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 July.

The 30^th NGA at the National Convention Centre is expected to be ALGA’s biggest annual conference, and a registration brochure has been released showcasing a week of events, including networking sessions, exhibition details and the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) being held on Friday 5 July.

There is also a new addition to this year’s program, with concurrent listening sessions providing delegates with the chance to have a say about federal policies affecting their communities.  The four sessions will be held after the Regional Forum on Tuesday afternoon, before the 2024 NGA officially begins on Wednesday.

Councils are also reminded to submit motions for discussion and debate at the NGA, with the deadline extended until 30 April.  A reminder that all motions must meet the criteria outlined in the discussion paper.

Find out more: https://conferenceco.eventsair.com/nga24/

Win! National inquiry into local government sustainability

Last week, we welcomed the House of Representatives Standing Committee national inquiry into local government sustainability.

With additional responsibilities costing billions of dollars being forced onto Australia’s 537 councils every year, we expect this national inquiry will consider and address the financial challenges and funding shortfalls being faced by local governments.

Financial sustainability is our number one priority, and it’s vital we restore Financial Assistance Grants to at least one percent of national taxation and address the practice of bringing these payments forward with a once-off $3 billion allocation to councils.

ALGA’s research shows Australian councils receive a lower level of funding than comparable nations, so we need to reverse this trend to ensure our councils – and communities – remain sustainable.

I encourage all councils to lodge a submission outlining these key points, and examples where an increase to financial assistance grants will support your local community to thrive, before the deadline of 3 May 2024.

Action! Help us secure more disaster mitigation funding

Our communities have been repeatedly hit by natural disasters over the past two years, with more than 60 percent of local government areas affected across Australia.

ALGA’s 2022 federal election advocacy secured a new $200 million federal Disaster Ready Fund (DRF).  However, the first round of the DRF is already oversubscribed, and we are advocating for a significant increase in this year’s Federal Budget.

We need your support to contact and engage with your local Federal MPs so we can secure this much-needed funding to better protect our communities.

Council on Federal Financial Relations

I was honoured to represent local government and join Australia’s treasurers at the Council on Federal Financial Relations (CFFR) meeting on 15 March.

We know increasing Federal Assistance Grants is an investment in improving service delivery, increasing national productivity and driving higher living standards for all Australians and communities. On your behalf, ALGA will continue to work to ensure councils are more financially sustainable into the future.

Vale David Plumridge AM

I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of former ALGA President David Plumridge AM.

David was ALGA’s national president from 1994-1996, and during his term negotiated a Commonwealth-Local Government Accord with Prime Minister Keating that was signed at our second National General Assembly in 1995.

In his home state of South Australia, he served as President of the Local Government Association of South Australia, as well as a Mayor at the City of Salisbury, and then later as a councillor at the City of Adelaide.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues at this time.

Kicking off our 2024 NGA

I’m excited to see hundreds of mayors, shire presidents and local government leaders have registered for our peak annual event, the 2024 National General Assembly (NGA) from 2-4 July in Canberra.

The NGA begins with the Regional Forum starting on 2 July from 9.00am and runs through until Friday 5 July with the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) finishing at 4pm. To ensure you experience the whole week, please make sure you arrive by early Tuesday morning, and book your departure late Friday afternoon.

As part of this year’s NGA, I will also be speaking at the National Press Club on Tuesday 2 July.  We will share details soon about how you can attend this event.

Don’t forget, we also hold our annual Local Government versus Parliamentarians soccer match in the early hours of Wednesday 3 July.  See you on the pitch!

Finally, voting has officially opened for the 2024 National Awards for Local Government to be presented at the ACLG – so make sure you cast your vote here.

Local governments are invited to provide feedback on the Australian Government’s National Adaptation Plan Issues Paper to ensure Australia is better prepared for the increasing risks from climate change.

The plan will form a blueprint for adapting to nationally significant climate risks, and is based on world-class science of the National Climate Risk Assessment and on extensive consultation.

Have your say and lodge a submission here.

The consultation closes on 11 April 2024.  Councils can also register for a webinar on 26 March to learn more.

Increasing Housing Support Program for councils

We can’t effectively address the nation’s housing crisis by simply building more houses – we also need to build more parks, libraries, playgrounds, recreation centres and swimming pools.

That’s why ALGA is calling for more support for councils from the Federal Government to invest in the local infrastructure necessary for healthy and connected communities.

We are committed to working with the Government on its ambitious targets, but it’s crucial residents in new housing developments have access to the same health, employment, education and recreation opportunities that many people take for granted.

Up-front funding for community infrastructure is a matter of intergenerational equity. We have to address this issue now before we build 1.2 million new homes, as it will only get more expensive to retrofit solutions.

Also, in a major win for councils following the recent Planning Ministers Meeting, local government, via ALGA, will be able to suggest inclusions in the government’s new housing framework to recognise the quality as well as quantity of approvals.

Importantly, this reinforces the importance of local government planning powers.  We intimately know our local areas and landscapes and are best placed to provide expert advice on assessing land use planning.

Meeting with Climate Change Minister on CHAMP pledge

On behalf of councils, I met with Federal Minister for Climate Change Chris Bowen on 29 February to discuss the Federal Government signing the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) pledge at the COP28 World Climate Action Summit.

We urged the Government to sign the pledge, which commits national governments to working with sub-national governments to reduce emissions, and were thrilled that they made this commitment.

During our meeting we discussed how local government can help the Government meet its emissions reduction targets, and I look forward to seeing them deliver on their promise of increased engagement and collaboration with councils.

Book now: 2024 NGA and the ACLG

Finally, a friendly reminder to book your tickets for our 2024 National General Assembly (NGA) from 2-4 July and the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) on 5 July.

Councils can also submit motions for discussion and debate at the NGA.  We have extended the motions deadline until 30 April, and please remember your motions must meet the criteria outlined in our discussion paper.

See you in Canberra in July.

ALGA News sat down with Australian Library & Information Association (ALIA) CEO Cathie Warburton to discuss how libraries are stepping up to support communities during the cost-of-living crisis.  Ms Warburton highlighted how public libraries, especially run by councils, are helping to improve the liveability of communities by providing essential services to vulnerable people and families.

ALGA: We know many communities are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis in Australia. How are libraries, particularly those run by local governments, stepping up to provide essential services to help vulnerable people?

Cathie Warburton (CW): A core value of ALIA, and all libraries, is to promote free access to information for all and to show respect for the diversity and individuality of all people. Libraries are there to help vulnerable people and that resource is becoming increasingly important to the community.

Most importantly, public libraries provide a safe place to work, study or relax, which is air-conditioned. They also provide books, movies, magazines, free internet access and use of computers and are increasingly providing guidance on accessing government services.

Libraries welcome everyone and respond to community need in times of stress. This includes membership for those people who don’t have a fixed address, a place of refuge during natural disasters, assistance applying for jobs or finding accommodation and simply being a place to connect with other people and participate in the community.

ALGA: Can you share some of the interesting examples and community-based initiatives libraires are now offering, especially in regional areas?

CW: Public libraries are offering a huge array of public activities including movie nights, exercise classes, book clubs, school holiday programs, mobile library services, hobbies expos and multi-media recording studios. As well as books, a number of libraries are lending tablets, toys, home energy kits or tools. Seed libraries are also popular in the regions.

ALGA: Libraries are also becoming increasingly important as a focal point and place of refuge for local communities. How are council-run libraries addressing this extra demand and coping with added pressures?

CW: Council-run libraries are responding to extra demand by providing greater access through extended opening hours, click and collect book lockers or access out of hours for registered members. Some libraries have employed a social worker to support library users or in some cases to be a resource for library staff.

Libraries are a hub for the community, and they do not operate in isolation. Strategic and community partnerships with other organisations and services are essential for libraries to respond to community needs.  Libraries can also belong to an ecosystem of care that supports and responds to individual needs of library visitors with high social service needs.

ALGA: We recently called on the Federal Government to provide extra funding for Australia’s 537 councils so they can be more financially sustainable, does ALIA support this move and why?

CW: ALIA supports ALGA in this call for extra funding from the Federal Government. Council-run libraries are responding to increased demands from the community. Some of this is in response to the cost-of-living crisis but increased demand is also the result of a number of Federal Government services only being available online. Digital exclusion is real and council-run libraries bridge the digital divide by helping people access services and entitlements online.

ALGA: Finally, ALIA is hosting a national conference in May this year in Adelaide.  What can people, including those in local government, expect from this major event?

The conference is being held from 6-9 May in Adelaide. The theme is “Truth AND Dare” with four sub themes – Daring Greatly Striving Valiantly; Forging Future Libraries; From Inclusion to Belonging; and Raising Voices.

We are very excited to have the President of ALGA, Cr Linda Scott, as a keynote speaker at the event. Issues being discussed in other sessions of interest to local government are book challenges, supporting vulnerable members of the community and equitable access to services for those with a disability. An emerging area for libraries is social prescribing where public libraries partner with health service providers and care agencies to offer support through library services which focus on the whole person and their wellness as opposed to their illness or condition.

Local governments, including in regional areas, are reminded to apply for the first round of the Federal Government’s new Community Energy Upgrades Fund.

Grants of between $25,000 and $2,500,000 are available to councils across Australia to invest in energy-saving measures including to replace swimming pool heating systems with electric heat pumps, battery storage at sporting fields and the installation of electric vehicle chargers for council fleets.

Regional and rural councils are especially encouraged to apply as the assessment criteria (criterion 4) considers the constraints of delivering energy projects in regional areas.

Round one applications are open until 30 April 2024, with grants awarded on merit.

Local governments are invited to partner with the Resilience Canopy – a new, nation-wide movement to build strong and challenge-ready communities, adaptable to disruptions like natural disasters.

The program activates communities to lead their own resilience-building actions and plan through a six-step engagement process and resilience framework. It also helps them connect with funding and partners to deliver their goals.

As a crucial link to community, local councils can participate in the Resilience Canopy Practitioner Training, helping staff and community leaders learn how to apply the six-step process.  Free training is available for staff and community leaders in selected local government areas across Australia.

Activation grants are available this year for communities to kick-start their resilience building. Canopy-trained practitioners can apply for grants on behalf of their communities, once they have completed the training.

To kick start your community to lead their resilience journey, contact the team for a briefing at training@resiliencecanopy.com.au or learn more at resiliencecanopy.com.au.

The Resilience Canopy is a not-for-profit organisation, powered by ResilientCo, Resilient Cities Catalyst and with foundational funding from Minderoo Foundation.

Time for Government to deliver on FA Grants promise

Last week, I told The Australian newspaper the Federal Government must deliver this year on its pre-election commitment to increase Financial Assistance Grants to Australia’s 537 local governments.

Before the May 2022 election, Federal Labor promised to support the ‘long-term financial sustainability of local government’ through ‘fair increases’ to Financial Assistance Grants, and after two years of COVID and natural disasters, we can’t afford to wait any longer.

Our number one priority in the 2024-25 Federal Budget is restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue, while also securing a once-off $3 billion payment to councils that will address the historical practice of paying these grants in the previous financial year.

Across the nation, councils are delivering free and low-cost services providing cost-of-living relief in our communities, and increasing the vital untied federal funding we receive would help us to expand this important work.

Addressing the housing crisis

Last Thursday, I attended the Planning Ministers’ Meeting to advocate for the key role local government has to play in addressing Australia’s affordable housing crisis.

Councils are committed to working with the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to deliver on our national housing targets, while building healthy and connected communities.

We need a coordinated approach that addresses our major challenges including jobs and skills shortages, rising costs in materials, current economic conditions and the need for supporting built and social infrastructure.

New remote jobs program to Close the Gap

ALGA has welcomed the Government’s new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED), which is expected to create around 3,000 jobs in remote Australia in partnership with First Nations communities.

We are often the largest employer in regional and remote communities, and our 2022 Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey showed councils are the biggest employer of First Nations people in the Northern Territory.

We strongly believe councils should be an eligible employer through this new program, and look forward to working with the Government to deliver on its promise.

2024 NGA motions deadline extended

Finally, a reminder to all councils we have extended the deadline for submitting motions to our 2024 National General Assembly (NGA) until 30 April.

Your councils now have an extra month to consider the issues you will bring to Canberra for discussion and debate at our NGA from 2-4 July.  Motions can be submitted here and must meet the criteria outlined in our discussion paper.

Registrations are also open for the 2024 NGA, including the Regional Forum, and the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) on 5 July.

Click here to register your attendance in July.

Local governments are urged to apply for the National Road Safety Action Grants Program (NRSAGP) to improve road safety outcomes in communities.

The NRSAGP provides non-infrastructure grants to help implement the Federal Government’s National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25 priorities:

1. Community Education and Awareness, including workplace road safety
2. Vulnerable Road Users
3. First Nations road safety
4. Technology and Innovation
5. Research and Data

Applications for projects on First Nations Road Safety, Technology and Innovation, and Research and Data funding streams are now open, while grants for Community Education and Awareness (including workplace road safety) and Vulnerable Road Users are closed.

The deadline is Sunday, 31 March 2024.

For any questions, email: RoadSafetyActionGrants@infrastructure.gov.au

The Federal Government’s new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED) has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).

The new $707 million employment program is expected to create around 3,000 jobs in remote Australia in partnership with First Nations communities, with the goal of closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

ALGA President Cr Linda Scott said local governments – many of which are facing widespread skills shortages – will be interested to partner with the Government on the RJED.

“In regional and remote communities, local government is often the biggest employer, and our 2022 Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey shows councils are the largest employer of First Nations people in the Northern Territory, with around half of the workforce being Indigenous Australians,” Cr Scott said.

“As a major employer of First Nations people, we believe councils should be an eligible employer through this program, and we look forward to working with the Government to ensure it delivers on its promise.”

Cr Scott said as the closest government to our communities, councils have a key role to play in reducing Indigenous disadvantage.

“Councils are committed to co-designing programs with all levels of government – and all partners – to increase education and employment opportunities and reduce the barriers experienced by many First Nations people,” Cr Scott said.

“We are dedicated to building a more prosperous and inclusive future for First Nations people based on genuine and respectful partnerships.”

The 2024 National Awards for Local Government are now open for Australia’s councils.

The national awards celebrate outstanding local government achievements across Australia, including recognising local governments who are innovative, make a difference to their local communities, display excellence and deliver outcomes that are replicable across the country.

All elected local government organisations, local government associations and other recognised organisations providing direct services to communities are eligible to enter.

Entries close Monday 18 March 2023.  Councils can enter via the Government’s online platform.

Working for councils: ALGA advocacy in Canberra

With the 2024-25 Federal Budget high on our agenda, I visited Parliament House last week to meet with senior Government Ministers, Shadow Ministers and independents.

Representing your councils, I met with the Treasurer as well as the Ministers for Housing and Local Government to advocate for the funding partnerships we need to deliver for our communities.

The importance of these face-to-face meetings can’t be underestimated, especially after we have achieved so many advocacy wins over the past two years, including doubling Roads to Recovery funding, the $200 million Disaster Ready Fund, a new $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund and a $500 million Housing Support Program.

Regional housing summit

I was also delighted to represent Australia’s 537 councils at the National Regional Housing Summit in Canberra last Friday, hosted by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).

During the opening session, I spoke about the importance of affordable housing developments being supported by new libraries, swimming pools, bike paths and playgrounds that will create healthy and connected communities.

I also highlighted that, as a signatory to the National Housing Accord, ALGA is committed to working collaboratively with other levels of government to address Australia’s affordable housing crisis.

2024 NGA registrations now OPEN!

Finally, I am delighted to officially invite you to your peak annual event, the 2024 National General Assembly (NGA) from 2-4 July in Canberra.

Registrations are now open for both the 2024 NGA, including the Regional Forum, and the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) on 5 July.  Click here to register.

We look forward to welcoming you to Canberra in July.

The deadline for councils to submit motions to the 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA), to be held in Canberra from 2-4 July, has been extended until Tuesday 30 April 2024.

In December last year, local governments were invited to submit motions for debate at the 2024 NGA in line with ALGA’s discussion paper.

ALGA is also delighted to announce registrations are now open for the 2024 NGA and the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG), to be held on 5 July.

The theme for this year’s NGA is “Building Community Trust”, which aims to explore the critical importance of trust in governments, between governments, its institutions and citizens, acknowledging trust as a fundamental building block of our nation’s democracy.

To register for the 2024 NGA and ACLG, or to find out more, visit NGA24 (eventsair.com)

A new report by the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner has been released on the independent Community Engagement Review for renewable energy infrastructure.

ALGA made a submission to the review and organised a workshop for councils to engage with the Commissioner.

The key recommendations, some that align with ALGA’s advocacy, include to:

• encourage best practice and select reputable developers for new projects
• reduce unnecessary and onerous community engagement by improving the way project sites are selected
• make engagement more efficient by revising planning and approval processes
• improve complaint handling processes
• keep communities informed about the transition, including its goals, benefits and requirements, and
• equitably share the benefits of the transition.

The review also recognised current initiatives by all levels of governments to address community expectations.

Read the Review here.

Local governments are invited to apply for federal funding through round nine of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) program, run by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). 

The Federal Government has committed HVSI funding for new projects to support a safer heavy vehicle industry.  The HVSI program is a discretionary merit-based grants program aiming to support implementable, value-for-money projects that deliver tangible improvements to heavy vehicle safety.​

Submissions are open until 19 February 2024.

For more information, visit click here or contact HVSI@nhvr.gov.au

ALGA recently provided a submission to the Federal Government about the Threat Abatement Plan (TAP) to control feral cats and reduce predation from pet cats.

The submission highlighted local governments welcome any new tools for councils to manage cat movements but further actions need to have a sustainable funding source.

There is also significant work to be done to achieve social licence for local governments to enact stricter controls on the movement of pet cats across Australia.

Read the submission

Local governments on urban fringes, where the bush meets the suburbs, can benefit from $20 million in Commonwealth funding to help upgrade mobile phone coverage under round 2 of the Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP).

Eligible areas under the latest funding round have been expanded to include major regional cities like Geelong, the Gold Coast and Newcastle, and the peri-urban edges of major capital cities, which are often prone to bushfires.

The PUMP provides funding to Mobile Network Operators (MNO) and Mobile Network Infrastructure Providers to deliver new or upgraded mobile phone infrastructure.  Telcos, communities and other interested parties are encouraged to work together to submit applications.

Applications close on 1 April 2024 and more information is available here.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2024.

I’m expecting this to be another big year for local government, especially with council elections in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Win! Community energy upgrade funding available

In a major advocacy win for councils last year, ALGA secured a new $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund to help us deliver energy upgrades and bill savings at our local pools, sporting clubs and community centres.

I’m delighted to announce the first funding round is now open, with $50 million available exclusively to councils.

I encourage you to review the grant guidelines and consider the opportunities in your communities to tap into this new funding stream.

Win! DRF round two funding now open

ALGA’s leadership and advocacy also secured the $200 million Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), and I’m happy to let you know guidelines for the second round are now available.

I urge councils to identify and nominate projects they have ready to go, including sea walls, flood levies and bushfire mitigation works.

Councils can review the round two guidelines and submit applications through their states and territories from 22 January.

2024 National General Assembly and call for motions

Finally, I wrote to all councils last month seeking motions for our 2024 National General Assembly (NGA) in Canberra from 2-4 July.

Our 2024 NGA 2024 theme is “Building Community Trust”, and we will explore the importance of trust in and between governments, institutions and citizens, and how we can continue to build on our reputation as a trusted local delivery partner.

A discussion paper outlining essential information and the criteria motions must meet can be downloaded here.

We will open registrations soon, and I look forward to sharing more with you then!

Transport association Austroads is leading the implementation of a national automated access system (NAAS) for heavy vehicles in Australia and New Zealand.

The NAAS will support road managers, including from local governments, to provide access decisions more efficiently to help drive better productivity and safety across state borders.

The system will be based on the successful Tasmanian Heavy Vehicle Access Management System (HVAMS) acknowledging the differences in infrastructure and processes across jurisdictions.

Aimed at providing a seamless experience, the NAAS will also include interfaces with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s portal and other applications.

Local governments manage 77 per cent of Australia’s roads by length and play an important role in authorising heavy vehicle access on local roads.  However councils only collect 3.5 per cent of national taxation and are heavily reliant on funding from other levels of government.

ALGA has consistently advocated for $300 million per year from the Federal Government for councils to support the implementation of Heavy Vehicle National Law Reforms and improve freight productivity on Australia’s local roads.

Learn more about the NAAS project here.

Applications are now open to local governments for the first round of the Federal Government’s new $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund.

Grants of between $25,000 and $2,500,000 are available to councils across Australia to invest in energy-saving measures like replacing swimming pool heating systems with electric heat pumps, battery storage at sporting fields and the installation of electric vehicle chargers for council fleets.

The two-stage program aims to help councils unlock of total of more than $200 million in high-impact energy upgrades.

Round one applications are open until 30 April 2024, with grants to be awarded on merit.  Grant guidelines and applications are available here.

ALGA will host the 2024 National General Assembly (NGA), incorporating the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum, in Canberra from 2-4 July 2024. 

This year’s NGA theme is “Building Community Trust”, centring on the critical importance of trust in governments, between governments, institutions, and citizens.  

Registrations are now open for the NGA 2024, so secure your tickets NOW. 

Councils are also invited to download and review the discussion paper containing essential information and outlining the criteria for submitting NGA motions this year. 

National General Assembly dates and motions

I am delighted to announce we are now accepting your council’s motions for our 2024 National General Assembly (NGA), to be held in Canberra from 2-4 July.

This is your opportunity to bring the issues and opportunities you are seeing in your communities to the national stage, and for us to speak with one voice to the Federal Government.

Our 2024 NGA theme is Building Community Trust, and we will be exploring the critical importance of trust in and between governments, institutions and citizens, and how we can continue to build on our reputation as trusted local delivery partner.

A discussion paper containing essential information, and outlining the criteria that NGA motions must meet can be downloaded here

Australia takes CHAMP pledge at COP28

Big news out of the United Nations COP28 World Climate Action Summit – in response to ALGA’s advocacy, I’m delighted to welcome the Federal Minister for Energy Chris Bowen’s commitment to join the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP).

Australian local governments have been committed to and championed climate action for more than two decades. A recent report showed around three quarters of Australian councils have set or are in the process of developing community emissions reduction targets and are working towards net zero.

The CHAMP pledge is an opportunity to deepen the partnership between the Australian Government and local governments to meet our community’s aspirations for increased climate action.

Season’s greetings

Finally, as 2023 draws to a close, I sincerely thank all mayors, shire presidents, councillors and local government staff who have worked with us – and our state and territory local government associations – to deliver a better deal for our communities.

I look forward to continuing to work with you in 2024, and hope to welcome you to Canberra in July for our 30^th NGA.

 Season’s greetings and have a safe and healthy New Year!

Local governments can increase their understanding of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) ahead of the fire season through new eLearning courses.

The AFDRS eLearning update is a collaborative effort between AFAC, the national council for fire and emergency services, and state and territory fire agencies.

The eLearning is open to a broad range of stakeholders, from community members, councils and fire management professionals.

If you have not registered for AFDRS eLearning before, you will need to create an account and register here.

A number of key Federal Government Ministers have responded to resolutions from ALGA’s 2023 National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government.

These responses cover a range of topics including emergency management, social services, climate change and energy, Indigenous affairs, cyber security, communications and housing.

Further Ministerial responses are expected in early 2024, and councils are encouraged to follow this progress on ALGA’s 2023 NGA Resolutions tracker.

More information for councils looking to submit motions to ALGA’s 2024 NGA will be released before the end of the year.