National Bushfire Recovery Agency deputy coordinator Andrew Hocking will head an impressive array of speakers at ALGA’s National Local Roads and Transport Congress in November.
After being forced to cancel its annual National General Assembly for Local Government because of Covid-19, ALGA has expanded the National Local Roads and Transport Congress to encompass natural disaster impacts, recovery and resilience, and the coronavirus pandemic.
Major-General Hocking was posted to the NBRA in January and has visited many fire-affected communities since then, listening to their experiences and helping them get the Commonwealth support they need.
During the Congress, he will recount some of the many recovery journeys now underway – and discuss how the experiences of impacted local communities are helping build disaster resilience and ensuring future disaster responses are quick, targeted, and effective.
The Congress has been expanded to two full days (16-17 November) to give delegates time to examine other issues impacting on Local Government, with proceedings livestreamed for delegates unable to attend in person.
Other speakers include Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications Michael McCormack, and Federal MP for Ballarat Catherine King, the shadow minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development.
Patty Kinnersly, the chief executive of Our Watch – which developed a violence prevention toolkit for local government with help from five councils in Victoria, Queensland, SA, WA and NSW – will discuss the need for all governments to remain vigilant about violence against women, particularly during the pandemic.
Economist Nicki Hutley will share her expertise in applying economic modelling and analysis to address issues like affordable housing, precinct planning and urban renewal, while Dr Neryl East will show local government leaders how to communicate with influence, including during natural disaster events.
Register now for ALGA’s Special Local Roads and Transport Congress: Roads, Regions, Resilience.