2017/18 LGA priorities | Good news from councils | Council Members Forum | RDA Chairs No Images? Click here Update from the LGA President Vol 2: Issue 21 - Monday 9 October 2017 Dear Mayors and CouncillorsOur collaboration with the City of Adelaide has taken another giant leap this week with the agreement for our 2018 OGM and Best Practice Showcase next April to be held at Adelaide Town Hall. This is a terrific opportunity for us to showcase what councils do best with our membership at the beautiful and historic Adelaide Town Hall. Matt and I are off to visit councils in the South East this week (I’m a bit excited), and I will be in Wudinna the week after. LGA President Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg 2017/18 LGA priorities During a recent council visit I was asked by an elected member about how to explain the role and value of the LGA to a resident. It’s an excellent question, and there’s certainly a lot of misinformation in our communities about our role. The Association’s primary purpose is to advocate (achieve greater influence for the sector), advance (help councils build capacity and increase sustainability) and assist (facilitate continuous improvement in the sector). But, put simply, we can do things once so that 68 councils don’t do the same thing 68 times. We’ve identified eight key areas of focus for 2017/18, and I look forward to working with you and your councils on these initiatives to build a better, stronger and more efficient sector. 1. Rate capping We are continuing to run a campaign to protect communities from the cuts to local services that would result if rate capping was introduced in SA. This includes developing resources and tools to help councils and other groups actively oppose the policy at a local level. It is clear that the vast majority of our members want the LGA to spearhead a campaign in the lead up to the next state election. 2. Awareness campaign Our 'SA councils: part of your every day' campaign is one of our ongoing efforts to inform communities about the extent and value of council services so they understand what they receive for their rates. This campaign will run beyond the state election and lead into the council elections next November. 3. State election campaign Last Friday’s announcement from Senator Xenophon that he’ll run in next year’s state election has certainly shaken up the local political landscape. The LGA has developed a state election policy platform that we will launch at our AGM next month. We will also be meeting with parties, candidates and stakeholders in the lead up to next March looking to forge relationships, create a better understanding of council services, and secure commitments that will benefit councils and the communities they serve. 4. Commercial activities We are currently developing a new commercial services business unit within the LGA to increase the range and quality of services the Association provides to the sector. This will allow us to better meet the needs of member councils without increasing membership fees. 5. Council elections The LGA is working with councils to develop resources for the 2018 council elections, with the goal of increasing voter turnout, and ensuring a strong and diverse field of candidates. In particular, we will be focusing on increasing the number of women and other under-represented groups elected. All election promotional materials will be provided to councils by the end of 2017. 6. Governance review Over the past year we’ve reviewed our governance arrangements to make sure that all member councils have a fair opportunity to contribute to the LGA’s strategic direction. The outcomes of this review and a proposed new governance structure and revised constitution will be presented at our 2017 AGM for further consultation and implementation from 2019 following the council elections. 7. Sector conduct We’ve appointed a Sector Development Partner to develop a program to improve sector morale, and this work will incorporate feedback previously received from councils. We have also consulted extensively with mayors, councillors and council staff on a review of the code of conduct for council members. Our Board recently approved a submission based on this consultation that we will be presenting to – and discussing with – the State Government in the next few weeks. We have urged the Government not to make any changes to the code before first considering the position of our sector. 8. Schemes review We are currently implementing changes that will further improve the insurance schemes facilitated by the LGA on behalf of member councils. It’s expected this process will be finalised by the end of the financial year. As previously mentioned, Return to Work SA recently renewed our Workers Compensation Scheme’s registration as a self-insured employer for a five year period – the maximum extension available. Good news from councils The need for a regional population growth strategy has once again come to the fore, this time at a recent meeting of Upper Spencer Gulf Mayors and leaders. Port Augusta Mayor Sam Johnson was quoted in The Transcontinental saying it was time to "redress the population split between regional areas and Adelaide" and I couldn’t agree more. There was a great piece in the CoastCity Weekly Messenger on the City of Marion’s $320,000 investment in its outdoor swimming centre, and the boost in visitation they are expecting this summer as a result. Well done to Port Pirie Regional Council on their new scheme to deliver solar power systems to local residents for around $19 a week – it’s a fantastic example of a council identifying a need in its community and acting on it! Congratulations to Victoria MacKirdy on her appointment as CEO of the City of Victor Harbor. Victoria is taking the reins from Graeme Maxwell – who is stepping down after two decades in the role – and I wish them both every success in the future. Finally, it was great to read about the Whyalla City Council parks and gardens staff who ensured a lost wallet in the town’s civic park was safely returned to its owner! As I mentioned last fortnight, this year’s Council Members Forum will now be held at LG House (148 Frome Street, Adelaide). While the date remains unchanged (27-28 October), the change of venue has resulted in a significantly reduced registration free. The theme of this year’s event is 'Advocacy and Leadership', and it will provide you with an opportunity to network, hear about and discuss current issues facing our sector, and share your experiences and challenges with your colleagues. Advocacy is important at all levels. To set the sector and communities up for success, we need to create leaders who understand the importance of advocacy. For more information and to register to attend please visit our website. Seeking RDA Chairs Following the recent review of RDA Committees, and subsequent changes announced by Minister Nash, nominations are now being sought for local RDA Committee Chairs. They are looking for business and community leaders with a proven track record of driving economic development, and with strong local ties to their region. More information can be found on their website, and if you’ve got the relevant skills and experience I’d encourage you to apply. Applications close at 4pm on Friday 20 October. 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