Local government reform workshops | Productivity Commission Inquiry workshops | Banning waste exports | Jim Hullick Award No Images? Click here Vol 4: Issue 18 - Monday 19 August 2019 Last week I was in Renmark for our 2019 Roads and Works Conference along with around 300 other delegates, speakers and sponsors. Thanks to the organising committee who did a great job of putting together a varied, interesting and relevant program. Thanks also to Mayor Neil Martinson and his council for their warm hospitality. Please take the time to download our discussion paper on the Government’s proposed local government reforms, and attend one of the consultation workshops that are being held across the State. It’s important that we all get involved in the process as early as possible and fully understand the changes that are being proposed, and what they would mean for our sector and our communities. LGA President Sam Telfer Local government reform workshopsSeveral weeks ago the State Government released a discussion paper outlining 72 potential reforms for local government for public consultation. The LGA has organised a series of consultation workshops that will provide councils with an opportunity to learn more about these proposed reforms, and provide feedback on the ideas. Feedback provided will help inform the LGA’s response to the paper and future advocacy activities. The first of these sessions was held in the Limestone Coast on 9 August, and the next will be held at LG House in Adelaide this Wednesday. Representatives from the Office of Local Government will attend most of the workshops, and provide an overview of the proposed changes, and answer questions you may have. You can see the full schedule – and register to attend – through this circular. I know many of you will want to also discuss the proposed reforms in your own council meetings, and the LGA has produced a discussion paper that will help you consider and respond to the proposed changes. You can download this discussion paper here. Our goal is to make sure all councils are fully equipped to provide an informed response to the Government. Productivity Commission Inquiry workshopsThe Productivity Commission will publish the draft report for their Inquiry into Local Government costs and efficiency on their website by Friday 30 August. This will be followed by two workshops where they will present this report to councils and explain their approach, draft recommendations to the State Government, and draft advice to councils. The first workshop will focus on metro councils and will be held on Tuesday 3 September. The second will cover regional councils and be held on Wednesday 4 September. Both workshops will be held in Adelaide at LG House, and webinar facilities will be available. We are advised the Commission will continue to consult with councils during September and October before producing a final report. I would encourage all councils to attend these sessions, and fully engage in the Commission’s consultation process. Banning waste exportsAt the COAG meeting on 9 August all States agreed to establish a timeline for banning the export of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres, with State Environment Ministers tasked with consulting with industry and advising on a proposed timeline and strategy. This is a step in the right direction and it’s good that we’ve got national consensus and leadership on this issue. China’s National Sword has had a significant impact on SA councils, costing them around $8.8 million per year, the impacts of which have been compounded by the spike in the Government’s Solid Waste Levy. Now is the time for all three tiers of government to partner and invest in the development of a circular economy in our country. The LGA is already working with a small group of councils on a pilot project to set targets for the use of recycled materials in council projects. We can create new markets for our recycled materials here in SA by using the buying power of our sector, and increasing the use of these materials in roads and other projects. We’ve also advocated in our submission to Parliament’s recycling inquiry for a new national accreditation system that would specify whether recycled materials have been used in products and packaging. At the moment there is labelling on the packaging that says whether something is recyclable, but not whether it is made of recycled materials itself. True recycling involves both the return of the packaging, plus the re-use in turning it into something that can be used again. Limiting the amount of waste generated by reassessing how food and other goods are packaged is also an important part of the cycle. You can download our submission to this Parliamentary Inquiry from the submissions page on the LGA website, and you can read the LGA’s Waste Action Plan here. Waste and recycling are significant issues for our sector, but it’s also an area where we can be a partner in change and a part of the solution. Nominations for the 2019 Jim Hullick Award are now open, and will close on 6 September. This Award is an opportunity for us to recognise public servants in both State and Federal Government who have worked collaboratively with local government over the previous year. Last year’s winner was ECSA’s Senior Electoral Officer Leeanne Redpath, who was recognised for her many years of working with councils to hold local elections. This year’s award will be presented at our 2019 AGM and Conference Dinner at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday 30 October. More information on the Jim Hullick Award, and a link to the criteria and nomination form, can be found on the LGA’s website. Councils in the mediaAdelaide councils are increasingly using smart technology to better service their communities (subscriber link). The closure of SKM has had a significant cost impact on many councils, and last week it was revealed that much of the recycling collected was never processed (subscriber link). Councils have been given extra time, but are still being asked to pay to apply for currently protected properties to be heritage listed under the State’s new planning system (subscriber link). For further information or to submit |