I am pleased to announce that Council has appointed a new General Manager. On 2 June 2008 Graeme Faulkner will join Council. Graeme brings a wealth of experience to Council from a career that spans private enterprise and government.
I attended my first meeting of the executive and a preview of the ALGA Constitutional Recognition package was presented by Price Waterhouse Coopers. The official launch of the website is scheduled for 18 April 2008. The website will provide material for councils to undertake conversations which will feed into the Constitutional Summit in Melbourne in December 2008. The Summit will bring together councils to discuss and, if possible, agree on a position to put to the Federal Government. Over coming weeks, councils will be consulted through State and Territory Associations and provided with information about time-frames and sent copies of kits to enable "council conversations" to be held to discuss this important issue. www.alga.asn.au
The Executive considered reports from standing committees and the social report recommended making submissions to seek support from the NSW Ministers for Local Government and Women to fund mentoring programs for women in local government.
Discussions about new legislation including planning changes raised the need for councils to submit examples of local developments that have been approved under existing circumstances for Ministerial approvals and also concerns regarding private certification.
With increased awareness and concerns about alcohol and related violence in communities a forum was convened by the LGA.
A new Liquor Act was passed by the NSW Parliament in December last year and will come into effect on July 1 2008.
The forum was attended by Minister for Gaming and Racing, Graeme West, Commissioner for NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, Michael Foggo and the Director of Compliance of the office, Albert Gardiner.
The new laws create changes re:
See www.olgr.nsw.gov.au link to ‘Liquor Law Reform’.
There will also be a forum for the region held in Ballina on the 22 April 2008.
The new legislation will need to be considered in light of council’s LEP and will also have impact on councils approvals system and need to be addressed to ensure compliance and approvals are reviewed to meet the new laws.
With the presence of many mayors from across the State, campaign against the State Governments new planning changes was launched..
The LGSA had previously resolved to engage professional services to coordinate a campaign against the current planning changes.
The “Keep it Local” campaign was launched to the assembled media with banners, posters, T shirts and stickers. The campaign has also developed a website www.keepitlocal.org.au and a Community Impact Assessment of the proposed changes has been developed and is available.
Councils are able to order materials to initiate community awareness about the impact of the changes to the NSW Planning laws and encourage submissions to be sent to the Premier.
As previously advised I was involved in the delivery of ACE Courses for this term. The two courses, one for potential councillors and one for new residents, were well received and ACE will be offering the seminar for new residents again in their third term.
The seminar for new residents was attended by nine new residents who heard from Robyn Gray about our shire’s history, Kim Rosen explaining the role of the business community and information about community volunteerism was presented by Judy Macdonald. All participants received a pack of information including the new rural residents kit.
The action for the development of a New Residents Kit was identified in council’s 2001 Social Plan. With the trialing of this course it has been identified what information is of value to new residents and I am hopeful that council may be able to produce a DVD to support those who are new to our area.
The councillor course was attended by nine people who were thinking of standing for election and/or just interested in local council. It was an opportunity to provide information on the roles and responsibilities of councillors and staff and on the operations of Council. Director of planning, Ray Darney gave a presentation on planning issues and former Councillors, Lisa Christofferson spoke on the reality of council life and Jenny Coman provided insight into Council committees.
I would like to thank Byron Community College for providing the opportunity for these courses to operate and those members of the community who provided valuable insight for the course participants.
6-13 April 2008 – Comedy – “ Shooting from the Hip Replacement”
I attended the comedy night at the Byron ExServices Club and it was a great night. The evening was sold out and over 200 people spent a couple of hours laughing at the perspective of some of our older residents. Congratulations to Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs (former council employee) for creating a fun event to celebrate Seniors Week.
29 March 2008
This was a fantastic day in Mullumbimby, so many people gave their time to support cancer research and many council staff were present and did their laps of the Rugby ground course.
Council’s partnership with the Cancer Council is an ongoing role to provide information to the community. Cancer continues to impact on the lives of many but it is heartening to hear stories of how many people are overcoming the devastation and the support for continued research is vital.
The next big event is Biggest Morning Tea – 22 May 2008 www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
This is again scheduled on a council meeting and provides a focus on the campaign against cancer. Cancer Council Helpline – 131120.