Tag: local council

Discussing experiences as a Councillor for the MAV Stand for Council Campaign

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Being an elected Councillor requires an ongoing time commitment coupled with an understanding of good governance and the ability to respond to community feedback. Victorian council elections will be held at the end of October in all local councils with the exception of Brimbank City Council.

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) provides introductory sessions for prospective council candidates to assist in understanding the role and responsibilities of local government. The sessions include an overview from a neighbouring Council Chief Executive Officer and Councillor to discuss the role of council officers and elected representatives.

This evening I was invited to speak at the information session held at Knox City Council to provide an overview of my experiences in local government and advice on conducting council campaigns. The session provided an opportunity for candidates to discuss the operations of a Council and the role that Councillors undertake within the community. In particular I was able to provide an overview of governance structures for Council to assist candidates in understanding how Councillors can deliver results for the community.

I attended a similar information session in 2005 when I first stood for local government in Maroondah and found that the discussion was useful in gaining an insight into councils. Candidates should be advised to learn about local government and its decision making processes to ensure that they can become effective representatives for their community.

MAV State Council Meeting – May 2011

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The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is the peak body that represents local government across the State. The MAV represents the interests of local government and advocates on behalf of local councils within Victoria.

The MAV holds two State Council meetings each year, where Councils are able to propose motions and debate the direction of the organisation. This session Maroondah proposed eight motions, of which six were supported by a majority of representatives.

Motions adopted at the MAV State Council meeting help shape the direction of the organisation, with the MAV being responsible for the implementation of these items.

Media Release: Get to know your Mullum Ward Councillors

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People living in Mullum Ward will have an opportunity to mingle with their local councillors during the first Maroondah Picnic in the Park event for 2011.

The event provides an opportunity to have a chat with your friendly Mullum Ward Councillors Ann Fraser, Nora Lamont and Alex Makin at Maroondah Federation Estate on Saturday 26 February.

“The Picnic in the Park is a fantastic concept which allows us, as ward councillors, to meet members of the community face-to-face and discuss all sorts of things,” Cr Fraser said.

“People can come along and have a chat about whatever is on their minds. It doesn’t have to have anything to do with Council matters,” Cr Fraser said.

“We encourage all Mullum residents to come along to the event and share with us their views on the area, and what they love about living in Maroondah,” Cr Makin said.

“An event like this is a perfect opportunity to speak face to face with a councillor and have your questions answered and your concerns addressed,” Cr Makin said.

“These picnics are a good chance for everyone to get to know each other on a different level, and find out more about the services offered by Council,” Cr Lamont said.

“The event coincides with the 10th anniversary celebrations of Maroondah Federation Estate, so residents will also be able to join in the festivities which include demonstrations from community groups, artists talks and fun activities for the kids,” Cr Lamont said.

Mullum Ward is located on the western side of Maroondah and includes most of Ringwood and Ringwood North, half of Ringwood East, and a small part of Croydon and Heathmont.

Head along to Maroondah Federation Estate on Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood, between 12noon and 4pm on Saturday 26 February to be part of the Picnic in the Park event.

– ENDS –

Media Release: Push to turn Maroondah’s street lighting green

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Maroondah residents were among more than 3500 people to support a Municipal Association of Victoria petition calling on an upgrade to energy efficient street lighting.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin thanked those Maroondah residents who pledged their support to the Give Our Streets the Green Light campaign.

“The petition was calling on the State and Federal governments to partner with local councils to fund the $114 million upgrade costs which come with the switch to energy efficient street lighting,” Cr Makin said.

“The Municipal Association of Victoria delivered the community petitions to the Premier and Opposition Leader ahead of last Friday’s Local Government Climate Change Summit,” Cr Makin said.

“The Municipal Association of Victoria are confident the strong support by 46 councils and their communities will result in a commitment ahead of the state election to contribute some funding to fast-track the changeover to energy efficient street lighting,” Cr Makin said.

“Securing a combined contribution of $45million over four years from the Federal and State Governments would mean that councils could change about 330,000 street lights from 80W mercury vapour lamps to energy efficient globes at a low cost and in a quicker turn around,” Cr Makin said.

In Maroondah the upfront costs of replacing more than 5500 mercury vapour globes currently lighting Maroondah’s streets is about $2million.

Cr Makin said the reason for changing to more energy efficient globes was to reduce Council’s greenhouse gas emissions and create a greener more energy-efficient future.

“Council estimates that 31 per cent of its green house gas emissions and 22 per cent of its electricity costs are generated by lighting Maroondah’s local streets,” Cr Makin said.

“Electricity is predominately generated by burning brown coal which results in significant green house gases. By making the change to energy efficient globes, we can reduce our carbon footprint and work towards mitigating the effects of climate change,” Cr Makin said.

“The sooner the change over the sooner we start making a difference,” Cr Makin said.

– ENDS –

Speaking to Grade Three and Four Students at Heathmont East Primary

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This morning I was invited to speak to approximately 100 grade three and four students at Heathmont East Primary, located in Louis Street, near Canterbury Road in Heathmont.

One of the roles of being Mayor is to explain how Councils function and to discuss the role of being a Councillor and Mayor. This morning I spoke about the ward structure of Maroondah and helped clarify the responsibilities of local councils, compared to State and Federal governments.

I also spoke about growing up in Heathmont, where I was a student of Marlborough Primary, a school in close proximity to Heathmont East. It was great to see the students taking part in the discussion and asking many questions, ranging from the services Council provides to how decisions are made by Councillors.

Australia’s system of governance, with Local, State and Federal Governments, can seem overtly complex at times and it was great to provide an opportunity to discuss the role of Council and the importance of our local community.

Discussing Federal Involvement within Central Activities Districts

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The Cities of Whitehorse and Frankston, like the City of Maroondah, each have an identified Central Activities District, namely Box Hill, Frankston and Ringwood respectively.

These locations, which are in close proximity to rail stations, have been identified as sites for urban revitalisation, including higher densities and mixed use development. The aim is to provide increased housing, employment and community opportunities within these localities and thus provide more facilities closer to people’s home.

While the policy direction is set by the State Government, local councils are often required to implement policies to support these aims, including structure plans and precinct plans that determine future vision for these centres. The role of the Federal Government in supporting our cities, is an area that is yet to be fully explored.

The Commonwealth Government established the Major Cities Unit to explore the role of our cities in a national context and this afternoon myself and the Mayors of Whitehorse and Frankston discussed the importance of the Central Activities Districts within this framework.

While the Major Cities Unit will be consulting local government, it is imperative that the Central Activities Districts are treated uniquely, given the additional need for infrastructure and investment within these centres.

It is encouraging that the Federal Government is exploring how it can help shape our cities to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits. It is imperative that this work continues given that Australia is among the few countries in the world that lacks a federal perspective on the role and function of our cities.

Maroondah City Council adopts 2010/2011 Budget

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Unlike other levels of government, local councils are required to place their draft budgets on exhibition to enable comment from the public, prior to the budget being formally considered by Council. This evening Council formally discussed the 2010/2011 Budget, with Councillors resolving to adopt the budget as per the draft that was released last month.

Adopting a budget is never an easy decision and unfortunately Maroondah City Council has been operating with a deficit for twelve out of the past 14 years, including a staggering loss of over $8 million in the 1998/1999 financial year and $1.8 million in the 2004/2005 year. Like any organisation, delivering consecutive losses is not sustainable and diminishes the ability to invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs.

Maroondah has long required community groups to demonstrate financial sustainability and Council should follow this same advice. As a Council there is a need to deliver operational surpluses to enable investment in community infrastructure and much needed facilities, but this is only possible if Council operates with financial stability.

As a consequence Council had to make the difficult decision of increasing rates by 9.8%, or approximately $1.88 per week, to provide a sustainable foundation for the City of the Maroondah. While this may appear to be large increase in percentage terms, Maroondah has the seventh lowest rates when compared with Victoria’s 79 councils. Furthermore, a review of operations will be undertaken over the 2010/2011 financial year to control cost pressures into the future.

Importantly, the 2010/2011 Budget reverses almost a decade and a half of Council living beyond its means by restoring financial stability, through delivering an operational surplus from the 2012/13 financial year. As a result Council will be in a position to invest in much needed community facilities and will reduce pressures on rates in future years.

The first facility to be improved is the Ringwood Aquatic Centre, which has reached the end of its functional life and as a consequence has faced declining patronage and rising maintenance costs. The 2010/2011 Budget facilitates the construction of a new multi-purpose Maroondah Aquatic and Leisure Centre to be operational by the end of 2013. The Budget supports this vision through the funding of detailed design work and community consultation for the proposed facility, which equates to 1.1% of the overall rating strategy.

The adoption of the 2010/2011 Budget has not been an easy decision and it has been one of the most stressful experiences during my time as Mayor. Ultimately its adoption was the right choice to make, as it ensures a sustainable future for the City of Maroondah by delivering a Council that can live within its means while investing in much needed community infrastructure.. I applaud the five of my Council colleagues who supported the Budget, particularly since it will reduce rating pressures in future years, resulting in lower costs and better facilities for our community.

Media Release: Meet your Mullum Ward councillors at free BBQ

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People living in Mullum Ward will have an opportunity to mingle with their local councillors during the next Maroondah Picnic in the Park.

Take the opportunity to have a chat with your friendly Mullum Ward councillors Ann Fraser, Nora Lamont and Mayor Alex Makin at BJ Hubbard Reserve in Ringwood North on Saturday 22 May.

“The picnic in the park is a fantastic concept which allows us, as ward councillors, to speak face-to-face with the local community about all sorts of things. It doesn’t necessarily need to be related to Council. These picnics are a good chance for everyone to get to know each other on a different level,” Cr Makin said.

“So if you live in Mullum Ward it would be great to see you at BJ Hubbard Reserve on Saturday 22 May,” Cr Lamont said.

“There will be a free barbecue and plenty of fun activities for the kids. I look forward to seeing you there,” Cr Fraser said.

Mullum Ward is located on the western side of Maroondah and includes most of Ringwood and Ringwood North, half of Ringwood East, and a small part of Croydon and Heathmont.

Head along to BJ Hubbard Reserve in Ringwood North from 11am on Saturday 22 May for Maroondah’s next Picnic in the Park.

Maroondah Leader: Council push on demands

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The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is the peak body representing each local council across Australia.  Each year ALGA holds a national assembly, whereby Councils can submit and debate motions to help shape the priorities and advocacy undertaken by the organisation.

The City of Maroondah has proposed several motions consistent with the themes of population, productivity and participation, which are central to this year’s ALGA National Assembly:

That this National General Assembly calls on the Commonwealth Government to financially support the upgrade of infrastructure within large Metropolitan Activity Centres to cater for the increased population growth by 2050.

That this National General Assembly calls on the Commonwealth Government to ensure that any possible changes to the funding of health care services, particularly the area of Home and Community Care (HACC) and Maternal and Child Health services, does not impact on current funding arrangements with Local Government.

That this National General Assembly calls on both the State and Federal Governments to provide financial assistance for the roll out of Energy Efficient Street lighting.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the motions proposed by the City of Maroondah:

Mayor Alex Makin said the council wanted to ensure that changes to the funding of health care services did not impact on current funding arrangements with local government.
Many Victorian councils deliver home and community care, as well as maternal and child services, Cr. Makin said. “The commonwealth must be alerted to the need to protect their financial interests and community wellbeing with any changes to the system.”

The Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly will be held in Canberra from the 14th to the 17th of June.

Day Two of the Local Government Ministerial Forum

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The Local Government Ministerial Forum continued today with an opening keynote address from the Premier, John Brumby.  The Premier discussed State Government policies relevant to Local Government, including the planning system and  Central Activities Districts.

The State Government, in conjunction with local councils, designated several urban centres as Central Activities Districts, including Ringwood, Box Hill, Dandenong and Frankston within the eastern region of Melbourne.

The policy aims to encourage mixed-use centres, with a range of residential, commercial and community facilities.  These urban centres need a whole of Government approach to achieve these objectives, particularly in regard to infrastructure investment.

For example, many of these centres, including Ringwood, require public transport improvements to encourage sustainable forms of transport and to support the development of these urban centres.

Furthermore, there is a need to ensure that community facilities are provided within these centres to ensure vibrant and active communities.  The City of Maroondah, supports Ringwood’s status as  a Central Activities District, but there is a need for a coordinated approach to ensure a vibrant and sustainable urban centre.

The Local Government Ministerial Forum provided an opportunity to enter into direct dialogue with the State Government.  It is hoped that the City of Maroondah will have the opportunity for further discussions with Ministers and the Government to achieve positive outcomes for the community.