Weekly Issue 8, 27 February 2015

Message from the President – Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM

LGNSW President, Keith Rhoades AFSM, provides an update on Local Government issues.

LGNSW kicks off Fit for the Future Bootcamps

More than 60 representatives from regional and metropolitan councils participated this week in the first of a series of Fit for the Future workshops being run by LGNSW over the coming months.

Greater Sydney Commission – Call for Feedback

The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has called for feedback on the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC). LGNSW is coordinating feedback from metropolitan and surrounding councils and requests feedback by Tuesday 31 March 2015.

Creating Liveable Communities Competition – Winners Announced

The Minister for Disability Services, the Hon John Ajaka MP and the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP announced the winners of the Creating Liveable Communities Competition on Tuesday 24 February.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW GPO BOX 7003 SYDNEY NSW 2001 L8, 28 MARGARET ST SYDNEY NSW 2000 T 02 9242 4000 F 02 9242 4111 LGNSW.ORG.AU LGNSW@LGNSW.ORG.AU ABN 49 853 913 882

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Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 1

Message from the President – Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM Friday 27 February 2015

Western Division Councils of NSW Conference Last Sunday I travelled to Condobolin in the heart of NSW to attend the Western Division Councils of NSW Conference, hosted by Lachlan Shire Council. I detailed LGNSW’s work on its State Election Priorities with particular emphasis on rural issues, including fair funding for shared infrastructure and services such as regional and local roads, bridges, public libraries, local water and sewerage schemes and weed control. I also provided an update on Fit for the Future, including the Rural Template. This was released last month and LGNSW will shortly be hosting a BootCamp to support those councils who wish to take the rural council option.

Fit for the Future This week LGNSW held the first in its series of BootCamps to help councils in preparing their Fit for the Future proposals. More than 60 representatives from regional and metropolitan councils participated in the workshops, which were facilitated by a number of LGNSW staff including Chief Executive, Donna Rygate. You can read more on this in item 4 of this edition of The Weekly.

Creating Liveable Communities Competition On Tuesday, the Minister for Disability Services, the Hon John Ajaka MP and the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP announced the winners of the Creating Liveable Communities Competition. The initiative is funded by NSW Family and Community Services and administered by LGNSW. I’d like to congratulate the winning councils whose projects will contribute to making communities throughout NSW more liveable and inclusive. I am writing to Minister Ajaka to encourage ongoing funding specifically for Local Government to create Liveable Communities. You can read a list of the competition winners in item 7 of this edition of The Weekly. RAMROC On Wednesday I attended a meeting with the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC) in Jerilderie. The majority of the 18 RAMROC councils were present at the meeting, with strong representation from Mayors and General Managers. Together we discussed key issues of concern.

On the issue of Fit for the Future for example, concerns were raised about the treatment of Local Water Utilities (LWUs) in the assessment criteria. LGNSW is strongly arguing for the inclusion of LWUs in the assessment of scale and capacity and has made a submission to the Government’s Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) on this issue. You can find LGNSW’s submission to the MAG on LGNSW’s website: http://www.lgnsw.org.au/key-initiatives/reform-fit-for-the-future

I also detailed how LGNSW is working with ALGA on a national campaign strategy to restore Financial Assistance Grants. Our strategy includes representations through budget submissions and a longer term political campaign – we will provide updates as this campaign progresses.

Federation Reform LGNSW was also represented this week at sessions run by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments about reform of the federation, including funding arrangements. It is critical that Local Government is recognised as a sphere of government in its own right and receives its fair share of federal and state funding. We will continue to press these issues as the debate continues.

Next week The Local Government Tourism Conference kicks-off on Monday at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, with the support of our co-host Bathurst Regional Council and our Official Partner, Destination NSW. I look forward to hearing all the great work NSW councils are doing to engage and manage their local tourism industry.

Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM President of Local Government NSW

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 2

Contents page Conferences and Events

Item 1: Upcoming conferences and events

View upcoming conference and events relevant to Local Government

Grants and Funding

Item 2: Grant and funding opportunities for Local Government

View the latest grant and funding opportunities for Local Government

General Interest

Item 3: EDAP Annual Regional Conference 2015 – Registration Open

Registration is now open for the Environmental Development and Allied Professionals (EDAP) Annual Regional Conference, which will be held in Penrith and hosted by sister-councils Lachlan Shire Council and Penrith City Council.

Item 4: LGNSW kicks off Fit for the Future Bootcamps

More than 60 representatives from regional and metropolitan councils participated this week in the first of a series of Fit for the Future workshops being run by LGNSW over the coming months.

Item 5: LGNSW 2014-2015 Remuneration Survey

The annual LGNSW Remuneration Survey conducted by LGNSW’s Management Solutions unit (LGMS) is now available to order.

Item 6: Government Communications Australia Conference 2015

Themed ‘The Brave New World of Government Communications’, the upcoming Government Communications Australia Conference will feature innovative thinkers, best practice case studies and take away resources you can implement in your own organisation.

Community

Item 7: Creating Liveable Communities Competition – Winners Announced

The Minister for Disability Services, the Hon John Ajaka MP and the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP announced the winners of the Creating Liveable Communities Competition on Tuesday 24 February.

Item 8: Productivity Commission Report into Childcare and Early Learning

The Productivity Commission report into Childcare and Early Learning has been released by the Australian Government.

Emergency Services

Item 9: Final Report from Wambelong Fire Inquiry

The Legislative Council General Standing Committee No. 5 has released its final report from the inquiry on the causes and management of the January 2013 Wambelong fire within, and adjacent to, the Warrumbungle National Park.

Environment

Item 10: Changes to Contaminated Land Management Act

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 3

The Protection of the Environment Amendment Legislation Act 2014 (POELA Act) commenced on 1 January 2015, amending the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 (CLM Act).

Learning

Item 11: Constructive Workplace Communication – New Upcoming Course

This LGNSW Learning Solutions workshop will help managers and employees improve their communication outcomes.

Item 12: Learning and Development Network Meeting – March 2015

The next Learning and Development Network Meeting takes place in Sydney on 11 March. Sponsored by LGNSW Learning Solutions, the network meeting promotes the learning and development of training professionals in our industry.

Item 13: Mayors’ Weekend Seminar

LGNSW Learning Solutions is offering a seminar for NSW mayors, deputy mayors and aspiring mayors to help address complex leadership challenges.

Item 14: Upcoming Courses for March and April 2015

LGNSW Learning Solutions is offering the following professional development workshops for Local Government staff and councillors.

Planning

Item 15: Greater Sydney Commission – Call for Feedback

The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has called for feedback on the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC). LGNSW is coordinating feedback from metropolitan and surrounding councils and requests feedback by Tuesday 31 March 2015.

Water

Item 16: 2015 LGNSW Water Management Conference – Call for Papers

LGNSW invites proposals for presentations at the 2015 LGNSW Water Management Conference.

In the News

Item 17: ALGA newsletter

View the latest newsletter distributed by the Australia Local Government Association

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 4

Conferences and Events Item 1: Upcoming conferences and events View upcoming conference and events relevant to Local Government

EDAP Annual Regional Conference 2015 – Registration Open

Registration is now open for the Environmental Development and Allied Professionals (EDAP) Annual Regional Conference, which will be held in Penrith and hosted by sister-councils Lachlan Shire Council and Penrith City Council.

Government Communications Australia Conference 2015

Themed ‘The Brave New World of Government Communications’, the upcoming Government Communications Australia Conference will feature innovative thinkers, best practice case studies and take away resources you can implement in your own organisation.

2015 LGNSW Water Management Conference – Call for Papers

LGNSW invites proposals for presentations at the 2015 LGNSW Water Management Conference.

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 5

Grants and Funding Item 2: Grant and funding opportunities for Local Government View the latest grant and funding opportunities for Local Government

Creating Liveable Communities Competition – Winners Announced

The Minister for Disability Services, the Hon John Ajaka MP and the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP announced the winners of the Creating Liveable Communities Competition on Tuesday 24 February.

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 6

Dates Wednesday 29 April to Friday 1 May 2015

Location Penrith Panthers Leagues Club Penrith

Online information www.edap.org.au

Contact Alan Lindsay Secretary 0419 619 761 arlconsulting@bigpond.com

Ref: R90/1160 SMcB

General Interest Item 3: EDAP Annual Regional Conference 2015 – Registration Open Registration is now open for the Environmental Development and Allied Professionals (EDAP) Annual Regional Conference, which will be held in Penrith and hosted by sister-councils Lachlan Shire Council and Penrith City Council. The program covers topics and keynote speakers, including:

• The Settlement of Penrith – Otto Cserhalmi

• Food Report NSW Food Authority – Josie Rozzo

• Ebola Report – Shannon McKiernan

• Rural SEPP – Ashley Albury

• AAC Update – Craig Hardy

• Land and Environment Court Update – Pikes & Verekers

• Contaminated Land Challenge 2015 – Malcolm Dale

• Swimming Pools – Laura Vella

• Waste Services – Aisha Poole

• DEPA – Ian Roberston

• Toxins in Water – Daniel Bezshaw

• AIBS – Damian O’Shannassey

• Conference dinner talk on the motorcycle speed record – Ben Felton

Tours of inspection will also be available, including: Disabled access at Centrebet Stadium with John Farrugia, Great Wall of Cranebrook, Thornton Subdivision, Bushfire Prone Subdivision and McDonald Jones McDonald House project.

The Conference is aimed at building surveyors, town planners, accredited certifiers, health surveyors, environmental health surveyors, development engineers as well as allied professionals from Local Government, State Government and the private sector.

Please note that there are incentives for trainees to attend the Conference with a discounted registration fee.

A full range of trade exhibitors will be on hand during the Conference. Additionally, attendees can expect a comprehensive social program including a dinner in the Ron Mulok Room at Penrith Panthers.

Program and registration details are available on the EDAP website (see fact box).

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 7

Online information http://www.lgnsw.org.au/key-initiatives/reform-fit-for-the-future

http://www.fitforthefuture.nsw.gov.au/

Contacts Shaun McBride 02 9242 4072 shaun.mcbride@lgnsw.org.au

LGNSW Learning Solutions 02 9242 4181 learning@lgnsw.org.au

Ref: R12/0041 JP

General Interest Item 4: LGNSW kicks off Fit for the Future Bootcamps More than 60 representatives from regional and metropolitan councils participated this week in the first of a series of Fit for the Future workshops being run by LGNSW over the coming months. LGNSW is offering a range of programs, under the theme ‘Smarter Local Government’, to support the sector in working through new ways of doing business.

The program kicked off this week with a ‘Fit for the Future? Proposal Bootcamp!’ on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 February in Sydney and ‘Amalgamations: To Merge or not to Merge?’ on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 February in Sydney.

The workshops have been designed to support councils which are currently preparing their Fit for the Future proposals. They brought together elected members and senior managers from a variety of councils to exchange information, explore ideas and identify opportunities to strengthen their role and performance, as they put together their proposals for the Government’s Fit for the Future package. Further scheduled workshops can be seen below.

The Office of Local Government has also completed three regional workshops over the last two weeks to support councils in preparing their Rural Council Proposal. LGNSW has attended these workshops.

LGNSW’s upcoming Fit for the Future workshops

Fit for the Future? Proposal Bootcamps!

Dubbo – Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 March 2015

Port Macquarie – Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 March 2015

These bootcamps are designed for councils who have chosen to complete Template 2, which requires the use of a self-assessment tool to review council’s performance against a series of benchmarks, and to inform an improvement action plan.

Fit for the Future? Rural Council Bootcamps!

Sydney CBD – Thursday 12 and Friday 13 March 2015

These bootcamps are designed for councils who have chosen to use Template 3 for ‘Rural Councils’. The bootcamps will be of value to all those councillors, senior managers and corporate planners who need to design and submit a ‘Rural Council’ proposal for Fit for the Future.

Regional Collaboration: What Works?

Sydney CBD – Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May 2015

An important consideration is the potential for increased regional collaboration to help strengthen councils’ financial positions and ‘strategic capacity’, and thus meet some of the sustainability criteria set out in the Fit for the Future package. There is no ‘one size fits all’ model for effective regional collaboration. However, experiences gained by different regional groups over recent decades should help identify common themes around what works, what doesn’t and most importantly, why.

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 8

Online information http://lgnsw.org.au/member-services/management-solutions/nsw-council-comparatives-remuneration

Contact Debra Law Office Coordinator

02 9242 4142 debra.law@lgnsw.org.au

Ref: I09/0016 MA

General Interest Item 5: LGNSW 2014-2015 Remuneration Survey The annual LGNSW Remuneration Survey conducted by LGNSW’s Management Solutions unit (LGMS) is now available to order. In the 15th year of conducting the survey, we are pleased to report a high participation rate, with 70% of councils responding. This is helping to build a solid remuneration database for decision-makers in NSW councils. The survey aims to deliver to councils the most representative remuneration data possible.

The reporting format now offers more flexibility, with councils able to order a comparison against:

• Similar councils

• Rural/urban councils

• Regional councils

• OLG Classification

• Customised group of councils (selection specified by council).

All reports will contain a comparison against all participating NSW councils. In addition, previous participants in the LGNSW Remuneration Survey will receive a discount on their LGNSW Remuneration Report order.

Please contact Debra Law (see fact box) if you have not yet ordered your report.

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 9

Dates and location 13-15 May 2015 Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Early bird offer closes 30 March Awards nominations close 13 March

Cost Early bird – $950 + GST Full price – $1050 + GST

Online information www.govcomms.com.au

Contact Caryn Morgan caryn@cmaevents.com.au 02 9810 2701

Ref: R90/0954 SMcB

General Interest Item 6: Government Communications Australia Conference 2015 Themed ‘The Brave New World of Government Communications’, the upcoming Government Communications Australia Conference will feature innovative thinkers, best practice case studies and take away resources you can implement in your own organisation. Below are some of the featured presentation topics from confirmed speakers:

• Felicity Gray, Nuffnang – blogger outreach is now a mainstay in the life of PR professionals and is increasingly valued as an important area of influence for brands – so why not governments and their publics? What are the insights of bloggers regarding working with PR professionals and how can we create a sustainable working relationship for the future?

• Jonathan Champ, Meaning Business – change management and PR share a common goal but sometimes speak different languages. Explore the change management essentials that will help practitioners build stronger partnerships with stakeholders, speak the language of change, and ensure their efforts impact the right outcomes.

• Paula Giles, CSBA – this presentation proposes that if Government (and in particular Local Government) communication professionals consider reputation management to be their role, they must own or influence the customer experience.

Last call for speakers

If you are interested in sharing your knowledge, insights and communications success stories, please send an abstract of approximately 250 words (including presentation title) and a brief speaker bio to Caryn Morgan (see fact box).

GCA Awards for Excellence

The GCA Awards celebrate results-based achievements in marketing ideas and initiatives, eGovernment, tourism, publications and communications. Get your applications in by Friday 13 March 2015 and be recognised for excellence in communications and marketing in the public sector.

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 10

Dates and location Projects end 2016

Online information

http://www.lgnsw.org.au/member-services/grants/creating-liveable-communities-competition

Contact Margaret Kay margaret.kay@lgnsw.org.au

Ref: R10/0026 MK

Community Item 7: Creating Liveable Communities Competition – Winners Announced The Minister for Disability Services, the Hon John Ajaka MP and the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP announced the winners of the Creating Liveable Communities Competition on Tuesday 24 February. The competition was funded by NSW Family and Community Services and is administered by Local Government NSW. A total of $650,000 was allocated towards the initiative.

An overwhelming number of submissions were received, all addressing different ways to develop communities to make them more liveable and inclusive. Seventeen of the most innovative ideas from councils in rural, regional and metropolitan regions were chosen. Successful projects include improving accessibility, employment opportunities and recreation activities.

The successful projects can be seen in the table below.

Council Project Name $ awarded

Byron Shire Council Intergenerational Playgroup $20,000

City of Canada Bay Council Chiswick Connects $47,302

Coonamble Shire Council Access for All $31,800

Goulburn Mulwaree Council Into the Goulburn Wetlands $90,000

Greater Taree City Council Vibrant Active Seniors - Foreshore improvement $50,000

Guyra Shire Council Guyra Shire eAccess $15,000

Hawkesbury City Council All Outdoors $39,553

Junee Shire Council Welcome In $67,500

Kiama Municipal Council Kiama Dementia-friendly Communities Project $50,000

Kogarah City Council Wayfinding Strategy for Kogarah Centre $25,000

Lake Macquarie City Council Accessible Path of Travel to Beaches $35,000

Murray Shire Council Construction of a Social Gathering Space for Moama

$38,925

Parramatta City Council Water Confidence For Seniors and Carers $21,745

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Celebrate Creative Ageing $44,200

Tweed Shire Council Tweed Aboriginal Healthy Ageing Project $25,800

Uralla Shire Council Uralla Main Street Disability Access Project $30,000

Warringah Council Employment Gateway $18,000

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 11

Online information http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/childcare/report

Contact Margaret Kay margaret.kay@lgnsw.org.au

Ref: R90/0045 MK

Community Item 8: Productivity Commission Report into Childcare and Early Learning The Productivity Commission report into Childcare and Early Learning has been released by the Australian Government. The report looks at where we are now with Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in Australia, what we want in the future and how we might go about achieving that in a way that better supports children's learning and development needs and the workforce participation of parents.

The report notes that the number of formal ECEC services has expanded substantially over the past decade. Over the same period, Australian Government funding has almost tripled to around $7 billion per year, and now covers two thirds of total ECEC costs. Despite this, many parents report difficulties in finding ECEC at a location, price, quality and hours that they want.

Current ECEC arrangements are complex and costly to administer and difficult for parents and providers to navigate. There are over 20 Australian Government assistance programs, some poorly targeted. Assessing service quality is cumbersome and time consuming.

The Productivity Commission recommends that the National Quality Framework must be retained, modified and extended to all Government-funded ECEC services. To better meet the needs and budgets of families, the range of services approved for assistance should include approved nannies and the cap on occasional care places should be removed. All primary schools should take responsibility for outside school hours care for their students, where demand exists for a viable service.

The Commission’s recommended reforms will achieve, at minimal additional cost, an ECEC system that is simpler, more accessible and flexible, with greater early learning opportunities for children with additional needs. The reforms would also alleviate future fiscal pressures, establish a system that is easier to adapt to future changes in ECEC, and tax and welfare arrangements.

Assistance should focus on three priority areas:

• Mainstream support through a single child-based subsidy that is: means and activity tested, paid directly to the family’s choice of approved services, for up to 100 hours per fortnight, and based on a benchmark price for quality ECEC. In regional, rural and remote areas with fluctuating child populations, viability assistance should be provided on a limited time basis.

• Support the inclusion of children with additional needs in mainstream services, delivery of services for children in highly disadvantaged communities and the integration of ECEC with schools and other child and family services.

• Approved preschool programs funded on a per child basis, for all children, regardless of whether they are dedicated preschools or part of a long day care centre.

On 7 December 2014 the Prime Minister announced that the Government would bring forward a Families’ Package in the first half of 2015. In his announcement the Prime Minister also indicated that the Government’s response to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Childcare and Early Childhood Learning will be considered as part of the Families’ Package.

The Government will undertake consultations over the coming months to help develop a robust package that delivers a child care system that is more affordable, more accessible and less complex for families.

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 12

Online information http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/Parlment/committee.nsf/0/68BBD71B1A03AC16CA257C23001801CB

Ref: R90/1033-16 LG

Emergency Services Item 9: Final Report from Wambelong Fire Inquiry The Legislative Council General Standing Committee No. 5 has released its final report from the inquiry on the causes and management of the January 2013 Wambelong fire within, and adjacent to, the Warrumbungle National Park. The final report from the Wambelong Fire Inquiry was released on Friday 20 February 2015 and provides 29 recommendations, including:

• Recommendation 1: That the NSW Government commit to and fund a long-term program of prescribed burning based on the recommendation of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission of an annual rolling target of a minimum of five per cent of public land per year, and that the NSW Government commit to extending the funding for the National Parks and Wildlife Service five-year hazard reduction program past 2016.

• Recommendation 4: That the NSW Rural Fire Service:

· Streamline the regulatory system for hazard reduction burns, including the permit system, in order to identify and remove any unnecessary impediments to timely, planned hazard reduction burning

· Improve accountability in relation to the implementation of bush fire risk management plans as a means of delivering more hazard reduction.

• Recommendation 16: That the NSW Government consider enabling the default position during catastrophic and extreme fire danger periods to be the same as for section 44 fires, so that fire control centres have the same systems and resources ready to deploy should a fire break out.

• Recommendation 17: That the NSW Rural Fire Service review its procedures, systems and infrastructure for notifying community members of bush fires, both when a fire has broken out and as it proceeds, to ensure the provision of timely and adequate information.

• Recommendation 20: That the Minister for Police and Emergency Services examine the feasibility of relocating the NSW Rural Fire Service headquarters to a rural or regional location.

• Recommendation 28: That the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services and NSW Treasury:

· Reimburse the Warrumbungle Shire Council for the NSW Government’s share of the remaining shortfall of $528,000 in funds pledged to the recovery process

· Consider how the process for claiming funds pledged by State Government representatives in future disasters and emergencies can be streamlined.

The NSW Government response to the report’s recommendations is expected before Thursday 20 August 2015.

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 13

Date Commenced 1 January 2015

Online information http://epa.nsw.gov.au/legislation/poelegisamend2014.htm

Contact EPA Contaminated Sites Section 02 9995 5262

Ref: R90/0897-13 SC

Environment Item 10: Changes to Contaminated Land Management Act The Protection of the Environment Amendment Legislation Act 2014 (POELA Act) commenced on 1 January 2015, amending the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 (CLM Act). The key changes to the CLM Act that councils should be aware of include:

1. The EPA can now require a person to whom a management order is directed to provide a financial assurance to secure or guarantee funding for or towards the carrying out of an action required under the order.

2. Maximum penalties for certain offences have been increased.

3. Certain court orders can now be made against a convicted offender in connection with the offence including a monetary benefits order, publication order, notification orders, financial assurance, enforceable undertakings and to require an offender to carry out a restorative justice activity.

4. The regulations under the Act can now prescribe different amounts of penalties for repeat offenders.

5. The Act now provides for the liability of offenders for continuing offences, and the continuing effect of notices, orders and conditions.

For further information on these changes, contact the EPA (see fact box).

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 14

Date and location Wednesday 11 March 2015 Sydney CBD

Cost $660 incl. GST

Online information and registration http://www.lgnsw.org.au/events-training/constructive-workplace-communication

Contact LGNSW Learning Solutions 02 9242 4181 learning@lgnsw.org.au

Ref: I98/0012 SA

Learning Item 11: Constructive Workplace Communication – New Upcoming Course This LGNSW Learning Solutions workshop will help managers and employees improve their communication outcomes. In this workshop, participants will develop their personal insights and skills to help reduce interpersonal conflict. It will also help employers maintain a standard of workplace communication that demonstrates safety, respect and inclusion.

This workshop will help participants:

• Build greater self-awareness about how their communication style and behaviour impacts others

• Recognise what makes communication complex and the key to managing it safely and appropriately

• Explore their communication style while under stress and alternative responses

• Understand the triggers and motivations for aggressive, hostile and challenging behaviour

• Apply skills to manage their communication in challenging contexts

• Apply learnt skills to the workplace context

• Improve their resilience when facing challenging and difficult situations and individuals.

Contact LGNSW Learning Solutions for a quote to have this workshop delivered locally or in-house at your council (see fact box).

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 15

Date Wednesday 11 March 2015 1.30pm – 4.30pm

Location 99 York Conference and Function Centre Sydney

Online information

Registration http://www.lgnsw.org.au/events-training/learning-and-development-network-meeting

eLearning Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LMSEL

Employee Engagement Brochure http://ipma-hr.org/sites/default/files/GOV13%20BROCHURE%20ADP_V.pdf

Cost Free

Contact LGNSW Learning Solutions 02 9242 4181 learning@lgnsw.org.au

Ref: I98/0012 SA

Learning Item 12: Learning and Development Network Meeting – March 2015 The next Learning and Development Network Meeting takes place in Sydney on 11 March. Sponsored by LGNSW Learning Solutions, the network meeting promotes the learning and development of training professionals in our industry. The next meeting will feature the following topics:

eLearning Survey Report – Sarah Artist, Manager Learning Solutions

Survey results on councils’ use of eLearning and Learning Management Systems. Councils can complete the survey online ahead of the meeting (see fact box).

The Changing Face of Leadership – Hudson Talent Management

Featuring case studies from government agencies participating in the NSW Executive Development Program and High Potential leaders’ programs, this session will explore how other organisations are addressing leadership capability and succession issues in response to significant and mandated change.

Managing Stages of Change – Norm Turkington, LGNSW Learning Solutions Facilitator

With councils undergoing a significant period of uncertainty and change, what are the key stages of change your organisation is likely to experience and what part can you play in ensuring the process is as painless as possible?

Employee Engagement and Communication – Discussion Session

How well does your council engage with its staff? What are some effective engagement strategies that allow you to successfully identify learning and development needs and track outcomes from training or other professional development activities? A brochure on employee engagement in State and Local Government prepared by the Governing Institute in the United States (see fact box) will be used as a starting point for discussion of these questions and more.

Council round-up

Open discussion on councils’ current priorities and challenges in Learning and Development.

The LGNSW Learning and Development Network meeting will follow the LGNSW Human Resources Network meeting, which runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 16

Dates and location Saturday 2 May – Sunday 3 May 2015 Sydney

Online information and registration http://www.lgnsw.org.au/events-training/mayors-weekend

Cost $1,290 (incl. GST) for two days

Contact Learning Solutions 02 9242 4181 learning@lgnsw.org.au

Ref: I98/0012 SA

Learning Item 13: Mayors’ Weekend Seminar LGNSW Learning Solutions is offering a seminar for NSW mayors, deputy mayors and aspiring mayors to help address complex leadership challenges. The Mayors’ Weekend Seminar will explore four critical aspects in today’s Local Government environment:

• The Mayor as community leader

• The Mayor as council leader

• The Mayor and General Manager

• The Mayor and Integrated Planning and Reporting.

The seminar will include opportunities for structured and informal networking to encourage learning and support amongst peers. The content draws on:

• Recent reviews in NSW, South Australia and New Zealand

• Interviews with mayors carried out by the Centre of Excellence for Local Government

• Lessons emerging through the LGNSW Mayoral Mentoring Program.

The seminar will include short background presentations, comments by expert panellists and ‘roundtable’ discussion amongst participants. Speakers on the program will include:

• Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM, President of LGNSW and Coffs Harbour City Councillor

• Felicity-ann Lewis, Formerly President of ALGA ,and formerly Mayor of City of Marion, South Australia

• Professor Graham Sansom, Chair, NSW Independent Local Government Review Panel (ILGRP) and formerly ALGA CEO

• Glenn Inglis, former General Manager of Tamworth Regional Council and Member, NSW ILGRP

• Genia McCaffery, LGNSW Mayoral Mentor, former President of the Local Government Association of NSW and formerly Mayor of North Sydney Council.

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 17

Dates and locations March and April 2015 Sydney, Dubbo and Sydney

Cost $660 incl. GST

Online information http://lgnsw.org.au/learning

Registrations http://lgsa.wufoo.com/forms/upcoming-courses/

Contact LGNSW Learning Solutions 02 9242 4181 learning@lgnsw.org.au

Ref: I98/0012 SA

Learning Item 14: Upcoming Courses for March and April 2015 LGNSW Learning Solutions is offering the following professional development workshops for Local Government staff and councillors. Essential Skills and Knowledge

Targeted training from expert presenters to develop professional and practical skills and knowledge.

Improving Your Grammar and Punctuation Skills

Sydney – Thursday 19 March 2015

Finance for Non-Finance Managers

Dubbo – Tuesday 24 March 2015

Improving Your Minute Taking Skills

Sydney – Thursday 26 March 2015

Effective Workplace Relations

Professional development programs to improve workplace relations and people management in your council.

Managing Stages of Change

Sydney – Tuesday 17 March 2015

Handling Difficult People

Sydney – Wednesday 18 March 2015

Making Consultative Committees More Effective

Lismore – Monday 20 April 2015

Advancing Local Leadership

Supporting and developing the role of both elected and professional leaders.

Financial Issues in Local Government

Sydney – Tuesday 17 March 2015

Model Code of Conduct for Staff

Sydney – Monday 30 March 2015

Community Stakeholder Engagement

Sydney – Wednesday 1 April 2015

Contact LGNSW Learning Solutions for a quote to have these workshops delivered locally or in-house at your Council (see fact box).

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 18

Dates Feedback to LGNSW by Tuesday 31 March 2015

Send responses to policy@lgnsw.org.au

Online information http://www.strategy.planning.nsw.gov.au/sydney/the-commission/ Contact Jennifer Dennis Senior Policy Officer – Planning 02 9242 4094 jennifer.dennis@lgnsw.org.au Ref: R90/0028 JD

Planning Item 15: Greater Sydney Commission – Call for Feedback The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has called for feedback on the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC). LGNSW is coordinating feedback from metropolitan and surrounding councils and requests feedback by Tuesday 31 March 2015. The GSC has been tasked with implementing the recently-released Metropolitan Plan for Sydney called, A Plan for Growing Sydney, 2014, including the six sub-regional plans.

An interim Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC), a forerunner to the GSC, is currently under development. The new GSC/MAC will be supported by six Local Government Advisory Committees representing each sub-region.

The Minister of Planning and the DPE are canvassing responses to some higher-level questions to help frame and shape the work of the Greater Sydney Commission.

The Department provided some preliminary questions at its recent briefing sessions to facilitate discussion and has indicated it would welcome further input on these.

The questions are:

1. How do we best incorporate sub-regional perspectives and Local Government expertise through membership of the Greater Sydney Commission?

2. How could the GSC effectively collaborate with sub-regions and individual councils within sub-regions?

3. Which immediate priorities should the GSC focus on?

4. How could the GSC work with communities across Sydney as they plan for the future of Sydney?

5. What opportunities are there for the GSC to contribute to infrastructure coordination?

Additional issues that LGNSW would encourage responses on include the following:

6. Should the sub-regional plan be a land use plan, a delivery plan, or both?

7. Which agency(ies) should be responsible for delivering the plan?

8. How should it be ‘signed off’ and by whom?

9. What should councils' role be in this process?

10. What mechanism(s) would ensure essential infrastructure is actually delivered by State agencies when required?

11. Should councils' Community Strategic Plans be used to support implementing the sub-regional plan?

12. How should the actions in A Plan for Growing Sydney be prioritised and implemented?

13. What should the role and powers of the Local Government Advisory Committees be?

14. What should the process be in resolving competing objectives and interests between councils within regions?

15. Should councils be able to object to aspects of a draft sub-regional plan before it goes before the GSC?

16. How should councils that neighbour the stated sub-regions be involved?

Councils are encouraged to provide feedback on these questions or any other issues they would like to raise (see fact box for details).

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 19

Date Papers due by Friday 10 April 2015

Conference details Monday 24 – Wednesday 26 August Peppers Craigieburn Bowral

Further information lgnsw.org.au/waterconference

Contact Sascha Moege Senior Policy Officer 02 9242 4045 sascha.moege@lgnsw.org.au

Ref: R00/0027-02 SM

Water Item 16: 2015 LGNSW Water Management Conference – Call for Papers LGNSW invites proposals for presentations at the 2015 LGNSW Water Management Conference. The annual Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Water Management Conference presents a broad range of information, from a Local Government perspective, on water management and issues associated with water supply and sewerage services provided by council-owned and operated local water utilities.

The 2015 LGNSW Water Management Conference will be co-hosted by Wingecarribee Shire Council and held at Peppers Craigieburn in Bowral from Monday 24 August to Wednesday 26 August 2015.

Councils and other stakeholders are invited to submit papers and/or suggestions for the Conference program. Some of the topics LGNSW invites papers on, include:

• Innovative practice The Conference will discuss innovative operational practice and strategic capability. It will look at examples from Wingecarribee Shire Council (e.g. ice pigging, in-house hydraulic modelling, sophisticated pressure management and leak detection, and advanced asset management systems).

• Water catchment protection A further key Conference topic will be councils’ interactions with Water NSW (former Sydney Catchment Authority) and impacts and challenges related to water catchment protection requirements.

• Challenges of water transfer schemes The Shoalhaven Water Scheme and the Goulburn Water Supply Pipeline and other similar schemes will be explored at the Conference.

• Review of institutional arrangement for local water utilities in regional NSW The Conference will also continue to discuss proposals to reform local water utilities in regional NSW in the context of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future initiative.

Papers/suggestions should include:

• A brief outline of the issue/main focus of your paper/suggestion

• The preferred format for its inclusion in the program (conference paper, presentation, display, workshop topic)

• Possible presenter/s and a brief bio (50 words maximum)

• The type of outcome that could be expected by conference delegates.

LGNSW does not accept presentations, which are solely commercial in nature.

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 20

In the News

Item 17: ALGA newsletter View the latest newsletter distributed by the Australia Local Government Association http://alga.asn.au/news.aspx?Type=Summary&Year=current&Menu=35,402

Local Government NSW Weekly 8/15 27 February 2015 Page 21