February 2009 LGANT

We reviewed the LGANT Strategic plan. There were only minor changes recommended as the goals are still similar even though shires have been amalgamated.

Online Survey
We reviewed results from the online survey sent out to members. Most were happy with LGANT and many saw it’s role as mainly advocacy and political lobbying. Many councils appreciated the Engineering support services and assistance with Roads to Recovery.

Most were unaware of the amount of funding LGANT had managed to obtain on behalf of NT Councils for Roads to Recovery and the Infrastructure Fund and an additional $600,000 for shires to compensate for rate capping.

Leasing on Aboriginal Land
2.1.2 Develop proposals for councils to secure leases on Aboriginal Land prior to expiration of the Australian Govt township leases in 2012.

During the amalgamation process, NT Government has compulsorily acquired assets owned by Community Government Councils. The Councils then have to lease back their own buildings, stores, airstrips, plant and equipment. As many of these assets were purchased with Federal funding some councils are pursuing legal advice.

It is very messy at the moment with confusion over ownership, leasing of land, new infrastructure, the arrival of Outback Stores etc

There is a clause whereby ‘assets may be transferred to third parties’ which we are endeavouring to tease out because this could lead to some potentially unfair scenarios.

Infrastructure Reference Group.
LGANT would like to pass on appreciation to municipal councils for sending their senior staff to participate in Advisory meetings, particularly Alice Springs because this has been very helpful.

Joint Procurement
In order for Councils to join together for joint procurement of items like insurance, work wear, equipment etc, the Local Government Act needs to be changed.

This needs to go through LGANT Executive, then LGANT elected members, then to Legislative and Administration Advisory Committees, then to the minister.

Model Policies
LGANT will source for Councils, model policies such as Privacy and Animal Control Policies.

I will be making a presentation at the LGANT AGM about the Alice Springs Animal Control by laws and Town Camps dog control implementations because many councils have expressed interest in modeling their animal control on our successful process and outcomes.



Financial Sustainability Study
We are the only state or Territory not to have undergone a Financial Sustainability Study. In other states, many unsustainable councils were identified.

LGAQ and Queensland Treasury are willing to come to NT and discuss this with the Finance Reference Group.

The Finance Reference Group reports back to the CEO Forum and the CEO’s then brief elected members as necessary.

Roads
Financial Assistance Grants (FAG’s) for roads are calculated using 1992 data. A new audit of roads is required.

The Territory Government can impose the road network as a core service of Local Government with no compensation. This transfer of responsibility can take place at any time.

There are two potential sources of funding when this happens
A ‘fit for purpose’ once-off grant from NTG in order to bring roads up to an appropriate standard for Mass limits, heavy vehicles etc
Recurrent Commonwealth Funding via FAG’s

This also applies to Barge Landings and Airstrips however no negotiation is required for the Roads to be transferred.

Voting Rights
It will be proposed at the AGM that the following voting rights be apportioned –

Darwin City 3
Municipals 2
Amalgamated Shires 2
Other Shires 1

Planning
LGANT supports a staged devolution of responsibility for Local Government Planning.

We are of the understanding that LG will take full responsibility for Planning once Statehood is achieved.

Rates Notice
Councils are encouraged to include information with Rates Notices about where the money is being spent and also include information about what proportion of Council’s funds are actually acquired via rates – Darwin City Council includes a pie chart.

CDL
This is a huge issue for all councils as is the need for ongoing education campaigns about litter in general.

February 2009 Alice Springs Town Council

Container Deposit Legislation
Watch this space. Radical plans are afoot

Train implications due to Olympic Dam Expansion
ASTC has put it to NTG that a bypass be provided for the Alice to Darwin trainline because Olympic Dam Expansion told us that traffic will extend to 1 extra train per day of 1km long through town centre. This cuts the town in half and emergency services can be delayed by an extra 10 minutes at this time.

During deliberations Council removed references to hazardous materials and spills from the motion.

This is also being taken up by LGANT.

Graffiti v Aerosol Art
Council continues to be supportive of ‘aerosol art’ projects including panels along the fence of ANZAC oval which can be used by anyone anytime for artwork.

There is a ‘graffiti’ hotline and council has a 24hr removal policy as well as a reward for people who report illegal graffiti leading to a conviction.

Gathering Garden
On the corner of the civic lawns nearest the mall, a garden is under construction including bronze coolamons etc. It was designed by indigenous artist Marie Ellis and should be complete by mid year. The project went out to tender and many artists put in a bid.

Law and Order
Alice Council wrote to NTG requesting that the Tactical Response Unit be deployed to Alice Springs ‘to restore order to our streets’. This was refused.

On a more civilized note we have secured funding for extra lighting around CBD trouble spots, 85% of which will be solar.

Infrastructure Fund
ASTC has put in for $12M for a new library and $3M for upgrades to our footy oval Traeger Park. We will be asking surrounding shires to join in our footy oval application.

Environment Advisory Committee
Some main points -
*getting tough on computer waste (report available)
*call on DCA to encourage desert smart housing design

Community Gardens group and ALEC to be given the go ahead to INVESTIGATE use of Francis Smith Park as location for a community garden. First step will be to consult with neighbouring properties.

Council to charge 2$ per kilo for E-waste at the landfill in order to facilitate effective recycling.

Council to encourage reporting of illegal dumping of waste including public education about correct disposal of waste.


Tourism
Tourism Advisory committee is investigating the possibility of an Indoor Masters Games and a disabled Masters Games.

Tourism and Events Committee are investigating an approach made to them about a nudist colony and new accommodation house in the region. A promotional 'weekend out' at the property is in the plans and the committee has been asked to identify which 2 months of the year would be good for this activity.




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ASTC Committee Meetings Feb 9

Recommendations Only - from last night's committee meetings
- to go before Ordinary meeting on Feb 23

ASTC sent a letter of condolence to the Premier of Victoria.

A prayer service for Victoian bushfire victims will be held on the Council lawns on Thursday at 7pm.

Ald Brendan Heenan, via the Tourism Advisory committee is investigating the possibility of an Indoor Masters Games and a disabled Masters Games.

Council will be writing to DCA and the Building Advisory Board regarding the K-Mart Wall Mural regarding the safety of the remaining wall since the outer wall has been removed.

Community Gardens group and ALEC to be given the go ahead to INVESTIGATE use of Francis Smith Park as location for a community garden. First step will be to consult with neighbouring properties.

Council to charge 2$ per kilo for E-waste at the landfill in order to facilitate effective recycling.

Council to encourage reporting of illegal dumping of waste including public education about correct disposal of waste.