Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - May, 2012

The City of Adelaide has called for comment on the Council’s draft Strategic Plan 2012-16, draft Integrated Movement Strategy (IMS) 2012-22 and draft 2012-13 Business Plan and Budget, which includes plans for Victoria Square.

Adelaide Council engaged the community in planning for the city twice last year through the Picture Adelaide project, receiving over 3,000 comments on what people love about the city, what they want to see created and improved which have been used to draft the plans.

The draft Strategic Plan sets out Council’s vision for the City under six outcomes for Adelaide around places, transport, liveability, creativity, sustainability and business.

The draft Integrated Movement Strategy proposes a new approach to transport by promoting transport choices. The draft 2012-13 Business Plan and Budget outlines Council’s funding for all projects and services over the next twelve months to initiate delivery of the Strategic Plan.

Development of the strategies has taken into account plans such as the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide and also looked at research on trends affecting the city.

Council is proposing an allocation of $11.5m in 2012-13, and a further $8.5m in 2013-14, with construction starting as early as 2013.

The Masterplan includes a number of community-focused elements such as a gentle-sloping lawn area to accommodate major events and recreational activities, with seating terraces, shaded walkways, landscaping and a water play feature.

All of the draft plans are currently available for comment until 21st May, except the Integrated Movement Strategy which is available until the 8th June.

More information is at www.pictureadelaide.com.au.

Gladstone Regional Council has appointed former Queensland Treasurer, Dr David Hamill, as the inaugural Chairperson of Gladstone Airport Corporation.

A Parramatta Economic Development Forum held at the Sydney Opera House and attended by some of the country’s most influential leaders in business, planning, education, politics, tourism and sport, has highlighted the key role of Parramatta in providing a solution to Sydney’s growth problems.

Gold Coast City Council has announced it will provide funding of $22,000 for the installation cost of free WiFi at Southport Broadwater Parklands.

Manly Council is integrating its ‘Green Up Your Life!’ Sustainable Living Workshops Series and Community Gardens project into an innovative ‘education for sustainability’ program called ‘DIG Manly’.

The City of Melbourne has released the Docklands Public Realm Plan (DPRP) for public consultation setting out a strategic vision for the streets and places that the public use in Docklands.

A $15.7 million “Key City Workers Development” has recently commenced construction in East Perth to provide rental housing for low to middle income key city workers.

The first project of its type for local government in WA, it is jointly funded by the City of Perth, the State Government’s Department of Housing, the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) and the Disability Services Commission, with the housing to be managed by Access Housing Australia.

The project aligns with the Western Australian Government’s State Affordable Housing Strategy objectives including improving the supply of affordable rental housing, providing options for people to transition through the housing continuum, and working in partnership with local and state governments to address local housing needs.

Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said that the City was practically addressing the issue of affordable housing for low to middle income key city workers.

“The City of Perth’s leadership with this project will mean that key and essential city-based workers, particularly those on modest incomes, will have the ability to live close to their workplaces.  It will not only help the workers but also help the city to thrive, diversify and develop economically,” Ms Scaffidi said.

The NRAS funding will provide annual incentives equating to approximately $6 million over ten years, with 75% being provided by the Commonwealth and 25% from the State Government.

Tenants in the project will be charged 80% of market rent, with prices based on the market rental value of each property. They will be subject to income assessment being an initial income limit of $44,128 for a single person and $61,006 for a couple with upper limits set at $55,160 and $76,258 respectively.

They must work in the City and leases will be limited to a maximum of three years. Tenants who stop working in the City will be required to vacate their apartment after six months.

The Key City Worker Development was designed by Jamie Penn, of Scott Penn Hall Architecture and Interior Design. It will feature a number of innovative sustainability features including contemporary water and energy efficiency technologies, and is registered for Green Star “as built” certification. Importantly, tenants will be living close to employment, shopping and entertainment, allowing many to live without the additional expense of a car.

Mr Penn said the building’s design aimed to reduce not only the environmental impact, but also the living costs of tenants.

The building contract for the three-level complex consisting of 48 one and two-bedroom apartments for around 90 tenants was awarded to the Northerly Group Pty Ltd and is set for completion by mid 2013. 

A new 177-bay public car park, featuring enhanced security and shelter, supplements the main housing project and is expected to reach practical completion in October 2012.

Funding support from the Disability Services Commission has ensured that six units have been specifically designed as “adaptable housing” for people with disabilities in alignment with the Liveable Homes initiative. 

The City of Sydney will invest almost $1 billion over the next 10 years on major projects, including building a low-carbon energy network, transforming George Street, a new town centre for Green Square and revitalising parks, pools and cultural centres across the city.

Sydney City Council has voted to develop a major new Cultural Policy for Sydney to guide arts and culture across Sydney, from major events and festivals to literature, film, food, wine and community initiatives.

The Hobart City Council, Glenorchy City Council, Kingborough Council and the Brighton Council have joined forces to partner in a tender for joint procurement of asphalt for local roads and footpaths.

The Wollongong City Council has called for submissions to its draft Wollongong 2022 Community Strategic Plan.

The Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has approved the Gold Coast Airport’s Master Plan, which sets out the airport’s strategic direction for the next 20 years.

The New South Wales Minister for Local Government, Don Page, has hit out at the expected cost increases that the state’s councils will face after the Federal Government’s Carbon Tax comes into force in July.

The Western Australian Government has announced it will wind back a recent decision on decreasing penalty interest rates to support families.

City of Perth Chief Executive Officer Frank Edwards has announced his retirement effective on 21 September.

The Australian Government is seeking public input to help develop a new strategy for the identification, management and celebration of Australia’s heritage.

The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government has launched a report into how Australia’s communities are embracing the potential of community governance.

The Australian  Government has withdrawn funding of $10.9 million over four years from 2011-12 from the Sustainable Australia — promoting regional living program, which was announced in the 2011-12 Budget.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has praised the Federal Government’s 2012-13 Budget, saying that its initiatives ensure the continuation of hundreds of millions of dollars in vital local government infrastructure.

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has hit out against the Victorian Government over the proposed cut of $20 million to the Green Light Plan, saying the move will hurt local councils trying to convert to energy efficient street lighting.