Welcome to the first National Perspective for 2001. This year will provide an opportunity to commemorate the Centenary of Federation and I know many events and projects are already underway around Australia. Councils will again be the focus for many local community celebrations and I wish you well with these and other challenges in the year ahead.
I look forward to continuing to keep you up to date this year with Federal Government policies and programmes of interest to you and your communities through these pages.
I was delighted that towards the end of 2000 the Prime Minister, John Howard, the Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson and I announced the Roads to Recovery Programme. This initiative represents the largest ever funding injection into local roads by any Federal Government. By now councils will have already received advice on important elements of the $1.6 billion Programme and further information of interest to Local Government is detailed here.
As I said in my speech to the ALGA National General Assembly in December, I have seen and experienced for myself the condition of local roads throughout Australia. I am pleased that this initiative directly addresses the concerns expressed to me by local councils, residents and industry and that the money will be provided direct to councils.
Local Government will also be aware of the recent landmark agreement at COAG to inject $1.4 billion to secure lasting improvements to natural resource management through the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality.
The Plan recognises that meeting Australia’s environmental challenges is beyond the scope of any one level of government and is another way the Commonwealth is making a substantial contribution one of Australia’s most pressing environmental issues. As key stakeholders within their region Local Government can participate directly in the initiative and in the Action Plan.
The Federal Government’s commitment to regional and rural Australia continues to gain momentum with the announcement at Christmas of projects that secured funding in the first round of the $90 million Regional Solutions Programme. I look forward to supporting the ideas proposed by local communities to address their most pressing needs with further funding announcements in the next few months.
“It’s all about empowering staff and encouraging them to come up with their own solutions – after all, they are the ones who best know their environment.”
The Community Care and Asset Management Units each developed their own systems, checklists and solutions for controlling hazards and risks.
“This approach has had a number of benefits for both the community and staff,” Bernie Cronin said. “It has meant less work related injuries and lost time, and this obviously means that we can maintain a continuity of service.
“This is particularly important for our home care service clients. It has also led to improved staff morale.”
For further information contact Helen Rowe, telephone (03) 9742 0763.
