Infrastructure Now

Major Cities Policy

IPA Summit

Credit Card Levy

Community Groups

Get On-Line Free

Using E Groups to Link Community Groups

Submit an article

for the next issue!

Credit Card Levy

The ULGA made representations to the Department of Local Government and Planning to create the changes necessary to enable Councils to charge a credit card levy on payment of rates and charges.

In an effort to raise revenue to offset the increase in costs of merchant service fees related to payment of rates and charges by credit card, a member Council explored the option of applying a credit card levy to all such payments, similar to levies applied by other non-local government organisations.

Council sought an independent legal opinion on the application of such a levy and also consulted with the Department of Local Government and Planning.

The legal opinion provided to Council indicated that it was arguable whether or not the application of such a levy was lawful with reference to the Local Government Act and Reserve Bank of Australia Standard No. 2 "Merchant Pricing Credit Card Purchases".

Discussions with the Department of Local Government and Planning indicate that a change of legislation would be required to enable such a charge to be levied.

The response from the Minister for Local Government and Planning advised that the current position is that it would not be lawful for local governments to attempt to recover the credit card transaction fee on the rates notice as an unpaid rate.

The ULGA executive discussed this issue with the LGAQ and they advised the Department approached them with suggested draft amendments to the Act to allow those Councils that want to, to offer a lesser discount percentage for prompt payment of rates for those ratepayers that want to pay by credit card.

The ULGA and LGAQ feel that if the amendment is completely discretionary for Councils, we won’t object.  Whilst there are some equity issues that would arise from such a system, there have been no other solutions offered.
 

Top

Using E-groups to link community

Toowoomba City Council

Toowoomba City Council’s community development coordinator is using e-groups to link young people in the city.

This concept of e-groups (email groups of people with a common interest) has already worked successfully with Toowoomba’s local Eidecan youth festival.  The email forums operate in ‘real time’ and are Toowoomba and theme specific. 

 “E-groups are a way of getting in touch with young people in various groups such as the youth council, music groups, cultural and art groups or skate groups,” community development coordinator Darryl Bates said.

 “It’s immediate and responsive and utilising a technology young people relate to.  It allows them to air issues they may not raise in a face-to-face situation.”

 A music e-group for example, might provide opportunities for live events or help Council review events that it organises or supports.  The groups can share information and photos, increase involvement rates and help with feedback for funding applications.

 “Specific e-groups would also make Council more relevant to youth and help us be responsive and frame up people’s needs,” Darryl said.

"For more information contact the Council's community development coordinator Darryl Bates on 4688 6758.

Top

Water Recycling Referendum

Toowoomba City Council

Toowoomba residents face a referendum in the near future to decide the fate of their water supply.

The referendum will determine whether Toowoomba City Council’s plan to introduce indirect potable reuse - part of its Water Futures project – will proceed with federal government funding.

Indirect potable reuse refers to wastewater treated to a higher than drinking water standard and introduced to a body of water, which in Toowoomba’s case, is Cooby Dam. The purified water is to be mixed with surface water, pumped out and blended with water supplies from other dams then treated again before becoming part of the drinking water supply.

Federal Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for water policy, Malcolm Turnbull announced in late March that the federal government would fund one third of the project’s cost through the National Water Commission’s Water Smart Australia programme, subject to conditions.

The major stipulation of the Federal Government’s offer is a majority ‘yes’ vote in a referendum, to be held by 30 September, to determine whether residents agree to Council’s $68 million water recycling project. If it goes ahead the Water Futures project will be funded jointly by the Federal Government, the Queensland Government and Toowoomba City Council. The State Government has already indicated its full support.

A consistent and dramatic decline in average rainfall over the city’s dam catchments over the last two decades, coupled with continuing regional growth has resulted in a steady decline in Toowoomba’s dam levels. The combined usable storage of Toowoomba’s three dams was around 24% of capacity at the end of March 2006.

In response, Toowoomba City Council has developed an integrated water management plan that includes, not only indirect potable reuse, but:

           • continuing community education about using water wisely,
           • making rainwater tanks compulsory for all new buildings,
           • generous rebates on Council charges governing rainwater tank installation,
           • a $35 million upgrade of the Wetalla Water Reclamation Plant,
           • budget funding allocations to increasing bore water supplies,
           • applying to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines for additional water

             supply from the artesian basin, and
           • ongoing implementation of water restrictions.

Mayor Cr Dianne Thorley welcomed the referendum announcement.

“People need to be informed to make big decisions such as this one and I look forward to engaging the community through a comprehensive education program.

“I believe that logic and reason will prevail. We just need to ensure that all the information is made available to people,” Cr Thorley said.

To this end Council has distributed a Water Book, which provides a background of Toowoomba’s water situation and explains the project in detail, to all Toowoomba residents and residents in surrounding shire connected to the Toowoomba water supply.

Residents are also encouraged to contact Council for personal briefings or group presentations so that they can better understand the project.

“Water Futures – Toowoomba’s Independent Advisory Panel members are available to speak to members of the public and Council staff are keen to give presentations to interested groups,” Cr Thorley said.

Top

Major Sponsors

                 Platinum                   Gold                       Silver

Key Note Speakers

Andrew Matthews  Happy Communities

How can elected members contribute?

An author, cartoonist and speaker. “Your mission in life is not to be without problems! Your mission is to get excited!”

Author of the international best sellers: “Being Happy!” “Making Friends” and “Follow Your Heart”.  More than an author – a unique talent, Andrew’s sessions are often described as a once in a lifetime experience.  He conducts seminars and speaks to many varied organisations and uses his cartoon drawings to illustrate issues, his humour and compelling messages.

Graham Matthew  Meeting the Infrastructure Challenge in Local Government. 

As CEO of LG Infrastructure Services, Graham Matthew has over 20 years experience as a senior corporate finance executive in the public and private sectors. Graham is on secondment from Queensland Treasury Corporation where he has worked in a variety of senior management roles focusing on delivery of advice and services to QTC’s customers in the area of major infrastructure procurement.

Cyndi O’Meara - Changing Habits Changing Lives

Cyndi is not your typical health advocate: she disagrees with low-fat, low-calorie diets; she thinks chocolate can be good for you and coffee is not so bad; she loves butter; and she thinks cheating and eating yummy food are all part of a well-balanced diet. You can have your cake and eat it too!  Cyndi inspires and encourages people to create new, simple, achievable, habits to get the life and health they want.

 BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!

Debate “Can Local Government Afford to do More?   Moderator: Terry Mackenroth

How are the ‘for’ advocates ever going to convince the people who have to ‘balance the budget’ that “Local Government Can Afford to do More?”  Don’t miss out, come and enjoy the lively debate that is sure to emerge! 

Best Practice On Show

Short presentations given by member Councils highlighting ‘best practice’ in their local government area.  A chance to ‘show off’ and share great ideas with fellow members!

Top