IPWEA Vic Blog

In an effort to decrease traffic accidents at intersections Gary Lauder shares an idea for helping drivers move along smoothly: a new traffic sign that combines the properties of “Stop” and “Give Way” — and asks drivers to be polite.  Would it work???

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The Victorian Auditor General’s Office released a report on Tendering and Contracting in Local Government on 24 February 2010.  The audit examined a sample of contracts from 5 municipalities.  The summary report recommeds:

1. Councils should strengthen the application of probity standards in procurement
2. Councils should strengthen oversight and monitoring of procurement
3. Local Government Victoria (LGV) should review and enhance guidance to councils on strategic procurement in consultation with stakeholders. This should include amending the Local Government Regulations in certain areas

The report can be accessed from the VAGO website

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The 14th AAPA road Construction & Surfacing Health and Safety conference will be held on7 and 8 June 2010 at Darling Harbour in Sydney.

Call for papers is now open.  Visit confernece website for more details.

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The IPWEAvic Wimmera-Mallee Regional Group met on 23 Feb 2010 for a productive working meeting in Horsham at the Wimmera Business Centre.   Representatives from Horsham, Ararat, Buloke, North Grampians, Yarriambiack, West Wimmera, Hindmarsh and Goulburn Murray Water discussed issues relating to decommissioning of channels, blue green algae control, roadside vegetation, common asset management plans.

The next meeting is planned for 27th April 2010.

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The Goulburn-Murray Regional Group met in Swan Hill on 26 February 2010.  Representatives from Mildura, Swan Hill,  Loddon, Campaspe met for a working meeting.  Methods of capital work reporting to council were discussed, emergency management issues including Neighbourhood Safer Places, concerns over the Road Safety (traffic Management) Regulations 2009 aired and a presentation on the lives of gravel roads given by Matthew McPherson. 

A luncheon supplied courtesy of Primal was followed by a demonstration of a new style of sealing at one of Swan Hill’s carparks.

Here is some of the group observing application of the Seal Coat.

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On  3  March  2010  the  Victorian  Competition  and  Efficiency Commission released  the  results of a Business Perceptions Survey that was undertaken by  Roy  Morgan  Research.  The  report  was  commissioned  to  assist  the Commission  to  gain  a  better  understanding of how the administration of regulation by local government impacts on Victorian businesses.

The  Roy  Morgan  Research  report  and  briefing note are available on the
Commission’s website http://www.vcec.vic.gov.au
The  release  of  the  Roy  Morgan  report  gives  interested  parties  the
opportunity  to  comment on the survey results prior to the finalisation of
the Inquiry draft report.

The Commission invites feedback from interested stakeholders on the results of  the  business perceptions survey by 26 March 2010. Written feedback can be made to Jason Knight at jason.knight@vcec.vic.gov.au

The Commission has received 30 public submissions which can be accessed via the Commission’s website.

The  Commission  is  on  track to release an Inquiry draft report in mid to
late April 2010. The draft report will outline the Commission’s response to
the  terms  of  reference that it received from the Victorian Treasurer and
will  provide  further opportunity for interested parties to comment on the
Commission’s analysis and draft recommendations.

For more information, please contact the Commission.
Jason Knight (inquiry matters)             Ph:  03 9092 5823
Fax number for the inquiry                 Fax: 03 9092 5845
Email queries                              localgovernment@vcec.vic.gov.au
Website                                    http://www.vcec.vic.gov.au

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Engineers Australia launched the 2010 Infrastructure Report Card on Wed 3rd March 2010.  

The Infrastructure Report Card for Victoria examines key infrastructure sectors, evaluates the status of assets and planning processes and assigns a rating.  Detailed ratings are given for:

• Roads, rail, ports and airports
• Potable water, wastewater and stormwater
• Electricity and gas
• Telecommunications

Local Roads and Stormwater and Rail do not feature highly in the 2010 Victorian infrastructure ratings.   Airports have the best infrastructure rating in Victoria

Take a look at the 2010 Infrastructure Report Card here.  You can subscribe to the infrastructure report card updates here.

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Dial Before U Dig is celebrating its 21st Birthday.  A birthday celebration, complete with chocolate mud cake, was held at the Leonda Reception Centre (just down the road from the Hawthorn Town Hall where the organisation originated) on the evening of 4th March 2010.  The 120 strong gathering heard from those who formed Dial Before U Dig in Vic/Tas as well as those who are currently running the organisation.  The audience was excited by details of possible future plans for the organisation.

IPWEAvic is a non-asset owner member of Dial Before U Dig.  IPWEAvic Board member Vicki Shelton is the IPWEAvic representative for Dial Before U Dig.

Happy Birthday Dial Before U Dig!

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IPWEAvic Asset Management Technical Reference Group will meet in conjunction with LGPro Building Assets Special Interest Group on Wednesday 17th March 2010 between 1:00pm and 3:30pm at Municipal Association of Victoria, Level 12, 60 Collins Street Melbourne.

A light lunch will be provided from 12:30pm courtesy of UMS.

Join the discussion and hear presentations on:

Sustainable Management of Community Buildings

More information:  Download flyer

RSVP: Thomas Kuen (Thomas.kuen@melbournewater.com.au) by Friday 12 March 2010

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View WHK Economic Outlook for 4 March 2010 here.

For more information visit WHK website here.

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