Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - January, 2014
Western Australia’s policy to fast-track mine licence approvals means Fortescue Metals will not have to consult with native-title holders in the Pilbara.
Tassie council spots cut, some want the rest gone too
Local governments in Tasmania have trimmed the fat from their own top jobs, the state will now run with 18 fewer councillor positions in this October's local government elections.
Warnings say school funds shunted away from public
Public schooling advocates have accused the Federal Government of “sabotaging” the Gonski recommendations, saying they will still leave schools short.
Big farm plan expanded, could stick on water concerns
Developers are keen to get underway on a $2 billion agricultural project, but some locals say it cannot be done.
Locals fine with water leaving, Greens say it should stay
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder has announced it will sell water back to farmers in parts of northern NSW.
Millions wanted to let big dam plan stand
One man is leading the charge for the Federal Government funding to build a large dam in the central western region of New South Wales
Volunteer work cancers go uncovered for now
Calls have been made to compensate South Australian volunteer fire-fighters for work-related cancers, with new reports saying it would cost less than first thought.
Wind farm worries as fans reach final round
A Western Australian wind farm has reached the end of its nominal design life, and some locals want to make sure it doesn’t take the air from their renewable sails.
Inaction no respite for Sydney councils
Two reports into the state of New South Wales local governments have landed on ministers’ desks, but the inaction since that point is starting to cause concern in many councils.
New water plan to build more than buybacks
The release of millions in funding to help Queensland farmers save water has been roundly welcomed.
Truss firm on Princes plan, locals wait for action
The Federal Government says it is committed to widening one of Australia’s busiest highways.
Uni shows tertiary path to kids from off the track
High school students have come together from some of Australia’s most remote regions this week for the Wingara Mura - Bunga Barrabugu Summer Program.
Locals given voice on giant Georgetown multi-farm plan
A huge Integrated Food and Energy Development (IFED) has been declared a “state co-ordinated project” in Queensland, with residents soon able to have their say on the plan that will consume over half a million megalitres from a nearby river.
Numbers double for short course to rural classes
This year will see nearly twice as many graduates from an innovative and controversial education program heading to disadvantaged schools in remote towns.
City busting out electric bus trial
A trial is on in the UK to test an innovative solution to pollution from public transport, with electric buses rolling between wireless charging points in London.
Lobby says thousands of new workers needed, many disagree
The Australian Industry Group wants to increase the immigration intake cap by 30,000 people in the next financial year, saying the country needs more skilled workers.
Pilbara drivers say local pool is far from dry
A group of Western Australian truckies have countered the push by the ATA to bring in heavy vehicle operators on 457 visas.
Study heats up on people burning to work in NT
Anyone who has seen the news or been outside recently will know that Australia is experiencing a hot flush.
Appeals stall rates and roads after $2.5 mil Broken Hill bill
An appeal has been launched in an ongoing battle over rates and responsibilities for councils and companies near Broken Hill.
Local short films plug good health in NT
A record company in the Northern Territory is helping with a series of short films to spread good health messages to remote regions.
Truancy trial starts to get kids on track to school
The first trial of a Federal Government plan to increase school attendance in Indigenous communities is now under way.