Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - January, 2017
South Australian irrigators say politicians are keen to spruik environmental benefits on the Murray River, but no one is talking about the negatives.
Plain packs push good health
Research suggests plain packaging and warning labels are motivating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander smokers to quit smoking.
QLD comes together to fight army plans
Both sides of Queensland politics are fighting to stop the compulsory acquisition of agricultural land for an army training ground.
Meningococcal jabs hit WA
Western Australia will soon become the first state to offer free meningococcal vaccinations for teenagers aged 15 to 19.
Services extended with tele-help
A new partnership should help address inequities in health services for rural and remote areas.
Small ISPs fear ACMA review
A small enterprise that brings unlimited internet to rural areas says it could soon be muscled out.
Strong Origin allegations leaked
A corporate whistleblower says Origin Energy has a deliberate policy of ignoring leaking coal seam gas wells.
ACT ad ban up for review
The ACT Government is looking at changing its long-standing ‘no billboards’ rule.
Corruption climb halts
Australia has kept its place on a key global corruption index for the first time in four years.
Nats attacked for council silence
Nationals’ reluctance to question the NSW Government’s amalgamation plans could devalue their coalition.
QLD holds back gas
A small parcel of CSG-rich Queensland has been set aside to produce gas for Australia only.
Integrity questioned in dam planning
Environment Tasmania has called on the Integrity Commission to investigate what it sees as a backflip by TasWater over dam plans.
Bridge checks to sweep state
Engineers will review 1,500 South Australian bridges after structural problems emerged last week.
Horse leads fatal charge
A new study shows horses kill more Australians than all the country's venomous creatures put together.
Beijing aims high to reduce air toll
Beijing has set an air quality target for 2017 that is over double the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard.
Future unclear for welfare card
The Social Services Department has not decided whether to expand trials of the cashless welfare card.
Local voices kept out in NSW reforms
Local Government NSW is concerned new planning laws exclude vital community input.
Sacked staffer wins appeal
A former local government worker who went on to become a councillor has won his unfair dismissal case.
Dam plans fix flows in WA
The WA Government wants the private sector to help divert flows from the Collie River and desalinate it.
EPA overhaul sees new science spot
The Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will undergo its first major overhaul since it was established 45 years ago.