Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - May, 2014
A victory for community rights in New South Wales, as a gas drilling operation is shut down.
No sweat over threat to rural papers
Tough times have hit news firm Fairfax Media, and it could mean dozens of rural newspapers end their circulation.
Off-grid centres still waiting on power pledge delivery
More than a dozen communities have been waiting on word about a promised power price reduction.
Some community road schemes kept alive in WA
With talk of the federal budget’s hamstring job on state governments, some local governments are at least a little bit pleased at what their states have managed to provide.
States caught short, claiming cuts force tax talks
State governments are in virtually open revolt over the hand they were dealt in the latest federal Budget.
Conflict costs companies, but can be used to connect
Public conflict can cost big companies in many ways, and new research shows how great that effect has been for one key economic driver.
Port report finds leaks in legislation
An independent inquiry has found environmental conditions on a central Queensland port expansion were virtually meaningless.
Water funds drawn up, splashed in different areas
Big moves in funding pools have upset the flow of water-related funding in the federal budget.
A cheap and easy way to trap centuries of supply
An Australian expert has put forth a proposal that could protect the nation from water scarcity for generations.
Broadband blowout blamed on big demand
NBN Co says it will have to spend 33 per cent more for rural broadband, because it did not estimate how many people would want to be connected.
Money pushed to NT shires while claims called-out
The Northern Territory government has splashed some funding on its regional centres, while a former minister accuses party members of racist remarks.
Public servants brace for deep cuts, mergers and adjustment
The warnings from the recent Commission of Audit have rung out loud and clear through media channels, but the potentially huge public sector cuts are getting a bit less press.
Puplic privacy push lifted with helpful lists
This week is Privacy Awareness Week, and NSW councils have been issued a checklist to see if they are taking residents’ privacy seriously enough.
Rates plan called out as attack on rights
The Victorian Opposition has floated a cap on council rates as a potential vote-winner, but local governments say it would rob residents of the right to choose.
Regions gather as massive economic input is counted
Queensland councils have pooled their knowledge from their role as key factors in the State's economy.
Road fund short-changing to continue
Some drivers will face a rougher ride if the Federal Government cuts funding designed to give local roads a fair go.
Government considers putting boot to unemployed youth
The Federal Government is considering a recommendation that would see young unemployed people forced to move to areas with more opportunities.
Multi-million dollar water fix will flow to residents
The Mt Isa council has spent $4 million on new equipment to keep their water flowing.
Pressure builds on move to in-house irrigation
Queensland irrigators are voting on whether they want to take over their local schemes, currently run by state body Sunwater.
Fears force councils to call for more power
Another local government has called on the federal government to give it more power over coal seam gas and farmlands.
Dire dementia rates hit Indigenous groups harder
Researchers from Alzheimer’s Australia say the country is facing a wave of dementia, and one community is at much greater risk than the others.