Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - May, 2012
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk have conducted the first meeting to start work on forming a new partnership between the State Government and the Brisbane City Council.
Mr Newman said the meeting had resulted in an in-principle agreement on a number of issues, including work to upgrade rail crossings, the hand back of state-ruin parklands to Council and a resolution on the stalled Howard Smith Whareves redevelopment.
“My Government believes that local councils are best placed to determine what is right for their local communities and unfortunately many of the issues discussed at the meeting were used as a political football by the former State Government,” Mr Newman said.
WA starts inquiry into City of Canning
The Western Australian Department of Local Government has commenced an inquiry into matters relating to the governance of the City of Canning.
Councils receive top awards for planning excellence
Two Queensland councils have received top awards at the 2012 Planning Institute of Australia Awards for Planning Excellence.
Victoria calls for comment on planning
The Victorian Government is encouraging stakeholders to comment on the development of metropolitan planning laws in Victoria.
Local Government to play leading role in climate change adaptation
A draft of the Productivity Commission’s Barriers to Effective Climate Change Adaptation report has found that local governments are likely to play a leading role in the relation to key risks, including longer term sea level rise.
Councils progress stormwater management plan
A stormwater management plan for the Brownhill and Keswick Creek catchments is a step closer following a strategy proposed by the Chief Executive Officers of the five catchment councils involved in the project.
NSW council code of conduct on display
The New South Wales Government has announced a final period of public consultation for the amended Model Code of Conduct for NSW Councils, which will aim to improve the standards of ethics and behavior that is expected of councillors and council staff.
Parramatta's smart card takes out top honours
Parramatta's smart card – ParraSync – has fought off heavyweight competition from the Commonwealth Bank and Google to win a major award at the Smart Card Awards Asia in Singapore.
Pay rises for NSW mayors and councillors
The New South Wales Government has announced remuneration packages for councillors and mayors, allowing rise by up to 2.5 per cent for the next financial year.
Victoria announces library funding
The Victorian Government has announced $12.7 million in spending for the state’s local libraries.