Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

As extreme weather events increase in frequency and severity, experts say rural communities may have to look beyond the grid.

Ground-level schools plan brings great results

There are reports of positive results after a three-year trial of a program designed to improve student outcomes at schools in Perth's poorest areas.

Flow-on from imprisonment hits NT

Experts are investigating the social effect of the disturbing rate of incarceration among Indigenous Australians.

IPART's picks could be asked for more proof

The New South Wales Local Government Minister says the number of councils looking for rate rises is evidence that reform is needed.

Norfolk fears NSW's new rule

Norfolk Island residents say the Australian Government is ignoring their demands and initiating a forceful takeover of the small independent island.

Pool plan stands as NT's only regional grant

A Darwin pool will still be extended, but much more important uses for Commonwealth National Stronger Regions Funding are in doubt.

Successful sharing service crosses state lines

The Local Government Association of Queensland says it has seen nothing but good things from moves to share services between councils.

Beach dump plan revamped

Community activists say they have had a win, with a WA water corporation agreeing not to dump wastewater on a beach.

Cane toad killers given best practice

Cane toads continue to plague the northern part of the country, and form a favourite night-time hunt for young residents, but it is important to find the best way to destroy the invasive pest.

US seeks Melbourne's tips on drought

Researchers from the US are looking to Australia for tips on how to help with long-running drought conditions.

Rural money pushed further in hopes Docs will follow

A Government incentive scheme to get more doctors out bush has seen money go to large regional centres, depriving smaller towns, according to Assistant Health Minister Fiona Nash.

Councils could make first move on mergers

By the end of June, Sydney's 41 councils must decide whether to merge with some of their neighbours, or risk being rated “not fit for the future”.

FAGs back but councils want more

The Federal Government has allocated the latest funds from the Financial Assistance Grants program, but the amounts could be higher.

Legal cuts deepen disadvantage

For a second time, attorneys-general from across the country have petitioned the Federal Government over funding cuts to legal aid and community legal services.

Rural women want Federal light on hidden disaster

Rural women say a special scheme should be set up to stop people around the country suffering in silence at the hands of abusive partners.

Millions flow to pipe plans in NSW

The Federal Government will spend $6 million to build a pipeline in New South Wales, from the newly expanded Yass Dam to Murrumbateman.

Regions cry out in fear of death by dryness

A letter from a farmer to the NSW Department of Primary Industries shows the incredible strain imposed on people who live on the land.

Data access pushed to Border

The Federal Government has quietly expanded the already significant amount of agencies that are allowed unwarranted access to the private data of all Australians.

Solar road scores high in early tests

Reports are in from a trial of a solar power generating road in Europe, and it appears ot have gone quite well.

Jail term for dodgy deal with community money

The former chief executive of an NT Aboriginal legal service has been sentenced to three months in prison and five months in home detention for misusing her position and forgery.