Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - June, 2011
The Victorian Government has announced a planned ‘overhaul’ of local development contributions with an eye to streamline infrastructure development and construction.
Development contributions are payments or works provided by developers towards infrastructure such as roads, storm water run-off management systems, open space and community facilities required to meet the future needs of local residents.
"Reforming the existing developer contribution system should substantially reduce the time and cost to prepare a contributions plan and provide greater certainty and transparency through the possible use of pre-determined standard levies," Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy said
Electoral review for the City of Melbourne
Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has approved a request by the Melbourne City Council (MCC) for the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) to conduct a review of the Council’s electoral structure.
LED street lights could save $50 million a year
The use of LED technology in street lighting could shave $50 million dollars a year and 337,000 tonnes off greenhouse gas emissions, according to an article published by The Sydney Morning Herald.
WA announces development panels
The Western Australian State Government has announced the appointment of 27 specialists to staff 15 development assessment panels across the state.
Growth for Queensland regional centres and mining communities
The recently released Queensland Government population projections to 2031 report has indicated that Queensland’s population is expected to grow by 1 million people to around 5.6 million by 2031 with major South-East Queensland driving growth.
Local government employees' wages safe in NSW
The New South Wales Government has assured council workers in the state that they will be not be affected by the proposed new public sector wage policy.
Merger of NSW Shires' Association and LGA probable
The merger of the New South Wales Shires’ Association and Local Government Association of NSW is likely to go ahead following the election of Cr Ray Donald as President of the Shires Association at the annual Shires Association conference in Sydney earlier this week.