Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

South Australia’s regions, accounting for 30 per cent of the state’s population, is responsible for over 40 per cent of the state’s exports according to new research released by the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies (SACES).

Commissioned by the South Australian Local Government Association, the research examined geography and population, economy and supportive indicators for the seven country regions of the state.

LGA President, Mayor Kym McHugh said the SACES profiles were part of a longer-term strategy of the LGA in which it was working with country Council regional associations on a discussion paper on future directions for SA regions.

Victoria announces planning reform

The Victorian Government has announced sweeping reform to the state’s planning zones in a bid to return certainty to councils, residents and the development industry.

ABS examines local government income discrepancies

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has published an article which examines the wage and salary income variations across Local Government Regions, using key data to explore which LGAs enjoy higher wage and salaries and which one’s have a case for improved wage conditions.

NSW releases planning paper

The New South Wales Department of Planning and Infrastructure has outlined the future of the state’s planning framework. The Green Paper – A New Planning System for NSW details the State Government’s objectives for a more transparent, effective and efficient planning system for the state.

Melbourne to fund green retrofitting

Changes to legislation in Victoria is set to allow property trusts to gain access to financing for environmental upgrades, likely to result in significant increases to opportunities for green retrofitting in Melbourne’s city centre.

$300 million for Melbourne's Docklands

Victorian Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy, and Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle have unveiled a plan for $300 million in community infrastructure projects in the Docklands.

IPA urges better city monitoring

Infrastructure Partnerships Australia has called for the Productivity Commission to develop a more accurate method to track performance of Australia’s major cities; and calling on all three levels of government to integrate the way they plan, regulate and operate metropolitan infrastructure.

Pagani announced as Tablelands councillor

Queensland Local Government Minister David Crisafulli has announced he has accepted Marjorie Pagani's nomination to become a Tablelands councillor after nobody nominated for the position before April's Local Government elections.

Government outlines $6 billion infrastructure fund

The Federal Government has released its guidelines for the $6 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund, which it says will unlock investment in communities dealing with the impact of the mining boom.

Victoria releases Latrobe Valley Roadmap

The Victorian Government has unveiled its long-term strategy to help guide the Latrobe Valley through future changes and challenges being imposed by the Federal Government’s carbon tax.

COAG holds first Regional Australia meeting

Commonwealth, State and Territory ministers responsible for regional development have attended the inaugural meeting of the COAG Standing Council on Regional Australia to discuss the ‘ambitious cooperative agenda’ to deliver real and lasting growth across regional Australia.

Federal Government signs RDA MoU with NT

The Federal and Northern Territory governments have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that cements a partnership approach to investment in Regional Development (RDA) NT.

NSW releases local government Action Plan

The New South Wales Government has released its long awaited Destination 2036 Action Plan, outlining the ‘new direction’ for local government in NSW and setting out how councils will deliver services to their communities in the future.

Queensland freight plan launches

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, has attended the unveiling of the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone: 50 Year Freight Infrastructure Plan, an ambitious long-term blueprint aimed at expanding the economic activity within the region almost six-fold to $84 billion within five years.

Queensland simplifies SEQ water employment deals

The Queensland Government has passed legislation that will give council-owned water businesses in the state’s south east the same flexibility to manage staff in the same way as any other employer.

Stonnington loses bid to block development

The City of Stonnington has lost a bid to block the construction of a major new development in Melbourne’s south east after the Victorian Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT) ruled in favour of Lend Lease, granting the permit for construction.

Sydney announces community services spend

The City of Sydney has announced it will boost spending to nearly $370 million this year on vital community services.

Queensland flags council funding reform

Queensland Minister for Local Government David Crisafulli has urged the state’s councils to find new ways to fund community infrastructure and services as the state grapples with its ‘crippling debt.’

Consultations under way for review of NSW local government

What does the future hold for local government in NSW? Can councils play a stronger, more effective role to support local communities? Can they all survive financially? Will they need to change their focus, structures or boundaries to meet the changing needs of their communities?

Government announces next steps in Melbourne's planning

The Victorian Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, has met with local councils to discuss the next phase of consultation on the direction of Melbourne's planning future.

ACELG publishes social media report

The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG), in partnership of the University of Canberra, has published a survey into the use of social media in local government in Australia.