Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - July, 2015
Lobby groups say the Federal Government’s focus on Northern Australia could reinvigorate their campaign for the Urannah Dam in North Queensland.
Farmers' fears doused in NSW
A respected hydrologist has told New South Wales farmers that they have nothing to fear from coal seam gas (CSG) operations in the Pilliga forest.
Experts check cost of congestion
The WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) will work with the Royal Automobile Club of WA (RAC) on an investigation of the true cost of traffic congestion in Perth.
Good tips at launch of Farm Safety push
The Australian agriculture sector remains one of the highest-risk places to work, and authorities are holding special events to try to reduce the toll.
Barrett Centre closure to face commission
A commission of inquiry will investigate the former Queensland LNP government's closure of the Barrett Adolescent Centre in Brisbane, and the subsequent deaths of three high-risk teenagers.
Federal cabinet shifts Shenhua concerns
The stoush in the Federal Government over the approval of a massive coal mine in New South Wales continues, and it appears no one wants to take responsibility for granting the green light.
ALGA won't rest on FAGs restoration
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) will not rest in its quest to fix the Financial Assistance Grants scheme.
Joyce and Hunt tussle over huge mine approval
Environment Minister Greg Hunt has approved the huge – and hugely contentious – Shenhua Watermark coal mine in New South Wales, sparking outrage from his colleague Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce.
Local governments look for boost in Budget
The Queensland Government will hand down its Budget next week, and councils want to make sure they are not brushed-over.
Three new councils called in big Victorian review
Councils in country Victoria are facing a review of their operations and viability by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
Unsigned PHN contracts could leave big gaps
There are claims this week that mental health patients in rural and regional areas could wait months to see psychologists, due to problems with the Government's new Primary Health Networks (PHNs).
Lazarus goes deep to push Abbott on gas
Independent Queensland Senator Glenn Lazarus has threatened to grab the Prime Minister Tony Abbott's genitals if he does not limit coal seam gas (CSG) exploration.
Study swims in Sydney's drug-laden waters
Researchers have found significant levels of prescription drugs in water samples from Sydney Harbour.
Big dam plan to set new regional path
The Federal Government finally released its long-awaited Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper over the weekend, which includes hundreds of millions of dollar set aside for new dams, roads and other infrastructure.
Cost of living pushes more to the margin
Research shows one in seven New South Wales children are now living in poverty.
New fuel deal brings road relief
Councils nationwide are celebrating the ALP's proposal to direct revenue from the first two years of the fuel excise indexation, about $1.1 billion, towards additional Roads to Recovery funding.
NSW councils won't kowtow to mergers
Many New South Wales councils have refused to put forward merger proposals by the State Government’s June 30 deadline, and are outraged at a lack of consultation.
One city wants outstanding marriage stance
There is push on for Victoria’s Latrobe City Council to mark itself as a strong advocate of same-sex marriage.
Reef win swings on real application
The United Nations' World Heritage Committee will not place the Great Barrier Reef on its “in danger” list.