Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

Councils Australia-wide submitted more than 100 examples of ailing community infrastructure in need of help in the first week after a call-out from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).

Hunt calls for more green recruits

The Federal Government’s Green Army – a central part of its attempt at environmental policy – needs more people.

Local councils on leading edge at QLD summit

Over hundred delegates from Queensland councils west of Dividing Range are in their second day of a big summit.

Stats go against claims of cheap amalgamation

Authorities say claims that forced Council amalgamations drive down rates are not borne out by evidence from other states.

Union fights to keep coal pay

The CFMEU has emerged as a surprise backer of the Labor Party’s 50 per cent renewable energy target, but their support is contingent on unprecedented assistance for workers.

Unmanned advance gets eyes on nature

Local research engineers have developed a flotilla of robot boats to monitor the effects of major weather events and provide early warning on potential environmental disasters.

Private firms want more local gov. works

The Civil Contractors Federation (CFF) says private contractors in South Australia are missing out on vital construction work because it keeps going to local government workers.

Sprigs of agricultural careers sprouted in school

Students at a WA high school have stepped way beyond the normal science class veggie patch.

ALGA wants weight behind federal building push

Australian Local Government Association President Troy Pickard wants councils to nominate community infrastructure renewal projects to be included in ALGA's 2016 Federal election strategy.

Amalgamation talks lead to forced suggestion

Local government amalgamation and resource sharing in Tasmania has been backed by 23 or the state’s 29 councils.

Councils called to help local critters

The Federal Department of the Environment has highlight the big role councils play in protecting threatened species and delivering environmental outcomes.

Greater Shepparton back to business after gay vote

Victoria’s Greater Shepparton Council has voted to support marriage equality, after Mayor Dennis Patterson stepped in to reverse a council decision from just three months ago.

Outback geothermal plan heating up

Winton Shire Council in western Queensland has made progress on its plan to build a $3.5 million geothermal facility to use the heat from artesian water as an energy source.

Water worries whitewashed in quest for Shenhua

A former member of the expert committee behind the approval of the Shenhua Watermark coal mine says it comes with big risks to water supplies.

Baird makes GST pitch to help health

News South Wales Premier Mike Baird has made his pitch in the much-awaited yet much-avoided GST conversation, arguing the rate should be increased to 15 per cent to pay for better healthcare.

Wood firms look for reasons to burn

Tasmanian firms are keen to fire up Australia’s newest form of renewable energy – native wood.

Data caps decried as distant disadvantage

A forum in Darwin has heard of an idea that could greatly boost education outcomes for kids in the bush.

Big boost for young rural workforce

The South Australian Government has put up $2 million for 57 regional youth local government traineeships.

Council skills swap spreads benefits

Two NSW councils are trying out a skill-sharing arrangement, with City of Ryde Group Manager Environment and Planning Dominic Johnson taking up a three-month secondment with Willoughby Council.

LGAQ welcomes most of QLD budget

The Local Government Association of Queensland is pretty happy with the Palaszczuk Government’s first Budget.

New commissioner to provoke real LGBTI change

Rowena Allen has been appointed Victoria’s first Gender and Sexuality Commissioner, and is set to champion the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse and intersex (LGBTI) Victorians within the Government.