Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

The Local Government Association of Tasmania has completed its annual survey of resident satisfaction across councils.

Council causes hiccup on wind farm

A New South Wales council has blocked progress on a wind farm project after it said the company responsible could not run cables underneath public roads.

Council tries to net rates from slippery fish farms

A push is on in one Tasmanian council to force nearby fish farms to foot council rates.

Farmers fear the wake of poor flood planning

Farmers near the Blowering Dam in southern New South Wales will be feeling their worry level rise, as flows from the Tumut River pushing the Dam to its limits.

Rebates for residents plunged into inconvenience

A suburb in Sydney had its water woes backed-up last month, when heavy downpours caused sewerage problems for nearly 1000 residents.

Industrial dust ousts high-tech engineers

A firm which engineers and manufactures equipment for the mining industry has been forced to leave the Hunter Valley region of NSW, pushed out by unrelenting dust pollution from a nearby mine.

Council moves to tighten free-spinning pokies law

The Ballarat City Council says there should be tougher restrictions on pokies machines, following recommendations from a gaming policy panel on planning laws.

Council won't be bag-man for State Gov

A local council is refusing to go to bat for the New South Wales State Government, saying it will not collect fees imposed on land services.

Gadget gear-up prompts plea for pledge

Researchers have called for more state government funding after successful trials of high-tech helpers for the elderly and disabled.

Health money keeping interns isolated

The Health Minister has pledged $8 million to fund 60 new internship places in regional private hospitals next year.

Minor changes toward balance in NT regional governments

The Northern Territory will remain divided into ‘supershires’; though the plan’s name will change and bureaucratic layers will swell, reports say.

Music funds to jazz up industry

The Australia Council has announced over $1.4 million in grants to support Australian music.

Pressure peaking on public sector pay

Public sector workers want a wage increase in line with government inflation figures in the Northern Territory, with the possibility of strike action if their demands go unmet.

Screen funds for domestic documentaries

Screen Australia has announced over $3.2 million in funding to be invested in the production of ten documentaries on uniquely Australian topics.

Water debate awake and rippling through NSW

The Lismore City Council has decided to stop adding fluoride to local water supplies, with other regional councils now considering following suit.

Audit to check Sydney Water funding flows

An independent review has been launched to see whether budgetary controls at Sydney Water are ship-shape.

Data portal for business, urban planning

A new study from the University of Melbourne aims to make one of the world’s most liveable cities even more liveable.

Water Corp buy-out bargaining continues in QLD

Ongoing negotiations over the future of the Wide Bay Water Corporation threaten the reputation of the entire region, according to a local MP.

Push for wearable tech in regional Vic

ICT Geelong has launched an initiative to get people interested in wearable sensors and computing technologies in the regional area.

Civic duty now a snap

Residents are taking a high-tech approach to reporting issues to their local council, with a new smartphone app changing the way citizens communicate and complain.

Councils call for payback on suspended referendum

The referendum for constitutional recognition of local governments has been put on hold, now many councils and governance groups want to know if the millions they spent on the ‘Yes’ campaign will be paid back.