Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - August, 2011
Plans to reshape local government in Tasmania and deliver efficiencies and cost savings have been released for public comment.
The reforms, shaped by an independent panel appointed by the 12 southern councils, will be announced in October, including a recommendation on a structure which would improve local government services, efficiency and influence.
There has already been extensive consultation between councils and major business and community organisations and an opinion poll commissioned by the Southern Tasmanian Council Authority shows strong public support for council mergers and resource sharing.
Queensland announces road reconstruction funding for north west
Federal and State Governments have announced $195 million in joint funding for reconstruction of key road infrastructure in Queensland's north west.
WA announces new Royalties for Regions funding round
The Western Australian Government has announced the next round of funding for local communities under the state's Royalties for Regions Grants Scheme (RGS).
Queensland councils disappointed by flood assistance
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has voiced its disappointment over the State Government's decision to reject calls by councils to assist in funding to implement the recommendations issued in the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry.
Victoria passes new wind farm legislation
The Victorian State Government has passed legislation which prohibits the construction of new wind turbines within certain proximity to dwellings and regional centres.
Government calls for comments on Digital Local Government program
The Federal Government has announced it will be calling for comments from stakeholders on the draft program guidelines for the Digital Local Government Program.
WA Government signs renewable energy deal
The Western Australian Water Minister Bill Marmion and Energy Minister Peter Collier have finalised an agreement which will see the Water Corporation purchase the entire output from Australia’s first utility-scale solar farm to be built near Geraldton.
National Litter Index published
Keep Australia Beautiful has published its National Litter Index 2011 report which has found a slight decrease in the national litter rate across the 983 in the 2010/11 period.
WA's Royalties for Regions scheme to be assessed
The Western Australian Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls has announced his intentions to push for an assessment of the Royalties for Regions - the Country Local Government Fund (CLGF) - scheme to ensure community projects are being properly funded and delivered effectively.
Victoria to construct first water neutral suburb
A suburb of Melton, in Victoria’s south, is set to become the first water neutral built up area in the country after construction is completed.
City of Melbourne to strengthen India connection
The City of Melbourne has endorsed a draft plan that will see the city strengthen its economic and business ties with India.
ACELG calls for forum contributions
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) is convening the Second Local Government Researchers Forum to be held on 14 and 15 December 2011. The forum will be held at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS).
Hobart City Council holds community survey
The Hobart City Council has undertaken a survey to determine how the organisation can best serve the community and the community’s views on the council’s progress towards achieving outcome identified in the Council’s Strategic Plan to meet its Community’s Vision in 2025 goal..
City of Sydney energy overhaul to return profit in six years
The City of Sydney has published findings that show the council expects to save $1.3 million a year by overhauling the energy and water performance of major buildings.
Queensland urban areas off limits to mining exploration
No mining exploration will be allowed in and around urban areas of Queensland, including regional centres such as Ipswich, Toowoomba, Beaudesert, Rockhampton, Mackay and St George Queensland, after a new policy was considered by the Queensland Cabinet.
Adelaide City Council awarded for customer service excellence
Adelaide City Council’s customer service team has been awarded the 2011 South Australian Contact Centre of the Year (<50 People) at the ATA State Awards.
LGAQ launches campaign to showcase work
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has launched a campaign to promote the work local government councils do for their communities.
WA councillors receive recognition
The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) has held its annual WA Local Government Convention, in which a number of councillors received accolades for their strong leadership and their contribution to local communities.
Local government appointments to WA Development Assessment Panels
The Western Australian Planning Minister John Day has announced the appointment of 531 local government members to Development Assessment Panels (DAP) across the state.
Local governments to support resources jobs growth
The Queensland State Government has signed an agreement with the resources sector over sourcing new workers for the industry from coastal areas with high unemployment. The agreement will see local councils assist the State Government in hosting a series of work expos.