Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - August, 2014
An architecture and design firm has put out plans for massive development in Australia's north, in a town where crocodiles outnumber humans 1,000 to one.
Bright young minds now bound for Britain
A scholarship will allow three inspiring Indigenous students to study at two of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Bungles, leaks and lack of knowledge hurt data plans
Two stories this week suggest federal public servants may want brush up on their tech skills.
Commission catching poisonous public transport
A noxious club culture allowed a “toxic cell” of high-level staff at Public Transport Victoria (PTV) to thrive.
Demands laid ahead of whoever wins Vic
Councils in Victoria have six distinct demands for the winner of the upcoming state election.
Online source for better local links
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government has put together a handy toolkit to help outback councils improve their community engagement.
School plan keeps the faith with states
The Federal Government’s school chaplaincy program will go ahead, but has been changed to get around a High Court decision.
Stymied Senate still holding up roads
The Local Government Association of Queensland wants its road money, slamming a bickering Senate for delaying the vital funds.
Wave of discontent crashed on NSW Water Minister
More than 190 delegates are at the Local Government Water Management Conference this week, and the president of Local Government NSW has taken an opportunity to put the hard word on the Water Minister.
Fight to keep federal fingers on water trigger
One of the key architects of Australian water law says clear environmental efforts are being muddied.
Fire pits at rubbish tips add a billion tonnes
The worldwide practice of burning garbage creates more pollutants that many presumed.
Input wanted for Murray-Darling re-work
Feedback is open for those wanting to make submissions on upcoming Murray–Darling watering strategy reforms.
Wild flows bring call to disclose
The NSW Opposition says documents revealing harmful spills of pollutants should be publicly available.
Jail time docks at ferry bosses' door
The former boss of Sydney Ferries has been jailed for using his work credit card to splurge on cars, holidays and renovations.
MacFarlane gives details of real pipe dream
Federal industry minister Ian MacFarlane is working on a plan for a national gas network.
Council sends loud state signal on gas
One New South Wales council has clearly stated its opposition to dangerous gas mining.
FIFO suicide rate brings state inquiry
The Western Australian Government has announced an inquiry into suicides among fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers.
Public work pays with longer life
Public sector workers live longer than most other Australian workers, recent stats show.
Regions losing real dollars as new grants pay
Councils will feel the strain of changes to Federal Assistance Grants this week as new indexing arrangements come into play.
Small-fries swimming together could fill mining gap
An army of small businesses running free from red tape could be the way for Western Australia to deal with a reduction in mining jobs.
Town forced off ground by new climate tide
One regional capital and its residents will have to move, as rising sea levels bring oceanfront views too close for comfort.