Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - September, 2013
A massive effort to move hundreds of patients is complete, marking the official opening of the new Gold Coast University Hospital this week.
Dozens given gift of sight in NT surgical spree
The Fred Hollows Foundation has continued its incredible work restoring sight to the blind, focussed this time on Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.
Millions saved by Sydney's green thinking
A report has quantified the benefits of environmentally-minded building, with data showing the City of Sydney has saved millions with its Better Buildings Partnership.
Ferry link brings Tiwi back to the Territory
Residents of the tiny Tiwi islands, 80km north of Darwin, are reportedly thrilled to get a new connection to the mainland.
Full council dumped over bullying, spending
Allegations of bullying and misuse of funds have led to the sacking of the Wangaratta Council, with a bill to dismiss the entire pack passed this week.
Ideological education plan could crush rural uni's
Many regional universities will be anxiously waiting on the outcome of recent word from the federal Education Minister, with Chris Pyne indicating changes are on the way for tertiary admittance and student unionism.
Impartiality over opinion in public service
Workers in the public sector can expect harsh consequences if they choose to air work grievances on social networks, according to a senior official.
Land Court rules against tricky Council wording
A recent ‘mistake’ in a regional council’s definition of mining land could have implications for local, state and parliamentary relationships around the country.
Pay to continue until reformation is complete
Some concerns from the public sector over the new Federal Government’s widespread departmental shake-up may have been temporarily quelled.
Territory tries thrifty deal to save small town
Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles has faced waves of discontent at a series of meetings in the town of Nhulunbuy.
Vote in support of people's veto
The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) will continue supporting voters’ ability to veto council merger plans.
Great Lakes push to end plastic plight
One council has taken on the challenge of ridding itself of strangulation by plastic shopping bags.
Water-wise riverside building practice plugged
A regional council is trying to encourage residents not to build houses, shacks or shanties too close to frequently-flooding river edges.
Federal road spend laid down
As has been repeated many times since the federal election, the new Coalition government intends to be known for its infrastructure – the incoming regime is trying to put money where its mouth has been and present a business case for massive road projects.
Pilliga gas drilling gets going amid outcry
Preliminary drilling will begin on the possible sites of eight new coal seam gas wells in New South Wales, with a water treatment plant to deal with the damage not yet completed.
Report cuts to core of water risk in QLD
A new report says millions of litres of water are at risk from proposed coal mines in Queensland’s Galilee Basin.
Axe could swing deep through public sector
Workers in the public sector may be feeling a distinct rumble of tough times ahead, with the sacking of three top-tier officials as one of the first acts of a cost-cutting Federal Government.
Local Governments await their new fate
There will be some big jobs for removalists in Canberra after Tony Abbott’s consolidation of the federal cabinet – including his decision to cut the Local Government ministry and bury the portfolio in the Department of Infrastructure.
Looking to give back to plentiful town
Australian advocates for regional governments have taken stock of the state of Port Hedland in Western Australia, looking to see what the community which provides so much resource wealth needs in return.
Polls coming for public office in paradise
Election Day has been called for one of the country’s most internationally well-known councils, with a colourful list of turnouts expected to nominate for Mayor of Noosa.
Taking burgers to the belly of the beast
Residents of a small town in Victoria have travelled to the United States to tell global food giant McDonald’s where they can stick their reconstituted ‘chicken’ nuggets.