Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
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.
Dam backers welcome new Federal view
Lobby groups say the Federal Government’s focus on Northern Australia could reinvigorate their campaign for the Urannah Dam in North Queensland.
Farmers' fears doused in NSW
A respected hydrologist has told New South Wales farmers that they have nothing to fear from coal seam gas (CSG) operations in the Pilliga forest.
Experts check cost of congestion
The WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) will work with the Royal Automobile Club of WA (RAC) on an investigation of the true cost of traffic congestion in Perth.
Good tips at launch of Farm Safety push
The Australian agriculture sector remains one of the highest-risk places to work, and authorities are holding special events to try to reduce the toll.
Barrett Centre closure to face commission
A commission of inquiry will investigate the former Queensland LNP government's closure of the Barrett Adolescent Centre in Brisbane, and the subsequent deaths of three high-risk teenagers.
Federal cabinet shifts Shenhua concerns
The stoush in the Federal Government over the approval of a massive coal mine in New South Wales continues, and it appears no one wants to take responsibility for granting the green light.
ALGA won't rest on FAGs restoration
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) will not rest in its quest to fix the Financial Assistance Grants scheme.
Joyce and Hunt tussle over huge mine approval
Environment Minister Greg Hunt has approved the huge – and hugely contentious – Shenhua Watermark coal mine in New South Wales, sparking outrage from his colleague Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce.
Local governments look for boost in Budget
The Queensland Government will hand down its Budget next week, and councils want to make sure they are not brushed-over.
Three new councils called in big Victorian review
Councils in country Victoria are facing a review of their operations and viability by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
Unsigned PHN contracts could leave big gaps
There are claims this week that mental health patients in rural and regional areas could wait months to see psychologists, due to problems with the Government's new Primary Health Networks (PHNs).