Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
Victorian councils and community groups have been honoured for their contributions to achieving reconciliation with the Indigenous community.
Broad fraud found in QLD councils
Queensland’s Audit Office has released a report on corruption in Local Government, and revealed that about half the state’s corruption is limited to a single council.
Councils clamber to fight ice
One local government is seeking to stem the spread of the drug ‘ice’, before it becomes a serious problem.
How to deal with dodgy developments
South Australia’s Local Government Association has put out a model enforcement policy for councils dealing with unlawful developments.
Bayer brought in for local farm help
Australia’s Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) has signed a deal with global chemical giant Bayer to bring new herbicides and pesticides to local farms.
Mayor wants water works to return
A small Victorian council says it is sick of the inaction on an important water infrastructure project.
WA seeks tech fix for traffic woes
WA’s RAC is looking at driverless cars as a solution to Perth's congestion problems.
Off-grid options for cut-off communities
As extreme weather events increase in frequency and severity, experts say rural communities may have to look beyond the grid.
Ground-level schools plan brings great results
There are reports of positive results after a three-year trial of a program designed to improve student outcomes at schools in Perth's poorest areas.
Flow-on from imprisonment hits NT
Experts are investigating the social effect of the disturbing rate of incarceration among Indigenous Australians.
IPART's picks could be asked for more proof
The New South Wales Local Government Minister says the number of councils looking for rate rises is evidence that reform is needed.
Norfolk fears NSW's new rule
Norfolk Island residents say the Australian Government is ignoring their demands and initiating a forceful takeover of the small independent island.
Pool plan stands as NT's only regional grant
A Darwin pool will still be extended, but much more important uses for Commonwealth National Stronger Regions Funding are in doubt.
Successful sharing service crosses state lines
The Local Government Association of Queensland says it has seen nothing but good things from moves to share services between councils.
Beach dump plan revamped
Community activists say they have had a win, with a WA water corporation agreeing not to dump wastewater on a beach.
Cane toad killers given best practice
Cane toads continue to plague the northern part of the country, and form a favourite night-time hunt for young residents, but it is important to find the best way to destroy the invasive pest.
US seeks Melbourne's tips on drought
Researchers from the US are looking to Australia for tips on how to help with long-running drought conditions.
Rural money pushed further in hopes Docs will follow
A Government incentive scheme to get more doctors out bush has seen money go to large regional centres, depriving smaller towns, according to Assistant Health Minister Fiona Nash.
Councils could make first move on mergers
By the end of June, Sydney's 41 councils must decide whether to merge with some of their neighbours, or risk being rated “not fit for the future”.
FAGs back but councils want more
The Federal Government has allocated the latest funds from the Financial Assistance Grants program, but the amounts could be higher.
Legal cuts deepen disadvantage
For a second time, attorneys-general from across the country have petitioned the Federal Government over funding cuts to legal aid and community legal services.