Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
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.
Wary wait to see the cost of development
Community members in Far North Queensland are waiting to see what fate will be bestowed on them by the Queensland Government, with the state’s Deputy Premier saying he will all but disregard environmental authorities in favour of regional development.
One thousand voices wanted for bore-water survey
A groundwater monitoring group wants to take a real assay of bore water levels and pressure near coal seam gas operations – calling for 1000 landholders to take part.
River funds showered on SA businesses
Members of South Australia’s state government environmental departments have set out the criteria for irrigation funding.
River plans scanned for patch-ups
The Water Sharing plans for several rivers in New South Wales are under review, but the state’s Primary Industries Minister assures it is likely that little will be changed.
Councils push to RAT out routes
Several local governments in Victoria have banded together to push for the inclusion of the Performance Based Standards Route Assessment Tool (PBS RAT) in the national heavy vehicle regulatory system.
Upkeep required for train safety rhetoric
New statistics show how quickly complacency can seep in when it comes to safety around railways.
Fight brews with anti-nuclear radio-activists
The Queensland Government is striding ahead with plans to open up the state’s significant uranium resources to any interested parties.
First words in Alpha court case
Court proceedings have begun today in Queensland’s Land Court, with several groups trying to stop the Alpha Coal Project in the state’s central west.
Moves to soften tender hardship
The South Australian Government is attempting to make it easier for small and medium sized businesses to tender for public sector contracts, with a new training package for operators.
Prize to recognise Melbourne's greening out
The City of Melbourne has bagged a fairly prestigious award for its green thinking in urban design.
Council chief's spending spree lock-down
A former council CEO has been jailed after his free-wheeling use of the shire’s credit card.
Debate bubbles up over water plans
One regional council in New South Wales has deferred back to general scientific consensus, voting to undo a previous ban and start adding fluoride to its water.
Public servant faces spy charge with little to go on
A senior public servant accused of espionage activities has been denied access to evidence used to strip him of his security clearance.