Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
The Victorian Government has announced community consultation on draft council rating guidelines will conclude this week with a series of public meetings in Melbourne.
Western NSW councils discuss future
Population decline, financial and infrastructure delivery challenges faced by councils, and the need for a more collaborative approach in service delivery by all levels of government were key issues discussed at the Annual Conference of the Western Division Councils in NSW* held in Nyngan on 25-26 February.
Queenslanders offered to shape their state
The Queensland Government is encouraging the state’s citizens to contribute to the future shape of the State, with the Government launching the Queensland Plan.
De-amalgamation pre-polls open
The Queensland Government has announced that the pre-polling booths have opened for the four areas seeking to de-amalgamate from their regional councils.
LG excellence acknowledged in Victoria
Local government leaders, innovators and achievers have been celebrated at the annual LGPro Awards dinner in Melbourne last week, with State Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell commending the largest pool of nominations ever fielded in the awards.
ALGA continues referendum push
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is continuing the push for constitutional recognition as it prepares to make its final case before the second public hearing of the Joint Select Committee charged with investigating the likelihood of Australians voting ‘yes’ in a possible referendum over the issue.
Queensland outlines CSG strategy
The Queensland Government has promised better community engagement, more field inspections, audits and a ‘firm approach to industry non-compliance’ as part of a new coal seam gas management plan.
Report calls for rating reform
The Ratings Practices in Local Government report conducted by the Victorian Auditor-General has been tabled in the State Parliament earlier this week.
New standards for e-waste
More effort to diverting e-waste from landfill will be a key effort under the new Australian/New Zealand Standard for electronic waste announced by Standards Australia earlier this week.
NSW announces new CSG rules
The New South wales Government has announced ‘tough new measures’ to bolster the regulation of the coal seam gas industry in the State.
LGAT completes workforce report
The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) has begun distributing the final copy of the state-wide Tasmanian Local Government Workforce Report to the State’s councils.
South Australia to review planning system
The South Australian Government has announced it will overhaul the state’s planning system in a bid to establish Adelaide as ‘one of the world’s great small cities’.
Victoria welcomes local input for metropolitan future
The Victorian Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy, has urged Melbourne’s metropolitan councils to continue to take a leading role in the ongoing community consultation over planning for Melbourne’s growth and development over the next 40 years.
NBN rolls out in Tasmania and NSW
The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has switched on major services across Tasmania, with eight new NBN Digital Hubs, seven Digital Enterprises, and five Digital Local Government Programs coming online across the State.
Queensland kicks of flood consultation
The Queensland Government has announced it will begin consulting with industry and local government bodies to ensure that legal protection for councils from inappropriate development on flood prone land.
Tasmania announces major local government reforms
The Tasmanian Government has announced a package of major local government reforms that include new set terms for mayors and full council elections.
LGAQ backs flood rezoning
Queensland Independent MP Peter Wellington has called for the state’s councils to be able to rezone ore downzone land proven to be vulnerable to flooding without fear of having to pay large compensation payouts to developers.
Queensland scraps tanks law
The Queensland Government has introduced new laws which scrap the requirement for new properties to be built with rainwater tanks and energy efficient hot water systems.
Three horse race for MAV presidency
Three candidates are now vying for the presidency of the Municipal Association of Victoria, while five of the twelve board positions already filled after an unopposed election.
ALGA ups pressure on referendum
The President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Felicity-Ann Lewis, will meet with Federal Minister for Local Government, Simon Crean, to lobby the Government on the ‘steps necessary for a referendum on constitutional recognition of local government’ to be held at the same time as the Federal election on 14 September.
Queensland names more Shires to receive support
The Queensland Government has announced a number of new Shires that will receive funding under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).