Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
The Federal Government has announced that community groups around the country can now apply for funding under the second round of the Biodiversity Fund and the first round of Target Area Grants, under the Caring for Our Country program.
'Historic' Murray-Darling legislation passes Parliament
Legislation that locks in the additional 450 gigalitres of environmental flow for the Murray-Darling Basin has passed the Lower House, meaning that the $1.77 billion in additional funding is set to flow through to the river.
Queensland announces de-amalgamation referendum
Queensland residents in the Livingstone, Douglas and Mareeba will be able to vote on de-amalgamation in March, with a simple answer of 'yes' or 'no' on voting forms.
ACELG releases excellence research guide
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government has released a guide to facilitate a greater role for practitioners in local government research.
Feds to recruit local staff to return Murray to health
The Federal Government has announced a new initiative that will see specialised local staff to work with the community to ‘restore the Murray-Darling Basin to health’.
Local Governments cough up $500 million worth of cost shifting finds LGSA
The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) have called for an end to cost shifting onto NSW councils after their annual survey found councils were out of pocket nearly $500 million in the 2010/11 financial year due to cost shifting by the NSW and Australian Governments.
NBN to double wireless and satellite speeds
The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has announced plans to deliver ‘even faster internet to the bush’ by doubling the speed capacity of its fixed-wireless and satellite services.
Northern Rivers fixed wireless rollout starts
The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has announced it has begun outlining plans to roll out its fixed wireless service to a number of small communities and rural residents in the Northern Rivers.
Queensland to issue first reconstruction tenders
The Queensland Government has put industry on notice after it announced the first round of contracts to begin repairs to the state’s road and transport infrastructure are being drawn up for tender later this month.
Committee to hold second recognition hearing
The Joint Select Committee tasked with investigating the likelihood of Australians voting ‘yes’ in a referendum to recognise local government in the constitution has announced it will be holding a second public hearing this month.
Moreton Bay field narrows
The Federal and Queensland Governments have announced that the shortlist for the construction of the Moreton Bay Rail Link has been reduced from four to two.
Victoria appoints new waste and recovery committee
The Victorian Government has announced the formation of a new Ministerial Advisory Committee on Waste and Resource Recovery Governance, which will be tasked with reviewing the State’s current waste management arrangements.
Cairns votes to stop fluoridation
The Cairns Regional Council has announced it has voted to cease all fluoridation of its water supplies, supporting a policy established by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ).
Interim report on recognition released
The Federal Government has welcomed the release of an interim report on a referendum on the recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution.
MAV announces presidential and board elections
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has announced the President and Board elections will be held on Friday 1 March 2013.
McArdle kicks off regional tour
Queensland Water Minister Mark McArdle has started a regional tour of south east Queensland councils to cover electricity and water supply issues facing the state’s regional councils.
Swan Hill seeks new CEO
Swan Hill Rural City Council is recruiting a Chief Executive Officer following the resignation of Dennis Hovenden.
Victorian minister calls for local government transparency
The Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has encouraged Victoria’s newly-elected Mayors and Councillors to embrace the Victorian Government’s plans to improve Councils’ transparency and accountability.
Draft Victorian guidelines released on differential rates
The Victorian Government is introducing guidelines on the use of Councils' differential rating powers.
New CEO for Pilbara Development Commission
Dr Ken King has been appointed chief executive officer to the Pilbara Development Commission.
Call for long-term coastal planning
Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions (CEED) have warned that as sea levels climb, Australia's coastal wetlands will be increasingly trapped between urban development on land and the rising ocean, imperilling the survival of their unique plants, birds and fish.