Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
The New South Wales Government has announced reform that will make it easier for Government-owned entities, local government and public universities to lodge security deposits to cover workers compensation obligations.
State Minister for Finance and Services, Greg Pearce, said the reform will free up millions of dollars for councils to spend on community projects.
“A total of $229 million is held in security deposits, mostly in the form of bank guarantees, which reduces the borrowing capacity of these entities for core activities,” Mr Pearce said.
ALGA to develop State of the Local Road Assets Report
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has commissioned Jeff Roorda and Associates (JRA) to develop the first State of the Local Assets Report, which will form the technical base for continued advocacy for increased government funding for local roads int the future.
SA councils sign up for child friendly communities
The South Australian Government and the SA Local Government Association has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalising their mutual commitment to developing child friendly communities.
South Australia launches new climate change action framework
The South Australian Government has launched a new framework to shape the state’s climate change action by Government and the community in the State.
Strategic social media approach key finds ACELG
The Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) has published new research that reveals that councils taking a strategic approach to social media can achieve effective outcomes in engaging with communities.
LGAT hits out at forced amalgamations proposal
"Tasmanians for Reform is calling for meaningful changes to local government that will see improved services, greater capacity and reduced costs," TFR Chairwoman Mary Massina said.
MAV hits out at $24.4 black hole
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has hit at the $24.4 million black hole created following a ‘technical correction’ by the Australian Government’s financial assistance grants.
WALGA backs red tape legislation
The Western Australian Local Government Association has publically backed legislation introduced before State Parliament that will enable two or more Local Government bodies to establish regional subsidiaries.
WA announces roads funding
The Western Australian Government has announced the State’s Mid-West region will receive $46.1 million for road upgrades through the Safer Country Roads initative.
WA launches local government workforce planning toolkit
The Western Australian Government has launched a new toolkit aimed at assisting the State’s local government sector address the ‘increasing and diverse’ challenges faced in providing services to their communities.
Queensland outlines Royalties for Regions
The Queensland Government has announced applications for $60 million in funding under the first round of the Royalties for Regions program will open in September.
New service shows mining activity
The Queensland Government has launched a new service that will provide landholders and regional councils throughout the state with access to information about exploration and mining activity in their local area.
ACELG conference examines revenue capacity
The Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) has hosted a search conference on local government revenue and capacity in Melbourne last week. The conference was the start of a consultation and research process that will culminate in the release of a working paper in November.
Dog days are over in WA
The Western Australian Government has introduced the Dog Amendment Bill before State Parliament, which seeks to make significant improvements to existing legislation that governs the management of dog complaints.
LGANT outlines priorities ahead of election
The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) has outlined a series of position statements ahead of the August 25 Territory election, calling on all potential members of the legislative assembly to support them as part of their election platforms.
Melbourne defends most liveable crown
Melbourne has once again been named the world’s most liveable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit for the second year running.
NSW to merge local government bodies
The New South Wales Government has welcomed the decision of the state’s two peak local government bodies to form one consolidated group.
SA opens new NRM centre
The South Australian Government has announced the opening of the new SA Arid Lands Natural Resource Centre in Port Augusta.
WALGA ratchets up cash for containers push
The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) has lent its voice to the push for the introduction of a cash for containers scheme.
Government announces $42.5 million for water recycling
The Federal Government has outlined $42.5 million in funding to deliver nine innovative stormwater harvesting and re-use projects in a bid to secure water supplies in urban areas around the country.