Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
Consult Australia has launched its latest report, Tomorrow’s Cities Today, calling for ambitious governance reform to position city planning as a national priority.
The report provides a range of key recommendations including reconsideration of AAA credit ratings, introduction of road user-charging and call for governments to commit to sustainable funding streams.
Further recommendations from the report include a reconsideration of good and bad debt, commencement of a trial of new road pricing mechanisms including road-user charges, the prioritisation of green skills, a review of the cities included in COAG’s strategic planning framework, and the support of industry to position Australia as a centre of excellence in urban and city development.
UWA in research alliance with regions
The University of Western Australia has entered an agreement with six regional councils to form the WA Regional Cities Alliance to research major regional issues including population distribution, infrastructure and services, and employment.
Government publishes 'how-to' guide for public space design
The Federal Government has published the country’s first urban design protocol. Aimed at improving the design of public spaces and city buildings, the plain-English protocol provides a checklist for decision makers and professionals involved in the area of public space design.
Entries open for 2012 local government excellence awards
The Federal Government is inviting nominations for the 2012 National Awards for Local Government.
Government outlines new carbon farming methodology
The Federal Government has announced a new Carbon Farming Initative methodology that will aims to incentivise waste management industry and local governments to reduce emissions.
Queensland opens waste levy and funding assistance
The Queensland Government has announced its $159 million Waste Avoidance and Resource Efficiency Fund has opened. The fund is aimed at assisting businesses to cut waste costs, develop new markets for recycled materials and crack down on illegal dumping and littering.
WA announces local government reform
The Western Australian Government has announced key amendments to the Local Government Act 1995 that aims to address ‘significant’ governance and public administration issues in the sector.
WA appoints MRA board
The Western Australian Government has announced the appointment of the inaugural board of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA), the new body which will be responsible for major redevelopments within the Perth metropolitan area, including the Perth City Link, Perth Waterfront, Riverside and the revitalisation of the Perth Cultural Centre.
New vote counting system for NT local government
The Northern Territory Government has announced changes to the Local Government (Electoral) Regulations to change the vote counting system to the Single Transferable Vote Proportional Representation (STVPR) system.
LGSA holds environment awards
The Local Government and Shires Association of New South Wales (LGSA) has held the 14th annual Local Government Excellence in Environment Awards, recognising the excellent conduct of 49 councils across 12 categories.
Councillor-MP dual roles up for debate
The New South Wales State Government has released a public discussion paper on whether NSW Members of Parliament should be serving concurrently as local councillors or mayors.
Victoria announces flying planning squad
The Victorian Government has announced a $2.8 million Council Planning Flying Squad initiative. The initiative will consist of planning specialists to assist regional and rural councils by providing short-term expertise and assistance to ease the backlog of planning requests.
Government announces Murray-Darling Diversification Project
The Federal Government has announced the formation a new Murray-Darling Basin Diversification Project aimed at promoting economic opportunities for communities affected by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Basin Plan.
SA Ombudsman releases local government complaint report
The South Australian Ombudsman has published a report into the state of complaint handling in South Australian councils.
$40 million push to revitalise Adelaide's heart
The South Australian Government has announced plans to revitilise the state’s capital, focusing on filling laneways and empty buildings in the city’s north.
Local Government ministers meet in Canberra
Australia’s state ministers for Local Government have met in Canberra at the inaugural Local Government Ministers’ Forum.
Federal Government urged to extend funding program for local roads
More than 300 elected representatives and other local government officials from across Australia have united at the National Local Roads and Transport Congress in Mount Gambier to pass a resolution calling on the Federal Government to continue the Roads to Recovery program on a permanent basis and increase funding to recognise a massive shortfall in expenditure.
Review of local government infrastructure financing
The Australian Government has commissioned Ernst and Young to conduct a review of infrastructure financing to identify new ways of unlocking investment dollars for local infrastructure needs.
NSW DLG announces first workshop on conduct paper
The New South Wales Division of Local Government (DLG) has announced the first workshop on the division Model Code of Conduct reform proposal.
Queensland councils lead the way in investment
A survey commissioned by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) shows that the state's councils are leading the country in terms of economic and regional investment.
MAV calls for emergency rethink
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has called for the State Government to place greater emphasis on supporting community resilience to improve safety outcomes, and more shared regional planning in dealing with natural disasters.